Custom Cookies: A True Work of Art

What a sight to behold! You've never seen cookies as true works of art until you've seen Queen City Cookies. The problem is, these cookies are so incredibly beautiful and elegant, your gift recipients may not want to eat them!

Can you imagine using these upscale, decorative handmade cookies as wedding favors, baby shower favors, unique new-baby announcements, corporate gifts, as a Mother's Day gift, as a Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie?

You can use a small print cellophane bag for your occasion, add one cookie to the bag, tie the bag with a silk ribbon with gift tag or announcement attached, and you have an easy, relatively inexpensive gift that makes a big impact. Check out other ways of gifting Queen City Cookies.

Queen City Cookies will also work with you to create your own custom cookies and will package them in style fit for a queen. If you are looking for a truly unique cookie that will say "Wow!" to your gift recipients, here is what you're searching for.

What Kind of Gifts Should I Give My Nanny?

Seeking special nanny gifts? Think lovely, keepsake items to thank your nanny for her indispensible assistance with those who mean the most to you: your precious children. What would your life be like without the consistent, reliable, loving, nurturing help of a nanny to yourself, but especially to your children? Your nanny helps keep you sane, right? You and your children love her, right?

I found the following definition of a nanny at The Nanny Gift Shop. See if you agree with a nanny's job description:

"Nan-ny (nah-nee) n. childcare provider, activities director, teacher, dresser, beautician, nutritionist, chef, hygienist, janitor, nurse, dramatic reader, performer, entertainer, costume-maker, arts-and-crafts instructor, dance partner, chauffeur and stroller-pusher, personal shopper, secretary, historian, detective, confidant, companion, counselor, coach, bodyguard, self-defense instructor, tutor, cheerleader, appreciative audience, hugger, boo-boo kisser, potty trainer, learner, listener, helper, arbiter, peace keeper, honorary extended-family member, lifelong influence, shaper of the future."

Raising kids is tough. You know that, and that's why you hired a nanny. Nannies make the world a better place. The services of a nanny are invaluable. Showing appreciation to your nanny, the most valuable asset to your family, is crucial for a nanny's job satisfaction and longevity.

Nannies appreciate receiving personal, thoughtful gifts that mothers themselves like to receive, gifts that take them to a place where they can relax in body, mind, and spirit: pamper gifts, aromatherapy gifts, stationery gifts, beautiful writing journals and brag books, inspirational books, angel figurines, and more.

Give your nanny special heart-felt gifts, pay her well, and verbally tell her how much you appreciate her, often.

Baby Bouquets Even Martha Stewart Loves

One thing I love about being in the gift industry is attending trade shows and seeing the beautiful gifts that retailers can purchase for their customers. This next idea is something I came across once while attending such a trade show and afterwards set out to try to figure out how I could make one of these myself.

So if you're looking to give an extraordinary baby shower gift or new-mother gift that is sure to wow your gift recipient, consider crafting your own. This Martha Stewart YouTube video shows you how to do it.

Click on this Baby Bunch Bouquet link for a list of the tools and materials you'll need for this project and for written instructions.

Idea: Craft a baby bouquet as a baptism or christening gift with all-white baby clothing, including an Angel Baby Wings Onesie, and add angel, butterfly, or dove floral picks.

Winter Lily Bouquet

This exquisite bouquet of red and white Asiatic lilies turns any holiday celebration into an elegant event. 7 to 14 red and white Asiatic lilies feature a multitude of stunning blooms on every stem. These lilies are picked at the peak of perfection from select floral farms in Holland and California. These beauties will arrive in bud form, ready to bloom.

This gorgeous Winter Lily Bouquet is shipped overnight to ensure freshness. You may order just the bouquet or indulge yourself or your gift recipient further by adding on: A stunning gold-matte-finished glass vase for an additional $14.99; measures 8.75"H x 5"D, or a classic clear glass vase for an additional $10; measures 8.75"H.

A lily is a classic symbol of purity and faith. It is one of the first recorded flowers in history, dating back over 3,000 years.

Click our link and order your flowers directly from 1-800 Flowers to arrive in time for your holiday celebration.

Should I Send Flowers or Food or a Keepsake Gift After a Death?

