Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center by Graco

Gift Challenge: "My friend just had a baby boy. The baby is too small to enjoy most toys, no food besides milk either, so I'm stumped."
 

So here are some ideas for the new baby boy:

Graco Sweet Peace $179
This is by far the coolest baby swing I've seen. It's an automated system that gently rocks the baby to sleep with soothing sounds like rain or your baby's personal play-list from your iPod. Perfect for mom and dad to keep an eye on the baby in the living room or kitchen.

 

Baby Einstein Seek & Discover Activity Mat $49.99
I love these activity mats - babies can hang out on them tummy side down or up. Along with the fun baby-safe mirror and a variety of plush toys, this mat also plays 9 classical melodies.

 

Got ideas for newborn babies? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $179

For: Baby
Buy Now

 

Peyton Polka Dot Backpacks by Pottery Barn Kids

Gift Challenge: "My niece is entering 1st grade in a few weeks. What should I get her for this new beginning?"

 

There are a few things I remember distinctly from childhood. One of them is my bright yellow schoolbag that housed my drawing books, color pencils, lunch box and water bottle. It was my home away from home carry-all. For a 6 year old entering a new chapter in life, why not get her a school bag, it's something she can use everyday and will be a part of great memories to come. Available at PotteryBarnKids.com.

 

Got back to school ideas? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $39

For: Kids

Buy Now

Personalized Callaway Golf Balls

Gift Challenge: "I am trying to come up with a gift to give to my fiance before our wedding in a couple weeks.  We agreed to stay within approx $100 budget.  I would love to get him something meaningful, but not cheesy.  He's an accountant, and in his spare time he enjoys golfing and cycling. He's pretty conservative and "preppy", and he doesn't drink alcohol/coffee/etc. I don't know what he's getting me, but I think one of the gifts may be a Bible with my new married name printed on the front.  That's something sentimental and usable, and I'd love to come up with a meaningful and functional gift for him."

 
Congrats on the upcoming wedding! Here are a couple things I've found that you might consider:

 

 Personalized Callaway Golf Balls $49.95/dozen
-You can personalize it with his name, the date of your wedding, or a phrase that's significant to the both of you.
Flip Video Recorder $104.99
- Once you start a family, there are lots of significant moments to remember and you can record them with this and upload them onto your computer.
Garmin GPS $159.99
- If he doesn't already have one, he will love it. Especially when you are taking weekend getaways or finding the way to a new golf course or biking trail.
Bum Back Pack $95
- Here's a messenger bag that I've seen my coworker wear. It's ergonomically designed, take a look at the video online. This is something he can use everyday.
Tumi Wallet $98
- Here's another everyday accessory. I've bought these a couple of times and people love them.

Got ideas for wedding gifts? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $49.95/dozen

For: Him

Interest: Golf

Buy Now

Hand Therapy Collection Travel Kit by Crabtree & Evelyn

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags.

 

Hand-lotion, it's the miracle gift for her. Some women are connoisseurs and have a more distinct taste but in general women cannot have too many containers of soothing hand moisturisers. Crabtree & Evelyn makes one of the best formulas and in this travel kit you can sample flavors like La Source, Rosewater, Gardeners and Summer Hill. Available at Crabtree&Evelyn.com.

 

Got ideas for goodie bags and stocking stuffers? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $28

For: Her

Interest: Beauty, Well-being

Buy Now

 

See All Mini Gifts

Curvy Servers by Branch Home

Gift Challenge: "My mom loves salads. We've gotten her salad cook books before - what else can we get her that's useful and fun?"

 

One of the best parts of salads other than nutrition and freshness is color. Add another layer of color with this pair of organic bamboo servers. They come in natural, sunflower, cayenne or kiwi colors. Available at Branchhome.com.

 

Gift Set Tip!

Add a salad spinner or a lemon squeezer, both essentials for great salads. Put all the tools together in a basket with fresh bottles of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the ultimate salad-kit.

 

What kinds of colorful gifts have you received? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $12

For: Him, Her

Interest: Food, Cooking, Entertaining

Buy Now

Sticker Kit

Gift Challenge: "My co-worker has a set of 4 year old twins and I'd like to get them something fun, creative and engaging for their 4th birthday. What should I get?"

 

Kids love stickers. They love to stick them onto the car windows, on the cover of their favorite bed-time story books and on the fridge. Instead of buying them a sticker book, try this Sticker Kit which transforms odd bits of artifacts like fabric, flowers, photos, sketches, finger prints and scribbles into stickers. The kit includes 23 feet of removable adhesive tape. Available at Cox&Cox.com.

