Savvy Gifts

Growing up in the 80s when decadence and shoulder pads were all the rave-most people thought nothing of presenting extravagant gifts to their loved ones. Nowadays-gift giving is difficult-whether it be because of financial issues or even just the selection of what's out there. The rough economy has caused many stores to just use whatever is in stock--but the problem is-the stuff is left over from past seasons because no one wants them!! And-those boring old things are expensive to boot.
Scroll through the list of offers and start shopping!!

Now the question is "how do I find something affordable, presentable, and unique?

I've found a few really cool sites that offer all of these things.


Bluechopsticks.com Gifts
5% OFF with coupon AC11759">

This is a great site that has so many types of gifts, gift baskets, flowers, theme gifts, and more all on one great site. Their Baby Einstein wagon set is super cute and their Harley Davidson gift set will get your biker's engines in a flurry. Be sure to look at their vast selection of cookie and candy baskets that will put a smile on almost anyone's face. I've sent the cookie baskets to my bosses on Boss' Day-and it was a big hit. Many items are on sale and the coupon code has no expiration date.

Collections Etc. offers a huge collection of unique gifts, home decor, housewares, seasonal decorations, and garden accessories. You can shop from a huge assortment of incredible values where most items are $19.99 or less. With over 3,000 products online all at low prices, Collections Etc. has made gift-giving so much easier!


Save big on Holiday Clearance! Save up to 50% off and get Free Shipping on orders over $50! Promo Code 4GZZE6

For those of you looking for Christian gifts here is a great site that offers a huge selection of items for the home, as well as jewelry, greeting cards, journals, art, and much more all with an inspirational touch. Be sure to browse their entire site for lots of items and click on the promo link that works best for you.


Receive Free U.S. Shipping at DaySpring Online Store with coupon code NOSHIPCHARGE through 04/01/2010 - Minimum of $10 order
15% Off All Items from DaySpring through 04/01/10 with Coupon Code SAVE15
$20 Off Orders of $100 or more from DaySpring- Use Coupon Code: 20off100 through 4/01/2010

Here is another great site that offers many Catholic gifts hat are appropriate for religious occasions such as Baptisms/Christenings, First Communions, Confirmations, or just something that shows expression of your faith. Click on the text links to be directed to other sections of this store that have even more gifts, as well as a link for lovely Irish gifts.


Rosary.com is your premier destination for rosaries, cases, rosary prayer books, and rosary gifts.
Grace Designs is your store for Christian Gifts. We carry a wide variety of Christian and inspirational gifts for every occasion.
Celtic Hills - Inspired by the Celtic Spirit, Imported gifts from Ireland

NOVICA is a very unique site that showcases worldwide fine art and home decor. Visit the site and have a gateway to the fascinating cultures of the world where you will explore remote regions across the globe, can view the faces of fascinating artisans, read about their lives, learn about the meaning behind their works, and select from more than 30,000 unique, handmade works of art. NOVICA has had a profound impact on the lives of many artisans and many artists have been able to overcome the economic challenges felt in developing regions of the world, and have been able to concentrate and work full time as artists as a result of this site. This is true "make a difference" shopping!!


Take $15 off any purchase over $50! Use Coupon Code: NOVICA9327
Novica weekly coupons and promotions

For animal lovers, Whales & Friends is one of the foremost Nature oriented sites featuring clothing, sweat shirts and tees, prints, sculptures, jewelry all with a nature oriented theme. A perfect site to find Whales and Dolphin and sea life items, cats, dogs, birds, butterfly and horse related products. Fun and practical gifts for the young and young at heart.



Here's another great site that has lots of gifts and fun ideas for the animal lovers on your list. I just bought the stuffed animal cardinal and blue jay toys for my son, who loves to chase them outside!



Need a special gift for a special teacher? Homeroom Direct is your one-stop shop for Teacher Gifts and Supplies.



The New York Times Store offers a vast array of quality products from the country's pre-eminent newspaper. Starting with an unmatched collection of historic and contemporary photography, the store provides the discerning buyer everything from fine art prints, books and sports memorabilia to historic autographs, electronic gadgets and reprints of vintage news. Items include Audubon and Native American Art, New York Sports Memorabilia, historic and rare original newspapers, personalized keepsakes and one of a kind U.S. patent models. Other exclusives include the U.S. Postal Collection and works from the Hudson River Painters School of Art. The Store also offers unique New York Times-branded accessories and clothing while guaranteeing shoppers a secure site, seamless transactions and the finest in customer service. Don't forget their famous crossword puzzles--challenging and fun.


