Fabulous Finds for Spring/Summer Gifts

I recently attended a Summer preview, even though it’s still Wintry, outside. Press previews are like window shopping, only you can’t usually purchase the items until the season, arrives. Here are a few items from exceptional companies that have “right now” gift ideas I really love.

Can’t you just imagine carrying one of these beautifully crafted, ice-cream colored handbags designed by Kristin Gish for Kage Handbags? The golden sand dollar signals that Summertime is here! The Lamb with Patent trim purse is $196.00 and measures 11w x 6h x 1d and is available in Pistachio, Turquoise and Coral. It’s not so big you’re lugging around a full sized handbag, but it is still large enough to hold essentials including large sun glasses. The “Tucker” clutch on the right is 10w x 6h x 1 and $180.00. Wouldn’t these be a great gift for your Summer bridal party? See more on the Kage Handbag Web Site.

This fabric-covered netbook/accessories/makeup bag called “Nora” by Annabelle by Marcia Sherrill, is a double-duty, cutie. The all around zippered bag with handles has a soft, quilted. colorful, fabric, exterior, but the inside is plastic with zippered pockets. While it might have been just a place to put toiletries in the old days, the 12-1/8″x3-5/8″x9″ size also makes it a modern transportation alternative for a netbook. There’s even room inside for some basic computer accessories. The best part? What a great gift for Mothers Day! And it’s only $30.00! Check out the Annabelle by Marcia Sherrill web site for more information

Flowers make every day special, but having fresh cut arrangements in your home or office can be pricey. These arrangements by Diane James Designs would be perfect for mother’s day, for bridal tables, or “just because.” But they’re not real, they’re convincingly, faux! You can select bouquets, plants, or even trees, from the collection, or have something special designed just for you. While these are not inexpensive items (e.g. the pink peony bouquet to the left costs several hundred dollars) the joy of a beautiful but faux bouquet is that it will last so much longer than the real thing. Even better, you know that the flowers you have selected will look fresh and beautiful no matter what time of year you order them. A bouquet like one of these is a lasting momento of any special occasion. Visit the Diane James Web Site to see where you can find a retailer in your area.

The Blue Buddah Necklace from Jewelry For A Cause offers is just $25.00 and comes in a lovely, blue, velvet pouch. Buddha is seated in Varada mudra, the pose of charity and compassion. The deep blue color in Buddhism symbolizes medicine and healing. It is not just a lovely way to show a friend you care, but with each purchase of The Blue Buddha necklace, $6.50 will be donated to Doctors Without Borders – Haiti, to support their emergency medical efforts. How great is that?!

Also from Jewelery for a Cause is Kits for a Cause, and Kits for a Cure. These are not so much gifts, as fundraising items. Instead of fattening, bake sale items, these are more lasting reminders of the cause you support. The kit comes with 10 shiny, enamel peace charms (pink for breast cancer, or in a variety of funky colors), and you also get a lot of colorful, pre-cut waxed cotton cord. Then you make ten adjustable slip knot peace bracelets (there are simple instructions with the kit). You or your group sells the bracelets to raise money for the charity of your choice. This would make a great mother/daughter activity around mother’s day for your favorite organization. If you want to learn more email: Info@JewelryforaCause.net