Monthly Archives: May 2016

Pay It Forward Baby Shower

- - Baby Shower

With your first baby, you feel like you need every baby gear that exists. You’ll register for anything that could make your life and baby’s life easier. Baby wipe warmer. Check!

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As you prepare for your second baby’s arrival, you may realize you don’t need many baby items, especially if you’re having your second boy or second girl. You may not even need diapers if you cloth diapered your first child.

You may opt for a baby sprinkle, a smaller version of a baby shower, or decide you don’t need even that.

But what if a friend, family or co-worker insists on throwing you a baby shower to celebrate your second (or third or fourth) baby’s arrival and you’re not in need of baby items?

The answer is a Pay It Forward Baby Shower.

This type of baby shower honors you and your baby but the gifts people bring benefit an expectant mother in need.

The baby gifts could be donated to a low-income mom, a single mom, a teen mom, or a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing babies with life’s basic necessities.

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Let Them Eat Cake Pops

In our family, cake has always been the go-to dessert for celebrations, either homemade or bakery bought. But now I’ve discovered a new fun dessert – Cake Pops!

cakepops-thoughtful-gift-ideaCake Pops are a one-bite-size cake balls on a stick. They are soooo creatively cute and perfect for birthdays, graduations, holidays, baby and bridal showers, Mother’s Day, retirements and more.

I brought Cake Pops to a birthday and retirement party and they were a big hit with everyone! Lays’ best-known slogan “Betcha Can’t Eat Just One” is certainly true for cake balls!

You can order Cake Pops in different flavors and have them decorated in pretty much any colors, shapes and themes to make beautiful edible gifts!

Cake Pops Gift Ideas:

Flowers – Mom
Favorite Sports Team Colors – Gift for Him
Apples – Teachers
Rattles, Babies – Baby Showers
Graduation Hat – Graduate
Super Heroes, Elmo, Ninja Turtle, Mickey Mouse – Kids
Snowman, Reindeer – Christmas Party, Business Gifts
Bunnies – Easter
Mummies – Halloween

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Thoughtful Gifts for Walkers & Runners

Besides quality walking or running shoes, there are some items that walkers and runners should have.

led-safety-lights-walkers-runners-thoughtful-giftThe right pair of socks is very important for both comfort and to prevent blisters. Then they need the right clothing to wick away sweat and to prevent chafing.

After that, accessories, such as ear buds, headbands, sunglasses, water bottles, hydration belts and fitness trackers, can make walking and running a more enjoyable experience.

There is one accessory that is not yet common, but should be because it saves lives. They’re small and lightweight, and they do an excellent job of making walkers and runners highly visible to motorists to avoid potentially deadly accidents.

I’m talking about LED Safety Lights designed for runners and walkers to wear.

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“Swing Into Retirement” Gift Ideas

I have had two co-workers retire within weeks of each other. One is a huge fan of the New York Yankees, and the other enjoys playing golf.

new-york-yankees-bat-swing-into-retirement-thoughtful-gift-ideaBecause these men like the swing of a baseball bat or a golf club, I’ve named this gift idea “Swing into Retirement.”

John loves his Yankees and for his gift his co-workers ordered an original New York Yankees Louisville Slugger bat with his name engraved on it. They also got him a wooden baseball bat holder so he can display the bat on his wall.

Each employee signed the bat with a black Sharpie. Afterwards, the bat was sprayed with a thin layer of clear lacquer paint to preserve the signatures.

He also received a pair of tickets to see the New York Yankees play the Texas Rangers.

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Teacher Appreciation Beach Bag Gift Set

Just like children, teachers look forward to summer and relaxing by the pool or at the beach!

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Help them get ready for some me time with this Beach Bag Teacher Appreciation Gift.

It’s easy peasy to put together, looks great, and includes stuff they’ll actually use!

BEACH BAG GIFT SET

To get started, purchase a beach bag and fill it with items for having fun under the sun such as:

  • beach towel
  • sunscreen
  • beach or pool toys
  • sun hat
  • bikini/swimsuit wet bag
  • magazines
  • lip balm
  • bug spray
  • snacks
  • candy
  • drinks
  • bottled water

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Bluapple Keeps Produce Fresher 3X Longer

Wish I could have saved all the money wasted on throwing out my fruits and vegetables that went bad before I could eat them. I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about.

bluapple-keeps-fruits-and-vegetables-fresh-thoughtful-gift-ideaBluapple is here to “save the day” or should I say “weeks” of extending the life of your produce.

This amazing product absorbs ethylene gas that causes produce to over ripen.

I remember hearing something about ethylene gas in my high school science class. I probably thought it was something I would never need to know. Was I wrong!

The Bluapple is easy peasy to use. Just place the golf ball size Blueapple in your Crisper to keep your fruits and vegetables fresher three times longer!

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Graduation Hat Money Jar With Mini Diplomas

- - Graduation, Money

This graduation gift idea won’t need to be wrapped. It’s just too cute!

graduation-hat-money-jar-giftDressing up a jar to look like a graduation hat creates the perfect container for giving money as a graduation present.

But don’t just stuff cash inside. After all, presentation is everything!

First, roll up the bills and tie them with ribbon so they resemble mini diplomas!

HOW TO MAKE A GRADUATION HAT MONEY JAR

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Graduation Gift for Your Parents

Graduation is all about the graduate. The celebrations, gifts and parties. Yet, we all know the graduate didn’t arrive at graduation without lots of support.

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Graduates, this post is for you.

You will receive accolades, compliments, praise, and many gifts. But have you thought about gifts for the people who helped you along the way?

This is the time to “pay back” those who have seen you through to your graduation such as your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and teachers.

Want to know what is the best graduation gift that is so simple and will forever be a keepsake? A heartfelt letter of appreciation.

To present your handwritten letter of appreciation as a gift, place it in a picture frame where it can easily be seen. Continue Reading

Invite Mom to Afternoon Tea

More than anything, mothers love to spend quality time with their children.

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So when thinking of gifts for her birthday, Mother’s Day or Christmas, a memorable bonding experience for the two of you to do together will always make her happy.

Consider inviting your mother for an Afternoon Tea Experience at a nice hotel, tea room or tea restaurant.

Can you hear it? The sound of a dainty china cup clicking against its saucer.

Can you feel it? The mood of stylish elegance and luxury.

Treat your mother to a lovely and charming afternoon tea with tea trays and service. (At some places, they even have tea butlers!) You and your mother can enjoy sipping tea from delicate teacups while sitting in a room filled with beautiful ambience.

Together, share in meaningful conversation while dining on delicious scones, freshly made sandwiches, and petite pastries!

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