10.04.08

Picture Perfect

Posted in Flowers, Hostess Gifts, Houseplants, Housewarming Gifts, Last Minute Shopping, Living Gifts, Plants, Shopping Tips, Thank You Gifts at 1:46 am by Deb Savvy

It’s cold outside and the days are shorter and it’s more important now than any time of year to bring the sunshine and brightness of summer into the house. And what better way to do that than with plants and flowers?

Green and blooming plants basket

This is a great time of year to send flowers and plants. As a hostess gift. A thank you gift. A housewarming gift. Or just because. It’s like sending someone a little dose of much needed sunshine.

Cosmopolitan Bouquet

And if you happen to be a last minute shopper, keep Flowers Across America in mind as they specialize in same day delivery.

Stay up-to-the-minute savvy, read us daily at savvyshoppingblog.com where we’re dedicated to better living through better shopping.

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09.15.08

One of The Nicest Things…

Posted in Dining, Edible Gifts, Elegant Gifts, Gourmet Shopping, Great Ideas, Housewarming Gifts, Moving, New Baby, Sympathy and Condolence at 11:11 pm by Deb Savvy

One of the nicest things you can do for a friend is treat them to a delicious dinner. A fresh and delicious meal is a great way to show your love and help out when times are particularly busy or chaotic and you know they won’t have time to cook. With GourmetStation.comThis is something you can do for them even when you’re too busy cook, too. Or too far away to whip something up and deliver it hot and fresh and ready to enjoy.

You can send a gourmet meal – completely cooked and ready to heat and serve – with only a few clicks of the mouse. A great way to help out when someone is in the midst of moving or has just had a new baby. Also a great way to send your condolences. A thoughtful and welcome gift to anyone who’s recovering from an illness, injury or loss.   

Stay up-to-the-minute savvy, visit us often at savvyshoppingblog.com where we’re dedicated to better living through better shopping.

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09.14.08

Caribou Cravings

Posted in Business Gifts, Coffee, Hostess Gifts, Housewarming Gifts, Thank You Gifts at 2:59 am by Deb Savvy

I was lucky enough to receive some Caribou Coffee as a hostess gift and I’ve been sampling these divine brews over the last few days. Wow. This is some seriously great coffee.

Caribou Coffee Company

So far my favorites are the Kenya AA, the La Minita Peaberry and the Roastmaster’s Reserve Brazil Poco Fundo – and I’ve still got a few more left to sample. We used to have Caribou cafes here in Chicago, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen one. I had forgotten how much I love this coffee.

Coffee is a great idea as a hostess or housewarming gift.  Also great as a thank you gift – especially for colleagues and business associates.
Caribou Coffee Company

Stay up-to-the-minute savvy, visit us often at savvyshoppingblog.com where we’re dedicated to better living through better shopping.

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06.09.08

A Top Tip for Dining Wisely

Posted in Cooking, Coupon Codes, Dining, Easy Gifting, Edible Gifts, Great Ideas, Health, Housewarming Gifts, Moving, New Baby, Nutrition, Sympathy and Condolence at 1:22 am by Deb Savvy

What would you say if you found out you could eat delicious gourmet meals at home, without the work? Sounds good. What if you could just heat those meals in your microwave and be dining on a delicious dinner in minutes? Sounds good, too. And what if those meals were healthy and nutritious? And what if you could create those meals to your own personal tastes – choosing your entree, vegetables and side dishes and exactly how your food is prepared? Sounds phenomenal, doesn’t it? And we’re not just talking broiled versus roasted, here. We’re talking about gourmet meals to suit just about any dietary restrictions or style preference. Diabetic meals. Meals for kids. Pregnancy meals. Low carb meals. Low sodium meals. Healthy meals. Meals to promote weight loss. And all of them are chef-prepared gourmet meals. Dine wisely with DineWise

It’s all possible – and for far less than you’d think it would cost. Especially when you can get as many as 12 meals for free with your purchase. That’s right – you many never cook again!

The gift of a delicious meal is the perfect thing for anyone who’s in the process of moving, having a new baby or going through another big life cycle event.  If you’re too far away to bring over something you’ve cooked yourself, sending a heat and eat gourmet meal is the next best thing. 

06.06.08

Just for the Birds

Posted in Garden Decor, Gifts under $40, Housewarming Gifts, Outdoor Decor, Unusual Gifts at 4:22 am by Deb Savvy

Make your garden sing with the sound of hummingbirds. It’s easy. Simply fill and hang a humming bird feeder like this one in your garden or on the porch or patio.

