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!