Tech Mom Contest“0 Comments”

katia | 1:01 pm | March 26, 2008 | Mother's Day, Contest, Sweepstake, For Mother's Day, TheGift.com

I just got a word of a Tech Mom Contest for Mother’s Day, which sounds very exciting, specially for those of us who are very much into technology and our blogs.

I’m posting here, because I want to test the contest first and see how it goes, and then, once I know how it works, I’ll give you all the scoop on how to enter it!

We can receive gifts too, right?!

This sounds exciting! Stay tuned for the details.

Easter and Passover“0 Comments”

katia | 2:26 pm | March 21, 2008 | Easter, Easter Eggs, Easter Bunny, Easter Gifts, Easter Chocolate, Passover, Easter Gift Ideas, Easter Flower, Easter Flowers, Easter Lily, TheGift.com

For Christians, Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. For Jewish, Passover is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the Exodus from

Egypt and the liberation of Israelites from slavery. Traditions associated with each holiday differ a bit from each other. For example, Easter is the end of the Lenten season that started 40 days prior on Ash Wednesday. Passover is celebrated for 8 days and is a time for family gathering and lavish meals called Seders.Unlike Passover, Easter has many symbols such as the rabbit (our beloved Easter bunny), which represents fertility, and many colored eggs that represent the sunlight of spring. Contrary to popular belief that these are symbols created for the commercialization of Easter, they are in fact not modern inventions. Here’s a little bit about them:The Easter Bunny The Easter Bunny is originated with the pagan festival of Eastre. The goddess, Eastre, was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit. German immigrants are accredited for bringing the symbol of the Easter rabbit to

America. The Easter rabbit was not widely adopted by other Christians until shortly after the Civil War. Neither was Easter itself, which gained popularity only after the war. The Easter Egg As with the Easter Bunny, the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. Exchanging eggs in the springtime was a widely-practice custom when Easter was first celebrated by Christians. Eggs were a symbol of rebirth in most cultures at that time, and were often wrapped in golden leaf as to create a more memorable and long-lasting gift. Today, we have modified these symbols and customs to fit our modern times. We exchange chocolate and Easter bunny eggs and children hunt colored eggs to be placed in Easter baskets. But one thing has been consistent over time… we exchange gifts as part of celebrating the holiday and also as part of celebrating our friends and family and the spirit that unites us all. If you haven’t done your chocolate bunny and egg hunt for a delicious gift, here are a few ideas:For those of you who thing that Easter is all about chocolate, think again! Easter Lily has become the traditional flower of Easter because it symbolizes the spiritual values of Easter: purity, life and rebirth.

You can find the most beautiful lilies and other flowers for Easter at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.<!–[if !vml]–><!–[endif]–>

How about a super cute Easter bunny gift basket?<!–[if !vml]–><!–[endif]–>

And we can never forget the delicious chocolate eggs of the season!Happy Easter!

St. Patrick’s Day History“0 Comments”

katia | 5:23 pm | March 14, 2008 | St. Patrick's Day, St. Patrick's Day History, Ireland, Irish Holiday, March 17th, Irish Brigands, St. Patrick, TheGift.com

It’s St. Patrick’s Day this coming Monday and I am sure most of us are already planning on the party or pub we want to go to and celebrate. St. Patty’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations in the US, but I have to say that I have never known the real story about St. Patrick… so I decided to investigate.

St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint, and March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, marks his Roman Catholic feast day. One very interesting detail is that St. Patrick was born in Britain, not in Ireland, so technically he is not Irish. In the 5th century, St. Patrick was taken to Ireland when he was only 16 years old as a slave (yes, as a slave) by Irish brigands. He lived as a slave for 6 years before he escaped to Gaul, which is present-day France. A few years later, he returned to Britain, to his parents’ home, where he had a vision that he would preach to the Irish; and after many years of study, he returned to Ireland to build churches and preach the Christian faith.

Fast forwarding to modern days, here in the US, it’s customary to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but in Ireland, the color green has long been considered unlucky. But unlike in the US, St. Patrick’s day is a national holiday in Ireland, and pubs are closed on that day.

