Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide- Part I

That Perfect Something

Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide

We are really excited to provide the first of three installments of our Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Guide. The next two installments will be posted during the next two weeks. We will also post a last minute gift ideas during the week before Mother's Day, for those of you who were too busy to buy Mother's Day Gifts. We hope that our guide will help you find the perfect gift for your Mother or at the least we hope that our gift ideas inspires your Mother's Day gift search.

For the Bauble Loving Mother

Spring Cart Designs Fulani Earrings

(image courtesy of Springcart Designs)

This beautiful gold twist design will be a hit with Moms who love handcrafted, one of a kind jewelry pieces. The Fulani earrings are individually crafted by the Fulani people of West Africa. No two pieces are identical.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra perfect by purchasing a 6 or 12 month subscription to Spring Cart Designs' Earring Club. Recipients of the 6 month subscription receive three pairs of earrings and recipients of the 12 month subscription receive 6 pairs of earrings. The six month club membership costs $120.00 and the twelve month membership costs $210.

Purchase the Fulani Earrings for $27 or a six month or 12 month Earring Club membership at Springcart Designs.

For the Foodie and Earthy Mom
Nudo-Italia Adopt an Olive Tree

(image courtesy of Nudo-Italia)

Show your Mom that you appreciate her love of food and the earth by adopting an olive tree in Le Marche, Italy for a year for her. Your Mom will not only receive the produce from the tree (one package of olive oil in the Spring and another package of olive oil in the fall), but your purchase also supports small scale farming. Your Mother will also receive an adoption certificate and a booklet telling her about her tree.

Purchase this gift for £65.00 (approximately $130.00) + delivery and taxes at Nudo-Italia.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra perfect by creating an Italian themed culinary basket for her. Purchase a woven basket from a craft store and fill it with the items below or similar items.

• An Olive Pitter
• An Oil Mister
• An Olive Oil Carafe
• An Italian Cookbook
  

For the Globe-Trotting Mom
Toss Designs Club Tote

(image courtesy of Toss Designs)

Any woman who loves to travel appreciates a good carry on bag. The Club Tote fits the bill. It's stylish, roomy, and versatile. The Club Tote comes in either pink/white or green/white.

Purchase the Club Tote at Toss Designs for $126.00.

Perfect Gifting Tip

Make this gift extra perfect by adding any or all of the following items to the Club Tote.

• Noise Reducing Earphones
• Travel Comfort Set
• Travel Journal

If you like the gift ideas posted in our Mother's Day Gift Guide and need help finding additional gift ideas, go to Gift Consulting and submit your Gift Consulting request today. It takes less than 15 minutes and only costs $19.99 per Gift Consulting request.

Perfect Little Somethings - Gift finds at the Brooklyn Flea Market

Despite the cold weather I dropped by the Brooklyn Flea Market today. There was a huge turnout and it was exciting to see so many vendors showcasing their wares. It will be one of my go to places to find great gifts. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Brooklyn based Greenjeans showcased a number of items including handmade toys made by Frank Ridley. I particularly loved the wonderfully crafted Wooden Helicopter. The helicopter is made out of white pine and doesn't have any artificial finishes. It's a great natural, simple toy that any kid will love. You can purchase Frank Ridley's wooden toys at Greenjeans for $18.

I couldn't pass up Loyalty and Blood's Letter Tote. It's made out of canvas and comes in either small or large. It's perfect to take to the supermarket or to the flea market. You can purchase this tote for $22 at Loyalty and Blood.

Amy Holbrook designs fun needlepoint kits. I picked up her Stitchable Journal in the Rio design. I love that you can personalize the journal with a needlepoint monogram. It's a great gift for a crafty person. You can purchase the stitchable Journal for $22 at Amy Holbrook.

Bonbon Oiseau's keyfobs and necklaces immediately caught my eye. The keyfobs are made out of antique brass with various handstamped motifs. The keyfobs can also be used as pendants on chains. The necklaces are really unique jewelry pieces. To order these pieces email info@bonbonoiseau.com. Prices range from $48 -134.

That Perfect Gift of the Week - Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit

I am gradually making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products and I recently came across Shaklee's Get Clean Starter Kit. The kit contains a wide array of eco-friendly cleaning products and accessories. It's a great introduction to eco-friendly cleaning products and is the perfect gift for anyone who is interested in keeping the planet safe. You can purchase the kit at Shaklee for $167.15.

