Shopping & Arts

Wrapper’s Delight

holiday gifts 2009
If you decide to give simple homemade sweet treats this holiday season, try wrapping them in these buy 2, get 1 free (this week- 9.7.09-9.11.09) festive cookie tins from one of my favorite neighborhood stores, Walgreens!

This holiday season, many of us may find ourselves entertaining family or friends while we celebrate annual occasions and new beginnings. Many of us will be guests at celebrations hosted by others. Either way, you may find yourself in a gift-giving setting.  But, sometimes, it’s not so easy to think of creative, and thoughtful gifts that will bring joy to the recipient. And, if you’re anything like me, there is a great feeling–a wrapper’s delight– that results from a family member, friend, or colleague opening a gift that is just right for them.

Recently, I came in touch with a new reader (Thanks, T.I.A.!) who thought a list of cost-effective holiday gift ideas would be helpful. So, in the spirit of the holiday season, where entertaining is prevalent, here’s my list of ideas for the loved ones in your life!

For the Wine-Lover: The Wine Bible
Where to Buy:
Amazon.com
Approximate Cost: $12.97 + shipping

Click photo for source.
Click photo for source.

For the Chef/Foodie: Central Market or Whole Foods Culinary Class- classes range from wine tasting, to cooking demonstrations, to lunch express classes. Can be a romantic date idea too!
Where to Buy: Whole Foods or Central Market websites
Approximate Cost: $25-70

For the Future Athlete/Son/Nephew/Grandson: Boys Plush Sports-ball Slippers! So cute!
Where to Buy: Old Navy
Approximate Cost: $10—this week, boots and slippers are $10 at Old Navy!

Click photo for source.
Click photo for source.

For a female friend/family member/colleague: EcoTools eco-friendly cosmetic brushes and accessories
Where to Buy: Walgreens or Target
Approximate Cost: $15 or less for a cosmetic brush set- made of bamboo handles, non-animal bristles, and recycled metal. Better for you, your skin, and the environment.

Click photo for source.
Click photo for source.

 Female gift idea #2: Homemade Earring Tree
 Where to Buy: Purchase framing mat, toule or netting, and ribbon at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby (*How to make: glue or staple netting to back of framing mat, cut or punch 2 holes in the top of the frame mat and lace the ribbon through the holes, knotting the ends to hold it in place. Hang on the wall and dress it with earrings!)
Approximate Cost: $10

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For a work supervisor/brothers and sisters-in-law/clients:
Hyatt Gift Card, give the gift of out of town accommodations for Hyatt hotels everywhere. Anyone would love a night away!
Where to Buy: Walgreens
Approximate Cost: Value of your choice

For the home entertainer: Succulent and low-maintenance botanical art 
Where to Buy: In Austin, have a long-lasting and visually pleasing plant arrangement from LD Design, Big Red Sun, or Pollen Floral Art. At LD Designs, you can custom-make your arrangement, order unique ornaments and jewelry online, or purchase a gift certificate for your gift recipient to treat themselves!
Approximate Cost: Range depends on the arrangement, gift, or gift certificate value you choose.

Arrangement by Pollen Floral Art
Arrangement by Pollen Floral Art


For any proud, artsy Austinite:
Posters/Photographs by local JJ World Studio produces photographs from around the world and around Austin. Vibrant colors and unique angles of Austin scenes characterize their work.
Where to Buy: On South Congress near Vespaio or online.
Approximate Cost: $15-$55

Photo by JJ World Studio
Photo by JJ World Studio

For the spicy-food lover: Tears of Joy hot sauces or salsas for a taste of Texas, I Rebeccammend the 6th Street Green!
Where to Buy: At the Tears of Joy hot sauce store at 618 E. 6th Street or online.
Approximate Cost: Varies by brand and product.

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Photo by: Rebecca




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2 thoughts on “Wrapper’s Delight”

  • Jenny D December 10, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    Hey Rebecca,

    I just wanted to add another book to the list as far as wine books go. The Wine Trials is great and can be accessed at- http://www.thewinetrials.com/ Its by the same writers who do The Fearless Critic books.

    Otherwise awesome list- Thanks for all the great ideas!

  • TheRebecca December 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    Thanks, Jenny! That book looks awesome—the best inexpensive wines! Do you have any favorites?


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