Ten great ideas for unique Chistmas gifts and cards

Unique and economical Christmas gifts and cards are at the top of everyone's list this year and the internet is full of gifts with character. If you are looking for a gift that won't break your budget and is a little off the beaten track...not your average mall purchase, you've come to the right place.

1. Oops Pin-up Girl Chistmas Card


To start off the season right, cards always help set the tone for your holiday. Here's a funny card. A pin-up girl on a Christmas card that says Ooops.

The inside reads, "I slipped on the gift budget this year so here's a kiss instead." with a lipsmack design in the middle.  You can buy this card and the Oops Girl on ornaments and other items as well here.

2. Scrooge Christmas Stocking


On another note, for those who like to celebrate Christmas with a Charles Dickens flair, here's a Scrooge Christma Stocking. Do you have a scrooge in your family? Give them a Bah Humbug stocking and you're sure to make them laugh.

Get your Bah Humbug Christmas stocking here. Also available imprinted as a Christmas Card, and on aprons, t-shirts, sweatshirts, buttons, magnets, stickers and more.


3. Zen Christmas Cards
For those of you who like to celebrate the season by adding a bit of Buddhist love, these Zen Christmas cards are very unique. Inside an Om symbol appears with the simple message "Peace."

4. The Elf Diet - Novelty Gifts for the candy lover
The Elf Movie has become a favorite in so many households. Why not celebrate Christmas the Elf way with the Elf Diet...lots of candy syrup, candy corn and cnady canes!!! This cute design brings a smile to everyone this season. It's available on Tee shirts, aprons, mouse pads and more from the Gurugoods.com novelty gift store.

Better yet, fill a mug with candy and you'll have the perfect gift for any elf on your gift list.



5. Elf Diet mug

6. Santa Pause Cards

Know someone who needs to just relax and take a santa puase. Send them a card that shows even Santa takes a break now and then. These cards feature a realistic Santa from antiquity.

7. Think Snow Stadium Blanket

The perfect gift for anyone who loves winter or the snowboarder on your gift list. A blanket to bring to the lodge, the football stadium or skating rink. Find this unique gift here.

8. Snow Queen Keepsake box

Continuing on the snow theme, for the women and girls in your life, a keepsake box featuring art nouveau fine art will make a special gift. This frosty snow queen is enchanting and an unusual find.

8. Snow Queen Season's Greetings Note Cards
She's so enchanting, how can one resist her magical Christmas vibes. Available as note cards, Christmas cards and postcards here.

9 . A Naughty Pin-Ups Girl Clock for the collector of all things retro.

Which pinup model are you? Choose your mood by the hour. From clumsy to flirty to girl next door, these enticing retro ladies will be the highlight of your room decor.

Click here for more products with this design .







10. iPhone Cases Covers to protect the iPhone 4
And to top it all off, for the iPhone user on your gift list, choose a cool iPhone case to match their personality. Here are just a few of the iPhone 4 cases available to stuff into someone's Christmas stocking this year.


The Bee Calm and Carry On design for the Queen Bee on your list:

The I Love Edward Cullen Design for the Twilight Fan:

The Stargate Universe  TV design for the Sci-fi fan:

Happy Shopping! For even more ideas, visit the following links:

http://www.smilingbuddhaboutique.com/

http://www.gurugoods.com/

AntiquiTees



Books as Gifts, Part I: The Smartest Gift For Children, The Gift of Reading

Here I kick off my Series of Books as Gifts with Part I: Books for Children. Today's list is based shearly on the most wonderful gift of all, that of encouraging reading. There is simply nothing more valuable than the imagination. Books help children develop and thrive on it.  Finding just the right book to ignite that passion can be tricky, so I've categorized the books by age group and aspects that might just ring a bell with your little one.

Ages 9 mos to 2 yrs:

Bedtime Stories

































Transitions:
















Activity:
































Ages 3- 4

Learning:
















Values:
















Mechanical Fascination:
















Sweet Fairy Tales:



































Large Beautiful Illustrations:

































Easing Fears:


















Siblings:



















Ages 5 - 7

Action Packed:


















Adventure:



















Fantasy:


















Encouraging:
















Science:

















Ages: 8 - 11:

Fantasy:

















Adventure:




































Historical:

















Mystery:
















Problem Solving:


















Empowering Girls:


















Empowering Individuality:


















Middle School Aged to Young Adult:

Action-Packed:

















Horror/Thriller:















Paranormal:














Post-apocalyptic:


































Science Fiction:

Father's Day Gifts From the Heart

Father's Day often presents a bit of a quandary to the gift giver. How do you truly honor this man...with a tie? aftershave? automotive accessories? These all seem to fall short of symoblizing the true feeling behind paying homage to the man who stands behind his family in ways we often don't even see. Striking a special note with a father can be as simple as keying into his psychology. Here are some ideas based on personality traits:

The Pensive or Poetic father:
Books are always a good bet. Best sellers may hit the right chord, but never forget the classics:






Or the latest in reading technology. The Kindle offers virtually every title on the market at a fraction of the price.











For The Urban Dad who might enjoy a simple bit of green now and then:

A really cool photo available here on Etsy in any size or on canvas. A perfect glimpse of green for the city man:

Or how about a rainbarrel, one of the hottest new trends in greening up your home:



For the Outdoor Adventurer Dad:

A kayak or kayaking trip:

















For the Sentimental Dad:
A selection of frames to feature the images in his heart.
















Remember... the best gifts come from the heart, but they go to the heart as well. So think about what touches his and voila! You'll have the best Father's Day Gift idea of all.