Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts

Friday, December 24, 2010

My Favorite Christmas Gifts From Nana

As I work to clean out her house and must decide what goes where and to whom and what is garbage, I obviously can't help but think about the life Nana lived. And especially today, on Christmas Eve, I can't help but think about all the wonderful gifts, both tangible and intangible, she gave me over the years.

When I was a kid, Nana made many of my clothes and they were appropriately 1970s stylish (and now you know why there aren't too many pics of me from the 1970s on LMS). Each year, however, I'd receive a very special dress for Christmas that she and my mom would have made together. That was no small feat, considering we lived in Chicago and Nana lived in Florida. The dresses were exquisitely sewn and always fit me to a T. My favorite a red velvet knee length dress with a white lace bib. I can still remember wearing it and feeling like the prettiest girl in the world (with a horrible Dorothy Hamill haircut).

A number of years later, either while I was in college or shortly after I graduated and was living in Washington DC, we were celebrating Christmas in Batesville, MS with all the extended family. All of Nana's sisters were there and all of their kids, grandkids, and maybe even a great-grandkid. There must have been 50 or more of us. Anyway, we were sitting around the tree on Christmas morning and everyone was opening their gifts. Nana handed Mom, Dave, and me each an envelope and when we opened it, we discovered that she had given each of us our own cemetery plot in Batesville, Mississippi! On top of that, she had also purchased one for my dad. Even though my parents had been divorced for 10 years or so, clearly indicating they didn't want to be together during this lifetime, she seemed to believe they wanted to spend eternity lying next to each other. I love her optimism. Unfortunately, none of us wants to be buried in Batesville (I plan to be cremated and have my ashes turned into diamonds and distributed to my loved ones. Yes, you're on the list. You're welcome.)

My favorite gift, however, arrived in 2002. Nana had just gone blind and was fighting to prove that although she couldn't see, she remained just as independent and capable as she'd ever been. Needless to say, she fought hard. 85 years of taking care of everyone wasn't going to end just because she couldn't see.

Just before church on Christmas Eve, Nana came down stairs holding 3 check boxes and asked me to wrap them. This had always been our routine and this year was no different. She would hand me gifts, tell me for whom each gift was meant, and I would wrap them without ever peeking. Frankly, the boxes felt empty, but I dared not say a word. I carefully wrapped and tagged the boxes and gave them back to her in the order she gave them to me.

The next morning, after gifts had been opened, Nana, pulled out the three boxes and beaming with pride, correctly passed them out. Mom, Dave, and I each opened our boxes and burst out laughing. You could see the look of distress as the pride rushed from her face. What could possibly be so gut-wrenching funny about money, I'm sure she wondered.

Having worked in a bank for 40 years, Nana could write a check blind and she had. The only problem was that rather than writing us checks that we could cash, she wrote out the checks on deposit slips. Had we overlaid the deposit slip onto the check and held it up to the light, all of the information would have proven to have been placed correctly on the check, but the "checks" were, of course, uncashable in that form.

As soon as we explained what she'd done and how much we appreciated her gesture, she joined in on the laugh. I think I still have my 2002 Christmas "check" somewhere. In fact, it was the last gift she gave me completely on her own without my mom's assistance.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Little Merry Sunshine 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Guide

As in previous years, Little Merry Sunshine is pleased to present our annual Gift Giving Guide (click here and here for previous gift guides).

Instant Underpants
While I can see some usefulness in this product if you're in need of a quick change or if you happened to accidentally walk out of the house commando, I never want to put on a pair of wet undies. Once you soak them in water, how long does it take them to dry? I love the website's motto: "It's better to have damp underpants than no underpants at all!" Um, okay, sure.*
*Oddly enough, I could have used these on Saturday night when I took that big spill in the puddle.

Terry the Swearing Turtle
This is probably not the talking toy you want to give your kids, but it's sure to provide hours of hilarious fun for all. With 25 shocking outbursts, Terry is probably also educational. h/t to my cousin-in-law David.
Here's a video demo of Terry's foul mouth. As always, if you read LMS via email, click here to visit the site and watch the video, which is really NSFW or anyone with sensitive ears. Trust me.


