The Gift Exchange

Let’s face it, men have it pretty easy in the Christmas shopping department. Women love flowers, spa products or jewelry almost without exception. Women also have to decide every year what on earth to buy for the men in their lives. Men aren’t quite as simple to shop for; it isn’t always golf weather or baseball season!

When it comes to shopping for the man in your life, here are some great GiftTree ideas to make him smile this holiday season:

 Craft Beer and Snacks Basket

This is the ultimate gift for any man. Imagine his delight when he finds you did not get him underwear again this year, but instead a basket of flavorful craft beer. You’ll have the choice of international beer, American India Pale Ales, or 22 American micro-brews to tickle his taste buds.

Leather-Bound Golf Log

While it may not be golf weather, you’ll have him dying to get out on the green again with this handsomely-bound leather golf log. The genuine, top-grain leather is as soft as butter and comes in a masculine brown. Further, you can have his name engraved on the front cover to ensure a gift he’ll thank you for every time he golfs. The book is small enough to fit inside a golf bag, but large enough for him to easily see his scores. This gift is a score for you, ladies!

The Entertainer

This gift is a sure point in the win column for anyone. It features a leather tote, two dice cups, dominoes, cards, and a notepad for keeping score, along with your choice of Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico, Sledgehammer Cabernet Sauvignon, or Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This gift is a drink and a good time all packaged together, a gift he will be sure to enjoy.

Engraved Bettoni Pen

The professional man in your life will appreciate the sleek appearance of this sold brass-barreled pen. The gunmetal finish perfectly displays an engraving of your choice. This elegant gift also comes with free personalization and our signature GiftTree gift box, all the right elements for a superb presentation.

Wines that Rock

For the classic rock lover in your life, Wines that Rock is a thoughtful and fun gift. It features three music-themed wines: The Dark Side of the Moon is an obvious Pink Floyd homage, capturing the intensity and depth of the album with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The free spirit of Woodstock is captured in a “naked” style Chardonnay that is a fun expression of the character of the fruit. Rolling Stones Forty Licks Merlot is a classic that stands strong. Any classic rock connoisseur will be delighted to see his favorite classic rock celebrated through wine!

These gifts are all sure to make for a Christmas gift that he’ll tell all of his friends about. This season, select one of GiftTree’s great “gifts for him” and give yourself a pat on the back… and a glass of wine while you’re at it! Happy holidays!

Blog by Linda Wallace
A nativity scene is a depiction of the birth of Jesus as described in the gospels. Nativity scenes exhibit figures representing the infant Jesus, his mother Mary, and Joseph. Other characters from the nativity story such as shepherds, the Magi, and angels may be displayed near the manger in a barn intended to accommodate farm animals. A donkey and an ox are typically depicted in the scene, as well as camels belonging to the Magi.

Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene in 1223 , having been inspired by his recent visit to the Holy Land where he had been shown Jesus’s traditional birthplace. The scene’s popularity inspired communities throughout Catholic countries to stage similar pantomimes. Up until Francis set up the first nativity scene in 1223, people celebrated Christmas primarily by going to Mass (a worship service) at church, where priests would tell the Christmas story in a language that most ordinary people didn’t speak: Latin. Although churches sometimes featured fancy artistic renditions of Christ as an infant, they didn’t present any realistic manger scenes. Francis decided that he wanted to make the extraordinary experiences of the first Christmas more accessible to ordinary people. The scene, which was set up in a cave just outside Greccio, featured a wax figure of the infant Jesus, costumed people playing the roles of Mary and Joseph, and a live donkey and ox that had been loaned to Francis. The first nativity scene presentation proved to be so popular that people in other areas soon set up living nativities to celebrate Christmas. Eventually, Christians worldwide celebrated Christmas by visiting living nativity scenes and praying at nativity scenes made of statues in their town squares, churches and homes.

Throughout the next century the tradition of setting up a live nativity scene in the church became part of holiday celebrations. It was expected. But after a time the idea to use static forms in place of live beings was seen as more practical.

