Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts

We've all done it (well most of us anyway). You tell yourself that this is the year you will plan your "Valentine's Day gift buying strategy" ahead, but all of a sudden it's February 11th and you've got NOTHING. Not only do you not have a gift, but you don't have a clue on what you can get her in such short notice. You can't do just a card, flowers are cliche, and if you even think about pulling the old "how about we just spend some time together" crap, you'll end up spending the day alone (or being screamed at). If you find yourself in a Valentine's Day predicament, don't fret as we've outlined some great gifts you can buy last minute that will sure to make her (and in some cases him) a happy Valentine's Day celebrator.

1. David's Cookies - Valentine's Day Treats - Who doesn't like dessert? This isn't just your typical box of chocolates from the local pharmacy. David's Cookies provides delicious homemade cookies and dessert items that are really delicious and can be shipped SAME DAY (yes you heard right). From their "be mine bucket" (equipped with teddy bear, heart, 1 lb. tin of assorted fresh baked cookies, and 6 assorted brownies to their Valentine's Day tray, David's Cookies has a variety of Valentine's Day selections that will satisfy any dessert lover.

2. Smilebooks - Custom Photo Book - A gift from the heart that doesn't equate to "wow you're a cheap bastard". Smilebooks offers high quality custom photo books that you can customize and design for any occasion, including Valentine's Day. While same day shipping isn't an option (they actually recommend 6 - 10 business days for your order) you can essentially get your product expedited by contact the site directly. I gave a Smilebook to my girlfriend for our 1 year anniversary and she loved it.

3. FindGifts.com - If you really want a variety of options, check out FindGift.com. What's cool about this website is that you can narrow down the gifts by girlfriend, boyfriend, teen girlfriend, teen boyfriend, wife, and husband. While shipping dates will vary, you will often receive your gift fairly quickly after you purchase.

4. Gifts.com - For you truly last minute shoppers, there is gifts.com "last minute Valentine's Day gifts". From wine to jewelry to clothes, chances are gifts.com has you covered for your Valentine's Day emergencies.

5. Ivanka Trump Collection - If you're going to give her jewelry, why not buy it from one of the most beautiful women in the world. Ivanka Trump has a really beautiful line of jewelry ranging from necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.

6. Spa Treatment - What woman doesn't love a massage / spa treatment? Using Google (or your favorite search engine) type in "(your town) day spa" and see what pops up. Make sure to check out their reviews (searching for "(spa place) reviews") because if you get a gift card for a crappy place, it might be the last Valentine's Day you celebrate.

The Top Ten Unique Gifts for Groomsmen

A groomsman plays a part in almost every aspect of the wedding. The groomsman is there for the engagement party, shower, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner and ceremony – playing his part and lending a helping hand every step of the way.  Although the bonding experience that occurs between groom and groomsman during this special time is the greatest gift of all, the following ten gifts for groomsmen from WeddingChannel.com lend the opportunity to express that extra bit of gratitude.

1. Classic Money Clip – For the groomsman who commands unique style and class, this 2” x 1” personalized classic money clip is a gift that is right on the money.  Have your groomsman’s initials engraved in this silver-plated clip, or personalize a line of text up to 12 characters so that he can ditch the wallet and stick to the classic clip that screams coolness. 

2. Cigar Cutter – If there is a cigar aficionado amongst your groomsmen, upgrade his cigar smoking experience with this one-of-a-kind, custom-made cigar cutter.  Measuring 1.25” x 4”, this nickel-plated cigar cutter complements any cigar collection, complete with a personalized message up to 10 characters. 

3. Victorinox Swiss Army Golf Tool – Complete with every tool a golfer needs while out on the course, this Sapphire Swiss Army Golf Tool brings any golf-enthused groomsman up to par.  Imagine all of the benefits of a Swiss Army knife - a nail file, blade, bottle opener, tweezers, toothpick and scissors, combined with hidden golf perks including a ball marker, tee punch with groove cleaner and one-handed divot repair.  Few groomsman gifts say thanks like this sleek and versatile “green gizmo.”

