Friday, May 8, 2009

10 last minute Mother's Day Gifts under $50 from Anthropologie

Earlier this week I did some last minute Mother's Day gift shopping at one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie. Anthropologie is a great place to shop because it's eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, accessories, kitchen and household items, and furniture. Anthropologie stores are located all over the U.S. If you haven't had time to pick out something for your Mother, I suggest checking out Anthropologie's selection of great gifts. Here are a ten of my favorites, all under $50.



1. Lemon Initial Necklace made out of 14k gold plated brass, $38
2. Florid and Faceted Earrings constructed with metal, amazonite, glass, resin, $28


4. Tocca Solid Perfumes comes in three fragrances - Cleopatra, Florence, Stella, $30

5. Apia Frame made out of mango wood, $40

6. The Illustrated Kitchen Bible 1000 family recipes from around the world, $35

7. Shimmering Garden Journal crafted out of soft leather, $18
8. Voluspa Candle Tin has an 80 hour burn, five fragrances - Santiago Huckleberry, Baltic Amber, Capri Fig Frangipani, Champaca Bloom, Goji Berry, $18


9. Ivory Vines Canister constructed out of porcelain, $20

10. Provence Perfume Bottle made out of crystal glass, $38

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Mother's Day Giveaway - Winner Announcement

It was heartwarming to read about the wonderful ways each of you honored your Mother.

We are pleased to announce that the randomly generated winners of our Mother's Day Giveaway are:

1. Coin Purse - ali and josh holt

Ali and Josh Holt said...
The best gift I ever gave my mother for Mothers Day was a surprise Pedicure date for the two of us! Nothing better than spending time with your mommy and relaxing while you are at it! :) Im all signed up for the newsletter!

2. Stacking Rings - SarCraw

SarCraw said...
I've given my mom lots of random things for Mother's Day, but I think the best thing to her was a card I made her my first year of college, 300 miles away from home. I thanked her for everything she'd done for me, and she cried when she read it.

3. Vintage Apron - Thespa

Thespa said...
The best gift I ever gave my mom was a grandbaby for mother's day. She cried. Incidentally it was my best mothers day present too. LOL. Thanks for the great Mother's Day gift ideas!
April 28, 2009 4:01 PM


I'll be contacting each winner via email. Please look out for an email from info(at)thatperfectsomething (dot)com. If for some reason a winner does not get back to me in 72hrs, I'll randomly pick another winner for that particular prize. Congratulations all! I hope you enjoy these great gifts.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Mother's Day Giveaway - Now Closed

Hi everyone,

The Mother's Day Giveaway is now CLOSED. It was great to read about all the wonderful gifts you've given to your Mothers. As stated previously the winner will be selected randomly. I'll post the winner of the Giveaway tomorrow morning (Tues, May 5th).

Six hours until end of Mother's Day Giveaway - Enter Now!

You still have tons of time to enter our first ever Mother's Day Giveaway. We are giving away three great prizes!

How the Giveaway works

1. The Mother's Day Giveaway runs until Monday, May 4th 11:59PM EST.
2. The Giveaway is open only to entrants with U.S. and Canadian addresses.
3. To enter you must (1) leave a comment on this blog sharing with me the best gift you've given someone for Mother's Day and (2) sign up for news and updates from That Perfect Something here.
4. Three winners will be randomly selected and will be awarded prizes in the order listed (First mini frame purse, second stacking rings, and third vintage apron).5. Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, May 5th.

Six hours until end of Mother's Day Giveaway- Enter Now!

You still have tons of time to enter our first ever Mother's Day Giveaway. We are giving away three great prizes!

How the Giveaway works

1. The Mother's Day Giveaway runs until Monday, May 4th 11:59PM EST.
2. The Giveaway is open only to entrants with U.S. and Canadian addresses.
3. To enter you must (1) leave a comment on this blog sharing with me the best gift you've given someone for Mother's Day and (2) sign up for news and updates from That Perfect Something here.
4. Three winners will be randomly selected and will be awarded prizes in the order listed (First mini frame purse, second stacking rings, and third vintage apron).
5. Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, May 5th.

Friday, May 1, 2009

What's in your Gift Closet?

It’s 6PM on a Saturday night and you suddenly remember that your best friend’s birthday party is in two hours. You panic because you realize you forgot to purchase a gift. You debate whether to run out and pick something up or whether to go to the party empty handed. You opt to go empty handed because you know you won't have enough time to get dressed and shop for a gift. If you are someone who hates to show up to an event without a gift but often find yourself showing up empty handed because you forgot to or didn't have enough time to purchase a gift; a gift closet is the perfect solution for you. What is a gift closet? A gift closet is a term I use to describe an area in your home where you store common gifts and gifting supplies for upcoming gifting occasions. Your gift closet doesn't have to be an actual closet. It can be a shelf, a drawer, or a storage box or bin.

