Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets Blog

Mother's Day is a time for mom to be celebrated for all that she does and for all that she means to the family. Children really should have a hand in choosing her gift. It will mean so much more to her that way. But how do you get them involved if you are a dad or an uncle or a caregiver?

It's easy! Kids love to make things. No matter what age they are, they will surely have a passion for making something. Whether it's a Lego castle, a paper airplane or a finger painting, kids love to work with their hands. So start there with each child's interests.

The children should be able to give ideas of what mom might like. They probably spend a great deal of time with her watching what she does and knowing what makes her happy. So, let them suggest based on what they think would be perfect. No answer is too foolish to consider. If Bobby thinks mom would like a green giraffe made out of clay, let him make it. If Sarah insists that mom wants a dress made out of tissue paper, let her do it.

Moms love getting drawings, crafts and heartfelt gifts from their children. But if you want to pick out a gift that's more permanent and a bit more expensive than a craft item, bring the children with you to help find it.

If you're heading to a mall, start talking with the kids in the car about what they think mom would like. They may suggest something you'd never thought of. Try to arrange to have mom's sizes on hand if you can. A shoe size, pants size, and ring size are all handy. But you can also opt for Mother's Day gifts that require no sizing.

When the kids have given some ideas, head to the stores that you think might have the items. If you're going for jewelry, head right to the anchor stores like Macy's or Nordstrom's. Whichever stores are at the two ends of the mall will usually have a nice jewelry department and can be less pricey than the stand alone jewelry stores. But try those, too. A nice necklace or bracelet is always a good idea. Just be sure you think about which metals mom favors. If she only wears white gold and you show up with yellow gold, you wont' make a big hit. (Save the receipt just in case.) But most times, you already know what mom favors and can easily choose personalized jewelry.

Have the kids do some undercover sleuthing ahead of time. Have them look at her handbags and see which brands she likes. Yes, there really is a big difference in manufacturers when it comes to purses.

Have them write down her shoe size, measure a bracelet for size, and get as many details as they can about what she already has in her jewelry box. They'll think this is fun and will feel more included in the choice of the Mommy gifts.

No matter what you choose as a gift, let the kids wrap it in their own special way and be present when it's time to make the presentation on the big day. They'll be beaming from ear to ear.

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Throwing an Easter egg decorating party can be so much fun, and it can take the kids' minds off Easter gifts for a while. Kids love to get in on the colorful action, but adults like to act like kids too at this festive spring holiday. You’ll be sure to have a great time and create lovely works of art if you prepare ahead of time.

No egg can be decorated unless it’s hard boiled and cooled, so make sure you leave yourself enough time to not only boil the eggs, but also allow them to cool. Having everything done the night before can make it more fun for kids who find it hard to wait.

Set up stations at your party. If you’re inviting neighborhood kids, this will help to defer the craziness and mayhem of everyone wanting the same supplies. If you have card tables that you can set up in the kitchen, that works well. But if you don’t you can set one station up at one end of the kitchen table, one at the other end and another at the kitchen counter. If you have an island, make that another station.

Have adults on hand to man the stations. At least ask one mom to stay if it’s going to be just you and the kids. That way smaller kids can get the help they need and you can run to get supplies or clean up messes as they happen.

As for the actual stations, that’s up to you. You may want to let kids dunk their eggs in the traditional vinegar and PAAS solution that everyone loves, but this can get messy and stain your table and fabrics if you have little hands. Carefully consider it before setting out cups of dye. Another alternative is to have food safe paints in the form of food coloring for kids to paint their eggs with. Provide craft brushes that have never been used on anything but food. You don’t want to use harsh paints or anything toxic unless you specifically tell the kids not to eat their eggs when they get home.

If you’re going for a non-edible decoration station, you can have lots of fun. Provide craft glue and felt, glitter, stickers and pom poms. You can make each station its own theme. One can be making animals on a farm. Another station can have all the decorations for undersea egg creatures. Another can be dinosaurs. Any theme you like from princess to construction vehicles can make its way on to a hard boiled egg. Just cut out any difficult shapes and décor beforehand so that kids can just stick them to the egg.

Glue dots work really well. They can be found in any discount store and will allow little fingers to stick decorations to their eggs without the goopy mess and drying time.

Have plenty of extra eggs as well as supplies on hand. Don’t be surprised if little kids glob on a mass of one decoration and call it done. They may not have the attention span to sit and really work on their eggs. Keep them entertained, and away from older kids who want to concentrate on their works of art, by having a cookie decorating station. Anyone who is finished with their egg decorating can come and decorate cookies.

Have on hand sugar cookies in the shape of eggs, ducks, bunnies or chicks. Provide frosting, edible sprinkles and sanding sugar in pastel colors. The kids will love having an edible activity. Just be sure someone supervises so the two year olds don’t take all the frosting before the older kids get done with their masterpiece Easter cookies.

