Thinking of a gift for a kid? I bet you would consider giving a stuffed toy or make it your choice. Whenever there’s an occasion, I also think of giving a stuffed toy because I’m not good in choosing the gift, the recipient would love to have. But for …

Although it is not exactly a modern toy, I find that a surprising number of younger children still hugely enjoy having a piggy bank in which to save their pocket money, so that it can be broken open (sometimes literally!) at a future point in order to give them …

I bought this owl in the giftware department of Bloomingdale’s. They carry some interesting glass pieces (figurines, bowls, etc.). Some of them are very modern, so they have a chic design that really pulls you in and makes you want to take a closer look. I have always loved …

I have found that children ages ten through fourteen can be really difficult to shop for. They are no longer into baby toys or teeny tiny children toys, but they are not yet into full fledge teenager things either. I have found that getting them a gift …

I came across the full range of Swarovski Crystalline Ballpoint Pens while in a souvenir shop in Titisee, Germany. I have seen these pens in brochures and have been wanting to buy them but they are always out of stock in the Swarovski outlets I have inquired with. …

One of the most requested toys from Santa this holiday season, it the every popular, Baby Alive Doll by Hasbro. Originally introduced in the 60′ to baby boomers all over America, Hasbro has redeveloped, repackaged, and “repriced” this popular doll. Retailing in most departement stores for $49.99, this doll …

I saw this paperweight in a gift shop in Chesapeake City, MD, when I was visiting relatives. I was in the process of buying a couple of other items in the shop, and my eyes kept resting on this paperweight. I couldn’t leave the shop without buying it, knowing …

There is no real secret behind snow globes. They come in various sizes, themes, and some even come with a wind up lever to play music. But even though there is no real secret behind them, the joy that they bring is inevitably apparent. What I feel makes snow …

Made exclusively for QVC, Maria Goretti’s Bird Sanctuary is simply awesome. I’m a proud American, and this sculpture is one of the pieces that I love to keep on display to show my patriotism.
There were ten-thousand of these porcelain eagles made. The eagle, which is about ten-inches …

I have a little niece who likes Pokemon and plays all of the games, much as I did when I was her age. With the release of the games Heart Gold and Soul Silver, Nintendo licensed a series of small plush through Jakks Pacific based on popular Pokemon …

Not only is the HoMedics Sound Spa highly relaxing and suitable in terms of blending in with most all home interiors, it is just one of the greatest things on the market! I think it would make a great holiday gift for anyone too! This handy little …

I saw the ads. The Edible Arrangement are not just edible. They are beautiful and I was curious about it. But a friend who check it out as a possible holiday gift said that it is too pricey. So I was wondering if it is worth the price …

Last fall when I first saw the commercials for these toys, I thought that they were ridiculous, and they even were not that cute. My two daughters were not even interested in them, so I decided I would not join the crazy hunt in finding them around the …

Recently my daughter received a party pack from her cousin. She did not go to the party though, since we were away on a holiday then. Anyway, when she saw the see-through plastic packaging, she wanted me to open it for her.
We took out the items in the Barney’s …

I remember when we used to have irises growing near the front porch of my house when I was a kid. But those were yellow irises, and this one is a purplish blue color. Crystal World does a nice job of making their flower figurines look realistic. I have …

One of my little cousins recieved this for christmas, and I thinkit is a super neat toy. the way it works is taht you play 20 questions against the computer. You think of an item, and then the computer willask 20 yes or no questions. After you answer all …

I bought this crystal apple about twenty years ago, and it is still available for purchase on the Crystal World website! Isn’t that amazing? And what is even more amazing is that the price has not gone up that much in twenty years. It costs $29 now, and I …

The ‘Lamaze Octivity Time’ is one of the best gifts my baby has ever received. It is a cute little colorful octopus with every one of its eight legs providing an opportunity to explore and learn.
My baby used to spend hours engrossed in the octopus. This plush colorful green …

Whenever I have to give a gift to someone I don’t know very personally, I give them a Yankee Candle. They last for a long time, they are always coming out with new scents, and they are fairly inexpensive (especially if you buy them during their clearance sales at …

The best wedding gift I received was when my parents informed me that they were taking my flowers after the ceremony. I will admit that I was a bit perplexed, but on your wedding day things are so crazy, I did not honestly stop to think about it …

While shopping at the mall one day for a gift for an out of state friend coming to town, I happened on these resin characters known as Quarry Critters. They are figurines made by Second Nature Design and they are absolutely adorable. I was so excited when I saw …

I was at my local discount dollar store, browsing around for household items at really great prices, I am looking to cut back on my expenses and save money in any way I can. The price of gas is killing me. Well, I picked up toilet tissue, paper …

I remember buying quite a few of my Crystal World figurines in Cape May, NJ, because there are two or three gift shops in that little town that carry (or at least used to carry) Crystal World products. I believe this butterfly figurine is one of the pieces that …

I don’t know whether any of the websites or stores carry this piece, but I think it may be retired. I don’t see it on the Crystal World website. But I know that it is a Crystal World piece, because it has their logo imprinted underneath the base of …

My eight year old son received 15 Childcraft Encyclopedia Books for Christmas. I wasn’t familiar with ChildCraft but I did like the fact that they seemed sturdy and had really good illustrations that made him interested in reading the stories.
The books in the collection are:
Once …

