How to say thank you to good neighbors

When we moved from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey, my husband and I weren’t expecting a welcome wagon. We figured we’d eventually get to know the people in our new community, but there was no rush. Then, a couple days later, there was a knock at our front door. Our city skepticism kicked in, and we wondered what was wrong.

Our new neighbors were simply stopping by to introduce themselves, bringing a bottle of wine and welcoming us to town. We chatted for a few minutes, exchanged contact information in case of emergencies, then became lifelong friends.

They helped with shoveling when I was pregnant, and our kids picked up their mail and watered their plants when they were on vacation. We did neighborly things for each other and oftentimes said thank you with an appreciative gift.

My favorite present is still the family photo of us in our driveway the day we returned home from the hospital with our new daughter. They snapped it and framed it, and it brings a smile to my face every time I pass it.

Other gifts we’ve shared with them and subsequent neighbors have included lots of homemade dinners and treats, several entertaining pieces to show off during parties, a set of slate garden markers (helpful when watering those plants), a beer-making kit and lots and lots of wine.

It’s great to have people looking out for you, and even better to show you care.

What’s the nicest thing a neighbor has done for you? Feel free to share your story below.

This week’s picks

Home sweet home: Whether the label sports the city you currently live in or your neighbors’ hometown, these Homesick candles can tug at the heartstrings through sense of smell. The hand-poured jars are made of all-natural soy wax and burn 60-80 hours. $29.95

Sign language: Memorialize your friendship with a wooden sign they can hang in their house and take when they move to remember you. Customize the handmade, hand-painted artwork by selecting the board color, print color and family names. $26

Mail call: If your neighbors can never find their keys, try gifting them this easy-to-use magnetic key holder, which doubles as a mail holder. Measuring only 6×8 inches, it’s handy in a small space or entryway. $16

Celebrate all types of love this Valentine’s Day

Though Hollywood and Hallmark might highlight the romantic side of Valentine’s Day,  you don’t have to be a pair of doe-eyed lovebirds to celebrate the holiday.

In grammar school, I expressed my joy of friendship with paper valentines. In high school, I bought flower-grams from the cheerleaders to send a sign to that guy I had my eye on in homeroom. And, as I got older, I saw the value of celebrating the bond I had with my friends, long before “Galentine’s Day” became a thing on Parks and Recreation. Through it all, I had the bonus of my mother’s birthday landing on Feb. 14, so even when I was left without a love interest, I always had a dinner date.

So I like to think of Valentine’s Day as a time to celebrate all the people we love and are thankful for in our life. Whether you’re celebrating with your friends in singular solidarity, are on a first date or just want to honor someone special for touching your heart, feel the love in the air this year. Check out the following tokens of appreciation that will let your person know you’re thinking of him or her.

P.S. I can still smell those carnations from high school! What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift you ever received? Feel free to share below.

 

This week’s picks:

Peace of Mind—A gift card to a meditation studio can keep your honey grounded. Studios such as The DEN Meditation in Los Angeles and Inscape in New York City offer a variety of relaxing mindfulness classes that can reduce stress and anxiety, which is ultimately good for the heart. Single classes to memberships available at most studios. Prices vary.

Hot Chocolate—Spice up your chocolate selection this Valentine’s Day. This tabasco chocolate tin includes six pieces of dark chocolate with a bit of a kick. $23.94

Flowers That Last—Venus et Fleur’s small box contains 16 sweet roses of your color choice in a black or white box. Beyond the unique presentation, your love will be impressed by the fact that the buds need no attention (they don’t even need water), and they’ll last for at least a year. From $299.

Have them howl over these super-cute sentiments

I had the craziest dog growing up. Spocky was a poodle-wheaten terrier mix and attacked everyone on their way out the door. He could jump as high as my shoulders and barked incessantly. But he was cute, and I loved him.

Though my daughter begs me daily to get a dog, I’m not past the child-rearing stage that makes me want to tend to another living creature just yet. We have fish (likewise crazy—one leaped out of its tank to its death last summer) and plenty of deer in the yard to pick up after.