New York Times Beach Towel With FREE Cookbook
FREE Personalization On The Fantastic 50's Collection
FREE 8x10 Hideki Matsui photograph with purchase of personalized Louisville Slugger Bat
FREE shipping and FREE NY Times Magazine with purchase of Inauguration and Election Newspaper Set With Barack Obama Photo
FREE Shipping and Photograph With Collectible Handcrafted Wooden Ship Model Purchase
The New York Times Crossword Puzzle Society

The official online store for NBC Universal, which includes products from NBC, Vancouver 2010 Olympics, CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, SyFy, and Universal Studios features a wide selection of products (DVDs, soundtracks, logo apparel, bobbleheads, toasters, mugs, you name it) bringing in new and exclusive items all the time for an interesting shopping experience.


Free Shipping on orders of $100 or more. Use code FREESHIP at checkout.

Need a special gift for the executive in your life?? Executive Essentials offers the lowest prices on thousands of executive and business products including fine pens, desk accessories, leathergoods and more. They offer more than five thousand products from brands like Parker, Waterman and Lamy to Movado, Johnston & Murphy, Filofax and more! Executive Essentials provides huge product selection, competitive prices, fast delivery, and the highest level of personalized service.



Know a couple who is getting married? Skip the toaster and get them some much needed luggage that can be used for years to come. Need a gift for the professional in your life? The traveler? The college student? Your relatives who have overstayed their welcome?? (Hey-I've got you a brand new bag for your trip home...LOL) This site has excellent discounts on all kinds of luggage, briefcases, back packs, duffel bags, and more. Click on the link for free shipping and also browse the site for even more savings.
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Save up to 50% on Vera Bradley at eBags.com

One of my favorite channels to watch is the Discovery Channel-although "Shark Week" does creep me out! Their site has really unique- as well as educational items that make fun gifts. What's even better is that right on the site are tabs to click onto the TLC, Animal Planet, Military Store Channel, and Science Channel Stores where you can get DVDs of your favorite shows like Cake Boss (my personal favorite--if anyone from the show happens to read this--send cannoli pronto!!!!), Miami Ink, and many more. Enjoy free shipping with qualified purchase and don't forget to look at their sale items.


FREE shipping on orders over $75. Enter code FREESHIP at checkout.
Discovery Channel Store DVD Sale

Oh...Winter in Paris...Summers in Rome...we can dream oui? Nothing speaks quality like fine European "craftspersonship" (not all of the good things are made by men right??)...a fantastic site that I've come across in my "web travels" has unique and reasonably priced items from Europe. This site has gourmet food, baby gifts, soaps, vintage linens, and so much more!! So if you can't catch the next plane across the pond... start experiencing "La Dolce Vita" right at home by visiting Touch of Europe for authentically European products. Be sure to visit their sale tab.

Cavallini sticky notes shown on the Today Show from Touch of Europe
Free Shipping on all orders over $50 at Touch of Europe

For a truly "blast from the past shopping experience, be sure to visit Betty's Attic where you can find 800+ classic games, dolls, apparel and accessories, sports memorabilia, books and videos, and many other nostalgic products.



Another fun shop is The Lighter Side, who offers lighthearted gifts and a wide selection of licensed and nostalgic collectibles. With over 500 games and toys, apparel, housewares, personalized gifts and much more from such cultural icons as Betty Boop™, Wizard of Oz™, Coca-Cola® and Looney Tunes™--there is something that is sure to please.


WHATS ON SALE AT THE LIGHTER SIDE?


The ultimate in super savvy shopping happens in the "Amazon." The absolute best deals are to be had here with many items eligible for super saver free shipping with qualifying items and totals. I absolutely love this site and have been shopping on it for years. I always just go straight to the outlet and have gotten designer sunglasses, shoes, and high end housewares for more than 70% off. Of course percentage of discount varies-but it's worth a look. I usually only look for the free shipping items to save even more. Click on the link to get first class access to quality discount shopping.



I'm so glad that greeting cards have never gone out of style--as much as I love presents--there's nothing more important to me than reading a greeting card--maybe it's the poet in me--but well-expressed words given as a gift is extra special. I even enjoy getting e-cards sent to my inbox. Whether you are a traditionalist who prefers paper cards-or a modernist who prefers the internet--American Greetings has something for you. Check out their free e-cards and look around the site for great time saving deals.


Wide Selection of Free Ecards from American Greetings. Animated, Funny, Talking & More! Start Free Trial>>

One of my favorite greeting card companies is Blue Mountain Arts--they have truly inspiring cards where the words/poems represent the actual art of the card. They are also very open to freelance writers, who want to try to get some poetry published. One of my graduation poems actually made it through to the final step of their reading process; however, in the end my work wasn't selected---but getting that far in a company as well respected as Blue Mountain Arts was still exciting and encouraging. See for yourself...