How do you stock a gift closet? Ideally, your gift closet should contain gifts in the following four categories: 1. home and entertaining 2. personal use and enjoyment 3. office 4. children and teens. I recommend purchasing five to ten items for your gift closet. I do not recommend purchasing all these items at once. It is a good practice to create a list of possible gift items for your gift closet and take this list with you when you shop for other items. This will enable you to quickly scan a store for items to purchase for your gift closet. To get you started, I've compiled a list of gift ideas, gifting supplies, and stores where you can purchase gifts. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend a lot of money on these gifts, I've never spent more than $25 for the items in my gift closet. Sale areas in certain stores can be goldmines for your gift closet. You'll be sure to come across a lot of great, inexpensive gifts. One concern that may arise is that the gifts in your gift closet are too generic and not thoughtful enough. You can remedy this concern by writing a thoughtful note on an accompanying blank card. So the next time you go shopping get started on your gift closet so you'll never be in a situation where you show up empty handed.


Gift ideas for your Gift Closet

Gifts for the home/entertaining
Candles
Picture Frame
Votive Holders
A Throw
Planter
Vase
Reed Diffuser
Book Ends
Glass/Ceramic/Wooden Bowl
BBQ Tool Set
Cocktail Glass set
Serving Dish
Wine Stoppers

Gifts for Personal Use & Enjoyment
Journal
Bath/Body Set
Tote Bag
Recipe Book
Cosmetic Purse
Photo Album
Address Book
Jewelry/Watch box
Travel Kit
Money clip

Gifts for the Office
Stationary Set
Paperweight
Business card holder
Pen/Pencil set

Gifts for Children
Wooden Blocks
Stuffed Animal
Coloring Books
Story& Activity Books
Rattle
Baby Blanket

Gifts for Teens
Costume Jewelry
iTunes gift card
Sporting Apparel (hats or t-shirts with state/local college team logo)
Gift certificate for movie tickets


Tools and Accessories (all can be purchased at your local dollar store)
Scissors
Tape
Ribbons/Bows
Gift Bags
Wrapping paper (non gender or event specific)
Tissue Paper
Blank Note Cards


Stores where I've purchased gifts for my Gift Closet
TJ Maxx
Target
Local dollar store
Barnes & Nobles
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bath and Body Works
Victoria's Secret
Local Flea Market
Crate & Barrel
CB2
West Elm
Pier 1 Imports
The Container Store
Marshalls

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Earth Day Giveaway - Winner Announcement

A huge thanks to everyone who entered our Earth Day Giveaway. We really appreciate your participation.

We are pleased to announce that the randomly generated winner of our Earth Day Giveaway is Noreen!

noreen said...
using totes, recycling, growing own veggies from seed, and using reusable water bottlessigned up, nor_lou at hotmail.com
April 27, 2009 9:59 PM

Noreen, I'll be contacting you via email. Please look out for an email from info(at)thatperfectsomething (dot) com. If for some reason Noreen does not get back to me in 72hrs, I'll randomly pick another winner. Congratulations Noreen! I hope you enjoy the gift set.

We've also just announced our Mother's Day Giveaway. Please enter to win one of three great prizes!

Earth Day Giveaway- NOW CLOSED

Hi everyone,

The Earthday Giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much for sharing how you are working to become more ecofriendly. As stated previously the winner will be selected randomly. I'll post the winner of the Giveaway tomorrow morning (Wed, April 29th).

@ecky - I've been thinking of switching to mama pads myself. Like you said it's time to just do it.

@carapace - wow it certainly sounds like a huge undertaking to build a home from scavenged materials, but must also be really exciting and will be very rewarding when completed.

@Thespa - I love that you are making green fabric shopping bags.

@oona & @nikki - composting is a really wonderful idea, definitely something worth looking into.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Five Hostess Gifts for Cinco de Mayo Parties

Cinco de Mayo is just a few days away and I'm sure many of you received invitations to Cinco de Mayo parties this weekend. Why not show your appreciation to your host/hostess for opening their home to you with a small gift. Nowadays you don't have to spend a lot of money on host/hostess gifts. I've discovered that you can find great gifts at stores like Target, Crate and Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, and Sur La Table for $25 or less. Here are five gifts under $25 from some of my favorite stores.


