First of all, investigate my latest GiftAway for a great Mother’s Day gift!

Secondly, you know my post about the personalized candles? Well, Madison is offering readers incredible discounts!

* 20% discount on custom Mother’s Day candles * Free consultation (usually $25/hour) * Unlimited photo proofs and changes (a savings of up to $75.00)

To obtain these deals – just mention The Gift Detective sent you when you contact Madison Hill Candles!

Lastly, don’t forget that I have a great discount on the DVD, Yoga4Dogs.

Want to do even more sleuthing? Check out some of my previous posts by visiting any of the links listed below with LinkWithin.

Happy gifting!

Click to Purchase on Amazon - $11.69

The second edition of the book has my very own “Gift Detective APPROVED!” logo on it.  (the shiny, silver medallion on the bottom right) Get it while it’s hot!  Eventually, this book will win other awards and my award will have to make way for a more serious, literary and artistic recognition but, for now, Isabelle and I are proud and honored to grace the cover of the book.

Below is a sample video and reading of the book by the author, Jeremy Foster-Fell.

Visit the book’s website to learn more about the author, ...read more]]> Yes – I blogged about the book, The Caterpillar and the Express Train, before but, guess what?

Click to Purchase on Amazon - $11.69

The second edition of the book has my very own “Gift Detective APPROVED!” logo on it.  (the shiny, silver medallion on the bottom right) Get it while it’s hot!  Eventually, this book will win other awards and my award will have to make way for a more serious, literary and artistic recognition but, for now, Isabelle and I are proud and honored to grace the cover of the book.

Visit the book’s website to learn more about the author, the illustrator or to purchase a signed copy.

Please click here to read my previous post about this book, with ideas on how to make the gift more personal!

What do you think about this book?  What do you think of the “Gift Detective APPROVED!” seal appearing on it’s cover?  Please leave a comment and let me know!

Happy gifting!

Photo courtesy of Darf, Inc. - Avalilable for $24.95 - Click to Purchase

I first saw the game advertised in a dog magazine and, being the curious sort, I wanted to learn more. Would it be fun or is it just trying to fit into a niche? I knew that Isabelle’s fabulous trainer, Bette Yip, would be the first person I asked about it.

Well, Bette had a game called Funagle, by the same company, ...read more]]> No, I’m not being flip with that title…Do You Mind? is the name of a game for people and their dogs!

Photo courtesy of Darf, Inc. - Avalilable for $24.95 - Click to Purchase

I first saw the game advertised in a dog magazine and, being the curious sort, I wanted to learn more. Would it be fun or is it just trying to fit into a niche? I knew that Isabelle’s fabulous trainer, Bette Yip, would be the first person I asked about it.

Well, Bette had a game called Funagle, by the same company, Darf, Inc., at her training studio, so I was able to take a sneak peak at it during a party she hosted to benefit homeless pets. As Alex and I were looking at it, a boy of about 10 years mentioned that he had Do You Mind? at home and really loved playing it with his own dog. Someone had given the game to him as a gift, no less. Already and endorsement for the product!

I was able to speak to his mom later, who is also a dog trainer, and she spoke highly of the game and made a really interesting point – she said that for him, being able to play Do You Mind? with their dog was a really great way for him to be able to interact with the dog because it wasn’t as if he could walk their dog (I’m guessing it is a big dog for a ten year old to handle).

Well, thanks to Darf, Inc., I was able to try the game for myself and I love it! More importantly my dog, Isabelle, loves it too! Great concept, great execution, compact, portable packaging and FUN! I was going to wait until I took it to the dog park and tested it there (which I still plan on doing, as well as letting a PetSmart trainer I know try it is as well to get her opinion) but after playing it I couldn’t wait to write about it.

Click to Purchase - $11.69 from Amazon (see below for more options)

I was able to get my hands on a copy of the book before it was on sale and I was delighted when I sat down and read the tale of The Caterpillar and the Express Train. It is a simple and sweet story, written by Jeremy Foster-Fell, of a chance meeting’s metamorphosis into friendship. I don’t want to give the plot away but if you really must know more, visit the book’s website.

Couple the book’s pleasing plotline with its magnificent illustrations, done by Matthew Gauvin, ...read more]]> A new children’s book just came out – The Caterpillar and the Express Train.

Click to Purchase - $11.69 from Amazon (see below for more options)

I was able to get my hands on a copy of the book before it was on sale and I was delighted when I sat down and read the tale of The Caterpillar and the Express Train. It is a simple and sweet story, written by Jeremy Foster-Fell, of a chance meeting’s metamorphosis into friendship. I don’t want to give the plot away but if you really must know more, visit the book’s website.

Couple the book’s pleasing plotline with its magnificent illustrations, done by Matthew Gauvin, and you can see why this book is Gift Detective APPROVED!

This book is pretty versatile for a growing child because the beautiful artwork will captivate those that are too young to appreciate the story and yet, for those who love to be read to or are learning to read, the book will definitely be a big hit. You can view the synopsis here and see a few of the illustrations to get an idea of what this book has in store for it’s young recipient.

Things I really loved best about the book:

• *The way the story works in animals, trains, sounds and a bit of surprise – all elements that really engage kids in my experience; what kid isn’t going to like to moo like the cows or make the sound of a whistling train?
• *The illustrations on each and every page – really, really beautiful (I may be biased because I’ve worked with the artist but please, judge them for yourself! They really are terrific!!!)
• *The introduction of science and change through metamorphosis – a great way to introduce this idea to a youngster!
• *The size of the pages – the book opens up nice and big so that you can sit with your little one and both of you will be able to see the pages really well.

Ways to personalize this gift? Well, the author and illustrator have made that easy! You can purchase a signed copy of the book through their website and even add a wooden train whistle (which, trust me, is a huge hit with the 3-6 age group…my brother had one when he was younger!).

Another way to personalize this is to make a recording of you reading it for the child to listen to.  This is a really great gift from a grandparent that doesn’t live nearby or from a parent that needs to travel.  Imagine your child being sad that you have to leave for a trip and then opening this present with a special recording of you reading it to them?  Not only does it foster closeness even if the miles divide you, it will be something that they can return to again and again when they want a story at naptime or bedtime.  And aren’t the gifts that last some of the best?

This gift is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or from the author and illustrator’s own web store.  I will also be giving away a copy of the book right here on my website!  More details soon!!!

Happy gifting!

What does it mean to be Gift Detective APPROVED? I will only be awarding this recognition to products (perhaps also services and stores) that I have tried and loved.  Being Gift Detective APPROVED! is like my own personal endorsement and something I will be awarding very selectively. If you need a gift for a dog or a dog owner, make sure to click that badge and check out my post about Cooking4Canines! Happy Gifting!