Soft & Adorable No-Sew Fleece Blankets

The “make it” side of my blog is a bit light and I always have it in the back of my mind. I love crafting and making things but do not put much energy into it at the moment. But things that you can make as gifts are some of the most fabulous things to give.

I saw these No-Sew Fleece Blankets and thought I would share them with you. There are many styles online as you search around but these caught my eye!

http://nancysclubhouse.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/11/november-5th-nosew-fleece-blankets.html

Plum Pudding from the Vermont Country Store

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/search/search_result.jsp?q=plum+pudding

$16.90 for 2 small Plum Puddings (these would make great token gifts!)
$19.95 for 1 large Plum Pudding

add Brandy Sauce or Brandy Butter for a little extra touch of the holidays

$14.90 for 2 pkgs. of Brandy Sauce
$15.95 for Brandy Butter

Bath and Body Holiday/Winter Wall Plug-ins and Fragrance Bulbs

These make great gifts! The holiday selection of wall plug-ins will get better, this is what they have online at the moment.

There are always sales and deals going on so look for those..

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=47201696&cp=12586994.12936197.4147324

$9.50 (but there are always sales so wait for those!)

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http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=47201706&isCrossSell=true&cp=12586994.12936197.4147324

$8.50

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Add a winter or holiday fragrance and you have a great token gift and a “Perfect Pair”!

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4147326&cm_sp=LN-_-Fragrance+Plugs-_-Fragrance+Refills&cp=12586994.12936197

Maine Made Wreaths & Centerpieces

Some of my family members no longer decorate their homes for the holidays, usually grandparents and older relatives. I love to send fresh centerpieces so that they can get some of the wonderful smell of the holidays and “the look” in a small way that is not overwhelming.

Here are a few from Maine Made Wreaths that I like. At the bottom of this post is their home page so that you can see all of their wonderful winter and holiday wreaths, centerpieces ad kissing balls.

Here’s a crazy thing about me that I knew but forgot…when I was looking at the centerpieces, I wanted to fix the ones that had multiple candles in them because if they are not perfectly straight and aligned, it bothers me. They are just as lovely and wonderful but I would have to fix the candles and I do not want to.

(My crazy “issues” do not stop there but that is all that is relevant to this post.)

http://www.mainemadechristmas.com/holiday-centerpieces/home-for-the-holiday-centerpiece.html

$36.00 (plus $9 for shipping) for Home for the Holiday Balsam Fir Centerpiece

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http://www.mainemadechristmas.com/holiday-centerpieces/night-before-christmas-centerpiece.html

$28.00 (plus $7 for shipping) for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Centerpiece

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http://www.mainemadechristmas.com/holiday-centerpieces/candy-ribbon-centerpiece.html

$28.00 (plus $8 for shipping) for Ribbon Candy Centerpiece

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To see their whole selection, click here: http://www.mainemadechristmas.com/

Odds ‘n Ends from The Lighter Side

http://www.lighterside.com/product/shotgun+shell+led+flashlight.do?sortby=newArrivals&refType=&from=Search

$12.98 for set of 2, Shotgun Shell LED Flashlight

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http://www.lighterside.com/product/tic+tac+tome+book.do?sortby=newArrivals&refType=&from=Search

$12.95 for Tic Tac Tome – Play against the book!

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http://www.lighterside.com/product/daddys+little+project+diaper+bag.do?from=Search&cx=0

$56.98 for Daddy’s Project Diaper Bag…perfect for a baby shower!

or use the idea and create your own!

Gift Ideas from Signals Catalog

http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR3456

$39.95 for Porcelain Books Accent Lamp

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR4632

$35.00 for Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR5822

$79.95 for Piano Server

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HP8581

$16.95 for “Romaine Calm and Carrot On” Apron

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HA2982

$99.95 for Bride’s Tree Ornaments Collection – 12 symbolic ornaments to ensure happiness, according to old German tradition

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HP7702

$39.95 for Moonglow Necklace, personalize with the moon as it was when you were born or on a special day

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http://www.signals.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=HR1512

$11.95 for Now You May Speak Coffee Mug

Fall Goodies from Vermont Country Store

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/Orton_Specialties/Orton_Specialties/Halloween_Shop/Halloween_Bubble_Lights/64477

$24.95 for strand of 7 Halloween Bubble Lights

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http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/Orton_Specialties/Halloween_Shop/cat700011

