Handpicked | A Guy's Wishlist

It's that time of year again! All you ladies might be wondering "I hope Ilario gives his yearly wishlist soon so I know what to get my special guy this year." Well, without further adieu, here are some products that I would not mind getting this year for Christmas (hint, hint) and I hope there are some gift ideas for your man in the kerfuffle below.

1) T-Shirts!: Last year I directed many of you to 6dollarshirts.com and as I would recommend them again, you may also want to check out T-Shirt Hell (warning!) and Mental_Floss for additional t-shirt ideas.
2) James Bond Ultimate Collector's Set: Yep, you read that right. I'm talking 42 discs of James Bond goodness. 21 movies starting with Dr. No and ending with the 2006 Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig. Each movie has an additional disc of bonus features.
3) Streaming Media Player: With the rise of Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, and cable/satellite bills, it has become more and more common place for individuals to have a computer connected to their TV or to use gaming systems like XBOX and PS3 for uses other than actual gaming. If you have any of the above mentioned accounts or use your gaming system to watch movies, a streaming media player may be for you. I have linked a chart with information with multiple options. Find which you feel is better for your needs and visit that particular website for purchasing information.
4) Bluetooth Handset Gloves: Oh my! Not sure what my initial reaction would be to a person talking into their gloves, but I am sure once I understood what was going on, I would have many questions for that person. First off being, "Where did you get those?" The Answer: Right here :)
5) Micro-Plus EX 9-in-1 Multi-tool: I have found myself looking for a pair of pliers or a screwdriver while being outside of the home more times than I care to count. With a nice little tool like this one ... Problem solved!
6) Board Games & Puzzles: Going a little low-tech here, but there is nothing wrong with a good game night with family and friends to warm a cold winter evening. I have only recently stumbled upon Mental_Floss and when I got to the board game / puzzle section, I was unable to choose one (heck I couldn't narrow it down to less than 10) choice
7) Deluxe Valet: If your man likes to be organized and you have the desk space, this valet might do the trick! All of his essentials will have a place and a place for all his essentials. If you want to take it to the next level, there is also a Leather Valet w/ Watch Case or a Men's Valet + Charging Station.
8) Natural Wooden Watch: I just recently bought a new watch, but watches are like shoes to women ... Can you really have too many? These are the first natural wood watches I've seen and I have to say that I'm intrigued. They are also available in Brown, Beige and Two-Tone. If you happen to buy one, I would love an email or comment as your thoughts on it's quality.
9) Car/Bike Smartphone Mount: Is your guy a driver or a rider (or both)? Smartphones have become such a staple in everyone's life that it is impossible to go for any length of time without checking the latest facebook/twitter-verse happenings. Smartphones however, are also useful for navigation and exercising with apps like endomondo and nike+ it only makes sense to have that phone attached to your windshield or bike handlebars. While you are at it, you may even want to get your man holder for their  arm or forearm for running or weightlifting. There are so many options out there, so I did not necessarily want to point you in the direction of one over the other, however, all are easily accessible with a quick search engine search.

Thank you for taking the time to read my yearly post and I hope that you have found some useful gift-giving ideas.

baci's babies week :: Handpicked | Baby Shower Gifts

Earlier this year we dedicated an entire week to one thing everyone loves - BABIES!!  And we're back at it again this week to share great tips, gift ideas and some beautiful baby-focused designs we've been working on :o)  First up, fabulous baby shower gift ideas!

As with any shower, it's always best to shop from the registry - after all momma and daddy-to-be have thought long and hard (and probably researched, argued and debated - lol!) about what they need.  Besides, figuring out how to care for a newborn baby and hassling to return unwanted items all at the same time is just no fun.  So whenever possible shop the registry -  keep some of these great gifts in mind when picking from their provided options, I'm sure they're bound to include a few!