 

Got ideas for fun kid's craft projects? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $60

For: Kids

Interest: Crafts

Buy Now

 

 

Mother of Pearl Flower Hair-tie by Viv & Ingrid

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags.

 

I noticed Viv and Ingrid on an American Express small business TV ad and was wondering what they sell. After a brief search online, I discovered that they create a line of charming and colorful accessories. Here's a flower hair-tie made with mother of pearl. Available at Viv&Ingrid.com.

 

Got ideas for goodie bags and stocking stuffers? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $17

For: Her

Interest: Accessories

Buy Now

 

See All Mini Gifts

Green Apple Shower Gel + Lip Shine by Philosophy

Gift Challenge: "I'm throwing a sweet sixteen birthday party for my niece and putting together goodie bags. What should I put inside? Budget: under $20 per bag." 

 

Teenage birthday parties are all about sweets and beauty. Fill the bags with candy-rings, nail-polish, mini eye-shadow sets or glitter pens. For a fresh appeal and to save yourself a couple trips from different stores, get this set of Green Apple shower gel and flavored lip shine. Pack them in a paper bag and add a caramel green apple or golden delicious. Available at Philosophy.com.

 

What's the best thing you've received in goodie bags? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $18

For: Her

Interest: Accessories, Beauty

Buy Now

Diamond Paper Crane Pendant

Gift Challenge: "My girlfriend and I have been dating for 3 years. I want to get her something special for our anniversary. She is an origami addict - but she already has all the craft paper and tools, what should I get her?"

It's hard to get gifts for experts - generally they have all the tools of their trades. You might want to consider vintage origami books from Japanese artists. But if you are looking for something more out of the box, here's a paper crane that will last forever. Made with 18 carat white gold and filled with 44 diamonds. Available at Mblife.com.

What is the most intricate origami design you have ever seen? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $680

For: Her

Interest: Accessories, Origami

Buy Now

World Wildlife Fund Gift

Gift Challenge: "My friend's son loves animals. They already have a chocolate Labrador and a clown fish, what should I get him for his 8th birthday?"

Great kid-friendly movies like Kung-Fu Panda, Finding Nemo and Happy Feet have inspired children to become animal-friendly. Instead of shopping for plush animals at major toy stores, why not donate to the World Wildlife Fund to help contribute to the conservation of animals and their habitats. Give a gift donation of $50 and receive a plush animal toy, a photo and a symbolic adoption certificate. With these memorabilia, kids can be reminded of the good cause they have been a part of and perhaps begin a life-long contribution to protecting their favorite animals and planet earth. You can choose from 80 different kinds of animals including the: Panda, Penguin, Polar Bear, Blue Whale and more. Available at WorldWildlifeFund.com.

What are your favorite wild-life animals? Email me or leave a comment. Price: Starting at $25

For: Her, Him, Kid Interest: Animals, Wild-life, Conservation, Pets

Buy Now

Bonnie & Clyde Oil and Vinegar Decanters by Pepe and Friends

Olive oil and balsamic vinegar have never looked so cute before. These decanters are designed by Vinila and made by the German ceramic manufacturer Rosenthal.  Each design represents a character within Vinilaville. Available at PepeandFriends.com. 

 

Do you know of other cute characters that double as kitchen gadgets? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $30

For: Her, Him, Kids

Interest: Accessories, Home, Food

Buy Now

iRobot Roomba 530 Vacuum Cleaning Robot

Gift Challenge: "My daughter is moving into her first apartment. What should I get her for a house-warming gift?"

 

Yes, a robotic vacuum does not feel very cozy at first but it will be her most prized gadget at home. With a press of a button, the Roomba navigates through the space (over cables, around chairs, under desks) and picks up all the dirt and dust with ease. When it's done, it parks itself back into the recharging hub.  Vacuuming cannot get better than this. Available at iRobot.com.

 

What's your favorite smart device? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $299.99

For: Her, Him

Interest: Home, Gadgets

Buy Now

Good Magazine

Gift Challenge: "My friend, he's interested in all things cutting edge and socially relevant like: How can we keep our planet green? What are the political implications behind alternative energy? How can we help people rise above the poverty line? I want to get him something inspiring and useful."

 

Look no further, check out Good Magazine. It features content about how people can serve their communities and stay socially aware of what's happening to our planet. It's a magazine from the perspective of good people, asking tough questions and taking actions on important causes. When you give a gift subscription, 100% of the payment goes to a non-profit of your choice. This is next generation entrepreneurship in a nutshell: creating value and giving back all at once. Available at GoodMagazine.com.