The three wise men are very often shown in traditional nativity scenes, bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby. Some cultures place the three wise men or three kings into the scene after December 25th, but North American tradition gathers all of the figures together at one time.
Shepherds, angels and the Christmas star are also found in many different nativity sets. Small sets are placed on a mantel or displayed inside and larger, more substantial pieces are set up in the yard.

Blog by Kirian McClure

I can’t be the only one that always picked Christmas as my favorite holiday as a child. As much as I loved the abundance of chocolatey goodness that was Halloween (but detested the inevitable trip to the dentist soon after), there was something about the combination of wintery weather, jingling bells and great home cooking that inspired an indelible sense of charm wholly unique to this time of year.

One family tradition that I always anticipated with great relish was the annual rooftop arrival of Santa Claus.
Early on Christmas morning my sister and I would awake to the sound of many feet stomping above our heads just as light was beginning to fill the sky.  With euphoric glee we would spring out of bed and rush to the door, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of our fabled hero. A familiar jangling sound greeted our ears as we pried the door open and dashed into the snow outside.  As we craned our necks we usually only heard the sound of reindeer hooves or just briefly sighted the signature red cap bobbing out of view. Yet on one such morning we happened to get a long look at Ol’ Saint Nick himself.  He was taller than the pictures I remembered seeing, with less of a belly and more of a beard, but no less jolly than any other incarnation of Santa.  When he noticed that we had seen him he let out a bellowing “Ho ho ho!” before bolting past the high ridge in the roof, obscuring himself from our wide-eyed sight.

A loud shout suddenly rang forth from behind the chimney and shook loose a few wedges of snow. This was accompanied by a heavy thud as something large plummeted below, landing on the cushion of a conveniently placed snow bank.  We heard an audible “Oof” sound as we raced around to the other side of the house, assuming to find an injured Santa that badly needed our help and who we hoped would be grateful enough to offer up a trip back to the North Pole in thanks.  Instead we came upon only a man-sized imprint in the snow, and a series of hurried tracks leading back to the opposite way we had come.  Our near obsessive level of curiosity now solidified, we did our best Sherlock Holmes impersonations and hunched over each indented footstep, eyes close to the ground, careful not to miss a single clue to this mystery. It didn’t occur to me until later that it seemed slightly odd for Santa to be wearing hiking boots.

The tracks led back around the house and in what proved to be a shocking development, right to our front door! My sister and I fought to be the first one in, shoving and pushing and nearly busting out the door’s pane of glass in our maddened haste to get back inside. “SANTA!?” we screamed as we tumbled indoors, our snow-drenched coats flinging white powder everywhere.  “You just missed him,” my dad’s voice said from his seat at the kitchen table.  He looked as if he had dressed hurriedly, his shirt was backwards and the bottom legs of his pants were dripping wet.  Clearly he had been just as excited to see Santa as we were and unable to contain himself, had run out into the yard to catch a glimpse. His leg was propped up on an adjacent chair and he winced as we ran forward to question him.  On the table in front of him lay an empty plate and glass, an incriminating crumb lodged in his beard the only remains of what was to be a Santa-specific snack.  I reacted with horror and asked incredulously if he had done such a deed. He scoffed and said that Santa had insisted that he have some, pointing to the barren plate as proof. Any further investigations were put on indefinite hold the moment we saw the presents, their intoxicating allure pushing aside any other considerations.

And that was the day I began to suspect that my dad just might be Santa Claus.

The holiday season is upon us and around each day presents a new temptation for the taste buds. From the smells of pumpkin pie and gingerbread that seem to be wafting out of every oven to the beautifully photographed entrees that grace the cover of every magazine in the checkout line, this season is heaven for the avid chef. But for those of us that are less than gifted in the kitchen or simply too busy to perform the feats of culinary prowess the months between November and January can be a blur of sheepishly handing over store-bought onion dip or hiding burnt baking efforts behind more attractive creations on the dessert table. This year though, even the most underachieving cooks can make an elegant contribution to the holiday meal by bringing or sending a thoughtfully paired wine gift. Here are some wine suggestions that brilliantly complement every part of the holiday meal.

