Search Results for: blog the gift that keeps on giving

Three Gifts for Christmas

Three Gifts for Christmas Have you ever found an extra stash of Christmas gifts after Christmas? I’m embarrassed to admit that I have. Nestled in a corner of our bedroom closet was a bag of a couple of items that I had bought for Christmas and then completely forgot about. A growing tradition in many families takes its prompt from the three gifts that the wise men, or magi gave to the baby Jesus. Here is what the tradition of giving gifts the way that the wise men did, and how it can be very meaningful for your family, too. … Continue reading →

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Growing up, our family had lots of traditions. Some were fun and silly, others were a bit more serious. But there is one in particular that I never really learned to appreciate until I was older. Every year, in December, my grandparents would take a portion of what they would have spent on our Christmas gifts and set it aside for each of us to do a service project with. Sometimes we would combine it as a family and do a big service project, other times we each chose our own, but it helped remind us of what Christmas is … Continue reading →

Sweet and Simple Valentine’s Day Gifts

My six-year-old is going to flip when she sees the Valentine’s Day gift my mom got her. She wanted it for Christmas, but Santa didn’t deliver, so it’s grandma to the rescue. No, it’s not a dog—-real or stuffed. It’s a… kids’ Snuggie, but not just any kids’ Snuggie, this one features a camouflage print because goodness help us all if the kid got a pink Snuggie. Personally, I think a pink Snuggie is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, but that’s the thing with gift giving. The best gifts are those that the recipient will go gaga for, regardless of … Continue reading →

The Gift of Professional Cleaning

Forget the Dyson; I now have a new Christmas wish gift-—a maid. My BFF got the best Christmas present yesterday: six months’ worth of professional housecleaning services. She is entitled to five regular cleanings and one heavy seasonal cleaning, which includes: Dusting corners, ceilings, and walls, including photo frames and artwork Cleaning windows, window screens, and window treatments Scrubbing interiors and exteriors of kitchen cupboards and drawers Cleaning ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents Cleaning the oven, microwave, and dishwasher Shampooing rugs, carpets, and upholstery Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. I have never dreamed of asking for … Continue reading →

Planning Ahead for Genealogical Gift-Giving

With the holidays a few months away, I thought that now might be a good time to offer up some information about genealogy-themed gifts. Since many genealogy-themed gifts are personalized or require some time to piece together, it is important that you give yourself enough time to have them ready by the desired date. Genealogy-themed gifts abound, and they vary from framed family trees to hand crafted treasures that will stay with the family for years to come. I recently read a news story about a woman who made a genealogy quilt for her son. Colorful patterned blocks alternate with … Continue reading →

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is tomorrow. I repeat: Mother’s Day is tomorrow. If you’ve yet to tie a ribbon on anything for the woman who gave you life (or has enhanced it in more ways than one), then you’re in luck. You still have a little time to make your mom feel like a million bucks. The recession has hit the flower industry hard. The good news is their loss is your gain. Florists around the nation are doing something they haven’t done in decades: cutting prices on Mothers Day gifts. Among the sweeter deals: 1-800-Flowers has 30 arrangements for less than … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Mother’s Day Gifts

Flowers are pretty, cards are nice, and chocolate can do wonders to improve a woman’s mood, but if you really want to impress mom this Mother’s Day, then consider channeling your crafty side to make these homemade gifts: BEADED NAPKIN RINGS Materials: Needle nose pliers 1 package of bracelet memory wire (Found at craft stores or in the craft aisle of larger discount chains—the wire looks like a slinky–1 package typically has 15 coils in it, which yields 12-13 napkin rings) 50 multi-color beads per napkin ring (You could choose two favorite colors and place 25 of each color per … Continue reading →

Simple Mother’s Day Gifts

If you are a mom, then you know that Mother’s Day doesn’t always equate to time off. After all, someone has to prepare gifts for the grandmothers, great-grandmothers and other special women in our children’s lives. If you are looking for a simple craft to make with your kids to present to grandma, nana, or granny on Sunday, then consider the following projects that will be treasured for years to come: “GREEN” FLOWER POT This flower pot is made out of recycled materials, so not only are you making mom happy, but you’re benefiting the environment as well. Materials: Plastic … Continue reading →

Homemade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Last year my young daughter made me the cutest Mother’s Day card. The glittery handmade creation was so beautiful that after I gushed over it and thanked her profusely for being so thoughtful, my daughter asked for it back so she could hang it in her bedroom. At least the kid’s got good taste. If you are looking for a simple way to make Mother’s Day a bit brighter for the special woman in your life, and you have a little one at home that is more than willing to lend their artistic talents to the project, then consider this … Continue reading →

My Mother’s Day Photo Surprise—The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I know, Father’s Day is just around the corner so why I am writing about my Mother’s Day gift? For starters, it’s an incredible gift and one that could easily be given to dad on his big day as well. The other reason… I wanted to experiment with my gift for a couple of weeks before writing this blog so I would be better able to assess its pros and cons. So what was my big Mother’s Day surprise (besides the gorgeous pink rose my young daughter picked out all by herself to give to me)? Canon’s PowerShot A720 IS … Continue reading →