Fave Five: Last-Minute Gifts for Coworkers

This time of year can get a little awkward at the office.  Will you give cards or gifts to none?  Some?  Everyone?  I have around 30 coworkers, and I wanted to find something that I could give to everyone. Here are my ideas.

Edibles and Drinkables: If you're giving Christmas cards anyway, you can tuck a small edible gift into the envelope for pennies more.  You could pick something seasonal like a candy cane, a individually-wrapped tea bag, or a piece of (wrapped) candy or chocolate.  If you're feeling a little more ambitious, you can make individual treat bags.

I'll think of the friend who sent me
this lovely animal- print stationary
set all year long.

Personalized Office Supplies: You can find pretty or cheeky note pads in Target or Michael's dollar sections.

Ornaments: As I mentioned in last year's $5 and under gift guide, I love the way ornaments serve as tangible reminders of people and times in my life.  You can easily find ornaments for one to three dollars.

Lottery Tickets: A $1 scratch ticket could be the gift that keeps on giving.  Many coworkers already play the lottery together, and if it pays off you could be giving the gift of early retirement... or maybe one could at least cover lunch.

Hand Sanitizer: This is what each and every of my coworkers received this year.  I punched a hole in my Christmas post card and attached a hand sanitizer with a little lanyard.  Ta da!  Inexpensive, easy, and fairly unisex. Total cost including card: $1.14 each.  Extra points for using up last year's Christmas cards, but I didn't work here last year, so it's new to everyone.

This what my coworkers received this year.
Merry Christmas, sanitize your hands!

Hey!  For once this list doesn't contain affiliate links!  Good for me.  Make sure to check out my other last-minute gift guides, and merry Christmas (if it's your thing)!

Fave Five: Gifts for Photographers

Photography can be an expensive hobby, but gifts for your photographer friends don't have to be.  These gifts like these can be had for $25 or less.

If you need gifts in time for Christmas, you can get a free 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.  I have and love Amazon Prime.  Not only do I like the near-instant gratification of free two-day shipping, we haven't had cable television for over a year because we stream movies and TV shows from Prime.

Image Credit: Amazon
Camera cufflinks!

Jewelry: I like jewelry to express my hobbies and interests.  Ok, fine.  I just like jewelry, but I would be thrilled to have a camera necklace or earrings to express my love of shooting things.  For the man in your life- camera cufflinks!

Image Credit: Amazon
This is not a lens, it's a coffee mug.
And it's really cool.

Camera Lens Mug: One of my friends is getting this for Christmas.  Combining coffee and cameras is usually a bad idea, but it seems like a great idea with this mug.

Lens Cleaning Kit: It's just the thing for cleaning up after you accidentally pour coffee into you lens instead of your lens-shaped coffee cup.  (Joke.  Don't do that.)  A little kit that fits in a camera bag is infinitely handy.  We ended up trekking all over Paris looking for lens-cleaning wipes or a kit, and that took away time from eating pastries and drinking wine.  Give your friends the gift of time for pastries and wine.

Photography Books and Magazines: Have you figured out that I like books and magazines?  You should see how much I check out from the library.  Yes, I think they make great gifts.  There are books and magazines for every skill level of photographer to provide instruction and information.  Hooray for the written word!

Printing Gift Certificates: Most people use digital cameras now, and one disadvantage to that trend is that many photos never make it out of electronic limbo.  Shutterfly, Zazzle, and other sites offer gift certificates that allow your friend to order prints, custom stationary, and more embellished with their best shots.

Happy gifting!

*Disclosure: I have an Amazon Affiliate account.  This post contains lots of affiliate links.  If you purchase something, I may receive compensation.

Fave Five: Gifts for Experienced Crafters

In case you missed it, I posted gift ideas for new crafters earlier today.  Experienced crafters can be easier or more difficult to shop for.  They know what they like, but they might already have it.  Luckily many crafters tend to me somewhat obsessive, so there is always another gift to give.  Click any of the links below for easy purchase suggestions.

