NatureMill Automatic Composter

Technically, this is a not a *little* gift. But it's definitely a miniature version of the standard outdoor composter station. Take your apple peel, lemon rind, lettuce head - all the food scraps that can magically become rich compost in just two weeks. Best of all, this NatureMill has a small footprint and can sit in the kitchen, so you don't have to transport food scraps outdoors. A rotation mechanism and heating unit accelerates the decomposing process, and a carbon filter minimizes odors. Once the compost is ready, it transfers automatically into a soil chamber, ready for the spring garden of herbs, vegetables and fruits. Learn more about how it works, here. Available at NatureMill.com.

Price: $299
For: Him, Her
Interests: Gardening, Eco-Gifts, Home
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Hands On Art by Uncommongoods

Instead of sweet edible rewards, why not try to entice your child with an everyday learning treat like this set of art books focused on tactile and interactive components. Expose a young talent to the feeling of Van Gough's famous pieces and Andy Warhol's iconic artwork. With digital learning, television, video games, smart electronics kids get fewer and fewer real experiences. Diversify their palette for discovering the world of culture with this fun and diverse collection. Available at Uncommongoods.com.

Price: $35
For: Kids
Interests: Art, Books
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Silver Crane Leather Pendant by MbLife

Gift Challenge: My girlfriend is going to study abroad in Kyoto in the next few months. Before she leaves I want to get her something to remember me by. I'm looking for something "cute" by her standards but not too formal. Budget: under $60. 

Aaah yes, the first significant but non-serious gift. Check out this silver crane on a leather strap, the design is ornate but the style is everyday. People will undoubtedly ask her where she got it and you will be proudly introduced. Available at MBLife.com.

Price $48
For: Her
Interests: Accessories
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Action Organizing Clips by Mateo Ilasco

Feeling under with all the papers, bills, projects and to-dos? Get ahead of the action curve by sorting your paper work with these smart paper clips to help prioritize and highlight your next steps. Available at MateoIlasco.com.

Price: $13 for set of four
For: Him, Her
Interests: Gadgets, Accessories, Stationery
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Egg Timer by Lego

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

Are you always burning the toast, turning a medium-rare steak to medium-well steak, or letting the soy milk boil over? Well, it's time to get one of these. Available at Lego.com.

Price: $7.99
For: Her, Him, Kids
Interests: Gadgets, Accessories, Mini-Gifts
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Victorinox Werks Traveler 3.0 Deluxe Garmet Sleeve

Gift Challenge: It's our 3rd anniversary coming up next week. I have no idea what to get my boyfriend. He's a consultant and has to fly between Chicago and Boston every other week. What do you get a practical, workaholic? He loves gadgets and smart devices but I've already gotten him the iphone, powerbook and itrip. Any good ideas? Preferably under $200. 

I heard about this gift from a guy who received it and loves it. He described how useful a garment bag is for business travel. You can easily carry a suit and keep it wrinkle-free for a meeting after a flight. Accessories or toiletries can be tucked in the inner or outer accessories pockets. Also features: adjustable padded carrying strap and a detachable j-hook for hanging. Available at eBags.com.

Price: $139.99
For: Him
Interests: Accessories, Gadgets, Travel
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Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins and More by Carole Walter

Have you been craving sticky buns? On a cool spring morning, it's the perfect sticky, warm and delicious sweet bite to start the day. If you are like most people who are kicking the coffee shop habit and brewing home-made coffee for the drive to work, why not bake up a dozen or so muffins and sticky buns on the weekends for workday breakfasts. Award winning author Carole Walter shares over 20 years of experience in her meticulous and foolproof recipes. Available at Amazon.com.

Price: $23.10
For: Him, Her
Interests: Baking, Food, Home, Books
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Polka Dot Sock Box by Boden

Gift Challenge: I have a couple baby showers coming up. I don't have time to go to the stores and pick up something from the registries. Is there something at an affordable price point that I can get a couple of that the new moms will appreciate and use?

Get a few boxes of polka socks. They send a fancy yet practical message and I'm sure both the new moms and babies will enjoy warm, colorful feet. Available at Bodenusa.com

Price: $25
For: Baby
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Teak Swing by Design Within Reach

This is one of the most unexpected gifts. Whether it's for a special anniversary, a child's birthday or a housewarming party, it will definitely be cherished. The simple and contemporary open waffle design prevents rainwater from getting trapped. Fasten it outside under a pergola, tree or beam. Available at DWR.com.

Price: $297
For: Him, Her, Kids
Interests: Outdoors, Fun, Home
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What am I looking for this month?

March 2009
Spring is well on the way. It has always been a time of new beginnings. Are you planting your garden, decluttering your home or just embracing a fresh motto in life? This month I'm looking for ideas to making life brighter, happier and more delightful. Don't know what to get someone? Email in your gift challenges. As always, you can reach me at shoplittlegifts@gmail.com.

-Sweettooth

Wedding Day Survival Kit

Gift Challenge: I'm heading to a bridal shower in a few weeks. What should I get the bride/bachelorette?

Here's an idea that other people probably would not think of: essentials for the wedding day. She will thank you for helping her by pass all the little mishaps during the day. Included in the kit are: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mints, drinking straw (absolutely essential!), pain reliever, antacid (right after lunch and before the ceremony), mending kit (yes, the train can get battered), safety pins, stain remove (absolutely, positively, necessary especially after the photos and before the ceremony) and many more... Available at Mr&Mrs.com.


Price: $49
For: Her
Occasion: Wedding Day, Bridal Shower
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Other fun ideas:
Soaps
Lipgloss
What Happy Women Know/Rachael Ray Cookbook
Clarisonic Skin Care System
Brown Sugar Body Polish
Working Girl Survival Kit
Honey Bee Gift Box