Will post more as I get them!! Let me know what you got at these sites and how much you saved...Happy Shopping!!! Remember-to get the savings-you must shop directly on my site!

Organic and "Green" shopping

Going Green is more than just a passing fad-for many-it's becoming a way of life. The shades of green among us may vary-but I have a feeling this healthy and responsible movement is here to stay. While with anything-there are skeptics who say that there really is little benefit to green practices-do your own research and you will see that even just the smallest changes in what we choose to consume and use can in fact make a lasting difference to our own personal health and the environment around us. Really-would you open a bottle of pesticides and add it to your fruit salad? Probably not. Would you stockpile garbage in your yard (compost aside LOL)? Not likely.

Unfortunately-I think many people think it's all green or nothing-and it really doesn't have to be that way. If we incorporate even a little of the green ideas out there-we are doing ourselves and the world a good service. Just the smallest steps can make a huge difference-especially when combined with your neighbor's small step, your friend's small steps, and so on. From my own personal experience, I certainly see the difference in how much better I feel after going from a diet loaded with processed foods to a more organic and natural based diet-in moderation of course-I'm not giving up cookies-no way-no how! I also do feel a sense of purpose when I choose to recycle or support something towards a cleaner and safer environment.

The biggest issue I hear from those who do want to use organic and green products/services is the cost. Now while it may be argued that paying more money for organic food will actually save you money on future medical expenses in the long run or that buying green products will help keep communities stronger-they're still not strong enough arguments in these tough economic times to make many switch from the regular buying choices they are used to. What I've set out to do was try to find organic and green products that are both easily accessible and affordable at the same time.

Organic Style has a nice selection of flowers, gourmet gifts, baby gifts, and other good gift-giving ideas that are all organic. They also have items that when purchased allow a percentage to be donated to various organizations-click on the link below for more info regarding their charity bouquets. Click on the sale tab for discounted items. There are no specific coupon codes to use at present-but browse throughout the site and find many items on sale. Also be sure to look at their gorgeous roses that are available in a variety of lengths--their most unique and most popular item is the 6 foot rose bouquet. Imagine getting one of those!!



Not sure what to get the people on your gift list who have everything?? Skip that boring sweater and get them a tree planted in their honor. A new baby-a marriage-an anniversary--any occasion is a great time to show your loved ones how much you care about them and their environment. Click on the site for details and info on free shipping.



For those of you who are interested in Bonsai plants, here is a great site for you.
Make sure to click on the link for free shipping.



Here is a great site that offers all the Eco-friendly tools you need to get organized Be sure to click on the link and to also use the coupon codes when applicable.
7% OFF $35 or more purchase (Coupon: A9849)
$5 Off $75 Purchase at Organize.com (Coupon: a5129)


While I do have several recycled papers to choose from on my site http://www.mvsimpressions.ccceasy.com, the following site has an even bigger selection of environmentally friendly cards and invites-plus they offer an interesting low cost mailing service.
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Free shipping on orders $75 or more at Paper Culture!

Here are more environmentally responsible papers to choose from...



Have pets? They benefit from organic and green products just as we humans do. I'm anxious myself to put my Sheltie, Coco on an organic diet to help him with his allergies and hip issues. The Only Natural Pet Store offers free shipping on select orders (you need to qualify for their terms-see site for details), has a decent clearance section, which you can access if you scroll to the bottom of the home page, and has a 5% discount offer-use code in the link at checkout.


Free Shipping on Orders Starting at $75 - Only Natural Pet Store

While we are on the subject of pets--I know how hard it is to put your adorable furry companion in an ordinary kennel-or even leave your pet in the care of someone else whenever you need to travel. I've always wished I could just bring Coco with us so I wouldn't feel guilty. Well I've found a really great site that has done some good research into finding hotels/places that accommodate our pets and are pet friendly. Definitely check them out and book them for your next family vacation.



This is a truly fantastic site that has lots of gift options for you-and is becoming one of my favorite ones! You can build your own baskets-or get one of their pre-made ones. They have a large selection of delicious chocolates, gluten-free products, vegan products--and lots more. Check them out at:

