Holiday Gifting Etiquette Guide

The best presents in life are obviously FREE!! Love, kisses and hugs!! But tis the holiday gifting season, so I am sure you need ideas and budget ideas for gifting your near and dear ones in your life!

Here are a few guidelines.

  1.  Always make it personal. Adding a personal touch to your gift adds the feeling of love and caring into your gift giving and it makes the person who is receiving the gift, feel cared for. If your friend is a foodie, how wonderful would it be to give him or her a cook book. Here are 100 Best Selling Cookbooks to choose from. 
  2. Don't be obligated to go beyond your means to gift. Nowadays with the deals online there are many things you can get for as little as $15 - From some of the best magazine subscriptions  to scarves.
  3. Home made gifts are a great way to say thanks to the people who service you all through out the year. Decorate a few wine glasses with glass paint or make a small gift basket with items you know they will love!
  4. Always, always write a "handwritten" note of thanks and holiday cheer! It's a small but HUGE gesture! 
  5. When in doubt give gift cards !! Ask them which store is their favorite! 



HAPPY GIFTING EVERYONE!!



Service ProviderOptionsSuggested Amount or Gift
Au pair or live-in nanny
Cash or consider a gift. This person works closely with your family and you probably know them well.
One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren).
Regular babysitter
Cash
One evening’s pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Day care provider
Cash or a gift for each staff member who works with your child(ren).
A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren).
Live-in help (nanny, cook, butler, housekeeper)

Cash and a personal gift
One week to one month of pay as a cash tip, plus a gift from you.
Private nurse
Gift
A thoughtful gift from you.
Home health employees
Check with agency first about gifts or tipping policies. If there is a no gifts/tipping policy, consider a donation to the agency.
A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.)
Housekeeper/Cleaner
Cash and/or a gift
Up to the amount of one week’s pay and/or a small gift.
Nursing home employees
A gift (not cash). Check company policy first.
A gift that could be shared by the staff (flowers or food items).
Barber
Cash or gift
Cost of one haircut or a gift.
Beauty salon staff
Cash or gift depending on whether you tip well after each service.
The cost of one salon visit  divided for each staff member who works with you. Give individual cards or a small gift each for those who work on you.
Personal trainer
Cash or gift
Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Massage therapist
Cash or gift
Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Pet groomer
Cash or gift (if the same person grooms your pet all year).
Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Dog walker
Cash or gift
Up to one week’s pay or a gift.
Personal caregiver
Cash or gift
Between one week to one month’s salary or a gift.
Pool cleaner
Cash or gift
The cost of one cleaning to be split among the crew.
Garage attendants
Cash or small gift
$10-30 or a small gift
Newspaper delivery person
Cash or small gift
$10-30 or a small gift
Mail carrier
Small gift only
Please see below for a detailed description of the United States Postal Service’s gift regulations.*
Package deliverer
Small gift only, no cash. (Only if you receive regular deliveries.)
Small gift in the $20 range. Most delivery companies discourage or prohibit cash gifts.
Superintendent
Cash or gift
$20-80 or a gift
Doorman
Cash or gift
$15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.
Elevator operator
Cash or gift
$15-40 each
Handyman
Cash or gift
$15 to $40
Trash/Recycling collectors
Cash or gift (for private) check city regulations if it is a municipal service.
$10-30 each
Yard/Garden worker
Cash or gift
$20-50 each






Grandparent Gifts!

New Grandma Gift Basket! 

For new Grandparents the gift usually is the grandchild themselves. Holding the little one and looking into their smiling eyes is a brand new experience for them.

But you can always gift the new grandparents with gifts for them. Put a smile on their face and order one of our tailor made gifts for first time or new Grandparents.

Call us at 847-277-1483 to speak with our customer service rep. 

Looking for graduation gifts for high school and college graduates?

There is a good reason they call these ceremonies "commencement exercises."  Graduation is not the end; it's the beginning.  ~ Orrin Hatch

College students are entering probably the best years of their life and need a jump start. Give them gifts that will help them. Ask any graduate and they will say that they would love cold hard cash as a gift. Although, graduation gifts like savings bonds and mutual funds can be good alternatives to cash.