Appetizers: Champagne immediately gets a crowd into the festive spirit and the crispness of the bubbly pairs well with lighter fare. GiftTree’s, Cheers to You Champagne Basket is a perfect choice, as it comes with the requisite champagne as well as an array of appetizers such as bruschetta and bonbons au chocolat, sure to please anyone in the party.

Turkey:  The traditional Thanksgiving dish demands a wine that can stand up to the aromatic spices in the stuffing while complementing the smoothness of the gravy and the meat. Australian Shiraz stands up to the challenge nicely as it isn’t abrasive like some younger reds, but has a distinct spiciness that makes it a formidable contribution to the dinner table. Impress your family and friends with a bottle of Greg Norman Estates Limestone Coast Shiraz in The Wine Traveler with matching corkscrew and travel case.

Ham:  Although some might recommend a white to go alongside the sweetness of ham, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest a bold Zinfandel. The intense currant flavors and the long, lingering finish will cut the sweetness of the ham and add depth to the flavors of side dishes. The ruby red color and intense bouquet of Zinfandel almost begs for spotlight presentation in a decanter. Fortunately, GiftTree’s Wine Aficionado Gift Set is a complete package: a bottle of Rosenblum Rockpile Road Zinfandel and a personalized decanter for keepsake presentation.

Prime Rib: Arguably the finest and richest cut of meat on the list; this sumptuous entrée and the host who prepared it deserve a wine of distinction. A bottle of 2008 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill perfectly. This exceptional vineyard is a perennial favorite of Cabernet enthusiasts for good reason. Their Napa Valley cabs, consistently rated around 93 points, are lush in flavor and supple in texture, a perfect complement to the richness of the prime rib. GiftTree’s exclusive heirloom burlwood box lends an air of style to the presentation of the gift.

Dessert:  Ruby port is the classic dessert favorite. It balances the bitterness of chocolate desserts and accentuates the spices and aromas of holiday desserts like pumpkin or pecan pie. The Warre’s Vintage Port 2007 Gift Set includes a bottle of opulent Warre’s port and a selection of Fran’s sea salt caramels, making it perfect dessert…or post-dessert dessert.

Missing the whole event or not sure what’s being served?:  Cover all your bases with the West Coast Wine Quartet it includes a bottle each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, both excellent pairings with holiday dishes, as well as a bottle each of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to please those guests who prefer a lighter flavor palate.  The basket is finished with a generous assortment of savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres from smoked salmon to Godiva chocolates, to add a special flourish to any holiday meal.

Blog by Kirian McClure

Usually, if you ask the average person what their favorite time of year is they tend to say summer. Summer certainly has its appeal but for the more body conscious among us, its obvious drawbacks as well.  Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for fall and all the amazing things that come with it.  Its a time of change, the final phase before the shedding of the years accumulated trappings happens officially in spring.  Feelings about December run the gamut and it has a dizzyingly enormous number of dates, events, and feelings tied to it.

Often people think of frigid cold and interminable darkness when they think of December but that couldn’t be farther away from my perception of it.  Thick coats, tightly wound scarves, snowflakes drifting lazily through the air, that comfortable coziness of getting home and plopping down in front of the heater, these are the lasting memories that I associate with the winter months.

