Pinterest invitations!

If you haven't heard the buzz about Pinterest yet, you will soon. It is one of my new favorite sites and I am a bit obsessed! Pinterest is a place to share your favorite things and view other users' picks. I plan to use Pinterest to share gift suggestions and other (more general) things I like, but also to get inspiration for new gift ideas.


So what is Pinterest? According to their website:

Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world.

Pinterest is currently available for everyone to view, but you can only join and begin pinning with an invitation. And guess who has invitations? The first 5 people to email me get one! If you don't get an invitation, you can request one from Pinterest on their homepage (you will be put on a waiting list and emailed when you get an invitation).


If you are already on Pinterest, please follow me and my boards (scGiftGuru) and leave a comment here with your username so I can follow you too! If you want to view my pins, visit pinterest.com/scgiftguru.


Happy pinning!

For the record

Normally my posts are aimed at finding the perfect gift for a certain type of person, but there are a few items out there that I just have to mention before Christmas and I will run out of time to do so without this post. So, for the record, these are some of my favorite gifts this year (if anyone needs gift ideas for me, feel free to use this as a guide!):

I have been wanting to learn more French for awhile, and I think Rosetta Stone is the best choice to help me do just that (unless someone wants to send me to France, of course!). My father thinks I want to learn French so I can move to Paris... not a bad idea, pops!

I know these pink glitter Toms (available in more sizes at Nordstrom) are a bit self-indulgent, but I love them and don't care who knows it.

Apple's iPad (shown here in 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G model) is one of the hottest gadgets on the market this year; unfortunately, my MacBook uses an older operating system than the iPad requires for syncing, so this indulgence will have to wait...

...unless someone also wants to get me a new MacBook Pro! Mine has been through 3 years of law school (a miracle in itself) plus another year of miscellaneous use, which is quite impressive. It deserves a break.

The iPhone 4 has great new features like video and a 5 megapixel camera and is one of the best selling phones on the market. I have wanted an iPhone since I first heard rumors of its existence. Now that it seems a Verizon model is looming, maybe the time has come for me to take the plunge!

Sadly, my favorite show is over, but Lost will live on in the hearts and time-traveling minds of fans everywhere.

I recently discovered the show Lie to Me, about deception experts, and I am a bit obsessed. Telling Lies is the real-life inspiration for the series, and I can't wait to start reading it.

The Louis Vuitton Speedy is a classic - I prefer to think of it as an investment rather than a bag. Available from Louis Vuitton and LV boutiques in 4 sizes (25, 30, 35, 40), shown here in 35.

These rubber mocs from LL Bean are perfect for rainy days (or just because). I love the khaki/navy version, but there are also more colors to choose from.

The Trackstick Mini is a tiny, USB-like device that tracks your journeys and allows for geotagging photos, retracing your route, and marking favorite spots for easy return. Just turn it on and go on your merry way. When you get home, plug it into your computer and upload your travels. Perfect for travelers and outdoorsmen. There is also an iPhone app called Walkabout that does the same thing.

This sterling silver fingerprint signet ring is a unique gift that would be perfect for moms or even as an engagement or wedding ring. Submit your desired fingerprint and the artists will transform it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Also available in gold and platinum.

I don't usually get excited about furniture, but this map chair caught my attention. These made-to-order chairs feature the location of your choice in decoupage, ready for duty in your home or office.

Every worker needs a nameplate - and what better way to introduce yourself than a whimsical version you won't find elsewhere! The Scrabble letters nameplate is a great choice for a new hire or for a home office.

• Pink peacoat: I don't have a certain version in mind, but you can't go wrong with Gap!
• Nap blanket (or nap snuggie): this is seriously the most comfortable blanket you will ever feel. And right now, Brookstone has them buy 1, get 1 half off!
• Decision Points by former President George W. Bush: love him or hate him, this is a rare chance to see inside the mind of one of the world's most powerful people. In case anyone is concerned about partisanship, I also own Bill Clinton's My Life.
• Ireland: you can buy a square foot of Irish countryside for only $49.99. It comes with pictures and directions in case you want to visit your domain. I think I would like to be called "Queen Gift Guru" among my woodland subjects.
• T-shirt blanket: take old t-shirts and make them into a comfy blanket than you can use or display. This makes a great graduation gift. Available from multiple sellers around the web (Google "tshirt blanket") or make your own!
• The Book of Awesome: this book, from the author of 1000 Awesome Things blog, is a blend of childhood memories, witty observations, and general feel-good sentiments that would suit almost any recipient. 

What's on your list this year?

For the bookworm

There's nothing like a good book. Books should be a staple in your gift-giving arsenal because everyone has hobbies and interests and someone, somewhere, has written a book about them.

