See mom? These flowers never die!

My mom always tells my dad not to get her flowers because "flowers only die." However, I've always suspected that she secretly likes getting flowers, and in fact, wants people (especially my dad) to buy them for her. Then again, my mom is pretty determined in her wishes, so maybe not.

Anyhoo, after a tip-off from Apartment Therapy, I spotted these gorgeous crepe paper flower kits from Martha Stewart. Not only will they last longer, maintain their vibrant colors, and never need watering (in fact, watering would be bad), but they're less expensive (kits start at $12.99) and make a great rainy-day weekend project. All that's needed is the addition of a chic vase.

Flower Power

Love it a lot just posted this sweet little lidded jar from Whitney Smith. Perfect for your best friend's wedding shower or even as a gift for grandma. $44.00

Take me back

Do you have a giftee who always says, "high school was the best time of my life" or "I wish I were a kid again"? Here's a uber-cool way to remind them---with school house chairs listed in the classifieds on Apartment Therapy-NY. The best part? Besides being "adult sized," they are also going for just $50! Remember how your legs used to stick to them in the summer when you were wearing shorts and then you'd walk around with red splotches down the back of your legs in between classes? Yep, those were the days....

How do?

While browsing through one of my favorite decorating blogs, Design*Sponge, I came across a post about Berkley Illustration and fell in love. These awesome illustrations of animals in portrait-style poses and superhero-inspired situations would look great hanging up in a home office or library. Pick one up at his Etsy shop for $7.00.

Get a gift for . . . DAD

Next up in our gift-giving extravaganza is dad. Dads can be either one of the easiest (eg, your dad likes a particular sport like golfing or baseball) or the most difficult (eg, your dad likes golf or baseball, but has every piece of memorabilia/jersey/equipment for that sport made by man) persons to buy for on your gift list. Hopefully this helps, or at least jump starts an idea or two.


Sick of seeing dad drinking out of one of those toxic-smelling foam can coolers? Why not give him an upgrade with these embossed leather can caddies from Orvis? The inside of the caddie boasts neoprene liner, which is the same material used in wetsuits ($119.00 for a set of 4).

If your dad is a slave to the office, give him something good to look at (besides the desk photos of you from first grade) with a framed print from imagekind. The site has thousands of well-known artists to choose from, but I am partial to picking up a print from a member, like Daniel Pelavin. His work is masculine, without being too overpowering for office decor.


What's the draw to Flight Simulator? I can remember my dad playing it when I was a kid, and it's still proving to be a hit among pilot wannabes (and some pilots, even) today. If you can remember your dad playing the original, or have caught him watching those "History of Flight" programs on TV, then this might be the perfect gift for him. ($44.99 at Amazon.com)


Don't forget the joystick! ($58.02, also at Amazon.com)

Maybe your dad enjoys the simpler things in life, like a nice cold Jones Soda. Did you know you can personalize a pack with a family photo? For $29.99, you can choose from multiple flavors, such as Green Apple, Root Beer, Berry Lemonade, and Cream Soda. Also available in sugar free!


Want to give your dad something less common? How about a handmade bird call from uncommon goods? Choose from Woodpecker, Blackbird, and American Robin. (starting at $38.00)


And finally, if your dad can't seem to take a hint, pick up this grooming kit from Eddie Bauer. It has a folding toothbrush, comb, nail clippers, and a nose and ear hair trimmer (hint, hint). ($29.50)

I always wondered what I'd look like with antlers...

If you are just too lazy to dress up for Halloween, these mirrors from the Design Can might put you in the holiday spirit. Perfect for the friend who thinks it'd be cool to be a pirate. (What?! I'm the only one who knows someone like that?) Also just a fun mirror to give in general. The mirrors (don't worry, pirate isn't the only style) are available at Unica Home for $48.00 (found via Apartment Therapy).