Posts Tagged ‘gift baskets’
Summer Camp Gifts
I never went to summer camp. So I’m living vicariously through my 10-year-old niece. Today she embarks on a week of hiking and horseback riding, campfires and canoeing, and s’mores and swimming. Of course, I wouldn’t know anything about the summer heat, mosquito bites, pouring rain, poison ivy, cabin chores and creaky bunk beds. But I imagine she might feel homesick, so she will receive a summer camp care package from her Uncle Gift Giving Guy and Savvy Auntie (tm). I browsed several sites for summer camp gifts and chose Beyond Bookmarks, which offers the “funner size” of the Camp Life care package for Teens and Tweens. This summer camp gift package includes:
- Chucknuka Uglydoll in purple
- Hangman travel game by Magnetic Poetry
- Waterproof playing cards
- Carabiner (clip-on) pen
- 16-ounce water bottle
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Clip flashlight (with batteries included)
- Mosquito repellent wrist band
- Glow necklace
- Water squirting frog toy
- Beach Safe waterproof storage tube on a lanyard
- Green bandanna (which doubles as wrapping instead of tissue paper)
- Fill-in-the-blank thank you note
You can customize your care package with add-on items like an autograph pillowcase with black fabric marker, friendship bracelet kits, binoculars, glow sticks and seek-a-word puzzle books. If you want to treat your camper’s cabin mates, add in a small gift for them when you order the care package. Before you order from Beyond Bookmarks, make sure you have the shipping address and the phone number for the summer camp. If the camp only uses a post office box, select U.S. Postage Service for shipping. (UPS cannot ship to a P.O. box.) If camp is a few weeks away, you can schedule delivery for a future date. Don’t forget to add a personal gift tag message. From your shopping cart, click the red ”Add Gift Tag Message” button. Type in the “to” and “from” names. You have a 100-character limit on your gift message.
I can’t wait for the letter from camp from our niece.
Tags: camp gifts, for kids, games, gift baskets, gift ideas, surprise, toys
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
I love Trader’s Joes. For the uninitiated, this grocery store chain offers its own private-label products with high quality, low prices and great service. The store is practically a tourist destination. My wife’s uncle and aunt drive almost 100 miles into another state to reach the nearest Trader Joe’s.
If you know another Trader Joe’s fan, assemble a TJ’s gift bag. (See if a store is near you.) Start with the colorful, reusable Trader Joe’s tote bag (ranging from 99 cents to $4). Then fill the bag with your TJ favorites. Or try choosing products based on themes like breakfast time, just snacks, taste of Italy, south of the border, Asian favorites, or chocolate lover.
My Trader Joe’s dream gift bag would overflow with my favorite non-perishable products:
- Spicy and Tangy Almonds
- A bottle of Charles Shaw Chardonnay (a.k.a. “Two Buck Chuck”)
- Pita Bite Crackers
- Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
- Truffle Brownie Mix
- Olive Tapenade Spread
- Triple Ginger Snaps
- Baked Jalapeño Cheese Crunchies
As a bonus gift bag item, visit Amazon.com and buy Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s
Tags: books, chocolate+candy, everyday gifts, food, gift baskets, gift ideas
Tomorrow my wife and I are hosting a surprise birthday party with 20 guests attending. Unfortunately, the seating math didn’t add up. Our patio set seats six. Add in a small table with four chairs, and we would have half our guests standing. Fortunately, our next-door neighbors balanced the seating equation, lending two of their patio table sets. To thank them, we are sending a gift basket from igourmet.com.
The Gourmet Thank You Gift Basket features many epicurean goodies:
- Asiago Pressato Cheese
- Black Kassel Sliced Salami
- Mini Toasts for the cheese and salami
- Beemster Gouda Cheese with Mustard Seeds
- Grab an “O” Olives
- Dolmas (Greek stuffed grape leaves)
- Trouvillais by Biscuiterie de l’Abbaye (French shortbread cookies)
- A Dancing Deer Brownie
Tags: food, for hosts, gift baskets, gift ideas, thank you
Yesterday I posted to Twitter about shipping my old iPhone to gadget reseller Gazelle. Within 12 minutes, the folks at Gazelle noticed my tweet message, followed my Twitter feed and sent a nice reply.
That’s a great customer follow-up use of social media. Gazelle’s prompt response made me think about other sites I frequent. How many of my favorite retailers are using Twitter? And when did they start posting tweets? I compiled the table below using Twitter’s “Find People” search and MyTweet16, which lists a Twitter user’s first 16 tweets.