For those of use who will have a party to attend or a special function to go to and need some quick ideas for what to bring, here is our list:

1. Same-Day Delivery - If you need the gift to get there fast, send this beautiful green flower arrangement any where in the country.

2 . Cut-out cookies - This is a collector’s edition ceramic plate with delicious green cookies

3. Green fortune cookies - Try your fortune or send someone the luck!

4. Irish Shop - if you are a die-hard Irish or Irish fan, you will probably like to visit this site.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!

Spa Gifts“0 Comments”

katia | 6:18 pm | March 13, 2008 | Gifts, Spa Gifts, Relaxation Gifts, Guilt-Free Gifts, Spa, Gift Certifcates, TheGift.com

Do you know someone stressed out from having deadlines at work, finals at school or having a new baby? I think we all know someone going through one or all of the above, and it could well be ourselves too.

Here are some relaxation products that I know I would love to get at the moment to help me unwind.

1.Spa gift certificate

Check Spa & Salon Wish out for spas near you where you can buy a gift certificate for a pampering day!

2.	Bath Gift Set Gift Basket For Her $54.99Lock the bathroom door and relax in a tub for a quick relaxing break.
3.	Lavender Lavender Gift Chest $56.99A lavender lovers dream. You have everything to enjoy several relaxing baths and a big trunk to keep it for only your use.
4.	Spa and Wine Gift Basket Relaxation Sensations $99.99Relaxing with a warm bath, a great glass of wine with some cookies and chocolate. Perfect combination to wash the stress away.




5.	Spa Products Crabtree & Evelyn® La Source Tote $72.99This was the perfect gift for my mother, she retreated into her bathroom for a nice long soak.

6.	Floral Spa Gift Sunflower & Hydrangea Spa $54.99Perfect spa set for the person that loves flowers and comes in great decorative containers. Best part is that it is under $60 - so no need to stress about the price either.

A Perfect “Thank You”“0 Comments”

katia | 6:20 pm | March 12, 2008 | Gifts, Thank You Gifts, TheGift.com

Reasons for expressing a simple thank you are endless. There are never enough ways to say thank you to those special individuals, but finding the right gifts to treat them can be quite a decision. Maybe it’s for a friend who always lends a helping hand or maybe it’s for a person whose support found you during a time of need. Maybe it’s a corporate client or a business partner who enhanced your progress or helped to foster a plan for your future. Here are some great ways to express your appreciation to those who have truly made a difference in your life. Whoever the person, whatever the reason; these gifts truly say thank you with style!

-John V.

Saying “Thank You” is always in order and demonstrates your thoughtfulness and consideration towards the other person. Sometimes, we can never say “Thank You” enough.

A simple “Thank You” email, written note or phone call usually does the trick. But if you are extra inspired and filled with gratitude to show, why not go a step further? Here is a list of “Thank You” gifts you can send when you feel in the mood:

1. Fields of Europe Arrangement
Fields of Europe™ - Thank You
$39.99-$49.99

This European-style vase arrangement includes a wonderful assortment of flowers, including lilies, gerbera daisies, alstroemeria and more. It’s the perfect touch, to include a “thank-you” balloon for that special person. Your thanks will literally blossom!

2. Gourmet Gift Basket
Thank You Gourmet Gift Crate
$59.99

This basket is a great way to extend a message of thanks. A selection of summer sausage, sharp cheese, garlic stuffed olives, crispy pretzels, butter pecan almond popcorn, caramel chews, salt water taffy and more. It’s a terrific snack lover’s gift that won’t soon be forgotten!

3. Desirable Wines
Master Series Wine Club
$55.00

Here is a thoughtful thank you idea for lovers of top-rated, highly desirable wines. Knowledgeable wine specialists hand-select these wines to deliver a tasteful gift choice for any wine enthusiast. Choose from reds, whites or a little of both.