This figurine is one of my favorite pieces from Crystal World. I have around ten of them. What sets them apart from Swarovski crystal figurines is that many of Swarovski’s pieces are made entirely of clear crystal. Crystal World creates their figurines by combining clear and colored crystal. That …

For my uncle’s wedding i was a little short on gift ideas because i just didnt know what he would want from his nephew. I decided to get him Vip tickets to a popular nightclub in NYC, but on the subject of his bride i was very solidly stumped. …

I know that all generations have certain toys and games that cause a huge craze. In my experience, these fad toys are usually ridiculously expensive and over-priced for the quality. Such is the case with the Zhu Zhu Pets. This toy gained popularity in 2009 and was a huge …

I have made a little collection of Swarovski mini flower figurines. That is what I like to call them, because each one is a single flower occupying a pot, and they are petite and cute. What I like about their small size is that I can group several of …

The $25 Holiday Gift set from e.l.f cosmetics is a great gift for any girl. It comes with twenty five products for the price of twenty five dollars. You could even split it up between girls if you were running low on money. All of the products in this …

The Strawberry Patch Hallmark shop in Strawberry Square Harrisburg is a great place to stop in at lunch break to select a last minute gift or card for that special occasion that may have slipped your mind. I often find myself stopping in and checking out their 99 cent …

I have a really wonderful friend who loves to send out surprises to brighten up the days of her friends. Oftentimes, she sends treats from Cheryl & Co.
This company specializes in a variety of cakes, brownies, and cookies. They’ve come up with some inventive ones, that’s for …

You don’t need to spend a lot on a Valentine’s Gift to make it special. And this is a cute idea. And one that can be used as a second gift - I do this all the time. Lets say you have as nice expensive gift, or are …

I am a cat lover, and I’ve owned a couple of cats over the years. So naturally I love to collect cat figurines, whether they are made of crystal or clay or what have you. I have some interesting cat knick-knicks in my bedroom, and they come in varying …

I was, during my last visit to Bangkok, Thailand, walking around in the Central World Plaza building, floor to floor, looking for some nice gifts and souveniers for my sister and her family back home. Ofcourse, the Central World Plaza building was a huge building, and with the recent …

I believe this Swarovski cake figurine was a gift that my brother gave me, because I asked for it. But that was quite a few years ago, so I’m sure that it was less expensive than it is now. On the Swarovski website, it says that this piece costs …

I bought this paperweight at a local gift shop called Ashley Avery Collectibles. I have had this piece for about ten years now, and I never knew what kind of flower this was or what the name of the paperweight was. Well, I am just now doing some interesting …

Within the last few days Starbucks as announced that they will be closing a lot of stores which are close to me and this made me want to shop at the store but since I was low on funds I was not able to go there when I wanted. …

I no longer have a problem with what to get for men in my life who are hard to buy gifts for. Some time back my husband needed some new slippers to wear around the house, that he could also walk outside to get the paper or take trash …

I was struggling to get something for my friend’s son’s birthday this year. He is a big fan of Thomas the Tank Engine and I eventually found a Thomas and Friends —˜Wheelie’ Bag. I thought it would be appropriate since they were due to go on holiday; I thought …

I have a soft spot for all things mid-century, so when I spotted Kitschy Canapés: Finger Foods for the Swinger Set, I just had to have it! When you purchase the Kitschy Canapé’s gift set, you receive a 64 page recipe book, 6 retro inspired plastic fruit …

Ever been in one of those situations where you can get free shipping, but you’re a few dollars off? I was recently, so I decided to buy Ghiradelli Ornament Balls to make up the difference. That way, I got something instead of just paying out shipping.
Ghiradelli Ornament …

I just bought this Moxie girls jammaz guitar for my 7 year old granddaughter Makayla for Christmas and she loves it! I have to tell you to start with she is very hard on toys, so far the guitar is holding up very well. Matter of fact she likes …

For many years I’ve done most of my souvenir hunting at the spacious Civil War Wax Museum / Gettysbug Gift Center in Gettysburg, PA. As soon as I begin planning my vacation itinerary, I always make a note to stop at the Gift Center to browse around for unique …

I bought a few glass pieces from Marilyn Kimble Holt at an expo several years ago. This piece was one of them, but she told me that her son Zeke made this particular piece. He even signed it underneath. I had never seen any of Marilyn’s work before that, …

If you have a difficult man in your life to shop for, Omaha Steak Company can be found online at omahasteaks.com. They offer a wide variety of meats, side dishes, fish, and cookingware. One thing that most men have in common is that they enjoy good food, …

This crystal cactus figurine was only around for about a year before Swarovski retired (discontinued) it, if I remember correctly. It’s such a shame that they didn’t keep it around longer, because I think it is just as adorable as their other little creations that are in flower pots. …

This piece is fifteen years old, and yet Glass Eye Studio is still creating it. It is featured on their website. I think that is amazing, because I have a few other GES pieces that are no longer being created. I guess they were either limited-edition pieces, or they …

Lee Roy the lion is one of Swarovski’s Lovlots. The Lovlots are a collection of loveable crystal animal figurines that Swarovski put out on the market several years ago, and they each have their own amusing “personality,” so to speak. Swarovski keeps adding more Lovlots to the collection, and …

The other day we got a glossy magazine called the Lookbook in our mailbox. I knew it wasn’t a Christmas catalogue we had ordered, and was intrigued when I found out it had been put out by Canada Postal Service.
This 40-page catalogue had a glossy red and green front …