It can be really fun to throw an Easter egg decorating party. It’s already a festive season and you won’t have to add a whole lot to make it fun for everyone.  Send out invites that match the theme and have supplies and eggs on hand and you’ve got an instant party.

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On March 17, the world celebrates St. Patrick's Day.  While he is the patron saint of Ireland, the entire world has embraced this day.  For some, it is an important religious day and time of observance; for others, it is a secular celebration, complete with leprechauns and rainbows. This March, you can do more than wear green to honor St. Patrick.  With these party themes and your Irish pride, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

Celebrate Green

St. Patrick’s Day and green go together like… well, St. Patrick’s Day and green.  Pubs and bars around the country serve green beer and Chicagoans dump 40 pounds of green vegetable dye into the Chicago River.  A green-themed party can be tailored for adults or children with ease.  Everything from St. Patrick's Day cookies and cupcakes to mashed potatoes and beverages can be dyed green, and you can serve chips or green veggies with spinach or avocado dip.

Try this tasty recipe for green mashed potatoes from Food.com for a great side or a sneaky way to get your kids to eat peas:

• 6 russet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled, and cut into chunks
• 8 oz frozen green peas
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper
• Milk

To make:

• Boil potatoes in a large pot until soft.
• Add the peas in the last 4-5 minutes of cooking.  Check the peas to see if they’re tender. Then drain peas and potatoes.
• Put the peas and potatoes back in the pot and add butter, salt, and pepper.
• Mash.
• Add milk to get to desired creaminess.

A “Real” Irish Feast

In Ireland, “traditional” corned beef and cabbage is served – but mostly to American tourists.  For the most part, the Irish tend to enjoy other foods on March 17.  Having a party which features real traditional Irish foods can be a fun way to salute St. Patrick.  Lamb stews are popular choices, as are boxty (potato pancakes), colcannon (a filling dish of cabbage and onions), coddle (a stew made of pork, sausage, potatoes, and onions), and crubeens (pigs’ feet with carrots, onions, and spices or prepared with seasoned breadcrumbs and fried).  This recipe for boxty from HomeCooking. About is easy, quick, and delicious.

• 1 cup raw, grated potatoes
• 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• Butter or oil (to fry with)
• Sugar (optional)

To make:

1. Remove excess moisture from raw potatoes by placing them in a clean cloth and twisting.
2. Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the flour mixture to the raw potatoes, mashed potatoes, and eggs.  Make it the consistency of a pancake batter.
4. Heat a heavy skillet on medium heat and add butter or oil.  Drop the potato batter by the tablespoon in the hot pan.  Cook for about 4 minutes per side, until brown.
5. You can then butter the boxty and serve it hot. Sprinkle on some sugar if you like.

St. Patty’s Day Cocktails

A cocktail party is a great way to cap off your Irish or Irish-American feast or entertain friends.  Again, there are more traditional Irish drinks, and then the drinks Americans think the Irish drink.  Either way, enjoy!  You can serve Irish whiskey and Guinness for those looking for a stout drink from Ireland or you can serve a bit more mild beverages, including this yummy Shamrock Shaker from Cocktails.About:

• 1 ½ oz Kahlua
• 2 ½ oz milk
• ½ oz Amaretto
• Edible green and gold powder for garnish (available at cake-decorating stores and online).

To make:

• Pour all of the ingredients into cocktail shaker along with ice cubes.
• Shake!
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Sprinkle green and gold powders on top.

The best part of St. Patrick’s Day is enjoying time with family and friends – and all the great treats! Don’t let your guests leave without offering dessert. 

Try this recipe for Irish Cream Truffle Fudge - a delicious way to cap off a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day.

Surprise, I got you a bunch of flowers and some candy in a heart-shaped box for your Valentine's Day gift!  If you are really hoping to surprise your special lady on the most romantic day of the year, this is not the way to go.

It is the thought that usually counts, but not on Valentine's Day.  On Valentine's Day, you have to shine.  You have to save all your creative juices for this occasion and wow your wife, girlfriend, or the woman you want to be your wife or girlfriend.

If flowers and candy are out – or at least not the main event – what can you get for her?