The answer to this question depends on the type of relationship you have with the one who is grieving.

Any type of gift received is better than receiving nothing at all. Receiving a sympathy card is better than receiving nothing at all. Sending an e-card in many cases is absolutely free. When we don't somehow reach out to someone who is grieving, it makes the pain the grieved is feeling that much worse.

Those who are grieving don't like feeling alone in their grief. Extending a kind gesture, whether it's by placing a telephone call, writing an e-mail, sending a handwritten note, sending flowers, sending a gourmet food or fruit basket, or sending a keepsake gift, is always welcome and appreciated.

I created the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop after my dogs Tasha and Niki died many years ago. My grief was inconsolable. I've always loved animals and angels, so I set out to search the Internet for dog angel gifts. There were barely any pet sympathy gifts to be found, at least what I would like for myself. I felt if I had a need that wasn't being fulfilled, someone else was feeling the same way.

When my world was falling apart and my heart was broken in a million pieces, I received a few pet sympathy cards, a lovely keepsake angel dog gift book from a friend, and a beautiful flower arrangement from my sister. That year when my sister sent me a Sarah's Angel for Christmas, that was all she wrote for me. When it was time, my gift shop was born.

When someone is grieving the death of a loved one, what do you think would make them feel the best they can feel in their darkest hours? For me, I choose In Loving Memory Keepsake Gifts or Gift Baskets because grief isn't over in a matter of days or weeks.

One day someone will look at a keepsake gift you've given them and think, Someone thought so much of me, they sent me this beautiful gift of the heart that I will have forever.

So the question is: How would you like your gift to be remembered?

Stocking Stuffers for Dog and Cat Lovers

If you're a cat or dog lover, or know someone who is, we don't need to explain any further. Our She Who Loves her Cat (or Dog) Memo Pad by Suzy Toronto is perfect for the home or office for making lists or writing notes.

Each memo pad comes with a fun, sassy quote. Makes a super useful, fun, and inexpensive stocking stuffer for the pet lover in your life.

George Carruth Child of Peace Nativity Candle

The Child of Peace Candle is Aspen Bay's collaboration with famed stone sculptor George Carruth. The lovely Nativity scene comes to life as the wick burns on this luminary-style candle.

Lightly scented with a fern-cucumber mint fragrance that all will enjoy. (Fresh, green bergamot, spearmint, peppermint and crisp melon with geranium rose and lavender spice.)

This candle offering makes the perfect meaningful gift in both message and spirit. Consider giving as a hostess gift or as a welcome-to-our-home gift to family and friends during the holiday season.

Elements Stars in the Sky Angel Holding Star

Our Stars in the Sky Angel Holding Star features signature Birchwood accents, with intricate pewter detailing. She makes a perfect gift for one who has lost a loved one.

This angel's inscription reads: "Perhaps they are not Stars in the sky, but rather openings where our Loved Ones shine down to let us know they are happy."

This lovely keepsake angel statue, made in resin, makes the perfect gift for those grieving the death of a loved one. When the flowers are gone, your gift remains to give comfort for years to come.

Whether we are filled with joy or grief, our angels are close to us, speaking to our hearts of God's love. ~ The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman.

Pet Lover Holiday Gifts and Gift Baskets

What kind of gifts do you give to the dog and cat lover during the holidays? You give gifts that will be enjoyed by the beloved pet -- like all-natural and organic gourmet treats and toys -- and also pet lover keepsake gifts that will be enjoyed by the dog and cat guardian for years to come. Pet lover gift baskets are always a hit during the holidays because they stand out among the gifts given by others.

Order your Pet Lover Gifts and Gift Baskets from the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop today and give your loved ones and their furry friends something to bark and meow about! Custom gift basket orders are welcome here!

BaBEE Boy Layette Bouquet

An adorable BEE wrist rattle buzzes with excitement over this sweet layette bouquet of new baby boy (or baby girl) must-haves. The BaBEE Layette Bouquet is wrapped in a cushy, quilted changing pad. You’ll find 18 pieces of 100%-cotton-soft, blue and white baby wear, such as baby bodysuits, socks, bib, hat and much, much more. It’s a delightfully thoughtful shower gift or new baby gift.

