Gift Mama

I'm Bored!

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 09:17:15 -0400

Put an end to those words, by giving the gift of a BabbaBox membership!

BabbaBox was created by a mama who wanted to provide much more then just a box of crafts delivered to your door. Founder Jessica Kim assembled a team of experts to help create each theme based box that aims to Create, Explore, Story Tell, and Connect.

Not only does the box include a craft (or two), it also comes with a story and downloads for interactive learning on the computer!

I love this idea for gifting, and BabbaBox makes it easy with three gift membership options (1 mo, 3 mo, 12 mo). Membership starts at $29.99!

http://www.babbaco.com

Teacher's Pet

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:12:40 -0400

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching, and that means it’s time to consider some teacher’s gifts.

Instead of giving the usual, check out a store like C Wonder for some fun finds.

I LOVE this crystal pen, and I especially LOVE the price: $6!

Pair that with the Monogrammed Stationary Set: $10, and you’ve got a great teacher’s gift for under $20!

http://www.cwonder.com/home-decor/shop-by-category/stationery-writing/crystal-pen.html

http://www.cwonder.com/home-decor/shop-by-category/stationery-writing/monogram-stationery-card-set.html

Bubbles + Giveaway!!!

Tue, 29 May 2012 06:51:00 -0400

If you’ve ever played outside with bubbles (especially a bubble machine), then you surely know just how MESSY they can be.

I recently got to check out the Little Kids No-Spill Bubble Machine at the Time to Play Spring Showcase, and let me tell you - it did not disappoint! The bubbles are kept in the bottom container - simply attach the top, push the button and bubbles, bubbles everywhere! I really love how you can tilt and point it (without bubbles spilling everywhere)!

This makes a great gift for ages 3+ - It is $16.99, and can be found here: http://www.nospillbubbles.com/index.php/shop/no-spill/bubble-machine

***Giveaway******

Little Kids was nice enough to give one lucky reader their very own No-Spill BubbleMachine! :)

Here’s how to enter:

1. Follow @Gift_Mama on Twitter

2. Tweet: “I just entered to win a Little Kids No-Spill Bubble Machine on http://www.giftmama.com #giftmamagiveaway”

Details: One entry per person, Contest ends Sunday, June 3, 2012

Good Luck :)

Memorial Day BBQ

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:50:46 -0400

It is the kick off to SUMMER, and many people will be attending BBQ’s this weekend, so here are some fun host / hostess gift ideas to bring to the party - all under $30 (and, readily accessible for you to grab last minute):

Clockwise From the Top:

1. Regional BBQ Sauces: Williams-Sonoma carries a sampling of America’s best BBQ Sauces (from Oklahoma to Texas, and more). Starting at $9.95: http://tinyurl.com/6lztvve

2. Man Candles: Yankee Candle came out with a line of man candles that have “manly scents,” such as: Cut Grass, 2x4, and First Down. They start at $17.99, and can be found here: http://www.yankeecandle.com/yankee-candles/man-candles

3. Skinny Girl (anything): You can’t go wrong with a bottle of any of the Skinny Girl products, but I particularly love the SG Sangria. Pour it over ice and fruit - delicious! Skinny Girl Cocktails are around $12 and are carried in most liquor stores: http://www.skinnygirlcocktails.com/the-cocktails/ready-to-serve-cocktails

4. Picnic Table Condiment Set: This fun gift holds ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper. It is $14.99 from Bed,Bath,and Beyond: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=18689332&RN=806&

5. Woven Pitcher: I love these! Adorable red or blue woven pitcher from West Elm (they also have woven glasses). The pitcher is currently on sale for $9.99 http://www.westelm.com/products/woven-pitcher-c971/?pkey=coutdoor-entertaining

Happy Gifting Everyone! Have a great long weekend, and God Bless our Troops!

Paper or Plastic

Fri, 25 May 2012 10:05:00 -0400

Los Angeles is the latest city to BAN plastic bags, and most probably your city will be next.

So, why not be stylish and eco-friendly by sporting one of these fabulous reusable bags by RuMe?!

I know it might sound odd to give the gift of a reusable bag, but if you think outside of the box (or bag) a little, it makes perfect sense: use a reusable bag as a Gift BAG! It’s like giving two gifts in one! :)

The set of RuMe bags pictured above is $29.85. They are machine washable, hold up to 50 pounds, and roll up for easy storage!

http://www.myrume.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ID=184&PK=ac3c3702-0750-4284-94ac-af2c412c63d8

Swiss Swirl

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:54:16 -0400

I don’t post a lot of recipes, but in some instances I do feel that a food item can be presented as a gift…and…THIS is one of them.

Meet my new obsession: The Swiss Swirl Ice Cream Cake

This gorgeous cake is filled with ice cream, hot fudge, and swiss cake rolls. The recipe says it is quick, but you do need to factor in a bunch of freezer time.

Great gift to bring to a weekend BBQ - it would definitely be the hit of the party! :)

Here is a link to the recipe:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Swiss-Swirl-Ice-Cream-Cake

Toddler in Training

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:20:43 -0400

I just got this cup for my two year old, so I wanted to recommend it as a gift idea, and give you my thoughts on it. My son is starting preschool in the Fall, and I want him to be “dixie cup ready,” so I bought this to help him start practicing.

The OXO Training Cup works like a regular drinking cup, except it has a plastic insert in the top to slow the liquid down.

We tried it last night for the first time, and instead of having 1/2 a cup of liquid on his shirt, I would say there was 1/4. I think this is a great cup, and with a little more practice, it will make the transition to a big boy cup a lot easier!