For the New Relationship

This can be awkward because you do not want to give a gift that says too much – but you also don't want to say too little.  These gifts say just the right amount:

• A fun (or romantic, cheesy, chick flick) movie night with gourmet popcorn.  It says you thought of Valentine's Day and want to spend it with her without screaming, “I LOVE YOU!”
• Donation to her favorite charity.  She'll love that you both thought of her and her interests, but again, it isn't too intimate for the new relationship.
• Tickets to an event (symphony, theater, sports, etc.).  Another way to say, “Let's spend this day together.”
• A treat for her dog or cat.  If you have just started dating, this can be a cute way to acknowledge the day without putting pressure on her or yourself.
• Make her dinner and have her favorite wine or beer.
• Hand-dipped gourmet chocolates, especially if they are homemade.
• A crafty piece of jewelry.  No, not a diamond.  If your girl wears bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, look at pieces from local artisans and on Etsy.  Choose something that she might want to wear to work or while kicking back – but nothing fancy or overly expensive.

For the Established Relationship

When your girlfriend or wife says she doesn't want anything on Valentine's Day, she's lying.  Of course she does.  She just doesn't want to have to tell you; surprise her with one of the following ideas:

• A night or weekend trip to an inn or bed and breakfast. It doesn't have to be in an exotic or expensive locale, but a change of scenery and some time together will be appreciated.
• A gift certificate to a spa.  There are only two types of gift certificates you should ever get your partner for Valentine's Day.  A trip to the spa, if she enjoys pampering or a gift certificate for...
• Lingerie at Victoria's Secret or another store.  Again, if she enjoys lingerie, this will be a fun gift, but you never want to buy it yourself.  Sizes are tricky!  Plus, make it a condition of the gift card that you will accompany her shopping for a day.  You will score big points for that, too.
• Make her dinner (and clean the place up first).  You can't go wrong with her favorite foods, drinks, and a special dessert.  Sprinkle in a liberal amount of compliments and a small gift, and you're good.
• Jewelry.  You can go with more expensive pieces for anniversary years, but a great piece of more casual jewelry will give her something to wear everyday that will remind her of you.
• Write her a love letter.  Yes, it may be difficult and seem cheesy, but it will be her favorite gift by far.

What do women not want on the big day?  Things like lotion, bath supplies, or candles are nice thoughts for random Tuesdays, but they will disappoint on Valentine's Day.  The best Valentine's Day gifts for her are not the ones that are most expensive; sometimes the best gift is just spending time together.  Just make it special and make it about her. Women tend to value Valentine's Day more than men, so why not indulge her on this day with something a bit above the ordinary?

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When you throw a New Year’s Eve party, you’ll want to have festive foods. But did you know that some cultures shy away from certain foods on New Year’s Eve and believe they will bring bad luck? If you have many ethnicities in your groups of friends, you might want to know what not to serve in addition to what’s best to serve.

What Not to Serve

If you want to keep the superstitious friends in your crowd happy, don’t serve lobster. Lobsters crawl backwards and that can mean setbacks in the New Year for those who believe foods can alter fate. Also avoid serving chicken or any other bird so that any luck that does come your way won’t fly out the window. You may laugh at such silliness, but there are many cultures that still believe in traditions like these. And don’t expect friends of certain ethnicities to clean their plates. It’s considered bad luck to eat every morsel on your plate on New Year’s Eve. If you leave food on the table, either on your plate or canned foods, it’s certain to mean a year to come filled with plenty.

Serve these Happy Foods

Greens

Now that you know what not to serve, turn your attention to planning a menu that will make everyone feel happy and lucky. Go for greens like collard greens or Swiss chard. Green means money, so these leafy varieties are thought to bring luck.

Beans

Black eyed peas and lentils are two of the mainstays of New Year’s good fortune seekers. Many cultures fear that if they don’t eat at least a small scoop of beans, the New Year will be dismal. So get that crock pot out.

Pork

You can’t leave pork out of a New Year’s menu. In many Mediterranean cultures, pork is the symbol of wealth and good fortune. Since pigs push their food, it’s thought that good luck will be pushed your way if you eat pork. Many cultures even put pig statues and candy pigs on their tables at New Year’s. Pork is also very fatty, so fat wallets are thought to be brought on by eating this rich meat.

Fish

Include fish in your New Year’s buffet and you’ll keep the good fortune rolling. Because fish have so many eggs, caviar is thought to bring fertility. If you’d rather not encourage a larger family, eat shrimp or sardines which are as plentiful in the sea as your good luck will be.

Coin Cakes

Many ethnicities bake cakes that have small coins or trinkets hidden in them. The one who finds the coin in his slice gets a heaping helping of luck in the New Year. Just be sure you don’t swallow your good fortune!

If you don’t care to serve traditional New Year’s Eve fare, you can let your party’s theme dictate the food menu. If you’re going casual, have appetizers like bacon wrapped scallops (but you still may have good luck from the pork and fish), puff pastries, cocktail wieners, and little quiches. You can now go to the big box warehouse stores and purchase entire appetizer menus by the box. All you have to do is heat up the delicious goodies before the party. No more running from store to store for hard to find appetizers. They are all there in one place. And if you want to make New Year cookies, well that's okay too.

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