HOSTESS GIFTS

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide Comments Off

Tis the season for parties! Bringing the hostess a thoughtful gift is nice gesture. I love flowers, but it is always awkward when a guest walks in and hands you a large bouquet of beautiful flowers, that need to be cut, arranged and placed in a vase. I have a tendency to run a bit behind when I’m entertaining, so to stop and do an arrangement is the last thing I want to do. Here are a few suggestions of hostess gifts I would love to receive.

I love tea, and a tin is always a nice gift and everyone can appreciate fine teas. One of my favorites is Paris by Harney & Sons.

Harney & Sons Paris Tea 8.00

I also love champagne. Veuve Clicquot yellow label is one of my favorites. At the holidays, you can find it in a nice gift box and at Costco at a slight discount.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label 52.

If you are a “bouquet of flowers” type, give a nice succulent arrangement. Many florists, and nurseries do beautiful succulents or if you have a green thumb you can make your own.

Succulent Arrangement

Candles are always a welcomed hostess gift. Who doesn’t love a nice candle? There are so many to chose from and you can sometimes find nice ones at TJ Maxx and other discounters. I always look and when I find nice ones I stock up on them. I love Voluspa candles and you can find them here.

Voluspa Candles

If you know your hostess well a box of macarons is a nice gift, especially if it is a small gatherings and the hostess can share the macarons. My friend Blaine gave me a box and they were delicious, and I was happy to share them with the group, because I would have eaten the entire box! Lette Macarons.

Lette Macarons

Notebooks, journals, and pretty notes are always a welcomed gift. I still like to send handwritten notes and although I have all the gadgets, sometimes it is nice to take pen to paper and jot down thoughts. TJ Maxx always had a large selection of paper goods.

notebooks

This is a fun notepad for the hostess with a sense of humor…

WTF Notepad

Happy Monday. I am going to be decorating today and will post pictures this week. I love Christmas!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi’s Gift Guide: $25 and Under

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide 2 Comments

Reggie and I both have large families so that can mean lots of gifts, so I always try and find thoughtful gifts that are interesting and affordable.

go anywhere speakers mp3 22.99

I could use this on location to help my clients relax, or at a private picnic in the park or at the beach. The speaker is the same size as a phone. Available at RH.

wooden train 20.94

I love old-fashioned toys. Children love using their imaginations when given an opportunity. Get it here.

glitter nail polish 14.00

Perfect for the holidays glitter polish available at Nordstrom, btw love that Nordstrom will wrap this little gem for you.

luggage scale 12.49

I can’t tell you how many times I have been on the sidewalk adjusting my luggage because it was over weight. Available at RH.

Wanderlust Candles 25.00

Candles are always nice, these are named after cities ie. Paris, New York, London etc. the scents are connected to the place so you can have a stacation in your place. Get them here.

Tee from the Gap 19.99

Can never have to many of these. They come in numerous colors, great for layers. Gap.

stationary set Carolina Herrera Target 19.99

I still like to write personal notes. This would make a nice gift-from the Target/Neiman collection.

nudo garlic olive oil 11.99

I received a collection of this olive oil as a present a few years ago and have been using ever since. Love it!

holiday candy cane glasses 6@$24

I love holiday dishes and use them the entire month of December. I am always adding to my collection. These are at World Market. They also have a martini and a shot glass.

Another option for reasonable gifts is to give a service that you provide, ie. babysitting, prepare a meal, massage, movie tickets, workout with someone, a nice hike, pick up from the airport, etc..

Hope these gifts help you with some of your selections.

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi’s List 2012: Gadget Lovers

Gigi’s List 2012: Gadget Lovers

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide Comments Off

Here are some picks for the gadget lovers on your list…or maybe a gift for you.

I retrofone i phone dock 200.00

I absolutely love this i phone dock, I think because it reminds me of the phones I grew up with. Get it here.

Nutri Bullet 119.00

This would come in handy for whipping up a quick smoothie in the morning. My daughter would love this. check it out here.

i phone Book Charger

I really like this. I hate clutter on my nightstand. Get it here.

TIKKA PLUS 2 29.95

This is perfect for night hikes or working on the electronic equipment in the TV cabinet, I could use this when I have to reboot my cable to get my internet up. TIKKA PLUS2

MiFi 2200 Network Extender 99.00

How many times have you been waiting in the airport and paid to join a network for 14.95? This little gadget would pay for itself very quickly. MiFi 2200 Network Extender

Altec lansing iM227 Orbit Speaker

This would come in handy for a workout in the park with a friend, I could take this on a photo shoot, at the beach etc. Get one here. for 24.99

Gorilla Torch

Another handy item, how many times have you been outside and needed some light…you can wrap the legs on a tree, or a fence, get one here.

Polaroid Camera 159.99

This would be a fun little toy, especially at a party. Polaroid.

Rabbit Electric Wine Opener

Another good party item. Electric wine opener.

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo,

Gigi

All Hail the King!

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide 2 Comments

Gabrielle

Happy to do a guest post for Gigi’s fabulous blog. Hope you enjoy my picks for Father’s Day and if your budget is tight, a hand made card from the kid’s always works.

1. The number one item on my list. The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln , Stephen L. Carter.

Stephen Carter is back!!!

2. This one is for Gigi. I know she is an animal print lover and this YSL leopard skin wallet is top drawer LUXE. Available at Mr Porter.

3. Get his engine revving with Masterpieces of Italian Design at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The exhibit opened February 2012 and will run through February 2013 with different Italian Designs rotating throughout the year long exhibit.

Seersucker Suit

4. I am a southern girl and I love a man in a SEERSUCKER SUIT. Spring/Summer, it’s the season…

Cufflinks

Monique Pean’s Woolly Mammoth & Black Diamond Cufflinks

Available at Barney’s

Ivory Medium Ring

Monique Pean’s Walrus Ivory Medium Ring

(What!, He can dream)

6. The Intouchables – Two Thumbs Up!

7. And whatever game is on.

Gabrielle

One for the Money

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Gigi in Gift Guide Comments Off

Graduation Cards

It’s graduation time and I have received so many announcements. I always give a monetary gift and a nice card. I start picking up cards in May to add to my collection. Each year I come up with a budget based on the number of grads, this year being an incredibly large group. There is always a spike in the years when my kids graduate. I come up with a scale starting with 8th graders, continuing on to those graduating from professional schools. I tweak the scale for family members and close friends, but I always acknowledge all. Denominations between $25.00 to $100.00 are appropriate, although most will be grateful for any dollar amount. Giving a cash gift is perfect and it will definitely get used.

I’m also a fan of books for new graduates. Here are a few that I especially like:

10 1/2 Things No Commencement Speaker has Ever Said (11.75) , by Charles Wheelan

Personal finance in your 20’s for Dummies (10.39), by Eric Tyson

The Money Book for The Young, Fabulous & Broke (10.88) , by Suze Orman

Gigi

Gift Guide

HOSTESS GIFTS

Gigi’s Gift Guide: $25 and Under

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Gigi’s List 2012: Gadget Lovers

All Hail the King!

One for the Money

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