Wine Lover's Picnic Basket

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Price: $200

For: Her, Him
Interests: Accessories, Outdoors, Home
 
Lately, I've gotten questions about unique wedding gifts. After scouring the web for a bit, here's my pick: a handcrafted wine lover's picnic basket. It makes for a creative and delightful alternative to the basic silverware and cookware. This works well for Valentine's Day too.  If you are living in Hawaii, stop by the beach with some sushi and cold sake. If you are in Colorado, enjoy an indoor picnic by the fire with toasty marshmellows or a simple grilled cheese sandwich and a hot tomato soup. Available at WilliamsSonoma.com.

Diamond Key Pendant

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Price: $320

For: Her

Interests: Accessories
 
The best gifts are symbolic, they say something that you know but might not speak. Whether you are the keyholder or the lock, here's a pendant with 21 diamonds that carries the code of your message. Available at Mblife.com.

Flip and Tumble Reusable Bags

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Price: $15

For: Her, Him

Interests: Accessories
 
Just received this fun reusable, lightweight bag as a gift. The design is genius, inside the bag, there is a small elastic pocket for your cell phone or keys. The magic happens when you scrunch up the bag and invert the little pocket like a sock to store this mini traveller. Available at FlipandTumble.com.

Brainy Smurf Tee

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Price: $24

For: Her

Interests: Accessories
 
Remember Smurfs from the good old days of normal cartoons where houses were made of mushrooms? Here reinvented for your smart friends in comfy cotton short sleeve tees. Available at FredFlare.com.

Dylan's Candy Bar Gummy Bears

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Price: $13

For: Her, Him
Interests: Food
 
This is so much more fun than a box of Godiva truffles and it's sugar free! Spice things up with this fresh, colorful bucket of gummy bears. For only $13, the level of delight will be well worth your money.  And if you are in New York, then definitely checkout this candy hot spot. Available at DylansCandyBar.com.

Garden Party Key Ring

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Price: $25
For: Her

Interests: Accessories

 
Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of key rings, mainly because I have a lot of keys and an additional accessory just gets in my way. But something about these brass and enamel designs make them truly irresistible. The design concept is a garden party and who doesn't want to go to one? Available at Jcrew.com.

Life Is Good Beach Balls

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Price: $5

For: Her, Him
Interests: Outdoors

 

After all the new year celebrations, I'd much rather skip the cold and rainy January and February and go straight into March. And if you need some inspiration to plan your upcoming spring vacation at a tropical beach-side getaway, here's a couple bouncy ones.  Available at LifeIsGood.com.

Bacon Salt

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Price: $13.95

For: Her, Him
Interests: Food

 
Being an online shopaholic, I thought I've seen many different kinds of sites, until I found Grateful Palate, a destination devoted to bacon (and other gourmet finds)!  Although I'm not sure I love bacon enough to join the Bacon of the Month club yet, this bacon salt may just be the secret ingredient in my next carbonara or scrambled eggs. Available at GratefulPalate.com.

Egg Topper

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Price: $30

For: Her, Him
Interests: Food, Home

 

A soft boiled egg with a few drops of maggi sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt is divine. Here's a stylish gadget to help you get to the soft boiled white and yolk faster. Available at Williamssonoma.com.

Pate de Fruit by Fauchon

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Price: $75 for 36 pieces ($22.50 for 9 pieces)

For: Her, Him
Interests: Food

 

Apricot, banana, blackberry, blackcurrent, blueberry, clementine, coconut.... who can resist these flavors especially if they are in the form of pate de fruit: little packages of intense delicacies. They replace chocolates for a fresh, unusual hostess or valentine's day gift. Available at Fauchon.com.

Smooth Cruising: Garmin Nuvi 760

Buy Now Price: Sale $499 (Original: $699)

For: Him, Her Interests: Accessories, Gadgets

The marvels of a gps are endless: 1) you will never have to read a map again 2) never get lost again 3) have a really good estimation of when you will get somewhere 4) find the nearest gas station when the urgency becomes real 5) and most of all, never get into an argument about who decided to make the wrong turn. I received my Garmin as a gift and cruising has never been the same. Available at Newegg.com.

Must Have Collection Piece

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Price: Sale $680 (Original: $946)

For: Her
Interests: Accessories

 

At some point in every lady's life, she deserves to have a heart shaped diamond ring. Nothing serious, nothing glamorous, just something simply beautiful that you must fill your jewelry box with. Forget Cartier and Tiffany. I've never met anyone in there who doesn't sound like a car salesman: intimidating and condescending. Greatly inflated, the prices factor in the countless advertising and publicity deals these brands run.  Have they forgotten what matters most to women? Carat, Color, Clarity. For slightly over a pair of Manolo's, here's a ring that's a must have in your collection.  Available at Mblife.com.

