Posts Tagged ‘food’
A Gift for New Neighbors
We have two new neighbors, and nothing breaks the ice like a simple gift. My favorite welcome present is a 1.7-ounce jar of Fox Point Seasoning from Penzeys Spices. Moving to a new home often means purging — sometimes clearing out the spice rack — so fresh spices make a welcome gift. This Penzeys jar costs $8 so your neighbor won’t feel beholden.
A flavorful mix of salt, chives, peppercorns, scallions and shallots, Fox Point Seasoning adds zest to chicken, fish, salads and steamed vegetables. I can no longer imagine scrambled eggs without it.
Simply tie a ribbon just under the lid and attach a welcome card with your names signed legibly. Walk over to your new neighbor, introduce yourself and give a neighborly present.
Tags: food, gift ideas, spices, welcome
Are you among the nine million users of foursquare, the leading check-into-places smartphone app? If yes, try using foursquare to find gift hints from your friends check-ins and tips. Launch foursquare, tap the friends icon, then the friend’s name. Notice that foursquare now shows the five most explored categories and top five check-in locations for your friends. These categories and locations can serve as hints for gift ideas.
Start by tapping Mayorships. See where your friend reigns as mayor — the places that she checked in more days than anyone else on foursquare. If your friend is the mayor of the local Trader Joe’s, consider building a Trader Joe’s gift bag.
Next, check out the Most Explored Categories over the last six months. Tap each category, like Coffee Shops, to see the locations. Does he check into five different Starbucks? Load up a Starbucks card as a gift. How about a gift certificate to the Stir Crazy Asian Grill she frequents every month?
Scroll down to see the Top Places your friend has checked in. Maybe she has shopped at Urban Outfitters five times since January. Now you know she’ll appreciate a UO gift card.
Finally, look through your friends’ foursquare Tips and To-Dos. From a tip, I see one of my friends loves yogurt-covered banana chips from the local natural food co-op. Another friend has a to-do item to visit Penzeys Spices.
Use foursquare to turn your friends’ whereabouts and tips into favorite gifts.
Related Post: Gifts for foursquare Fans
Tags: choosing gifts, clothing, coffee, food, gadgets, gift cards, gift ideas, social media
Oprah Winfrey loves to give. She graciously signed off today after 25 years of daytime television and nearly a decade of her audience-swooning Favorite Things. The blog Jezebel estimates Oprah gave $23,809,050 worth of products since 2002. Not every gift stood the test of time — like Dell’s Pocket DJ MP3 player and J.Lo’s velour sweatsuit — but most have. Let Oprah be your guide for your next gift.
Automotive
- Garmin nüvi 250 Portable GPS Device (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $180
- Magellan RoadMate GPS Navigation (Favorite Things 2004) $150
- Volkswagen 2012 Beetle (Favorite Things 2010 — just a peek at the silhouette, not a giveaway)
Beauty and Body Care
- Andre Walker Hair Care Products (Favorite Things 2010) $65
- Bath & Body Works Purifying Mask (Favorite Things 2003) $18
- BlissLabs Glamour Gloves and Glamour Gel (Favorite Things 2002) $60
- Bourjois Lipsticks, Lipgloss, Lipliners and Lipbrush (Favorite Things 2004) $25
- Clarisonic Skin Care System (Favorite Things 2007) $195
- Claus Porto Soaps (Favorite Things 2007) $45
- DreamTime Foot Cozys (Favorite Things 2002) $50
- Frédéric Fekkai Creme Luxueuse (Favorite Things 2003) $65
- Frédéric Fekkai Apple Cider Clean Shampoo and Conditioner (Favorite Things 2003) $24
- “Grace” Basket from Philosophy (Favorite Things 2005) $115
- Hope in a Jar by Philosophy (Favorite Things 2010) $38
- Kai Body Butter and Body Buffer (Favorite Things 2007) $83
- Kiehl’s Limited Edition Gift Box (Favorite Things 2002) $265
- Lollia Lifestyle Collection Hand Cream and Foaming Bubble Bath (Favorite Things 2004) $58
- Lovely Perfume by Sarah Jessica Parker (Favorite Things 2005) $62
- MAC Cosmetic Carrying Case (Favorite Things 2003) $125
- NARS Kabuki Artisan Botan Cosmetics Brush (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $75
- Origins A Perfect World White Tea Body Cream (Favorite Things 2002) $31
Beverages
- Holiday Favorites Assortment from Talbott Teas (Favorite Things 2010) $150
- MarieBelle Hot Chocolate Powder (Favorite Things 2002) $25
