Organic Spring Jasmine by Mighty Leaf

Gift Challenge: Everyone I know at home or at work is stressed beyond their limits these days. I am looking for small, simple gifts that will make a difference.

At Home Spa-Gifts (5 of 5)
Instead of spending $3 at Starbucks every morning or afternoon, make your own organic, anti-oxidant filled green tea at home. This Organic Spring Jasmine is made with green tea leaves that are scented with Arabian jasmine buds. It will kick start your day, calm your senses and cleanse your palette. Plus these tea pouches are biodegradable and staple-free. Available at MightLeaf.com.


See other green teas, here:

What's your favorite tea? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: starting at $9.95
For: Him, Her
Interests: Food, Spa, Tea, Coffee
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Netflix Subscription

Gift Challenge: Everyone I know at home or at work is stressed beyond their limits these days. I am looking for small, simple gifts that will make a difference.

At Home Spa-Gifts (4 of 5)
Yes, this is not the conventional spa experience. But if you are looking for ways to save money, stay at home and have a relaxing time I can't think of anything better than a big pot of home-made tomato soup, a green salad, crusty French bread and unlimited movies for under $20 a month. Brothers and Sisters Season 2 DVD set costs $42.99. But with Netflix you can rent that whole series and more. Give a gift subscription to your neighbors or better yet, invite them over for movie+potluck Fridays. Available on Netflix.com.

Price: plans starting at $4.99
For: Him, Her, Kids
Interests: Movies
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Ultimate Spa Relaxation

Gift Challenge: Everyone I know at home or at work is stressed beyond their limits these days. I am looking for small, simple gifts that will make a difference.

At Home Spa-Gifts (3 of 5)
Music, it has the power to transport us to a place only our imaginations can go. Whether you are practicing yoga, taking a bath or just lying in bed meditating, here's a relaxing selection to re-energize your spirit. Available on Amazon or  iTunes. You can also download iTunes here.

Try listening to: Harvest in the Sun

Price: $0.99/each or $9.99/album
For: Him, Her
Interests: Music, Spa
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Daisy Soap by The Body Shop

Gift Challenge: Everyone I know at home or at work is stressed beyond their limits these days. I am looking for small, simple gifts that will make a difference. 


At Home Spa-Gifts (2 of 5)
Take a bath. It's one of the most affordable luxuries. Just a few things can help spruce up the experience. Try the Daisy Soap, a vegetable-based soap that gentle cleanses and soothes the skin. Times are stressful but that doesn't mean we should stop changing the world one act at a time. All proceeds of the Daisy Soap go directly to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Do good and feel good about it. Available at BodyShop.com.

Price: $4.50
For: Him, Her
Interests: Health, Spa
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For a more relaxing soak, add a few sprinkles of Himalayan Salt.

Restorative Yoga For Vitality Kit by Gaiam

Gift Challenge: Everyone I know at home or at work is stressed beyond their limits these days. I am looking for small, simple gifts that will make a difference. 

At Home Spa-Gifts (1 of 5) 
This week I'm going to find a bunch of affordable at home spa gifts. I know friends and neighbors are cutting back on eating out, watching movies and staying at home more. So here are some ideas on how to reach and maintain a peaceful state of body and mind at home. 


One of the best ways to reduce stress is yoga - the stretching and breathing exercises help to move oxygen and energy throughout the body. Here's a starter kit that includes a DVD and props (yoga mat, yoga strap and blocks) to help you achieve stability as you master the positions. Available at Gaiam.com.

Price: $40
For: Him, Her
Interests: Health, Spa
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Wii Music

Gifts for Grandkids (Part 5 of 5)

Gift Challenge: I have 5 grandkids between the ages of 4 and 16. I love to shop for them but I really don't have that many ideas and I don't know what they like. Their favorite cartoon characters change all the time. But I really want to get things they enjoy.

Growing up, I was never a big fan of video games but at the time Wii was not invented yet. This is the kind of gift that can make you the ultimate grandparent. More importantly, I have never seen a video console that invites more members of the family to join in the fun. It doesn't matter if you are 75 and your grandchild is 5 or 15, you can together enjoy this social innovation. Here's the latest: Wii Music. Available at Amazon.com.