For those graduates that have everything it sure is hard to think of what to give. I have found in my years of gift giving that some special keepsakes are often appreciated especially photo albums!! You can go the traditional route like the one below...


Or gift this beautiful Digital Photo frame. They will be able to enjoy their favorite memories in vibrant color and crisp detail on the 10"1 LCD. The fun part of this frame is that it can be changed by the flick of a remote! Yes it comes with a remote control.


Don't underestimate the advantage of international travel in helping to round out their education and broaden their horizons.

Or how about an entertainment package via Apple? For those moving into a new apartment there’s really no reason to sign up for cable tv anymore. With Apple TV you can stream shows from iTunes, Netflix, MLB.TV and other subscription services. The ever popular YouTube is always free. With Apple TV you are also able to stream your own HD videos from your mobile devices using AirPlay over your Wi-Fi network. In fact, the Apple TV makes a great companion for your iPad as it will send movies, music, photos and video games to the TV screen using Apple’s AirPlay technology. No subscription needed.


I can guarantee that the new grad is not going to go buy this for themselves! So gift one to them!

Gift baskets make great gifts too. They can be personalized by calling us at 847-277-1483 or head on over to our website at Elegantly Expressed Gift Baskets

Here are a few gift baskets that are great alternatives!




What Should I Consider when Buying a Gift for Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is a very special occasion and gives couples a chance to celebrate romance. When buying a gift for Valentine's Day, it is a good idea to consider the level of relationship before selecting something. Think about the message you want the gift to convey. The type of gift you choose can say a lot of things from “I’m having fun getting to know you,” to “I love you with all my heart.”

CASUAL RELATIONSHIPS


For those who have a casual relationship, a Valentine's Day gift should mirror the relaxed and informal nature of the relationship. Giving something too elaborate, expensive, or intimate may give the other person the wrong idea. Fun cards are a better option than those with loving sentiments. Cute gifts such as stuffed animals may also be good choices as opposed to something like jewelry, lingerie, perfume, or aftershave. If you’re thinking flowers, a single rose is a nice gesture for Valentine's Day, while a full dozen roses tends to imply more.


TO THE ONE I LOVE 💖

The same is true at the other end of the spectrum. Giving a Valentine's Day gift that is too casual when involved in a serious relationship may give the other person pause. It is the thought that counts when it comes to gifts, but gifts often express more or less than what we intend them to do. One’s feelings about a relationship may be inaccurately judged by the type of gift given, especially on a romantic day like Valentine's Day, so be sure to put some thought into it.



IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

This is not to say that a Valentine's Day gift must be expensive. Sometimes the smallest gestures really are the most touching. One example is to select a Valentine's Day gift that represents that special person’s hobbies or interests. Personal or intimate gifts will also be well received when people are deeply involved. If you do want to give something substantial, it’s hard to go wrong with jewelry.

Aside from romantic relationships, many people also like to give Valentine's Day gifts to other people in their lives. For those you want to make feel special, without including the romance aspect, consider candy. 
You don’t have to choose a heart shaped box of chocolates, but candy is universally accepted as a gift choice. You might also want to put together or pick up a Valentine’s Day gift basket. Many are designed with particular themes in mind. You can choose a gift basket for the coffee lover or a similar option instead of selecting one with a romantic theme.

HOW ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS?

More and more people are binge watching or are choosing what to watch and when to watch over the Internet. One of the reasons subscriptions like Amazon Prime, Hulu and Netflix are becoming so popular as gifts. What better gift is there then, to give a subscription to Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

Have a wonderfully loving Valentine's Day!! 

Easter has a fun side to it ! Special Easter Giving !

Easter has deeper religious meaning. But it also has a fun side to it. It is a holiday that embraces spring...colorful pastel marshmallow peeps, plastic eggs, cute dresses and more.

Easter is a time for giving. Whether it is a gift gasket or love...it is good to give....