Retailers Using Twitter
| Retailer Web Site | Twitter Use |
| Amazon.com #1 online retailer in the U.S. |
@amazon since Feb. 14, 2009 |
| Barnes & Noble Bookseller |
@BNBuzz since Apr. 22, 2009 |
| Best Buy Consumer electronics |
@BestBuy since Jan. 28, 2009 |
| Borders Bookseller |
@BordersMedia since Feb. 24, 2009 |
| CafePress Online retailer of custom goods |
@cafepress since Apr. 24, 2008 |
| Cooking.com Online retailer for cooks and chefs |
@CookingCom since June 19, 2009 |
| Crate & Barrel Housewares, furniture and decor |
@crateandbarrel since Apr. 25, 2008 |
| Dean & DeLuca Fine food, wine and kitchenware |
@DeanandDeluca since Mar. 23, 2009 |
| Dormbuys.com Essentials for college dorms |
@dormbuys since July 28, 2008 |
| Edible Arrangements Fruit arranged like flowers for delivery |
@DoFruit since Oct. 24, 2008 |
| Etsy Handmade crafts |
@Etsy since Jan. 14, 2008 |
| Gazelle Buys used gadgets |
@gazelle_com since Sept. 19, 2008 |
| Godiva Chocolatier Premium chocolates |
@GodivaChoc since Feb. 6, 2009 |
| JustGive.org Choose from 1.5 million charities for gifts |
@JustGiveOrg since Jan. 16, 2009 |
| Kiva.org Microlending for needy entrepreneurs |
@Kiva since July 25, 2008 |
| Kohls Department store |
@Kohls_Official since Apr. 27, 2009 |
| Lands’ End Clothing retailer with iron-clad guarantee |
@LandsEndChat since Sept. 27, 2008 |
| Levenger Gifts for reading and writing |
@Levenger since Jan. 16, 2009 |
| Nordstrom Upscale department store |
@nordstrom since Sept. 5, 2008 |
| Omaha Steaks Premium meats and seafood |
@OmahaSteaksHelp since June 17, 2009 |
| OneShare Sells one share of stock as a framed gift |
@oneshare since Feb. 4, 2009 |
| Overstock.com Online retailer selling surplus goods |
@Overstock since Nov. 20, 2008 |
| PajamaGram Pajamas sent in a hat box |
@PajamaGram since May 14, 2009 |
| ProFlowers Floral delivery |
@ProFlowers since May 5, 2009 |
| Starbucks Largest coffeehouse chain in the world |
@Starbucks since Aug. 12, 2008 |
| Sur La Table Gourmet cooking utensils and appliances |
@Sur_La_Table since June 11, 2009 |
| Teleflora Floral delivery |
@Teleflora since Mar. 6, 2009 |
| The Fruit Company Fruit basket delivery |
@TheFruitCo since Apr. 29, 2009 |
| ThinkGeek Online retailer for nerd stuff |
@thinkgeek since Jan. 26, 2008 |
| Ticketmaster Concert, show and sports tickets |
@Ticketmaster since Apr. 14, 2009 |
| Trader Joe’s Great groceries and inexpensive wine |
@traderjoes since Aug. 28, 2008 |
| Travelocity Travel and lodging |
@travelocity since Feb. 10, 2009 |
| ToysRUs Toy retailer |
@ToysRUs since Nov. 15, 2008 |
| Uncommon Goods Unusual home accessories and gifts |
@uncommon_goods since Jan. 24, 2009 |
| Urban Outfitters Clothing and footwear retailer |
@UrbanOutfitters since July 21, 2008 |
| Vera Bradley Seller of brightly patterned bags |
@verabradley since June 4, 2008 |
| Z Gallerie Home decor, furniture and dinnerware |
@zgallerie since June 14, 2009 |
| Zappos.com CEO of the online shoe retailer |
@zappos since Mar. 8, 2008 |
| Zazzle.com Online retailer for custom merchandise |
@zazzle since Oct. 24, 2008 |
Of the 40 retailers above, grocery chain Trader Joe’s use of Twitter impressed me the most. Nearly all of Trader Joe’s posts are simply retweets of customer talking about TJ’s food and beverages on Twitter. (Jargon alert: Retweets repeat someone else’s message on Twitter — crediting the author — to help spread the message to others. Often abbreviated as RT, it’s word of mouth, Twitter-style.)
Finally, as I’m writing this post, Gazelle sent me another Twitter reply. This time, Gazelle thanked me for my tweet and offered me a 5% bump in value on my next Gazelle gadget trade-in.
Tags: books, charitable gifts, chocolate+candy, clothing, coffee, college, customer service, decor, flowers, food, gadgets, gift baskets, gift sites, giftology, stock, thank you, toys, travel, wine