$14.95 for Pumpkin Caramels

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http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/Orton_Specialties/Halloween_Shop/cat700011

$12.95 for 2 lb. bag of Harvest Spice Drops

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http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/Food_&_Candy/Featured/New_Arrivals/Vermont_Brittle/67258

$19.95 for Walnut Maple Brittle

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Holiday Gifts from Current

http://www.currentcatalog.com/product/snowman-cutting-board-608571.do?sortby=bestSellers&from=Search

$16.99 for Snowman Cutting Board

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http://www.currentcatalog.com/product/beer-cap-checkers-set-30187.do?sortby=bestSellers&from=Search

$24.99 for Beer Cap Checkers

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http://www.currentcatalog.com/product/4-reindeer-wine-bottle-hats-610853.do?sortby=bestSellers&from=Search

$6.00 for set of 4 Reindeer Wine Bottle Hats

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http://www.currentcatalog.com/product/wine-sleeve-gift-card-holders-611532.do?sortby=bestSellers&from=Search

$5.00 for set of 6 (2 designs) Wine Sleeve Gift Card Holders

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$7.49 to $12.99 each for Nesting Doll Sets

http://www.currentcatalog.com/search.do?query=nesting+doll

Off the Cuff Holiday “Token” Gift Ideas

I  probably should define my use of the word “token” gift.

To me, those are gifts that are reasonably priced and often given as a little “somethin’ somethin'” when you are looking to keep it within reason, say maybe $20 and under. Often that would mean, coworkers, friend & family gift exchanges, teachers, postal deliverers, trash collectors etc.

I have been sitting on this list for a while thinking of the moment when I will leisurely sit down and provide you with the links to pictures and websites that house some of these ideas. I picture myself feeling rested and having the mental wherewithal to enjoy a cup of coffee and “create”. Well, that moment has not come up yet and I am having to accept the fact that it probably will not. Most likely, I will be able to share these ideas in dribs and drabs. That is not as much fun.

So, I thought I would just shout out all the ideas that I had jotted down during a brainstorming moment when I was asked if I had some ideas for gifts for coworkers that were around $10.

I do!

Here they are in simple list format. Feel free to take the list and run with it. Eventually, I plan to share some links to sites where these ideas are available. If anything is of interest and you do not wish to wait for “eventually” to happen, shoot me an email or post a comment and I will jump to the task and get you more info on where to find these items.

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Cookie Cutters and Sprinkles or other cookie decorations (ex. a large gingerbread person or house cookie cutter with a bag of gum drops)

Holiday scented wall plug-ins – the unit and the fragrance

Flavored baking sugars

your favorite holiday music CD

a Grinch cookie cutter and a copy of the book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas – esp fun if you are a boss or a grouchy person!

This is a little strange but it could work…bright red toothbrush and cinnamon toothpaste (could tuck it into a red stocking if you celebrate Christmas)

Advent calendars

homemade marshmallows

holiday scented room sprays or diffusers

seasonal quick bread that you bake or buy

wrapping paper with a favorite or family recipe on it from  mint.com

seasonal hand soap and hand towel (you knew that was coming!)

a holiday game or puzzle

cook books

seasonal coffee cup with bag of  local coffee or tea

gift of time – take someone to lunch or breakfast

basket of muffins and delicious flavored butter

 

 

 

POW! THWACK! THUD!

That is the sound of the Holiday season hitting us from behind.

It’s right around the corner! Arghhhhh! How did that happen? I was just waiting for the long winter to change to spring and here it is right in front of me.

I have held off as long as I could and I am just going to jump right in and start to share some gift ideas that are especially fun for co-workers, holiday exchanges, token gifts with friends and families and the likes. I recently received one of the holiday catalogs that is my adult version of the Christmas Big Book from Sears and JC Penney (yes, I am dating myself) and I felt like a kid again! Although, I pretty much always feel like a kid come to think of it…

And, I am starting right in with pure holiday gifts, no dancing around the topic. I will share some specific ideas that I have come across but you can also take the idea and go do your own browsing to make the gift fit your gift-giving needs.

http://www.lakeside.com/Holiday/Housewares-and-Tabletop/Reindeer-Tabletop-Collection//prod1171121.jmp?fm=search&categoryId=

$9.95 for set of 4 mugs, 2 different sets to choose from, Lakeside Collections

Coffee mugs can be a great gift idea for co-workers because most people have some sort of cup available at work whether for coffee, tea or any other beverage. These looked fun because there are boy AND girl reindeer sporting a variety of personalities – there is sure to be one for each of the people you work with. These come in sets of 4 which makes them an economical gift because you would break up the set and add a little somethin’ somethin’ to make a great goodie! You could pair these with local tea or coffee or get “in the mode” and make homemade marshmallows.