It is $4.99 on Diapers.com:

http://www.diapers.com/p/oxo-training-cup-7-oz-aqua-79800

I Heart NYC

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:01:15 -0400

If you need a gift for someone that holds NYC close to their heart, then look no further then the New York Nostalgia Basket from Chelsea Market Baskets.

The basket has all sorts of NY-centric goodies, including a Statue of Liberty Lollie, Checker Cab Crunch, and Black and White Cookies!

They have many baskets to choose from, but the one pictured above is $59:

http://www.chelseamarketbasket.com/8542.html

Lunch Bot

Sun, 20 May 2012 10:21:40 -0400

Remember the days when we carried our lunch to school in a plastic box with The Cabbage Patch dolls or The Smurfs on the front?

Well, those days (are clearly) over. If you don’t have school-age kids, you wouldn’t know about the fabulous new lunch boxes - LunchBots!

Made out of stainless steel, Lunchbots were created by a mama who wanted to pack her children’s lunch in a safe, non-toxic container.

They start at $14.99 and can be found here:

http://www.lunchbots.com

*Gift Idea: Purchase a Lunchbot (or bots) and fill it with “goodies” for the child :)

Bird Lover

Sat, 19 May 2012 11:13:10 -0400

Need a gift for the bird lover in your life?

Then check out the Artline Bird Combo Feeder..It’s adorable design not only looks good, it lets you see when your seed level is low.

It is $25.99 and can be found here:

http://www.casa.com/p/artline-6290-barn-combo-bird-feeder-414103

Jewels that Give

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:37:49 -0400

I am a big fan of gifts that give back…so, when I came across the company 31 Bits I instantly fell in love!

If you are in need of a gift for anyone that loves to give, then you have to check them out.

When you buy a piece of 31 Bits jewelry, you are supporting internally displaced women in Northern Uganda and helping them to rise above poverty.

The necklace pictured above is made out of recycled paper and is $26:

http://31bits.com/shop/necklaces/jubilee.html

Hold It

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:02:00 -0400

Keep your drinks out of the sand (or grass) with these fun drink holders by Eddie Bauer!

A set of 5 is $29.95 - great gift for the beach bum in your life :)

Click here to check them out: http://goo.gl/Uiit3

Pampered Pooch

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:01:00 -0400

Need a gift for the dog lover in your life? Then sign them up for Bark Box!

Bark Box is a monthly subscription that is filled with fun toys and delicious treats for the pampered pooch.

Simply choose the size of the dog receiving the goodies, and the length of the subscription you wish to give.

Prices start at $25, and 10% of each box purchased is donated to a local shelter!

http://www.barkbox.com

Organized

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:02:43 -0400

This little gem is made by a Japanese company, and teaches kids that organization can be fun!

The shoe rack stores up to 4 pairs of shoes, and is perfect for small spaces.

It is $29.50, and can be found here:

http://www.mysweetmuffin.com/item/Kid-s-Shoes-Rack-from-Japan-Green/723

Scrubbed

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:17:11 -0400

For all of you last minute gift givers out there….Martha Stewart to the rescue! In doing my own DIY Mother’s Day gift idea research, I stumbled upon this easy and thoughtful gem: a DIY Body Scrub for Mom.

With only 4 ingredients, all it takes is a little time (which you still have).

Check out Martha’s recipe and get the printables here:

http://www.marthastewart.com/265388/body-scrub?center=307033&gallery=342076&slide=265388

Sweet

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:36:41 -0400

Give Mom a sweet treat this Mother’s Day with this delicious Jam Gift Set (which includes: Plum Cherry, Orange Apricot, Strawberry Raspberry, Mixed Berry, Peach Apricot, and Pineapple Mango).

Sarabeth’s has been a NYC staple for over 30 years, and now everyone can try her yummy preserves (thanks to William Sonoma).

Since time is running out, I suggest heading to William Sonoma to pick them up, and if you’re a baker perhaps make mom some scones to go with (if you’re not a baker, head to the store)! :)

The set is $39.95:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sarabeths-jam-gift-set/?pkey=cgift-sets

Tech Mama

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:03:23 -0400

Do you have a Tech Savvy Mom? Then update her boring iphone case with something fun and pretty!

Many of the fashion designers make tech accessories - why shouldn’t our phones and ipads be fashionable?!

If your mom is into gadgets, then get her a fabulous case, like this one by Rebecca Minkoff. It is $38 from Bloomies:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/rebecca-minkoff-iphone-case-red?ID=613893&CategoryID=21485#fn%3Dspp%3D24

Celebrate!

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:55:01 -0400

Need a gift for the crafty Mama in your life? Then check out “celebraTORI” - the latest book from one of my favorite celeb Moms, Tori Spelling.

In the book, Tori dishes on her tips and tricks for throwing the perfect party - no matter what the occasion. From showers to birthday parties, she has you covered - and - she does it on a budget!

This is a fun book for any mama that likes to entertain! It is currently on sale for $16.99 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/celebraTORI-Unleashing-Planner-Entertain-Friends/dp/1451627904/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336526912&sr=8-1

Thank You

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:02:22 -0400

The gift of personalized stationary works for just about everyone, but with Mother’s Day around the corner I love these springtime thank-you notes from Tiny Prints.

Tiny Prints is NOT just for kids, they have beautiful adult stationary as well! :)

Prices start at 1.99 each (10 cards are $19.99) and they go down from there (the more you order, the less you pay per card).

http://www.tinyprints.com/

First Time Mama

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:18:05 -0400

Give a first time Mama this beautiful frame for Mother’s Day, so she will always remember it!

It is $24.95 and completely customizable.

http://www.personalizationmall.com/First-Mothers-Day-Personalized-Picture-Frame-p9702.prod?sdest=dept&sdestid=1031&storeid=19&categoryid=1031