Shopping Tip! The Wii console comes with Wii Sports. Get this first, it's the basic set. Next you can add on additional games and accessories like: Mario Kart, We Ski and Wii Music.


What's your favorite Wii game? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $49.99
For: Him, Her, Kids
Interests: Video games, Gadgets
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315 Piece Art Kit

 

Gifts for Grandkids (Part 4 of 5) 

Gift Challenge: I have 5 grandkids between the ages of 4 and 16. I love to shop for them but I really don't have that many ideas and I don't know what they like. Their favorite cartoon characters change all the time. But I really want to get things they enjoy.

This 315 piece art kit will definitely harness the wow-factor for your grand child. Most children have cases of Crayola or random color pens scattered here and there amidst the toy containers but few have a magnificent display of abundance like this. The kit is filled with 60 oil pastels, 36 watercolors cakes, 36 jumbo markers, 24 color pencils and more for endless sketching, painting and drawing. Just don't forget to bring a sketchpad or lots of paper. Available at Amazon.com.

What kinds of arts and crafts do your kids enjoy? Share a comment below or email me.
  
Price: $19.99 
For: Kids
Interests: Art, Stationery
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Coastal Guard Helicopter and Life Raft by Lego

 

Gifts for Grandkids (Part 3 of 5) 

Gift Challenge: I have 5 grandkids between the ages of 4 and 16. I love to shop for them but I really don't have that many ideas and I don't know what they like. Their favorite cartoon characters change all the time. But I really want to get things they enjoy.

Today, we are onto boys gifts. I grew up in a house of Lego. My brother had boxes divided by color and he was building cities and villages. Although I never really picked up on the passion, I can see how these versatile building blocks can be addictive and spark endless creations. The real fun and education for kids is stepping through the instructions, constructing the piece a portion at a time and eventually building a story around the end product. Looking for more designs? Check out the shop by age section. Available at Lego.com.

Do your kids enjoy Lego? Share a comment below or email me.  

Price: $39.99

For: Kids

Interests: Toys, Airplanes

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Alphabet and Motif Bead Bracelets

Gifts for Grandkids (Part 2 of 5) 

Gift Challenge: I have 5 grandkids between the ages of 4 and 16. I love to shop for them but I really don't have that many ideas and I don't know what they like. Their favorite cartoon characters change all the time. But I really want to get things they enjoy.


Here's another gift idea for grandkids, well granddaughters in particular. Growing up, I've always loved bracelets, especially weaving my own beaded ones. Here's one that's easy to make and can be an interactive project done together. You and your granddaughter can go online and pick the name or phrase she would like on the bracelet and pair it with fun little lady bug and turtle motifs. Available at LoveIvy.com.


Do you like personalized accessories? Where do you buy them? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $55
For: Kids
Interests: Accessories
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Kids Cook 1-2-3 by Rozanne Gold

Gifts for Grandkids (Part 1 of 5) 

Gift Challenge: I have 5 grandkids between the ages of 4 and 16. I love to shop for them but I really don't have that many ideas and I don't know what they like. Their favorite cartoon characters change all the time. But I really want to get things they enjoy. 

Just the other day, my neighbor who has 8 grandkids and 15 great grandkids was talking about this issue. So I'm going to write a series of gift ideas from grandparents to grandkids this week.

When I was growing up, I was always trying to bake up something in the kitchen. Now I realize I'm really not a baker but more of a savory cook. But if my parents and grandmother didn't eat up all the half-baked apple pies and crumbly brownies I would have never ventured this far in the kitchen. So my lesson: if you have a child or grandchild who likes to cook, nurture that interest, it just might become a passion.

My niece's birthday is coming up and this summer I discovered that she's a chef in the making. So I was in the Williams-Sonoma store and found this fun cookbook. Each recipe only has 3 ingredients and the steps are easy to follow. Just the right about of prep work and cooking to keep a child interested and feeling accomplished. Available at Amazon.com.

Do you know of a great cook book for kids? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $12.21
For: Kids
Interest: Food, Cooking
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Citrus Hand Cream by Jurlique

Here's another everyday gift idea for mom: Jurlique's biodynamic line of products made from organic herbs, flowers and other ingredients from their farms in Australia. My pick: the citrus hand cream filled with tangerine, mandarin and lemon flavors. Available at Jurlique.com.