The Republic of Tea has a few tea sampler sets that would work wonderfully…

http://www.republicoftea.com/overwrap-gift/p/98419

$6.95 for 12 Count Custom Tea Gift – you select the teas!
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Martini Mixers – Cranberry Cosmo, Apple and Blueberry

Margarita Mixers – Original, Strawberry and Citrus

http://www.lakeside.com/catalog/all_sku_listing_product_detail.jsp?productId=prod1150100&_requestid=181509

$6.95 per set, either Margarita Set or Martini Set from Lakeside Collection

Pair these fun gift sets with a fun glass and you are on your way to great gifts . These mixers are non-alcoholic so your giftees can either add their own alcohol or keep it non-alcoholic with bubbly sodas, sparkling waters or fruit juices.

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I am a big fan of giving books with a holiday theme during the holidays, whether it is for kids, men or woman. Here are a few ideas…

Debbie Macomber

or

Mary Higgins Clark

http://www.lakeside.com/Books—Media/Humor–History–Favorites/Famous-Author-3-Book-Sets//prod1170888.jmp?fm=search&categoryId=

$9.95 for each set of 3 from Lakeside Collections

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I celebrate Christmas so these 3 books caught my eye as potential gift ideas for my own gift giving…

http://www.basbleu.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=UF6172

$12.95 for Christmas on Jane Street book from Bas Bleu

or

http://www.basbleu.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=UH0972

$19.99 for The Lion Storyteller Christmas book from Bas Bleu

or

$13.47 for Approaching Christmas book from Amazon

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Stay inside where it is nice and toasty and have your snow fun!

or

http://www.lakeside.com/browse/?Ntt=snowball&_requestid=187019

$9.95 for each – Snowball Fun or Indoor Snowball Fight

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Ok, now I am pooped and I did not even do any of my own shopping here…I need a coffee.

Corn Cake-Fritters & Cajun Chili Dipping Sauce

I have set a deadline for myself that by the end of August, I will need to let some summer things go and start to enjoy the early fall season, especially for my blog, because I feel that I should be ahead of the game to provide you with the best “gift idea” service. What good is it if I am filling you with Pink Lemonade ideas when you need to get moving on your fall gifts and gatherings?

Not much.

I have been receiving fall and winter holiday catalogs and magazines so I am stock-piling ideas to share. I just cannot get myself to share them yet, but get ready…they are right around the corner!

Until then, I am still fitting in every last bit of summer that I can. These Corn Cake-Fritters are wonderfully “end-of-summer” and would make a delicious food gift to take with you on this Labor Day Weekend or to serve your guests as they gather at your place.

Corn Cake-Fritters & Cajun Chili Dipping Sauce

If you have any ideas on other great “picnic style Labor Day gathering” foods, give me a shout out – with this weekend being the last formal hoorah we cannot decide what foods will do the celebration justice. There are soooo many options!

Although, Summertime BBQ Beans are probably on the list…

Kitchen Cookware Gifts from Seventh Avenue

I know that some of you may think cookware is NOT an appropriate gift but what if it is really fun cookware?

Maybe, just maybe?

If not for a birthday then at least it could be for a wedding or shower gift, right?

Take a peek and see…these are really fun gift ideas! I know I would put them on my gift list…

http://www.seventhavenue.com/Home-Store/Kitchen-And-Dining/Canisters/4-piece-multistripe-canister-set.pro?omSource=SLI&

$49.95 for Multistripe Canister Set, 4 pcs

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http://www.seventhavenue.com/Home-Store/Kitchen-And-Dining/5-quart-versatility-slow-cooker-with-travel-bag-by-west-bend.pro?omSource=SLI&

$59.95 for 5-Qt. Versatility Slow Cooker with Travel Bag, sale price

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http://www.seventhavenue.com/Home-Store/Kitchen-And-Dining/Enameled-Cast-Iron-Skillet.pro?omSource=SLI&

$44.95 for 3-Piece Enamel Cast Iron Skillet Set

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Forest Friends & Wood Grain Partyware from Fancy Flours

These decorations could be used for an adorable “Forest Friends” theme for a child’s birthday party.