SohoDecor Cotton Candy Hummingbird Feeder-Blueberry

SohoDecor Cotton Candy Hummingbird Feeder-Blueberry

$32.75 at SohoDecor.com

Hummingbirds offer much more than birdwatching and background music. They love poking around in your flowers, pollinating, promoting new growth and increasing the overall lushness, fullness and beauty of your garden.

Other colors, sizes and loads of other styles of bird feeders and bird houses are available at SohoDecor.com. A birdhouse, bird feeder or a set of windchimes is always a great option as a housewarming gift for anyone whose new home includes outdoor space.

Very Vera

Posted in Bridal Shower Gifts, Celebrity Designers, Gifts under $40, Hostess Gifts, Housewarming Gifts, Paper, Practical Gifts, Stationery and Cards, Thank You Gifts at 1:49 am by Deb Savvy

Did you know that Vera Wang was designing stationery? I didn’t. It makes sense, though, doesn’t it? Her name is practically synonymous with elegant living.

I found these Vera Wang Bejeweled Sun Notecards over at Exposures  Online. And it’s just one of a nice selection of beautiful designer stationery and note cards they offer from Vera Wang and other top designers. The set of 10 cards sells for $32. Loads of other colors and styles are available.

Vera Wang Eyelet Spiral Notecards (Set of 10)

Gifting Hint: Stationery and fine paper goods are always a great gifting option. First of all – they are at once elegant and affordable, a combo which can be pretty hard to achieve. Second, stationery is ‘consumable’ meaning there’s no added clutter. Stationery is practical, which is always a good thing. And, most of all, I think beautiful stationery is always a great gift for a wedding, engagement or housewarming gift. These events mark a time of new beginnings always come along with gifts for which thank you notes will, of course, need to be written.

Exposures (Miles Kimball Company)

05.04.08

Fuel for Finals Week

Posted in Care Packages, Dorm Living, Easy Gifting, Gift Baskets, Gourmet Shopping, Housewarming Gifts, Moving at 1:53 am by Deb Savvy

If you’re looking to send some sustenance to keep your dorm dweller fueled during finals week, here’s a great idea. Instead of snacks, send a tasty meal.

HomeBistro.com

Quick, easy and nutritious.  The gift of a delicious meal is also a great housewarming gift.  Consider timing your gift to arrive just after moving day – the new homeowners will be ready to enjoy a first meal at home, but not yet ready to cook.  How thoughtful!

Looking for more? Click here for the latest coupon codes from Home Bistro.

Stay up-to-the-minute savvy, read us daily at savvyshoppingblog.com where we’re dedicated to better living through better shopping.

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02.16.08

One Less Thing To Do

Posted in Appliances, Cleaning, Gadgets, Housekeeping, Housewarming Gifts, Kitchen, Practical Gifts at 5:29 am by Deb Savvy

Having one less thing to do is ALWAYS a good thing. Having one less thing that you’ll EVER have to do again – that’s a dream come true. Especially if the one thing you won’t be doing is something unpleasant. Like cleaning your floors.

iRobot_NewScooba380_120x240_4.30.07

Make that dream a reality. Give up washing your floor FOREVER with the new iRobot Scooba Floorwashing Robot. Also a terrific housewarming gift.

 

02.08.08

Whimsical Windchimes

Posted in Art Glass, Garden Decor, Gifts under $40, Housewarming Gifts, Outdoor Decor at 8:00 am by Deb Savvy

Pretty fabulous!

SohoDecor Marble Collection, Marble Wind Chimes – Rumbo

These glass and aluminum wind chimes will will add the sounds of magic and whimsy with each breeze passing through your garden. $36.75 at SohoDecor.com. They’ve got a pretty terrific selection of artsy wind chimes with loads of choices for under $40

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10.18.07

For A Housewarming Gift that Thrills

Posted in Coupon Codes, Dining, Edible Gifts, Gourmet Shopping, Housewarming Gifts, Moving, Sympathy and Condolence at 1:54 am by Deb Savvy

UPDATED 1/20/2008 WITH NEW COUPON CODE INFORMATION!

We’ve all moved and we all know how stressful and exhausting it can be. And the older we get and larger that housefold… It just doesn’t get any easier, does it? Well, if you’ve got some friends who are in the midst of a move, here’s a terrific idea. Send dinner. I’m not saying you should call and order pizzas for the day of the move – although that’s ALWAYS a great idea. Send a real dinner. A sit down dinner. A lovingly prepared gourmet dinner from HomeBistro.com . Lovingly prepared from the freshest local incredients, ready to heat and serve in minutes.

HomeBistro.com

It’s not a bad idea to plan ahead. If you’re moving or expect to be particularly busy for some other rearson or if you just plain don’t feel like cooking, why not stock up and have a few ready to eat meals on hand. Tons of choices. Italian. French. Asian. Fusion. American traditional. Low fat, low carb and other nutritional options available.

