Nikki Makes Scents (sometimes)

A scent addicts obsession that she made into a business.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Gift Guide pick #30 - Kwanzaa

The first day of Kwanzaa starts December 26th. The Achi-An African Board Game (similar to tic-tac-toe) is a charming Kwanzaa gift or to play with family and friends each day as you celebrate the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Find this and other historic game reproductions from around the globe at Antiquity Gamecrafters.

Labels: gift, kwanzaa

Friday, December 18, 2009

Gift Guide #28 - Chris Cringle/Secret Santa

This is a beautiful 2010 Desk Calender by Amelia Kay Photography that is the solution for people you hardly know but you picked for the school/work Secret Santa. These are lovely photos by the shop owner to admire in the home or office all year long.

Labels: chris cringle, gift, photography, secret santa

Monday, December 14, 2009

Gift Guide pick #25 - Teacher

Your child may not like having to bring one of these home but I'm sure their teacher would love having note cards like this. I love the Create-a-teacher 50 mini note cards! These note cards can be personalized from the name, skin tone to all the way to their hair style! Let your favorite teacher know that you appreciate them with this unique gift from Flutter by Notes or check out the many other styles they have.

Labels: Etsy, gift, teacher

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Gift Guide pick # 24 - Brother

This skull necklace is a great gift for young men into goth or just likes skulls. Actually, I like this type of jewelry on a man's neck. The leather cord with the brass makes it pop without being too flashy. The whispy skull is a unique accent and makes a handsome gift.

Under Glass has several variations of this necklace and many (including this one) are currently on sale with free shipping so get it soon!

Labels: brother, gift, necklace

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Gift Guide pick #23 - for the Big Kid

Some years ago I picked up my boss for work and she overslept and answered the door in giant bunny slippers. I had to do a double take that I was at the right house. My corporate, power suit, blackberry attached to hip boss in pink fuzzy floppy ears? Many of us still are little kids as adults...some more than others. We found these adorable slippers and socks for the kids at heart on your list.

Adult Mouse Slippers from Piddies

Lets hope these are the only mice you see around the house.

Light Blue & Yellow Pom Pom Slippers from The Crocodile Rock

Takes me back to my cheerleading days. These look so warm!

Labels: gift, socks

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Gift Guide pick #21 - Eco Friendy

So what is upcycling? I hadn't heard this term used until I saw a few items on the Etsy website. A simple definition would be taking material that was used for one thing and resuing the materials for something completely different. I found several up-cycled, recycled and environmentally friendly gifts to give to friends and family to start them on the road to protecting the environment.

I hardly see any men wearing a necktie anymore. So what do we do with them? How about a Necktie Wallet. Prixprix has many vintage designs to choose and dress up that boring wallet.

These Shades of Pink Mittens look soooo warm. All made from recycled sweaters from Grandma Linda's House!

Check out these Jumbo Puzzle Set for the little ones. Made out of recycled crayons! Find them at Ivy Lane Designs.

Personalized Reusable Snack Bags are the way to go instead of plastic or paper bags. Get them at Bleu Roo Handcrafted Sweetness.

I love these Plantable Peace Dove Christmas Tags. They provide double (or triple) duty. Use them on your tree as a gift tag or card and then the receiver can plant them! You can find these and more at Recycled Ideas.

Get rid of those nasty sponges that you either keep until dear life or replace quite often. Rebecca Jay makes these colorful crocheted Dishcloths that can be put in the washer and used over and over again instead of disposable sponges.

Labels: eco-friendly, gift, green, recycle, upcycle

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Gift Guide #19 - The Diva

The Handbag Charm Necklace for your diva friend to put on and bling the night away. The Brown Stilleto Mood Book of Dates she can carry during to day to keep her busy life organized.
purchase the necklace at NatureSeason. Find the weekly planner at My Book Of List. Two hot items for the trendy women on the go.

Labels: bling, diva, gift

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Gift Guide pick #17 - Boy

With all the recalls coming out weekly on toys why not give a non toxic toy from skilled craftsmen (and

women) and let the child use their imagination.

For the future Mario Andretti the Organic Wooden Driving Toy is a treat with two wooden cars and two bridges/tunnels. The shop Little Sapling Toys recycles as well by replanting a tree each time a purchase is made.

Banished Woodworking makes the Mini Wood Helicopter for the future pilot. Made of pure wood it can be left unfinished to make it a painting project with your little pilot.

These are both fantastic gifts for little tykes to expand their minds and maybe one day develop video games instead of spending hours playing them.

Labels: boy, gift

Friday, December 4, 2009

Gift Guide pick #15 - Twilight Teenager

Unless you've been hiding under a rock Twilight mania has began again. Teenagers especially love the series and anything related to it. The Twilight New Moon Symbol Engraved Box is exquisitely crafted for someone to add their small treasures and display on their night table.

There are several different styles related to the series all equally stunning. I love this box and I'm not even a twilight fan! If you know someone who is a fan of the books, movie or the men in the movie (or you are) check out Alex Riley.