Playmobil Security Checkpoint
Do you think that today's generation of kids will grow up playing TSA Agent, rather than Doctor? If you give your kids this cool Playmobil Security Checkpoint toy, they're sure to imitate their favorite TSA agent in no time! Disposable rubber gloves for the enhanced pat downs don't seem to be included.
Mr. Bacon vs Monsieur Tofu Bendie Action Figure Set
My bacon loving friends will tell you that Bacon wins hands down every time, but my vegetarian friends insist that Tofu's got it going on. With the Mr. Bacon vs. Monsieur Tofu Bendie Action Figure Set, you get to decide and it can be different every time!
Squirrel Feet Earrings & Necklace
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but "real recycled taxidermy" squirrel feet unquestionably tell her how you really feel. There will be no question of your feelings when she eagerly and carefully unwraps the small, beautifully wrapped box on Christmas morning containing these gems. Tears will surely be involved. Plus, with Squirrel Feel Jewelry, you don't have to worry that you mistakenly bought blood diamonds. I'd like to say that no squirrels were hurt in the making of this jewelry, but I don't see the PETA seal of approval anywhere.

The Manslator
Men, do you ever wonder what your woman really means when she tells you something? You want to believe that she can be taken at face value, but sometimes you have this gut feeling there's a hidden message, right? Thanks to the Manslator*, you no longer have to wonder. No, I don't know if there's an iPhone app for this. Sorry.

*I'm including this important gift for a two reasons (in no particular order): (1) I've heard that many men failed their "woman to English" translation class in high school (not that I've ever met any) and (2) it can also be used for women to translate what men are really saying (not that it's all that complicated). Don't hate me by saying this gift is sexist. I didn't create it. I'm just letting you know it exists.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Nana Sent Me A Stargazer Lily*


Among the many beautiful plants in my garden, I have two Stargazer Lillies. I'm not really sure where they came from, although I seem to recall there were more in previous years. Now there's just two.

And I've been waiting patiently for them to bloom all summer. I had almost given up on them blooming at all. Until this morning. When I walked out this morning, I discovered one of the orchids in full bloom. I had no reason to believe this Stargazer Lily was going to bloom last night, but there it was this morning in all its glory.

I have to admit that my eyes welled up with just a few tears (which I didn't actually cry, I just became a little misty) and knew Nana had sent me this gorgeous gift of nature to keep me focused on all that I'm grateful for today rather than get stuck in thinking about how much I miss her.

Thank you Nana. Even now you put many smiles on my face.

*Thanks to my friend Christy for informing me that my beautiful flower isn't an orchid, but a Stargazer Lily. Even better.

UPDATED 7/16/2010: On Wednesday, I woke up to TWO beautiful Stargazer Lillies. I'm so in love with both of them and am convinced Nana sent them.

Friday, June 18, 2010

What Are You Getting Your Dad For Father's Day?


What are you getting for your dad for Father's Day? More than likely, he's a pretty cool guy, is deserving of a cool gift and doesn't need another silly necktie or bottle of Aqua Velva.

I suggest you pick up a copy of Heroes for My Son written by my friend, Brad Meltzer, who just happened to have a sit down with my 1990s love, George Stephanopoulos yesterday on Good Morning America. How Brad sat there looking at George without drool running down his face is beyond me because that's what would have happened to me sitting across from George in front of millions of people. But I digress.

My favorite part of Heroes For My Son? On page 106 you can add a picture of your favorite hero and on page 107 you can write a story about them. I'm going to find a picture of my dad and me and write a paragraph or two about how he was never to0 tired read me just one more story every night thus instilling a life long love of reading in me.

And watch the video of Brad's appearance on GMA yesterday and just try not to drool. I mean look how yummy George is. Brad looks great too. Must see TV at its finest. I'm sorry I missed it the first time.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Little Merry Sunshine's 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Guide

It's once again that time of the year when the elves here at Little Merry Sunshine have been busily scurrying to find just the perfect gifts for you to give your loved ones this holiday season.

Once again this year, our goal is to bring you one-of-a-kind top-quality gifts that will send just the right message and that will always be remembered. We've spared no expense because we know you only expect the best.

A word to the wise, with Oprah retiring, she's canceled her infamous Favorite Things episode* and her influence waning, the LMS stamp of approval is highly sought after and means more and more each minute. These items are sure to fly off the shelves this Black Friday, so you'll want to arrive early. We'd get in line now.

Without further ado, we bring you Little Merry Sunshine's 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Guide. And for a bit of nostalgia, here's the 1st Annual Holiday Gift Guide.

Handerpants - The Underpants for Your Hands
You haven't heard of these delightful accessories? I know you're about to wonder how you ever lived without them. $11.95 plus shipping.



Of course, you'll have to have the Undercap to keep your ears warm while wearing your Handerpants. At only $11.95, these tighty whities will surely keep you warm all winter long.

Krazy Rat
This will entertain (or scare) your friends and freak out the kids and pets. Plus, it recharges quickly for endless fun! $34.95 with free shipping.