Yes, one day, when the kids will actually follow through on their promises that they will help, I look forward to cuddling up to a fuzzy friend. For now, we just acquired a dog-niece, Ginger (pictured here), who the kids can play with when they want a four-legged friend.

The whole family got to spoil Ginger this past Christmas. When it came time to pick out the perfect gift, we went with a cute sweater from Petco. But I was tempted to pick up a bone from the butcher at our local Foodtown supermarket, which has them on special.

As the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show comes to Madison Square Garden next week, dog lovers everywhere will be watching to see the best of the best. Some of their own pets might even have lineage to connect them to contenders. It’s a great chance to lie down with your pup and celebrate the beauty of man’s best friend.

If you have a favorite dog or know someone who’s just crazy about them, here are some year-round ideas to touch their hearts.

What’s your favorite breed? Feel free to leave a comment below.

 

This week’s picks

Wine Glasses—If your friend has a favorite breed, these handmade stemless wine glasses will do the trick. The glassware features a classy dog silhouette (multiple breeds available). For an extra fee you can personalize them with text, such as a pet name. $13.50 per glass

Playing Cards—Whether the kids are dealing a game of War or the adults are gathering for poker night, these playing cards have a whimsical side to lighten the mood. The Pack of Dogs Playing Cards features amusing illustrations that highlight the playful side of pups. $12.50

Pet Hammock—Who needs a dog house when you can chill out in a pet hammock? Though pictured here with a cat, small dog breeds up to 22 pounds can put up their paws while relaxing in the fleece-lined bed that’s reversible and removable. $24.99

Super ideas for football fans

I’m not a football fan. Don’t get me wrong, Super Bowl Sunday might be one of my favorite days of the year, but it’s only because I celebrate the end of the season.

My dad is a baseball guy, I have no brothers, my high school didn’t have a football team, and I went to Villanova, where basketball was by far the favorite school pastime. So it’s no surprise I turn to other sports to keep me entertained.

I do enjoy a good Super Bowl party. And bringing a football-themed gift to the host instead of a six-pack is something he or she will enjoy long after the final whistle.

When looking for a present, go beyond the licensed jersey or hat, and think outside the box. The following ideas aren’t just great for a party host, but for any football fan, any time of the year.

Even though I hold no allegiance to any team, I have to admit my current favorite comfort is a cozy Oakland Raiders blanket I bought for my husband for Christmas.

What’s your favorite sports-themed possession? Maybe a hat, cup, sweatshirt? Does it bring you good luck? Feel free to comment below.

This week’s picks:

For him: It’s not a party without music. This pro helmet bluetooth speaker is available in most team styles and plays for about eight hours on a full charge. Mini and full-size varieties available. $39.99-$399.99

For her: Sports fans who need to find calm will enjoy this soy candle in a beer can. Nearly 50 scents are available, from beer to Hawaiian Punch. Select pro teams available. $14.99

For kids: Keep kids’ pro dreams alive with comfy football-themed bedding. The 100% organic cotton sheets feature a fun football pattern, while the comforter resembles a football field. Sheet sets $69-$119; comforters $149-$179

Honor someone with a gift that supports a cause

If you’re a Seinfeld fan, you’re probably familiar with the episode where George hands out Christmas cards to co-workers indicating he made a donation in their names to The Human Fund. Of course, known for his frugality, George made up The Human Fund to get out of spending money.

George got the thought from his friend Tim Whatley, who gifted him a similar donation, yet for a legit organization. Now Whatley had the right idea, and people seem to be following his lead these days.

Just look at your Facebook feed. The latest birthday trend is to ask for donations for the charity of your choice. Animal and nature lovers might choose the ASPCA or The Nature Conservancy, while arts aficionados may earmark NPR or VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

You might be familiar with the phrase, “In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to…” in an obituary. That practice is also extending onto Facebook now. Many posts indicating the death of a loved one often contain a link to donate to a research organization related to a specific illness such as Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

No matter what the genre, there is an organization looking for donations. The Fundraisers tab on Facebook includes 12 categories, and you can Google categories on your own to come up with additional ideas. So no matter what your giftee’s passion, you can find a way to invest in the support of their interests.