- Piper-Heidsieck Champagne (Favorite Things 2002) $40
- SpecialTeas (Teavana) Fine Tea Gift Certificate (Favorite Things 2004) $100
- Starbucks Gift Card (Favorite Things 2004) $100
Books and Magazines
- The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David Wroblewski (Favorite Things 2008) $17
- A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $8
- A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson (Favorite Things 2010) $25
- Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson (Favorite Things 2002) $11
- O, The Oprah Magazine Cookbook (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $18
- O’s Guide to Life (Favorite Things 2007) $20
- The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo (Favorite Things 2010) $19
- The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (Favorite Things 2007) $15
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (Favorite Things 2002) $7
- O, The Oprah Magazine subscription (Favorite Things 2002) $18
- The Neiman Marcus Cookbook (Favorite Things 2003) $45
Charitable Gifts
- DonorsChoose.org Gift Card (Favorite Things 2010) $100
- Kiva Gift Card (Favorite Things 2010) $100
Clothing and Accessories
- Apple Bottom Jeans by Nelly (Favorite Things 2004) $70
- Balboa Medallion Rolling Duffel by Toss Designs (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $168
- Barefoot Dreams Robes and Throw Blankets (Favorite Things 2003) $135
- Burberry Coat and Purse (Favorite Things 2005) $1385
- Cambio Jeans (Favorite Things 2003) $150
- Cashmere Cable Sweater by Ralph Lauren (Favorite Things 2010) $498
- Cashmere Scarf by Burberry (Favorite Things 2004) $250
- Classic Sparkles UGG Australia Boots (Favorite Things 2010) $175
- Dooney & Bourke Leather Duffle Bag (Favorite Things 2004) $495
- Eileen Fisher Cardigan (Favorite Things 2004) $200
- Eileen Fisher Pants (Favorite Things 2004) $178
- FitFlops (Favorite Things 2008) $50
- H&M swimsuit (Favorite Things 2008) $15
- Karen Neuburger Pajamas and Socks (Favorite Things 2002) $68
- Kashwére Shawl Collar Robe (Favorite Things 2005) $145
- lululemon Relaxed Fit Pants (Favorite Things 2010) $98
- Magaschoni Embellished Tunic and Leggings (Favorite Things 2010) $298
- Miraclebody Jeans by Miraclesuit (Favorite Things 2010) $110
- Nike “Free Run+” Shoes (Favorite Things 2010) $85
- Nike Dri-FIT Workout Outfit (Favorite Things 2003) $130
- NikeiD Custom Shoes (Favorite Things 2005) $110
- Nordstrom Lingerie $500 gift card (Favorite Things 2010) $500
- Pure Color Cords (Favorite Things 2005) $170
- Quilted Jacket by Burberry (Favorite Things 2004) $195
- Rachel Pally Sailor Pants (Favorite Things 2007) $194
- Rachel Pally Swing Turtleneck (Favorite Things 2007) $141
- Ralph Lauren Black Label Cashmere Slim Fit Crewneck Sweater (Favorite Things 2003) $450
- Ralph Lauren’s Black Label Cashmere Cable-knit Sweater with Front Placket in Camel (Favorite Things 2005) $498
- Reva Ballerina Flat by Tory Burch (Favorite Things 2010) $195
- Season 25 T-Shirt from the O Store (Favorite Things 2010) $38
- Silver Ox Cuff Watch from Chico’s (Favorite Things 2002) $40
- Sophia Satchel by Coach (Favorite Things 2010) $398
- Tory Tote by Tory Burch (Favorite Things 2010) $250
- Tube Readers and Case (Favorite Things 2002) $30
- UGG Australia Classic Crochet Tall Boots (Favorite Things 2007) $120
- UGG Australia’s Uptown Boot (Favorite Things 2005) $180
- UGG Classic Short Boots (Favorite Things 2003) $140
- Yummy Tummies Tank (Favorite Things 2008) $62
Electronics
- Apple iPad (Favorite Things 2010) $500
- Apple iPod (Favorite Things 2005) $300
- Blackberry Smartphone from T-Mobile (Favorite Things 2005) $130
- Dell Wide-Screen LCD TV (Favorite Things 2004) $800
- Digital Camera from Frontgate (Favorite Things 2002) $250
- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera (Favorite Things 2010) $700
- Samsung mobile phone/camera (Favorite Things 2002) $350
- Samsung Progressive HD Camcorder SC-HMX10C (Favorite Things 2007) $750
- Sony BRAVIA LX900 HDTV with 3D (Favorite Things 2010) $3600
- Sony Camcorder (Favorite Things 2006) $300
- Sony Handycam (Favorite Things 2003) $1000
- Sony VAIO notebook (Favorite Things 2005) $1500
- Talking Photo Album (Favorite Things 2002) $30
Food Favorites
- Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac ‘N’ Cheese (Favorite Things 2010) $29
- Brownies from Moveable Feast Geneva (Favorite Things 2005) $25
- Centerville Pie Company’s Chicken Pie (Favorite Things 2010) $20