For the animal lover in your life, give them Buck the Singing Deerhead! $29.95.


Has the woman in your life been hinting around for a diamond ring? Show her how much you love her with the Diamond Ring Keychain! I promise she'll think of you everyday.
The Diamond Ring Keychain is only $3.49, so you'll have plenty of money to spring for the Elephant Poo Roses ($15-$48).
Every girl wants a doll for Christmas, so this year, you should surprise your special girl with the Pole Dancer Doll!

For those of you unaffected by the recession, Little Merry Sunshine recommends these gifts . . .

Do you know someone who can never find their car in the mall parking lot because every car looks the same? Get them a Cupcake Car and they'll never lose their car again! At just $25,000, this car is very competitively priced. I'm not sure if the sprinkles or peppermint safety helmets are extra.
Does your little princess fight going to bed? With the Princess Palace Playhouse Bed she'll be eager for an earlier bedtime. Isn't $47,000 a small price to pay for peaceful bedtimes?
Every little boy fantasizes about being a pirate, so Santa should make that fantasy come true with Red Beard's Revenge Pirate Ship Playhouse! Unfortunately, $52,000 doesn't make this playhouse sea-worthy, but your child will surely be the most popular kid in the neighborhood and popularity is priceless.

*We can't help but wonder if Oprah is conceding that Little Merry Sunshine is now more popular and influential than the Queen of All Media? It's possible that's why Oprah has given up the Favorite Things episode and is retiring. It's highly improbable, but it's possible. If only in my head, it's possible.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Snuggies for Dogs!

Does your best friend get a little chilly and nervous about going out during Chicago's sub-zero weather? For that matter, is your pooch ever a bit cold around the house?

Yes?

Then I've got the perfect gift for you!

For just $14.95, plus $7.95 shipping, you can accessorize your dog in the hottest fashion item around: The Snuggie!

And what's even better, you can get a second Snuggie for free AND two free recordable dog tags! PLUS you can choose between blue and pink! Just imagine how your pet will feel walking around the neighborhood in the ultra-chic Snuggie or snuggling with you at home in your matching Snuggies!



My favorite line of the commercial: "It's just too cute for words." Um, okay. I guess that's one way to put it.

And, yes, of course, my friends with dogs can fully expect to receive this from Betsey, Ross, and Me, this Christmas. I've already ordered them all . . . in pink. Really. There's no need to thank me.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Last Minute Father's Day Gift


Most of you have probably already done your Father's Day shopping, as I gave you the perfect gift idea a month ago. For those of you still pondering what special gift Dad will get this year, I have one more idea for you.

Rick's Custom Squirrels can set your Dear Old Dad with his own customized stuffed squirrel!

I know. It's the perfect gift. It might just be better than a Cardboard Deer Head. You are truly welcome.

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I learned about it in the Tribune.

Just imagine the look on Dad's face when he opens this one-of-a-kind gift. He will be speechless.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Gifts for No Reason

Today I had this great idea to buy a gift for a good friend of mine, for no reason. It's not this friend's birthday. This friend didn't get a promotion. There's nothing to celebrate. I just felt like buying a gift for my friend. Just because.

So I thought and thought and tried to figure out what this friend might like. And then I remembered a recent conversation in which this friend casually mentioned a love of Harry Potter.

Luckily for my friend, a first edition signed copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was up for auction. You may not recognize this title from the famous series, but surely you're familiar with Harry Potter and the Sorcercer's Stone. Philosopher's Stone was the name in Great Britain, but it was changed for the US.

This book is very rare. It's a softcover and one of only 200 from the first printing issued with illustrated wrapping papers from London publisher Bloomsbury. It also includes an illustrated card signed by J.K. Rowling.

Unfortunately for my friend, the book sold a tad bit outside of my price range . . . $19, 120.

Oh well. It's the thought that counts, right?

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

1st Annual Little Merry Sunshine Holiday Gift Guide aka Little Merry Sunshine's Favorite Things

Here at Little Merry Sunshine, we are completely in the Holiday Spirit and are overrun with little elves named Betsey and Ross scampering around to put the finishing touches on all of our Christmas gifts.

But I know that many of you do not have the vast staff I have and have not even started your holiday shopping, even though you've only got 2 days left until Christmas. As my gift to you, I have compiled a list of my Favorite Things a la Oprah's Favorite Things perfect for all your gift giving needs (unless you're shopping for me, in which case you should refer to this list).

Without further ado, Little Merry Sunshine's Holiday Gift Guide . . .

