Joyce and her handy husband

FROM: Joyce

Help me find a gift for my husband; he is so hard to shop for! 3 facts: a) no clothes, he is XXLT and needs to try on everything first; b) he is into technology–computers and stuff, not software, though. He wants me to get him a hard drive which I don’t think is a good present; c) he likes football, basketball and golf and if I can add, he likes home improvement project. I want to spend no more than $300.

Hi Joyce,
Gift Idea Mom’s sweetie is a 6′8 XXLT too! Really! We’ve been shopping a lot at Casual Male XL and find they have a nice selection of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama and other popular brands.
Does he have an Ipod? This one is a fave of mine: 80G Ipod
If he wants a hard drive, I have to tell you that I own 2 of these 120G Hard Drive and not only find them so useful, they’re sort of cool and sexy – yes, sexy – in their little zippered neoprene case with a smooth, shiny black body. Can you tell I’m a computer geek? Its late and I’m tired, but I’ll sleep on this one and add a few more suggestions tomorrow.

Till then…

Gift Idea Mom

Nervous Shopper needs help

FROM: Nervous Shopper

Looking for a holiday gift for a co-worker.
She has it all….and I have a tight budget. Help!

Dear Nervous Shopper,
You don’t mention your budget, but I’ll try to keep it under 20 bucks. If you work at a desk with a computer, there are all sort of clever USB gadgets – some fun and silly, others very practical – that could serve as a great holiday gift. Here are some of them:

USB Plasma Ball
USB Mini Aquarium
USB Glitter Lava Lamp

And here are some non-USB suggestions:
Tarot Cards & Instruction Book
Zen Soy Tranquility Candles
Zen Nectaire Reed Diffuser
And, of course, you can never go wrong with CHOCOLATE!!!
Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee Gift Box
Good luck and happy holidays,
Gift Idea Mom

Meg and her 90yo Aunt

FROM: Meg

GI Mom.. can you help me find a nice cuddly blanket/throw for my 90 year old aunt’s gift. In the $50 range? Even better if I can get it monogrammed. Thanks!

Hi Meg,
If I were 90yo, which I won’t be for awhile, there’s nothing more than I would like than a warm, cuddly blanket. Great idea! The Company Store is a great resource for blankets, comforters and other toasty linens and apparel. Best part is, they have an excellent monogramming service. I found this blanket/throw specifically Naturelle Blanket that looks lovely, but if you begin to search that site, you’ll see they have many, many wonderful options.
I also came across this clever Personalized Cuddle Blanket that not only looks warm and comes in a variety of colors, but also has a deep pocket at the bottom to keep your feet tucked in and warm as well as a little accessory pocket for glasses, a remote control, etc. Order this one early to be sure you get the personalization done in time for the holidays!
Stay warm and cuddly!
Gift Idea Mom

Celeste, a boy and a girl

FROM: Celeste

Hi! Thanks for doing this! I need ideas for the following:
6yo boy: Loves to be outdoors; riding bikes (has one); playing with friends outside; building forts. Loves Legos (getting a very large set). Any ideas for large gifts to stocking stuffers?

2yo girl: Loves dolls, dora, diego. Already has a kitchen, stroller, doll crib, doll high chair.
Any ideas for large gifts to stocking stuffers?

Hi Celeste -

Its always fun to shop for the little ones.
For the 6yo: Matchbox Cars, or a Lego themed gift (like this LEGO Kids’ Watch) are always a hit. There’s a best selling book that I gave my own nephews this year – and though the 6yo may be a bit young, I’m sure mom or dad will have a ball sorting through it to find all sorts of great activities: The Dangerous Book for Boys. Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is a fun gift for the aspiring 6yo photographer (and what 6yo isnt?) He can snap to his heart’s content and then you can download his photos right to your computer via an easy USB connection. Remote Control Cars are a popular item among the 6yo set and this one by Cyclone is durable and recommended for ages 6 and up.
Brio Wooden Blocks are a classic that every 2 yo needs (the 6yo will love them too). Duplo Zoo Set is a great choice considering the older child likes Legos. Duplo and Lego can also be used together.
Gift Idea Mom LOVES Raffi and Singable Songs by Raffi is a great collection of some of his more popular songs. My own darling daughter listened to this as a 2yo and even now, college age, I still find her singing them occasionally.

2yos and tea parties just go together, don’t you think so? This Fisher Price Musical Tea Set is adorable, rugged and includes music and magical pouring sounds! How cute.
Hope those suggestions make your time shopping for the little ones a bit easier…
Cheers!
Gift Idea Mom