When it comes to the debate on Kindle vs. physical book, physical book always wins in my book (bad pun, sorry). Clicks will never replace page turning, plastic will never replace leather covers and electronic ink screens will never replace crisp paper. Even if you don't agree with anything I just said, it's hard to argue that something will replace the scent of books. Well, except for Frostbeard's "old books" scented candle. Gift this jar of magic to the book lover in your life.
For the healthy DIY-er, consider gifting a home brewing kit for kombucha. Haven't frequented Whole Foods recently? Kombucha is a drink produced by fermenting black tea using a symbiotic colony of bacterial and yeast (known as SCOBY). The fermentation process gives the drink a natural fizz and probiotics, and offers health benefits including detoxification, joint care and an immune boost. Kombucha originated in Northeast China and later spread to Russia and has been enjoyed for over 2,000 years. Since it's naturally fermented, kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol. For those who want to gift a little more of those benefits, how about a home brewing kit for gin?
Traveling is important to me and, perhaps, even more important, are the memories. Since I was little, my Mom trained me to keep travel diaries. At the time, it seemed tedious and almost like homework, but her insistence paid off. I now find joy in assembling scrapbooks, and collaging my photos, postcards and museum entrance tickets from around the globe. While I have many "volumes" of travels, I found this scratch map a great addition to preserving travel memories. It's interactive and an immediate conversation piece, all the while reminding you of new places to discover. Gift this to your friend who can't stop exploring.
Wherever you are in a relationship today, there's a card that's appropriate, so there's no excuse, just embrace it! Happy Valentine's Day! xx
Valentine's day is this Friday, and I couldn't resist writing a post to help the boys who are lost in the stereotypes of chocolates and roses. I'm typically not into idioms, but I couldn't resist the idea of a boy gifting these native earrings from TheTwentyFingers, with a sweet note, "birds of a feather flock together." Happy gifting non-chocolates and non-roses!
I've always loved little things, especially little animals. A few years back, my good friend Christina gave me a worry doll--a tiny, hand-crafted, colorful doll from Guatemala. Children who are having a hard time sleeping because of their worries place the tiny doll under their pillows before going to sleep. According to folklore, the doll worries instead of the child, allowing the child to sleep peacefully.
Have a friend who has an upcoming big day, performance, presentation or test? For a modern twist on the Guatemalan tradition, gift a tiny little crochet animal from SuAmi and a good luck note, like this one from Benchpressed.
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!
