I’m picturing little Ralphie from the Christmas story, opening up the fuzzy wuzzy pink bunny suit from Aunt whoever, and his look of utter despair…
Everybody has their story… the gift that may have been well thought out, but ultimately bombs at the time of unwrapping:
“oh, um, it’s homemade knit underwear…”
“um… what is this…”
and, the infamous
“a paper shredder????” (hehe, sorry dad)
So what’s a busy gal (or guy) to do come the holidays? Give up? Head to the cash machine for 20 spots? Drive oneself crazy?
Don’t worry- meri has gone round, doing the research for you! Below, see my holiday guide for unique “experience” gifts that just might work for that some niche of gift recipients in your life.
1. Now this first one got me all aflutter when I read about it. Man-go-round hears me whine day in and day out as I watch “What Not to Wear” on TLC that I need a style coach. I complain about not knowing how to dress my age (ahem, when you work with kids and families for a non-profit, its way too easy to get away with jeans and Target long sleeved Ts in every color. But boring much?)
Enter: the answer to my prayers: Sally McGraw, fashion savior!
Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Already Pretty, formed by local Twin Cities style guru McGraw, who offers a variety of style/clothes outfitting advice and services. Want a simple question answered? Check her comprehensive blog. Want a live session with Sally to dissect your wardrobe and go out shopping “in the real world” to get some hands on help? She’ll do that! (Even my mom has stopped offering to go shopping with me… if this sounds familiar, it might be time to head to a professional!).
Contact info for rates and details as well as FAQs are found on her webpage.
2.Next up at bat- This one is for the treehugger, the penny pincher, the proud homeowner, and basically anyone who cares about the little things you can do to make a difference for our lovely, troubled Earth. (Thanks for the image use, NASA!)
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| save me! |
If, like me, you have trouble sorting through co-op leaflets, Xcel’s money saving schemes and sales, every product marked “green” in the last 2 years or so, and more, you are not alone. It’s a big, green world out there- time to (once again) hire a professional!
This past summer, I was lucky enough to recieve a “Green Home Makeover” at a very reasonable price. My personal Green Irene consultant was Bobbi, and she casually looked through our home with us suggesting easy ways to save water, save money, and decrease icky allergens and chemicals in our lives (who DOESN’T want less of those). It was informative but not overwhelming, and afterward we got a subscription to the catalog for buying items at a reduced price. This is also a service that can be done as a “party,” consolidating others into your home to focus more closely on products instead of parts of one’s specific home.
All in all, it was a great experience. The items that we went for save the Earth’s resources, and are a daily reminder of how the little things add up. As a bonus, the items in the catalog make awesome gifts.
Wanna get connected with my personal eco-warrior, or someone in your area? Meri-go-round doth not disappoint!
(p.s.- the nylon Green Irene grocery tote is amazing. Really, I love it. Buy one)
3. A few final creative or charitable gift ideas (for any time of year):
–Designhergals– They make products out of an avatar (cartoon, mom) that you create to look like you. Then you can create stationary, mugs, to-do lists, and much more with that avatar personalized for yourself or a loved one. A portion of the proceeds go to a foundation for stage IV breast cancer patients.
–Gifts with humanity, or similar fair trade crafts. Even if they don’t love it, it’s unique and handcrafted.
-which brings me to… stay tuned for the rest of the lovely local shops I’ll cover this month! Show the TC some love!
Now, I’m off to relax and enjoy the aftermath of a lovely holiday happy hour at chez-go-round. Shout out to my lovely friends for providing this killer spread:
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| Fruits, cheeses, chocolates- what more could you ask for? Thanks ladies! |
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| from last b-day party- man-go-round dubbed “nyquil” |
Hasta manana,
M
Like this post? It’s part of a series! (click to view)
The Bunny Suit (this post)
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