For your mom

I usually forgo gift recommendations based on specific relationships or holidays in favor of suggestions based on personalities and recurring social events. But with Mother's Day right around the corner (May 8 - don't forget!), I am making an exception. You can't go wrong giving a gift based on your mom's personality, but there are several gifts to consider that are better suited to moms than other recipients on your list (like a house cleaning or laundry service). 

Although most people associate Mother's Day strictly with mothers and grandmothers (not surprising, given the day's name), don't forget about those other women who have been influential in your life and helped guide you to become the person you are today. Consider surprising an aunt, friend, mentor, or any other woman who has impacted your life with a little token of your affection. I guarantee that, regardless of what you give her, the fact that you thought of her on Mother's Day will mean the world.

Here are some suggestions that are sure to delight your mom or mother figure:

Flowers: It's hard to go wrong with flowers. Whether you send them alone or along with another gift, flowers are a visual reminder that Mom is brings light and beauty to your life. Send her favorite kind if you know it; otherwise, choose something bright and cheery like daisies (regular or gerbera), lilies, or sunflowers. Also consider giving her a plant for her garden or a potted plant in a fun container so she can enjoy the gift even longer.

Time: Ask any mother what her perfect gift would be and she will probably answer "spending time with my family." Make her wish come true with the gift of quality time or a visit home. Schedule a family outing, a lazy day by the pool, or even a nice meal together for a gift she will never want to exchange.

Chore Service: Moms of any age have those "maternal" responsibilities like laundry, cooking, and cleaning (if dad takes care of these duties in your family, just ignore this recommendation until Father's Day). Give her a day or two off by outsourcing these tasks to someone in her area, either by giving her a gift certificate for the service or making arrangements with the vendor directly.

Spa Treatment: Moms seem to have an ingrained work ethic that is second to none, and most of them find it hard to take a break and relax. Pamper her with a spa treatment, such as a massage, manicure/pedicure, or facial. For extra points, schedule a spa day for the two of you, or for her and Dad together.

Portrait: I've never met a mother who doesn't love pictures of her family. If it's been awhile since your last family portrait, this would be a great gift for Mother's Day. You could have a portrait of the kids and grandkids made in advance, or schedule a session for the entire family (plan it for after Mother's Day if you want it to be a surprise). For a less formal gift, consider a photo book from Shutterfly - they look polished and allow you to customize the whole thing. You could memorialize your (or your child's) childhood, a special family trip, or visits to Grandma's house.

Jewelry: Jewelry is a great gift for some moms but a horrible one for others. If you know your mom likes jewelry, feel free to give her a new piece. However, if she wears the same thing every day and you don't have a clue what kind of jewelry she would appreciate, steer clear. If you decide to go with jewelry, remember to choose a classic piece and stay away from anything cheesy.

Coffee/Tea: If there's one thing most moms need, it's caffeine. Get Mom her favorite blend of liquid energy or pick up a gift card to Starbucks or another coffee shop. If she prefers tea, treat her to a gourmet blend from Teavana or Harney & Sons. Another great choice is a coffee or tea of the month club subscription, like the Kona Hawaiian Organic Coffee Club, Caribou Coffee of the Month Club, or Teavana Tea of the Month Club (12 Months). Also consider an accessory like a new tea or coffee pot, mug, or storage canister.

Tickets: Treat mom to a night on the town with tickets to a movie or show you know she'll enjoy. If you live close enough or can schedule it, go with her for a double gift of the outing and quality time together! 

Gift Basket: If you can't decide on a single gift, give mom a gift basket full of her favorite goodies. You could include lotion, muffins, coffee, tea, perfume, popcorn and a movie or rental voucher, her favorite candy, a restaurant gift certificate, body wash, candle, or bottle of wine. Put the items in a nice basket she can reuse and finish it off with a colorful spring bow. If you need a ready-made basket, Gourmet Gift Baskets offers a wide selection that's sure to please even the pickiest mom.

What are you giving your Mom this Mother's Day?

For the Anglophile

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last five months, you know that there is this little event that happened in London last Friday. The media has gone crazy over the announcement that William and Kate were finally tying the knot, and all eyes have been on the great city of London.

But for some people, interest in the UK is nothing new. These Anglophiles appreciate the Queen's English, follow the royal family, and have an all-around uncanny fondness for the US's closest ally. If you have one of these people on your gift list, consider giving her a British or British-themed item. Fortunately, there is no shortage of such products, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.

