gifts Archives - A Million Lives

August 12, 2019 by Greg Underwood

6 Fool-Proof Ideas for Personal Gifts

Every time a birthday or anniversary rolls around at home or at work, you might find yourself breaking into a full-blown panic sweat. But you’re not alone.

That’s because women spend, on average, 14 hours looking for gifts for their significant other, while men spend an average of four hours — and that doesn’t include gifts for children, parents, co-workers, bosses, nannies or neighbors.

Enough with the stress-induced sweating around gift-giving and all the time it takes to shop. Here are six thoughtful gift ideas that work for almost everyone so you can spend your time celebrating your loved ones instead of stressing about what to give them.

1. Commemorative Book of Newspaper Front Pages

For the history buff in your family or circle of friends, opt for a gift with substance that harkens back to simpler times. Order a custom birthday book that features the newspaper front page for the day they were born, plus every year after that.

This commemorative book of newspaper front pages is ideal for birthdays but could be used for other important dates like anniversaries. Newspaper options include The New York Times, The Washington Post or the The Chicago Tribune.

2. Trendy Accent Pillow

It might seem a little unconventional to buy someone else home decor, but most people can appreciate a good, cuddly throw pillow. (Except maybe Thanos. He would probably disintegrate it.) Bonus: accent pillows are not too personal to gift to a co-worker.

Color block and faux fur are universally appealing options for unique accent pillows, as they’re easy to wrap, lightweight enough to lug around, and many people won’t splurge on a pillow for themselves, all of which makes accent pillows a great gift option.

3. Night Sky Constellations

Honor an important date with a beautiful piece of artwork like a personalized map of the night sky. Your child’s birth, your engagement, your first kiss or any other significant day in your relationship can be commemorated visually on elegant art matte paper and hung in a prominent location. The simple design and timeless black and blue color options match any home design.

4. Family Tree

For a sentimental nod to a close family member, gift a customized family tree wood block. The rustic style is memorable, personal and works perfectly for a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift, birthdays or Christmas.

5. Travel Map

Travel aficionados always appreciate a way to commemorate their travels without seeming too brag-y. With that in mind, give them the opportunity to show everyone else how sophisticated they are with a personalized travel map.

While traditional travel maps come with pushpins, a more unique option is a scratch map that allows the traveler to scratch off their destinations and reveal beautiful locations underneath.

6. Throwback Music Gift

Music fans of all ages can enjoy a classic rock combination on an era-appropriate cassette tape, so look no further than Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1. Alternatively, opt for classic, music-themed home accents like a record clock or vintage radio in retro blue or walnut.

Consider Any Number of Unique Gift Ideas

It’s time to put gift cards back on the rack or at least save them for a true gift emergency, like your far-away nephew’s high school graduation. Indeed, the next time you need to give something meaningful to someone in your life, consider a personalized book or artwork, travel map, vintage-inspired music gift or stylish home decor.

May 13, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Top birthday gift ideas for music lovers

It’s inevitable that you will at some point this year need to purchase a birthday gift for that special someone. If they’re into music it may have been difficult to outdo other gifts from years past. With the upturn in cool, trendy and 50s-esque style, there are a lot of really unique musical ideas out there today which you easily source from online music equipment stores like Rockit. If you’re on the hunt for one of those gifts that will really wow this year, check out this awesome list of gift ideas for music lovers that will impress even the most discerning of recipient.

A Day Out

Days out are sometimes the best gift money can buy. After all, in a world full of growing minimalist-loving people, experiences are slowly but surely gaining more value than things and so spending time with your loved one doing something fun and exciting can be the best gift money can buy. Whether you engage in an adrenaline-pumping activity or you simply enjoy each other’s company, a day out of many different kinds such as to music concert or a music like the Australian Music Vault would be ideal for a music lover.

