Tag: Gift Ideas

Fashion /

Read This Before You Make Your Next Purchase, Regardless Of The Price

Shopping can be so much fun. You get to bring smiles to the faces of those you love by giving them the perfect gift. Of course, a little retail therapy is always great for you, too. Before you dive into your next shopping session, read the following useful tips to ensure you are a wise consumer of goods.

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If you are thinking of buying high-quality jewelry, do your research. 

A jewelry purchase is a huge monetary expenditure you do not want to go awry. That is why when you are ready to buy a valuable piece, such as a diamond, it is imperative for you to do your due diligence and learn more from another Angara review. Read all of the applicable reviews on the gems and jewelry and research the company to ensure you will be purchasing your gemstone from a reputable business.

 

Always read the fine print.

Regardless of what you buy and where you buy it from, you must read all of the documentation before you click to purchase or tap to pay. If the content has been presented for you to read and it expressly states that by completing the transaction, you consent to the terms, you are agreeing to that information whether you take the time to read it or not. It is ok to wait a few moments before you get your retail therapy fix so you know what you are getting into. 

 

When in doubt, ask for help.

You cannot know everything about the product you are interested in, or every product, for that matter. Sometimes you have more questions about something and want to understand it before you spend your hard-earned money. Or perhaps you need assistance with a problem regarding said product. When that happens, your best source of help is through the customer service channels. You should try whatever services are available to you, such as:

 

  • Customer Service Representatives 
  • AI Chatbots
  • Email
  • Social Media

 

Watch this video for helpful tips on how to get better customer service.

Understand the return policy.

One company’s return policy can vary widely from the next. To that end, you need to understand the parameters of the policy before you buy a product. While you may fully intend to keep your items, there is always the possibility that they will arrive damaged from shipping or not work once you are home and ready to use them. Clothing can have imperfections that may not be visible in the store, and the list goes on. Knowing the timeframe in which you can return an item, whether it will be for cash, a credit card refund, or store credit, and whether a sale is final will help you in the event that a problem arises.

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Now that you are armed with information on how to make the best-informed purchases, it is time to go shopping! Sit back on your comfy couch and click away. Or meet your bestie at the mall (they still exist) and grab a pretzel in the food court when you are finished.

Beauty /

Father’s Day: Gift Dad the Cure to His Quarantine-Beard Woes

Whether his facial hair is familiar or newly sprouted, chances are Dad’s whiskers are looking worse for wear. Thankfully, just in time for Father’s Day, men’s grooming leader Wahl has the cure for quarantine-beard woes:
You can’t ‘mess up’ by gifting the Wahl Lithium Ion Vacuum Trimmer. It wrangles wayward whiskers from coating the sink or covering the counter. It crushes the competition with the highest air velocity in the industry, capturing virtually all hair trimmings. Clean up is also a breeze with a hair canister that can either be removed and emptied, or popped open and dumped. MSRP $79.99 (available on Amazon)
With a little help from Wahl’s Beard Care Bundle, Dad’s whiskers can become worship-worthy. It includes a Beard Wash, which unlike regular shampoos, won’t strip away the moisture needed for healthy whiskers and skin. Next up, the Beard Softener takes mere seconds to deep condition coarse whiskers from within. And Beard Oil is the finishing touch for a shiny and polished looking beard. Bundle MSRP $39.99 (available on Amazon)
Amazon /

Amazon Surprises Hundreds of Charities by Fulfilling Their AmazonSmile Charity Lists this Holiday Season

Amazon today announced that it is surprising hundreds of charities – which support causes from STEM education, to homelessness, hunger, disaster relief, youth organizations, sustainability and more –  across the U.S. by fulfilling products requested on each of their AmazonSmile Charity Lists. Amazon is donating hundreds of thousands of items to charities from their AmazonSmile Charity Lists through the end of the year to ensure they have what they need to round out the holiday season, and to get a jump-start on the new year. Some of the total items donated include:

  • More than 5,000 blankets, sheets, and pillows.
  • More than 30,000 toys and educational items for kids.
  • More than 40,000 socks, outerwear, pajamas, shoes, and other apparel items.
  • More than 60,000 food and pantry items from water to canned goods.