Ask Dr. Northrup

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Price: $13.60

For: Her
Interests: Health

 

There is often a divide between "scientific" doctors and "wellness" doctors: those who believe in the absolute science vs. those who believe in cross disciplinary solutions.  Dr. Northrup sits right in the middle, she knows everything about the profession of being a doctor but also so much more in terms psychology, alternative medicine, energy fields and more.  Pure medical science cannot explain our bodies, minds and souls, and Dr. Northrup gives us her experience of seeing how different elements of life interact. This is why Oprah had a whole show about her: Ask Dr. Northrup.  Available at Amazon.com.

Citrus Sunquat

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Price: $12.95

For: Her, Him
Interests: Home, Gardening
 
Saw these adorable potted trees on Martha Stewart and am really sad that they don't ship to California. But for any of you who are lucky enough to be in the shipping states, here's an adorable plant, the fruit is a mix between Kumquat and Lemon, blooms year round with fragrant flowers.  Available at Logees.com.

Saddle Stool

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Price: $39.99 (Buy one, get one 50% off)

For: Her, Him
Interests: Home
 
Not sure if it's the curved design or the wood appeal but I've always wanted to get these simple stools.  A perfect perch in the bathroom to enjoy the leisure of hair drying and teeth brushing. Available at LinenandThings.com.

Aqua Coffee or Tea Press

Buy Now Price: $30 For: Her, Him Interests: Food, Office Every morning I start off in the office with a cup of green tea or chamomile. There is something truly comforting in the ritual of brewing a hot, palm-warming drink to kick-start the day. Here's a brilliant contraption, one stacked on top of the other for easy transport and heat control. Available at PaperSource.com.

In Defense of Food

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Price: $13.17

For: Her, Him

Interests: Food

 

I'm a food lover. It's an undeniable fate. However, it has taken me a long journey to realize that my love of food and ability to taste is a blessing, one that opens my experiences to simple and fulfilling joy. With a great share of the world's marketing dollars behind dieting companies, it's no wonder that most people can't enjoy food without guilt. Here's an advocate that unlocks the myth of nutrition and pleasures of eating. Available at Amazon.com.

"Carrie" Sex and the City Necklace

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Price: $306.67

For: Her

Interests: Accessories

 

If I could get anything I wanted this Valentine's Day, this would be it: a pendant necklace with my name on it sprinkled with diamonds and a butterfly charm. The whole package includes: a teddy bear, a jewelry box, a box of godiva, a starbucks gift card and a $50 gift coupon. If you are looking for something you will wear like the "Carrie" necklace from Sex and the City and your boyfriend or special someone is looking for a deal, here's a sweet one. Available at Mblife.com.

3M Post-it Flag Highlighters

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags. Alerting all bookworms out there. Tired of highlighting and then flagging a page down with sticky notes? 3M has designed an all-in-one solution: a highlighter and a post-it delivery system. Find out how much Oprah loves it. Available at Amazon.com. Price: $6.58

For: Him, Her

Interests: Books Buy Now

Elephant Onesie

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Price: $28-$31

For: Baby
Interests: Accessories
 
Felted crafts are all the rave now. Basically, felt is wool that has been soak in hot water and dried to create a denser, fluffier look and feel.  Here's a selection of onesies by a California designer. All products are hand-made. Available at JakcDesigns.com.

Baby Bunch

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Price: $49.95

For: Her, Baby
Interests: Accessories
 
Looking to give a new mom a baby present and a Valentine's Day surprise? Here's a fabulously cute all-in-one solution. A bunch of flowers made from baby clothing (onesies, socks, bibs, pants and hat). Available at BabyBunch.com.

Pia Tote

Buy Now
Price: On Sale: $55 (Original: $68)
For: Her
Interests: Accessories
 
There is a handbag for every occasion. This one is great for the quick farmer's market run or the cake shop stroll. Designed by Lotta Jansdotter, it's made of cotton and has 2 inner pockets and a button clasp. Available at PeekKeep.com.

Circle of Love Bracelet by Mblife

Buy Now Price: $240

For: Her

Interests: Accessories

Love is a circle of energy from your family and friends to your romantic bliss and life time companion. Signify it with this platinum plated silver key and heart bracelet. Available at Mblife.com.

Oakley Goggles

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Price: $120

For: Her

Interests: Outdoors, Ski

 

As ski season comes into full swing with powder snow all around, it's time to update some of your gear.  Oakley makes the best goggles and if you shop online you will find a myriad selection of colors like: Persimmon Black Vine or Pearl White. Available at Oakley.com.

Key West Pillows

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Price: $39.95

For: Her, Him

Interests: Home, Decorating

 

On the topic of sea-side adventures. Here's something that can bring the sea breeze inside.  Conjure the feeling of hanging by the pool on an island resort with a couple of these Key West and Amara pillows. Available at CrateandBarrel.com.