Do you know women or men insecure about the hair down there? Do you get sick and tired with your hook-ups commenting "Huh, I thought you were a natural blonde?" With Betty Beauty, you will be the only one to know you're not truly a natural blonde! Or you can surprise your one-night stand with one of the many on-trend colors including hot pink and blue! And what says you're feeling holiday festive more than a red and green Betty? Over 150,000 satisfied clients!


Is your Dad a golf fanatic? Do you find yourself a golf widow wishing her man or woman was at home rather than pissing away another Saturday on the course? Have you found that with the recession, the golfer you love can no longer afford to play golf every weekend? Give the golfer in your life the Potty Putter for hours of fun!



This year, like no other before it, eco-friendly gifts are all the rage. No one wants to increase their carbon footprint, yet we all want to give personalized, one-of-a-kind gifts. Luckily, the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois has come to our rescue with their Reindeer Dung Christmas Ornaments!


Are you tired of your bananas getting crushed in your briefcase? With the Banana Bunker that problem is solved forever!




For the multitasking guy in your life, you'll want to give him the Weener Kleener! One size fits most.

If you're the kind of person who likes their gifts to live into eternity, I'd recommend naming a newly discovered bat species after your loved one. Nothing quite says "I love you" like naming a flying rodent after someone.

Help build your partner's ego with the new Condometric - The Measuring Tape Condom!

Finally, no list of favorite gifts would be complete without a gift from the Queen of Favorite Things herself - Oprah Winfrey. Therefore, Little Merry Sunshine is pleased to suggest the Oprah Snow Globe.

I'm certain that any of these gifts would be greatly appreciated (but not by me). Merry Christmas & Happy Shopping!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Merry Christmas Fonzie Sox!

Dr. Monkey von Monkerstein, one of my favorite blog buddies, put together a Virtual Secret Santa this year! To participate, I emailed Dr. Monkey, as did many other bloggers, and then Dr. Monkey emailed us back with the blogger for whom we were to be the Secret Santa. We are then to write a blog post about what we got our Secret Santa recipient, but because no money is actually spent, the sky is the limit. What makes this especially interesting is we don't necessarily know the blogger we are shopping for.

My Secret Santa (and new BFF!) is the incredibly generous and inciteful Karen Zipdrive who writes Pulp Friction. Karen doesn't know me at all, but she managed to nail everything I'd want for Christmas if money were truly no object. Seriously, all of you who know me in real life need to take some lessons from Karen. She's a woman who knows how to shop for me. You really must go over to Pulp Friction and see all the super cool loot I scored! And add her to your blogroll or at least your daily reading. She's good.

I'm the Secret Santa for Miss Alex of FonzieSox. Again, I don't know Miss Alex at all, but she seems to write three very fun blogs. I admire her creativity.

First, I'm from Illinois so I'm going to give her a gift from my home state. We seem to have an extra Senate Seat laying around and I'd like Miss Alex to have it.

Because Miss Alex will need a pad to crash in while fulfilling her duties as the Junior Senator from Illinois, I've bought her a little house called Evermay.

Miss Alex also deserves to travel across the universe in style anytime she wants, so I've bought her a Space Shuttle. She's got her choice of the Atlantis, Discovery or Endeavor. I just need to know which one she wants and where she'd like it delivered.

Finally, Mr. Ewan McGregor, at my request, has left his wife, and will now devote himself solely to satisfying the pleasures of Miss Alex.

Merry Christmas Miss Alex! I hope you like your gifts!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I'm Feeling the LOVE!

Just days after I announced the new Little Merry Sunshine Pay to Play policy, I walk to my mailbox and what did I find? Beautiful Christmas cards from three of my favorite men!

Dr. Monkey von Monkerstein sent along a beautiful card of a snow covered farm house with a full moon up in the sky wishing me a "Happy War on Christmas"! Dr. Monkey you are too cool and you know I may soon become spoiled with all of these wonderful gifts from you! If you haven't already done so, you should add Dr. Monkey's blog to your daily reading list. He is hysterical, timely, well-thought out, and will always put a smile on your face.

Tim and Tony of Balancing Boyfriends, Anthony's Chicken Tracks, Morgan Terrace, and What's Cooking In the Frisky Kitchen fame penned a lovely personal note on a card with snowy trees. Very festive. Their blogs fall into the must read category as well because they both paint the most beautiful pictures with their words and are amazing photographers, as well. Whenever I need inspiration or a swift kick, I turn to Tim and Tony and they lovingly provide it.