Customers can get in the spirit too by donating to an organization of their choice by visiting smile.amazon.com/charitylists. To shop with AmazonSmile to support your favorite charity start with smile.amazon.com.

“This is a season of giving, and we are thrilled to deliver smiles and surprise hundreds of charities with the products they are most in need of now,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer, Amazon. “AmazonSmile and Charity Lists are two amazing programs that help inspire customers to shop with a purpose. I shop with AmazonSmile and it’s great to see the continued donations Amazon has made to Make A Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Club and PATH – People Assisting the Homeless over the years.”

“We are enormously grateful to Amazon for fulfilling our Charity List,” said Chris Bailey, Executive Director of the Mona Bailey Academy. “We believe philanthropy can reform the educational system, and receiving this type of product donation allows us to continue our mission of delivering cutting edge and creative educational programming to underprivileged elementary-age students in the Seattle area and beyond.”

“Amazon’s generosity will allow us to meet a portion of the great needs of people experiencing homelessness on our borough’s streets, in the ferry terminal, in our churches, and especially the children and families in our Staten Island shelter,” said Reverend Terry Troia, President, and CEO of Project Hospitality. “We are grateful to have a compassionate partner in the midst of great human need.”

“We are so grateful that AmazonSmile’s Charity Lists program is helping disaster-impacted families rebuild their homes and lives, including those in the New Orleans area,” said Elizabeth Eglé, Chief Development Officer, SBP. “Having the ability to request specific products allows SBP to get what we need to rebuild homes quickly and affordably, and gives donors a direct view into how they’ve helped a family in need.”

“AHC Inc. is thrilled to be surprised by Amazon to receive donations of educational games and electronics from AHC’s AmazonSmile Charity List,” said AHC President & CEO Walter D. Webdale. “The low-income families we serve in Arlington and the surrounding areas are especially struggling during the holiday season, and contributions to support the girls and boys in AHC’s afterschool and teen tutoring programs will not only brighten the holiday but help keep learning front and center.”

“We are so grateful that Amazon has fulfilled our AmazonSmile Charity List,” said Nancy Keil, President, and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. “The holidays are a difficult time of year for families struggling with hunger and we are working tirelessly to ensure that every family in our community has enough to eat. Thanks to Amazon, we are one step closer to achieving this goal.”

In addition to fulfilling hundreds of AmazonSmile Charity Lists, Amazon is surprising several organizations whose mission is to support those experiencing homelessness across the country with more than $1M in monetary and in-kind donations for the holidays. Winter is the hardest time for the homeless community – a monetary donation provides nonprofits with the flexibility to fund existing gaps including emergency shelter, medicine, food and supplies, and seasonal staffing. Along with the donation, 10,000 “Boxes of Smiles” gift packages will be delivered for individuals, children and families at A Journey Home, Bethany House Services, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Domestic Abuse Women’s Network, and SEARCH Homeless Services. Packed by thousands of operation employee volunteers, these boxes contain popular products such as toys, electronics, personal care products, and books.

AmazonSmile Charity Lists

There are thousands of AmazonSmile Charity Lists supporting causes from STEM education to homelessness, hunger, disaster relief, pets and animals, youth, health, veterans, and more, with each Charity List carefully curated based on the needs of the respective organization. Plus, many non-profits have been able to get donations quickly since the program was unveiled. For example, Purrfect Pals, a local cat shelter based in Arlington, WA, posted a request on Facebook asking for donations to restock their food pantry. Within just two days of the post, customers placed 300 orders worth $20,000 in pet food. In addition, after Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas in September of this year, Amazon customers purchased relief items, worth over $200,000, from AmazonSmile Charity Lists created by The American Red Cross, Save The Children, and SBP, to support communities affected by the hurricane. To learn more visit, smile.amazon.com/charitylists.

How to shop AmazonSmile Charity Lists:

·       Visit smile.amazon.com/charitylists.

·       Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials (customers who are not already signed-up for AmazonSmile will receive a prompt to do so).

·       Shop your favorite organization’s Charity List.

·       Select and donate items from the list.

·       Ship to the charity.

