Archive for the 'Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips' Category
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
They deserve a medal!
I know how hard my sons’ teachers work. Every day both children can’t wait to go to school, they love the environment and adore their teachers, which makes it so much easier for me!
It also means that I’m more than happy to send a thank you gift at the end of the school year. And I know that most mums and dads out there agree.
In our final blog on teacher’s gifts, I’ve come up with some more ideas to save the teacher from yet another cupboard full of bath foam and chocolates.
Continue reading 'More than an apple for the teacher?'
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Clubbing together with other parents to buy the teacher a gift voucher as an end-of-year thank you is a great idea. But what if you don’t know the other mums and dads well enough to suggest this approach? Or, what if you work full time and rarely visit the playground to meet other parents?
Well, what about something practical?
Continue reading 'End of Term Gift Ideas for Teachers'
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
That time of year again!
The end of the school year is approaching fast and that age-old question has arisen yet again: what do you buy your child’s teacher?
This phenomenon only seems to affect infant and junior school children but it’s one that can’t be ignored.
In the last week of the school year, every staff room in the country must resemble a strange cross between Interflora, Boots and Thorntons.
I’m as guilty as the next mum or dad for rushing round at the last minute trying to think of something different – and I often end up with the usual chocolates or flowers. However if you get a little organised you can come up with a more original gift idea - and hopefully one that your child’s teacher will remember.
Continue reading 'Teacher’s Gifts Ideas - Team up With Other Parents'
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
The tradition of buying the bride and groom wedding gifts originates from when the bride’s father gave money or gifts (a dowrie) to his future son-in-law and family.
The practice has evolved and now wedding guests shower the happy couple with gifts. However, while the “new” tradition might have the Bride’s Father sighing with relief, it has created a maze of issues for wedding guests.
As the wedding season is now in full bloom, I am starting a series of posts on wedding gifts - which will hopefully help you find the right gift! This first post is all about finding affordable wedding gift ideas that will still make an impact.
Continue reading 'Affordable Wedding Gift Ideas To Delight The Bride and Groom'
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
As more and more couples live together before tying the knot, requests for cash or vouchers are becoming increasingly popular.
While it’s a practical solution for the happy couple, not all guests like to give cash or voucher gifts. Knowing how much is appropriate to give and the transparency of how much has been spent can make some guests feel uncomfortable.
To overcome this problem, if the wedding gift is for someone you work with, why not club together with other colleagues?
Continue reading 'Wedding Gifts - What To Do If They Are Asking For Money'
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Have you ever been in the situation when you suddenly realise that your friend’s wedding is next week and you still haven’t bought them a present? As panic sets in you log onto their online wedding gift list - only to discover all that’s left is a saucer or pastry cutter!
Well make sure that you’re prepared in future and as soon as you know that you are going to a wedding, buy the gift. The earlier you do this, the more choice you will have, which means you can choose an impressive looking present that doesn’t break the bank.
But if you’ve left things until the last minute, then you might need some inspiration.
Continue reading 'Last Minute Wedding Gift Ideas'
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Have you ever been to a wedding where the magnanimous couple says ‘we don’t want anything but your company’?
While many couples might feel that sending out gift list details with their wedding invitations can seem presumptuous, the reality is that most guests (especially close friends and relatives) will want to buy a gift to mark the occasion. After all, would you really feel comfortable turning up to a wedding without a gift?
If you know the couple well, you should able to choose a gift that suits their personality or matches their home’s style.
Continue reading 'What If They Want no Wedding Gifts at All?'
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Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
It’s easy to turn a lovely gift into an amazing gift on Mother’s Day - just make it personal.
Flowers are a favourite on Mother’s Day. But instead of just ordering a standard bouquet, ask the florist to use your mum’s favourite flowers or to include her favourite colours in the bouquet.
You could even choose your mum’s birth month flower - just like gemstones, each month has it’s own birth flower - and include those in the arrangement. (see at the end of the post for details)
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try to find a rose that has your mum’s name - or have a rose bush named after her?
Continue reading 'Personalise Your Mother’s Day Gifts'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Mother's Day, Special Occasions | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Mother’s Day is the one day of the year when, as a man, you really do have to stand up and be counted.
Not only are you responsible for making sure that your own mum is feeling loved and appreciated on Mother’s Day, but if you have kids then it’s up to you to make sure that your wife or partner is also being treated like a princess.
Unfortunately this responsibility probably lasts until your kids are old enough to not only have a credit card of their own, but also to pay the bill!
With younger children, you’ll be the one in charge of taking them to the shops to buy the card and present. Alternatively, you’ll have the messy job of supervising them while they make their own gifts!
Continue reading 'Men in charge on Mother’s Day'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Mother's Day, Special Occasions | No Comments »
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
What’s the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received? You know, the one that almost made you cry - or actually had you in floods of tears?
I’m betting that it was something incredibly personal and touching. Perhaps a homemade card or drawing made by your children when they were young, with the words ‘I love you Mummy’ scrawled in crayon.
I have to say that does it for me every time. Flowers and gifts are lovely - and very gratefully received - but it’s the simple messages that mean the most.
That’s why I don’t think that Mother’s Day gestures can be measured in financial terms. I think what’s important is the time and effort you spend to make your Mum feel special - no matter how old you are.
I’m betting that it was something incredibly personal and touching. Perhaps a homemade card or drawing made by your children when they were young, with the words ‘I love you Mummy’ scrawled in crayon.
Continue reading 'What makes Mother’s Day special?'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Mother's Day, Special Occasions | 2 Comments »