Although I do not celebrate Easter I know of many friends who do. To me Easter symbolizes the "Egg" in it's many fun forms from Chocolate Easter Eggs to to swirly marbleized eggs I would make with my kids after school. I remember participating in the neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday every year. It was so magical to see my kids faces light up when they found a plastic egg. The neighborhood mom's would revel at our hiding skills when the kids had given up and were not able to find any more of the eggs we had hidden....It was fun seeing their hunting skills come alive...

Here is a neat idea for a Easter gift...Retro Candy !


Valentine Seduction

Make this for your valentine this February 14th 2009

VALENTINE SEDUCTION

Flirtatious notes of mango and mint with floating bits of pomegrante makes this festive valentines cocktail curousluy delightful for a perfectly luxorous evening with your sweetheart. The colotrs are enticing as is the polished taste. Its an errotically simple recipe, one that tantilizes the senses. 

2 oz Champagne chilled
2 oz mango juice chilled
1 tspns pomegranate seeds
2 mint leaves slightly pinched between your fingers to bruise

In a tall champage flute add 2 mint leaves and 1 tsp of pomegrarnate seeds.
Add the mango juice and give a quick stir. Add the champagne just before serving.

Chef Notes : Substitute orange juice or V8 Splash for a simple variation in taste. The bruised mint leaves add a nice touch and may be removed before you drink. 

Happy Valentines Day ! 


Last Minute Popular Holiday Gift

It's not too late to shop for Christmas....Shoppers are scrambling by visiting online stores for their last minute purchases. Are you one of them? 

This year unlike all the other years, gift cards are not that popular given the fact that many of the places where the gift cards can be redeemed are going out of business! 

But at the same time, they make great gifts when all else fails !!!. Although, the National Retail foundation has reported that roughly 20 to 25 percent of gift cards given last year still haven't been redeemed, the key is to get gift cards or gift certificates that are easy to redeem and that don't expire !!!!

One of my favorite places to shop for gifts is Amazon, so an Amazon gift card makes a great last minute Holiday gift, with thousands of items for your loved one to choose from.... 



Enjoy all your last minute shopping ! 
Happy Holidays !!!!


Spa Gift Baskets


Spa Gift Baskets are a great present for anyone on any occasion like a birthday, wedding, graduation, mother's day and etc. Anyone can relax, unwind, and take a break from everyday stress with a spa treatment. Spa gift baskets make thoughtful gifts for anyone needing a touch of stress relief. Luxurious bath and body gift baskets designed to calm body, mind, and spirit.

Here is one that you will love to give, the Tranquil Delights Lavender Spa Bath and Body Gift Set - Tea & Cocoa Gift Basket. If you are in the mood to make one, Dr. Grace Livingstone outlines the best way to make one in this article : How to create the Ideal Spa Gift Basket for her in 5 Easy Steps. 


Falling prices on Christmas Gifts ! Where to shop ?

Unlike Australians who are likely to have to pay more for goods and services this Christmas where falling company profits force businesses to raise prices......out here in the US compnies are scrambling to lower prices and get cutomers into the door. As sales and profit expectations go down and expectations for employment growth are at their lowest levels, the retail industry shifts their attention to getting new and retain old customers with lucrative buys and free shopping offers.

Look for sales flyers in your mail boxes, free shipping offers in your inbox. Here at Elegantly Expressed we are offering FREE SHIPPING if you call and place your order before Dec 5th 2008 for your very first order with us !  

"Sales at department stores and specialty retailers are falling rapidly. They are cutting staff, discounting merchandise and liquidating stores to survive. But even as the financial turmoil strangled discretionary spending at many stores, it sent struggling consumers into the arms of Wal-Mart — and left it, the world's largest retailer, poised for a blockbuster Christmas." So shop smart this Christmas and make the best of the financial gloom that is upon us. 


5 Top Gifts for your dad for "Father's Day" June 15th

Father's Day is fast approaching on June 15th. It's a time to honor your dad ! President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Here are some suggestions for gifts for Father's Day.