Heres a few fun facts that might cause you to see December in a new light:

• December is both the Universal Human Rights month and the National Read a New Book month
• December 1st is World AIDS Day
• In 1836 Alabama became the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday
• Kris Kringle is the namesake for two U.S. towns, these being Santa, Idaho and Santa Claus, Indiana
• The popular holiday tune “Jingle Bells,” was originally written for an 1857 Thanksgiving celebration
• The Bill of Rights was passed on December 14, 1791
• America’s National Christmas tree is a giant sequoia located in King’s Canyon National Park in California and is over 300 feet high. It was made the official tree in 1925
• Approximately 33 million live Christmas trees are sold in North America every year
• 40 percent of all batteries are sold for the year are sold during the holiday months
• Over 30 percent of the popular meats eaten this holiday season will be wasted

Blog by Linda Wallace

A Yule log is a large and extremely hard log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in several European cultures. The Yule log was originally an entire tree, that was carefully chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony with the purpose being to provide maximum warmth and endurance. In some European traditions, the largest end of the log would be placed into the fire hearth while the rest of the tree stuck out into the room.

On or about Christmas eve, a big log was brought into a home or large hall. It would be made of a strong, hard wood that would burn all night. Decorated with leaves and ribbons, it was lit by the youngest and the oldest family members after being blessed by the head of the family with oil, brandy or sometimes with a branch that had been dipped in holy water. Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it. Personal faults, mistakes and bad choices were burned in the flame so everyone’s new year would start with a clean slate. The log was never allowed to burn completely, a bit was kept in the house to start next year’s log. The ashes were then saved because they would protect the home from lightening and the devil in the upcoming year. The log brought good luck. Any pieces that were kept protected a house from fire, or lightning, or hail. Ashes of the log would be placed in wells to keep the water good. Ashes were also placed at the roots of fruit trees and vines to help them bear a good harvest.

The log also predicted bad luck. If the fire went out before the night was through, tragedy would strike the home in the coming year. If its flame cast someone’s shadow without a head, supposedly that person would die within the year.

The burning of the Yule log marked the beginning of Christmas celebrations. In Appalachia, as long as the log, or “backstick” burned you could celebrate. Often a very large “backstick” was chosen and soaked in a stream to ensure a nice long celebration. In the early nineteenth century, American slaves didn’t have to work as long as the Yule log burned, so they would choose the biggest, greenest log they could find. If they did have to work while it burned their master had to pay them for the work.

In England the log was supposed to burn for the twelve days of Christmas, from Christmas eve on December 24th to Epiphany on January 6th. Some English Yule logs were large enough that a team of horses were required to drag it to the castle or manor. Some English preferred a log from an ash tree. In the Slavic and other countries oak was the wood of choice. Almost everywhere, the fire was started with that bit of the last year’s log, to symbolize continuity and the eternal light of heaven.

The origins of the Yule Log can be traced back to the Midwinter festivals in which the Norsemen indulged…nights filled with feasting, “drinking Yule” and watching the fire leap around the log burning in the home hearth. The ceremonies and beliefs associated with the Yule Log’s sacred origins are closely linked to representations of health, fruitfulness and productivity.

At first, burning a Yule log was a celebration of the winter solstice. In Scandinavia, Yule ran from several weeks before the winter solstice to a couple weeks after. This was the darkest time of year, and the people celebrated because days would start getting longer after the solstice. There was quite a bit of ritual and ceremony tied to the Yule log, for it marked the sun’s rebirth from its southern reaches. The Yule log gets its name from the Scandinavian tradition, but the ritual burning of a special log during winter solstice took place as far west as Ireland, as far south as Greece, and as far north as Siberia.

In Yugoslavia, the Yule Log was cut just before dawn on Christmas Eve and carried into the house at twilight. The wood itself was decorated with flowers, colored silks and gold, and then doused with wine and an offering of grain.

To all European races, the Yule Log was believed to bring beneficial magic and was kept burning for at least twelve hours and sometimes as long as twelve days, warming both the house and those who resided within. When the fire of the Yule Log was finally quenched, a small fragment of the wood would be saved and used to light the next year’s log. It was also believed that as long as the Yule Log burned, the house would be protected from witchcraft. The ashes that remained from the sacred Yule Log were scattered over fields to bring fertility, or cast into wells to purify and sweeten the water. Sometimes, the ashes were used in the creation of various charms…to free cattle from vermin, for example, or to ward off hailstorms.