I also thought they would be great decorations for “Outdoor Summer Parties”. The wood grain paper plates, napkins and straws, as well as the wood cutlery, could be the starting point for a really fun celebration!

 

http://www.fancyflours.com/product/forest-friends-cake-decorating-set/s

$10.00 for Forest Friends Cake Decorating Set

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http://www.fancyflours.com/product/wood-cutlery-8-placesettings/s

$12.00 for Wood Cutlery, 8 place settings (recyclable, biodegradable & sustainable)

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http://www.fancyflours.com/product/wood-grain-straws/s

$6.50 for Wood Grain Paper Straws, Pkg of 25

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http://www.fancyflours.com/product/wood-grain-paper-plates/paper-plates-napkins-partyware

$7.00 for Wood Grain Paper Plates, Pkg of 12

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http://www.fancyflours.com/product/wood-grain-cocktail-napkins/paper-plates-napkins-partyware

$6.00 for Wood Grain Paper Napkins, Pkg of 20

Pink Flamingos and Other Yard Accessories from Wind & Weather

When I was growing up, neighborhoods would gag each other’s houses by putting plastic pink flamingos in someone’s yard overnight. Then the favor was returned the next night to someone else. What fun neighborhood camaraderie!

I did some online research regarding that neighborhoodly activity and I see that the new trend still involves putting pink flamingos on yards, but it is used as a fun event for charity purposes or fundraising. You can pay money ahead of time so that your yard is not “flamingo-ed” or you can pay money to have your yard “de-flamingo-ed” once the deed has been done. The activity is organized by a specific group and the money collected goes toward their fundraising goal.

Seeing these pretty pink wood and metal flamingos reminded me of the silly neighborhood gag and I thought that these would be cute enough for you to display proudly in your own yard!

http://www.windandweather.com/garden-statues/flamingo-garden-statues-set-of-2.htm

$29.99 for Pretty Pink Pair of Flamingos, sale price

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http://www.windandweather.com/solar-and-glow-accents/solar-sandcastle-fairy-house.htm

$49.95 for Glowing Fairy Sandcastle

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http://www.windandweather.com/outdoor-furniture/iron-owl-garden-bench.htm

$159.95 for Iron Owl Bench

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USA Flag Ballcap by Orvis

http://www.orvis.com/p/needlepoint-flag-ballcap/0l28

$35.00 for Needlepoint USA Flag Ball Cap

Gifts for Going to College

Now is the time to think about the gifts that you might need for those college students. Even though my college years have bene behind me now for a while, I think that I would have enjoyed these!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/london-phone-booth-dry-erase-message-board/1042290452?Keyword=phone+booth

$19.99 for London Phone Booth Dry Erase Board (two other styles available)

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http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/sit-and-store-folding-storage-ottoman/3241845?Keyword=folding+ottoman

$19.99 for Sit and Store Folding Ottoman (various colors available)

Home Bistro and Dinewise Meals

This is a great gift for someone who could use some delicious meals made easy. If you cannot personally deliver a home cooked meal, why not send them a few of these?

$14.99 – $17.69 for microwave-able Gourmet Meals

http://homebistro.dinewise.com/category/home-bistro-tray-meals?utm_source=DW+Brands+Family+List&utm_campaign=e89255f6cd-Home_Bistro_Meals_Back_In_Stock_071014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_76aaa0a13c-e89255f6cd-180497397&ct=t(Home_Bistro_Meals_Back_In_Stock7_9_2014)&mc_cid=e89255f6cd&mc_eid=a5ca509e6e

Comfy Slippers for the Bride-to-Be from Lillian Vernon

http://www.lillianvernon.com/product/plushthongslippers.do?sortby=bestSellers&from=Search

$26.99 for Personalized Plush Thong Slippers to soothe and pamper those beautiful piggies

Decadent Dessert Toppings from Stonewall Kitchen

Make a basket of these decadent sauces to give and you will be crowned “The Best Gift-Giver Ever”!

Here are a few of the flavors that caught my eye but you must go to their website to see the whole collection.

