Everyone likes to be on the receiving end of the gift of money. Criticize as you may about how it’s an impersonal or unoriginal gift, but the giftee is rarely disappointed. However, there are ways to gift money that are unexpected and fun. These are some ideas.

For a birthday, insert the money into a balloon before blowing it up. For a baby shower, put the money in a baby bottle.

Gift cards can be just as exciting as a regular gift if you choose something unique. Surprise the recipient by choosing an unexpected gift card like Southwest Airlines, Stub Hub or Wine Enthusiast.

Give the money alongside some other small gift to hint at how you intend for the recipient to use the money. Give ‘Just Married’ flip-flops to the newlyweds with your cash to let the couple know they should enjoy your gift on their honeymoon. Give a decorating book to a new homeowner so they can envision ways to use your money to decorate their home.

His & Her Mountain Bikes ($250 each), Tiffany & Co. Pitcher ($170), Indigo Night Print (from $49), Calyx Flowers Orchid Monthly Program ($250-$500)

Wedding season 2013 is in full swing and since the weather is finally starting to turn (it was looking doubtful for a minute there), I have a few gift suggestions that celebrate the season.

1. Admittedly not a gift for every couple, but mountain bikes are a fun and unexpected choice for the right couple that likes exercising and being outdoors.

2. This beautiful crystal pitcher is handblown and available exclusively at Tiffany & Co.

3.  The customizable wedding night print is by Indigo Night. The company “recreates the night sky on a beautiful print” using the date and location you provide.

4.  Calyx Flowers delivers a different variety of the flower of your choosing each month for a period of 3-12 months. I love having fresh flowers at home so I especially love this unique gift and special way to remember your wedding day throughout your first year of marriage.

I love an easy recipe, and with only five ingredients, these cookies can be made and in the oven in less than 10 minutes. Plus, coconut is one of my favorite dessert flavors, especially when it’s sweet and toasted. These cookies are slightly crunchy on the outside but chewy and rich on the inside. Package them in little plastic baggies tied with a string of ribbon or jute.

These would be perfect for a bake sale… or keep them for yourself, they’re really hard to part with, I would understand (I recommend them crumbled over a scoop of ice cream with warm chocolate sauce). Yum.

Every year around Christmas charitable programs like “shop for a cause” or “gifts that count” make their way into the news. These programs bring together a collection of gift-worthy products that benefit charities. The attention on these programs generally fades after the holidays, though, only re-appearing again during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

The Charity Gift Market provides a yearlong marketplace of goods created and produced by charities, with all the profit returning to the charity to support their work. Their products support causes such as adoption, refugees, human rights, the environment, trafficking, disaster relief and more. This shop is one of my new faves, especially when I’m searching for a unique piece of jewelry.

I’ve been on the hunt for a dessert to make for Mother’s Day this weekend and when I found this recipe for petit fours it felt like the perfect choice. Sweet, pretty, totally girly, and if you love almond flavor as much as I do, very addicting.  I cut my petit fours into squares free hand so I can’t say they all came out perfectly uniform but nothing some sprinkles and a few drizzles of chocolate can’t hide! Display your petit fours on a glass pedestal like the ones I made here.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Notecards by Designs by Nicolina

How important are thank you notes when you receive a gift? Truthfully, it depends on the giver. Some will never even notice that they never received a formal note of appreciation, while others would be greatly perturbed if they didn’t get some form of recognition in the mail. In an attempt to follow etiquette rules (and to appease those that would silently judge you for not sending a note!), however, I would recommend you take the time to write a short note every time you receive a significant gift. Below are some guidelines.

Steps to writing a proper thank you note:

I think you can handle this step. Dear Grandma, Hola Adriana, you get the idea. The important thing is not to use a standard, same for everyone, pre-printed note. This tends to feel really insincere. If you’re going to have a standard note printed on all your thank you notes (like for your wedding), write the giver a short message alongside, below or on the back. A simple great to see you, thanks again for the gift, etc. will do just fine.

Here’s the part where you state why you’re writing. Thank you so much for the baby clothes. You should also compliment the gift you received to show the giver you’re not only appreciative but like what they chose. Thank you so much for the adorable baby clothes. Thank you for beautiful glass bowl.

EXCEPTION: If you registered for the gifts for your wedding or baby shower, you can skip the compliments part because really you would just complimenting your own taste!

Just as some people like to watch the receiver open their gifts so they can see the reaction, they also want to know how you intend to use it. No need to go overboard here, but give a hint at how or why you’re enjoying their gift. The idea here is to make them feel like it was money well spent!  I’ve already put the scarf to good use on my long walks to class every morning. This money will be a big help as we work towards fixing up our new home. The colors go perfectly in my kitchen.

Comment about the event/party or allude to some future plans.

It was so nice to catch up with you at the party. The luncheon was a beautiful and enjoyable event. I hope we can get together again soon after the baby is born so you can meet the newest member of our family.

Yes, tell them thank you again. It is a thank you note, after all! Try not to just use one of the standard, “thank you for your generosity” or “I appreciate your gift.” Take it one step further and make this final thanks a bit more personal. Thanks again for the lovely bowl and for making the long drive to my shower. Thanks again for the generous gift and for helping make my party so memorable.

Hopefully by this point they’re not still questioning who the card is from, but either way, don’t forget a closing signature. Love, Sophie. All The Best, Tom.

Then, get it in the mail, and quick! Don’t let so much time go by that the recipient will have to recall why they’re being thanked.

Most First Communion ceremonies will take place early this month. While money is a typical and acceptable gift, it’s nice to give a token that really celebrates the nature of the event.

Next to Valentine’s Day and Christmas, Mother’s Day tops the list of the biggest flower holidays of the year. I always go straight for the tulips; they’re my mom’s favorite and a medley of two or three colors makes for a really pretty bouquet. I never even thought about the meaning behind the flowers I was purchasing, but it’s fun to pick a type that has some significance. It makes your gift all the more thoughtful.