But some people's affinity for books stretches to an entirely different level. They love all books - romance, travel, sci-fi, how-to, self-help, inspirational, deprecating, fiction, non-fiction, historical, kitschy. They love the freshness of starting a new book, the rush of getting to the "good part," and the slight sadness when the experience is over, which is quickly replaced by the anticipation of the next adventure that will enthrall them. I can readily identify with these people. I am the Gift Guru, and I am addicted to books.

If your recipient is anything like me - someone who always has her nose in a book, stops by the local bookstore on his way home every day, or repeatedly asks you "Read any good books lately?" - then you, dear reader, are shopping for a bookworm. Here are a few tips to help feed your recipient's insatiable need for books:

eReaders and Accessories
These gadgets are all the rage right now among serious readers. They allow readers easy access to and storage for lots of books, magazines, and newspapers, and some offer additional features like Wi-Fi, 3G, and online bookstores. The two most popular dedicated models are Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's NOOK.

Kindle's $139 version (above) has Wi-Fi and the $189 version has Wi-Fi + 3G. Find accessories at Amazon's Kindle store.

NOOK color (above) starts at $249 and the original NOOK sells for $149 and up. Barnes & Noble is also offering 50% off stylish NOOK original and color accessories for a limited time.

Memberships
Although they may seem expensive to casual shoppers, annual membership programs are essential for any serious book buyer. Your bookworm recipient will immediately see savings on his book purchases and will likely get special offers from the store as well. My favorites are Barnes & Noble ($25), Books-A-Million ($20), and Amazon Prime ($79).


FEED Read 3 bag
The FEED Foundation, which I mentioned here, offers a great bag for book lovers. For $25.00 they will donate 3 books and 3 school meals to needy children and your recipient gets a nifty bag, shown here and available on the FEED website.

Gift Cards
Sometimes the best gift for a book addict is, unsurprisingly, more books. A gift card to his favorite bookstore is always a great present, and will save you the time and stress of trying to determine what books he already has, might want, or has absolutely no interest in. If your bookworm has (or is getting) an eReader, a gift card for new ebooks or accessories is a nice choice.


Languages and Editions
Every bookworm has her favorite books and, following the rule of jewelry and chocolate, there is no such thing as too much. Consider getting her a different edition than the one(s) she owns, such as a first edition (sure to win you major points) or special collector's edition. Abe Books has a great selection of hard-to-find books, especially first editions. If you are feeling especially gracious, consider giving a first edition of The Catcher in the Rye - it's only $22,500!

I started a new tradition on my last trip to Europe to commemorate my favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I bought a copy of the book in the language of each country I visited. I enjoyed visiting different countries' bookstores and now I have a lovely little collection (French, German, and Spanish) that will continue to grow as I travel. I am willing to bet that your bookworm would love a foreign edition of her favorite book, especially in its original language and/or country of publishing (or bought at a special bookstore, like Shakespeare and Company in Paris). I know that the Harry Potter books, among others, have different cover art in the UK than in the US, and some even have different titles!

I bought the French version of Pride and Prejudice in Montmartre, Paris, but it's also available from Amazon

Secret Storage Books
Secret storage books (aka hollow books) provide another interesting twist on traditional books and allow your recipient to hide items almost in plain sight. You can find books with cut-outs in the shape of a flask (sometimes with the flask included), gun (hopefully without the gun included), and a simple rectangle or arch. Some books are originals that have been modified while others are reprints or even specially manufactured for use as hollow books. One of my favorite providers is Secret Storage Books, which offers both converted and new hollow editions.

Dracula ($29.99) is one of my favorites and is sitting on my shelf at home

Book Purses
Female bookworms may enjoy a purse made from an old book, especially if the book is one of her favorites. I love Kate Spade's classic clutches (below) and retrograndma's Nancy Drew bags at Etsy.

Book of the Month clutch ($325) from Kate Spade

Furniture
Every bookworm needs the proper hardware to set the stage for an epic reading experience. Hammacher Schlemmer has some great items that go beyond the simple bookcase.

Bedtime Reader's Nightstand ($199.95) holds lots of reading material and keeps it all tidy.

New York Public Library reading table lamp ($379.95) is the same one designed for the library by its architects. Also available in desk lamp ($359.95) and reading floor lamp ($499.95) sizes.

Configurable Reading Lamp ($299.95) holds any position to give readers optimal light and reduce eye strain.

Here are some coupons to use as you shop for your bookworm:

• Barnes & Noble is offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more
• Abe Books is offering free shipping, no minimum purchase requirement
• Krause Books, which focuses on special-interest books and collectors guides, is offering 10% off your order, with no minimum purchase requirement

Happy shopping (and reading)!