Spring & Summer Gift Ideas

Is it just me?  Graduations, showers, end of school and birthday parties...Lately I have been on the lookout for gifts for a variety of events.  I am frequently asked about housewarming and hostess gifts, so...I've made a little list of some recent favorites.  Most of these are under $100.  (If you want the over $100.00 gift list, I've got that, too.  Just give me a call!) 

1.  Molton Brown -  Warming Eucalyptus

 Bath & Shower Gel.

 

This yummy bath gel is a London luxury available to us through Saks 5th Ave., or http://www.moltonbrown.com/.  A great hostess gift.  This treat will be sure to get you asked back!  One smell will explain it all and the bottle is a nice design for any bathroom.  Priced at around $30.

2.  bkr Glass Water Bottles

What health-conscious fashionista wouldn't want one of these adorable glass waterbottles with silicone coating?  At $28 each, you are giving a lot of style for a little cash.  Fabulous and functional!  Find these at http://www.lifefactory.com/.

 3.  Jane Marvel Metallic Cosmetic Bag

This is a splashy and useful gift for the right female graduate.  Also comes in fuschia and silver.  Available at http://www.janemarvel.com/,  around $45.

4.  Tocky Alarm Clock

This fun alarm clock with mp3 player comes in a number of colors.  It is a playful piece that's perfect for graduates!  Available at Neiman Marcus and on Amazon.com.  Priced at around $70.

 5.  Jonathan Elder Photo Albums
  

 Elder designs with the "new preppy" look make the perfect photo albums.  These are a great gift for helping keep up with memories in the making.  Available on line or at the new Jonathan Elder store on 5th Street in Austin. Priced at around $22 ea.

 6.  Fortuny Home Accessories

Products from dishes and umbrellas to notebooks will be available in magical Fortuny patterns!   These treasures will be sold beginning on  September 1st at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.  These will make prized gifts for any occasion. Note:  See Sept 2011 blog @ http://bates-design.blogspot.com/ , for more on Fortuny.

7.  Antique Linen Hand Towels

 When you get an antique linen towel, you know you have something special.  They really don't make them like they used to!  For a very personal touch, ask for a towel monogrammed to fit the recipient.  Antique monograms are typically much heavier and more artistic than what you see today.  Try http://www.thelinenlavoir.com/ if this is what you are looking for.

 8.  Michael Aram Sleepy Hollow Cocktail Napkin Holder

This line carries several artful pieces.  Classic yet modern, these pieces can fit in with almost any decore.  They are both beautiful and useful.  Find Michael Aram pieces at most high end gift and department stores.  This piece priced at around $60.

9.  Nest Candles                                                  

Candles are a classic!  Known for their amazing fragrance, these candles also come in an attractive glass holder that works in any room.  To take it up a notch, you can add a Nest soap, also in very stylish

bottles, to your presentation.  Candles about $45, soaps around $30.    

                                          

10.  Tiffany Photo Bookmark

What girl doesn't love to see that Tiffany Blue?  This was my pick for graduation gifts for girls this year.  Well made and with a photo slot so she can have a memory of Mom & Dad, or that boyfriend, with her at all times.  Available at Tiffany & Co.  $65.

 11.  Harney & Sons Tea Time for Two Gift Set

 Hostesses and Mother-in-laws go crazy for this precious set.  High quality teas and a small porcelain tea set are all gracefully packaged to show how much you care!  Get this set and see others like it at http://www.harney.com/.  Priced at around $45.