Gifts the Really Give

This year I wanted to do something different for my family. Thankfully, they are all doing well and really don't desperately need anything. However, I do love giving gifts and every year I go the distance the give the best presents I can. This year I decided to give gifts that really give.

I created each member a handmade ornament they can hang on their tree and included a note saying I donated to charity in their honor. There were 12 charities in total I chose, each were relative to the family member. For example, my cousin Alexandra is a vegetarian and animal advocate, like me, so I donated to In Defense of Animals in honor of her.

Here are the charities I chose to help this year:

Books for Africa
Food for the Poor
Little Kids Rock
Cell Phones for Soldiers
Meals on Wheels
Arbor Day.org
Create Now
ASPCA
In Defense of Animals
Rescue Gifts
National Association of the Deaf
Feel Good Foundation - No Responders Left Behind

They all loved their gifts and appreciated the thought behind them. Now they have a unique ornament to hang on their trees and remember all the people they have helped this special Christmas :) I recommend this to anyone who wants to really make a difference on the holidays. As long as you create a beautiful package and a little something for the receiver to remember the donation, it will never be forgotten.

Holiday Gift Guide - Kids

It's about that time of year when gift giving is on all our lists. I personally love giving more than recieving and the holidays are a special time for me. What's important is that I get items that support earth friendly practices and don't have a negative effect on the planet or anyone living on it. This gift guide is Revolt approved and pretty much affordable for everyone. I figured I would start with kids to give all those parents out there a head start. Let's get started!

Pi'lo - Bear Mobile $60
I love all the items in this shop. The handmade feel is somewhat lost these days so appreciating the time and love that goes into actually making something is worth all the money.

Poppy Store - This is New York $17.95
There is a collection of these "This is.." books that are so cool. What kid wouldn't love them?

Stubby Pencil Studio - 50 Things to Make & Do $9.95
This store has tons of great art supplies and cool gifts for kids and all are fairly priced. This book is sure to keep them busy!

Barn Dandys - Vintage Cowboy Teepee $185
This is the most expensive item in the gift guide but it is surely one of the coolest. I wish I had one of these when I was a kid. The teepee also comes in different colors and patterns.

Petit Collage - Prints on Wood $15

These prints are so damn adorable! Would look great in any kids room.

Hopefully, some of these gifts will end up under the tree this year :) Come back soon for more gift guides!

Tis the Season for Gift Giving

I love the holidays. Not because I get gifts but because I love giving them. I have been known to get the best gifts so I wanted to share some of the products I have seen so that you too can spread the love brilliantly. The key to gift giving is getting something that fits the person you are giving it to. Something you know they will love. It doesn't have to be pricey - not all expensive gifts are great. Its the thought that counts!

So here are some of my best picks for the season. Happy Shopping!

Robot Alarm Clocks
These would be great for someone who loves retro toys and appreciates anything vintage. The glow in the dark hands make it easy to see at night and there is a battery included. Both are $75.



Nostalgic Tin Collectibles
I absolutely love these! What collector wouldn't agree that these tin vintage toys are awesome. They are totally affordable too. For under $70 you can get both! The rocket ride is my favorite.



Pillars of Heaven Nativity
When I saw this it made me smile. Now I am not a religious person but this would be a great gift for someone who is. Think Grandma or Grandpa for this one. I think its a nice way to modernize the nativity. It may be $100 but this is something that will be treasured for seasons to come.



Cheese Boards
Look out cheese lovers! These cheese boards are modern and fresh and are great to give hosts. The set comes with chalk and two mouse shaped knives and for $70 it's a gift that will never be forgotten. To go a less pricier route get them the mousetrap board. Not only is this little guy cute but it will spark up a conversation at any event. At only $29 it will make you smile too!



Candles to Die For
These are some of coolest and prettiest candles I have found. I love them and I know you will too!

The Beeswax Rock Candles are not only natural 100% beeswax they look like real rocks. A great gift for anyone who loves nature and for only $19 for the set you can get them for everyone!



These Woodland Creature Candles are adorable. Hand painted and finely molded, they come in a set of 4. For $14 you will want to buy them for yourself too!



The Patch NYC Whale Candle is a great gift for any art lover. Made with jasmine, patchouli and basil fragrances and sells for $32. The candles also come with a skull, fedora, owl, stag and pipe.



