For the second day of my Gift Guide series, I'm looking at a more out-of-box category: giving the gift of time. You'll have to follow my thoughts here to see what I mean. Time is one of our most precious resources, and the older I get, the more it seems that time seems to be melting as fast as our ice caps. So here are some gift ideas for holding onto time a little tighter in the new year.
+ This screenprinted fabric calendar by Two Brunettes is one of my favorite calendars for 2010. I love the idea of seeing the entire year on one piece of canvas.
+ This cool photograph print by Abby is the perfect gift for your partner-in-crime on roadtrips. Roadtrips for me are the best time to catch up on long conversations you never have time for, enjoy hours of listening to old favorite tunes, and take advantage of the freedom to eat a little fast food with minimal guilt (for me, it's always Taco Bell — I know, bad!).
+ Many of us make use of our cell phones as clocks when we're on the go. But at home, I love the style of an old-fashioned clock. This Big Ben alarm clock would be the perfect addition to a bedside.
+ Gift these fantastic Ruler and Grid letterpress notes by Simplesong to someone who measures up as an amazing friend (but lives far away!). Taking the time to exchange handwritten notes would be an incredible way to reconnect in the new year.
+ OXO is always coming up with time-saving tools that make great gifts for any home cooks. This thermometer is my new favorite kitchen helper — an instant read thermometer that ensures you get the perfect timing on all your meats (love how the recommended internal temperatures are listed on its storage sleeve.)
+ For the aspiring baker, here's a gorgeous book by Chronicle Books with foolproof step-by-step tips on how to make your own macarons. That's one sweet treat I'd love to take the time to learn how to bake.
+ Here's a simple stocking stuffer for kids: an Olympic jump rope. Bring them back in time to the days before XBox with this game that keeps you on your toes.
+ I'm a bit obsessed with this new Quick Pop Maker available at Williams-Sonoma. I found out making ice pops and cream-filled pops with designs, stripes, and frozen fruits is all about timing. Here's a way to get homemade frozen pops with custom designs in seven minutes!
+ High on my wishlist, a custom return address stamp with handwritten calligraphy by the amazing Bryn of Paperfinger. You have 6 styles to choose from. How fantastic — especially for people like me with horrible handwriting! And it's such a timesaver for anyone who sends out invitations, holiday cards, and correspondence.
Have a great weekend! Monday's Gift Guide will be all about gifts with style.