Best of all, online donations make great last-minute gifts, as you can just log-on and complete your transaction in minutes. Then, you can usually print out a note stating your generosity that can be placed in a greeting card, or have an e-mail sent directly to your loved one. It’s a win-win situation!

What’s your favorite charity to donate to? Feel free to comment below.

This week’s picks:

For him: Give a gift of thanks to the men and women who keep our country safe. Monetary donations to the military and their families can be made online through Support Our Troops. There’s nothing more manly than protecting the ones you love. $50 and up

For her: What could be more romantic that naming a star after someone? Star Registration lets you choose a visible sparkler specifically for your lady. It comes with a certificate, a celestial map and registration. $39.90 and up

For kids: Teach kids the power they have to help the underpriveledged in a fun way. Heifer International has a number of charitable options. A flock of chicks ($20) can provide a poor family with a steady egg supply and eggs to sell. A llama ($150 or part-share $20) can provide material for warmth and clothing and items to sell.

Travel gifts can make adventures extra fun

Winter getaways and spring break seem to be on everyone’s mind these days. With Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day weekend coming up, lots of folks will be headed to tropical beaches or mountain resorts for a little R&R.

If you’re looking for a present to give someone with travel plans, think about items that can make their journey a little easier or relaxing. Suitcase-shipping services such as Lugless can lighten their load. The company uses FedEx and UPS to separately send wares, avoiding achy shoulders and fights with your airline over lost bags.

A number of travel games for kids will keep them entertained on the flight or in the car. Cards games are great for a break from tablets and handheld video games. Some of my kids’ favorites are Spot It!, Word A Round and Monopoly Deal.

Finally, you could also gift them something to remember the trip by. A nice picture frame or album to fill upon their return would be appreciated. You could even hand-make a memory box. Just stop by a craft store for a basic wooden box with lid, then stencil the name of the country or city they’re visiting on the side. They can fill it with postcards, trinkets and memoirs. The gesture will keep them smiling about their trip years after it’s over.

Do you have any plans for winter/spring travel? If so, what do you think would make traveling easier or more enjoyable? Feel free to comment and share your ideas—we could all learn a thing or two from each other.

This week’s picks:

For him: He may have to fly coach, but you can make it more comfortable with a personal Carry-On Cocktail Kit. Whether he likes an Old Fashioned, Bloody Mary, or gin and tonic, there’s a to-go tin for him. Sets come with all the necessary ingredients and tools, including a mini stirring spoon and a classy linen coaster. Each kit makes two drinks. $24

For her: Canon’s compact Selphy CP1300 is great for quickly printing vacation photos. The wireless device lets you print right from your smartphone and churns out images in a variety of sizes (up to 4×6) in seconds. $109.99

For kids: Keep kids from complaining about how hard it is to carry their own skis with FastStrap. The handy contraption comes in an array of different colors and designs. Just slip the carrier strap around your skis and secure with the stretchy ski straps, then sling them over your shoulder for easy transport. $28.90

How to bring someone up when they’re feeling down

I’ve never thought much of get-well gifts. The standard flowers or chocolate always seem to brighten one’s day and you certainly can’t go wrong with that.

However, this past New Year’s Eve, I managed a sober stumble in three-inch heels that left me with two broken bones in my foot and a lot of time to think. As I hobble around the house on crutches, I’ve been able to come up with a list of useful items beyond the basics.

If the person is struggling with limited or no mobility, a thoughtful idea might be an Uber gift card. Restaurant gift cards (especially places that offer delivery, such as Panera) would also be welcome. If you’re not sure what they like, an American Express gift card can do the job but has a fee to activate.

