Gifts for Hard-to-Shop-For Friends and Family

(This is a guest post by Heather Hewitt) 

We all know and love people who seem to have everything. But when holidays, birthdays and special occasions roll around, we hate them (just a little). After all, buying things for people who already have fantastic clothes, great gear and all the gadgets they could ever want isn’t easy – or anywhere near the vicinity of easy. So what’s a gift giver to do when you just want to send a little something special to someone you care about? 

The answer: Think personalization. From phone cases to handbags, golf clubs to yoga mats, when you give a gift that’s been personalized with pictures, monograms or special phrases, you can show the thought and care that went into your gift – and give them something that they probably don’t already have.  Need a few ideas to get you started? No problem! Take a look at these great options – and get inspired.

·         Custom iPhone Cases. Everyone and their brother seems to have an iPhone these days, but not many of us have custom iPhone cases featuring the people, pets and places we love. Not only are they special, but they’re also easy to make and so affordable, that you might even create a few that your recipient can swap out with the seasons.

·         Hometown Jigsaw Puzzle. Even if they’re not usually fans of puzzles, one featuring a map of their hometown, favorite vacation spot or even their current address will help you score big points for thoughtfulness and originality.

·         Custom Golf Accessories. From personalized ball markers to towels, shaft labels to balls, bags, clubs, and club links, the options are virtually endless – and always elicit oohhs and aahhhs.

·         Personalized Yoga Mat. Let them say “aum” in style. With a personalized yoga mat, they can get centered, balanced, strong and peaceful – on a mat that’s all about them. Plus, if Oprah and Dr. Oz seem to like it, it has to be good, right?

·         Custom Totes, Handbags and Gym Bags. Whether they’re adorned with favorite family photos, simple monograms or an important word, phrase or symbol, a custom bag is a great option for folks on the go. After all, they can use it for travel, trips to the beach, groceries, visits to the gym or just running around town.

Finally, don’t forget the power of personalized birthday cards and greeting cards. They’re simple, inexpensive things that can, when coupled with a heartfelt note, make someone special feel as though they are. Add in a gift card or the promise of a weekend getaway, movie money, or a gift certificate for an activity they love – or have always wanted to try – and you can easily create a fantastic gift they’ll cherish.

Shutterfly has some great special offers.  You can find them here! 

Author Bio: Heather Hewitt is a seasoned writer and guest author who enjoys connecting people with thoughtful products, services and ideas as they relate to crafting, photography, gift giving and personal expression.

Anything But Typical Lighting For Our Home

Guest post written by Rachel Grecco

Interior lighting is one of those things that you can really spice up if you think to do it. When we moved into our new home, it just had a bunch of those huge cheap lighting fixtures that have the super long bulbs in them. They make everyone look orange and they're so tacky. So I knew that we needed to change out the light fixtures.

I've gone through so many photo galleries of the strangest kinds of lighting fixtures. But when I was doing that one night, I saw some information about Sears carpeting on an interior design blog and decided that it would be a great investment for our home too. Except I'm putting way more time into finding lighting fixtures.

I've found a unique lighting idea or two and can't wait to actually put them into action. The thing about unique light fixtures is they tend to be a little expensive, so I'm saving up for a few special ones that are really going to let our personalities shine through.

Disclaimer:  This was a guest post.  All information was provided by Rachel Grecco.  I did receive compensation.