4. Personalized Barbecue Kit – The ultimate accessory kit for the summer barbeque enthusiast, this sleek carrying case, tagged with an embroidered monogram, houses an array of high-end, stainless steel grilling tools.  Inside this personalized barbecue kit, your groomsman will find top-of-the-line grilling gear including a grill brush, spatula, tong and basting brush - all protected by a sturdy, polyester exterior.  Complete with a zipper closure and carrying handle, this barbecue kit provides everything a self-proclaimed chef needs to turn out the perfect barbecue.

5. Personalized Poker Set – We are willing to bet that your gambling groomsman will love the idea of having his own portable, personalized poker set.  On the inside, your groomsman will uncover a full set of professional poker chips and cards – and on the outside, a classic wood box featuring his name and “established date” printed on a vintage-inspired pub image.   Inside and out, this truly memorable groomsman gift is a “sure thing.”

6. Personalized MLB Clubhouse Framed Print – For the groomsman who always dreamt of playing in the major leagues, this personalized MLB Clubhouse framed print is sure to hit a home run.  The photograph featured in this black beveled wooden frame depicts four professional jerseys, one featuring your groomsman’s name on the back and the other three with the names of his favorite home team players.  As a token of your appreciation, give this gift and turn your groomsman’s childhood dream into a reality.

7. Digital Picture Keychain – Ensure the greatest memories shared between you and your groomsman last forever with this silver digital picture keychain.  Store up to 31 of your most precious moments utilizing the user-friendly software, which allows you to transfer photos from your PC or Mac directly to the device.  More than just a photo album, this digital picture keychain travels everywhere you do to put a smile on your face at a moment’s notice.

8. Credit Card Case – Since the groom can never take all the credit for planning a successful wedding, this black leatherette credit card case extends a message of gratitude to the helpful groomsman.  A sleek alternative to a bulky wallet, this 4 ¼” x 3”personalized credit card case features eight double-sided slots, complete with a stylish brushed silver plate engraved with the groomsman’s initials. 

9. Groomsman T-Shirt – At your wedding, the groomsmen wore matching tuxedos as a symbolic representation of the special role assigned to each one.  For the groomsman who wants to hold on to that feeling and continue the tradition of special groomsman attire, this groomsman T-shirt satisfies the desire to a T.  Made from 50/50 cotton-blend, this black T-shirt with white lettering reads “Groomsman” and is available in large or extra-large sizes.

10. Leather Business Card Case – For the professional groomsman who “means business,” this leather business card case serves as the perfect gift.  A sleek card case with an engraved stainless steel plate, this leather case keeps business cards neat, crisp, fashionable and readily available at any given moment.  Personalize this leather business card case with up to two lines of text at 15 characters per line and lead your groomsman down the path towards successful business deals.

Last Minute Rosh Hashanah Gift Ideas

Choosing the perfect gift is always an arduous task, but when it comes to last minute gift purchases this becomes even more difficult. Rosh Hashanah is only three days away which means that if you haven't purchased a gift yet your options are somewhat limited. However, there are still a lot of great Rosh Hashanah gifts that you can buy in time for the holiday. Below is a list of the top five Rosh Hashanah gifts that you can purchase at the last minute.

1. Rosh Hashanah Cookie Arrangement - Instead of cake, why not celebrate the New Year with a Rosh Hashanah Cookie Arrangement courtesy of Clever Cookie. Not only are these cookies Kosher (and dairy free), you can get your own personalized message incorporated onto a cookie. Same day shipping available for individuals within the New York area and next day shipping available for people outside the New York region. This unique gift idea is bound to be a success at any Rosh Hashanah gathering.