- Ciao Bella Blood Orange Sorbetto (Favorite Things 2007) $33
- Cranberry Creations Chocolate Covered Cranberries by Nantucket Clipper (Favorite Things 2002) $35
- Croissants from Williams-Sonoma (Favorite Things 2002) $40
- Fat Witch Baby (Brownies) Gift Tin (Favorite Things 2002) $47
- Garrett’s Special Limited-Edition Favorite Things Tin (Favorite Things 2010) $135
- Good Karmal (Caramels) Mini Crates (Favorite Things 2002) $10
- Gourmet Florida Key Lime Bundt Cake (Favorite Things 2004) $28
- Greenberg Smoked Turkeys (Favorite Things 2003) $50
- Holiday tin of Garrett’s Popcorn (Favorite Things 2002) $80
- Key Lime Pie from The Little Pie Company (Favorite Things 2002) $65
- Oatmeal Cookie Dough from Fox & Obel Market (Favorite Things 2005) $50
- Perfect Endings Desserts from Williams-Sonoma (Favorite Things 2007) $60
- Williams-Sonoma Mini Croissants (Favorite Things 2010) $40
Games
- Scrabble App for the iPad by Electronic Arts (Favorite Things 2010) $5
- Scrabble Premier Edition from Hasbro (Favorite Things 2007) $300
Home and Office Furnishings
- Barefoot Dreams Throw Blankets (Favorite Things 2003) $130
- Cashmere Cable Throw by Ralph Lauren (Favorite Things 2010) $595
- Elfa Customizable Closet System from the Container Store (Favorite Things 2010) $1000
- Lafco House and Home Collection Candle Set (Favorite Things 2010) $55
- Officemax Gift Card (Favorite Things 2004) $100
- Picture Frames by Jay Strongwater (Favorite Things 2002) $115
- Williams-Sonoma Home Bedsheet Sets (Favorite Things 2004) $388
Jewelry
- Jessica Leigh Diamond Earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs (Favorite Things 2010) $1900
- Judith Ripka Eclipse Earrings (Favorite Things 2010) $525
- Judith Ripka Necklace (Favorite Things 2003) $400
- Museum Automatic Arte Watch by Movado (Favorite Things 2004) $1000
- Philip Stein 25th Anniversary “Oprah” Watch (Favorite Things 2010) $2475
- Philip Stein Diamond Watch (Favorite Things 2005)
- Philip Stein Watch (Favorite Things 2003) $595
- Sophie Jewelry Box from Pottery Barn (Favorite Things 2010) $180
- TOYWATCH Crystal and Colored Crystal Watch (Favorite Things 2007) $150
Kitchen and Appliances
- Baker’s Edge Brownie Pan and Ghirardelli Brownie Mix (Favorite Things 2010) $35
- Baker’s Edge Lasagna Pan (Favorite Things 2010) $50
- Breville Panini Press (Favorite Things 2010) $100
- FoodSaver Vac 800 (Favorite Things 2003) $120
- Hand-Blown Crystal Champagne Glasses by Deborah Ehrlich (Favorite Things 2004) $195
- HDTV Refrigerator with Weather and Info Center (Favorite Things 2007) $3800
- Herb Savor by Prepara (Favorite Things 2010) $30
- Kyocera Ceramic Cutlery Set by Ming Knives (Favorite Things 2010) $75
- Le Creuset Cookware (Favorite Things 2010) $600
- Maytag Top-Load Washer and Drying Center (Favorite Things 2004) $1100
- Melamine Bowls, Measuring Cups and Spoons from Williams-Sonoma (Favorite Things 2007) $54
- Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit (Favorite Things 2007) $90
- The Artisan Stand Mixer from KitchenAid Home Appliances (Favorite Things 2007) $350
- Weber Genesis EP-310 Gas Grill in copper (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $700
Movies and Television
- Five-Year Netflix Membership (Favorite Things 2010) $600
- The Discovery Channel’s Planet Earth DVD Set (Favorite Things 2007) $31
- The Oprah Winfrey Show 20th Anniversary Collection DVD Collection (Favorite Things 2005) $40
- United Artists 90th Anniversary Prestige Collection (Favorite Things 2007) $870
Music
- A Christmas Prayer by BeBe Winans (Favorite Things 2004) $5
- Decoded by Jay-Z (Favorite Things 2010) $35
- Illuminations by Josh Groban (Favorite Things 2010) $13
- Let It Be Me by Johnny Mathis (Favorite Things 2010) $12
- The Beginning by the Black Eyed Peas (Favorite Things 2010) $18
- The Christmas Album by Johnny Mathis (Favorite Things 2002)
- Josh Groban’s Noel (Favorite Things 2007) $10
- Growing Pains by Mary J. Blige (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $10
- Together Book and CD Collection (Favorite Things 2002) $149
Travel
- $200 gift card from Courtyard by Marriott (Favorite Things Summer 2008) $200
- Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruise (Favorite Things 2010)
- Trip to Miraval Resort and Spa (Favorite Things 2004)
Tags: birthday, books, charitable gifts, chocolate+candy, clothing, dvds, food, for her, gadgets, games, gift baskets, gift cards, gift ideas, indulgences, jewelry, lists, movies, music, tea, television shows, travel
