Gifts

5 Great Last-Minute Gifts for Mom

May 9, 2013

If you haven’t gotten around to getting your mom a gift for Mother’s Day yet, don’t fret! I’ve rounded up the perfect last-minute presents that my fellow procrastinators and moms will love.

From spa gift cards to Broadway tickets, give mom a gift that will allow her to have fun, relax and enjoy!

Surprise mom with tickets to Broadway’s hottest show in town, Motown the Musical! If you don’t live in New York City, make this experience even more special with a trip to the Big Apple for a weekend. The show runs through November. Motown the Musical tickets available here, starting at $65.

Wow mom with flowers year-long with a new bouquet delivered to her doorstep for 3, 6 or 12 months! ProFlowers available here, starting at $130

Treat your tech-savvy mom with a subscription to O, The Oprah Magazine. She’ll enjoy getting advice and tips from Lady O at her fingertips! Subscriptions can be purchased here, $20.

Give mom the gift of relaxation with a spa day in her area. SpaFinder gift certificates are available here.

Grab the popcorn! Your movie-loving mom will appreciate this box of goodies including 5 RedBox gift certificates. If you’re really strapped for time, you can create your own basket of snacks and pick up movie vouchers from your local theater! RedBox Movie Night Gift Basket available here, $52.

What are you getting your mom for Mother’s Day? If you’re a mom, what are you hoping to receive on Sunday?

Category: Gifts, Gumbo Mix, Misc., Mother's Day | 2 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Halle Berry’s ‘Closer’ & Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

February 5, 2013

It’s hard to believe that in just over a week, our Instagram and Facebook feeds will be filled with candy hearts, red roses and other lovey-dovey sentiments all in the name of Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re single, married or somewhere in-between, the often referred to “Hallmark” holiday is the perfect excuse to treat yourself or receive a few goodies. From a fresh fragrance to decadent cupcakes, let my following wish list serve as a bit of Valentine’s Day gift-giving (and getting) inspiration!

Closer by Halle Berry available at drugstores nationwide; $35

Hanky Panky: Long Stem Lovin’ Original Thong Bouquet (Half-Dozen) available here; $130

‘Kissy Face’ Cosmetic Bag by Felix Rey available here; $95

I Love Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Gift Set available here; $49.50

Marc by Marc Jacobs Marci Pave Watch available here; $275

Perfect gift for couples!! “The You & Me Book: A Love Journal” by Rachel Kempster & Meg Leder available here; $11

Crumbs Dozen Roses Classic Collection available here; $42

**Will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? One lucky reader will win a bottle of Halle Berry’s Closer fragrance. Simply tell me how you plan to celebrate the holiday or your most memorable Valentine’s Day. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday!

Category: Beauty, Gifts, Giveaway, Giveaways, Gumbo Mix | 6 Comments

Give Gifts that Give Back with St. Jude!

December 17, 2012

With our country still reeling from the senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of 20 innocent children and six adults in Connecticut last week, it’s a sad reminder that we have to truly cherish every moment that we spend with our loved ones.

Now that the gift-giving season is in full-swing, giving to children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses while simultaneously brightening the faces of friends and family is a winning combo. That’s why donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by shopping at stores affiliated with the world-class institution is a great way to spread your holiday cheer while supporting the hospital’s efforts.

During the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, many of the top retailers nationwide are making it simple to give thanks and donate. Whether it’s adding a dollar to your last-minute purchase at Claire’s or picking up a cute stuffed St. Jude pooch from Target, you can help save a child’s life while bringing joy to someone on your list.

St. Jude’s Bullseye available here; $14.99

Here is a list of some of the retailers participating in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign this holiday season:

Check out St. Jude’s gift shop here! Read about my experience visiting the hospital in October here.

My prayers go out to everyone affected by the school shooting in CT. God bless the families, friends and the entire Newtown community.

How do you give back during the holidays?

Category: Gifts, Gumbo Mix | Leave a Comment

10 Great Gifts Under $50 & GIVEAWAY!!

December 10, 2012

If you’re still unsure of what to get your BFF, sister, aunt, mother or co-worker for Christmas, let this list be your guide! With only a little over two weeks left in the gift-giving season, these affordable finds are fun, thoughtful and incredibly wallet-friendly.

From personalized mugs to makeup palettes, these stocking stuffers and gifts are great for the deserving BG (or YOU) on your list!