And when it comes to food, try to keep it healthy. A fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements will help to battle weight gain while they’re confined to a couch.

If it’s a bad cold or flu that’s got them down, offer a pharmacy run. You can keep them stocked with tissues and Tylenol, orange juice and any special request items. Feel free to leave it at the door to avoid the germs — they’ll understand.

To keep the patient occupied, you could also pick up a new novel, book of New York Times crosswords, even a good old-fashioned magazine — anything to get their mind off of feeling lousy.

Finally, the simple get-well card goes a long way. A sweet, handwritten note will let them know you’re thinking of them and certainly put a smile on their face.

This week’s pick:

If you don’t have time to shop or don’t live nearby to drop something off yourself, check out Just Don’t Send Flowers. This women’s get-well gift box includes three puzzle books, a 17-ounce thermal water bottle, Lipton noodle soup, cozy Dr. Scholl’s spa socks and a Burt’s Bees lip balm. $49.99

Everyday picks:

For him: For the guy that loves gadgets and tools, MyKee 2.0 can do the work of 20 tools, including a bottle opener, staple remover, cuticle pusher, hex wrench and screwdriver. The handy shape allows you to slip it on your keyring, making it easy to carry and access when needed. $21.97

For her: This calfskin Coccinelle handbag is great for ladies on the go. The zip closure with loop handle keeps items secure and frees up hands to multitask. Keep it pre-packed with gym essentials (lock, earbuds, etc.), then just toss in your keys, phone and wallet before you go. Approximately 6×8 inches. $40

For kids: Little ones love seeing their names on anything. For a special gift for girls, spell out their name on a pair of personalized earrings. Available from CaitlynMinimalist on Etsy, the jewelry is hand made to order and is offered in 18K gold, rose gold or sterling silver. $25.50

If you want to help someone, give them a gift that will positively impact their life.

I’ve worked for numerous newspapers, websites, magazines, etc., and no matter the industry, the editorial calendar always kicks off January with the same theme: New year, new you.

Well, I’m continuing that tradition in the world of gift-giving by focusing on items you can present to your family and friends that will help them achieve their goals for 2019.

There’s no shame in admitting we all have a bad habit or two. Some people may vow to stop smoking in the new year, while others make a bid to hit the gym more. Whatever the intention, there are some products to help keep those commitments.

On the low-tech end, you can try a Habbit Rabbit ($25). The double-figurine set consists of one palm-sized glass bunny and a mini pewter companion that work together to remind you of your goals. Just pop one on top of the ice cream in your freezer to keep an eye on your sweet tooth, and use its mate to hold down your menus at work to remind you to make healthy lunch choices. It’s like having someone to keep an eye on you.

For techies, or those who need more than a gentle reminder, there’s Pavlok 2 ($219). The Fitbit-like wristband emits beeps, vibrations and even electric shocks to keep you from bad habits.

Though there’s no fool-proof remedy for habit–breaking or –making, check out these and other items that might help someone in their quest for self-improvement. Happy New Year!

This week’s pick:

Stop a smartphone addiction by locking up the offender. The Cell Lock-Up temporarily houses your cell so that you can be more social. $21.95

Everyday picks:

For him: Whether it’s for an aging dad or forgetful teen, the Instant Biometric Lock from Hammacher Schlemmer can keep valuables safe without the stress of forgetting a combination. The lock remembers up to ten fingerprints for easy opening. $69.95

For her: Don’t just give her a little blue box—give her a little blue heart she can show off. The sterling and enamel Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Charm from Tiffany & Co. is simple and sophisticated, and can easily be added to any necklace or charm bracelet. Its signature color is also unmistakably elegant. $150

For kids: If the kids are going stir-crazy indoors, let them get out their energy with Ollyball. This state-of-the-art ball weighs less than an ounce and absorbs shock in a special way that lessens the possibility of indoor disaster. Kids can even color in their own ball with crayons, making it uniquely their own. $29.99 for two

It’s okay. You can admit you’re a procrastinator. Just don’t feel like you need to settle for a second-rate gift under pressure.

