Birthday Gift Guide

This year is the big 30 birthday for me, as well as some of my close friends. I've been racking my brain recently to find a perfect gift for my best friend's birthday coming up at the beginning of May. It's funny because while I'm browsing the Internet or other bloggers' pages, I will mentally note the most creative and fun gift ideas but when it comes down to executing and finding a gift for someone, my mind goes blank. This week I put in some major web browsing and figured out a gift for my bestie that I think she'll love. Since she lives about nine hours away from me in Northern California, I had to ship directly to her without gift wrap, so hopefully she can forgive me on that front. 

So tell me, what are your favorite items to gift or receive?

1. Mini Metal State Pendant / 2. Jonathan Adler iPhone Case / 3. Kate Spade Idiom Bracelet
4. Body Scrub by Sara Happ / 5. "Happy Girls" Print / 6. Fresh 'Life' Candle

Thank You Gift Ideas

A couple weeks back I discussed thank you cards and this week I wanted to elaborate a little by talking about thank you gifts. These are for the occasions where you really feel like a card will just not do and feel compelled to give a gift as your token of appreciation.

Has a neighbor or friend given you referral after referral for your business? Does a family member always house/animal sit for you without complaint? These are such situations that you may feel that a gift is in order.

A thank you gift doesn't always have to be store-bought either; sometimes the best gifts are D.I.Y and handmade. Below are some ideas:

A personalized art print from Lindsay Letters. Just add a frame and you're all set!

Thank You candy giftset from Sugarfina because everyone loves a sweet treat!

Most people like candles and this Voluspa Crisp Champagne is a classic.

D.I.Y. Scrabble coasters. You can check out the tutorial here.

Monogrammed note cards that add a personalized touch.

Of course you can always gift the person their favorite bottle of alcohol, a gift card to their most-frequented restaurant or store or even home baked goodies. You really can't go wrong with anything you gift and whatever you give is sure to be appreciated!