A bridal shower is a party that is hosted traditionally by the maid of honor or a close friend of the bride-to-be, in order to celebrate the new couples life together. Since these parties are more informal and are a way for the gal pals to get together and - usually come bearing gifts for the couples new home-, it is nice for the hostess to send a little bridal shower thank you gift home with the guests.

Bridal shower thank you gifts or party favors, are a way to give appreciation and gratitude to the guests who have come to celebrate in this joyous union. Remember, that thank you gifts are not mandatory, but are nice mementos. These party favors are usually not the brides responsibility to hand out to her guests since the hostess is planning the party. But depending on the situation, it is completely appropriate for the bride to send out thank yous to express her happiness. Just remember hostesses, if the bride is busy sending out thank yous that is just one more added stress to plan besides the main shindig of the wedding day!

Wedding favors have been a tradition for many centuries and have progressed from the traditional chocolates and ribbons. Nowadays, depending on the theme of the bridal shower, thank you gifts usually reflect the theme. Some common themes of bridal showers are lingerie, linen, or home and garden parties. So in return for the wonderful gifts usually given to the bride, why not send home a cute little flower pot or arrangement, teatime gift box, heart bath soaps, or kitchen chime, or cappuccino set depending on the party theme.

If there is no theme for the party, why not give a gift that reflects the event you are celebrating, their wedding. Wedding favors are cute and can be very decorative in your guests home. You could give your friends a cute little votive with words such as "love" or "bliss", etched on the candle or box it comes in. Some like to give sachets that can be in the shape of a wedding cake or pillow. Any item that revolves around cocktails is always a party favor favorite. Manicure sets and wonderfully yummy bath or body lotions and spray is a fallback gift that is quick and easy to buy and requires little time in arranging.

One aspect to remember is that a bridal shower thank you gift is not meant to be expensive. It is just a little thank you to send home with friends and loved ones who have chose to share in the happiness of the occasion. Whatever it is that you decide to give for your guests, just remember that it is the thought that counts and every woman likes coming home with something from a party!

Labels: Bridal Shower, shower thank you gifts, thank you gift ideas

Monday, May 12, 2008

Housewarming gifts for men

The new neighbor on the block is a bachelor. You feel like you should get him a housewarming gift to welcome him to the neighborhood, but have no clue how much he adheres to the bachelor stereotypes, which therefore hampers your already great gift ideas for the new couple you thought was moving in. Housewarming gifts for men are really no different from the classic gifts you would give a married family. Just because he is a man doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy food or even a good plant.

If you hear through the grapevine that he is in need of some basic household items, find out what he needs and get him that toaster or microwave. It is okay to meet your new neighbors first before bringing them a housewarming gift. This allows you to get an idea of what they might like or want.

Housewarming Gift ideas for the Bachelor:

Assess his situation and see if he is in need of anything you could give him.
Bake him a home cooked meal and send some his way.
Buy him a food gift basket. One's with wines, cheeses, crackers, chocolates are favorites to just about anyone.
Most men like to grill, so buy him a BBQ gift set.
A basic, low-maintenance household plant is still a great gift. Plants always brighten up and freshen any home.
Some men also like candles. You could buy him a tasteful set that would look great in any room.

Just remember, with housewarming presents a gift card is not a great present to give unless you really know the person. If you know that your friends are really wanting to buy new Pottery Barn furniture and accessories then you could purchase a gift card because you are trying to help them out. However, it is unnecessary to give a complete stranger a gift card for their new home. It is best to stick to general housewarming gifts that they can immediately use.

Labels: housewarming gift ideas for men, housewarming gifts, real estate closing gifts

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Dads are you looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift?

Want to surprise her with something very special and totally from you? Thinking pampering and romance? Right, romance, Mother's Day is the day to show her that while she is great mother, she is also the woman you treasure above all others.

Flowers and chocolates are traditionally a Valentine's Day gift, but nowhere is it written that they cannot be a wonderful Mother's Day gift. Add to that a great piece of jewelry and it will be a Mother's Day like no other. Want to kick it up a notch, why not plan a weekend away just the two of you? Start by planning the trip, cooking lessons at a romantic B & B or a quiet cottage on the beach, an all inclusive resort for fun in the sun or a weekend being lost in the museums and shopping in a big city. Once the destination is planned, the next step is selecting a great welcome gift basket. Think champagne and chocolates, or some great spa products to enjoy while away. Think late night munchies might be the problem after some fun in the sun; order a basket full of great snacks – healthy or decadent.

Then have the basket shipped to the destination. Call and let the hotel, B & B or cottage owner know it will be arriving, in most cases they will be happy to be a co-conspirator for the great Mother's Day surprise. What a great surprise, walking into the room to see a basket full of goodies waiting. A gift basket says welcome like nothing else and it is delightful to look at and even more fun to take apart and explore.

What could be better, celebrating Mother's Day with romance is fun and excited and do not forget, Father's Day is just around the corner!

Labels: gift ideas, gift ideas for dad, mother's day gifts

Sunday, May 4, 2008

National Teacher's Day

National Teacher Day is May 6, 2008. Instead of having an annual theme the National Education Association has adopted the standing tagline: "Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools." National Teacher Day is about recognizing the commitment teachers have made to every child in every public school.

While no one is certain exactly who thought of the first teacher appreciation day many people were involved, including Eleanor Roosevelt in having the day declared a national event. The date of National Teacher Day varies, as it falls on the first Tuesday of the first full week of May.

There are many ways to celebrate and recognizes teachers. Many PTA/PTOs will host luncheons, bring a special teacher breakfast and pass along special mementos to the teachers in their school. As parents a nice heartfelt thank you note is a great way to thank their child’s teacher or a group of parents could go together and purchase the teacher a nice gift. A thank you gift basket is a great choice, since there will be a variety of treats for the teacher to enjoy and the theme can be tailored to the teacher’s culinary passion or hobby.

Labels: national teacher day, teacher gifts, thank you teacher