1. The Ultimate Grilling Rub Collection $24


(image from Williams-Sonoma)

This spice rub set includes Adam's Steak Rub (for red meat), Chili-Lime Rub, Potlatch Seasoning Rub (for seafood and salmon, and the Memphis Rib Rub(great for beef and pork).


2. Three-Part Server $9.95

(image from Crate and Barrel)


You can never have too many serving dishes and this server is the perfect size for dips and fruit.


3. Electric Wine Bottle Opener $19.99



(image from Target)


The electric wine bottle opener is ergonomically designed and rechargeable. Any wine-loving host will appreciate this gift.



4. Foodie Fight Trivia Game $18.95


(image from Sur La Table)


This trivia game has over 1000 questions and is sure to be a huge hit at any gathering.


5. Any type of Dessert - Crumbs Bake Shop 6 pk Cupcakes $21.70


(image from Crumbs Bake Shop)


Who doesn't like dessert? Your host and fellow guests will all be thanking you for this gift. Visit your local Bake shop and pick up a pack of cookies or cupcakes as a gift for your host.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Mother's Day Giveaway

Fourteen more days until Mother's Day, have you found the perfect gift yet? If not be sure to check out our Ten under $50 Mother's Day Gift Guide. We've highlighted a nice variety of gifts that are priced right!

In honor of Mother's Day we are excited to offer our first ever Mother's Day Giveaway. We are pleased to be giving away THREE items from our Mother's Day Gift Guide.

Giveaway Items


(image from Oktak's Etsy Shop)




2. Cherished Mother Stacking Rings (Size 7)




(image from Red Envelope)


3. Vintage Style Apron


(image from spicerak design)



How the Giveaway works

1. The Mother's Day Giveaway runs until Monday, May 4th 11:59PM EST.
2. The Giveaway is open only to entrants with U.S. and Canadian addresses.
3. To enter you must (1) leave a comment on this blog sharing with me the best gift you've given someone for Mother's Day and (2) sign up for news and updates from That Perfect Something here.
4. Three winners will be randomly selected and will be awarded prizes in the order listed (First mini frame purse, second stacking rings, and third vintage apron).
5. Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, May 5th.

One day left until end of Earthday Giveaway - Enter now!

Our Earthday Giveaway ends on Tuesday, April 28th 11:59PM EST. We are giving away an Intro to Green gift set. The gift set contains a reusable travel mug, a fluorescent light bulb, the "Green Book", an Envirosax reusable tote, a bamboo cutting board, natural liquid hand soap, and a bamboo box.

To enter you must (1) leave a comment on this blog telling me what you are doing or planning to do to become more eco-conscious and (2) sign up for news and updates from That Perfect Something here. (3) One winner will be randomly selected and announced on this blog on Wednesday, April 29th.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Intuit's Small Business Grant Contest

I recently learned of Intuit's Small Business Grant Contest and decided to throw my hat in the ring. Entrants share a short story of a real situation and a short tip other businesses could use. I've captioned my story - "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." In my story I talk about finally taking the leap of faith to launch my business only to find that it wasn't as successful as I dreamed it would be. Initially I perceived this lack of success as a failure, but then realized that I wasn't a failure I just needed to take a step back to regroup and refocus. I'm now committed to taking smaller steps to reach my end goal. I think it's a great lesson for everyone.

If you would like to read about my struggles in launching That Perfect Something please go to
http://community.intuit.com/contests/aE87eSl7ur3QVhacfA8pyY, and if you find my story inspiring, please don't hesitate to show me some love by rating my story.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Earth Day Giveaway

Happy Earth Day folks! I hope each of you is taking a moment today to reflect on what you can do to ensure that our planet remains healthy for future generations. We can all make a few small changes in our daily lives that will help to sustain our planet's resources. Some of the small changes I've made over the past year include switching to recycled paper products, using "green" household cleaning products (my favorite brand is Seventh Generation), using reusable shopping bags when I go shopping, and I also use a stainless steel water bottle (my pink kleen kanteen bottle is always at my side). Now that I've shared how I'm becoming more eco-conscious, tell me what you are doing or are planning to do to become more eco-conscious and you might win this Intro to Green gift set. The gift set contains a reusable travel mug, a fluorescent light bulb, the "Green Book", an Envirosax reusable tote, a bamboo cutting board, natural liquid hand soap, and a bamboo box.

(image from The Green Perspective)


How the Giveaway works:

1. The Earth Day giveaway runs until Tuesday, April 28th 11:59PM EST.
2. To enter you must (1) leave a comment on this blog telling me what you are doing or planning to do to become more eco-conscious and (2) sign up for news and updates from That Perfect Something here.
3. One winner will be randomly selected and announced on this blog on Wednesday, April 29th.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please stay tuned for our Ten under $50 Mother's Day Giveaway. Three great items are up for grabs. If you are still looking for an inexpensive Mother's Day Gift check out our Mothers Day Gift Guide. If you can't find exactly what you are looking for in our Guide take a look at our Gift Consulting Service.