4. Cream Filled Chocolates
Assorted Creams
$16.95-$33.90

These chocolates are the perfect thank you item. The recipient can indulge in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, raspberry and strawberry buttercreams and trinidads. Each chocolate is covered in dark, semi-dark or milk chocolate and promises a smile!

5. A Strawberry Thank You
Strawberry Floral Margarita™
$69.99

Celebrate your appreciation for that special someone with this stylish bouquet. It’s a trendy, beautiful display delivering a satisfactory experience to any recipient.

So, go ahead and say “Thank You” to the people who have been kind to you!

Cheap Gift Ideas“0 Comments”

katia | 6:35 pm | March 11, 2008 | Gifts, Cheap Gifts, Inexpensive Gifts, TheGift.com

Cheap gifts don’t have to be cheap! With time and creativity, you can select or even make inexpensive gift items that make a great impression on the recipient.

By keeping in mind the recipient’s interests, hobbies and tastes, you will be able to stick to your holiday shopping budget with no trouble. And always remember: a gift that is useful to the recipient is a better gift than one that is expensive but that has no use or value to the recipient. We always feel that cheap gifts will reflect bad on us, but as long as your gift-on-the-budget idea is original, you should have no problem pleasing the recipients.

Here are some inexpensive suggestions to help you make the most of your gifting dollars:

Small gifts (i.e. collectibles) from the recipient’s alma matter or favorite sports team make a thoughtful connection.

Movie passes make a simple, but useful gift idea. And who wouldn’t appreciate going to the movies for free?

Everyone loves homemade gifts from the kitchen. Flavored vinegars or oils, homemade cookies or candies are inexpensive but appreciated and delicious ideas.

For those recipients not close to home, prepaid phone cards (in denominations as small as $5) are sure to be a hit.

Useful gifts, such as a calendar, disposable camera or decorated note cards, are great for recipients of all ages and interests.

A photograph of a memorable moment of you and the recipient in a nice frame makes a thoughtful memento for any occasion.

Here are some sites for inexpensive gifts:

Visit Magic Cabins’s children’s gifts under $10.

Visit Cheryl&Co.’s gourmet cookies and baked treats under $25.

Visit The Popcorn Factory’s popcorn and snacks under $20.

Visit 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s flowers and gifts under $40.

Visit HearthSong’s children’s gifts under $15.

Visit Plow & Hearth’s home gifts under $20.

Visit Problem Solver’s unique gifts under $25.

Visit Fannie May’s chocolate gifts under $25.

Procrastinator’s Dream: Our Gift Closet Idea. Last-Minute Gifts Tips“0 Comments”

katia | 5:57 pm | March 10, 2008 | Birthday Gifts, Halloween Gifts, Thanksgiving Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Chocolate, Gifts, Last Minute Gifts, TheGift.com

Nowadays, our hectic lifestyles can easily lead to gifting emergencies. Who hasn’t forgotten a birthday at least once? What about those unexpected visitor stopped who by with a gift, those moments where you are caught off guard like a that last-minute hostess gift for tonight’s dinner party? You can avoid panic in these situations by keeping a small stash of gifts on hand – and a gift closet offers the perfect solution.Creating a gift closet is an excellent and economical way to deal with last-minute gift emergencies. By keeping a diverse selection of gifts, you will never scramble for a last-minute gift again! In your gift closet, include a wide variety of items, suitable for friends and relatives of all ages, so it allows you to personalize gifts to fit each individuals’ interests and personalities.

Here are some tips for building your own gift closet:

Do buy gifts out of season. When you see something that a friend or relative would like, buy it and save it for a future gifting occasion. Items such as accessories and jewelry never go out of season.

Food gifts, such as homemade preserves, fine candies and high-quality vinegars or sauces, make great gifts for almost everyone on your list. And who doesn’t love fine gourmet?

Gift certificates to book stores, music shops and department stores, or any other store your friends and relatives like are always appropriate. Many people think that a gift certificate lacks originality and creativity, but I am of the opinion that a gift is supposed to put a smile on the person’s face. So, no matter what you are giving, be it his/her favorite perfume or a gift certificate, your objective is to put a smile on their face.

