Sending Greeting Cards and Notes: A Lost Tradition?

This year, 2011, the United States Postal Service is a Gold Sponsor of the LOUIE Awards. The LOUIE Awards are called the "Academy Awards" of the greeting card industry. They are awarded once a year by a panel of industry experts, including retailers, manufacturers, and the media.

"The U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, making it the perfect partner for the LOUIE Awards, whose focus lies in celebrating the importance of sending or receiving a handwritten card or note through the mailbox as we exist in the digital age," according to Gift Shop Magazine.

Are you someone who keeps up the tradition of sending greeting cards and handwritten notes through the mail? The last time you received a greeting card or handwritten note in your mailbox, how did it make you feel? Don't forget that feeling because someone you know wants to experience that great feeling as well.

The next time you want to surprise someone -- for any occasion, or for no occasion at all -- do so with a greeting card or handwritten note. It is the least expensive gift you can give that just may be kept forever.

Receiving a greeting card or handwritten note in the mail sure beats receiving a bunch of bills in your mailbox. Don't you agree?

Labor of Love Dog Rescue Bracelet

Finding meaningful gifts for dog rescue workers is tough. How can you ever thank such a dedicated person for rescuing, fostering, caring for, and then finding a loving forever home for dogs? How do you ever thank a shelter worker for their dedicated work on behalf of animals of all kinds?

Those who tirelessly work helping animals are a special breed. There really aren't sufficient words to express gratitude. These compassionate people are honored with our Labor of Love Dog Rescue Bracelet.

I came across this haunting sentiment today that makes me cry every time I read it.

For all animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for those that must be put to death . . . and for those who deal with them,
ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.

~ Albert Schweitzer

Thank God for pet rescue and shelter workers. I hope in my lifetime I get to see that their services are no longer needed because the world will have come to realize that animals are living, sentient beings with feelings, who can feel pain like humans do, and whose lives are just as important as every living being on this earth.

Heavenly Pet Loss Silicone Wristbands

Everyone loves silicone wristbands that make a powerful statement. For a simple gift of comfort for the grieving pet guardian, I paired our With You Always Pet Sympathy Card and my own personally designed Heavenly silicone wristband to serve as a reminder of an animal companion who has passed on to the Rainbow Bridge.

Years ago when my beloved dogs Tasha and Niki passed on to the Rainbow Bridge, I was having a particularly hard time coping with their loss. During a meditation exercise in a class I was taking at my church, we were told to imagine a huge red heart. What would that heart say to us? The message I received was immediate, very clear, and very powerful: "Don't be afraid; we are with you always."

My design is the perfect sentiment that would be conveyed from the angel pet to his pet guardian if he could speak to her in words. This wristband is debossed with a paw print on each side of the following message: "I am with you always." The Heavenly band is sky blue in color with a white swirl pattern that looks like clouds.

Purchase this pet loss silicone wristband and pet sympathy card today in the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop.

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.