Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

My earliest memories of Valentine's Day are from elementary school, where everyone in class was required to give out those cheesy Disney cards to each person. (I always chose one of the Disney princesses!). We'd spend an hour of class walking to and from desks, industriously leaving Valentine's Day cards at each. Some even got candy taped to their cards, a universal "You're cool" or "I like you". But now that we are a bit older, Valentine's Day doesn't seem as simple as those days. Choosing the right gift can feel impossible. Do I go with the romantic, cuddly approach or something a little more useful? To get you started, here are some of my favorite Valentine's Day ideas:

Instead of the usual photo frame, try a photo cube instead and display more then 1 favorite memory

Dog tags, the anti-jewelry!

With the tagline, "Gifts that Make You Smile," BoldLoft is the place for the most adorable gifts. Check out this pillowcase set from their "You're Irresistible" collection

To achieve the sappier "AWWW!" reaction, consider creating a personalized book of all the reasons why you love your special someone

For something a little less Valentine's Day-ish, play up your sweetie's love of football and get customized NFL M&Ms, with the team's logo and colors

For those who love fun, random gifts (or who are just really into Monopoly!), try Loveopoly! Personalize it with your own photos and memories

Monogramming something practical, such as a money clip, is a less lovely-dovey approach that is useful but still intimate. Definitely a top pick for more the more pragmatic! 

Share your top Valentine's Day gift ideas below!

Celebs, Google, and Sesame Street in the Holiday Spirit for Blue Star Families!

The holiday season can admittedly be a pretty cheesy time of year - there are twenty different Santa Clauses strategically placed around town, some red and green reindeer sweater that you are required to wear, and the dreaded fruit basket that somebody always sends! But the great thing about this time of the year is not the decorations or the presents (well, the presents help A LOT!), but rather it's the kindhearted, cheerful spirit that seems to take over. I start to notice all the wonderful things that people do to help each other out, and that's something you can't buy on Black Friday!

So BFF is dedicating today's post to a wonderful organization, Blue Star Families. Started by military families for military families, BSF strives to build a network of support and empowerment. With 70 chapters across the country, their programs like Operation Appreciation and Books on Bases, Smiles on Faces are helping to improve the lives of those affected by war. 


Check out some recent initiatives with Blue Star Families:


"Gulliver's Travels" co-stars Jack Black and Jason Segal have teamed up to record this remake of the 1977 holiday mash-up of "Peace on Earth" and "Little Drummer Boy" by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Proceeds from sales will go to Blue Star Families.

Sesame Street partners with Google to help families stay connected. Google is offering complimentary $10 call cards to families of members of the U.S. armed forces who are registered with Blue Star Families or Sesame Street Family Connections (their social network for military families) and sign up between now and December 22.

Supporting military families has even become a top Presidential directive led by Michelle Obama!

It's unfortunate that not everyone can be home for the holidays. But we can all try to help out by showing our unconditional support! A little bit goes a long way. And don't forget BFF's initiative to connect people with friends in the armed forces, our BFF bracelet!


Family, presents, and embracing the season of giving ... gotta love the holidays!
;)

Holiday Gift Giving Guide!!

We've just passed the biggest shopping day of the year (anybody go Black Friday shopping?), but most people don't do their holiday shopping until December. If you are stuck on what to get, BFF has got your gift giving guide for this holiday season!

Foodies

Bakers will love baking tools that will help set their yummy creations apart. Try specialty cookie cutters or a frosting set from the Sur La Table gift guide!

Surprise your favorite food enthusiast with quirky kitchen gadgets, like this Raman combo fork-spoon

Tech Nerds

For people who LOVE their phones, I Make My Case provides custom-designed cases for iPhones and Blackberries; a great way to personalize a gift! 

Amp up an average photo frame by going digital! Best Buy carries a great range of digital photo frames that will bring life to your favorite memories.

Just For You

The man in your life will LOVE this personalized Man Cave sign! 

This adorable photo collage journal set is perfect for keeping your thoughts and memories!

The Outdoorsman (or Woman)

This solar-powered charger by LL Bean is great for the wired adventurer!

Capture the best scenic landscapes with a camcorder made for the great outdoors. It's waterproof! 

Home Designers

Random decorative objects made cute gifts, especially if you fill it with stocking-stuffer goodies, like candy! Check out Mikasa's huge selection of bowls, vases, and more!

Scented candles are always a great touch to any home decor. These gorgeous wood-blown glass candle set is sure to add to the holiday charm.

I hope BFF's 2010 gift guide has sparked some fun ideas for presents. No matter how cheesy, "it's the thought that counts" never goes out of style! Good luck gifting, BFF'ers ;)