The Gift Corner

Welcome

Another birthday, wedding, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher's Day - another gift!  It's enough to make the sanest person crazy.  Welcome to The Gift Corner.  We're here to help you find fabulous gifts.  We know gift giving can be fraught with peril - so we'll guide you along the way. You'll get tips and advice for great gifts for different occasions, and we'll spotlight some fabulous eco-chic, green gifts.  So if you find yourself channeling the spirit of Scrooge instead Tiny Tim, stick with us.  We'll do all we can to put the pleasure back into giving - to breathe new life into your gift giving spirit!

Sale at Bella Figura USA

Yes, it finally happened.  We told you several weeks ago that we knew the stunning Shu Juan Lu wraps were going to be on sale.

Well, the boutique's Birthday Bash Sale starts today.  And - the sale includes the fab couture wraps, along with some pieces from the Barbara SilverStein Collection, the flirty straw bags from Bahay Bags, plus a number of other items.

Check it all out on the Bella Figura USA Birthday Bash Sale page.

Psst: those wraps are 30% off!  Big savings, as the Circle Wrap II is normally priced at $1550.  During the sale, you can pick up the beauty for $1085.  Now, that's a good deal!

The Picnic Basket: a Terrific Summer Gift

Summer's here and all sorts of "occasions" are happening around us: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries.  And what do all these occasions have in common?  Gifts.  That's right - gifts to be given, gifts to be received.

And we have a gift that would be appropriate for any of these celebrations: a picnic basket.

Now, this isn't any old little "cutesy" thing.  You know the kind - you can find them in a number of places but they are flimsy, with cheap plates, glasses, etc. inside.  They might look good - but they're not very usable.

We like the Highlander Rattan & Bamboo Basket from Picnic Supply World.  Priced at $134.99 (currently on sale) it holds a complete service for four: plates, wine glasses, utensils (stainless steel) even a handsome plaid picnic rug.  Check it out:

Go to Picnic Supply World for all the details, and get a terrific gift to give - unique and fun. 

Flowers & Hummingbirds - A Unique Gift

We're not advocating anyone going out and trying to catch little hummingbirds to give as a gift.  Oh no, that would not be a good thing.

But today, we have a gift that will attract the little creatures.  In fact, it's named The Hummingbird Annual Collection, and it's offered by White Flower Farm for $43.95.

Now, this is cool: you order a set of flowers for your giftee.  The kit contains six plants, including fuchsia, begonias, coleus, and an ornamental sweet potato.  The flowers are in shades of pink, coral and red - exactly the colors that attract hummingbirds. 

And if the recipient of this lovely collection wants any planting tips, they can go to the website to watch a video and get complete instructions.

Everyone likes to receive flowers; but this way, your gift will last a lot longer than 1-2 weeks!

We think this collection makes an amazing hostess gift, birthday gift, thank you gift.  Anyone who loves flowers, and picks up a spade even once a season, will enjoy this gift.

And the hummingbirds?  What a plus!

Gifts for Father's Day!

There's a sale going on at Bella Figura USA - a Father's Day Sale!

And who doesn't like to save some money? 

There's a good mix of products - and prices - from very inexpensive to a bit more costly.  And, of course, everything is artisan made, including luxe leather goods (now's the perfect time to be getting high-end travel accessories - but at a discount!) the eco friendly horn items (letter openers, cuff links) the lacquerware from China. (Just a sampling of what's availabe.)

For details, go to the boutique's On Sale page; and get started saving some money!

And if you think your Dad's special and unique, then get him a gift that's special and unique.  It only makes sense!

Gifts for Lovers of the Great Outdoors - Part II

In continuing with our outdoor theme from last week, we've got some more goodies that would make stellar gifts.

Call them candle lanterns, votive holders - whatever you prefer.  These are gorgeous creations that look like a million bucks outdoors (or indoors for that matter.)  Place on a dining table, side tables, porch steps - they bring a touch of romance, and beauty, wherever they're placed.

Two styles we're partial to: the Turkish Ceramic votives at Bella Figura USA, and the Camden Scroll votives from Frontgate.

Check these out:

    

       

Go to the Frontgate website for details and to purchase the Camden votives (top photo.)
Go to the Bella Figura USA website for details and to purchase the Turkish votives.

A Gift for Lovers of the Great Outdoors

Today we have a gift for you to give, that would be appropriate for a woman or a man; the only stipulation being that they appreciate beauty.

With warm weather here and all of us spending as much time outdoors as we can (lawdy, it's good to get out of the office, isn't it?) this gift will make anyone's garden, or porch, or balcony a more beautiful and interesting space.

Is it chimes?  Is it hanging art?  We think it's both.  It's Smith & Hawken's Flower Shower Wind Art.  Check it out:

Twenty four inches wide - forty four inches high.  We LOVE this piece.  Talk about making a statement.  And at $149, while not cheap, it's certainly not cost prohibitive.

For all the details and to purchase, go to the Smith & Hawken website.