You can find British products in many stores, but there are some sellers who specialize in items from across the pond. Some of my favorites are Aspinal of London, Highgrove Shop (Prince Charles's store that benefits his charities), Not on the High Street (like a British Etsy), the British Museum gift shop, Emma Bridgewater, the London Transport Museum, and Liberty of London.

In honor of the marriage of two people none of us know and will likely never meet, here are some gift ideas for the Anglophile in your life:

Map Products: Maps are one of the most recognizable representations of a city and make a great gift. For fans of the London Tube (Underground), choose from a vintage London Underground poster, Underground carriage maps, a Tube map mirror, a stainless steel pocket Tube map, a reproduction of Tube map using tubes of paint, films of London Underground maps, or an image of your chosen section of the rail or Tube maps. Other great London maps include one that uses place names to create the map, this original London print (an outline of London with place names marking their spot), these London transit and cycle maps, a map tracing the city's expansion, and a Map of London mug. My favorites are the London cityscape coat hanger (pictured below) and the UK counties jigsaw puzzle. Check out the London Transit Museum for more great options.

London cityscape coat hanger (photo courtesy of HookPegSupport)

Transit Blinds: A great way to bring home a taste of the UK is with transit blinds from the Underground, buses, or other forms of public transportation. You can buy vintage blinds or customized ones with destinations of your choosing. Lots of shops sell these blinds, but Not on the High Street has a great selection. They offer blinds from London and other UK cities, vintage London bus blinds, and rare London Underground and bus blinds, as well as the option to choose your own destination (both single and multiple locations). Pedlars also has a good selection of special destination blinds and vintage Notting Hill gate enamel signs (square or skinny rectangle).

Vintage London Underground blinds (photo courtesy of Not on the High Street) 

Books: Nothing transports you to another place like a good book. Send your recipient on a discount voyage with a book about or set in the UK. This vintage "This is London" book is a cool memento, while art and history lovers will appreciate the Masterpieces of the British Museum book and DVD. The London Transport Museum offers wide variety of transport-related books (along with DVDs), and the London Moleskin city notebook is a great gift for anyone planning a trip to the UK. You also can't go wrong with a work of fiction set in the UK, such as a classic like Pride and Prejudice (my personal favorite) or Great Expectations, or a modern book like Atonement or the Harry Potter series.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Originally conceived as a motto to help the British people through the German blitz in World War 2, this phrase has recently seen a surge in popularity. There is no shortage of "Keep Calm" products on the market today, so you have your pick of these gifts. One of my favorites is a print that features the saying in Welsh (pictured below). You can find a wide selection at the Keep Calm Gallery, Keep Calm and Carry On, Keep Calm, and Zazzle. I especially love the travel card wallet, notebook, wall decals, band aids, book, cufflinks, and wall clock.

Welsh Keep Calm and Carry On print (photo courtesy of Bouf)

Home Decorations: The UK is known for many icons, and lots of them come in desk-sized forms. The famed red phone box is available as a K2 bookend (also available in The Gherkin, double decker bus, and black cab), the black taxis and double decker buses also exist as ceramic planters, and Big Ben has been shrunk down to a desk sculpture. You can also decorate your Anglophile recipient with a Troika Ocean Liner desk organizer, rustic topiary crown, non-London bus models, Little London bobbles (choose from London bus, taxi, phone box, soldier, and Big Ben, or get the complete set), and cute model toys from the London Transport Museum's children's line. For fans of Her Majesty, go with these vintage Queen Elizabeth II jewelry boxes, featuring the Queen's portrait and on horseback.

Home Goods: Add a touch of British charm to your recipient's home by giving her a home accent piece. For a die-hard Anglophile, consider a wall decal of a famous British scene, such as a phone box, double decker bus, postal box, London skyline, Big Ben, street sign, or lamp post. For a frequent entertainer, choose a serving tray with various London images or with rows of British guards (pictured below). A tea drinker will appreciate a Britannia Royal Stafford or London Icons mug, especially when paired with a Union Jack porcelain milk jug and a blue toile tea cosy to keep the kettle warm. For a uniquely British touch, choose this Highgrove cockerel chopping board or this sheep Southdown Face egg cup, a Highgrove check rug in the traditional Prince of Wales check, London Underground map or Buckingham Palace pillow covers, Queen Elizabeth II enlarged stamp rug, transit travel card cushion, British Museum classic tray (featuring images of the Museum), or a vintage-style Union Jack throne chair.

