Archive for the 'Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips' Category
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 »
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 | 1 Comment »
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 »
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
Are you one of the thousands of families of GCSE and A level students who are hoping to celebrate their exam success this summer?
If so, have you thought about how you are planning to reward all their hard work and effort?
Well, you could go for the traditional meal out or cash, but what about something that little bit different? We’ve come up with some more interesting ideas to help you celebrate their exam success in real style.
Find out what they like
Before you do anything you need to make sure that your gift won’t end up in the bottom of a drawer somewhere.
Continue reading 'Celebrate A Levels and GCSE Exam Results'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Special Occasions, Updates | No Comments »
Monday, June 30th, 2008
For totally stress free gift buying, it is best to plan ahead. Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s day and Christmas all happen on the same date each year, so there is no excuse to forget them! Schedule all your important dates on a wall calendar, diary or computer, then work a month in advance. For example in March buy the gifts you need for April, in April buy those for May and so on.
It might also be worthwhile stocking up on a few “generic gifts” such as wine or scented candles for emergencies or last minute invitations.
If you plan ahead, you will not only enjoy stress free gift buying but you will also most certainly save money – you will be able to shop during the sales or spot bargain gifts all year around rather than spending extra on last minute gifts.
For more on great gift giving visit our Gift Guide and check out our article “Get Organised and Start Enjoying Shopping for Presents“
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Updates | No Comments »
Saturday, June 28th, 2008
In This month’s “Gift Tips”, we speak to Paula Gardner From Do Your Own PR. I hope you enjoy it and find inspiration on how to find the perfect gift!
What is the best gift you have ever received?
Probably my bed – gorgeous iron bed that’s very luxurious and decorative. Given to me by my boyfriend (now husband), and such a great gift because I use it every day and still love it!
What is the worst present you have received?
An alarm clock, given to me by a different boyfriend. It was just so boring and unromantic. In fact I had a tantrum and threw it in the duck pond (I was only 17 at the time!).
Who is the most difficult person you have to buy for? Why?
My father as he’s not particularly materialistic. He likes chocolates and play station games but that gets a bit samey after a bit.
Continue reading 'Gift Tips Interview With Paula Gardner From Do Your Own PR'
Posted in Gift Gossip, Ideas & Tips, Gift Interviews | 1 Comment »