You must, really…just go.

http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/Shop?actn=quickadvancedsearch&numdisp=1000&keyword=dessert+toppings&searchtype=all&wildcardtype=right&viewall=&filter1=&filter2=&categorypeers=&cgychildren=&actwhennew=&searchCategory=&searchPrice=&searchAttribute1=&searchAttribute2=&searchAttribute3=&sort=&indextype=1

$6.95 – $7.50 for each dessert sauce

Gifts from the Country Door

http://www.countrydoor.com/Bed-and-Bath/Bathroom/mirrored-valet.pro?omSource=SLI&

$69.79 for Mirrored Valet (sale price)

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http://www.countrydoor.com/Home-Accents/Home-Decor/coat-rack-with-clock.pro?omSource=SLI&

$139.79 for Coat Rack with Clock (sale price)

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http://www.countrydoor.com/For-The-Home/Outdoor/Grilling-and-Camping/picnic-pal.pro?omSource=SLI&

$19.99 for Picnic Pal Mesh Food Tent

Garden Accessory Gifts from Country Door

http://www.countrydoor.com/For-The-Home/Outdoor/Other-Accents/backyard-thermometer-rain-gauge.pro?omSource=SLI&

$29.99 for Backyard Thermometer & Rain Gauge (on orders by July 31st)

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http://www.countrydoor.com/For-The-Home/Outdoor/Other-Accents/gardener-s-gate.pro?omSource=SLI&

$99.99 for Gardener’s Gate

and…Still More from Crate & Barrel…Ice Cream Party Gifts!

Here are some fun gifts to make a fabulous “Ice Cream Party Gift Basket”! Add some fresh fruit in the ceramic berry basket below as well as some sprinkles and “add-ins” and you will hear, “Wow!” when your gift is received!!

This cookbook made me think about the Cocoa Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches that I made for Mother’s Day. It looks like it would have some fun ideas!

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/special-features/ice-cream-social/i-scream-sandwich-cookbook/s682219

$19.95 for I Scream Sandwich Cookbook

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/berry-box-colander/s183167?a=1552&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CjgKEAjwt4-dBRCDnaTUn-mC_0oSJAC4Q6kGdb6fCjQEQ182qJr2xgFNub8pWuj_8j_BwtOIrS0WePD_BwE

$4.95 each for Berry Box Colander

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/special-features/ice-cream-social/cookie-dough-and-ice-cream-scoops/f43870

$12.95 each for Cookie Dough or Ice Cream Scoop

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/special-features/ice-cream-social/footed-4.25-dessert-dish/f85

$2.95 for Footed 4.25″ Dessert Dish

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/special-features/ice-cream-social/ice-cream-dishes/f50882

$1.95 – $2.95 each for Ice Cream Dishes

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Socks with Sandals Anyone?

If you’re gonna wear socks with sandals, you may as well make a patriotic statement!

Know anyone on your gift list who fits this fashion criteria? Here is the perfect gift…

http://www.spilsbury.com/product/American_Flag_Socks/gifts_for_her

$9.99 for pair of American Flag Socks from Spilsbury

Herb Garden Serveware from Stonewall Kitchen

Here is a really fun gift idea for a wedding shower or wedding gift.

http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/shop/tableware/dinnerware/F5338.html

$24.95 for Herb Garden Platter

$27.95 for Herb Garden 7 1/2 inch plates (set of 4)

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A fun luxury (nevermind if space affords it or not…) is having colored glasses to jazz up your meal times. Add these to the serveware above for a really fun and unique wedding present.

http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/shop/tableware/glassware/601640.html

$29.95 for Olive Gala Goblet Set (set of 6)

More Crate & Barrel Gift Ideas Coming at Ya!

Ok, as promised, here are more ideas from the Crate & Barrel Catalog…if you were feeling creative you could add some yummy treats to the jars before you gave them as gifts!

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/truefit-10.25-batter-bowl-with-lid/s554472

$14.95 for Truefit Batter Bowl with Lid

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/search?query=weck%20canning%20jars

$2.95 – $3.95 for Weck Canning Jars (various sizes available)

These are perfect for making fun summer treats and delivering them to your giftee. Like Individual Fresh Berry Trifle Cakes with Lemon Crème! Mmmmmm…I will have to make a recipe for that and share with you!

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/search?query=weck%20canning%20jars

$3.95 – $4.95 for Weck Canning Juice Jars

Add a plastic lid for $.95 each

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http://www.crateandbarrel.com/search?query=working%20glasses

$1.95 – $2.95 for each (2 glass sizes available)
$.75 for plastic lid