2. Bagels from Bagel Boss - When it comes to bagels, nobody does it better than New York. Sure you can get a bagel anywhere, but New York bagels are known for being the best (from my experience I can definitely tell you that this is true). My favorite bagel place has to be Bagel Boss (Egg bagel with lox cream cheese specifically). What's great about Bagel Boss is that if you are not in the New York region you can get them shipped to you from anywhere in the United States the next day.

3. Jewish Recipes - For those of you with no Rosh Hashanah gift budget, you can preparea custom cookbook of Jewish recipes. JewishRecipes.com offers thousands of different Kosher recipe ideas for free. Why not put together a few of these recipes into one booklet and give it to the indiviudal hosting the Rosh Hashanah gathering. This idea is not only thoughtful, but won't require you to spend a dime.

4. Jewish Calendar - Since Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of the new year, a Jewish calendar makes perfect sense for a gift idea. TraditionsJewishGifts.com offers a selection of Jewish calendars that you can receive in two days after your purchase.

5. Stars of David Jewelry - Judaica Web Store offers over 100 jewelry items for sale that contain the Star of David. This gift idea is definitely for somebody with a more lucrative budget, if you have the money it makes for a great gift idea. Jewelry from Judaica Web Store can be sent within 2 days after purchase.

10 Most Unique Gift Ideas

Last year for the holidays, I bought a bunch of gifts my family. I don't think they were too fond of them. Videos games were sold, dvds were scratched up,earrings were lost, mp3 players that broke, etc. This holiday season I decided I want to get everyone different, unique gifts that people will never forget and cherish forever. The following list is compiled of the 10 most unique gifts I found and will purchase this year.

10. Buy a Star - Who wouldn't want a star? You can see it most nights, you can't break it or loose it and seems to be popular among girlfriends everywhere.

9. Design Your Own Lego Model - This is perfect for the kids, Lego lovers, and...me.... The LEGO Factory lets you design, share and buy your very own custom LEGO models. Design your own, town, car, animal, robot, plane, etc, get the parts in the mail, and build it.

8. 1-877-Spirits.com's Best - A little on the pricey side, but if you have the money, this is a great gift (especially for a boss, colleague, close friend, etc.). This gift basket is a mixture of Masi Masianco Wine, Masi Costasera Wine, assorted gourmet spreads, crackers, chocolate, Moet & Chandon champagne, and coffee.

7. Houdini's Tooth - AnswersTV sells awesome magic tricks. This is an example of a really cool magic trick that you can purchase for really cheap. May not be for everyone, but it's great for children and magic enthusiasts (seriously..you'll be surprised by how much kids will like this).

6. Custom Puppets - The thinking behind this is from the Muppet Show from when the Muppets would give the guest celebrity a "Muppet Likeness" of the themselves. Children and adults should get a kick out of a puppet version of themselves.

5. Fake Fire Places - I actually purchased this as an inside joke for one of my friends who always complained about not having a fireplace. It is a random gift, but a good one (if you give it to the right person).

4. Angel Chocolate Ornaments - Practical and scrumptious. They look really nice and after you use them you can eat them. This is the kind of gift you obviously might not get for a significant other or family member, but it is a perfect gift for a secret santa.

3. The Gustbuster - Its a walking stick, an umbrella and a chair. Might be one of the most unique and interesting combinations I've seen in recent memory. Probably the epitome of the word "pimp".

2. Custom Bobbleheads -Have you ever wanted a custom bobblehead of yourself? If you said no then you are . This is such a unique and great gift idea for a friend or family member. Imagine their reaction when they receive a bobblehead doll of themself.

1. Digital Photobook- This is a great gift for a significant other or family member as it is one of those "come from the heart" presents. Photobooks are better then photo albums because they look professional and are fully customizable. SmileBooks.com is a great place to purchase a digital photo book (I believe they have a sale for this on Black Friday). This is perfect for a grandparent (you really can't get a grandmother or grandfather a better gift), parent, or a significant other.