That Perfect Gift of the Week - D&G low top multicolored sneakers

Who said a guy wouldn't stick around if you gave him a pair of shoes? I guarantee that any guy who receives these D&G low tops isn't going anywhere. Made primarily of woven cotton and leather, these sneakers are versatile enough to wear with both slacks and jeans. And, the multicolor stripes on the side add a little punch to any outfit. Don't hesitate to "gift" your guy these great sneakers. The D&G sneakers can be purchased for $235 at Eluxury.

Don't forget to submit your entry to our "My Perfect Mother" Mother's Day contest which starts on March 25, 2008. Email your entry to Blog Submissions.

And, if you have a great product or service that you would like to be considered for inclusion in our "The Perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide" please email Blog Submissions.

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 - Small Leather Goods

I never used to be a fan of wallets. For a couple of years I didn't use a wallet, but then I got tired of stuffing my money into the pockets of my handbags. A few years ago, I finally broke down and bought a small wallet. Recently, I decided I needed to upgrade to a really nice wallet. I turned to Kate Spade and found a really great wallet in her collection. I absolutely love the Jane Street Peggy wallet . It has a coin purse, a retractable wristlet handle, and is a great color. It's the perfect birthday gift. You can purchase the Jane Street Peggy wallet at Kate Spade for $225.

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 - Zodiac Watches

Today, I'm focusing on gifts for men. Generally, I think men are easier to shop for because there is less choice. You can't go wrong with a watch, clothing, gadget, or tools. Its usually best to keep it simple. However, in this age of the Metrosexual, men are taking more interest in their appearance and companies are starting to cater more to those men who want to present a put-together, stylish image to the world. Zodiac Watches definitely caters to these men, but the brand also has a wide selection of watches that any man would appreciate. Check out these great watch styles.

This stainless steel style is perfect for the old school guy who wants to jazz up his look just a little. Style Z02258 , Sea Dragon Collection, $275.





I love the casual elegance of the ZO21055, V-Series Collection, $395.




The versatility of the ZO3700, Sea Dragon Collection, $275, makes it a perfect watch for an athlete or college student.

Lois Loves - Spring Bags

I love the Spring. I'm looking forward to packing up my winter gear and revamping my wardrobe. Its also a time to find new handbags to accessorize my new Springtime outfits. A girl can never have to many handbags! Guys, if you are ever at a loss at what to get your ladies, you can never go wrong with a new handbag. Here are some perfect handbags for Springtime gifts.

I love the off-white color and the red stripe of the King Pin Strike Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Every girl needs a white bag to welcome spring. eluxury ,$368.00.

The Via Spiga Emily bag is perfect for both work and play. Via Spiga, $295.

This adorable, girly clutch is perfect for Spring brunch. J.Crew's St. Barth bag, J.Crew, $58.

Lois Loves - Gift Certificates

Many people dislike giving gift certificates because they think they are thoughtless and impersonal. I, however, disagree. Nowadays, gift certificates offer recipients some really imaginative and unique opportunities. A gift certificate can allow someone to shop guilt-free at a favorite store, get pampered with a spa treatment, or pursue a hobby by taking a class. I'm particularly fond of gift certificates that encourage pursuit of a hobby. I consider myself a cooking enthusiast and I would be ecstatic if I received a gift certificate for a cooking class. A gift certificate for a cooking class is perfect for an aspiring chef, a food enthusiast, or even someone who has a cooking phobia. If someone in your life fits any of these categories, contact your area culinary schools and restaurants and inquire about purchasing a gift certificate for a cooking class. If you live in the NYC area here are a few great options.

• The Institute of Culinary Education(50 W.23rd Street, 212-847-0770) has the most extensive recreational division in the City. The Art of Cevice - Plus a Great Mojito, Super Soup Suppers, All about Risotto, Sushi and More, and Doughnuts, Beignets, and Fritters are just a few of the interesting classes offered at the ICE. The ICE offers gift certificates redeemable for $75 or more. See ICE gift certificates for more information. To learn more about ICE recreational classes go to
  ICE recreational classes.

• Miette Culinary Studio(109 MacDougal Street, Suite 2, 212-460-9322) offers Adult Classes and Children Classes. The culinary studio's adult classes include an Indian Cooking Class and Saveur cooking classes for Italian, American and French Classics. Miette offers gift certificates in any dollar amount. For more information about Miette's Gift Certificates go to Miette Certificate.

• If you think your gift recipient would prefer to learn to cook in their own kitchen; home cooking new york(718-282-8866) is a great option. Home cooking new york offers in-home cooking classes where students create their own customized lesson plans. A cooking class for 2 is $250 and can be held in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. Contact home cooking for more information about classes and gift certificates.

Lois Loves - Cook in Pink

I have a little confession. I LOVE the color pink. I think we could all use a touch of pink in our lives. Ok, ok, so pink isn't for everyone but I think you'll change your mind once you've seen these great pink kitchen appliances and tools. You can pick one or a combination of these products and create a themed gift. They are perfect for the fashionista chef or as housewarming gifts!

For almost a year now I've been obsessing about ice cream makers. Every time I think I'm ready to bite the bullet and purchase an ice cream maker a little voice reminds me that I don't have room for anymore kitchen appliances in my tiny New York City apartment. However, after "stumbling" onto the Cuisinart Pink Classic Frozen Yogurt - Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker, I think I'm gonna have to give in - I'll find the room for this appliance!!! The Cuisinart ice cream maker retails for $39.99 at www.surlatable.com.




An ice cream maker is a great gift but you've got to sweeten the package. The Zyliss ice cream scoop is the perfect accessory. (Zyliss ice cream scoop, $9.95 at www.surlatable.com.)


Every woman loves to feel like a real chef (well at least some of us do). What better way to feed her ego than to give her a personalized chef's apron. You can get a personalized or monogrammed apron for $34.00 at www.williamssonoma.com.




Another great personalized gift that's perfect for the baker in the family is Williams Sonoma's Personalized Silicone Spatulas. You can get a set of three spatulas for only $22.50.









Ok, so I own a handheld mixer, but I wish I had seen this cutie first. Got to www.amazon.com to purchase the KitchenAid 7-speed Ultra-Power Hand Mixer, $64.99. Its perfect for an aspiring baker with a tiny kitchen.

Graduates of tiny kitchens will definitely appreciate the KitchenAid Artisan 5qt Stand Mixer. You can purchase the KitchenAid Mixer from www.amazon.com, $299.99.



Tea time anyone? Brew water for a perfect pot of tea with this perfect pink kettle. (Le Creuset Pink Whistling Kettle, $60.00 at http://www.surlatable.com/)

If pink is still not your thing, maybe you'll be be inspired to know that purchasing a product from KitchenAid's pink product collection supports the Cook for the Cure program; a program created to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the fight against breast cancer. For more information visit, http://www.kitchenaid.com/content.jsp?sectionId=457.