For a Digital dad : A great new digital camera is the best. According to Aby Johns, there are a wide variety of camcorders out there, made by a wide variety of brands. So, what brand of camcorders should you focus on? Consumer Reports has Sony at the top of the camcorder market, so if you are a camcorder novice and you just want to make sure that you get a quality camcorder, then buying a Sony camcorder may just be your best bet. Good noline stores are buy.com, bestbuy.com and geeks.com.

For a Dad who likes to Grill : Outdoor BBQ grill is the best. Dads can be very picky about picking just the right one, so a gift certificate to the store that he has been browsing would work. A Weber Grill is classic, yet there are many options available nowadays.

For the "Do-it-yourself" dad : He can never have enough tools so how about giving him a gift card from his favorite neighborhood hardware store. He will surely find a use for that, soon.

For a Foodie dad : if your dad is passionate about food and cooking, a cooking class can be a fun, exciting and a useful Father's Day gift. Find one that is close by and check for times and interesting classes.

For a "dad-who-does-not-like-to-shop" : Give him a day at the mall with you so that you can help him find a great outfit for himself. Usually men dont like shopping for themselves so a little bit of design help can go a long way in bonding with your dad.

Happy Mother's Day !

Mother's Day reaches its 100th Anniversary in 2008.The woman who was responsible in making this day possible was Anna Jarvis.

Did you know that she was never married and had no kids of her own?

She was the one who in 1908 organized a celebration in her church for Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May in honor of her mother ! From that year onwards, Mother's Day has been celebrated every year on the second Sunday in May and mothers all over the world over have been getting appreciation for all the work they do for their families.

If you have not thanked your mother today...please do. I can tell you that the best thing that ever happened to me is being a "mom". I could have never known real pain and extreme joy and happiness. I could have never known empathy in the deepest sense. As only a mother can feel the pain / joy her child feels. I love my 2 daughters. They are my sunshine and moonshine ! Without them I could not have grown as a woman and person. So, as much as I want to be appreciated, I appreciate them being in my life.....Life could not be sweeter....

So wishing all you mothers out there A VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !

Hope you get from your kids what "YOU" "REALLY" want !

Top 3 Last Minute Valentines Day Gifts for Women !

Most of the country is in a deep freeze. So how can you warm it up with your honey? Whether you're just dating, engaged, or married, the gifts that provoke the most delight are the ones that touch her heart.
Here are the Top 3 Valentines Gifts for Women
  1. Roses : Flowers have the magic to melt even the hardest of hearts. So a bunch of deep rich red roses is the way to melting her heart. Stop by at any local grocery store to pick those up. Don't forget to write your feelings on the card. Forgetting that - not recommended !
  2. Chocolates : You know which chocolate your sweetheart likes. Double the pleasure by pairing it with her favorite wine !
  3. Back Massager : Have you ever wanted someone just to scratch your back? Pamper your valentine's back with a nice back massage. Maybe get her one of these HoMedics PM-30BX On-The-Go Battery Operated Mini 3 Node Massager (Colors May Vary) from Walgreens and make it special !

or call us at 847-277-1483 to make a special Valentines Gift Basket !

"Love looks not with eyes, but with the mind" - Valentines Day - February 14th

February 14th, Valentines Day, across the country and the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. With a little advance planning, you can save yourself a lot of stress and ensure a fun and romantic Valentine's Day--one where you won't be stuck without a reservation or paying too much for a rush delivery of flowers. It goes without saying, but restaurants are flooded with reservation requests for that night, so book early at your favorite romantic spot, or at that hot new bistro. If you leave yourself a little more time, you can also find a more personal gift.

Personal gifts take planning and knowing what your sweetheart loves, is important. Maybe its a flat screen TV or a romantic getaway or a special ring ! Make it something they REALLY REALLY want not what you want them to have. You know it could be as simple as a movie night or a romantic dinner at home. Think of the simple things - things that dont cost a dime - like paying attention, being romanitc or having the best time ever !

