Gift-list

For those of us who find inspiration for gift giving everywhere, here is the Little Gift Giving Book at Good on Paper. Now you can write down what your thinking whenever you have those light bulb gift moments, instead of wandering around the mall aimlessly the night before your mom's birthday. ($7.00, via Poppytalk)

The Drawer

Okay, own up! Who knows someone with that drawer in their kitchen where all the miscellaneous menus, receipts, phone books, etc live? Simplify their lives with this Take Out Menu Organizer from Spoonsisters. ($29.95 via Apartment Therapy)

Asian Inspiration at Horchow

While super-sheik Neiman Marcus retailer Horchow may be a bit out of my budget, they do have some nice once-in-a-lifetime gifts for weddings, showers and engagements. And if nothing else, they provide inspiration for your next trip to Homegoods.

These "Asian Treasures" would impress even your most critical giftee.

Antique Food Basket, hails from 1850-1870, $190.00

Antique Grain Barrel, circa 1850-1870, $300.00


Antique Drum, 100-120 years old, $379.00 (marked as a "special" HA!)

Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!!!!

Speaking of salt, who doesn't love bacon? (Okay, maybe that wasn't the best segue, but moving on...) Shelterrific posted this link about a BLT-scented candle trio that was featured in Rachel Ray's mag, and as weird as it sounds, I bet I know some people who would absolutely love it! And if you know someone who would like a bacon-inspired gift, here are a few suggestions:
The BLT candle trio (mentioned above), $33.95 at the Grateful Palate.

Bacon Salt, because "everything should taste like bacon." Don't ask me how these guys did it, they actually invented a seasoning that tastes like bacon, but doesn't actually have bacon as an ingredient (some things are better left unknown). Bacon salt also boasts no fat and no calories. What's not to love? Available in Original, Peppered, and Hickory ($12.99 for the sampler).

The only thing I can think of that's better than smelling or eating bacon taste is wearing it! Well, not really, but this bacon scarf looks mighty tasty to me! ($39.95 at Shopsin's General Store, via Ohgizmo.com).

Now that you have all these bacon products, what do you wrap them in? Why, bacon gift wrap of course! $3.95 for 2 20''x30'' sheets, available at Merch-bot.com.

Salt is my drug of choice

How many salt addicts do you know? I can think of at least 12 off the top of my head (myself included). Why not indulge their craving 24 different ways with the World Salt Sampler from Red Envelope ($165, On October's O List). According to Red Envelope, "The serious chef knows that salt from Cyprus has a distinct ocean flavor and that Indian black salt greatly complements vegetarian dishes." Crap, I guess I'm not as addicted to salt as I thought I was. Does knowing the difference between Morton's table and kosher salt count?

Overlapping Squares Chair Ornament [Squeal!!]

How freakin cute are these chair ornaments from West Elm? Okay, I know most people wouldn't think to buy ornaments in chair shapes, but wouldn't this be great to tie on to a gift box or gift card from West Elm? Did I just see a light bulb go off over your head too? ($8.00, found via Happy Mundane.)

Stunning Skylines

Just spotted these paper skylines from Etsy seller Kolya over at More Ways to Waste Time. They are absolutely stunning, limited edition pieces.

Amazingly, each piece is carved with a scalpel and the artist never marks the work with a pen or pencil!

Prices range from $30-$60.

Carved for Cutting

These cutting boards available at Elsewares from Olze and Wilkens would make great housewarming gifts. The designs are lasered into the wood following the grain, creating a cool scene. Cutting boards are an essential kitchen item that everyone needs, but can never seem to remember to purchase. Pick one up for $38.00.

Martha Stewart Halloween Goodies

My cousin's birthday is around Halloween, which I always thought was so cool when we were growing up because we always got to dress up at her parties. And it certainly makes a parent's job easier... no worrying about what to do or where to get decorations. These are from one of Martha's many commercial lines available at Macy's.

Spooky Glasses, $14.99 (on sale). As my mom says, "Every house needs a bit of whimsy."

Halloween Party in a Box, $20.99 (on sale). Includes cupcake liners and toppers, treat bags, and "spooky" garland.

Cake Stencils, $9.49 (on sale). I love the idea of transforming a cake without tricky icing or molds. Impress your guests.

Question: Are shoes to personal to gift?

I don't want to give too much away in case the birthday girl is reading (Happy B-day P!), but let's just say that to go to her birthday outing, the type of shoes worn will be very important. So, this raises the question: Are shoes too personal of a gift? As long as you know the proper size and the style of the person, I thought it might be okay. Then again, shoes are a very selective thing. They depend on the brand, the fit, the comfort, etc.

In the end, I decided to forgo that idea in favor of something a bit safer (update to come). But, if you are a confident gift giver, and you are sure the shoes you are buying will be adored, I say go for it. Or, as an alternative, what about a gift certificate to Zappos, Shoes.com, or, my personal favorite, Shoemall.com (if they have the same shoe, they are usually at lower prices than Zappos or Shoes.com, and they do the same free shipping, yadda, yadda, yadda) and a color print out of some shoes you think they'd like?

Here are some great party shoes:

Steve Madden's "Luvvy" in black/white. $79.95

Bonus! They have a matching bag. $48.00

Naturalizer "Focus" pumps at Shoemall. $69.95

Made by Elves (how cute!) Gold Wingtip shoes at Urban. $68.00

Carlos Santana "Flirt" Snake print flats at Smart Bargins. $39.95