Something Trendy

Is your friend or loved one into trendy stuff? Do they have the ultimate in chill zones but it’s missing that special something? Check out stores like Rockit for awesome ideas where it comes to vinyl records – a huge trend that is gaining popularity quickly again having disappeared in the 80s thanks to the invention of things like 8-tracks and such. If your friend needs a bit more equipment, check out these Crosley record players – the perfect addition to any cool space, taking the chill and mellow to the next level.

A Useful Gift

Every music lover loves something they will actually use – whether it’s a great new instrument, a turntable, bluetooth headphones, or something for their house like a chimes. Useful gifts can range from being functional with everyday usage to an item that the recipient only uses occasionally but still provides a huge amount of value to their lives. It doesn’t need to get used everyday to make it a useful, valuable gift.

When In Doubt…

Gift cards! gift card idea when you just don’t know what else to get someone who is really into music. Not only is it versatile and easy but it allows a great deal of flexibility in terms of what people can do with it. Gifts cards can be used to pay for a whole host of items from online stores like Amazon and gives someone the ability purchase something they’ve wanted for awhile – it’s honestly giving the person exactly what they may have needed or wanted in that moment in time!

So whether it’s a friend, an acquaintance or a beloved family member, gift giving is a time honoured tradition that can bring people closer together and create joy and happiness in relationships. Whatever you decide to get a friend or relative this year, hopefully this list will help you make a decision that works for your budget while giving the best gift possible!

December 3, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Christmas Gift Guide For The Hard to Buy For

With Christmas around the corner and your gift lists beginning to mount, it might become a stressful task to find the ideal gift for that special someone. Every year people run into the same issues, especially when it comes to those hard to buy for people. You can wrack your brain trying to come up with the perfect gift ideas, but if you want to cut to the chase and save yourself time and stress, read ahead for our Christmas gift guide for the difficult to buy for.

Glass Diffusers

Glass diffusers are a great gift that you probably haven’t thought to get someone who has everything. Using glass diffusers can be a great way to lessen stress and improve mood with little to no effort, simply plug the diffuser in, put in a couple of drops of your favourite essential oils and away you go. When heated essential oils are dispersed through the atmosphere, helping to relax the mind and lift the spirits. Diffusers can be used with almost any essential oil blend, or simply scents on their own to create the perfect atmosphere and to help rejuvenate or wind down. Oils like lemongrass are great for perking you up while lavender is perfect for before bed. Websites like https://www.sabaidiffusers.com.au can help you find the perfect glass diffuser to give as a gift.

Excursions

Excursions of some kind are an awesome way to share time with your loved one. Consider buying them a gift out on a hot air ballooning ride, trying out race cars at the local track or even spa days at their favourite spa. Other great excursions or days out can include high tea at a posh hotel, dinner out with you and your closest friends or any other kind of outing that your loved one may enjoy. There are so many ways to give days out as gifts for Christmas, so which will you pick?

Cinema Tickets

Cinema tickets are a great stocking stuffer and they don’t have to cost a lot either, making them the perfect small additional gift in a stocking. Many cinemas do gift cards now as well, so if you don’t know what your special someone specifically wants to see, consider getting them a cinema gift card so they can pick what they want. Gift cards can even be used on food, drinks and snacks, so it’s the perfect stocking stuffer!

Classes

Do you have a budding artist, a sculpter or someone who wants to learn a new skill or hobby? Consider getting them classes for Christmas. Many community colleges offer night classes in many different hobbies from writing to painting and other skills. If you have a budding actor, check out local playhouses for acting classes. You’d be surprised at what you can find through local art galleries and the like.

So if you’ve been wondering what to get that special someone this year, wonder no longer. Hopefully this handy gift guide has helped take some of the stress away from you in terms of finding the perfect gift for that special someone.

April 13, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Presents For Women Which Are Sure To Put a Smile On Their Faces

If you are looking for a gift for the lady in your life, a female friend or a family member, then you will no doubt want to buy something which will put a smile on their face. In my view as a man, I believe that women are much easier to buy for than men, and that there is a far wider range of options for gifts that ladies will love.

