Cute on cute = too cute!

I'm getting to that point in my life where I'm receiving invitations--but not the birthday kind. It's increasingly to events centered around weddings and babies. I haven't perfected wedding gift giving yet, mostly because I feel compelled to be "normal" and follow gift registry guidance. But, when it comes to babies, I think there's a bit more freedom to be creative and thoughtful. Although, I'm sure some of us feel like we're confined to only purchasing blue and pink gifts. I'm here to say that baby gifts that are gender-neutral are often the best. I'm a big fan of humor because what's better than a cute, funny baby who doesn't know he or she is funny? Case in point, the mustachifier and the iPood onesie. I'm also a huge fan of turning babies into animals. How can you go wrong with a baby owl?

Warming a house

I'm not a huge fan of showing up to a house warming party with a bottle of wine or flowers. I feel like those two gifts scream, "I do not know you at all." I mean, come on, it's not Valentine's Day. I suppose a bottle of wine might be appropriate if your neighbor just built a wine cellar. But, actually, not really, because then your gift screams, "I'm really not creative." I have some ideas, which I'll share in another blog post, perhaps. Let's be real, how many times do you find yourself in that situation. Anyway, I digress. 

A great alternative to flowers that will wither away in 4 days is a air plant pod from Sea & Asters. Write a personalized message on the chalk pot, which can serve as both your gift and card. 

And for the more practical gift giver, how about a custom address stamp? I love the wide and artsy selection from foryoo. 

Have fun warming the hearts and homes of your family and friends!  

Tiny treasures

For anyone who knows me (and it doesn't have to be particularly well), they know I'm a stationary enthusiast. Call me old-fashioned, but I hope the tradition of writing and mailing handwritten letters to loved ones never dies. I hope it's never replaced by email, or worse, a text. In my ideal world, Lucida handwriting  will never compete with real handwriting (but nice try, Microsoft); and          "Inbox (1)" will never compete with the excitement of feeling and seeing an envelope (addressed by hand, of course) in your mailbox. Handwritten letters show thoughtfulness -- everything was selected for a reason. From the card to the font (cursive or print?) to the stamp (Liberty Bell or one of my favorites, King & Queen?).

So, a few years ago, I was ecstatic when I discovered Lea Redmond's world's smallest post service. A couple months ago, I used Lea's service to send my boyfriend a tiny tiny letter, which arrived in a tiny envelope, and was decorated with a tiny stamp and wax seal. The package also included a magnifying glass (for those who need a little help reading the tiny treasure). While the tiny letter has a not-so-tiny-price tag ($9), I think the price is justified. The letter itself could be considered a gift. I can confidently say that your recipient won't be throwing away this birthday card!

Boyfriend + San Francisco = idea!

While driving up to San Francisco, this blog idea was born. I have to give credit to my boyfriend Daniel for the neat idea and for the inspiration (and also for the compliment that I have authority in this arena and that people would be interested in what I write). I've always liked the act and art of gift giving. It's a chance to not only be thoughtful but also creative. I'd like to think that the creative touches make a gift even more thoughtful. I hope this blog will serve as a destination for those who need a little help or inspiration in finding that perfect gift for that someone, whatever the occasion.