Royal Guards London tray (photo courtesy of  Liberty of London)

Union Jack: For the clearest image of the UK, you can't beat the Union Jack. Emma Bridgewater has a great selection of Union Jack and saltire items, and there is no shortage of these products on Etsy. Some of my favorites are this Union Jack throw pillow cover (also available in the Scottish saltire), dress form, and biscuit barrel tin (pictured below). For portable British love, check out these Union Jack high heels, scarves, and travel card holders. You can also bring the Union Jack home on coasters, magnets, frying pans, vintage pillows, illuminating coffee tables, personalized wooden cutting boards, and pillow covers.

Union Jack biscuit barrel tin (photo courtesy of Emma Bridgewater)

Art: Works of art are a great way to demonstrate a fondness for the UK. The British Museum offers many reproductions of items in their collection, including fine art, historical objects, and jewelry. A Keep Calm print (see above) is a great choice, as are these patchwork prints of the Liverpool skyline and Anglican cathedral, the "Quintessentially British" print (featuring 244 British icons, people, places, and things), and this God Save the Queen print. The London Transport Museum also offers a wide choice of London and UK prints.

Royal Wedding Commemorations: If your Anglophile is a big fan of the royal family, you might consider a gift related to the recent royal wedding. You could make a donation in her name to one of William and Kate's designated charities or give her one of the many wedding-related products. There is a wide variety of gifts, including official royal wedding commemorative items like china patterns, as well as not-so-official products like the royal couple refrigerator. Lots of stores currently carry these products, but you can find great selections at Highgrove, Emma Bridgewater, and Not on the High Street.

Official royal wedding commemorative plate (image courtesy of Highgrove Shop)

Miscellaneous: There are so many great British gifts, but these recommendations wouldn't be complete without including the rest of my favorites. For a recipient who lives in a rainy climate (or would enjoy a reminder of London's weather), go with the Prince of Wales check umbrella from Highgrove or this color changing umbrella featuring London landmarks that appear when wet. For a frequent traveler, I love this vintage tartan plaid suitcase and vintage suitcase featuring Queen Elizabeth, and this 5 pound note travel card wallet. Gamers and sports fans will love a UK version of Monopoly (available in Aberdeen, Bath, Birmingham, Blackpool & The Flyde Coast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London Underground, and Manchester) or vintage Wimbledon and football (US: soccer) items. You can also find London Tube cufflinks, reusable bags featuring various shopping areas (link: High Kensington), and blitz and wartime reproduction items. The London Transport Museum also has a great selection of souvenirs.

What are your favorite British products?

For a wedding shower

Thanksgiving is long gone, Christmas has come and passed, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. That can only mean one thing . . . wedding season is imminent. Invest in Bed Bath & Beyond stock, make The Knot your home page, and block out every Saturday between February and August for a wedding or wedding-related event.

Wedding season brings its own unique gift challenges, but the Gift Guru is here to ensure that you enter this year's season of love prepared for any wedding, shower, or party your engaged recipients may throw at you. My brother, B, is getting married at the end of April to K, and I am very much looking forward to their wedding and all of the events preceding it. Rest assured that I will be taking much of my own advice when it comes to gift giving in the coming months.

Today, we will focus on the wedding shower (wedding gifts will be covered soon). Wedding showers used to be known exclusively as "bridal showers," presumably because they were only for the bride. You knew exactly what to expect (at least in the South) - a Sunday afternoon gathering in the church parlor with butter mints, Sprite-based punch, lots of lace, and gifts of towels, china, and linens. Nowadays, wedding showers know no bounds. There are couples showers, which both the bride and groom attend, in addition to the traditional bride-only showers (I'm sure that someone has thrown a groom-only shower, but I only know these gatherings in the form of bachelor parties, so I am omitting them here). There are linen showers, stock-the-bar showers, around-the-clock showers, entertainment showers, lawn and garden showers, gift card showers, book showers, lingerie showers, travel showers, culinary showers, spa/pampering showers - the sky is truly the limit. Regardless of the type of shower you are attending, here are some basic etiquette tips and gift suggestions to get you started.

According to The Knot, it is proper etiquette to give a gift both at the shower and at the wedding (see their full explanation here). You may choose to give a smaller gift at the shower and save a larger gift for the wedding, but the choice is yours. If you happen to be invited to multiple showers (which you shouldn't be), WedNet says that you need not give a gift at all of them, or even attend them all. Feel free to choose a gift for one shower and simply attend the others or bring a nice card with a warm message inside. You might also decide to bring smaller gifts to multiple showers rather than a larger gift to a single shower. One exception to the one-shower-gift rule is if you are a close relative of the bride or groom, such as a mother or aunt, in which case you may wish to give gifts at each shower. In this situation, you might want to buy a set or the entire quantity of a requested item (like plates or place settings) and give one or two pieces at each shower.