Don’t forget to include child-specific gifts, such as toys, art supplies or books, in your gift stash.

Don’t be afraid to recycle a gift – just be sure to attach a note to the item saying who gave it to you, so as to avoid the embarrassment of passing it back to the original giver. But most important, don’t sit on a gift for too long either. It will be an embarassement if you give your friends or relatives a gift you got a year ago.

Always keep gift bags, paper, tags, ribbon and other wrapping supplies in stock with your stash. We can never have too many of these things.

Go ahead and create your own gift closet. And pad yourself on the back after it. You are probably one in a few who will never be aggravated by a last-minute gift emergency
Here is one site for great last-minute gifting solution:

Visit 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s Same-Day Delivery gifts.

March Birthdays“0 Comments”

katia | 1:39 pm | March 7, 2008 | Gifts, TheGift.com

I have heard a few times before that March is the most popular month for birthdays, which means that more people were born in the month of March than any other 11 months. This also means that all of us will have a pretty busy month of March gifting our friends and family.

Have you thought of a gift you would like to give to your mom/dad, boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend yet? Uhhh… I can guarantee that just the thought of thinking of a nice gift can make some of us sweat in panic.

I have that problem too, the hard-to-give-gifts-for type of people… and one might think, the experience does not get better even with the pass of the years. So, to give you a kick start on your gift shopping, here is a nice list to start from:

Books or accessories supporting the recipient’s interests, hobbies or collections would surely be appreciated.

Sentimental gifts, such as framed photos or scrapbooks, are sure to pull at the heartstrings of the birthday person.

A sampling of the birthday person’s favorite gourmet treats, assembled in a gift bag or basket would be a tasty way to celebrate. Customized gift baskets, accenting a recipient’s interests or hobbies, or perhaps their favorite sports team, are a fun way to say Happy Birthday.

A very unique and always enjoyed gift is a compilation of newspapers, music, movies and other popular items from the year the birthday boy or girl was born, or perhaps a collection of favorite childhood toys from their era.

Birthstones and birthday flowers are an excellent place to start when searching for the perfect gift. Everyone (even a man, ladies!) loves to receive flowers and an arrangement including the recipient’s birthday flower of the month. And in case you are a procrastinator and can forget birthdays, any busy gifter can appreciate that flowers can often be delivered same-day.

When all else fails, gift certificates to the birthday person’s favorite restaurants, shops or salons are always useful and practical.

From my personal experience, I decided to make it easy for people to shop for me and told all my relatives and friends a handful of stores they can to when thinking about buying for me, call it a store wish list. That makes their lives easier and I’m guaranteed to enjoy all the gifts! So, if that sounds like a good idea to you, go ahead and create your favorite store list and pass it around… everyone will appreciate the gesture

Gift Wrapping Tips“0 Comments”

katia | 7:24 pm | March 6, 2008 | Gifts, TheGift.com

Impress friends and family this holiday season by ditching the wrapping paper for a more personalized gift presentation. Creative packaging can heighten suspense and make gift exchanges more memorable and meaningful. Here are a few tips:

Make reusable gift bags from silk, tafetta, burlap, chintz or another fabric; or from dishtowels, doilies or pillow cases. These are great for wrapping odd-shaped or un-boxed items in a hurry.

Use colorful shoelaces, artificial rose pearls, leather strips, vinyl cording, jump ropes, strips of netting, paper twist, raffia, hemp rope, twine or yarn as creative alternatives to ribbon when tying a package.

Mislead shakers and squeezers by adding marbles, bells, weights or padding to your package before wrapping it.

Design your own gift wrapping paper by splatter-painting, rag-rolling, sponging or stenciling sheets or rolls of plain-colored paper.

Use sheet music to wrap concert tickets or other small gifts for the music lover.

Hide a small gift in a huge bouquet of flowers, a jar of penny candy, a bucket of marbles, a box of chocolates or a bag of popcorn.

Have fun and let us know if you find a new way to gift wrap!

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