Monday, November 12, 2007

~Holiday Shopping Carnival~

I found this great carnival taking place, and couldn't resist. The idea is to list five Christmas gifts that are not the run-of-the-mill, socks-for-dad type gift.

Now, the thing is, my family reads my blog, and if I put down what I'm actually buying, then they won't be surprised on Christmas morning. So these are just some really great ideas! *Grin*

1) My blogging friend Heather has an Etsy shop with zipper bags that are perfect for a number of things, including makeup and small knitting projects. They are gorgeous, and even though I sew, I am highly tempted to purchase one for myself. The best thing is that 100% of the proceeds from her sale are going into their adoption fund. Take a look at her shop here.

2) One of my new favorite CD's is called Higher Ground. If you know someone who enjoys Irish music, this CD is all Christian music, with Irish styling. It is very peaceful and enjoyable to listen to. Click here for ordering information, as well as to hear sound clips from some of the songs.

3) Sometimes it is nice to give your recipients the gift of your time. I found this free gift certificate maker that has quite a few ideas. It is easy to create and print gift certificates from this site. Or, you can get extra-creative and make them yourself! The only thing about giving something like this is that you have to be willing to redeem it. LOL

4) I know all the etiquette experts scorn gift certificates, but really, what's not to love about getting a gift certificate? I will never turn down a gift! *Smiles* If you do choose to give gift certifcates, you can still be creative in the presentation. Perhaps you can create a day's get-away for someone...a gift certificate to a coffee shop; a bookstore, mall, or department store; and a local restaurant. See? Your recipient will get to go have coffee in the morning, have fun shopping till lunch, and then a lunch out. Maybe she's a busy mom? You could throw in babysitting to boot. Now that's a gift that will make her smile!

5) Lastly, please check out my Etsy shop for some gift ideas. I have several hand-tatted heart bookmarks in my store that would be lovely to include with either a book or a gift card to a bookstore. Its delicate, lacy design makes marking any book a pleasure!

Those were my ideas--for more great ideas, head on over to the carnival and check out what others are recommending!

8 comments:

Randall @ Happy For This Moment said...

Ooo... I'm always a sucker for Etsy. That shop looks great!

Anonymous said...

That cd looks great. If I draw my sisters name I'm ordering it for her. Blessings...

Heather said...

Great ideas, thanks for sharing! I admit I already started doing some of my Christmas shopping on Etsy back in September. I also love Celtic music, so I may just have to check out that CD for myself. ;)

Thanks also for mentioning my shop! I have been busy lately, but I hope to get a lot of new items listed between now and Thanksgiving.

Mandy said...

Love those zippered bags!

Scribbit said...

Those bookmarks really are pretty! Have you ever posted a tutorial on how to make them? I'd love to see some tatting!

Heather K said...

Your heart book mark is so pretty..I learned to tat when I was in school...should find a shuttle and give it a try again sometime.

Annecourager said...

Hey, I'm listening to that CD right now!

I am usually done with Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving, but this year it just has not been possible. Argh! I am feeling the time crunch.

My Trendy Tykes said...

Great list! Your bookmarks are beautiful too.

Linda