If you have already thought of those things you are already ahead of the game. So now it's time to choose a card....I would say, skip all the canned, commercial messages and buy a blank card; it doesn't take too much time to write your own personal message inside, and it will mean far more. Better yeat make it a funny one...tickle her/his funny bone. My husband always gives me a really funny card...and laughing nad smiling with him is more special than anything else.

Here are some Love Quotes by the most romantic bard that ever lived : William Shakespeare
  • "They do not love that do not show their love."
  • "The course of true love never did run smooth."
  • "So long as I can breathe or I can see so long lives your love which gives life to me."
  • "When you depart from me sorrow abides, and happiness takes his leave."
  • "Love looks not with eyes, but with the mind."
  • "A lover is one who knows who you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow."
  • "When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."
  • "Love is the most beautiful of dreams and the worst of nightmares."
  • "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

For more inspiration, peruse this list of the 100 Greatest Love Poems


Names of some romantic-sounding places in the USA:


Valentine, NE
Valentine, TX
Loveland, CO
Lovejoy, GA
Lovelock, NE
Love Valley, NC
Loveland, OH
Loveland Park, OH
Loveland, OK
Lovelady, TX
Loves Park, IL
Loving County, TX
Lovington, NM
Loving, NM
Love County, OK
Lovington, IL
Romeo, CO
Romeo, MI
Romeoville, IL
Sacred Heart, MN
Heart Butte, MT
South Heart, ND

A healthy way to treat someone on Valentines Day !

Gift baskets, especially gourmet gift baskets are sometimes filled with delectable candies, chocolates, and gourmet goodies which can be bad for the waist line :) So what are the alternatives....edible alternatives. One company in particular has taken fruit to another level. An art form !
Edible Arrangements in Connecticut http://www.ediblearrangements.com/

Edible fruit baskets are a great alternative to a regular gourmet fit basket. No I am not denying that the Gourmet Gift baskets we make are simply delicious and filled to the brim with elegant goodies, but fresh fruit made to look like a beautiful bouquet of flowers is the way to treat someone who is watching their weight, or who just wants to be treated to something fresh and crisp !


As a fan of fresh fruit, this would be a great gift basket for Valentine's Day !
About the company :
Edible Arrangements® specializes in creating delicious fruit designs filled with fresh strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, bananas and pears. Arrangements are guaranteed fresh and are available in a variety of styles and sizes. They are perfect for any occasion from happy birthday, thank you, congratulations and sympathy to business events, client gifts and employee appreciation. Each arrangement is made to order and can be customized with a jar of all natural fudge and a special occasion Mylar balloon. All ingredients are natural, no preservatives or sweeteners are used.


From Chocolate Truffles to Chocolate Martini - Chocolate Rules !

Ever have a "I want chocolate now" moment? Yup almost all of us have had one. And as the Holidays approach you will start having more and more of those moments, cause chocolate is everywhere. Advertisers and manufacturers have gone crazy naming and associating their products with chocolate - the Honda CRAVE, LG Chocolate phone etc

One of the more decadent of chocolates are the soft Chocolate Truffles - chocolate truffles are made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate or cocoa powder, and are usually spherical.

Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

But my recent indulgence.... THE CHOCOLATE MARTINI

A great indulgence after a long week of healthy eating and a sweat dripping exercise schedule !

Here is one recipe that rocks !

CHOCOLATE MARTINI

1 1/2 shots chocolate liqueur
1 1/2 shots creme de cacao
1/2 shot vodka
2 1/2 shots half-and-half

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled martini glass. Enjoy.....slowly !

You've Been Booed !!! Start the tradition in your neighborhood



Have you ever been BOOED? Welcome to the wonderful world of BOO-ing. What is is you ask?

Well it is secretly leaving small gift baskets, a BOO poem, BOO instructions and a BOO sign at a neighbor's door. Once you have been booed then its your turn to BOO 2 more people. In some parts of the US it is also called "ghosting"

Get everyone in the fun spirit and get booing ! Well, BOO someone this year...A friend, neighbor or even an online buddy !