Most couples these days have registries at one or more stores, and these can greatly simplify your gift choices. But remember that registries are actually just "suggestions" for gifts, and you are not bound to them when choosing a present. If the shower invitation doesn't include registry information, search for it  at The Knot or Bed Bath & Beyond, or ask someone close to the couple where they are registered. Personally, I prefer to err on the side of caution by choosing something from the registry unless I am very close to the couple, know of something specific they would like that's not on their registry, have access to a gift they would like but can't get, or find a great gift that I just can't pass up. I try to avoid cutesy items, gifts that are only relevant to the wedding (such as a bag that says "Bride"), and items that are too personal (like sheets). My rule of thumb is that unless I know the recipient(s) well enough that we exchange gifts on other occasions like birthdays and holidays, I usually just stick to the registries.

If you have lots of events to attend for multiple people, you might want to choose a staple gift to make your life easier. If you go this route, make sure that the gift is something that almost everyone would appreciate and probably didn't register for. My mother regularly gives quesadilla makers as wedding gifts, and they seem to be a big hit - they are easy to use, work for people of all taste preferences, and most people haven't thought of registering for them (and probably didn't realize that they existed). Other gifts that might be appropriate staples are Nap blankets from Brookstone (which are buy one get one 50% off right now), a set of nice towels in a neutral color (getting them monogrammed is a nice touch), or candlesticks with candles. If you find them on sale, stock up and make your life easier the next time you need a wedding gift.
*A Gift Guru word of warning: always make sure that your recipient will enjoy the gift. If you usually give an engraved cocktail shaker and top-shelf liquor, for example, choose another gift for the teetotaler couple.

No matter what marital gathering you need a gift for, several websites are a great place to start.

• The Knot is wholly devoted to all things weddings. It is primarily a resource for brides, but also offers some great gift ideas and etiquette tips for guests. It allows couples to create their own wedding webpage with information about the ceremony, reception, and their registries, making it the most likely location for finding wedding registries for your recipients.
• The Wedding Channel Store is geared more toward those throwing the wedding, but also has some gift suggestions for guests.
• Bridal Shower Etc. offers tips for planning showers and giving thoughtful gifts.

In addition to the registries, here are some ideas for all of your wedding event needs:

• Anything with her/their new monogram: this could include a scarf/pashmina, towels or linens, doormat, coasters, ice bucket, serving tray, or placemats. Be sure that the bride is changing her name before you give this kind of gift. If not, consider using the couple's first names or initials instead.
• Stationery: in the same vein as monograms, every bride loves personalized items to take her into married life. You could give notecards, personalized stamps and stamp pads, notepads, or traditional stationery sheets, either with her new monogram or both their names. Choose something age appropriate that can be used for formal correspondence or a quick note to a friend.
• Drinkware: everyone needs nice glasses for special occasions or formal dinners. You can't go wrong with traditional wine or highball glasses. If the couple has registered for these items, you might choose something more specific, like martini or margarita glasses.
• Beverages: a nice bottle of wine/champagne or spirits is a thoughtful gift, especially for first-time homeowners or the newly independent couple. Combine with glasses or coasters for a sure hit.
• A massage or spa gift certificate: every bride (and non-bride, for that matter) could use a time of relaxation and pampering to have her stress lifted and energy renewed. If their honeymoon would accommodate it, you might even want to give them a couples massage for when they arrive.
• Group Gifts: if you can't afford the gift you want on your own, ask other attendees who you are close to if they want to go in with you to get a more expensive gift, such as fine china, expensive cookware, or a nice appliance.
• Gift Baskets: if you can't think of one big gift or narrow down your gift ideas, consider making a gift basket. Start with a nice basket the couple can use later, line it with fabric or tissue paper, and start filling. You might pick a theme (such as honeymoon, kitchen, or laundry) or just assemble various items you find interesting or helpful. You could also choose a favorite recipe and give the dishes and utensils used to make it, along with the recipe itself.
• Services: if you are especially good at something, give the gift of your talent. This might include calligraphy, sewing, drawing, painting, pet or house sitting, or gardening. If you can do it well, consider gifting it to the newlyweds. But remember: only give a gift that you think they will really appreciate, and not one that will potentially cause problems or hurt feelings (i.e. don't offer to take their wedding photos if they already have the perfect photographer booked).
• Books: a first edition of their favorite book, a book about their honeymoon destination or wedding location, or a quick and simple cookbook for a new chef can make a great present. Consider giving a bundle of books if you feel like one isn't enough, or choose one book and combine it with another gift (like a basket of goodies).
• Games: for a fun-loving couple or frequent entertainers, a game could be the perfect gift. Fun items are often overlooked as wedding gifts but are much-appreciated by couples. Consider games like Cranium, Apples to Apples, Jenga, or Banana Grams, or a card set with chips. Pair with a card table for an all-around gift of fun!
• Gift Cards: If everything left on the registry is out of your price range, you don't see anything you want to give, or you are simply at a loss, you can't go wrong with a gift card. They are less personal than a traditional gift but much more appreciated than a random present that is destined to gather dust. Pick up a gift card from a store where they are registered, a favorite restaurant or unique experience, or a home outfitter like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Pottery Barn, or Crate & Barrel.

