Elton John says it best

I HOPE YOU DON’T MIND THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHEN YOU’RE IN THE WORLD. {Elton John}

I just think this tray is so sweet.  You could use it as a simple gesture to give to someone you need in this world.  We’re not all charismatic so pile it high with breakfast sweets and let Mr. Elton John do the talking.

Not so corny Valentine’s Day gifts

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all mushy, gushy and romantic.  That’s not everyone’s style and I totally get it.  I am not one to spill my feelings and go over the top with romantic gestures.  And even though some people despise Valentine’s Day altogether because it’s a Hallmark holiday, I still think it gives you a good reason to do something a little extra.  We’ve all either said it or have heard someone say it, “Why do you need Valentine’s Day to do something romantic and nice?”  The answer is you don’t.  But let’s be realistic how many of us really do something romantic and fun for our friends or significant others out of the ordinary?

Embrace Valentine’s Day and have fun with it.

Take a cue from Breakfast at Tiffany's

I’ve put together a great GF (girlfriend) gift idea that’s fun and flirty without diving into the romance pool too deep.

What girl doesn’t love a Kate Spade purse?  Buy the Play Hooky purse from www.katespade.com for starters.

This purse is priced at $248 so yes it’s a little pricey (she’s totally worth it) but I’ll give you a budget friendly gift too. No worries.

Next you’ll want to create a ‘hooky itinerary’.  Plan a creative day that highlights a passion/interest your girl has or a day that gets you exploring your local community/city.  To get some ideas flowing start by asking yourself a few questions:

  1. What has she always wanted to try but has been too scared to do?
  2. What was one of her favorite childhood memories, toys, or hobbies?
  3. What’s her favorite food/book/movie?
  4. What TV character’s life does she envy?

You know, questions like that.  After you’ve brainstormed a bit start planning your day.  Here’s a few examples:

  1. Girl loves baking: enroll the two of you in a cooking class.
  2. Girl loves old-school Nintendo/Sega games: download a bunch of these old games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario Brothers, Tetris, Mario Party, Oregon Trail, Zelda, Smash Brothers, Mortal Kombat, etc. to play for the day.  For snacks/meal you can buy candy favorites from her childhood (ring pops, candy cigarettes, airheads, atomic fireballs, bazooka bubble gum, candy buttons, etc.)  and recreate a nostalgic meal.
  3. Girl loves the outdoors: plan a hike, visit the shooting range, learn to surf, go skiing, whatever it may be you can still keep it simple – after all it’s a day about spending time with one another.

Put that winning idea in writing and make it look nice!  You can do a faux coupon, make it look like a ticket, create a mock menu, whatever it is make sure it matches the theme of your gift (you’ll get extra brownie points).  And to top it off fill the bag with something fun, like tons of red Gummi Bears.

Budget version: If money’s a factor grab a bottle of wine, I suggest something fun:

Or something pink:

Barefoot Bubbly: Rose Cuvee

After work get together at her place or yours.  Bring the wine, something sweet, and a journal (pictured below) to create a BUCKET LIST JUST FOR TWO.  This way you can put down all the places you want to go and things you need to do together, so next time when you can afford to play hooky you’ll have some fantastic ideas.  Have fun with it! (that’s why you need the wine)

Customize a journal from Minted.com

Always, Olive You.

Pinterest: Pretty Pictures

Good Afternoon,

As mentioned in my first post, I wanted to discuss the website Pinterest I love this site.  You create picture boards by pinning your favorite pictures.  Each board has a theme that you choose so you can keep all your crazy internet finds organized.  And later when you want to remember the details you can go back to that specific link.

I have created a profile to give YOU some fabulous gift ideas.  It’s all about the pictures – so as you browse my Pinterest site I hope you find some photos that will work for your specific gifting needs.  Now, I have only just begun, so I haven’t completed all my desired gift boards but they’re coming!  I recommend following me so you can stay up to date on all the cute, quirky & holiday gifts I come across.  I’m doing the work for you!  Shopping doesn’t get easier than that, right?

On my Valentine’s Day gift board you’ll find V-day themed gifts that spread the love, but I’ve also included some party themes (because throwing a party is a gift in itself), budget valentine cards & gifts, and DIY projects.  I want to highlight a few of my pins that have gotten the most popularity so far:

I love this idea! You can order them pre-made from a seller on Etsy (she'll even customize them for you) or you can take it on as a V-Day project. Either way they're sure to bring the love!

How adorable is this 'Fly Away with me' Valentine party?

Creative? Working with a budget? Then this DIY project is perfect. You can easily use these cut out hearts for cards, gift tags, or party decor.

I hope this gives you a little taste of how fun and inspiring Pinterest can be.  You will need a Pinterest account to re-pin and create your own boards.  A current member of Pinterest must send you an invite.  So if you need an invite, leave a comment or send me an email with your email address and I’ll be sure to send one your way!

My email: oliveyougifts@gmail.com

Always, olive you.

The power of a personal & thoughtful gift

Gift giving is a stressful but rewarding sport.  It’s always a challenge to find that perfect fit.  The one that will leave the recipient excited, touched, and asking “how did you know!”  It’s too easy and impersonal to give money or a gift card.  Nothing is better than knowing you are about to give a gift that says you’ve paid attention to the personal details, the loves, the desires, the wants, the needs, and the values; all those defining characteristics that combine to make a person unique.  People want gifts that represent their personality (or who they think they are – even if it doesn’t come off that way): adventurous, fun & flirty, moviephile, fashionista, car snob, world traveler, technology geek, history buff, dance diva, Mrs./Mr. athletica, gamer, yoga enthusiast, trend setter, country chic, book worm, and the list goes on and on.  (the website Pinterest is a great help for really narrowing down a person’s like’s and dislike’s – I’ll have more on this at a later time.)

If you can define those traits/identifiers of the person you are gifting then you’re well on your way to ‘wowing’ them.

Creativity is the best part about gift giving.  Whether you’ve made the gift, added a personal touch, or maybe it’s in the way you give it – anything that gives the item added value will be sure to make it a memorable present.  Sometimes it may even be an intangible gift – an experience; whatever it is: Get Creative!

I love to shop.  I love to gift.  And that’s why I’m creating this blog – to help everyone out there who may be stumped by the person, the occasion, or the budget when it comes to finding the gift that’s just right.

Questions? Gift Challenges?  Send them my way and I’ll be sure to help… or shop!

Always, olive you.