Pictures from Our Vacation

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Price: $11.55

For: Her, Him, Kids
Interests: Books

 

The watercolors of this book caught my attention, slightly old-fashion, simple and brilliantly sun-filled.  Who doesn't want to be by the warm beach and blue waters in the middle of chilly January?  The book revolves around a family trip and two kids taking a photo diary of their experiences. Available at Amazon.com.

Sequined Mary Jane

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Price: $255

Promocode: WELCOME (free shipping on first order)
For: Her
Interests: Accessories
 
Thankfully I'm not a shoe lover. Infact, I think I rotate through five pairs of shoes every year.  For me, comfort and walkability is key and for that matter, Hogan makes the best shoes. I've sworn off fancy, pointy toe, three inch heels.  But somehow, this pair of sparkly sequined flat mary-janes caught my eye and they definitely look comfortable. Available at JuicyCouture.com.

Diamond Heart Pendant

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Price: $693.33

Promocode: mb2222 (for 15% off)

For: Her
Interests: Accessories

 

As Valentine's Day steps closer and closer, I'm going to put together a collection of great gifts at every price range. Here's a heart pendant that is quite pricey but with 30 diamonds it will definitely send the right message. Available at Mblife.com.

Razzcherries

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Price: $19.95 (for 18 oz)

For: Him, Her
Interests: Food, Desserts

 

If you haven't already tried Razzcherries, then you must try this. They are so incredible - the chewiness of cherries with the best combination of sweetness from raspberries and tartness from cherries. Made with Bing cherries that are steeped in the juices of Chilean raspberries. Available at Meduri.com.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

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Price: $14

For: Him, Her
Interests: Food, Desserts

 

Decorative cupcakes have been a rave for quite some time now. I really can't resist the old fashion cupcakes at Miette, the famed organic patisserie in San Francisco. But sometimes when I don't want to travel far, a cupcake mix is just what I need. Experts at Sprinkles, the celebrated Beverly Hills cupcake shop, have come up with this quick indulgence in a variety of flavors (meyer lemon, vanilla,  and chocolate). Available at WilliamsSonoma.com.

Air-Age in Reverse

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Price: $100

For: Him, Her
Interests: Gadgets, Health

 

Saw this fabulous tool on Martha Stewart last night.  Definitely looks like a great way to get the circulation going and defy gravity, and most importantly, it seems easy to use: simply rest your hands on the bars and kick up.  We all need a little renewal everyday. Available at Air-AgeInReverse.com.

Bathtub Waterfall

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Price: $16

For: Him, Her, Kids
Interests: Home, Decorating
 
Attach this cute little device to your bathtub faucet and experience a gentle waterfall. It's designed for kids to help protect them against the heat but you don't have to be a kid to add a little water magic to your bathroom =).  Available at Sparkability.com.

Fruit Ring

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Price: $18
For: Him, Her
Interests: Home, Decorating

 

Fresh fruits can make a great dinner table or entry way display. Here's a tool to help you spruce up the style factor. Available at Chiasso.com.

Butterfly Pendant

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Price: $333.33

Promocode: MB2222 (15% off)

For: Her

Interests: Accessories

It's never too early to shop for Valentine's Day gifts. Here's a simple, elegant, not-too-serious buy: a pendant with lots of butterflies encrusted with 18 diamonds. Available at  Mblife.com.

Lucy Clock

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Price: $32

For: Him or Her

Interests: Home

Can't remember when I started to love buying home accessories. But something as simple as a clock can brighten up any corner of your room. Here's a great selection of four juicy colors (orange, pink, green and blue). Available at  Potterybarn.com.

GreenDimes

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Price: $20

For: Him or Her

Interests: Environment 

As I stepped through the door today after a two week vacation, I was unpleasantly surprised by the amount of junk mail that had accumulated. Normally I try to call each of the catalogs to have my name removed but sometimes it can be very time-consuming. Here's a great service that helps you remove all your junk mail AND plant 10 trees on your behalf. Give this green gift to someone for a fresh, clean start in 2008. Available at  Greendimes.com.

A few learnings from Holiday 2007

Wow - holiday season really takes me by storm. Finally I'm back from my trip to Hong Kong. Here's a picture of our tree - it was truly beautiful: glistening with lights and adorned with ornaments that I've collected over the years (I try to add a couple unique finds every year). The presents? Well there was barely any space left under the tree =)

 

A few quick learnings:

 

1) People generally like to give things that they would prefer to receive.

So this year, record what you have received and start plotting out the trends of gifts from friends and family. You may discover that Uncle Bob has been giving you a collection of sports memorabilia even though you are not a super fan.

 

2) People overspend when they don't know what to buy.

Next year, start a $50 cap. So everyone needs to spend their budget creatively putting together hand-made gifts or kits.

 

3) Distribute the stress on the credit-card.

December can be a pretty stressful month for your credit card bill. Here's one trick I stick by: when I see something "perfect" for someone - I buy it, even if it's July (definitely when there's a summer sale). This way you can distribute your spending and get things that you know people will love without having to do the last minute scramble for fragrance or cologne.