AmazonSmile

Amazon launched AmazonSmile in 2013 as a way for customers to easily support their favorite charity when they shop, at no cost to them. Customers who start at smile.amazon.com will find the same Amazon they know and love – including incredible deals throughout the holiday, a wide selection of products across every department, fast and free delivery options and more – with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate a portion of eligible purchases to the non-profit of their choice. There are over a million organizations to choose from on AmazonSmile – everything from school PTA’s or local pet shelters to international non-profits that provide clean drinking water to people in developing countries and nationally recognized cancer research institutions. Thanks to our customers, AmazonSmile has donated more than $155 million, to hundreds of thousands of charitable organizations like United Way, Feeding America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The American Cancer Society, The Nature Conservancy and many more so they can expand their meaningful work. 

Amazon in the Community

Amazon is committed to helping more children and young adults, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, have the resources and skills they need to build their best future. Amazon focuses on building long-term, innovative, and high impact programs that leverage Amazon’s unique assets and culture. Initiatives include Amazon Future Engineer, designed to inspire and excite 10 million children and young adults from underserved and underrepresented communities each year to pursue an education in computer science, as well as programs that support immediate needs, including addressing family homelessness through donations and housing a homeless shelter in its Seattle headquarters, as well as global relief efforts for people in need following natural disasters.

Accessories /

Breast Cancer Awareness Best Gift Ideas from CaringBridge Community

When you find out someone you love has cancer, you won’t always know exactly what to say or do to make their experience easier.

Giving a thoughtful gift is one of the many ways you can show support to a loved one going through cancer treatment.  For inspiration, we asked members of the CaringBridge community who have been touched by cancer to share the best gifts they’ve ever given or received.

1. Supply Meals

Offering meals is a gift-giving staple for a reason: it takes a huge burden off a patient. Finding the time to cook regularly is a challenge even for those with no health issues, let alone someone struggling with cancer.

2. Throw Them a Party

What makes someone’s mind off of things better than a party? When a loved one has cancer, it can feel difficult to get in the party mood, but it’s important to remember there are still so many positives to celebrate. Whether it be a birthday bash or anniversary party, your loved one shouldn’t have to miss out because of their illness.

3. Make a CaringBridge Site

CaringBridge is a personal health journal that lets you easily share your health journey with all your loved ones. Creating a site is a great way to help your loved one easily communicate and receive support, which makes it an awesome gift to give someone battling cancer.

Accessories /

oNecklace Children and Birthstone Bracelet: Heirloom Mother’s Day Gift

Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays.  It’s the perfect time to celebrate all of the special moms in my life.  I like to consider not only my mom but friends and neighbors as well.

Selecting the right gift often depends on the individual.  Some women are fitness gurus while others are beauty enthusiast.  For me, I enjoy sentimental, heartwarming gifts that reflect my journey during motherhood.

I have active little boys and definitely a hands-on parent.  My days are filled with Lego bricks, Martial Arts, and afternoon snacks; all engulfed with endless hugs and kisses.

Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet

The Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet was a great addition to my jewelry collection.  It allows me to keep a small token of my kids next to me.

This particular oNecklace bracelet represents the birth and month of each child.  I selected the Topaz and Zircon birthstone.  Due to the bangle, it stacks easily with my additional bracelets.  I wanted to wear it with a coordinating blue dress to play off the bracelet stones.

To purchase a Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet for the mom in your life, visit oNecklace Personalized Jewelry.  This bracelet is now an heirloom piece and will be worn for years to come!

Dress:  Cocolove Sleeveless Maxi Dress | Shoes:  ASOS Strappy Pointed Sandals

 

Amazon /

Gift Picks for Every Mom: Your Amazon Guide to Mother’s Day

Want to avoid the panic around finding the perfect present this close to Mother’s Day? Shop these quick shipping gifts picks from Amazon. No one deserves to be pampered more, and although time is running thin you can still seem brilliantly thoughtful with the below, each tailored to every kind of mom!

Featured Photo from People

The Sleeping Beauty

Crepe Erase Overnight Plumping Treatment ($65, Amazon.com)

Be the reason your mom sleeps her way to better-looking skin. Crépe Erase’s exclusive TruFirm Complex helps to visibly smooth and firm fine lines and wrinkles, restoring elasticity, while echinacea extract works with a blend of 9 Super Hydrators to visibly plump and soothe tired-looking skin. She will be delighted to wake up to perfectly balanced, radiant-looking skin that looks and feels years younger. Don’t just take our word; in a clinical study, 90% of women said their skin looked more youthful.

