The Best $10-20 Gifts

'Tis the time of year to always have a selection of easy gifts to grab as you're running out the door.  I've put together my favorite one-size-fits-all, budget friendly gifts for $10-20.  They are just the thing for teachers, neighbors, birthdays, friends, & hostesses. 

Red Wrap, $16

Ivory Scarf, $12

Red Scarf Above, $12

Quite often, I wrap a pretty set of Taper Candles up in a bow and present that to our Hostess as a gift.  They always get rave reviews if they've never seen such beautiful candles in these gorgeous colors.

The 15" Celebration Candles in Gold are always a favorite to give for a birthday or anniversary.

I love giving Tablets to friends and teachers, too.  Because these are so classically simple in design, they will suit anyone's aesthetic.  They are also seasonless.  They come prepackaged in a cellophane bag with a logo sticker, ready for giving.

LePens are such a treat for anyone.  They are a perfect gift to a teacher.

For Hostess Gifts, I'll fill these Amber Kitchen Bottles with my favorite Dish Soap + Counter Spray.  Tip : For the Counter Spray, I often just put a touch of the dish soap in water.  It adds a subtle scent to the water.

 

My Copper Cookie Cutters ($15.50) come packaged in a Cellophane Bag with my Sugar Cookie Recipe and are tied with a ribbon.  It is the perfect, special gift.  Even if your recipient isn't a baker, I love to line mine up on the windowsill or mantle.

I've put all of my favorite gift ideas in my new Gifts & Favorites Page, Shop here >

Restocked Items & Great Gifts Guide

Gift Collection & Restocked Favorites

Today I have some new items that I love for gift ideas.  They are things that any entertainer would be excited to receive (including yourself!).  All of these items are in-stock and ready to ship.  

Shop the entire Favorite Gift Collection, here >

Do you notice the new addition to my Bread Board Collection?  Hint : It's the big guy in the back.

  

Reclaimed Bread Board

This is a special item.  It is made from reclaimed and recycled materials in the USA by U.S. Veterans.  How awesome - a true American Heirloom.  

You will be impressed with the quality of this board - it is thick, heavy and solid.  You can see the variations that come with terrific handmade things.  They make a great gift for the holidays, for someone else, or yourself ; )  

I love the long linear shape - would make a great cheese board, relish tray or centerpiece on a farm table.

27" Long x 10" Wide

Imagine the nice conversation and moment made when someone opens this gift and reads the tag for everyone to hear.  

Marble & Pewter Cake Stands

I've received a couple of emails inquiring about restocking these stands for Christmas presents - here you go!  I have added a new size, a smaller one that is a great size for everyday uses.

Gifting Baskets

Around the holidays we all need little vessels for gifts.  Whether they are gifts for teachers, hostesses, neighbors or kids - these small baskets are perfect for a group of small treats or a selection of cookies.

Small Square Pint Baskets

Small Rectangle Quart Baskets


Pancake Mix

This is a great gift for neighbors and friends - who doesn't need a "just add water" back up breakfast in their pantry during these cold winter months.  I love this, too, for weekends away.  I threw this mix (and maple syrup, of course) in my suitcase a couple of weeks ago when we were staying in a cabin for the weekend.

Gingham Linen Tea Towels

These sell out instantly every time I restock them - which means everyone will love them on your list : )

Double-Faced Throw

*I've just restocked both colors!

This is the classic "cashmere sweater set" of throws.  They are absolutely timeless, luxurious and rich.  Each throw is double-sided, giving you options to change the look and feel instantly.  The Grey blanket's opposing side is a light heathered grey.  The Camel blanket's opposite side is a classic ivory cream.  Right now I have both in my living room, the camel in our bedroom and a grey in Mike's office.  I couldn't choose.  I'm sure you'll have the same problem.

Child's Baking Set

This was the most requested item that be restocked!  I love how many of you are looking forward to sweet baking moments with your kiddos!

This a photo from my friend who took her Red Transferware Planters to a local florist and had them done - don't they look great!?  I'm finishing up our Christmas  decorating today and plan to do something similar in mine.  I'm planning a mini tree in the large one for Mike's office.  I'll share a little house tour in a day or two with all of the details!

Candy Cane Cookie Cutters

I've restocked these classic Candy Canes - one of our favorites this season.

House Copper Cookie Cutters Set

And, maybe the most requested restock item, the Gingerbread House Cutters!  Even as I write this, the stock is dwindling.  If they've sold out (again), I will see what I can do about getting some more made for early next week.

Pastry Bag Roll of 100

Sometimes I add/update new items and forget to let you know... like these.  I used them this weekend with the girls and my sister said, when did you get those, I would've bought them in a second?!

With the roll, they stay nice and neat in your kitchen drawer... instead of loose bags floating around.  And there's 100.  That should last most of us at least a year ; )



Happy Holiday Shopping!!

Shop the entire Favorite Gift Collection, here >

Easy Gift Ideas for The Holidays | $15 & $25 Gifts

My sister recently said to me - I need a $15 gift for teachers, what do you have?  So, I've put together a couple of gift ideas from my store - each set a price point to make it easy for you.  Like many of you, our extended family does a gift exchange with a $25 limit, so I'm always on the lookout for something great for $25.  Below, you'll find several ideas for $15 and $25 gifts.









Red Le Pen + Tablet | $14

Especially for the holidays, I'm offering my favorite tablet with 4 Red Le Pens.  This is a great gift for teachers - what teacher doesn't love a good red pen!





Monogrammed Linen Tea Towel + Hand-Dipped Taper Candle | $25
Grey/Black Towel + Candle Set
Red/Natural Towel + Candle Set

One of my favorite things to give this season is a Monogrammed Linen Tea Towel with coordinating Hand-Dipped Taper Candle.  I think it is such a lovely gift... and only $25.  You can choose any embroidery color to coordinate with the candles.  I LOVE this.  



