Labels: gift, twilight

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Gift Guide pick #13 - Wife/Girlfriend

Fellas if you can't buy the real thing I think your significant other will go breathless when they unwrap these gems. The Diamond Glow Rhinestone Necklace and Earrings is the sparkle she needs to dress up and celebrate the new year. All for just under $90! Available at Luxe Deluxe.

Labels: earrings, gift, necklace

Monday, November 30, 2009

Gift Guide pick #11 - Girl

Every little girl likes to pretend they are the fairy princess and play dress up. Tutu's weren't a part of my dress up when I was a kid unless I had a ballet recital. Now they are all the rage for little girls and The Tulle Chest supplies free wings with this Double Poofy Super Prissy Tutu (frog rain boots not included but what an adorable ensemble).
Get this for the princess in your life at thetullechest.etsy.com

Labels: gift, girl

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Gift Guide pick #10 - Hanukkah

These exquisite Hebrew Home Blessing tiles are handcrafted by an artist in Israel. A wonderful unique gift for Hanukkah for family or friends. Available at Alona Lahav Handmade Designs.

Labels: gift, Hanukkah

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Gift Guide pick #9 - Young Adult son/daughter

This magnificent Unisex Flat Leather Messenger is a fine gift for the young person going out in the world. The well made bag is sleek enough for their brand new job or casual yet refined enough for the scholar. Unfortunately the bag is made to order and will not be available for Christmas delivery now because such a well made item takes time to craft. Keep this in your favorites or order it now for your son/daughters birthday or graduation. Check out other accessories Urban Heirlooms has ready to ship for the holidays.

Labels: bag, gift

Friday, November 27, 2009

Gift Guide pick # 8 - Stocking Stuffers & the Stocking

I found so many stocking stuffers I had to share more than one!

Eco Cup Cozy - LauraBucci

Sugar Skull Mini Christmas Stocking - VeganCraftastic

Sorority/Fraternity Distressed Leather Key Chain - Leather Made Nice

Beige Fingerless Gloves w/strap on - Homelab

Handmade iPod/iPhone case - On a roll Cozies

Daisy Key Chain & Purse Set - Sweet Irie

Labels: gift

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Gift Guide pick #6 - Dog Lover

Do you have a dog lover in your family or a friend that has more pics of their dog than their children? This is the gift for them. You can purchase one already made in her shop like this West Highland Terrier print or get a portrait of your pooch.
Contact the artist at CecereDesigns.

Labels: dog lover, gift

Monday, November 23, 2009

Gift Guide pick #4 - Newborn-Infant

Tell me this isn't adorable! This is a must have accessory for newborns. A great gift for new moms who are ready to show off their new bundle of joy during the holidays.
The Simply Cute Beanie w/ changeable Flower exclusively at at UnravelMe

Labels: baby, gift

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Gift Guide pick # 3 - for Sister/Friend

This wonderfully feminine Powder-puff Pink Neckwarmer is ideal for this season when a trench coat will do but you need something covering your neck on a chilly windy day. The buttons are fab and I love the bulky pink wool/mohair fiber. You better hurry up and get this one before I do!
Find it at Knot-Cha-Cha

Labels: Etsy, gift, scarf

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Gift Guide Pick #2 - coworkers

If you work in an office, even with all the technology nothing is quicker than jotting a note down on a post it and sticking it somewhere so you or whomever will remember. These Post-It Note Holders are a perfect gift for your office mates. They come in many different designs and are inexpensive enough to get a few. Find them at CardsandNotes

Labels: co workers, gift

Friday, November 20, 2009

Gift Guide pick #1 - For everyone

A card is a gift and a gesture that one's friends and family are in your thoughts. Don't forget that handwritten note via snail mail before email and texting was all the rage. Despite what media tells you there are still millions of people who still prefer holiday greetings than e-cards. I love hanging cards on the fireplace and appreciate the images the artist makes for us like Little toad Designs' cute characters or the graphics LoveLeighDay constructs with your favorite family photo. Stock up now! Available at Littletoad.etsy.com & LoveLeighDay.etsy.com

Labels: gift, greeting cards

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Toilet Tealight Candle Holder

What room in the house needs scenting more than the bathroom. I had to get this. Don't you just love it. Beautifully handcrafted in pine wood by Mike at Lepelstat Crafts; his description reads "This unique tea candle holder will give the man of the house a reason to light a match!" Great for the "man cave" bathroom, workshops or anywhere you want to start a conversation. I bought this as a gift and got a good laugh. I also included some scented votives such as fresh wood shavings, redwood and neutral musk and his bathroom has never looked or smelled better.

You can find this and many other wooden items like soap dishes, puzzles and lanterns exclusively at his shop on Etsy at Lepelstatcrafts.com. You can also contact him for custom items. I guarantee one won't find this quality or unique item plus great customer service at any mass-produced store.

Labels: candle holder, Etsy, gift