New year, new you.

As 2013 winds down, we inevitably look to the new year as a time for a fresh start, a new outlook, a new beginning. It's time to sit down with pen and paper, and jot down all those resolutions and promise to stick to them, at least a little longer. Commemorate that reflection and goal setting time with this dainty compass necklace from lettersearring and a cute reflection notebook, like this one from MessyBedStudio. For $20, you'll provide your friends with a constant reminder to keep course in following their new paths in the new year. Cheers!

Marimo terrarium - lucky you!

It's hard buying my Mom gifts. She constantly tells me she doesn't need anything, and she doesn't want anything. For years, I've purchased nice gifts (or what I thought were nice gifts), only to see them be returned. So, this year, I decided to embark on a little DIY project, something she couldn't return. All jokes aside, my Mom has a green thumb and has recently taken an interest in terrariums, so when I stumbled upon marimo balls, I was inspired. 

Marimos are live moss balls found in lakes in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia. Lake currents swirl the little plants around so that they grow naturally into petite pom-pom shapes. The name, "marimo," originates from two Japanese words--"mari" meaning "bouncy ball," and "mo," a term for plants that grow underwater. 

I was struck by the marimo's simplicity and cuteness, and decided to create a marimo terrarium for my Mom for Christmas. The sweet, sphere-shaped creature is adored around the globe: the Japanese believe that it brings good luck, and in Iceland it is believed that a well-loved marimo makes wishes come true! How could she not love it?

The required supplies are short and simple:

-tiny glass rocks from a local flower nursery
-a small vase from CB2 
-a grab bag assortment of sea fan pieces from Etsy seller seashells11035
-marimo balls (I purchased mine from eBay)

I placed the glass rocks and a few sea fan pieces into the tiny vase, using a knife to situate the sea fans where I wanted them. You may have to wash the glass rocks prior to placing them in the vase since they can be dusty or dirty and will cloud the water. 

Then, I waited anxiously for my marimo balls to come in the mail. Almost all marimo balls are shipped internationally, so factor in two weeks to receive them. 

Then, place the marimos in the vase filled with water. They will float for about a day, but will eventually sink to the bottom of the vase and begin "playing." 

I added a gift tag with care instructions and included a card that explains the origin and meaning behind marimo balls. My non-returnable gift is complete!

Food memories

 
Food is often linked to memories. Just ask Marcel Proust. What better way to remember a delicious meal or a talented chef in your life than through art? Food blogger Emiko Davies will transform a favorite recipe into a custom original watercolor painting to preserve that favorite meal made by that special someone. Her services are offered through Food52, a neat website that brings cooks together to exchange recipes and ideas.

Believing

I'm a firm believer that being a kid is great, and one of the best things about being a kid is believing. Believing in under-the-bed monsters, in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and, of course, the Tooth Fairy. I always was amazed that she never disturbed my sleep and always knew when it was time to pick-up my pearly whites. For all those Moms out there, I adore this tooth fairy kit that I found while browsing one of my favorite stores, Urbanic Paper. Surprise your little one, and make believing that much more believable. 

De-creepify

Let's be honest, homemade gifts are objectively more thoughtful than Bloomingdale's gift cards, but there's a creepy element to them. The handmade wreathes and turkey drawings were cute when we were in kindergarten and didn't have money to purchase real gifts; but now, as a grown-up, if you're gonna gift a homemade item, it better be nice and nicely packaged. We don't want recipients thinking, "When did you make these gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies? And what exactly is in them?" We want them to think, "Wow, are you Rachel Ray's sister? Not because of your voice but because I think you're crafty."  

This is where San Francisco-based Yellow Owl Workshop comes in. They offer various stamps that help you personalize the gifts coming straight from your kitchen or garden. How about drying those mint leaves from your garden and instead of putting them in a plastic Ziploc, packaging them up in a small tin and stamping your gift of tea? After all, we don't want those tea leaves to be mistaken for anything else, just like how you don't want to be mistaken for Rachel Ray's sister.
 

The organic touch

 

Hey Apple fanatics, there's something even sleeker and cooler than your wireless keyboard. For less than $50, you can purchase this bamboo keyboard and mouse set from Anthropologie and give your home office an "organic touch," as one reviewer put it. This is a great gift for your green friend or the outdoor enthusiast in your life.

Inside nature

I'm a big outdoor enthusiast. I credit my high school for introducing me to Mother Nature through its Outdoor Education program. During those four years, I learned to rock climb, carry a 70-pound backpack, kayak in the ocean, and take faux showers with my trusty pack of wet wipes. As I get older and adult responsibilities increase, I find it more difficult to enjoy nature frequently and for extended periods of time. And that's exactly why I found Plantillo's decorative pillows so magical. You get to enjoy nature's beauty in the comfort of your home, all year long. Now that's a gift an outdoor enthusiast couldn't resist!