Do something good for the environment and plant something! Not only does planting help promote cleaner air and helps promote natural beautification-but it also helps you to reconnect with the Earth and the potential of its beauty. The therapeutic benefits of gardening and growing your own produce can have calming effects on your mind-not to mention that having a garden also helps you to move physically-get fresh air-and stop for a second in this busy, fast-paced world we live in. There is a sense of accomplishment and pride in seeing your plants flourish-your fragrant flowers bloom, and a sense of pride when tasting the way-better-than-the wax-covered fruits and veggies that you have toiled for yourself and your loved ones. In growing your own fruits/veggies/nuts etc-you have the control over what is sprayed on your food or not. You would be able to use natural alternatives to dangerous chemical pesticides and would know that the food you eat goes from stem to plate in a matter of minutes--you can't get fresher than that! When looking for a site that delivers these gardening opportunities for you at low prices-I found Direct Gardening-not only do you get great prices-but there are freebies with every order! Keep in mind though that when delivered-most plants are a lot smaller in size than you might expect-I remember thinking when I ordered some fern and clematis that I had made a shopping blunder-but I was pleased with how fast they grew-and that the perennials actually came back and survived our cold New Jersey winters! Click on the link and enjoy shopping!



Here is a great site that lets you drink your coffee responsibly. Cafe Britt is a premier roaster of gourmet coffee and one of the few companies in the world that produces, roasts & sells coffee right from the country of origin. They ship directly from coffee producing countries for a taste that’s as fresh as it can be! They also offer a wide selection of carefully crafted gourmet chocolates and tropical nuts for a perfect complement to your cup of coffee. Customizable coffee gifts are always available. All of Café Britt’s operations comply with international standards for environmental protection and also follow fair trade practices. They serve the most demanding palates including customers at Marriott Hotels, Four Seasons & Ritz Carlton, among others.



For the tea lovers...
Numi Organic Tea offers organically grown premium tea and a broad assortment of stunning tea gift sets. Numi Organic Tea is made from the purest ingredients on the planet with full organic tea leaves and no added oils or flavorings. Numi’s vision is to inspire well-being of mind, body and spirit through the simple art of tea. Numi elevates the tea experience through innovation, quality, and a commitment to the environment and our global community.


Stunning Tea Gift Sets Under $30 - Shop Numi Organic Tea
Save 25% Off Numi's Popular Bamboo Flowering Tea Gift Set. Buy Now!

My top Healthy Products that I must have!!
CHILDRENS' VITAMINS:
This is a fantastic product that has all the essentials plus more in convenient powder form that can be mixed with yogurt or applesauce. I give it to my son every morning with breakfast and stock up on these so I never run out!



BREAKFAST FOOD:
This is a truly tasty cereal packed with flavor and crunch. My son and I eat this a lot, and we literally go through boxes of this stuff. It's also great to snack on throughout the day.


SNACK FOOD:
These are so yummy and help to ease the pangs of those late afternoon cravings.


My son goes through bags and bags of this stuff!! My sister had some of these at her house-and my son, nephew, and niece polished them all-licking their fingers hoping to get some more. This is a healthy snack with no preservatives or additives. If I'm not mistaken-the entire contents of a bag is only 100 calories making this a tasty and weight conscious snack suitable for all ages.



PERSONAL CARE:
I have to refrain from trying to eat the lip balm--it smells so good!


NATURAL CLEANERS:
I absolutely love this line of cleaning products not only for how well they clean-but mainly for how refreshing the room smells after you use this.The concentrated products remove glue and lots more. If you have a difficult spot to clean-try this stuff. I do still use some traditional cleaners with bleach for disinfecting purposes-but for other occasions, I try to use this whenever possible.


GoldenGadgets.com specializes in LED Lighting, Solar Power, and other energy efficient gadgets. They offer a wide variety of new and exciting gadgets at amazing prices. Check them out...



Looking for plant-based cosmetics and beauty products?? Yves Rocher is an authentic and unique cosmetic brand, recognized as the Creator of Botanical Beauty.
Harvesting, manufacturing and retailing since 1959, Yves Rocher was born of the vision of a man who believed in cosmetics based on plants and in the democratization of beauty.Yves Rocher offers an impressive selection of botanical beauty products: skin care, body care, makeup, fragrances, bath and shower products and more...They have affordable products and often offer free gifts with your order. Choose the discount offer that's right for you.


Get $10 OFF & FREE SHIPPING at Yves Rocher with orders over $45! Use coupon code 10OFF45 at checkout.
Get $5 OFF with orders over $25 at Yves Rocher! Use coupon code 5OFF25 at checkout.
Get $7 OFF at Yves Rocher with orders over $30! Use coupon code 7OFF30 at checkout.
Get $10 OFF for orders over $45 & FREE Shipping !! Use coupon code WOW1045 at checkout.
Get FREE SHIPPING at Yves Rocher with orders over $20! Use coupon code YRFREESHIP at checkout.










As I find more sites with offers-I'll be sure to post them.Remember-to get the sales/deals/coupon codes-you need to shop directly from my site! Fill me in your own thoughts about organic living and especially for those who have made changes and now see positive effects-please share that story here so that we may be inspired!