I've listened to all of my mommy friends over the years about their opinions and advice about what the "must haves" are - here are just a few of them :o)

1)  A Travel System - this in "non-baby having terms" means the car seat and stroller work together as one unit.  These little lovelies have car seats that pop into bases buckled into the car (be sure to buy a second one for daddy's car!) so you don't have to unbuckle every time.  The car seat also fastens into the stroller (having one that is simple enough to fold up with one hand is a must!) and later when the baby is bigger the stroller works all on its own.  Since travel systems are pricey they're a great group gift option!

2)  A Great-looking Diaper Bag Neutral Enough for Dad to Carry -  Diaper bags are a necessary evil, but they don't have to ugly anymore (everyone say, "YAY!").  Pick one out that is fashionable enough for mommy to carry (let's leave the cartoon characters elsewhere), yet not too girly for dad to haul around (because you know he will).

3)  Sophie the Giraffe Teether - I've seen this adorable little teether everywhere I turn - it  the perfect "gift topper"!

4)  Bumbo Baby Sitter - My sister-in-law and brother-in-law swore by this seat - it helps the baby sit upright until is can sit up all by itself.  Great after the six month mark when the baby starts eating solid foods!

5) Baby Carrier or Sling - Keeps baby close and momma hands free!  The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier is a classic.

6)  Disposable Diapers - Even if mom and dad intend to diaper their baby in the cloth numbers, they'll most likely still use disposables when traveling or sending the baby to grandma and grandpa's - meaning every one will still need diapers at some point.  I've been told Pampers Swaddlers are where it's at by all of my baby-toting friends!  Note:  Don't buy too many newborn diapers - little ones don't stay in these long enough to warrant boxes and boxes of them.

7)  Nipple Cream - There isn't a lady out there who hasn't told me there is one thing you can't live without when breast feeding - Nipple Cream.  If your pregnant friend doesn't realize she'll need it - help her out and add a tub to her shower gift :o)

8)  Baby Prints Frame - Most hospitals only get footprints of the newborn while in the hospital, so help the new mom and dad out by buying them a keepsake frame for both those adorable piddy and hand prints!

9)  Books - You can never go wrong buying books for a new baby - starting a library for a young children is forever giving!  Check out Amazon's list of top children's books for ideas!

Holiday Hostess Gift Guide

Have a lot of parties to attend this holiday season?  It's a very kind gesture to bring your host or hostess a gift as a way of saying thanks for throwing the party in their home.  We've gathered five great ideas for any host or hostess in your life!

{Yum!}

1)  Booze.  It truly never disappoints and even if you gift a variety the hostess doesn't end up being a fan of she now has drinks to offer up her guests free of charge.  I recommend a bottle of your favorite wine (Try Apothic Red, it's affordable and I've never met a soul who hasn't fallen in love with it!) or something fun like Bailey's or Disaronno (Tip:  Mix Disaronno with Ginger Ale and you get a yummy concoction that tastes just like cream soda!).  Tie a beautiful ribbon and a gift tag around the neck and wah-lah, a perfect gift!

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2)  Sweets - homemade or store bought.  Your hostess won't mind indulging in a tasty treat after the party-goers have gone home.  Make your grandmother's (or mine!) sugar cookie recipe, tuck a dozen snugly in a pretty box and top with the recipe!

{Natural Cocktail Napkins with White Monogram from Wisteria - Set of 6 for $12}

3)  Monogrammed anything.  Think dish towels, yummy scented candles or a beautiful engraved wine stopper.  It shows you took the time to really think about your hostess and didn't swing by the DDM on your way to her house (I may be an often culprit of that. . . oops!).

{Personalized Stationery from baci}

4)  Personalized stationery.  If your hostess loves entertaining she probably also has a love for handwritten notes (I might be drawing from my own personal experience here - they go hand in hand!).  Plan ahead and order 10 or 20 of these so your hostess can pen a thank you to you later :o)

{Cheese and Olive Gift Set}

5)  Grab a beautiful platter or cheese tray and top it with a gorgeous set of serving utensils, cheese knives, appetizer picks, olives, crackers and a no-refrigeration-needed cheese.  Wrap the whole package in a clear cellophane and finish with a beautiful bow!  It's a yummy and beautiful gift for anyone!