The kit contains the following cleaning products:

Basic H2™ Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, 16 oz.
Basic H2™ Organic Super Cleaning Wipes, 35 Wipes
Germ Off Disinfecting Wipes, 35 Wipes
Nature Bright® Laundry Booster and Stain Remover, 32 oz.
Scour Off™ Heavy-Duty Paste, 9 oz.
Hand Wash Concentrate, 32 oz.
Dish Wash Concentrate, 16 oz.
Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate, 32 oz.
Fresh Laundry Concentrate HE Compatible, Regular Scent - or Fragrance Free, 32 oz. (Liquid)
Soft Fabric Concentrate, 32 oz.
Soft Fabric Dryer Sheets, 80 sheets
Hand Wash Decorator Dispenser
Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate Dispenser
Nature Bright® Dispenser

and the following cleaning accessories:

Organizer Caddy
Spray Bottles
Basic H2™ Full Strength Dispenser Bottle with Dropper Tip
Dropper Pipette
1 oz. Dispenser Pump for 32 oz. Bottle
Laundry Measuring Scoops
Dual Measuring Spoon
Super Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Super Microfiber Window Cloth
Super Microfiber Dish Sponge
Miracle Scrubber Pad

Holiday Gift Ideas - Emporio Armani (Product) Red Julia Roberts Bracelet

I not only love the look of the Emporio Armani (Product) Red Julia Roberts Bracelet, but I also love the fact that an average of 40% of the gross profit margin sales of Emporio Armani (Product) Red products goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. The bracelet is made out of leather and sterling silver. And, a banyan tree with the words "Revolution, Evolution, and Devotion" are embossed at the top. You can purchase this bracelet for $195.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Elsa Peretti Bean Money Clip

Who said money clips were just for men? Elsa Peretti's Bean Money Clip will appeal to many women. It's the perfect size for a clutch or a small handbag. I love the sterling silver material and its clean design. It's also a great gift for a trendy male who doesn't want to look like everyone else. Purchase it at www.tiffany.com for $135.

Lois Loves - A Picnic Trunk

So, I took a little break from posting the last couple of days to enjoy the great weather. As I basked in the sun this weekend, I thought to myself, this is the perfect weather for a picnic in the park. But, before I planned a picnic, I had to buy a picnic basket. I knew I would have no problem finding an inexpensive wicker basket. But, I decided I wanted something classier. I was pleasantly surprised to come across the Picnic Trunk by Neiman Marcus. I love the Picnic Trunk's flyout table. The Trunk also comes with two glasses, two stoneware plates, cutlery for two, cotton napkins, a corkscrew, tablecloth, and salt and pepper shakers. The Picnic Trunk is absolutely perfect for an afternoon picnic in the park. $150.

Lois Loves - Poppy Print Tote

In my quest for the perfect tote, I came across the Kate Spade Hugo Poppy Tote. It was love at first sight. The tote is perfect for work, travel, shopping, you name it. The poppy print adds just the right touch to this peek a boo tote. It has an interior zip pocket and is available with a red or an orange trim. My birthday isn't until May, but, I may just have to get myself an early birthday present. $195.

Lois Loves - Bold, Chunky Rings

A friend recently asked for my opinion about a few rings that she is considering purchasing. I promised her I would look for more rings and share what I found. So K.H., here are some great, bold, chunky rings for Spring. And, for those of you looking for Spring birthday gifts, these rings are just perfect.

I absolutely love John Hardy's Curved Ring. Its unique gold and silver dot design is the perfect conversation piece. $795.

Gorjana's Flutter Ring is the perfect Spring Adornment. $135.

The Oval Rock Crystal Ring by Stephen Dweck can be worn with any outfit. $375.

Azaara's Blue Opal Ring is my absolute favorite. The blue-green opal stone sits beautifully in its ornate gold setting. $245.

Who can resist Kenneth Jay Lane's Flower Ring? This feminine ring is one of my friend's choices and I can certainly see why she was drawn to it. $90.

This ring may not be chunky, but it's certainly bold. The Wide Coral Band by Catherine Weitzman makes a simple statement with its unique design. $105.

If one ring is not enough, why not stack seven? Gorjana's Stackable Rings is the perfect everyday adornment. $145.

You certainly won't be ashamed to adorn your hand with the Proud Plumage Ring. The amethyst, peridot, and ruby stones makes this two finger ring breathtaking. $218.

You'll not only look good, but also smell good with John Hardy's Ayu Scented Jasmine Ring. Made in Bali, this ring has a refillable fragrance pad hidden in the heart of the ring that releases a wonderful blend of fragrances. $795.



Who said you had to wait until May for Spring Flowers? Stephen Dweck's Bronze Flower Ring is both girly and bold. And, the blue lapis center makes it even more special. $395.

Lois Loves - Mulholland Brothers Garment Bag

The Mullholland Brothers Simple Garment Bag is the perfect gift for the man who does a lot of traveling. Its simple, classic, and sturdy design will appeal to any man. The garment bag holds two suits and is available in 12 colors. $175 - $550.

Lois Loves - Hobby Tote Bags

A few summers ago, I took sewing classes and tennis lessons. I enjoyed both so much that I'm hoping to take more of these classes this summer. In anticipation of taking these classes, I decided to search for tennis and sewing supplies. During my search, I came across two great tote bags that I think would make great gifts.

The BBW Sewing Kit is the perfect gift for a beginner sewer. The kit includes the Sew U how to sew guide, six Built by YOU patterns and a tape measure. Purchase this kit for $120 at Built by Wendy.

A tennis loving friend will love the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Tennis Mini Tote Gift Set. The set includes a mini handbag that holds a baseball cap, a three-pack of tennis balls, a stretch terry sweatband, and stretch terry wristbands. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of this product supports programs for the early diagnosis, treatment and research of cancer. $104.