Sipping, the cute way

I'm a daily tea drinker. I need my warm cup of mint tea before I can properly start my day. Even if you don't agree with my drink of choice, you or someone you know must share my ritual. I'm a huge believer that highly-used items should be of high quality and attractive, and I don't mind paying a little more to ensure that I'm getting the best. I've been in search of the perfect receptacle for my daily beverage for years, but nothing has ever stood out or held up. Since I'm almost convinced that my ideal cup doesn't exist, I've decided that I am now going down the fun route. Check out these My Eko Drinking Cans. Personally, I think the pièce de résistance is this:
 

If the mouth piece is going to get dirty (and we know it will), it might as well be cute. Pair these fun, high heat-resistant cups with a favorite tea or coffee, and you're set for a "get well soon" or "stay warm on a winter day" present.

Have you found a winning cup to hold your tea or coffee? Let me know!

Navigating the urban jungle, the (soft and) easy way

 

Have a friend who's moving to or exploring a new city? Give them this crumpled map. Ok, it may look like a piece of trash, but this Crumpled City Map is much more. With this unique map, your friend no longer has to spend precious time folding maps along their intended creases or worry about tearing delicate paper. It's soft (almost blanket-like), indestructible, and makes exploring more fun and less tedious.

Doll it up!

Are you looking for a creative way to celebrate your anniversary or the union of two special people? Forget about the traditional anniversary gift guides (although, this would be perfect for anniversary #1) and gift registries, and opt for a more personal gift. It's a modern twist on a super traditional item--personalized paper dolls from Jordan Grace Owens!

Send your photo to Jordan, and viola, two cute paper dolls are sent your way. But don't stop there! You have to situate your dolls. Place the dolls in a frame, with a memorable photo serving as the background, like the place where you met or your favorite hang out spot, whether that be a Cal football game or local coffee shop. 

Bon Voyage

Instead of wishing your friend happy travels with a saying, wish them well with some neat gifts. Flight 001 offers some unique ideas that will help your friend stand apart from other travelers, while they snooze, pay or check through customs. 
 
For the international traveler, how about a currency wallet? Flight 001's products will keep your friend organized in a fun way!

Special sunnies

If you're covering up beautiful eyes, you gotta make up for it somehow. With a statement, of course. I'm always on the lookout for unique shades, even if it's just a twist on a classic. My favorite pair right now are my rubber Ray-Bans. They're literally made of rubber. So, I think I've found Warby Parker's cousin. Enter, Tumbleweed Handcraft. My credit card nearly walked out my purse when it saw these beauties. Unique, handcrafted, heart-shaped, ombre wood stunnas. All those adjectives for $85! These are perfect for that girl or boy friend who's heading down to Coachella to soak up some rays and listen to some tunes. Make that weekend even more special with these.

Sassify yourself

If you're not a mushy mushy kind of person, I get it, and I feel ya. Tomorrow is just not one of those holidays you get excited about. But, I think you still need to express yourself, just not in the Hallmark kind of way. So, take a cue from these sassy pants cards. Powerandlight's library card is pretty awesome and somewhat interactive. Plus, it takes me back to the day when I learned about the Dewey decimal system, and holding hands was a big step in a relationship. I actually purchased the below card a few years ago for my Valentine. It's from Paisley Dog Press, and it's just perfect for your programmer boyfriend or just someone who gets nerdy jokes.  

Masquerading

I like it when things aren't as they seem. As a little kid, I discovered that museums were great places to view art and great sources for presents. I always make a point to stop by museum stores to check out their often quirky and eclectic offerings, so much so that my Mom has accused me of being more interested in shopping than viewing art (might be true in some cases). MOCA is currently selling the above Warhol tote that disguises as a Campbell's soup box for $55. Although they've been on the market for awhile, I still get a kick out of the canvas bags from Thursday Friday, which are close cousins to Hermes' Birkins, but much easier on the wallet. Whether you're searching for a whimsical gift or are on a tight budget, these unique gifts will definitely attract some double-takes. 

2-in-1

Need the perfect gift for the fashionista who has everything? How about these Prada boots...heels...I mean, beels...bools? However you want to classify them, these four inch beauties will bring your girl closer to the fashion gods. 

Creative Cupid

It's almost Valentine's Day, and you know what that means--no flowers, no chocolate and no stuff animals! While I can't guarantee that your honey will love these presents, he or she cannot deny that there's more meaning behind these gifts than a box of Godiva. You know I'm a huge fan of handwritten cards; so, in addition to that love letter, how about this painted rock from Mediterranean Treasures, with the message, "Thanks for being my rock." Or if you want to stay away from sappy messages, "You rock!"

 

Or how about this unique box? I'm not suggesting that you propose, but use your imagination and hide a trinket or message inside (something like, "Thanks for grounding me" or "Thanks for all your love and support"). End Grain Wood Shoppe will even customize your box with the special day you met. 

Share your Valentine's Day gift ideas with me. Let's work together to impress Cupid!