And so whether it is a birthday, an anniversary or ‘just because’, here are some gift ideas which you can guarantee will please.

Flowers

Flowers serve many purposes, they can say I love you, I am sorry, I am thinking of you, and they can also brighten up someone’s mood. The beauty of flowers is that they are colorful and they show real thought and care. Whatever the occasion, if you get Mum some flowers you can all but guarantee that she’ll be over the moon with your purchase, and the same goes for friends and loved ones. Be sure to try and find out what kind of flowers the lady likes before purchasing, so that you can get the gift just right.

Jewelry

There is an incredibly large range of jewelry options out there if you are looking to add some sparkle to your gift. Aside from the choices of metals such as gold, silver and platinum, there are also a huge range of stones and designs which you can choose from. Before deciding on colors and designs however, you need to think about whether you will buy a ring, a bracelet, earrings or a necklace for you lady. Whilst many women would of course love an expensive item filled with diamonds, most ladies are happy wearing something which simply looks the part, even if the price tag isn’t all that high. You can pick up some beautiful jewelry regardless of what your budget is, and ensure that you have bought a gift which will be warmly received.

Spa Day

If you know a woman who is need of a break, and for a little bit of TLC, why not look to buy a spa day, or a spa weekend, where they can indulge in luxury and some much needed pampering. Generally speaking, ladies put much more emphasis on looking at feeling beautiful, something which a spa day is sure to offer them. You will find that many hotels will offer spa days, as well as local beauticians, so shop around before you take the plunge. The idea behind a spa day is that the lady in your life is given a day of pure relaxation, beauty treatments and tranquility so try to make sure that wherever you decide upon, this is exactly what they are going to get. If you make the right decision, you can count on a gift which any lady would be overjoyed to receive.

January 22, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Gifts for Star Wars Fans

There is rarely anything as popular as the story from a galaxy far, far away – Star Wars. It started as single movie four decades ago, and it has grown into the biggest franchise in the world spanning movies, cartoons, video games, comics, and more. With the success and popularity that Star Wars has seen, there’s a wide variety of Star Wars merchandise to be found, and gifted to that friend who just can’t stop talking about this sci-fi world.

Interactive remote-controlled BB-8 droid

When Disney acquired Star Wars, it meant a whole new set of movies was bound to happen. Those movies would feature a plethora of iconic characters that would be a blast to interact with. Poe’s droid from the movies, BB-8, is one of those characters. Because the droid in the movie is real and not computer-made, you can give it your friend as a gift. It’s remote controlled, voice-activated robot that has a huge palette of interactive commands that you can order to your droid.

Disney Infinity for Xbox 360

Star Wars as a universe is gigantic and has an endless potential. This is where Disney Infinity comes in. Allowing you to play in vast, open areas with your favourite Star Wars characters alongside other iconic Disney ones can be a blast. And the potential really is limitless. There’s a huge collection of scannable cards for the game, as well as many figurines. It’s a collection suited for all ages.

Star Wars Year by Year – A Visual History

An illustrated book filled with Star Wars’ inside story, this one is a must-have for any fan. The book goes into detail in what inspired the movies, how everything was made, the people that work on Star Wars – everything. It even has stories about when Star Wars influenced popular culture, and the overall effect it had on the world.

Novels

Star Wars has its fair share of novels. Going strong for forty years, the franchise has created many, many memorable books and side-stories. There are the fantastic novelisations of the films, but there are dozens, if not hundreds, of unique Star Wars books that are simply waiting to be read. You can choose the New Jedi Order series, Legacy of the Force, the Darth Bane books, and a whole plethora of others. Note – when Disney acquired Star Wars they created their own canon, so any books and video games made from before the acquisition are considered to be Legends Canon.