If you need gifts in time for Christmas, you can get a free 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.

Image Credit: Amazon
Someone buy me these crafty earrings.
Right now.

Crafty Jewelry: By and large, crafters like to talk about their crafts. Knitting or sewing-themed accessories tell the world your friend is a crafty, crafty woman.

Decadent Supplies: For the knitter or crocheter, sumptious yarns with fancy fibers like silk, alpaca, or even cashmere.  For beaders, precious or semi-precious beads.

Image Credit: Amazon
These rainbow-hued, double-pointed
needles are beautiful to see and use.

Upgraded Tools: Check your friend's craft tool box.  If she has some tools that are showing their age or if there are some that might be missing.  Last year my mother-in-law gave me beautiful, double-pointed needles that are as lovely as they are functional.  With the gift of tools, you know your friend will think of you as they are crafting throughout the year.

Books and Magazines: One of the many wonderful things about crafting is that there is always something else to learn.  Books can teach advanced techniques and offer inspiration, while magazines have the latest trends and topics.

Storage and Organization: Another trend I've noticed among crafters... their crafts can get a little out of control.  There are many options for boxes, totes, and more to keep crafts organized at home and on the move.  (Note: I wouldn't give this gift to someone I didn't know well.  You don't want anyone to think you're calling them cluttered.)

Craft on!

You can also check out my gift guides including quick crocheted gifts, quick handmade gifts, and gifts under $5.

*Disclosure: I have an Amazon Affiliate account.  This post contains lots of affiliate links.  If you purchase something, I may receive compensation.

Fave Five: Gifts for Crafting Noobs

'Tis the season to be shopping... and the deadline is drawing near to have gifts in time for Christmas.  If you would like to give the gift of craftiness this year, here are five ways to help your friends and family acquire a new hobby.  Click any of the links below for easy purchase suggestions.

If you need gifts in time for Christmas, you can get a free 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.

Image Credit: Amazon
A "class in a box" has the tools, materials,
and instructions needed to introduce
anyone to a new craft. 

Kits: Kits provide a self-contained craft experience.  Look for kits that come with the tools and supplies needed to complete the project, so the crafting noob won't be frustrated.  My friend Nancy (who also encouraged me to start crocheting) sent me an cross-stitch kit for Christmas last year.  The kit allowed me to try a new craft without the commitment of purchasing a large quantity of supplies and tools.  There are kits for beginning knitters, crocheters, beaders, embroiderers, and most any art or craft you can imagine.

Classes:  Many craft stores offer instructional classes.  Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics both have class lists on their website, or check your local, independent craft stores for their class offerings.

Image Credit: Amazon

Magazine Subscriptions:  Subscriptions are the gift that keep on giving.  New and experienced crafters can get inspiration and instruction delivered to their home on a monthly basis.  I subscribe to Crochet!, Crochet Today!, and Knit Simple.  Magazines were especially helpful when I was first learning to see the spectrum of possible projects.  Magazines typically have projects with varying levels of difficulty, so they continue to be useful as your friend's skills progress.

Quality Tools:  Good tools can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a frustrating one.  I've received a two sets of nice crochet hooks, one set of Bamboo Crochet Hooks and one set of Soft Touch Crochet Hooks, and they were a big improvement over my cheap aluminum hooks.  Quality tools don't have to be expensive, and they are more than worth it when they save your friend's sanity.

Image Credit: Amazon

Good tools make any craft more fun.

Craft Subscriptions: There are craft of the month clubs for every interest, and still others that send a variety of crafts to try.  There is yarn of the month, Simply Beads kit of the month, and the Creative Woman Club.  A little googling reveals many more.

The gift of craftiness can be an enduring legacy, long after the kit is made, class is taken, and magazine is read.  Give it it this year!


You can also check out my gift guides from last year including quick crocheted gifts, quick handmade gifts, and gifts under $5.