UPDATE AS OF 1/20/2008: WE’VE GOT ANOTHER GREAT COUPON CODE FOR YOU, GOOD FOR $10 OFF $50 OR MORE – VALID THROUGH 3/31/2008.

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09.12.07

And For a More Permanent Solution

Posted in Cooking, Coupon Codes, Discounts, Great Ideas, Groceries, Housekeeping, Housewarming Gifts, Kosher, Limited Time Offers, Practical Gifts, Storage at 1:25 am by Deb Savvy

If you’re looking to hang onto those leftovers for more than a couple days, a container simply won’t do.  First of all, unless you happen to have exactly the right size – you’re wasting valuable long term freezer space.  Not to mention the inevitable and dreaded freezer frost. A common site in most European kitchens, a food storage system like V840 vacuum sealer from FoodSaver.com is the perfect solution. Create sealed packages of any size you like – single servings are a breeze. Stop throwing away leftovers that didn’t last. Stock up on your favorite meats when they’re on sale and freeze them in single servings. Your groceries and prepared foods will stay fresh, tasty and ready to enjoy much longer and your storage system will pay for itself in no time. 

FoodSaver.com 

And of course, we’ve got some special offers for you!

 

09.08.07

Glorious Gourmet Gifting

Posted in Birthdays, Corporate Gifts, Coupon Codes, Dining, Discounts, Gift Cards, Gifts under $100, Gourmet Shopping, Housewarming Gifts, Indulge Yourself, Limited Time Offers, Romantic Gifts, Thank You Gifts at 5:20 am by Deb Savvy

Gourmet dining at home is often much nicer when you get to do it at home.  Especially when you don’t have to do the cooking.  GourmetStation.com was the first merchant to bring gourmet dinner gifts to the web. This innovative company was the first to offer “create a dinner” options much like a white table cloth restaurant menu plus pre-set favorite menus.   Their multicourse gourmet feasts are prepared by gourmet chefs – all you do is heat, serve and enjoy.  A gourmet feast is a great way to indulge yourself and makes a terrific gift for many occasions – perfect for a housewarming, anniversary, birthday or thank you, also a great gift for clients or colleagues.

 

4 course gourmet meals (for two, of course) range in price from about $80 to $90, plus $19.99 shipping.  You can save 30% on all 4 course gourmet meal certificates at GourmetStation.com.  Enter coupon code GC07 at checkout.    The meal certificates never expire – but this coupon codes does!  Shop before 9/30/2007 to save 30%.  With savings like this it’s not a bid idea to stock up for future gifting.  Maybe even pick up a little treat for yourself, too.  Discount applies to the meal only, not shipping. From 4 through 30 Sept 2007 all 4 course certificates, including anniversary, birthday, congratulations, “thank you” and “thinking of you” are offered at 30% off. Enter GC07 at checkout. Coupon Code: GC07 

 

08.28.07

Bold Bright Barware Bargains

Posted in Art Glass, Barware, Cocktails, Gallery Shopping, Gifts under $50, Hostess Gifts, Housewarming Gifts, Thank You Gifts at 1:31 am by Deb Savvy

If your in need of some new glassware and want something bold and different – and you’re a bargain hunting savvy shopper, of course – then you’re in luck.

 

These “Wide Swing Glasses” are on currently on sale at Leonardo Glass Store. The set of 10, in 10 different colors, of course, is now only $89.99. If you happen to need at TON of glasses, the price goes down about 12%; pay only $399.99 for five sets.   And while you’re there take a look at the vases and bowls.  You’ll find beautiful glass perfect for all kinds of gifting occasions.  They’ve got quite a few options for under $50, perfect for housewarming, hostess and thank you gifts. 

08.27.07

Best Seat in the House

Posted in Housewarming Gifts, Pets and Their Owners at 5:27 am by Deb Savvy

If you’re stumped for a gift and your friend happens to really love their pets.  Consider a gift for the pampered pets….

HomeDecorators.com 

They’ve got a great selection of pet furniture and stylish pet accessories at HomeDecorators.com.  Pet related items are exceptionally well received as a housewarming gift.  It’s a way of saying you want the ENTIRE family to be happy in the new digs. 

08.26.07

Stumped for a Housewarming Gift?

Posted in Housewarming Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Practical Gifts at 1:19 am by Deb Savvy

Consider a custom address plaque or house marker.  It’s totally practical and symbolic of a good things for the future.  Your gift provides an immediate way for the new homeowner to mark their new property as their own.