What's your pick from their collection? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $25
For: Her
Interests: Eco-Gifts, Beauty, Accessories
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Kami and the Yaks

Reader's Tip!
My neighbor introduced me to this fantastic children's book and winner of the 2008 Schneider Family Book Award. Following up on yesterday's post about yak down - here's a resource you can read to the kids that will transport them to the rugged Himalayas. The story is about a deaf Sherpa boy in Nepal, who braves a storm in search of his family's yaks. The water color illustrations are beautifully done and the writing is simple and majestic. Thanks Harriett! Available at Amazon.com.

Price: $9.95
For: Kids
Interests: Books, Travel
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Woven Yak Throws by Shokay

Gift Challenge: My grandmother likes to watch television at night curled up in her blanket. So I thought this year when I visit for Thanksgiving I would bring her a luxurious cashmere throw. I'm looking for something with good quality. 

Cashmere is great but I highly recommend trying this selection of throws made from yak down in persimmon, chocolate and creme.  I've received a scarf by Shokay last year and the quality is amazing: it's soft, beautiful and very warm. Their products are made from yak down in a remote location called Shokay located in the mountainous Himalayan regions.  These fibers are hand-combed from the yaks that dwell there, whose ancient existences continue to serve as a life source for the Tibetan herders. So when you shop at Shokay, you are not only getting a one of a kind product, you are also supporting the local community. Available at Shokay.com.

Do you have a favorite travel souvenir from a place that produces unique goods? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $390
For: Him, Her
Interests: Accessories, Home
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Clear Acrylic Desk Accessories by CB2

Gift Challenge: My mom works from home 3 days a week. Her home office has all the basics but I'd like to help her make it a more welcoming place. First off, I'd like to help her organize and clear up the desk. So I need some home office/decor/organization options.

Absolutely, if you spend 8 hrs at a space, it's important to make it an inspiring and comfortable environment. Here are some desk accessories that can remove the stress of clutter and add style with simplicity. Available at CB2.com.

What does your work desk look like? Share a comment below or email me a pic.

Price: Starting at $6.95
For: Him, Her
Interests: Home, Gadgets, Accessories, Stationery
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Pinzon Penguin Wine Opener

Reader's Tip!
Following up on yesterday's post about wine gadgets, here's one from our reader Jill.  It makes wine opening  "easier than opening a soda!" So at your next party or romantic dinner at home you don't have to worry about uncorking a tough bottle. Available at Amazon.com. Thanks Jill!

See how it works:

Who's the designated wine opener at home? Is he or she a pro? Share a comment or email me.

Price: $29.99
For: Him, Her
Interest: Food, Home, Gadgets
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Vinturi Wine Aerator by Crate & Barrel

Gift Challenge: My dad is a wine connoisseur. So for his birthday I want to get him a new wine decanter. What's new in the market?

Here's one that won't break the bank and will be a conversation piece at your dad's next wine tasting party. When you pour through this durable acrylic aerator, the pressure helps to draw in air to open up the flavor of the wine. Available at Crate&Barrel.com.

Do you use cool wine gadgets? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $39.95
For: Him, Her
Interests: Gadgets, Home, Food
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Pumpkin Rubber Wellies by Hunter

Gift Challenge: We are going apple and pumpkin picking with the kids this month. It usually is rainy around where I live. I'm looking for new rain/mud boots for the kids.

Over here in California the weather suddenly turned cold as well. Fall has finally arrived and is here to stay. Here's a pair of kid size Hunter boots to keep the little toes dry and toasty. Available at MilkShop.com.

Where do you shop for kid's winter gear? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $62
For: Kids
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Tiffin Lunch Box Set

Gift Challenge: We are trying to cut back on eating out during lunch hour so my husband and I are bringing our own lunches. I'm not a big fan of the plastic containers, do you have any suggestions?

What a great idea, bringing your lunch to work will help you save money and calories. I often make a little more of re-heatable dishes like curry (Japanese or Thai) or pasta (shrimp, garlic and pancetta) to bring to work. Here's a set of stainless steel lunch boxes. You can stack rice, pasta, bread, salads, sandwiches and fruit in separate containers and reheat or refrigerate individually. Available at DesignWithinReach.com.