The Mom On-The-Go

Eterno Skincare Time Eraser ($55, Amazon.com)

Being a mother is a tiring job, leaving little “me-time” for our superhero moms. Enter the Eterno Time Eraser, the eye cream that instantly erases dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and signs of aging in 60 seconds. Mom will be feeling like herself in no time thanks to a formula of acai fruit, active peptides, and hydrologic acid.

The Pop-of-color lover

WUNDER2 Super-Stay Stick Eyeshadow ($19, Amazon.com)

Long-lasting creamy eyeshadow sticks that offer all the color payoff without the fuss or fallout are perfect for the mom on the move. Formulated with soothing, smoothing ingredients like Castor Oil, Silk, and Aloe Vera to ensure the result is lightweight and comfortable, the sticks are Water-proof, sweat-proof, and transfer-proof – lasting all day without smudging! Available in 8 neutral, super-wearable shades (for all skin tones) with just enough shimmer for everyday wear.

The Zen Seeker

Vervan Relaxing Organic Healing Balm ($18, Amazon.com)

This multi-purpose balm can be used as a body lotion, hand moisturizer, natural chapstick and more! Enriched with a blend of Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils, this 100% natural anti-stress balm will give your mom the mind peace and relaxation she needs. Enriched with 31% Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Beeswax, and Grapefruit to hydrate and soften skin. What’s best: like all Vervan products, it is cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging.

The Vegan Detox Queen

nügg Detoxifying Charcoal Face Mask ($17.09, Amazon.com)

This charcoal face mask helps blackhead removal and promotes a clear, even skin look with less oil and shine without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. It features a unique, gel-mud texture that will help detoxify and clarify her skin without stripping it of moisture and while soothing it at the same time. The natural tea tree scent is refreshing and promotes an authentic at-home spa experience.

 

The Environmental Enthusiast

Ethique Boost Hair Mask ($13.95, Amazon.com)

Ideal for the mom who is looking for luxurious condition and shine, all while staying true to her eco-friendly roots. Created for all hair types (including oily), it’s a great treatment to add to her routine. It contains baobab and jojoba protein, which both retain moisture in the hair shaft and smooth the cuticle, adding shine. Baobab also adds elasticity and strength to hair, reducing breakage. Boost has a sweet citrus scent with lime, lemongrass, mandarin and vanilla oils.

Lifestyle Tips /

6 Gift Ideas for Home Cooks: The Ultimate Foodie

What makes a good gift is something that is both practical and personal to the person you are giving it to. And if you are looking for gift ideas for a friend or family member who loves to cook in the kitchen, then you have come to the right place for suggestions that will inspire them to invite you over for dinner the next time they are preparing a delicious meal. Here are six great gift ideas for your favorite home cook.

1. Mixing Bowls

A mixing bowl is an essential piece of cookware for any cook, especially if they love to bake. The primary use if a mixing bowl is to mix ingredients together. If you want to make this gift even better, consider getting mixing bowls of different sizes, at least three of them, because sometimes it is necessary to mix ingredients separately.

2. Mixer

If the home cook already has mixing bowls, consider getting them a mixer instead so that they can find it easier to combine ingredients together. With a mixer, one can easily make cookie dough, mixing all the various ingredients, such as flour and milk, without getting their hands dirty. It doesn’t even matter how thick the dough is, a mixer will make the dough smooth and delicious should you want to lick it off the bowl.

3. Professional Knife Set

Professional knife sets are made with versatility in mind, allowing the user to use them in a number of cooking applications. Most professional knife sets come with a number of knives for a variety of uses, whether it is chopping vegetables or cutting meat. Since they are made for professionals, they are usually more efficient, durable and stylish than your conventional knives.