Congratulations gentlemen! You are today's favorite bloggers! One of you wins a shiny new Senate Seat from the great state of Illinois! Runners up can divvy up the Big 3 for themselves. You'll have to decide amongst yourselves who gets what.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

"Pay-to-Play" Now Standard Operating Procedure at Little Merry Sunshine

In light of recent political developments, Little Merry Sunshine is announcing the new "Pay-to-Play" policy that will take effect immediately. While I understand you may feel this is unfair, please understand that I am only taking my cues from the politicians we all admire the most - Illinois Governors Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan - and times are tough all over. I'm simply looking out for #1 - Me.

What exactly is the Little Merry Sunshine "Pay-to-Play" policy? I'm so glad you asked.

The "Pay-to-Play" policy entails you showering me with gifts and me writing favorable blog posts about you.

That's pretty simple.

I've even provided you a list of acceptable gifts - all of them cost less than $1 million.

I'm also pleased to announce that two bloggers are already on board with this policy and have recently gifted me - Dr. Monkey von Monkerstein and Gourmet Goddess!

Congratulations Dr. Monkey and Gourmet Goddess! You are hereby awarded the distinct honor of being my favorite bloggers for today!

Dr. Monkey showed his love with a spiffy postcard of a 1960s roadside motel and wrote me a special Thanksgiving note!

Gourmet Goddess sent me a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure! I can't wait to use this and have pretty tootsies again!

Thank you Dr. Monkey and Gourmet Goddess!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Forget a Puppy, Get Junior a Rat for Christmas!

My local paper, The Daily Herald, has an article today about good pets to give this Christmas. They consider these pets "good pets" because they are cheap. Now I like to save money as much as anyone - I proudly clip coupons and always check local gas prices before heading out to fill up - but this just seems wrong on quite a few levels.

The Daily Herald suggests pets such as a Scorpion ($25), Bearded Dragon ($50), Tarantula, Ferret ($50-150), Sun Conure bird ($50-500), Hedgehog ($150), Chinchilla ($170), or Rat ($8). Yep, you read that correctly. The Daily Herald suggests you give your kid a Rat for Christmas.

According to the article, Eric Hall of Pets Inc. in Naperville, Ill. says that Rats "can become part of the family. They are a lot of fun." Really? How?

Are things that bad that we really need to give our kids Rats? Frankly, $8 seems like price gouging to me. Just walk down any alley in a big city and you can find Rats for free.

All this talk of Rats reminds me that episode of Friends where Phoebe's is feeding a rat that lives in her apartment.

Rats may be cheap pets now, but when added to the therapy bills you will be stuck with for the next 50 years after traumatizing your child, I think giving your kid a Rat is just a bad idea.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Uno - The Best Christmas Gift Ever

I've previously discussed the Christmas my brother and I received our only Christmas gift (yep, just one apiece) from the local Giving Tree. After reading that post, my mom reminded me about a very important part of that Christmas. In addition to the individual gift Dave and I each received, we received a family gift.

That gift was the card game Uno. Just a simple deck of cards. Well, special cards. Uno can't be played with a regular deck. Back then, I bet a deck of Uno cards couldn't have cost more than $1. 26 years later, it only costs $3.99.

As a family, my mom, Dave, and I spent countless evenings sitting around the kitchen table playing Uno and talking. My mom reminded me that although we'd always come home from school and reply to the question of "what did you learn today" with "nothing," when we were playing Uno, Dave and I both opened up and that's how she always learned what was going on with us.

Uno isn't a complicated or fancy game. In fact, it's unbelievably simple. Maybe that was the beauty of it. Whatever it was, it brought our family many nights of fun together and kept our us together during some truly difficult and painful times.

All these years later, whenever I donate to the local Giving Tree at Christmas, I always pick up an Uno game. I hope it brings other families as much joy as it brought mine.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Shhh! Don't Tell Betsey & Ross! I Found the Purr-fect Christmas Present for Them!

Admittedly, I stole this idea from Gourmet Goddess, but she has great ideas, so how could I help myself?



Just please don't tell Betsey and Ross.

I'd like it their new Whac-A-Mole game to be a surprise. Truthfully, Betsey probably won't want anything to do with it. She'll probably think it's too simplistic for her high intelligence and she'll realize the mouse is fake. Ross, on the other hand, will be highly entertained.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Stay Tuned . . .

Little Merry Sunshine will be updated later today and then we'll be back on track.

In the meantime, I have recently discovered that although my Christmas shopping is DONE! somehow I overlooked my Dad. I'm headed to his place for Thanksgiving and wanted to take his gift(s) with me, but have no idea what to get!

Discuss.