Memorial Day weekend is almost here and people will be outside eating, drinking, playing and celebrating. It feels like the kick off to summer in a lot of ways. Even in Boston we are starting to see the warmer temps and are going to get some “Partly Sunny” skies! I’m ready!!!

So, when you go to the neighbor’s, your family’s or a friend’s house for a get together, what are you going to bring as a thank you gift?

A lot of this (obviously) depends on the people you are getting gifts for. Even so, we seem to fall into the same ruts over and over again. Alcohol, flowers or nothing at all. Bringing a bottle of wine or your good friend’s favorite beer is a nice gesture, as are the flowers. The problem with these old stand-bys is that they are so predictable and …read more

I don’t think gift shopping when I think of Pier1 but, lo and behold, I wandered in a little while ago and I was pleasantly surprised at the wide array of possibilities to suit every budget.

For instance – need a host gift?  They have all sorts of dips, mustards, marinades and tapenades that are incredibly affordable from $4.18-$6.00.  Stock up on several and bring a small assortment to the next dinner party you are invited to or lavishly wrap up a few single jars in advance and pair them with appropriate things such as appetizers with appetizer picks, serving ware, marinade brush, etc. to make a simple but thoughtful gift.

Get the love in your life a turtle massager or a nubby massager …read more

We all try to make a positive difference – we recycle more, turn off the water and lights when not in use, support organic and local farming by changing where or the way we shop, use less chemicals for cleaning, etc. Well, you can also buy “green” gifts. Gifts that are recycled, organic, eco-friendly, from the rainforest and/or solar powered.

Artwork by Matthew Gauvin – www.matthewgauvin.com

I found a great site to help you find “green” gifts that are worth giving. At the Rainforest Site Store, not only are their gifts “green,” when you make a purchase you are also helping to preserve land through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, Rainforest Conservation …read more