However, the tradition had disappeared by the end of the 19th century because the large fireplaces were replaced by smaller, iron stoves. The big log was substituted by a small one that was decorated with candles and greenery and used as the centerpiece on the Christmas table. Today’s Yule logs are often cakes in the shape of a log, and add a very festive touch to the holidays!

Blog by Kirian McClure

While many are worried about holiday preparations and gifts during this time of the year, make sure to also remember those with December birthdays!  The tumultuous frenzy of the month’s festivities means there is a decent chance some of those birthdays could slip through the cracks.  Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to spend thinking about what that perfect gift might be. Consider saving yourself the hassle by sending the gift of a birth flower. For December this means either the Holly or the Narcissus, also referred to as the Daffodil.

Hollies are a flowering plant known for their attractive yet toxic red berries, and are a common ingredient in caffeinated teas such as yerba mate. In addition, the wood from Holly plants is regularly used to craft white chess pieces, and similiarly decoractive uses.

The Holly symbolizes one’s wish for continued home and family happiness.

The Narcissus has a classic beauty, its ring of petals surrounding a trumpet shaped corona. Like the Holly, the Narcissus flower is toxic to humans if eaten.

Fun fact: Daffodils are grown commercially in Powys, Wales, to produce galantamine, a drug used to combat Alzheimer’s disease.

The Daffodil flower is symbolic of the desire for your significant other to stay just the way they are.

Blog by Linda Wallace

Every year. EVERY YEAR. I find myself in the middle of December, thinking about all the Christmas shopping I have left to do, dreading the stores, dreading the expense, dreading the stress!

We all know the way to avoid this, so why don’t we make an effort to try to get our holiday shopping done early? I know, I know, life just gets in the way….
This year, I have resolved to do things differently. In October, I started keeping my eye out, and started making decisions on what to get for whom. I can already feel the stress of the season decreasing!
What I like about GiftTree (amongst many other things), is that I can start placing my orders now for shipping over the holidays. Imagine waking up on December 1st and realizing that everything is taken care of for Christmas! It makes me smile just to envision it. The other thing that I can do with GiftTree is place an order once every two weeks or so, spreading out the cost of the season. I think you know how stressful it is in December, with so much left to do, and it seems like there is no money left to do it!

Taking the time to start placing orders early also has the advantage of letting you pick out just the right gift, instead of the “anything will do at this point” mentality that sometimes comes calling when you are doing last minute shopping. Here are some wonderful gifts that you can order now for holiday delivery, that are sure to delight the recipient, and make your holiday shopping easy!

A fantastic gift for friends or family, at around $50 is the Gourmet Favorites Gift Chest. This comes in a very stylish chest that your recipient will use and appreciate for years to come. Add an engraved plaque to the chest to triple the impact! The chest comes with both sweet and savory treats, and will be enjoyed by anyone on your list.

For the beer lover in your life, at around $70 is the Craft Beer and Snacks Basket. This large hamper never fails to bring a smile to any beer fan! This gift has the option of wonderful international beers, or some amazing American Microbrews. Lots of savory gourmet goodies come along with it, and we hear so much positive feedback from recipients of this gift!

For the sophisticate on your list, at around $80 is the Corporate Clincher.  Don’t let the name of this item fool you. Although designed to impress a corporate climate, the fact is, this impresses everyone who sees it! It comes in an antique replica leather chest with a built in tray. This will be something they will use for years to come, as it is very durable. It is also personalizable, with your message on a wide satin ribbon. It really blows people away. Included are a great bottle of wine, along with lots of gourmet treats that are sure to please any palate.

Have someone on your list with refined taste, and an affection for great cheeses? The Artisan Cheese Hamper at around $90, is a wonderful solution. Amazing hand crafted cheeses, along with treats that compliment the cheeses, in a beautiful picnic hamper is sure to make someone smile! Don’t forget to personalize it with your message on a satin ribbon for maximum “ Wow Factor”!

