Gifts: Good things in small packages
The first of a three-Tuesday series on gifts.
I have become a mini-gift aficionado, since moving to a much smaller home. I'm not alone: young people in tiny apartments, simple-living devotees and friends who have de-cluttered are among those who no longer wish a bulky gift.
I have become a mini-gift aficionado, since moving to a much smaller home. I'm not alone: young people in tiny apartments, simple-living devotees and friends who have de-cluttered are among those who no longer wish a bulky gift.
I can of course treat someone to a restaurant dinner or event, but sometimes I want to give a tangible gift that lingers a little longer.
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| Glowing goodness |
Honeybells (or other specialty fruits), Cushman's
Price, $30 for 18-24 luscious tangelos.
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| Hot stuff! |
Insulated food flask, Fishpond Telluride
Price, $39
The flask sits in a sleeve and keeps the contents warm all day. A gift that that Ms. Lunch-at-Desk is unlikely to buy for herself. (Recommended by my birder friend Peggy, who carries one on her outings.)
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| Sweet sheets |
Drawer liners, Crabtree & Evelyn
Price, $24 for box of six sheets; various scents
Sheets smell musty when enclosed by a drawer. Liners or sachets freshen them, and are a welcoming treat when you make up the bed.
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| Shoe rescue |
Woodlore cedar shoe trees, Zappos
Price, $24
One day your friend will be caught in a downpour. Any shoe will thank her for drying out in a pair of these. Available in models for men or women.
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| Polished iPad |
Handmade leather iPad case, by Aligata
Price, $63
Most of us make our electronics go commando. If you want to spoil someone, give his baby a sweet surround. No iPad? Choose an e-reader or bus pass case.
For vegans or anyone who likes the quirky graphics, see Zazzle's whimsical selection. Price for case shown, $63.
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| Zazzle dazzle |
For vegans or anyone who likes the quirky graphics, see Zazzle's whimsical selection. Price for case shown, $63.
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| Edwardian emeralds |
Antique fly stick pin, N. Green & Sons @ First Dibs
Price, $1,695
Someone might have occasion to give a special gift. The ca. 1910 cushion-cut emerald, old mine diamond and ruby fly alights on a sweater and winks discreetly. Well, not that discreetly, but that's the point.
These items are also easy to ship. If you are mailing something very small, though, put it in a gift box at least the size of your hand and then in a padded mailer, so it is not lost in delivery.
These items are also easy to ship. If you are mailing something very small, though, put it in a gift box at least the size of your hand and then in a padded mailer, so it is not lost in delivery.
Comments
We're not into giving or exchanging gifts, except for books and consumable food and wine. Veggies are good idea.
This year, I'm picking up a stash of small Diptyque candles to wrap and have on hand for those unplanned gift-giving situations.
Time for me to pick up another stash of Porto soaps. Like Pseu's Diptyque candles, they make a good gift for those unplanned situations, and I'm happy to use up any leftovers myself.
Susan Tiner: Veggies? In what format? I'd enjoy receiving jars of preserved vegetables but am wondering if you have other ideas.
laurienn: Some food products are just plain odd but most people like good vinegar and/or olive oil. I stay away for the weird flavours though.
Pseu; I've given Diptyque and am presently wearing the fig cologne, Philosykos.
materfamilias: Nice soaps are appreciated by almost everyone, and the Porto wrapping is so charming. Other ideas: beeswax candles and lately I'm into lavender sachets (locally made) covered in Provencal cotton print.
I often give cranberry sauce to younger family members - they don't know how easy it is to make it!
I would be thankful for any of these gifts, they are all quite perfect, I'm always clearing out, I've never been able to bare clutter.