Category Archives: Gift ideas

3 Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas

If you have been invited to attend a baby shower for a friend, you obviously want to bring the perfect gift. Cute baby clothes are a go-to since they are fun to shop for, but it is likely that the mom-to-be is going to be inundated with clothing, much of which the baby will never even get to wear. If you are stumped on what to give, here are some unique gift ideas that your friend will love.

Image by Annie Spratt from Pixabay

Books

Children’s books make great baby shower gifts. Give books that you or your own children loved for a personal touch, and write a message inside on the title page. Reading to babies has numerous benefits, including building memory and vocabulary skills, so your gift will help the new baby to grow and to develop mentally.

Willow Tree New Life

Interesting Keepsakes

A lovely keepsake, such as Willow tree figurines, is a heartfelt gift that you friend is sure to love. Choose one with a baby theme, or one that represents her pregnancy. A small item like this is easy for your friend to place anywhere in her home, and will make her think of you whenever she sees it.

Photo by Hope House Press – Leather Diary Studio on Unsplash

A Pregnancy Journal

Your friend may have a baby book to fill as soon as the baby is born, but a journal that she can fill out while she is pregnant can also be fun and useful to reference down the road. Should she experience another pregnancy, she can look back through her notes to remind herself of how she felt and what she was doing at certain stages. 

Picking the perfect gift for a soon-to-be-mom can be tough, especially if this is her first child. However, there are many fun ways to surprise your friend if you want something unique that isn’t on the gift registry. 

Using Creativity to Relax and Unwind

There are plenty of ways to reduce stress in your life, from exercise to meditation to simple self care. But did you know arts and crafts can also help you relax and unwind from the tensions of the day? The act of focusing on something that’s pleasant and enjoyable helps activate different areas of your brain while taking your mind off of your stressors. So, plan a trip to your favorite craft store long beach ca and try one of these activities to increase your creativity and decrease the stress in your life.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_by_number#/

Coloring or Paint By Number

Coloring for adults is now a huge trend, and for good reason. If you love to make beautiful pictures but aren’t an accomplished artist, coloring books for grownups can help you create detailed finished products while giving you the guidelines for a beautiful design. Pick up some high-quality markers and color in a relaxing spot in your home. If painting is more your style, pick up a paint by number kit and create a replica of some of your favorite well-known masterpieces.

Knitting or Crocheting

The repetitive motion of knitting or crocheting can be very calming, and is relatively easy to pick up if you’re just starting out. Select a good instruction book for beginners, or find some online tutorials for simple pieces you’d like to make. Select yarns in colors and materials you truly love and start making scarves, hats, blankets and simple dish cloths. With a little practice, you may find yourself ready to tackle more complex projects in no time.

Jewelry Making

There are so many materials and options when it comes to designing your own jewelry. Start with the basics by finding a design book or taking a class for beginners to learn how to properly string and secure beads, weave fabric cords or twist and shape wires. Once you’ve mastered basic techniques, the possibilities are endless!

If you’re looking for new ways to manage the stress in your life, consider a new creative hobby. You may find a new passion in the process!

6 Budget Kitchen Gifts Everyone Will Appreciate

Anyone that loves to cook, or create new dishes in the kitchen, will appreciate a new-fangled kitchen gadget to experiment with. Here are six fun toys that any adventurous cook will love.

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

Stick Food Processor

Why pull out the huge food processor to make a smoothie? Instead, making a smoothie or mixing up soup can be as easy as blending with a stick blender – and so much quicker to clean up. Simply wave the immersion blender around inside the glass, and you have an instant smoothie.

Cutting Mats

Cooks of all types love the vibrant color coordinated cutting boards for food prep. Chop the food in one area, and the cutting mats make transporting the food to the pan a breeze!

Splatter Screen

Frying foods, simmering juices, and boiling sauces can all send liquids bouncing out of the pan and onto your stove. Alleviate the problem with a splatter screen. Choose one with steam release holes if you like your vegetables crunchy.

Cast Iron Cleaner

Do your friends use cast iron? If so, this little square of chainmail will surprise and delight them. They are used to scrub even the hardest and most burnt bits off any cast-iron pan with only a little effort. Someone should have come up with this idea a long time ago!

Oil Atomizer

Once your friends have tried the oil atomizer, they will wonder how they could ever live without it! No more glops of oil or uneven salad spread, the sprayer allows you to pull the trigger and let a fine mist cover the bottom of the pan or dress the salad perfectly.

Vegetable Spiralizer

Give the gift of a spiralizer and allow your friends to turn any vegetable into a fabulous noodle. From carrots to zucchinis to sweet potatoes, everyone loves them – even children. Add sauce for a tasty meal in just a few minutes.

Whether you want to give a practical kitchen gift or a surprisingly fun present, there is something on the list above for anyone. Check the items out and find one for yourself as well!