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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