All sorts of Memorabilia

The Saga is packed with many tiny details that the audience loves. Quotes like ‘May the Force be with you’ are turned into stickers and posters, and there are plushies, toys, collector’s editions of the films and shows, posters, and so much more. If your friend has told you their favourite characters – which they most definitely have – it’s easy finding a tiny, yet memorable, gift that they’ll cherish forever.

As a franchise, Star Wars has stood the test of time and shown time and time again that it’s an amazing story told in a fascinating fashion. Its fans are loyal and dedicated people who always enjoy a good Star Wars gift.

amazing story told in a fascinating fashion. Its fans are loyal and dedicated friendship and love.

November 30, 2017 by Greg Underwood

8 Of The Best Value Christmas Gifts To Get This Season

As Christmas is coming right around the corner, it’s never too early to start thinking about what gifts you’re going to get. While there’s no such thing as the perfect gift, we usually want to get things that hold value to the person that’s receiving it. This is the whole goal of any present we’re after, which can be somewhat nerve-racking. However, with a little bit of stepping back and looking at what might give you the most bang for your buck, you too can perfect the gift without breaking the bank. Here’s how:

Used Sports Equipment

If you know anyone that’s trying to get into sports, then going after used equipment might not be a bad idea. This can be an excellent introduction to a sport without investing too much, as well as a great money saving technique. Plus, you can go after quality goods for the same price you might not have been able to afford otherwise. Yes, from used skis to protective gear, buying used can be a solid investment for the athlete in your family.

A Staple Item Of Clothing

One thing that’s irrefutably a good gift is picking up a staple item of clothing. While they usually carry a higher price tag, these are pieces that will last a lifetime. For example, investing in a nice jacket, boots, or even a quality pair of jeans can go a long way. In terms of recommendations for the best quality and value, try checking out Taft, which makes well-designed boots that can match with any style.

An IoT Accessory

One of the biggest tech crazes to hit 2017 has to be devices like the Google Home or Alexa. Yes, these voice search devices have been one of the most sought-after gifts out and would be perfect to add to your list. Plus, this is something the whole family could use to do anything from playing music to reading a recipe. Make no mistake, these devices are the next wave, and something to grab onto while you can.

A Vacation

While it might sound silly, getting yourself a vacation for Christmas might not be such a bad idea. According to Time, approximately 56% of Americans haven’t taken a vacation in over a year, which is a pretty surprising statistic when you consider how many people work full time. And if you find yourself in that category as well, then perhaps take this holiday to invest in some fun and relaxation. Talk to your significant other or loved ones to see if they possibly want to venture off as well.

A Laptop

Buying yourself or someone else a laptop for Christmas is one of the wisest investments you could make. After all, we use our laptops for nearly everything, from socializing and entertainment to working and handling our finances. Additionally, if anyone you know is about to enter college or is on the last leg with their current computer, then this is a top gift choice.

In terms of value, try to get something that’s long-lasting. For example, as noted by Consumer Report, their most reliable computer is the Apple MacBook, as it’s estimated only 10% fail within three years. Looking at numbers like this will be able to help you gauge better what type of computer you should gift, as this will be something worth every penny.

Tickets To An Event

Another smart gift idea is buying tickets to an event. If you’re looking for the most out of your experience, try and go after something like a festival rather than just a concert. Because as Salon notes, concert tickets average around $75 a piece, whereas festivals start around $250 for three days of music. See if any festivals might pique your interest coming up this summer.

Camping Equipment

If you’ve got someone in your family that’s into the outdoors, then camping equipment is a must. No matter if you get new or used, this is a gift that provides entertainment for years to come, especially considering that camping is practically free. Try and look around for some holiday season sale, as this is one gift that the nature enthusiast in your family will love.

Household Necessities

Finally, it’s never a bad idea to invest in certain necessities that someone might need. From furniture to kitchen appliances, buying something in this category always serves a purpose. Plus, a lot of these items are usually on sale around this time of year, making them an awesome buy.

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What gifts do you find a good value? Comment with your answers below!