This lip balm set makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the hard-to-please tween on your list! Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Quartet available here; $9.99

Your co-worker will love you for this personalized pick-me-up mug. C Wonder Monogram Mug available here; $10

Show your mom how much she means to you with this 18K gold-plated Nadri Thin Cubic Zirconia Bangle available here; $50

Impress your shower-gel-obsessed sister with this champagne-inspired set. ‘Berry’ Bubbly Raspberry Champagne Body Butter and Bath Wash available here; $32

Spray on your inner “Sasha Fierce” with this tantalizing plum and starfruit scented fragrance. Beyoncé Midnight Heat 1.7 FL. OZ. available here; $24.99

Stuff your BFF’s stocking with these striking Merona Leather Zipper Gloves available here; $17

Send your aunt a heartfelt message for the holidays with this magnetic video memo. PLAY Video Memo available here; $49.99

For your nail-crazed niece, Essie’s Winter Collection Set is a must-have! Available here, $18

Your hair-product-loving pal will ooh and ahh over Oyin Handmade’s All-Natural Sugar Berries Hair Pomade available here; $12 **Stay tuned for my Q&A with the founder!

The unofficial makeup artist in your family will rave for Avon’s Ultimate Makeup Palette available here; $29.99

**You can win it for the makeup maven in your life or yourself!! Simply leave a comment, Tweet or post a comment on BGG’s Facebook page for your chance to win! The winner will be randomly selected and notified on Monday, December 17th.

Have you already completed your holiday shopping or are you just getting started?

Category: Beauty, Fragrance, Gadgets, Gifts, Giveaway, Giveaways, Gumbo Mix, Uncategorized | 13 Comments

BGG’s Valentine’s Day Wish List

February 11, 2011

Even though I won’t be able to spend Valentine’s Day with my hubby this year (traveling for business), I still have high hopes that he’ll gift me before my departure.

In case he’s reading this, here are my picks for the Hallmark, yet still romantic holiday.

Hot Pink & Red Roses available at www.1800flowers.com for $52.99

Clear Jeweled Frame available at www.papyrusonline.com for $24

Victoria’s Secret Satin Boxer Pajama Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $45

Henri Bendel I Heart Me Compact available at www.henribendel.com for $30

Madison Leather Large Shoulder Bag available at www.coach.com for $498

1/2 Carat Diamond Studs available at www.ice.com for $499

The Chicago famous Garrett Popcorn tin.

Do you celebrate the holiday? If so, what’s on your list?

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Gifts, Valentine's Day | 1 Comment

Great Gifts for Everyone on Your List

December 15, 2010

With only ten days left to shop before Christmas, now is the time to get those last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. Whether you have to get a gift for your boyfriend, BFF, mom, tween nephew, sister, dad or co-worker, BGG has a round-up that will have you jumping with yuletide joy!

Barnes & Noble NOOKcolor E-Reader
Your book-loving mother will adore you for giving her this cool and colorful eReader. Available at www.bestbuy.com for $249

Sally Hansen Lacrosse Gift Set
This set would make a great stocking stuffer for your prissy sis. Available at drugstores nationwide for $4.99.

Who doesn’t love a great body scub and gel? This cranberry-scented set will make your aunt or mother-in-law swoon with delight. Available at www.thebodyshop.com for $29.

Write N’ Roll Flexible Keyboard
This convenient, full-sized silicone keyboard makes a great gift for the techie in your life. Available at Gift Shop at Macy’s for $25 www.macys.com.

Sonic Colors Video Game for Nintendo DS
Your game-crazy nephew will be glued to his console with the popular Sonic Colors video game. Available at www.bestbuy.com for $29.99

Anthony Logistics Face Kit
Give your guy some face time with this nature-based facial kit. The set includes an all-purpose moisturizer, cleansing clay, cleanser and scrub that will keep your guy well-groomed. Available at www.anthonylogistics.com for $30

Ihome iP3 Studio Series Audio System
Get your guy grooving to his iTunes with this super sleek sound system. Available at www.ihomeaudio.com for $199.99.

Click and Be Happy
A combo of perfume and lip gloss is the perfect multi-purpose must-have for your BFF on the go. This customizable fragrance and gloss set comes with three variations on the popular ‘Happy’ scent and corresponding shades making it an ideal match. Available at www.clinique.com for $28.

Icon Rose Quilt Multi Pouch
This pretty leather pouch is a chic option for your niece. It’s just the right size for carrying cards, cash and change. Available at Fossil for $35 www.fossil.com

Kenneth Cole Cufflinks
These cute cufflinks will transform ordinary shirts into standouts, which will make the metrosexual on your list very happy. Available at Gift Shop at Macy’s for $60 www.macys.com

Subscribe in a reader

Category: Gifts | Leave a Comment

Great Gifts for Dad!

June 17, 2010

I’ve never been excited for Father’s Day, but that all changed when my hubby became a dad for the first time this year. Since he’s super laid-back and the ultimate sports fanatic, it’s going to be pretty simple finding the perfect gift for him. However, if your dad or husband isn’t as easy to please, check out the following guy-friendly gift guide for inspiration!

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your dad? What do you love the most about him?

Usher’s VIP Eau De Toilette available at www.kohls.com for $35-50