Plants, Plants and More Plants
For all those who love nature, I do!, you will totally love these. All of them make fantastic gifts and the bonus is they will appreciate them everyday.

The Oasis Garden is nice to get someone who maybe doesn't have the memory or the time to take care of plants. Because they are succulents they don't have to be watered much and they are all packaged up perfect and ready to go. I couldn't believe it was only $39! You also get a 3 day shipping upgrade for free.



Air plants are so friggin cool. That is why I thought these Grapevine Air Plant Gardens were beautiful and unique. The plants were placed in old vine trunks as their new home and hopefully they will sent off to a new home for the holidays. The small one is $29 and the large is $39. Not bad for timeless pieces of history.



The Living EcoSphere is the ultimate gift for those who appreciate life and the Earth. This unusual self sustaining eco - system lives within handblown glass and requires little attention. It contains plants, live shrimp, algae and microorganisms and at $89 you can count on it being a luxury item.



Eco-Friendly Gifts
Everyone has some friends that live green and healthy. These are some great finds they will love, use and really appreciate. Heck, everyone will!

I love these Bobble Water Bottles because they are small enough to fit in your bag, affordable and totally green. They are made from recycled PET, are 100% recyclable & BPA free and come with a filter. Just fill it up and drink! You can't go wrong for $10. They come in blue, pink and green.



These two are perfect for those country lovers who appreciate handmade appeal. Rene Rooster and Daphne Duck are made from recycled French newspapers and cement bags and starch that is locally grown. Made by Haitian artists they represent fair trade and good ole handmade art. Starting from $39 they are worth every penny.



Sold as a set these beautiful Recycled Windshield Wine Glasses are the perfect gift for that wine loving couple. They are handmade in Columbia and have a slight green hue. No one would think they are only $22! But hurry because there is only a limited amount of these available.



Calling all baseball fans! This might be one of the ultimate gifts for that sports fan who appreciates the game. I think it would be great to give to Dads but would be nice for anyone who loves baseball. The Ballpark Pens are made from salvaged stadium seats of historic ballparks and come boxed up with a certificate of authenticity. Prices range from $140 - $260 and you choose from a list of stadiums.



Jewelry
What girl doesn't like jewelry? Even some men do! I am not one to wear lots of ritzy stuff but I do love necklaces. Here are some pretty pieces that any woman will adore and some the men will love you for buying.

These sterling silver Love Letter Charms are gorgeous. Designed by Lori Bonn, these filigree charms come with an 18" chain and will make the perfect gift for Mom's or a best friend. They sell for $70 and will last a lifetime.



For the guy who likes to get dressed up why not give him the gift of sin. These Seven Deadly Sins Cufflinks are cool, unique and won't burn a hole in your wallet. Designed by the famous cartoonist Mort Gerberg everyone will be sure to love these. They are $34 each and $195 for the whole set.



For that woman who prefers simple jewelry this Sterling Silver Bee Necklace will win her over. The pendant is 1.2" and the chain can be adjusted from 16" - 18". Right now its on sale for only $28 but is on backorder till January 22nd. Who's says you can't give gifts after Christmas.



Here is a cool gift for artsy types who appreciate vintage things. The Typewriter Key Necklace is unique and comes personalized with a typewriter key set in sterling silver. They are handmade in the USA and Mexico and use authentic keys from the 20's to the 40's. It sells for $50 and is eco-friendly too!



Stocking Stuffers

Kimono Key Chains
These cute animal key chains have a handmade feel and Japanese style design. Each are $17 but you can buy all three for $39! Find them at Eastern Serenity.



The Sock Monkey ornament is not only adorable but will bring the kid out in everyone. It's 7 1/2" and only $12 which makes it the perfect stocking stuffer.



Perfect for any girl these Kimono Sachet Trios are made from Japanese children's costumes. They are filled with roses, orange blossoms and violets and topped with the traditional knot. They are also made in the USA and come in pink or green. You get 3 for $38.



Its getting cold out there! Everyone and their Mother could use some chap stick this winter season. Hurraw Lip Balm is all natural, vegan and made with raw fair trade ingredients. You can't get any better than that! It comes in tons of flavors and is only $3.79 so get shopping.



I hope these products inspire you this holiday season. Stay tuned for more gift ideas coming soon! You didn't think I forgot about kids and pets did you??? Nope. Until next time...