The BaBEE bouquet measures 17”H x 10”W x 9”L and arrives as pictured. Bouquets range in price from $49.99 for a 12-piece bouquet to $74.99 for the 18-piece bouquet shown here.

Click our link for more information and to place your order. Your order will be shipped directly to you or your gift recipient directly from 1-800 Flowers.

Christmas Sympathy Ornaments

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and perhaps forget about those who have lost a beloved family member during the year.

Someone you know and love is hurting as they miss their son, daughter, mother, father, beloved pet, and so on. Letting your friends and loved ones know you remember, you care, is easy to do with our Christmas Sympathy Ornaments when accompanied with your heartfelt message.

We have an outstanding selection of
In Loving Memory Sympathy Gifts from which to choose if you would like to send a more substantial gift. Custom orders are always welcome. Please contact us to discuss your budget and your gift-giving needs!

Gifts for Mothers and Mother Figures

Wondering what kind of gift to give the mother angel in your life on Mother's Day, her birthday, or any day? Celebrate your mother or a mother figure in your life with one of our Gifts for Mom.

Our angel keepsake gifts, luxurious body lotions, gels, candles, and more keep giving long after a bouquet of flowers. Place your order today to have your inspired gift delivered right to your special lady's door!

Little Things Mean A Lot Cherub Collectibles

We're so pleased to offer cherub collectible keepsake gifts from a collection known as
Little Things Mean A Lot.

These cherubim pieces of art are made of resin and are delicately embellished with clear gemstones and petite-sized words that can be clearly seen through the wings of an accompanying personalized credit-card-sized magnifier. Characterized by the beauty of movement, our Heavenly cherub collectibles feature finely meshed silver-plated wings.

Our adorable Little Things Mean A Lot cherub figurines are featured with a butterfly, a star, a cross, a lamb, and one cherub just sleeping on a flower, and make great gifts for angel and baby lovers! They also are appropriate as a unique baby loss gift, first Holy Communion gift, christening, baptism, or baby shower gift.

Each cherub figurine comes in its own matching silver and white gift box, but you will want to add the gift-wrapping option during the checkout process to make sure your gift is wrapped in exquisite metallic or baby heirloom keepsake gift wrap.

Purchase your cherub figurines today and start collecting what we're sure will become your favorite baby angel collection yet!

Cheryl Richardson's Self-Help Cards

Mother's Day 2010 is Sunday, May 9th. I'm enjoying my new Self-Care Cards: A-52 Card Deck by Cheryl Richardson, thinking what a great little gift this is for not only mothers and mother figures, but for ANY woman. Each inspirational card from this 52-card deck challenges you to take a specific action to improve the quality of your life in some way. Who doesn't need a little improvement in their life, right?

I'm looking forward to learning how to eliminate clutter in my life, clarify my priorities -- as I have way too many on my plate! -- ask for help, dream big, learn to be patient -- a big downfall of mine! -- and otherwise make small changes in my life that will add up to big differences.

I'm not a mother except to three sweet dogs, but I deserve the best for myself, and so do you! Order cards for yourself, or a special woman in your life, today through Hay House Publishers by clicking on the product link or product image, and let's enjoy the messages of self-care and love together.

There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem

I had the privilege of seeing Dr. Wayne Dyer speak at my church several years ago. After Dr. Dyer's presentation, I purchased a copy of There's A Spiritual Solution To Every Problem and listen to it if I'm experiencing a difficult time in my life. It never fails to take me right back to where I need to be mentally.

Dr. Dyer shows us that there is an omnipresent spiritual force right at our fingertips that contains the solution to our problems -- from ill health, to financial worries, to relationship difficulties. Drawing from various spiritual traditions, especially from the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, Dr. Dyer helps us unplug from the material world and awaken to the divine within. On these CDs, you will be entertained and educated, but most importantly, you'll learn that the power to change is within YOU!

Purchase Dr. Dyer's CD series and listen to it at home or in your car on long trips. You'll be amazed how easily you can get your mind in a better place and start solving your problems.

Displaying Sarah's Angels Collectibles

2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Sarah's Angels collection by Pavilion Gift Company. If you're an angel lover, chances are you have at least one Sarah's Angels figurine in your grouping of angel collectibles.

