I think I’m going to start a new feature for Sunday’s.  Since apple season is slowly winding down I’ll have a little more time to devote to this blog.

One of the things I pride myself in is the ability to give thoughtful gifts to people.  I’m  going to try to post some great gift giving ideas for people in your life every Sunday up until the Holiday’s have past.  Some may be obvious, other not.  I would love for you to post suggestions or challenges for people you just cannot think of what to buy.  I always have fun with that!

A few tips to great gift giving:

• Listen closely – ALL YEAR ROUND  and jot down notes.  I actually have an excel spreadsheet (yes, I admit it…I used to be a civil engineer and I LOVE excel!) with people I give gifts to and as I hear them say things like “I wish” or “I need” I file that away for holiday’s and birthdays.
• Think about their interests.
• Handmade is ALWAYS special.

I’m sure I’ll add more tips as we go. 

I’m going to start with gifts for the babysitter/daycare provider.

My first idea is something that with the help of the other mom’s and kids, I created for my amazing babysitter:  Auntie Nise.  You can see the quilt that we put together and the story on how it was done by clicking HERE.  There is still plenty of time to complete this idea and it is definitely something that they will cherish for many years to come.   (this is also a good gift for a grandma or teacher…)

Next, if you don’t want to make something you can start to think about what your sitter really enjoys. 

Let’s start with the obvious.  If they have to keep an eye and entertain a bunch of fun loving kids they may NEED and LOVE their cup o joe in the morning.  Here’s some great ideas:

A beautiful handmade coffee mug.  This Creamy Tan and Blue 16oz Mug is from Twisted River Clay.  ($18)

This adorable mighty mug cozy from unravelme.  ($9)

Or you might want to go into the cozy/pamper-yourself side of life:

  A nice cozy lap quilt to cuddle up in like my (KimsCraftyApple) Across the Nation Strip Quilt.  ($207) This would work best if there are multi families and you all wanted to go in together on a gift – or if you really want to splurge. 

Some cozy and adorable Mary Jane Slippers from brokenhallelujah.  ($17)

A beautiful crocheted throw from mycraftycorner. ($42)

Some Mocha Java Emollient Sugar Body Scrub from ParadisePotpourri to pamper themselves with.  ($9.50)

A Polaroid One Step Camera from ladyisdarling to capture the fun the old fashioned way!  ($15)

Something sentimental:  Mary Poppins Tile Pendant from PendantLicious ($5)

Hope these ideas help!

***As I typed up my first ‘gift giving’ edition I realized I have way more ideas than I could possibly put on one blog post.  If you want me to expand on any particular interest or idea please comment and I’ll do my best to help you out!***