Check back later for five gift ideas for experienced crafters.

*Disclosure: I have an Amazon Affiliate account.  This post contains lots of affiliate links.  If you purchase something, I may receive compensation.

Fave Five: Souvenirs

I love travel.  You can learn a lot about yourself when you step out of your routine and your comfort zone and experience new places.

• Experiences: The best things you can bring back from any trip aren't "things" at all, they are memories.  Vacations are a perfect time to try something new.  Stephen and I fell in love with snorkeling on our first trip to Cozumel, and I treasure the memories (and photos) of seeing fish and coral up close.  

  

  I bought this coffee on my first trip to
  Portland.

• Coffee or Tea: When you buy coffee or tea as a souvenir you can revisit the trip every time you brew up a pot.  Coffee, tea, and other consumables are also good because you don't have to devote space in your life to them indefinitely.  
• Jewelry: You may have noticed that much of my jewelry was purchased on trips.  I love that jewelry takes up so little physical space, but can instantly provide a tangible connection to great memories.
• Beads and Craft Supplies: I bought fabric in India, beads on one trip to Portland, and yarn on another Portland trip.  Craft supplies are a wonderful souvenir because you get to re-live the joys of the trip while you use the supplies and then re-live it again when you wear or use your finished project.
• Clothing: One of the best souvenirs I've bought recently is a fleece jacket with Las Vegas embroidered on the chest.  I've worn it dozens and dozens of times since that trip to the gym or just running around.  Every time I wear it I think of our fun weekend in Vegas.

I enjoyed reminiscing about the trip while I
made these earrings and again every time I
wear them.

Every time I wear this necklace and earrings set
it brings happy memories of first trip to
Cozumel.

I use souvenirs sort of like a string tied around my finger.  They are physical reminders of happy memories.  In the past I have had trouble with buying too many of those reminders, but now I try to settle on  just one or two.  That way each item is special and meaningful.

Review: True Joy & Chambray (Part 2)

Yesterday I talked about what I like about the Birds Eye View dress from eShakti.com.  Today I'll tell you what I like about eShakti in general.

Discounts on top of discounts.

• Selection of Sizes and Styles:  Clothes on this site are available in sizes 0-36.  This includes all styles.  There are some bombshell dresses on this site.  Every woman, no matter her size, should be able to have a sexy dress or two if she wants them.  Thanks, eShakti!
• Discount Policy:  Many companies have a lot of rules when it comes to how discounts can be used and combined.  EShakti allows you to combine discounts, as you can see in the image on the left.  They allowed me to combine the buy one, get one 50% off promotion with a $25 credit and the 20% DREMFJENNE coupon code.  That kind of service make me feel like they're not trying to jerk me around.  That's a good thing. 
• Pockets: Women's clothes are often lacking pockets, but most dresses and skirts from eShakti have them.  I love dresses with pockets.  
• Shipping: EShakti dresses are made in India, but shipping is lightning fast.  The website typically estimates about 14 days for items to be delivered, but the items I've purchased have arrived much more quickly than that.
• Return Policy:  I'm going to quote from their site here: "It's simple, if you're not happy, we're not happy. Making you look your best is our mission. That's why eShakti offers you a hassle-free returns policy."  If you're not satisfied with your eShakti purchase you can choose either a money-back refund (minus shipping and customization costs) or a gift card for the value of the item plus 20%.
  Again, quoting from their site:  "Our motive is twofold:
  - A way for us to take responsibility for not meeting your initial expectations.
  - To give you the opportunity to order again so that we can try and delight you the next time!"
  Once again, this just seems like a customer-friendly policy.

EShakti.com has impressed me with their straightforward approach to customer service.  It is refreshing to be able to contact an online merchant (or any merchant, really), and get a prompt, courteous reply.  

*I received a dress from eShakti.com at no charge.  All opinions are my own.