Wild Ferns Lanolin Body Collection | $12 - $25

Also, I have a special treat that is a little different than my typical product selection.  As I mentioned, I hired a helper (Erica) a couple of weeks ago to help me out with the holiday rush.  I once did a fabulous holiday party at her parents' home back in my catering days.  She recently contacted me with questions about how I manage my store website, as she has recently started her own.  We got to chatting and I told her I needed some help a couple days a week, she said she could help out and has been my saving grace!  She has shared her product line with me and I'm hooked.  So, in the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to help her out, just as she has helped me.  So, I'll be offering her fabulous body products in my store for a limited time!

 These Wild Ferns Lanolin body products are imported from New Zealand - Erica's mom discovered them on a recent trip there.  


I especially love this little soap with the lamb! 






I hope you find some ideas for someone special and I hope I've made your shopping a little easier! 

Also, I wanted to share a quick photo of the We Believe collection from my Printed Collection of Cards + Tags.  I didn't have the real ones from the printer last time I shared them.  Aren't they so cute?  I can't wait to put them on our Santa packages and use them as place cards for our brunch table.  I also have a Fir Tree (green) and Let It Snow (grey) printed collection.

...........

The last day to order from the store for the holidays will be Sunday, December 15th!  All orders, even custom monogram orders will ship out by the 17th to ensure arrival plenty of time before Christmas... and to give Erica and me a couple days of relaxation (and catching up on sleep and baking!) before the Christmas.

Thank you so much for tagging along on this new adventure for me.  I've loved developing the store and I feel like I've gotten to know so many of you through your orders!  Such a fun experience!

I'll be back later today with recipes for the Holiday Dinner Schedule I shared yesterday!

My Wish List on Pinterest

Not that I expect any of you to be buying me gifts this year, buy I thought I'd share some things on my list this year - maybe they'll inspire your own list or someone's that you're shopping for.  I used Pinterest to create it, which works like a charm because not only is it a visual reference for everyone, but is directly linked to each product.  I am able to send the link to anyone that asks me what's on my list.  I include my size and color choice on each item in the description box.  And, because I don't want to know exactly what I'm getting, I pin many options for my gift givers to choose from.  Another great reason to love Pinterest!

Here is a link to My Wish List!

Mother's Day Wish List

If I was going to buy myself a Mother's Day gift...

These La Rochere Fleur de Lys would be on the list... I love the heavy, chunky glass.  I'm in need of some new props for our table- I'm sure you're all getting tired of my current glasses!  These are only around $10 each.  A steal for something so classic.

This Lollia "Wish" candle smells like summer.  I got my bridesmaids the hand cream as one of their gifts... one sweet smell takes me right back to Seaside!  Large Lollia Wish Candle $32

 I'd order these herb topiary... because I like pretty things that are useful, too.  Herbs, $39 for all 3.

 And the Jack Rogers that I never got around to ordering for myself! 

Flowers & Herb Planter | DIY Gift Idea

I know I am not the first to think of this... but I don't see it that often.  Maybe it is just something I've never done, combined the two- flowers and herbs.  Normally, I plant them separately.  But I like this idea... and I think my herbs will have better luck outside on my steps than they do, often neglected, inside.

Talk about a great Mother's Day gift - she's pretty and productive, just like Mom herself.

Shower Hostess Gifts | Baby Shower Paper-Source Hostess Gift | Personalized Stationery & Labels

Last weekend my Sister and Aunts hosted a Baby Shower for me.  I wanted to do something special for them as a Thank You/Hostess Gift.  It's always a challenge to think of a small gift that is special, personal and something that they'll actually use. 

I wanted it to be something that I made... at least part of it.  Since we were traveling back to KC for the shower, baked goods weren't really an option (we aren't bag checkers). 

I made a stop to my favorite spot for homemade goods supplies that don't look homemade - Paper Source.  My plan was to make personalized stationery sets and personalized "From the Kitchen Of..." labels.  When I found these Vera Bradley lunchboxes, I thought they'd be the perfect 'package' and useful, too.

Baby Shower Hostess Gift :
- Stationery Set
- From the Kitchen Of Labels
- Lunch Bag

For 4 sets of 10 Personalized Stationery (card & envelopes), you'll need :

- 1 pack of Lux Cream Cover (contains 10 sheets of cardstock)
- 4 packs of A2 envelopes (contains 10 envelopes each) from Paper-Source
- Printer
- Paper cutter
- Ribbon (for wrapping)

To create the Stationery Template, use a graphics design program (I use InDesign), Word or PowerPoint document divided into 4 equal sections (each being 5.5"w x 4.25"t fit on one 8.5"x11" page).

Put the initials or name of each person on the top margin (about 1/2 inch from top) of each card.  Print onto Lux Cream Cover and cut using a paper cutter to 5.5" x 4.25".

This straight edge paper cutter ($19.50) from Paper-Source has been my saving grace for so so so many projects.  Straight cuts really help to make professional looking paper crafts.  It is definitely worth the $20 investment!

Cut it length-wise in half...

Then in half again.

I use this thin satin ribbon from Paper-Source to wrap each set of cards and envelops.

Flip it over and twist, bringing the sides up over the top and bottom...

Flip over again and tie a bow.  I really like how the thick textured paper looks - it gives it a professional quality.

Coming Soon : how I made the "From the Kitchen Of..." Labels here using Paper-Source adhesive labels.

Here is all of my gift supplies ready to be assembled.

I am really pleased how they turned out!  Have I inspired you?  If you have a hostess gift to put together, click below to all of the items on sale at Paper-Source!