Looking for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, and you can’t give it in person? Yeah, me too. I want either a Sunday home delivery or an email notification of a meaningful gift to Mom.
Last week, I tried ordering a pressed flower pendant necklace from Uncommon Goods. The flower jewelry I wanted was out of stock. I gave Edible Arrangements a shot, but the shops near me only have Monday delivery dates for their fruit bouquets. Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift, but I sent Mom a dozen irises in a vase for her birthday last month.
Amazon offers online gift cards
Next, I found a fashion tee website with a conscience called Project Iris. A portion of each purchase supports World Food Program USA, providing meals to mothers and children in developing countries. Great tees and a great cause that my mom supports — it sounds perfect. The problem: Project Iris online gift certificates take one to two business days to deliver. Not soon enough. I’ll note this one for a future present in Mom’s gift dossier.
In the end, I chose to give to the Meals for Moms campaign, a part of the Meals on Wheels charity. My mom volunteers at a local food bank. So I know she will appreciate a gift to a hunger relief charity that provides meals for home-bound mothers and grandmothers. I sent a Meals on Wheels e-card letting her know the gift will feed a dozen moms for a week.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Tags: charitable gifts, choosing gifts, clothing, flowers, food, for her, for mom, gift cards, jewelry, mother's day
Clark Griswold expected a four-figure Christmas bonus. Instead, he got a membership in the Jelly of the Month Club [YouTube video].
While National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation pokes fun at “of the month” clubs, I think Cousin Eddie had it right: “That’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the entire year.”
Consider giving from these 12 “of the month” clubs.
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Omaha Steaks Gourmet Entree of the Month Give 12 months of mouth-watering meat, from top sirloins in January to prime rib in December. |
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Jigsaw Java Puzzle of the Month Choose how many puzzle pieces and how many months (six or 12 months) for a puzzle fan. |
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ProFlowers Flowers of the Month Club Send fresh, seasonal flowers to your love every month with ProFlowers. |
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The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club Surprise the beer lover on your gift list with 12 months of 12-pack microbrews. |
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Stone Creek Coffee of the Month My favorite coffee addiction, sent in two-pound monthly doses for a year. |
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12 Months of Netflix Give a 12-month gift subscription to more than 100,000 movies and TV shows. |
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Threadless 12 Club Cool in cotton form. Your giftee receives a dozen creative t-shirts, voted on by the online public. |
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Tie of the Month Club The Tie Bar will deliver a dozen ties to your guy over the next year. Choose from traditional, trendy or “trenditional.” |
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Giftlit Monthly Books Give 12 month’s worth of the best books for children, teens, men and women as selected by librarians, educators, authors and literary editors. |
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Popping Through the Months Club Send a different flavor of popcorn — like chocolate drizzle caramel corn — each month. |
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Fishing Lure of the Month Thrill your fishing enthusiast with 12 months of freshwater or saltwater lures. |
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Forbidden Foods Club No one can handle a whole year of Zingerman’s forbidden foods. Select three months or six months of dangerous gluttony. |
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Tags: books, chocolate+candy, christmas, clothing, coffee, dvds, flowers, food, for her, games, gift ideas, guy gifts, indulgences, lists, movies, television shows
