Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Find Unique Holiday Gifts and Gift Baskets at Victoria's Craft Boutique

We are very excited to participate this year in the 25th annual Victoria's Holiday Boutique at the Norwood Park Historical Society.  The boutique is held at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House at 5624 N. Newark Avenue in Chicago.  Built in 1833, this is the oldest standing home in the city of Chicago. 

This 4 day event has a different feel than other art and craft shows I've attended.  When I arrived this past weekend to set up my display, I felt an immediate sense of community in this historical old home- turned-holiday-gallery.  There is a genuine love for the historic charm that comes through in the many rooms of this two story residence.  Each crafter is given the privilege of displaying their art alongside notable antique furnishings. You will see, in my photos here, some of my gift baskets displayed atop an antique icebox.

 


 


With approximately 40 artists represented, you will find a variety of craftsmanship, and undoubtedly the most unique Christmas gifts.  Given this is my first showing at Victoria's, I was most impressed to hear other crafters mention that although the volume of artists is on the smaller side, the quality is of the highest.  That is a tribute to the historical society and the work they do to keep the Noble-Seymour-Crippen house noble indeed.

Hours for the boutique are:


Thursday, Nov. 29: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m
Friday, Nov. 30: 7 - 9:30 p.m., Girls Night PJ Shopping Party
Saturday, Dec. 1: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Sunday, Dec. 2: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
 
 
If you are in the area, please come out and tour this beautiful home and find unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list!  And watch our Facebook page, where we'll post more photos throughout the weekend.
 
 
Have a happy day!
 
 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas

What's your idea of the perfect hostess gift?

Do you do a simple bottle of wine on the way to the party? Do you go the extra mile and buy something geared specifically to your host's interests?  Do you bring a homemade gift? Do you plan in advance or run out last minute?

Unfortunately, it's often easy to overlook the well thought-out hostess gift. Though well intentioned, the holiday season is a busy one, and we often end up at the last minute wildly searching for something unique, but winding up settling for something less. 

I am writing this as your reminder to think ahead and plan for a few hostess gifts to have on hand for those holiday parties.  Hostess gifts can come in many shapes and sizes, but rather than simply stopping by the market for a bottle of wine on your way to the party, purchase a few nice gifts in advance and be ready with something special.

These are some of our ideas for hostess gifts that work well for all types of parties.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas Peace

A Christmas Token

Christmas Snowmen


 
 
 
Have a happy day and let us know what is your perfect hostess gift?


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Pet Gift Baskets Are Here!

Last year I hosted a focus group to get feedback on a variety of gift basket designs.  I didn't have a pet gift basket included in the designs I presented, although it was on my list for a future design.  Of course, there were pet lovers in the group and they inquired as to if I would plan to have pet gifts.  Naturally!

From the feedback I received in the focus group, I went on a quest at gift trade shows to find just the right gifts for my new designs, including pet gifts.  They would need to equal the quality of all of the gifts I choose for my designs.  And as with all our gift products, I would only choose gifts that my own puppies would love! 

It's taken a bit of time, but I've finally put together my pet gift baskets with products I am proud to offer.  Our Puppy Love dog gift basket and Kitty Love cat gift basket feature top quality Ore gift products that every dog or cat owner needs!  And here they are along with some photos of my favorite friends who have given their own stamp of approval!  You can find more detail on each pet gift basket at our website.


Phoebe and Linus especially love the
Ore Pet sturdy mouse toy!
 
Cody and Bosco prefer tugging with the
 old canvas shoe!

 
 
 
Have a happy day!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Thank You Gift Baskets for Those Who Mean So Much

November is National Family Caregivers Month.   I was searching the web for just the right poem in honor of caregivers and came up empty.  Not that I didn't find beautiful poems, but I found so many poems and equally remarkable stories of people touched by caregivers, that I could not choose one that was better or more inspiring than the next.  Each story is unique and inspiring in its own right. 
I did find this quote by former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, that very well sums up the value of caregivers:

"There are four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

Caregivers are universal.  If there is a caregiver in your life, take time to honor and thank them for their invaluable service and loyalty.  This list from the National Parkinson Foundation has some nice ideas for thanking a caregiver: http://www.parkinson.org/Caregivers/Caring-for-the-Caregiver/Ideas-to-Celebrate-Caregivers.

If you would like to give a special gift to a caregiver, we have a selection of appropriate thank you gift baskets for all ages and budgets.  We can customize to meet your individual needs whether by product or design.  Just give us a call and we'll make your caregiver's gift as unique and special as they are.

http://www.thoughtfulpresence.com/gift-of-appreciation-and-gratitude/
 
http://www.thoughtfulpresence.com/hope-springs-unique-gift-for-her/

http://www.thoughtfulpresence.com/autumn-holiday-gift-of-thanks/
 
 
Have a happy and peaceful day!