 

What magazines do you subscribe to? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $20/6 issues

For: Her, Him

Interest: Green, Environment, Community

Buy Now

 

Eco-friendly Reusable Bag by Rootote

Gift Challenge: "My girlfriend always brings old paper bags to Whole Foods and the farmer's markets. I want to get her a nice reusable bag. Any suggestions?"

 

Here's a unique collection of totes by the Japanese brand Rootote made with delightful prints and functional design, perfect for the eco-friendly shopper. Fitted with inner pockets that provide for clutter-free organization and quick search. Each bag features the signature ROO pocket which is a side pocket with a zip close for you to quickly access your i-Phone or car keys. Available at YesStyle.com.

 

What kinds of eco-friendly products do you shop for? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $18

For: Her

Interest: Accessories, Shopping

Buy Now

 

Related Gifts: Flip & Tumble Reusable Bags

No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach by Anthony Bourdain

Gift Detective: Tips on uncovering what people want

Everyone is a fan of something. A Steve Jobs fan. A Roger Federer fan. An Andy Warhol fan. A fly-fishing fan. Find out who or what they are a fan of and follow that path to find gifts that will be appreciated.

 

Don't know what they are a fan of? Start by observation: what magazines do they read? where do they eat? what do they collect? Next, try sparking a conversation with opener's like, "what's good on TV these days?" or "what did you do this weekend?"  What people do on their free time says a lot about their passions.  When you get someone to talk about what they are a fan of, it's unmistakable, you will feel their energy shift to a state of open enthusiasm. Listen up and pay attention to what exactly they are a fan of, is it a person, a team, a culture, a life-style or an experience?

 

Gift Challenge: "My friend is a foodie. She's a fan of Anthony Bourdain and his show No Reservations."

It may seem simple but go with the latest Anthony Bourdain books and DVDs. A fan by definition never gets bored. Available at Amazon.com

 
What are you a fan of? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $23.07

For: Her, Him

Interest: Food, Home, Books

Buy Now

12-Month Meduri Classic Collection

Gift Challenge: "I'm looking for a gift subscription of some sort for my grandma. Something she can enjoy and look forward to every month."

 

There is a fruit company in Oregon that specializes in fine dried fruit. They select exotic fruits from all around the world like morello cherries from Europe, peaches from Chile and lingonberries from Scandanavia. It's a gift subscription that's unique and tastes good. The classic collection delivers a sweet gift every month for 12 months that includes: peaches, raspberries, apricots, strawberry-rhubarb bites, bing cherries and Fuji apple wedges. Available at MeduriWorldDelight.com.

 
Do you give gift subscriptions? What kind? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $199/12 months or $105/6 months

For: Her, Him, Kids

Interest: Food, Home

Buy Now

Poppy + Papaya Letterpress Assorted Notes

Gift Etiquette Tip!

Send hand-written cards, they are like an old-fashion chocolate cupcake that never goes out of style.

 

Hand-written cards are the best way to say "thank you", "happy birthday", "i'm thinking of you", "enjoy summer" or  "nice to catch up, let's have dinner together some time." Select folded cards that are about 4" x 6" so you can keep the message short, sweet and casual. I generally look for cards with a beautiful print and no messaging so they can be used for any last-minute occasion. Plus you get to take the pressure off from dashing to the store to select the perfect card 30 minutes before the party.

 

Here is a selection from Waste Not Paper products that use hydroelectric power to convert pulp into paper. Available at Estiloweddings.com. 

 
What gift etiquettes do you follow? Email me or leave a comment. 
 

Price: $12 for set of 8

For: Her

Interest: Accessories, Stationery

Buy Now

Cico EggCup With Spoon by Alessi

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags. Food is always a feast to the eyes first. Here's a fun spin on the hard boiled egg served in an Alessi Cico Egg Cup. Cico carries his own spoon and the cap doubles as a salt shaker. Just a reminder for you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a comedic fashion. Available at Unicahome.com.

What's your favorite Alessi design? Email me or leave a comment.

Gift Set Tip!

If you are giving this to someone with a family, get a couple in multiple colors (pink, green or yellow). That way they can all enjoy a Saturday breakfast together with fun matching egg cups. If the recipient is a foodie, spice up this gift with artisanal salts like Cyrpus Flake from the Mediterranean.

Price: $17

For: Her, Him, Kids

Interest: Accessories, Home, Gadgets, Food

Buy Now

Ice Cold Lemonade Crock by Uncommon Goods

Gift Challenge: "I've been invited to my neighbor's BBQs for a couple weekends now. I always bring drinks, what else can I bring?"