Fill a basket or even a colorful paper bag with Halloween knick-knacks and Halloween candy. Then print out this free printable Halloween BOO poem below, you'll be ready to BOO ! someone in your neighborhood !

Did you know that October 16th, Boss's Day was officially proclaimed in Illinois?

Patricia Bays Haroski of Deerfield, Illinois registered National Boss's Day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958. She was working as a secretary for State Farm Insurance Company at the time and chose October 16th, because it was the birthday of her boss, who happened to be her father. Just four short years later, in 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Patricia’s registration and officially proclaimed the day.

So how many of you have thanked your boss today? :)

National Boss's Day is usually celebrated by presenting one's boss with a small gift or greeting card. It is also customary to treat one's boss with extreme kindness, very similar to a birthday.
But how many of you feel the need to do so ? Come on really !

Here is a great book for your boss to make life fun at work for you !

''Fun Works -- Creating Places Where People Love to Work'' by Leslie Yerkes.
Help your boss make work fun for both of you. This new book dives deep into the work ethic mindsets that trap us into thinking fun is at best an add-on to the work day. The author offers lots of fun examples of real companies that make fun work. She also explains the how and why of integrating fun into your workplace. Order from Amazon.com for just $13.27.

Halloween....What is it and How to celebrate?

Halloween originated under the name of Samhain as a Pagan festival among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain.




Halloween, or Hallowe'en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31st. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, costume parties, viewing horror films, visiting "haunted houses", and participating in traditional autumn activities such as hayrides (which may have "haunted" themes).






Halloween has become a major folk holiday in the US and Canada. "Trick or Treaters" go from door to door and collect candies, apples and other goodies. Hallmark Cards reports that 65% of Americans will decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. This percentage is exceeded only by Christmas.






Here are the top few things to do on Halloween according to the Michigan Journal article from 2006...modified





  • Be 'old school' and go trick-or-treating! Wear a mask to disguise your age or take a kid along so that no one refuses to give you candy. !


  • Party at one of the many nightclubs....theyb have Halloween specials


  • Be a good mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or neighbor and take your kids out trick-or-treating - and let them have first dibs on the candy for once.


  • Invite your friends over for a scary movie marathon - "Friday the 13th," "Jason," "Leprechaun in Space" - you know, the classics.


  • Carve pumpkins.


  • Hit a haunted house or corn maze! It tends to be a frightful, yet fun, experience for all.


  • Put on the scariest thing you can find, preferably something kids are familiar with (Freddy), and go around your neighborhood jumping out at them from behind bushes and cars.

Order a Halloween Gift Basket for your kids, grandkids or friends !



THE 3 MOST POPULAR WEDDING FAVORS

With the wedding season in full swing it is time to check on what is hot in "Wedding Favors" this season. Wedding favors are a great way to thank your guests for attending while giving them something to remember the day by. Many young couples are also opting to go a step further and choosing favors that reflect their personality.



But the 3 hottest Wedding favors this season are :

WEDDING FAVORS

1. Personalized Wedding Favor Ribbons are still the hottest item ! they can be used to personalize any gift item that the bride and groom want to give their guests. Personalized ribbons are fun as they can be personalized with the bride and groom's names and wedding date. Wedding favor ribbons can match the colors of the wedding and can be made with any width of ribbon. The most popular still being the 3/8th inch satin ribbon.

2. Personalized Favor Boxes filled with none other than - yes - you guessed it right - Jordan almonds. Guests also have come to expect the colorful pastel Jordan almonds.



These favor boxes made to look like a cake can be personalized with the ribbon and you can add any candy you desire. A great buy ! Also a fabulous presentation !

3. Tie between Mint Tins and Chocolates These 2 wedding favors are still very popular and do not break the bank. "Heart-shaped chocolates are the most popular," says Godiva's Grace Yu, who recommends two or four hearts in boxes tied with ribbons printed with the couple's name.

The key to making a simple favor elegant and memorable lies in the presentation, so be creative. Homemade is the new craze. Yes, we at Elegantly Expressed do a lot of Wedding Favors throughout the season and year round. But keep it simple.
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