Archive for the 'Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips' Category
Monday, December 7th, 2009
When I was young, apart from Christmas, my birthday was just about the most exciting day of the year. And I know my kids now feel the same; they start talking about their birthdays months in advance.
But everyone’s enthusiasm for birthdays began to fade as the numbers increased. I also found that a big birthday would suddenly arrive and remind me just how quickly time passes.
Yet when I was talking to a good friend of mine, my attitude towards birthdays changed again. Her next big birthday has appeared on the horizon and she isn’t the least bit bothered, in fact she’s quite looking forward to it.
Continue reading 'Big Birthdays – a great excuse for a party!'
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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
I love Christmas. But it gets more expensive every year.
As the kids grow up, the presents seem to be getting smaller but the price becomes greater!
When the festive season comes around again and the kids look at you with those longing eyes, any promises to keep my budget in check fly out the window as fast as the cash flies out of my purse.
So this year, I thought I’d put together an article with some handy hints and tips on budget Christmas gifts and advice on how to stick to your budget and make your money go further.
Continue reading 'Budget Christmas Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank'
Posted in Christmas, Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Special Occasions | No Comments »
Monday, October 12th, 2009
We have added several new articles to help you with gift ideas and party tips on the Big Fat Balloons web site.
Why not have a read while you’re enjoying a cuppa or have a spare 5 minutes. You may find some useful advice – or at least enjoy a good giggle! See all the subjects covered in the full article.
Continue reading 'New Gift Ideas and Party Tips Articles'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Updates | 2 Comments »
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?'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Special Occasions | 1 Comment »
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'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Weddings | No Comments »
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'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Special Occasions, Weddings | No Comments »
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'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Special Occasions, Weddings | No Comments »
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?'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Special Occasions, Weddings | No Comments »