When I was in my 20s, I loved heading to the mall on Christmas Eve to do all my shopping. The stores were calm, I could buzz through in no time, and there was always a camaraderie among my fellow late-birds. I work well under pressure and felt I did my best gift-buying like this.

Flash forward 25 years: Now I mostly pre-order everything online to ensure my kids get the items they want before they sell out. And, of course, more adult things now take precedence on Christmas Eve, like preparing food for a feast of 15.

Nevertheless, there are times when I’m headed to a Boy Scout party or cookie swap and need to pick up a gift en route because life got in the way of my planning that week. In that case, or when online options simply can’t deliver in time, we’re forced to kick it old-school and hit the pavement.

If it’s not too late and you can find a mom-and-pop still open, shopping local is a great way to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts. Think handmade ornaments, personalized trinkets and themed gifts that can tap into someone’s personality, such as a baseball wine stopper for the sports fan.

Though you may not think of them as a source for gifts beyond flowers, supermarkets are stepping up their game these days. Whole Foods has a great selection of decorative candles, soaps, jewelry and toys. It even sells scarves and sweaters for women.

Drugstores are another great choice. In addition to beauty items and fragrances, Walgreens showcases an inexpensive selection of Secret Santa gifts and Sharper Image gadgets. CVS is stocked with toy cars, plush animals, and an interesting array of As Seen on TV items.

If you’re really in a rush, don’t be embarrassed to make a pit-stop into a convenience store, such as 7-Eleven. It’s always good for toys for the kids, a political gag gift and candy to stuff in stockings.

Whether you’re buying something a month in advance or just minutes before the party, remember the most important thing is to reflect on for whom you’re buying. With a little thought and consideration, they’ll never know the difference.

This week’s pick:

  It’s never fun looking for your keys when you’re in a rush to get somewhere. The Sharper Image Auto Key Finder can help. The wireless transmitter has a 45-foot reach to help locate your keys, or anything else you want to clip the fobs onto. Just listen for the beep as you activate the remote. Batteries are required, but you can pick them up at Walgreens stores, too. $14.99

Everyday picks:

For him: Being a suit doesn’t have to be stuffy. Soccer fans can show off their love of the game with a pair of Paul Smith Football Cuff Links. These polished silver accessories have colored enamel touches to add an extra bit of flair. $49.98

For her: Buying jewelry for women isn’t always easy. Hedge your bets with this three-bar cuff from South Moon Under. Its airy, delicate design in hammered gold is also bold enough to make a statement, making it a versatile choice that can morph from day to night. $28

For kids: If you’re a sucker for rescue animals, Scruff-a-Luvs will tug at your heartstrings. The plush “abandoned pets” come as a matted ball of fur and need your help to fix them up. Give them a bath, brush them, and then you’ll finally see if you’ve got a bunny, puppy or kitty. An adoption certificate comes with each pet. $14.99

For the Host:

‘Tis the season for holiday parties! If you’re lucky enough to get invited to someone else’s house for dinner, thank them by showing up with something other than a bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers. This elegant and aromatic 12-inch dried herb wreath from West Elm will do the trick. It combines seasonal flowers and herbs including marjoram, sage, savory, ammobium, lavender and bay, making it not only look good but smell great, too. Your foresight will be appreciated and may even score you a return invite next year. $49

 

Everday Picks:

For him: These upcycled record coasters are a fun addition to any coffee table. The set of six includes real labels from a variety of genres. The vinyl is sealed to make them functional. They’re perfect for any retro fiend or music lover. $18

For her: This Cap-o-Matic Fisher space pen is perfect for jotting down ideas or doing crosswords in bed. Known for their upside-down writing capability, these pens are ideal for the lady who’s always working on something. $27

For kids: Keep the creative juices flowing with Roger von Oech’s Ball of Whacks. The plastic ball is made of 30 magnetic shapes that come apart and can be reassembled to form whatever the heart’s delight. $31.95