HDC Curb Appeal 125x125 

For a nice selection of plaques, markers, signs and stones, take a surf over to HomeDecorators.com

08.25.07

Beatiful Flowers Deserve A Beautiful Vase

Posted in Art Glass, Crystal and Glass, Gallery Shopping, Gifts under $50, Housewarming Gifts, Unique Items, Wedding Gifts at 9:06 pm by Deb Savvy

I’ve been shopping for a perfect little gift for some friends of mine who recently moved into a new home and announced their much awaited engagement.  They are both hip and stylish and artsy.  They totally fall into that ‘people who are impossible to shop for’ category, so I’ve been surfing some of my favorite sites for Gallery Shopping and found this gorgeous Belle Fleur Handblown Vase

 

Nothing short of spectacular! Modern in shape and design with a definite retro feel at the same time. The patterns in the dots are based on antique botanical prints and vintage fabrics. The effect is truly magical! The vase is almost a foot tall and six inches wide. The bottom is well weighted so the vase can easily support even the largest and tallest bouguets.

Gold Bowl 125x125

Best of all – it’s only $49.95 at Isabella Catalog.  They’ve got a great selection of unusual art glass and wonderful, inspirational, artistic gifts perfect for weddings, engagements, housewarmings and just about any gifting occassion. 

 

07.09.07

Foodies Take Note

Posted in Dining, Gift Baskets, Gourmet Shopping, Housewarming Gifts, Sympathy and Condolence at 8:26 pm by Deb Savvy

Founded in May 2000, GourmetStation.com was the first merchant to bring gourmet dinner gifts to the web. This innovative company was the first to offer “create a dinner” options much like a white table cloth restaurant menu plus pre-set favorite menus. They’ve got a huge variety of cuisine and menus including Parisian, Tuscan, Cajun, Fusion & Americana. And they’ve got great gift options too – including 3 course and 4 course dinner gifts from $69.99 and occasion dinners gifts (birthday, anniversary, etc.) from $89.99. Gourmet entrees start at $49.99. They also offer soup gifts, gift certificates, and dinner of the month programs. 

 

The gift of a gourmet meal is a wonderful housewarming present.  Timed to arrive a day or two after the move, once they’re settled enough to eat at home yet still not quite up to cooking, your gift is sure to thrill.  A ready to heat and serve gourmet meal is also well received when times are tough – next time you’re looking for a condolence or sympathy gift, forgo the flowers.  Send food.  Feed their souls while you feed their bodies. 

05.09.07

Say It With Fruit

Posted in Business Gifts, Edible Gifts, Father's Day, Fruit, Gift Baskets, Housewarming Gifts, Mother's Day, Sympathy and Condolence at 10:18 pm by Deb Savvy

Fresh and fabulous.  Big and beautiful.  And unlike anything you’ll find in a supermarket.  Orchard fresh fruits make an excellent gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and many other special occasions.  

Same Day Delivery  Gotfruit.com (Alex R. Thomas & Co) 

Fruit is a terrific business or housewarming gift and is a perfect choice for less joyous events as well.  Fresh fruit is an excellent way to show someone you’re thinking of them after they’ve suffered a loss or if they are recovering from an injury or illness.

 

03.30.07

Stamp of Approval

Posted in Back to School, Home Office, Housewarming Gifts, Mother's Day Gifts, Office Supplies, Practical Gifts, Shopping Tips, Stationery and Invitations at 10:59 pm by Deb Savvy

A practical item often makes for the perfect gift.  And here’s a gift that’s sure to meet with a stamp of approval from the lucky recipient.   You might even want to pick one up for yourself, too.  PSA Personalized Stamps have been featured on The View and in Real Simple Magazine.  They are available in over 25 different designs, from simple to ornate. A personal stamp can leave a lasting impression on your books and is perfect for invitations and cards.  Imagine never having to write a return address on another piece of mail!

PSA Essentials 10% Off 

From now through 4/8/2007, save 10% on all PSA personalized stamps at Fine Stationery.  No special coupon code is required.  Prices return to normal on 4/9/2007.  A personalized stamp is a thoughtful, personal and practical gift.  Perfect for anyone who has recently moved.  An excellent choice as a bridal shower gift.  Also great for Mother’s Day.  Perfect for the college student heading back to school.

FineStationery.com

01.23.07

Bring Home the Joys

Posted in Home Maintenance, Housekeeping, Housewarming Gifts, Moving, Organizing at 4:08 am by Deb Savvy

J. O. Y. S.  JUST ORGANIZE YOUR STUFF.   Admit it, we’ve all got that messy drawer of warranties, user manuals, and receipts to important to throw away.  Just Organize Your Stuff – JOYS has developed a terrific household notebook and home filing system to organize all those bits of information you need to keep your house running smoothly.

 

Hint: The JOYS filing system makes a terrific housewarming gift!