Ten under $50 Mother's Day Gift Guide

Please enjoy our Ten under $50 Mother's Day Gift Guide. We spent some time scouring the web for great gifts at bargain prices. We hope you find the perfect Mother's Day gift in our guide. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for news about our Mother's Day giveaway.



(image from everydaygrace)

You create the coupons for this fully customized 15 page coupon book. It's a great way to create a truly personalized gift. Purchase at Everydaygrace's Etsy store for only $16.50.

(image from Colonel Littleton )


This rustic bracelet can be engraved with three initials or one's full name. It's a wonderful gift for a Mom who prefers understated, casual jewelry. Purchase for $27.75.

(image from spicerak design)

I love this vintage style apron from spicerakdesigns. The apron is made of 100% cotton and is nostalgically priced at $25. This cheery apron is sure to make cooking fun again.





(image from the green perspective)


Looking for a gift for the eco-conscious Mom? The "Green your Office" set is the perfect gift. The set contains a bamboo box, a "Greening Your Office" book, a mini kleen kanteen, a bamboo pen, and recycled stationary. Purchase the set for $40.






(image from Barnes and Nobles)


The Mother's Legacy journal provides a unique opportunity for a Mom to record her life story to share later with her children. Purchase for $12.99.




(image from Oktak's Etsy Shop)


Tired of seeing your Mom dig in her handbag for change? This adorable, bright yellow mini frame purse makes the perfect coin purse. Purchase at Oktak's Etsy shop for $22.



(image from Red Envelope)


Tell your Mother how much she means to you with the Cherished Mother Stacking Rings . These sterling silver rings can be purchased from Red Envelope for $39.95.



(image from Thomas Claire)


Dress up your Mom's dresser with this Embroidery Jewelry Tray. The tray is made from hand rolled clay and you can personalize the tray with Mom's initial. Choose from periwinkle, blush pink, and cloud white. Purchase for $43.


(image from Fortnum and Mason)


Foodie Moms will be in heaven with the Fortnum and Mason Taste of Spring hamper. The hamper is packed with goodies like tea, sugar crystals, and jelly. Purchase the hamper for $40.



(image from Kaponga)

The Nuts Cream Perfume is a cream-based perfume formulation of sweet almond oil and beeswax. The perfume is alcohol free and comes in yummy scents like mango, lavender, and ylang ylang. Purchase for $19.95.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Office Group Gifting, Yay or Nay?

I recently read the Washington Post's Ask Amy Column in which a reader asks whether the office should contribute to a collection being taken up for the loss of their boss's wife. The reader is hesitant to contribute because the boss treats the co-workers unprofessionally. Amy replies that despite the office's misgivings of their boss, some expression of sympathy is warranted. She also notes that a donation or remembrance gift is thoughtful but not necessary.

This post got me thinking about the number of group office gifts I've been asked to contribute to over the years. Having worked in an large office for a number of years, some good natured person is always collecting money for a gift for a coworker's birthday, engagement, wedding, new baby, etc. I generally think office group gifting are nice gestures and can foster office camaraderie, but the reality is that these collections can add up over a year and the choice to contribute is often complicated by numerous issues.

The following issues are usually considered when deciding whether to contribute to an office gift pool:

1. It might win points with the gift recipient, especially if the recipient is your boss
2. Even though you don't want to participate, you think it's the polite course of action, and you don't want to be the only person who doesn't contribute monetarily
3. You barely know the gift recipient
4. You may not get along with the gift recipient
5. You just don't have the funds to contribute
6. You hate group gifts and think they are tacky

My general approach to office gifting is that I give only when I know the gift recipient well and I only give what I can afford. At the end of the day I don't think anyone should feel obligated to contribute to the office gift pool. However, if you do feel inclined to give something, remember you can always give an individual gift or simply buy a nice card for the recipient that expresses only your sentiments.

If you want to purchase a gift for a coworker or boss, we can help you find a unique gift that fits within your budget with our Gift Consulting service. Now $10 off.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Mother's Day Special at That Perfect Something

That Perfect Something is excited to announce a special Mother's Day Offer. From now until May 10th, receive $10 off all Gift Consulting Requests. You'll pay only $9.99 to receive two to three creative and customized gift ideas. Don't hesitate send in your Gift Consulting Request today!