Lois Loves - Laptop Bags

I'm planning to buy a laptop really soon and I don't want to tote it around in the standard, boring laptop bag. So, I was excited when I came across some really cute laptop bags at Bloomingdales made by a company called Twelve. I visited their website to purchase a laptop bag, but unfortunately the bags I saw at Bloomingdales were not featured on the website. So, I decided to look for other options. These laptop bags are great gifts for students and professionals.

I love the fun colors of the Echo 13 laptop case by Lexie Barnes. The case is padded and is made of water resistant fabric. $90.

The St. John Envelope by Lapsack is a great alternative to a laptop bag. Put your laptop in the envelope and toss it in a messenger bag or your work bag. It comes in four sizes and costs between $48-$62.

The Coffee Bean Laptop Zip Portfolio by Lapsack is a great gift for guys. It has an ultra suede exterior and faux shearling lining. The Zip Portfolio also comes in tan and black. $155-$195.

Lois Loves - Marc by Marc Jacobs Watches

I've been on the hunt for a great watch for the past few months. I've seen a lot of contenders, but I wasn't really inspired until I came across the Marc by Marc Jacobs watch collection. The designer stays true to his whimsical, fun, and unique design aesthetic with these great timepieces.

The Star Charm Watch Bracelet does double duty as both a watch and jewelry. It's a perfect college graduation gift. $200.

The Heart Pendant Watch is a timely way to say "I love you". $125.

Music aficionados will surely love the Roxy Guitar Watch. $150.

Lois Loves - Kimberly Baker Jewelry

I love unique pieces of jewelry that I don't see everyone wearing. So, I'm always excited to see a jewelry designer do something new and fresh. Kimberly Baker's pieces are some of the most unique pieces I've seen in awhile. Her pieces are perfect for a friend who has her own unique style. Here are some examples of her work.


The Phoenix Rising Necklace is a great conversation piece, and is sure to get you noticed when you enter a room. $195.

You won't need to wear any other jewelry with the Liberty Wings Earrings. $172.

I love the delicate flowers of the Keiko Gold Ring. $138.

Lois Loves - Gifts that Keep Giving

A few years ago, I got my boyfriend a gift subscription to a wine club. Each month he received two bottles of wine. The gift not only helped him to build his wine collection but also reminded him of what a great girlfriend I am on a monthly basis. LOL. This was one of his favorite gifts and to this day he still talks about it. If you are looking for a truly unique gift, a club subscription is the way to go. Its a gift guaranteed to make you unforgettable. Here are a few options.

Red Envelope's Bouquet of the Month is a perfect "thinking of you" gift for that special someone in your life. Each month the recipient receives a different bouquet with a special quote attached to the vase of the bouquet. A three month subscription is $145, a six month subscription is $270, and a twelve month subscription is $395.

The Beer of the Month Club, confirms that there really is something for everyone. Your husband or boyfriend will not stop thanking you for this gift. Each month or every other month, the recipient receives 12 bottles of premium beer. The three month club is $29.95, the six month Club is $28.95 per month, and the twelve month club is $27.95 per month.

Serious tea drinkers will get a kick out of Adagio Teas Tea of the Month Club . Every other month, two 4oz tins of gourmet tea is mailed to you. You can choose from flavored, herbal, decaf, black, and green tea variations. A six month membership subscription is $49 for the flavored, herbal or decaf varieties and $69 for the black or green tea varieties. A twelve month subscription is $99 for the flavored, herbal or decaf varieties and $129 for the black or green tea varieties.

Lois Loves - More Spring Bags

Bags, Bags, and More Bags. Here are some more great bags that are perfect Spring gifts.

The Michael Kors Joplin Tiger Tote is perfect for that woman who wants to show a little bit of her wild side. $298.


The dainty Kenneth Cole Weave It Be Small Straw Flap Bag is perfect for ladies who lunch. $298.

Why not celebrate the advent of spring with some floral adornment? Pick up the Elliott Luca
Floral Dr. Satchel for someone who loves bright and vivid colors. $298.

The Elliott Lucca Frida Bucket bag is perfect for the bohemian chic. $168.

Who says orange should only be worn in October? Get noticed with the orange, patent leather Kate Spade
Pasadena Julia bag. $645.

The Maxx New York Bridle Oversize Triple Zip Satchel is sure to bring a little sunshine into any girl's life. $148.

Don't you just love the nautical colors of the Kate Spade, Cape Cod Maya bag? $495.

Lois Loves - Watch Cases

Nowadays, men own multiple watches and use them to accessorize outfits, just like women use handbags to accessorize outfits. Men who own multiple watches will certainly need something to protect, display, and store their watches. Red Envelope offers some great watch cases that are great looking and priced for different budgets.

The Monogrammed Leather Watch Case offers a a more traditional look in black pebbled leather or brown pebbled leather. $60.

I love the sleek, sophistication of the Brushed Nickel Watch Case. The case holds up to nine watches and is engravable. $78.

The Milano Leather Watch Case stores seven watches and also has a drawer that can store cuff links. $125.