care to share?

I hope all of my readers had a very nice Christmas season! This is a special time of year, and I wish nothing but the best for you and your families.

What were some of your favorite gifts, either to give or get?

Merry Christmas!

Sorry for the lack of posting at Penguin's Gift. Life has gotten in the way. I've been overwhelmed with everyday things and Christmas preparations.

I promise to be back in full swing in the new year. And I'm hoping to bring a new look to Penguin's Gift as well!

Amaryllis bulbs at Target

Target has these Smith and Hawkins bulb kits for just $7 this week (regularly $10). They have a good selection of pot colors to fit many decors (red, white, black, silver). This would be a great little gift for so many - teachers, coworkers, neighbors, babysitters.

Amaryllis are very hearty and grow easily. Place where the bulb will get a fair amount of light and water as directed. Easy, and a big, beautiful flowering gift!

Wine Wraps

A set of wine tags caught my eye a few weeks ago. I thought it would be a great way to personalize a bottle of wine for gift giving this holiday. But the price didn't make me happy.

I know, there are tons of wine bags out there now but they just aren't practical in my mind. Yes, fabric wine bags are super cute. But I lose them in my wrapping box of paper and often forget I even have some to 're-gift'.

Then I saw these from Garnet Hill - self adhesive wine wraps that you can personalize and a little gift tag to match. $15 for a set of 12, plus $4.95 shipping, making each set just $1.67 each. That is a price that makes me happy!

Inexpensive Gift Ideas

Check out my guest blog here at Sara the Savvy Shopper.

Be sure to frequent Sara's blog for amazing deals and couponing. I ♥ her weekly Target sale updates.

Mini Stockings

I was searching for small stockings this year. Basically what I found were just two sizes, regular and ornament. I wanted something bigger than an ornament but much smaller than the typical stockings.
Then I found these mini stockings at Meghan Designs' etsy shop. ♥ They are the size I was looking for, and totally adorable! I was so excited when I received my order I had to give them to my parents right away. There was no waiting until Christmas for these cuties.
At $6 each they would be a great final touch to many Christmas gifts.
Check out Meghan Designs' other Holiday items also!

request from T

Engagement gifts were requested by T ... and I've been struggling with ideas. Here is what I have to share:

• Photo session. I happen to know that T is an excellent photographer. Offer to snap a few shots for the couple. Something that reflects their personalities in a setting they are comfortable. Edit and frame one, or two!
• This personalized love print from HopeInk's etys shop for $40 (they are offering a free second print of your choice with the code 'merry christmas'). The print being 12" square gives it a funky feel. Someone recently told me they had great luck finding 12*12 frames at Ikea.
• Silver plated wine stoppers engraved with his last initial from Red Envelope here for $30.
• A Vermont Wish Bowl here (scroll down to the smaller sizes at the bottom).
• Personalized folded note cards with the groom- and bride-to-be's first names (for all the shower & wedding thank-yous). I try to stay away from flowers and hearts, so how about this set of apples and pears from expressionery.com (remember there is a 40% off code).
• The Bride's Book of Lists found here at Amazon. And a nice bottle of wine, or two!