As a special treat for Gift Giving Guru readers, here are some wedding-related discounts:

• Save 10% site-wide, 15% on orders of $80+, and 20% when you spend $125+ with this offer from Red Envelope, which offers unique and personalized products perfect for a wedding shower. Enter REDTIER at checkout.
• Take 20% off your order at Linens 'N Things through January 18 with the code WHITE20.
• Save 25% when you spend $250+ at Exclusively Weddings through March 31.
• Bed Bath & Beyond, where most couples seem to register, routinely sends coupons for 20% a single item to members of their mailing list. I often use these coupons to purchase wedding and shower gifts, and most cashiers will let you use them even if they have expired. Sign up here.

UPDATE: No matter what you decide to give, make sure you include a gift receipt in case the couple gets multiples of the item or there is a problem with the product. Thanks to Caitlin for the reminder!

What are your favorite shower gifts to give or receive?

For the college loyalist

In honor of my home state's (SC) big day today (Carolina vs. Clemson, generally referred to as "The Game" with no further explanation needed), I thought that gifts for your college loyalist recipient would be appropriate. Most of these items come in a wide variety of schools - check the links to see if your favorite school or team is available!

For the Carolina Gamecock:
As a holder of 3 degrees from the University of South Carolina, I am naturally biased toward the Gamecocks and that beautiful garnet and black. Here are some of my favorite USC products:

Game day pants (also available in black, red, and shorts) from Pennington and Bailes

Hot dog grill topper from Football Fanatics

The Coach's Shirt from Pennington and Bailes

Football purse from Football Fanatics

Game day skirt from Pennington and Bailes

Men's Bulova logo watch (other brands and women's styles available) from The Class Watch

For cheaper alternatives, visit Football Fanatics

Authentic full-size USC helmet from Football Fanatics

College desk box from Orvis

Plaid stadium blanket from The Stationery Studio

Locker room bedroom set from Football Fanatics

For the Clemson Tiger:
My grandfather played football (for Frank Howard), basketball, and baseball at Clemson and my grandmother was an IPTAY member and had season tickets to the football games for over 50 years, so I know a thing or two about Clemson. My grandmother even gave me issues of "Clemson World" my entire freshman year at USC, and several of my favorite Clemson fans reminded me (until my last semester of college) that it wasn't too late to transfer. Here is my ode to them:

Game day shorts (also available in khaki and long pants) from Pennington and Bailes

Women's classic button down from Pennington and Bailes

Ice cube tray from Football Fanatics

Monogrammed scarf in Clemson colors from Marley Lilly

iPhone cover from Game Time Geeks

Women's replica jersey from Football Fanatics

Campus word cloud framed print from Football Fanatics

BBQ steak brand from The Stationery Studio

Flat note cards from The Stationery Studio

Faux leather tote from McAuley's

For any college supporter:

• Autographed sports memorabilia is always a hit. Extra points if it is signed by the coach considered by fans to be "the great one" and/or the players of an extra-special season, preferably one that ended with a championship.
• Framed print depicting a campus landmark (such as a stadium, the library, or an academic building) or a special achievement for the university (a championship or some other milestone)

If your favorite fan isn't much for these types of gifts (or maybe already has them all!), you might want to consider giving a less-tangible present. Some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• A brick or other personalized item to be placed somewhere on campus (usually with the recipient's name and class year, and often their degree)
• A donation to the school's scholarship fund or a subdivision special to your recipient (such as a Greek or other extracurricular organization or their degree program). If you have lots of money burning a hole in your pocket (think $25k or more), you could even endow a scholarship in your recipient's name.
• A membership to the alumni association

Do you have your own favorite collegiate gifts? Please share them in the comments!

Go Gamecocks!