BBQs are a great way to get together but if you have hosted one you will know, it's a lot of work prepping the meat, lugging the charcoal, and making sure everyone has enough to eat. Reward your host or neighbour with something they can use over and over again during the summer season. If they have kids they might even use this for a lemonade stand on a Friday afternoon. If you don't have time to fill it with fresh lemonade, just bring a bag of ice and a couple bottles of ready-made lemonade. Available at uncommongoods.com.

What was the last gift you gave your neighbor? Email me or leave a comment.

Price: $130

For: Her, Him

Interest: Accessories, Gadgets, Entertaining

Buy Now

Camelia Rings by Mixko

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags. Gift Challenge: "My niece is a teenager and loves jewelry. What can I get her that's beautiful and something she can wear everyday?"

This collection of flower rings made with woolfelt and beads on an acrylic ring are designed by Mixko. They are simple but precious and easy to pair with any outfit. Available at GreenerGrassDesign.com.

Got ideas for teenage gifts? Email me or leave a comment.

Price: $24/each

For: Her

Interest: Accessories

Buy Now

Sugar & Creamer Set by Sagaform

Gift Challenge: "I need to get a belated house-warming gift. My cousin loves to drink coffee and make cappuccino at home."

 

Cappuccino machines can come with a pretty big price tag. If you are shopping for a coffeeholic, consider other necessities like this creamer and sugar set made by Swedish design firm Sagaform. It's chic, it's different and won't break the bank. Available at RareDevice.net.

 

What are your tricks in remembering all the family & friends birthdays? Email me or leave a comment. 

 

Gift Set Tip!

Include a bag of specialty coffee beans and a pack of organic brown sugar for the complete java experience.

 
Price: $30

For: Her, Him

Interest: Home, Coffee, Tea, Entertaining

Buy Now

MultiDot Platter by French Bull

Gift Challenge: "I'm invited to a dinner hosted by my friend's significant other. What should I bring? All I know is that they love bright colors and are into design stuff."

 

Getting the right gift often involves knowing the recipient's style and you can pick up clues from what they wear, what kind of art they enjoy, where they like to have dinner, favorite movies and simple accessories like a bag or an umbrella. French Bull designs home products with a powerful punch of color and patterns. If you are looking for a bold sense of style try the MultiDot Platter or an Avocado Lime 2 Tone Salad Bowl. See more patterns here. Available at FrenchBull.com.

 

Do you know of a style that's hard to shop for? Email me or leave a comment. 

 

Gift Set Tip!

Fill the platter or salad bowl with green apples or mangos or clementines before you bring it to the party. The freshness of the fruit will add a pop to the gift and you will also have brought dessert.
 
Price: $16

For: Her, Him

Interest: Accessories, Home, Entertaining

Buy Now

Soy Candles by Nancy Boy

Gift Challenge: "My friend loves beauty products. She's got a bottle of everything under the sun. What should I get her?"

Occasion: Bridal Shower, Birthday, Just Because

 

This past weekend, I spent a fabulous day in Hayes Valley in San Francisco for a girls' day out starting with lunch at Citizen Cake, a full afternoon of divine spa treatments at Pure Envy and ending with a delish dinner at Paul K.

 

A little before lunch, I took a stroll on Hayes street to checkout all the cute stores. Nancy Boy caught my eye with its blue shop front and very clean, cottage-chic appeal inside. I noticed that the products were simple, all white soaps, oils, laundry detergent and more. So I picked up a card to investigate it further and discovered that they focus on quality ingredients like 100% essential plant oils. So if you are looking for superb quality, equally attractive pricing and a unique brand of pampering products, here's one with a line of lovely options like: Soy Candles, Sweet Grass Essential Oils or Tea Rose Body Bars.  Available at NancyBoy.com. 

 

Where do you shop for home-spa products? Email me or leave a comment. 

 

Gift Set Tip!

Pick up a couple different products and add a set of Spa Trays and present them in a simple weave basket.
 
Price: Starting at $7

For: Her

Interest: Beauty, Well-being, Spa-treatments

Buy Now

 

Chocolate Leather Double Strap Bracelet by Mblife

Gift Challenge: "My friend, he's very stylish, definitely a metro-sexual. What should I get him for his 29th birthday?"

Shopping for metro-sexuals is harder because they have great style and a strong sense of what they like. Take notice in their everyday style you will notice some trends - whether he's preppy, suit+tie, casual and clean or sleek and minimalist. A couple of basic options: wallets, ties and cuff links. But something trendy and hard to find speaks volumes, here's a casual and hip chocolate leather bracelet with a silver buckle. Available at Mblife.com.

Where do buy trendy men's gifts? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $52

For: Him

Interest: Accessories

Buy Now

Related gifts:

Stripe Wallet by Paul Smith

Townhouse Wallet by Tumi

Persimmon Picnic Set by Heath Ceramics

Gift Challenge: "My best friends are getting married, and I want to get them a one-of-a-kind gift."