In 2002 when I lost my beloved dogs Tasha and Niki to a poisonous veterinary product, I searched high and low for angels with dog memorabilia. Displaying photographs of my dogs on my desk, even though I could not put them away, would make me cry if I looked at them. Once I received my first Sarah's Angels, Ellaine, as a gift from my sister for Christmas, I started to feel that my dogs were with my angels in Heaven and could start the slow healing process through my grief. In fact, receiving my first Sarah's Angels planted a seed in my head that one day I would like to own a gift shop where I offered sympathy gifts to pet lovers.

Angels are spiritual messengers bringing God's love and protection in many ways. God gives His angels charge over us as guardian angels. Little did I know that the Ellaine figurine would become the starting point of my Sarah's Angels angel with animals collection.

If you're anything like me, you are wanting to create a nice display area to show off your angel collection. Happily, I had a lovely wrought iron shelving unit in my home that I snatched from other room, and placed it in the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop office. It's now become a shrine, so to speak, to my angel dogs and my dogs now, Abby and Casey. Take a look at the simple way I've arranged my angels, photo frames, candles, greenery, and other pieces to create a pleasing display that gives me a lot of joy. As I add more angel figurines to my collection, I'll, of course, have to come up with another arrangement using "lifts" and "levels" to maximize my display space, but this works for now.

I hope my photos provide you inspiration for displaying your favorite Sarah's Angels collectibles in your home.

Inspirational Butterfly Gifts

"Butterflies are a popular symbol of the soul's transformation and rebirth, and more generally, creation of life from apparent death. In the East, a pair of butterflies induces the blessing of marital happiness. In dream analysis, the butterfly means new beginnings." The Language of Gifts, by Deanna Washington.

There's three things I am crazy about: animals, angels, and butterflies. If you take a look around my gift shop for any amount of time, you'll see a recurring theme for the type of inspirational keepsake gifts I choose to sell. These things make me happy and are guaranteed to make your gift recipients happy as well.

When I create gift baskets and wrap gifts for my friends, family, and customers, you can be sure somehow, some way a butterfly image or trinket will make its way into or onto a gift. It's my trademark, a little piece of my heart given to the receiver.

The George Carruth Butterflies and Dragonflies Candle is one of my favorite gifts to give as it is perfect for so many occasions. It simply and beautifully conveys my heartfelt sentiments, whether it is given as a condolence gift, get-well gift, a welcome-home gift, hostess gift, or wedding gift. It is infused with such an elegant, pleasing scent, even men like it!

Butterflies may make you think of springtime, but I hope I've inspired you to think of them now in different ways when you're searching for a meaningful gift for your loved ones. Click on the title link and give a butterfly-inspired gift today!

Creative and Thoughtful Gift Presentation

Ever received a gift that was so beautifully wrapped that you didn't want to unwrap it? You were so delighted to receive the gift because it was presented in such a creative and thoughtful manner. It showed just how much someone cared for you because they took the time to wrap your gift in a memorable way.

Your gift can make your gift recipient "ooh" and "ahh" when you add accessories to the outside of the package to complement what's in the package.

Crafty people tend to have a stockpile of unique, colorful ribbons, patterned papers, rubber stamps, craft scissors, and all sorts of doodads for scrapbook making. Well, this is a great time to pull the craft supplies out and let your imagination run wild.

Part of the fun of gift giving is watching the gift recipient open their presents. Show you know your special someone by how you wrap their gifts, by adding your own creative touches.

P.S. The gift pictured here was for a very special boss at Christmastime 2009. What's in the package dictated the choice of gift wrap. On the outside of the wrapped package were additional gifts, including wine glasses, gift certificates for dinner and entertainment, a musical note ornament, and more -- all the makings for a very romantic evening!

Baby Shower and Baby Nursery Gifts

When you're on a budget and seeking unique baby shower and baby nursery gifts that stand out from the rest, the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop has just what you're looking for.

New parents believe their babies are answered prayers from God, and so do we. We celebrate the little angels by offering angel baby gifts and keepsakes that are perfect for any occasion.