4. Bamboo Chopping Board

Bamboo chopping boards have replaced wooden ones due to their low maintenance, beauty, and durability. A common problem with wooden boards is that they can be a breeding ground for bacteria because they can easily be chipped by professional chef knives, creating moisture pockets that breed these dangerous microorganisms. This is not sanitary and it is bad for health. Bamboo cutting boards, however, are stronger and resistant to moisture buildup since they are also resistant to water penetration.

5. Apron

When getting gifts for cooks, people usually overlook the apron because it seems like a decorative garment more than anything else, which is not the case. Aprons are quite protective since they prevent the wearer’s clothes from getting stained, considering that the kitchen can be a messy place. Most importantly, professional quality chef aprons are made from high-quality fabric that is flame and heat resistant, which protects the wearer from open flames and the spills and splatter of hot liquids. Don’t know where to get these kinds of aprons?

6. Cookbook

People who love to cook also love to experiment. They do this to try new delicious recipes and improve their cooking skills, and nothing helps them with these goals than a cookbook. This makes it a great gift idea for home cooks (or any cook for that matter) because it challenges them to step out of their comfort zones and spend more time in the kitchen.

With these great ideas in mind, you can finally get your favorite home cook a great present to show them how much you recognize and respect their love for cooking. Getting any one of these items is guaranteed to enhance their cooking experience, and you might even get a tasty meal out of it when they show you their gratitude.

Lifestyle Tips /

Mother’s Day Gifts and Royal Wine Top Sellers

Mother’s Day is May 13. So, it’s time to start thinking about mom again – the woman who claims she never needs or wants anything, but actually loves whenever you show the littlest amount of thought.

For the wine-loving mom, look no further than Royal Wine for a wide variety of vintages for every palate.  Royal Wine’s Gabe Geller, a leading sommelier and the company’s Director of Public Relations, suggests these top sellers for those who love their libations.

  • Bartenura Sparkling Moscato Rosé – Slightly sweet, fun and bubbly yet refined and elegant in a beautifully designed bottle. SRP $21.99

This bubbly rose pairs well with desserts such a fruit salad, home-made raspberry ice cream and strawberry shortcake.

 

  • Herzog Late Harvest Orange Muscat – Delightfully sweet dessert wine with notes of candied citrus fruit, ripe apricot, and peaches. For amateurs and connoisseurs alike. SRP $22.99

This Muscat pairs well with hard salty cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Aged Asiago, and Gruyere, as well as apple pie, peach cobbler, and foie gras.

  • Jeunesse Chardonnay – Semi-sweet, medium-bodied and perfectly balanced Chardonnay with amazing notes of Meyer lemons, stone fruits as well as fresh almonds. SRP $14.99

Pair this Chardonnay with soft cheeses such as goat cheese, Camembert, and Brie, as well as spicy tuna sushi or hot BBQ wings.

Adds Geller, “With your gift of wine, add a pretty wine glass or two or better yet, prepare a stand-out dinner and serve the gift of wine with it.  Here’s to moms everywhere – L’Chaim!”

ABOUT ROYAL WINE/KEDEM

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas, and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine.

Beauty /

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2017: Smashbox, Sophia Gushee, and Wink Brow Bar

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s time we start thinking about the perfect gift for her. Thank god ColorMetrics, Smashbox, Sophia Gushee and Wink Brow Bar.

For the busy mom: Get real hair color in one swipe with TouchBack Marker

Unlike mascara, crayons, gels, and powders, TouchBack won’t flake or rub off with brushing.TouchBack bonds to the hair and stays true until shampooed out.

For the healthy mom: Learn how to detox your home (and your life) with A to Z of D-Toxing, written by Sophia Gushee

“I share the lay of the land that I wish I had sooner–a road map of a family’s potentially toxic exposures, especially those that are avoidable–so that you can formulate a game plan that suits your family’s unique environment, lifestyle, and budget.”

For the bold mom: Give her brows that wow at Wink Brow Bar

“Defined brows make you look in control and portray your mental outlook on life. From an aesthetic perspective, they structure your face, so that the eye rests on a person’s upper area, make your jawline lift and cheekbones higher.” – Umbreen Sheikh, Founder of Wink Brow Bar

For the glam mom: Help her get the glow with Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Radiance Primer

This satin-smooth formula illuminates, perfects and enhances radiance while hydrating for better makeup application.