 

Summer and early Fall is the season for two things: outdoor dining and weddings. So whether you are looking for an unconventional picnic basket or a very special wedding present, here's a great solution by Heath Ceramics. They have a beautiful workshop by the ocean in Sausalito which looks like the south of France with sailing boats parked by the sea-side and ice-cream stores dotting the main street. When you walk inside the workshop, they have on display rows of bold pieces in earthy colors.  Included in this set are two of each: plates, bowls and cups for your next exquisite picnic. Available at HeathCeramics.com.
 
What do you bring on your picnic? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $548

For: Her, Him

Interest: Food, Accessories, Out-doors

Buy Now

My Book About Me by Dr. Seuss & Roy McKie

This is the non-digital version of an interactive book for young kids. They can fill in facts and observations like: how tall am I today or how many steps is the nearest tree? Giving kids the opportunity to use a pencil, write about themselves, the world around them, and read their own writing is a great way to help them practice a basic version of a diary. Available at Amazon.com.
 
What's your favorite children's book? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $10.17

For: Kids

Interest: Books, Reading, Writing

Buy Now

Staple-Free Stapler by CB2

Shop Mini Gifts! These are gifts that I would add as stocking stuffers and morsels of fun in goodie bags. My brother introduced me to this incredible gadget - a stapler without staples. If you have a green colleague in the office, he or she would appreciate this smart contraption that binds together a maximum of five sheets of paper without any staples. Yes, it really works. The result is a neat and natural weave. Available at Cb2.com. What is your must-have office stationery? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $6.96

For: Him, Her

Interest: Gadgets, Stationery

Buy Now

Soma Water & Snack Containers by Pottery Barn Kids

Although it seems that being green is a *new* cultural thing, actually now that I think back, my grandmother and her post-war generation has always been green. Having gone through life without the prospect of clean food, water, rice and basic necessities, she always taught us to reuse, recycle and reduce. When we first started to learn to write, grandma would recycle drawing paper by flipping it over and marking lines or grids with a ruler and a number two pencil. Throughout kindergarten and grade school, she would pack our snacks in snap and go lunch boxes like these. The best way to ensure a sustainable future is to educate our kids to live green. Available at PotteryBarnKids.com.
 
What do you use to replace disposable containers? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: starting at $10

For: Her, Kids

Interest: Accessories, Food

Buy Now

Doggielounge

Gift Challenge: "I have a friend who loves dogs, but I don't know anything about pets."

Occasion: Puppy's 1st birthday party.

 

First check whether your friend has a small, medium or large dog, that way you can get the right sized gadget or toy. From my experience, the one thing my mom's black Labrador loves the most in the world is his bed. It's a plush, cool hangout (and he even has his own pillow!). Here's one that comes in all kinds of colors. A lounger like this will make you the fairy-god parent. Available at 2modern.com.

 
What's your pet's favorite toy? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $139 (+ Free Shipping)

For: Him, Her

Interest: Pets

Buy Now

Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub by Jo Malone

Gift Challenge: "I'm trying to give an impressive gift but the problem is, I barely know her."

Possible Recipients: future mother-in-law, the sister of a boyfriend, wife of a partner at the firm.

Possible Occasions: dinner party, birthday party, cocktail party.

 

When you are getting a gift for someone special that you barely know, bath products from a great brand are the way to go because they are useful and show that you've made a little investment.  Fragrance can be a very personal thing, so look for a flavor that's widely appreciated like citrus or mint. At home spa products provide a luxurious feeling and the recipient can enjoy it long after the party. Jo Malone is one of those no miss hits, they have spectacular flavors and all kinds of pampering products, here's a salt scrub filled with Vitamin E. Available at JoMalone.

 
What's your favorite at home spa product? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $75

For: Her

Interest: Beauty, Well-Being, Accessories

Buy Now

DD Messenger II by Diaper Dudes

Gift Challenge: "My brother and his wife just had a baby, what should I get them?"

 

I often get questions about what to get new parents. Here's one that's uncommon but actually really useful. Do you ever notice that the new mom is always lugging all the stuff - that's because most companies design diaper bags just for mom. Here's a company that makes carrying baby stuff stylish for dad as well. On the outside this Diaper Dude looks just like any other messenger bag, but on the inside it's packed with baby proof specifications: insulated bottle holder, diaper changer and clips for the stroller strap. Available at DiaperDude.com. 
 
What was the most useful baby gift you received? Email me or leave a comment.
 
Price: $98

For: Him

Interest: Baby, Accessories

Buy Now