Fave Five: Gift Ideas Under $5

It really is the thought that counts, and truly thoughtful gifts don't need to cost a lot of money.  We still have a few days to check those last few people off our lists.

Image Credit: Target
These are so cool.

• Lip Balm: Cold, dry winter air makes chapped lips.  Chapped lips are miserable.  Save your friends from misery by including a nice lip balm with their card or other gifts.  This year I'm giving Chapstickto many of the men on my list because men get chapped lips too, people.  I've given Softlips to my female coworkers many years.  
• Ornaments: Many of the ornaments on our Christmas tree were gifts from friends and family members.  Every time I receive an ornament as a gift I write the year and the person's name in an inconspicuous place, then I think of that person as I decorate the tree every year after.  Ornaments can be found to perfectly suit any taste, interest, and budget, and perfectly matching the present to the recipient is the key to any thoughtful gift.
• Goody Double Wear Hair Elastics: Those of us with long hair know it can be a hassle sometimes.  Goody Double Wear Hair Elastics are terrific because they do double duty as jewelry and hair accessory.  When you are enjoying your long locks, the elastic plays the role of necklace or bracelet.  When your mane is making you insane, you can wear them as headbands or ponytailers.  Target has a wide selection.  That is a lot of accessory power starting at just $4.99.
• Office Accessories: Michaels and Target both routinely have cool stationary in their dollar sections.  I find a few coordinating pieces and package them together.  Lovely note pads, stationary, and the like make the home and office a little brighter all year long.  Sometimes Target even has some manly note pads.  I stock up on note cards for myself and as gifts.
• Keychain Flashlight: I wouldn't have thought to give these, but I received on as a gift and I use it all the time.  You may have to do a little searching, but you can find fairly nice ones for under $5.  Look for models that are ultra compact and use LEDs for the optimum in size, weight, and brightness.

I like to package my small gifts like these with a card and a few pieces of festive candy in a small cellophane gift bag.  

*This post contains affiliate links.  This is not a sponsored post.  

Targeted for Fall

Do you ever feel like a store really has your number?  I hate that feeling.  I don't want to like everything because it's just too expensive and/or frustrating.  Target seems to have me figured out for fall.  I stopped in for a can of tuna fish and was immediately sucked into the clothing.

The first thing that caught my eye was, of course, leopard print on clearance.

Image Credit: Target
This Kirna Zabete trench coat has a
leopard/kiss print.  The leopard spots are made of
kisses!

You should have seen the look on
the sales girl's face when I asked
try on this leopard trench with my leopard
dress, cardi, purse, and shoes.

Next I saw jewel-tone, lace-overlay pencil skirts.  Beautiful!

Image Credit: Target
This skirt comes in black (meh), cobalt blue (!),
emerald green (!), and fuchsia (!).

I tried on cobalt and emerald.
Side note: I probably need a size up,
but all the jogging I've been
doing has been good for my rear view.

I couldn't help but make a bee line for this airy chiffon top.  (I know, I deserve to be pun-ished for that one.)

Image Credit: Target
Can't you imagine it with my bumble bee
necklace and earrings?

Bee-print top and emerald lace skirt.

Close-up of the adorable bee print.

Then I saw a baroque floral print pencil skirt and a sequined mini skirt.  Are you kidding?  I'm working on a post with fall styles I'd like to try and baroque and sequined are on the list!  Target is fighting dirty.

Image Credit: Target
I love this print.  

Image Credit: Target
Sparkly!

They even have a leopard print sweater skirt.  

Image Credit: Target
Warm and cozy and leopard and want it!

Surprisingly I left without buying any of these tempting treasures.  They weren't on my list.  I'll think about them.  I'll lust over them.  I'll probably wait to go back until I think they should be on clearance and instead they'll be gone and I'll be sad.

So if you're in the market for some of the items above, check out Target's selection.  If you're trying to avoid spending every penny you have, consider yourself warned.