nothing says thanks like napkins

Looking for the perfect hostess gift? Or don't know what to bring to meet your boyfriend's parents at their house? Then look no further than a Mariposa napkin holder. Mariposa has a vast selection of adorable options to pick from (and they are always conversation starters!). There is seriously an option for everyone in your life. When my in-laws watched our precious pooch for the weekend, we gifted them a labrador retriever option to say thank you.


Since the base for the holder remains the same, you can give multiple options for the weight that can be seasonal or just plain silly - from dragonflies to flipflops to cupcakes to lobsters. Next time you need a gift to say thank you or nice to meet you, order one of these. They are very reasonable and you can't really go wrong. 

Twisted Napkin Box with Sand Dollar Weight

return to sender

With my nuptials quickly approaching, I’ve been getting some amazing gifts from family and friends. With the gifts, comes thank you notes of course. By now, you probably know that I have a love (or some may some obsession) with stationary. I absolutely had to share my new favorite thank you note companion – a custom address stamp from expressionary.com! Thanks to an amazing sister, my thank you notes have gotten a lovely makeover and I no longer have to write out my address with each note. This is the perfect alternative to getting addresses pre-printed. We all know the downside of pre-printed envelopes – they are expensive and people move too frequently. Then, you just end up with a drawer of envelopes that are useless. We all know that feeling. 

Take a peak at the great selection online, and send the perfect one to a friend at an incredibly reasonable price (and such a huge time saver!). 

three designing women kara stamp $45

more bubbles please

No, I’m not talking about Veuve. I am taking about the amazing SodaStream. It's life changing and was one of my most sought after items on our wedding registry. I absolutely hated lugging seltzer bottles home from the store and the amount of space that they took up in our apartment. If you're looking for a functional housewarming gift, look no further. It’s easy to use, takes up barely any space, plus it’s environmentally friendly. There are a number of different options and a variety of colors. I'd recommend the Genesis or Fizz models. If you want to create a perfectly paired gift, add the Crate and Barrel Ona Pitcher - now you have a simple way to present your homemade seltzer (add a lime or lemon for visual perfection). This pitcher also looks great on display. 

If you act quickly, Crate and Barrel is offering 15% for Cyber Monday and if not, free shipping through December 21 for orders over $99. Bed Bath & Beyond is also offering free shipping for a limited time with purchases over $99. 

genesis model $100

large ona pitcher $26.95

page turner

You can never have too many books. There is something so simple, yet so perfect about a thoughtful coffee table book. They not only serve as décor, but as conversation starters that represent an experience, a hobby, a love or passion, your personality or even your favorite restaurant. They are perfect for so many different occasions. For example, recently as a thank you gift for my in-laws, we gave them with the French Laundry cookbook – an experience in Napa that we had together that will never forget! There are tons of great options for restaurant cookbooks. If you have a favorite restaurant, do a quick search.  There is a high likelihood that they may have a book available. At our friend’s house the other night, we were immediately drawn to the book on their (amazing West Elm) coffee table. It was playful and perfect - Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, which is based on the online sensation. If you want to relive a memory with a friend from the 80s, you can go the fun route of the Bon Jovi: Blaze of Glory book. You will laugh and probably be thrilled to page through and remember the concerts that you went to (yes, my sister has this and loves it). Another great option is a book that revolves around a hobby or one that represents a passion or fave vacation spot (hiking, architecture, Italy, Brooklyn, etc.). As you can see, there are endless options for the direction that the gift can go. To make the book even more special and personalized, write a note in the front that relates to why you chose the book. I love that so many of my childhood books have adorable notes in them. When possible, go for a hardcover book and check out amazon for great deals! So maybe you can judge these books by their covers...

the meatball shop $28
  

shake it

Jonathan Adler is a sure bet when it comes to cute and thoughtful gifts. You can find something for everyone. The salt & pepper shakers come in a variety of different options and are a perfect under $50 gifts for birthdays, housewarmings and just because. I was thrilled when I got these as a gift, and I've given them many times - love them! Plus, they come in an adorable box and the employees at the store are expert wrappers. You leave ready to give. I've heard that they are coming out with a number of new options just in time for the holidays. Look for them online and at a store near you! 

Jonathan Adler Bird Salt & Pepper Sakers $48

registry a no-go

Ever wait until the last minute to purchase a gift from a wedding registry? Don’t panic, I can help. You can tell a lot from a registry. If they like a particular brand (i.e. Simon Pearce, Kate Spade), but nothing is left (either in inventory or in your budget), search the site for other items by the same brand. If the couple has registered for wine glasses, get the matching decanter or wine bottle coaster. If they registered for linens, purchase complementary monogrammed ones - the newlyweds will be thrilled (see Serena & Lily throw below). Another great option that I am obsessed with is the Celebration bowl from Simon Pearce. It’s a classic. You can personalize the bowl with the couple’s name and wedding date. Since you don’t need to give wedding gifts the day of, you have time to go the extra mile with the personalization (which is what makes it so great). If a couple is registered at Simon Pearce, shipping is free. Who wouldn’t love a little Simon Pearce New England charm? 

Simon Pearce Celebration Bowl $295

Serena & Lily Alpaca Throw $148