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.

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.

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!

The Importance of Little Gifts

I recently came across an article in the Lebanon Daily News discussing the sudden appearance of gift wrapped presents in a neighborhood in Spring Garden Township. According to the article, the police believe that the gifts were left behind by a group of people who are trying to start a neighborhood association. Some of the gifts included a bungee cord, pencils, children's clay, a plastic dog bone, a paint brush, and beer. One neighborhood resident commented, "I think that we have forgot about little gifts and how important little gifts are." I love this story because it shows how small meaningful gifts were used to create goodwill in the neighborhood. I'm sure these small thoughtful gifts were very appreciated by the residents. These days when buying gifts we tend to purchase the biggest, shiniest, most expensive, newest, or trendiest gift. We seem to have forgotten that small gifts can give a recipient just as much or more joy. A few years ago I received a notepad and pen set from a friend. It wasn't the largest gift or probably the most expensive, but it was one of the most thoughtful gifts I've received. Primarily because my friend purchased the set in pink, one of my favorite colors, and had the notecards engraved with my name. My face lit up when I opened the gift. My friend took the time to add little touches to the gift she knew I would appreciate. And I did. The next time you have to purchase a gift take a moment to think about the small things you could do or purchase that will really mean alot to the recipient. Think about the recipient's favorite color. Is there a favorite item the recipient lost that you could replace? Can you provide assistance or a service that would make the recipient's life easier? Remember you don't always have to spend a lot of money on a gift. The most appreciated gifts are usually the small thoughtful ones. What small gift have you received that meant more to you than the larger more expensive gifts you've received?

My visit to the New York International Gift Fair

Yesterday I attended the New York International Gift Fair. This is my first year attending the fair so I really didn't know what to expect. I have to say I was blown away by the variety of products. I'm in the midst of planning the launch of an online retail store, so I wanted to get an idea of what's out there to determine what types of items my store will stock. I saw some great products and I'm looking forward to getting my store up and running. One note of advice to first time attendees - wear comfortable shoes. I wore flats which were comfortable for the first 30 minutes, but, by the end of the day my feet were SCREAMING. I also probably shouldn't have tried to see everything in one day. Next year I'll spread my visit over two days. All in all it was a cool experience and I'm excited for next year's gift fair. Here are a few items that stood out to me.

BloemBox

(courtesy of bloembox)

My eyes were immediately drawn to the Bloembox booth. The gorgeous packaging holds a really great gift idea for the flower loving apartment dweller. Each box contains a pot with saucer and a bulb. You can purchase a set of 6 for $222 at www.bloembox.com.

Music Cooks by Menus and Music

(courtesy of Music and Menu)

MusicCooks is the perfect gift for food and music lovers. Each box contains 16 washable recipe cards that feature food photos, cook's tips, and shopping lists. The box also contains a CD compiled with songs that complement the theme of the box. For example, the Pleasures of the Caribbean box contains recipes for Caribbean dishes and cocktails and the enclosed CD contains reggae and calypso songs. Purchase it at Menus and Music for $22.

Transport by Setgogear

(courtesy of trendhunter magazine)

The transport is a really cool gift for the urban guy. This lightweight non bulky alternative to the messenger bag has two front pockets that can be used for a cellphone, ipod, or blackberry. And, there is also a zip pocket that is perfect for storing money. The back has a large zip up that can be used to store magazines. Purchase it at Setgo for $80.00.

Wedding Party Gift Ideas and Wedding Favor Gift Ideas - New Wedding Solutions Service

As I'm preparing to attend my third wedding this year, I thought it would be a good time to introduce the new Wedding Solutions service offered by That Perfect Something. We'll help you find unique and creative gifts for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and wedding guests. Now you can stress about one less thing while planning for your wedding. Try our Wedding Party Gift Consulting service or our Wedding Favor Gift Consulting service today.