Help this Gift Giver!

This just in...a request for help from a loyal reader! Let's do our best to come up with a great gift for her to give her mom...

"Maybe you can help me out. My Mom says she doesn't want anything. She says this every year. I've made her scrapbooks, videos, homemade coupons, bought her jewelry, makeup, etc. She's a breast cancer survivor but doesn't like pink. She loves coffee but she's trying to cut back. She's also in school for her second master's degree so she's running low on spare time. She's 50+ years old and has 3 grand kids, but she's not into wearing anything that says "Grandma". Any suggestions for something under $40.00?"

At first glance, I would ask you what types of gifts does your mom normally give you? This is often a great clue to the types of gifts that she would like to receive! That being said, focus on an experience that your would like to give to you mom and build a theme around it! Instead of a tangible gift, could you take her and the kids out for ice cream or prepare her favorite meal? If she is pinched for time, perhaps a gift certificate to her favorite hair salon with some small pampering essentials that she can do in the comfort of her own home? If you want to go with a "school theme" would she appreciate a roomy but trendy tote bag to lug her gear or a comfy lap desk for her to use while she lounges with the family?

Readers...what do you think?

Knock Knock

So many of you have asked me where to find these fun office supplies, that I did a little research and found the best prices out there for you :) In case you don't know this about me already, I have a very sarcastic sense of humor and just love to give gifts that will make someone smile. Knock Knock products certainly fit the bill! Here are some of my faves, but please visit Perpetual Kid for a full selection of Knock Knock (and more!) at the best prices I could find!

Crap File Folders: $8.49 for a set of 6, two in each style


OMFG and ASAP Expandable File Tote: $15.99


Door Hanger, Office Edition: $6.99 for a set of three double sided hangers


Timing Task Clips: $7.99 for a set of 12, three styles each


Things You Must Do to Make Me Happy: $6.99 for a 60 page tablet


And last but not least...

Old School Sticky Set: $12.99


Knock Knock products really do make great office, graduation, or "just because" gifts. Indulge in the gift of laughter...you won't be sorry! For the best prices and selection, check out Perpetual Kid Happy Giving!

Mother's Day Gifts Under $50

It's not to late to find, buy, and give a unique gift to mom just in time for Mother's Day 2009! Check out some of my favorite gift items that I found online!

For a mom that loves the sun...

Boho Flower Beach Tote - $ 32.00
From: Room It Up

Fun Flower Towel & Sling Bag - $ 20.00
From: Room It Up

For a mom that loves to travel, mix and match any of these items!

Boho Flower Overnight Duffle Bag - $ 32.00
From: Room It Up

Boho Flower Garment Bag - $ 36.00
From: Room It Up

Boho Flower Travel Set $20.00
From: Room It Up

It's super easy to make a "Gift of Three" out of any of these choices. Just choose the "experience" that you would like to give to your mom and build a theme around that! Books, CD's and homemade goodies always make a great "go with" gift that can tie the theme together!

What experiences are you giving this year for Mother's Day? Please share your gift ideas below in the comment section! Happy Giving!

Priceless Gifts that Keep on Giving

Gift giving season is quickly approaching folks! And I'm not talking about Christmas, either. The spring months ahead will be loaded with holidays and special events that will sneak up on you quickly if you don't prepare. Here are a few scenarios and gift ideas to "go with" to give you a jump on the upcoming gift giving marathon that many fail to plan for this time of year!

For the Graduate: Teach your teen about money and stocks with "I'm a Shareholder" by the folks at Giveashare.com. For only $13.95, the gift of financial literacy is both practical and fun. It is designed to grab kid's attention with full, vivid colors, stunning graphics, and engaging exercises, This book targets kids ages 8-25 but many adults would find it informative, too...I sure did! Pair this book with a REAL share of stock (experts say that Wallstreet is on sale right now!) and you have a gift that will be memorable, and potentially lucrative! Choose a share that any teen would love: Disney, Nintento, Nike, Starbucks...the choices are endless. Prices vary, so shop around for a stock option that is in your budget range! Check out the book and stock selections at http://www.giveashare.com/!




For the Bride and Groom: Can't afford to buy something that's on the gift registry? Don't feel guilty! Just be sure to look at the registry and come up with a gift that will compliment their taste, style, and personality. Check out this personalized stamp that is both practical and fun for less than $50. Toss in some stationary and envelopes and you have a fabulous and classy gift that won't break the bank, but will also be used for many years to come!

For Mom and Dad: No one said that you can't combine gifts for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Just be sure to recognize them with a nice card or handwritten note on the "day of" and communicate to them that a joint gift is coming this year that they both can enjoy! Have parents that love to travel? How about this pair of passport wallets? Only $39.99! Toss in a few travel guides and travel sized toiletries and you have a pretty cool gift for under $50.

For Baby: Gift giving for new arrivals is so much fun, so get creative with it! I just love these BabyPack Pads by Buttoned Up...they are so cute and practical! From diapers to baby formula, antibiotic ointment to cotton swabs, or water bottles to kleenex, new parents will never the leave the house under prepared for any situation parenthood may bring.Only $6.99 each and would make a great complimentary gift to a diaper bag or stress reduction kit for the new mommy! Don't you just love these?

Have you found some creative and affordable gift ideas that you would like to share with our readers? Please tell us in the comment section below! Happy Giving!