Gifts To Cherish

Well folks nesting mode has officially kicked in and I got around to thinking about some of my favorite gifts that I received over the years and still use today.  I love buying gifts for people and taking time to find the perfect gift that will put a smile on someone I love's face.  Lately I will admit I have been giving more gift cards, but am determined to get back into thoughtful gift mode.  One of my favorite places to shop for fun and unique gifts are small boutiques and ETSY!  ETSY is my obsession and I am one that gets excited when one of the blogs I read features a new shop they love.  It is so hard to weed through them all!

I figured I would feature a handful of my favorite gifts that have stayed with me through numerous moves, and life changes.  One has even survived being broken into small pieces and glued back together by my grandfather.  I love things that are homemade, and that reflect my personality.

This was a gift that I received almost 8 years ago from my dear friend Kerry Kopec for my birthday.  I have a strong superstition that this sign is good luck and plan on having it forever!

Complimentary Cereal bowl this gift was given to me by my volleyball teammates on my 20th birthday.  I still use it everyday and even got it for John almost 7 years ago for Christmas our senior year of college. 

Love sign, this was a wedding gift from our extremely creative friends the Gainor's who always find the most perfect gifts!  This is a gift I often give along with a registry item just to add something a bit more personalized.  Etsy shop link below:

Nancy Nelson Painting:  My mom got me this about five years ago for Christmas.  Nancy Nelson is a Cape Cod artist who paints beautiful, bright floral prints.  I love her work!

Quote Frame: I actually bought this for John and I but I love it and have also given it to people as wedding gifts before. ETSY link below

Tiffany Vase and Candle Sticks: This was a special gift from my BF Erin for our wedding and I love looking at these simple but elegant candle sticks in our dining room everyday!

Palin Stuffed Animal for the baby, I just got this gift from Aunt Darlene this past weekend and am in love with it!  I am sure our little munchkin will be too! It is amazing how much it resembles our first baby.

I realized as I walked through my house that I have a lot of favorite gifts, and have even more from our baby showers!  I love our guacamole bowl we got as an engagement gift from Naya, our handmade crochet baby blanket from my stepmother Michelle, and John's former nanny when he was a baby, the baby's taggy blanket from John's cousin Christie, plus many more!  The bottom line I think the key to gift giving especially for bridal showers and baby showers is to buy something off the registry and send something personalized as well.

Here are links to some of my favorite ETSY shops, please feel free to share your favorites too!

Super Cute Boys and Girls Monogrammed Dresses and Jon John's
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74187050/monogrammed-seersucker-jon-jon?ref=pr_shop

Dog Collars With A Southern Flare!
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=pecan+pie+puppies&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

Quote Frames From Above:
http://www.etsy.com/people/thesugaredplums

Love Plaque Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/people/PrettyMyDrink

Addison Logan Leashes and Collars:
http://www.etsy.com/people/AddisonLogan

Monogrammed Onesies/Burpies:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kalamitykids?section_id=7806639