Choose your adorable and oh-so-special gifts and gift baskets for babies at the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop today. Need them gift-wrapped and sent directly to your gift recipient? Not a problem! We have sweet keepsake baby gift wraps that will complement any of your selections.

Christening and Baptism Gifts and Gift Baskets

The Kindred Spirits Gift Shop creates Christening and Baptism Gift Baskets as well as provides inspirational and religious standalone gifts for new babies and parents. Our Baby Blessings Christening-Baptism Deluxe Gift Basket is the perfect gift for the blessed new baby boy or girl. If you're looking for high-quality, lasting keepsake gifts of remembrance on baby's special day, to be cherished and passed on from generation to generation, you need look no further.

Our Baby Blessings gift basket includes a Heavenly baby onesie, keepsake white vintage blanket, plush lamb toy for baby, Noah's Ark cross for baby's nursery, gift book about pre-born babies in Heaven, keepsake pocket for baby's first curl, and more!

This extra-large Heavenly baby gift basket is wrapped in white swirl cellophane and finished with a matching hand-tied bow to make an extraordinary presentation that will wow your gift recipients.

Meaningful Gift Giving

Ever wonder "What should I buy?" Gift giving can be challenging, especially when wanting to purchase a meaningful gift for someone who seems to have it all. You want to give something memorable, something that expresses to your special someone how you feel.

Whether you are aware of it or not, the gifts you give are a symbol of your thoughts and feelings to the gift recipient. You may not really know the person well, or you know them quite well but don't want to give a run-of-the-mill gift. Or you've run out of ideas. Or you're on a tight budget.

No matter what your circumstances, you can give a creative gift that will always be treasured, whether it costs $1,000 or $1.99, or you're regifting something you've found in nature that didn't cost you a penny. But now you can purchase a guide that will help you choose your gift, know its deeper meaning, what to write in a gift card or on a gift tag with your heart-felt sentiments, and have your gift stand out from all the others.

The Language of Gifts: The Essential Guide to Meaningful Gift Giving by Deanna Washington is one of our favorite go-to books. Sometimes purchasing a gift certificate or gift card is appropriate and appreciated, but if you're ready to step away from the pack and give something "different," this book's for you.

Save Time and Money: Purchase Gifts Online

Recently a potential customer called and asked if one of our angel figurines could be purchased somewhere else, like a Hallmark store. The answer to this was "perhaps."

Whether you will find your desired item in a brick-and-mortar store -- someone who has an actual storefront as opposed to selling online -- all depends on what merchandise the buyer for a particular store selects for their store. Then if they do happen to carry it, will it be in stock?

You can take the time to call around to various stores in your area to see if they have your desired item and, if so, make the trek to the store to buy it. But then how much time in your daily schedule did you save when you can literally purchase a gift online in minutes? How much money did you spend in gas to get to the store? Did you have to pay sales tax on that item? If you're purchasing online and the online retailer is not in your state, you do NOT have to pay sales tax. That's a savings to you right there.

The Kindred Spirits Gift Shop will not carry merchandise that you can find at your local Walmart and the like. If you find something similar, the quality won't be there. We specialize in unique, hard-to-find items that are only available to retailers. We attend the major gift shows only open to retailers. We've already done the major shopping for you.

We offer gift-wrapping services. Does your brick-and-mortar store offer this value-added service? Perhaps maybe only around the major holidays. Do ask them. Or maybe you need to purchase the materials and wrap the gift yourself.

Additionally, we give 5 percent of each purchase to one of the animal-based nonprofit charities which you select during the checkout process. This percentage of your purchase is NOT added to the cost of your purchase. This is yet another way our shop differs from many others. We believe in giving and making this world a better place for our furry friends, all year round. Every cent makes a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

No one likes to pay shipping, especially when shipping costs rise every single year, but keep in mind that as a retailer, we have to pay shipping costs also. In our shopping cart, you are able to choose the least-expensive shipping option to have your package delivered straight to your door. All of a sudden, the maybe $5 or so you would pay to ship your package isn't looking so bad when you consider how much time you've saved in your day.

Certainly your time is worth more than a few dollars for the convenience of purchasing safely online 24/7, isn't it?