The perfect gift for the tea lover is the Traditional Teatime Basket. At around $50, it gives you a lot of bank for your buck. I absolutely love the teapot and teacup set that comes with this basket. The basket itself is such a lovely presentation, and it comes with tea from some of the most amazing teas around. Round this out with delicate treats to go with the teas, and this one is sure to please.

I believe humans get a lot done, not because we’re smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.
~Flash Rosenberg

As a coffee fanatic myself, I can really appreciate how well the For the Love of Coffee gift is received! At around $55, this gift is both affordable and packs a punch! The basket itself is elegant, attractive and durable. A personalized satin ribbon will display your warm message for your recipients. Filled with gourmet coffee and amazing treats designed to compliment the coffee, this one is a sure winner.

Obviously, there are a lot more gifts to choose from on the site, but I hope that this got you inspired to start shopping NOW, rather than waiting for the Christmas rush. Consider that a gift to yourself!

Blog by Kirian McClure

Theres something to be said for preparation.  As those on the east coast dealing with the effects of Hurricane/Super-storm Sandy know full well, proper preparation can mean the difference between life or death.  While its likely your holiday season isn’t so fatalistic-oriented, taking the time to prepare now will save you all kinds of headaches later on. Its no secret that this time of the year is chaotic, to avoid getting consumed by that chaos and to ensure that your fall and winter months are as stress-free as possible, give a few of these handy tips a try:

• Shop when no one else does – consider taking a morning off in the middle of the week so as to avoid the crowds. Or shop online at anytime and avoid them completely.
• Set a deadline – Establish a date that you must have all your holiday shopping and wrapping completed by, December 15th or even as early as the 1st may be good dates to choose. Then you’ll have plenty of time to relax and really enjoy the great things about the holiday season.
• Get enough rest – nothing further complicates problems and tests nerves like being sleep deprived, and if that means bowing out of parties or other festivities do it. Your body will thank you later.
• Avoid Hoarding – Clean out your storage of old items from past holidays and push yourself to let go of sentimental decorations. You’ll space and will be glad you did when the holidays are drawing to a close.
• Set appropriate expectations for gifts – This is mainly geared towards children but its important to prepare your kids in a way that doesn’t ruin the surprise but sets the right stage i.e. no you’re not getting a pony.
• Food Prep – Any food that are freezable are foods that you should try your best to cook or bake ahead of time, with the same emphasis on alcohol and beverage purchases.

Remember not to put it all on yourself, distribute your work load, make arrangements ahead of time, and this holiday season will be a wonderful experience!

Blog by Kirian McClure

As much as the winter holidays make us want to hunker down and outlast the harsh weather with all the seasons usual tasty (and fattening) trappings, for some they can also trigger an almost obsessive need to travel to the brighter, warmer parts of the world.  Usually my family goes the traditional route, flying relatives in from out of town and spending days and days preparing decorations, food, and presents.  Not to mention taking them out on regular forays to keep them entertained.

Tired by the very thought of this massive investment of time and energy, one year me and my father decided to try something different. We figured we’d get as far away from the obligations and the cold as possible and fly down to Mexico for the holidays.  The second our plane hit the tarmac we looked back at each other and instantly knew we’d made the right decision.  We traveled all around the west coast of Mexico, stopping at national parks and monuments along the way, while being sure not to neglect the usually delicious local eateries scattered along the way.  One cannot express just how sublime it felt to be stretched out on a beach with the coastal sun beating down on us while back home everyone else was huddled around heaters and stoves, rubbing their hands together in a vain attempt to get the slightest amount of warmth.

I highly recommend breaking out of the standard holiday formula and trying something different this year. I know when I’ve got the resources again, taking a trip is going to be at the top of my list.  However I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t at least a few items I wish I’d brought along.

On any trip there is going to be a decent amount of time in between going to new places and seeing new things, these gifts make passing time truly a pleasure. These items are compact and made for easy transportation:

• Personalized Puzzles To Go
• Personalized Chess Set
• Bamboo Dominoes Gift Set
• Personalized Aluminum Water Bottle