Do you bring lunch to work? What do you bring? Share a comment below or email me.

Price: $85
For: Him, Her
Interest: Food, Gadgets, Home
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Apple Ipod Touch

Gift Challenge: This Christmas, I'm thinking of getting my parents a digital photo frame and store all the pictures of the grandkids in there for them. I'm looking for something with at least 1GB of memory. Which brand do you suggest?  

Digital photo frames are great but they are not very portable. I've noticed that grandparents like to be able to carry family pictures and show them to friends. On my recent trip to Mexico, I met the coolest great-grandmother. At 75 years old, she's definitely ahead of the digital technology curve. She carries her Ipod Touch with her wherever she goes and the device is loaded with music and family photos (available space: 8 - 32GB). The touch screen actually makes it really easy for her to view and find photos. The great thing is you can sync the newest photos into the device whenever your parents visit to see the grandkids. Available at Apple.com.


Do you own an iPod Touch? Love it? Email me or share a comment below.

Price: $229
For: Him, Her
Interests: Gadgets, Home, Accessories
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Kimochi Emotion Dolls

These dolls are super fun to brighten up any gloomy fall day. Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, the best way to learn about emotions is to identify it. Feeling sleepy and cranky? Cuddle up with one of these snuggly, plush dolls and take a nap. Available at UnCommonGoods.com. Do you think these are cuter than the Ugly Dolls? Email me or comment below. Price: $55 For: Him, Her, Kids Interest: Home, Gadgets, Accessories Buy Now

Le Creuset 6-Piece Cookware Set

Gift Challenge: My mom is a great cook. She's been making family dinners for us on Sundays for 20 years. I look forward to her roast or homemade lasagna every weekend. I'd like to get her a set of high quality cookware for this upcoming holiday season. She's very practical and doesn't like short-cut gadget things. Timeless and practical, Le Creuset is the brand you are looking for. This season Williams-Sonoma carries an exclusive line in a sophisticated slate color. These enameled cast iron pots used by french cooks for generations are great at retaining high temperatures, therefore ideal for braising stews or slow-cooking soups. Available at WilliamsSonoma.com What's your favorite cookware line? Share your ideas by leaving a comment below. Price: $549.95 For: Him, Her Interest: Home, Food Buy Now

Brita Marella Cool White Water Filter

Eco-Gifts! These are gifts that charming, practical and make a green difference. Break away from the habit of picking up a case of plastic bottled water the next time you are at the supermarket. Instead, try this: the Brita water filter, it's has been around for a while but I've never seen this model in the US. The design is sleek and translucent perfect for filtering and chilling your next glass of clean quencher. It makes for a great house-warming gift or gift for college freshmen. Available at NaturalCollection.com. Do you have other eco-gift ideas? Send them in or write a comment below. Price: $27 For: Him, Her Interest: Gadgets, Home, Eco-Gifts Buy Now

Handwoman's Tool Kit

Gift Challenge: My college friend just moved back to SF after her MFA in New York. I'm visiting her place for the first time this weekend but I hear it's pretty bare right now, so we have decided to go shopping at Ikea in the afternoon for furniture and accessories. I know she won't let me pay for anything at Ikea so I'm looking for a good housewarming gift. First of all, I think every lady should have a tool kit at home to help fix odds and ends without having to rely on and wait for maintenance. Secondly, I'm a big Ikea fan but some of the pieces there are harder to put together than it seems. This kit with the hammer, pliers, wire cutters, tape measure and screw driver will come in very handy. Available at WishWrap.com. What did you bring at the last housewarming party? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $48 For: Her Interest: Home, Gadgets Buy Now

Salted Gourmet Macadamia Nuts

Just got back from a trip down the coast of Mexico to Los Cabos, Puerta Vallarta, Zihuatanejo, Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. It was very relaxing with lots of sunshine, hot and humid weather making a lush, green landscape filled with all sorts of exotic flowers and palm trees. Whenever I travel, my favorite thing to do is to shop local goods or produce. At Costa Rica we tried these delicious macadamia nuts (slightly salted). Available at CafeBritt.com. What's your favorite travel food find? Email me or leave a comment. Price: $8.95 For: Her, Him Interest: Food, Travel, Shop the Globe Buy Now