The Gift Exchange

My husband and I were discussing a complete renovation of our master bedroom the other day, and it became apparent that we both wanted very different things in the room. I wanted the room to beckon me like an oasis and wrap me in luxurious comfort with soft warm hues, scents and textures. He wanted to know if there was going to be enough room for his Marine Corps throw blanket. After we decided that I would be the one who did the decorating, (and I crossed my heart & hoped to die that I would definitely find a spot for his sacred items!) I began looking for ideas. It is amazing where one can find inspiration!

Right here at Gift Tree I found my color scheme of warm chocolate and soft lavender in the Kama Sutra Bedside Box. What a wonderful way to add a romantic feeling to any bedroom. Even though this is a very popular wedding and bridal shower gift, I will definitely be getting one (or maybe two?) for our new luxury boudoir. I can’t wait to get started!

People I know have always teased my husband and I for our “beigeness.” We’ve lived in our house for 10 years and just recently added color to our walls. Okay, it’s a color in the beige family, but it’s not white. My husband also wears beige pants EVERY day. He does not wear the same pants every day, it just looks like he does because all 10 pairs he owns look exactly the same. Don’t get me started on his “pants piles”….Needless to say, I like beige. I like earth tones. I like anything Asian in motif, especially in neutral colors. I like spas and utilize my jetted tub often. The Zen Garden Bath Ensemble has always been a favorite GiftTree spa gift for me. I like the clean, classic look of it and would even decorate a room in my house using this gift we offer as my inspiration.

I just bought my sister’s next birthday gift. She will adore the Honey Spa Treatment gift! Being allergic to ultraviolet rays, she can’t be out in the sun or in a tanning bed without serious consequences to her sensitive skin. She loves soaking in the bathtub to stay cool or just to sooth her poor skin. She also has to be careful of skin care products that tend to be harsh thus causing a whole new set of problems. The Honey Spa Treatment is perfect because the products are all very mild, natural and soothing. The gift comes with a bunch of other cool things, like the silk eye pillow, organic bamboo hand-towel and massage brush, to name a few. She will LOVE the suede covered hat box to store her new spa things in or maybe some other treasures. Maybe this will help her cope with a life-time of being my little sister…

To me, there’s nothing better than candles. The mood of relaxation they create is absolutely without equal. Sometimes, scented candles are my favorites (there’s a million of them out there now), and sometimes I just want the light and the mood without a strong fragrance. I recently tried our Comfort Candle, and it fit the bill for what I wanted.In addition to fitting the decor of my living room (although, it’s so subtle, it would fit great in most homes), it was the perfect size. Just slightly smaller than a softball, and a tea light fits perfectly in the top. I absolutely love anything that will fit a tea light. They’re so versatile, and you don’t have to throw away the candle when it’s done! Just pop another tea light, and you’re ready to go again. The best part is that bags of tea lights are super inexpensive, costing about $5 or so for 50 at your local large home store.This is a gift that is a cornerstone of our Gift Ideas section for a reason. It’s inexpensive, and inspirational. That’s not easy to accomplish in a single gift! There’s many people we’re close to, but geographically far away from. Send them a little comfort today. They’re worth it!

On the morning of a bride’s wedding she wakes early with great anticipation much like a child on Christmas morning and begins going over her to do list. Typically by the day of the wedding: the venue has been decorated, the favors have been prepared, and the last boutonniere has been accounted for. With all the details taken care of she can start preparing for the day she’s always dreamed of. Why not treat her to the Luxury Bath Foam gift set? She can wash away her stress and warm up those cold feet while bathing in a rich blend of essential oils and honey!

I recently returned from a long vacation in Hawaii. While there, the weather was, how shall we say…marginal at best. While looking around for something to do, I noticed that my hotel had recently added a spa. Curious, I ventured forth and made an appointment for a massage. It was the best money I spent during my entire trip! The masseuse was really very nice, and wasn’t too talkative or chatty. I never have found that relaxing (and I assume others don’t as well). I think the key to having a massage in a tropical climate is the native botanicals that are available in places like Hawaii. First, she sprayed me with a moisturizing spray that contained aloe and kukui nut extract. Not only did it smell good, but it immediately relaxed my skin and made the process fun. Then came the actual massage. The oil that she used had a light, but not invasive, floral tropical smell. Between each step, she covered my hands/feet etc. with a warm, moist towel to encourage my pores to open up and absorb the essential oils. I really think the hand massage was the best part. Working with a computer and a mouse all day long, this was sheer heaven. At each step, she briefly explained what product was being applied, and what it was made of. In addition, she told me what exactly it was for. For relaxing my muscles, removing toxins, or just because it plain old smells good. Next time you’re on vacation someplace tropical (or anywhere for that matter), check to see if your hotel has a spa, or if not…ask the hotel Concierge to recommend one in your area. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and really get into the idea of relaxing, which is what vacation is all about!

If you or someone you love want to have a figurative green thumb but not an actual one the Burt’s Bees Gardener’s Kit is the perfect solution. It combines wonderful tools to make your flower and nail beds radiate with beauty. This gift comes with a handy canvas carrying case for your pruner, floral snips, spade, cultivator, and trowel. The Burt’s Bees hand salve, cuticle crème, cotton gloves for overnight care, and various hand crème’s revitalize hard working hands. This is a great gift for gardeners of all ages.

When was the last time you invited a friend over for tea? Have you ever? I myself did this recently, and we really had a lot of fun. Rituals can be so rewarding and sharing them with a friend even more so.

I really wish I’d had our Duet Tea Set by Tea Forte for my afternoon with my friend. I’m the kind of person who’d want to try a different one than my companion, and take a sip of theirs, but I have a feeling Lisa would want us both to try the same kind each time we meet, so we can compare notes and share the same experience.

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I myself am a huge fan of any and all spa and aromatherapy experiences. From those at the tony spas found in most metropolitan areas, to a new bar of French milled soap, I love it all.

Sometimes it really is the small experiences that can change your mood and uplift your spirits. Aromatherapy for some people (including myself), is of the highest importance. Read the rest of this entry »

The flower for March is the violet, and, luckily, violets come in many varieties. My mom is a diehard African Violet fan and also happens to be born in March, so every year I send her a new African Violet (her breakfast nook is teeming with them!). This year she will be receiving the European Basket, which not only has African Violets, but also Kalanchoe, a plant that is very easy to flower.

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