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Mother's Day is coming up soon so I wanted to do this post + give you guys plenty of time to start shopping! Here are FIVE gift ideas that every mom will love.

~~~

ONE - Photos

Printiki is a photo printing service where you can upload pictures directly from your computer/laptop or from social media like Instagram! It's very easy to use. You can sign in with a guest account or with Facebook, Google, etc. From there, you sign into an account to access photos or upload directly from your computer. Once they are loaded, you can add text or crop before you add them to your cart. 

There's a variety of options in terms of the photos themselves. You can do square photos or rectangular photos and they also come in a retro form. You can also opt for photo books or posters if you don't want the traditional single photos. These make wonderful gifts since you can personalize them to whomever you are gifting them to.

I created a set of my own prints for my mom, with pictures of our family and places we've traveled to. I think pictures are such an intimate gift...you can't go wrong with this!

photo, photos, photographs, memories, pictures, printiki, printing, print

You can click here to get started: Printiki

If you need inspiration on how to decorate your space with photos, check out their Instagram!

** This part of the post was sponsored by Printiki. I was sent these items in return for a review but all opinions are my own. **


TWO - Tieks (or other comfortable flats)

If you're a mom or you are close with your mom, you'll know how tough it is to run back and forth getting things done. Whether it's driving to a soccer game, picking up groceries, or even working 8 hours a day, your mom deserves the best for her feet.

In come the Tieks. 

tieks, flats, shoes, footwear, bronze, comfortable

These are buttery, soft, cushiony flats that are not only comfortable but also versatile, travel-friendly, and fashionable. 

I personally love the bronze color, esp for summer because it looks so good with a tan. But they have like a million colors to choose from so chances are, you'll find one that she likes.

Click here to check it out: Tieks

Don't want to splurge $195 for flats? Here are a couple of other alternatives to check out: 1 / 2 / 3


THREE - Personalized gift box

Nothing screams 'well thought out' more than a personalized gift. By creating your own gift box, you can put virtually anything you want inside that she has been wanting to try or uses on the daily.

mother's day, gift, present, box, personalized, diy


You can also do it based on a theme like spa day or movie night, depending on what she likes. Other ideas include a gardening theme, painting theme, and photography theme. 

Pop in some paint brushes, acrylic paint, mini canvases, her favorite tea/coffee, and maybe a gift card to a painting event in the local area-- you've got a personalized present that she will actually use.

Click here for original photo: Pinterest


FOUR - Best mom mug

It's a little cheesy, I know. But what mom doesn't want to hear they're the best?



After slaving away all day, she can kick back with a nice hot drink in her new mug. Sounds like a winner to me!

Here are three that I found on Etsy: 1 / 2 / 3


FIVE - Homecooked meal

Your mom may be the world's best cook. Now's your chance to show her you've inherited her skills (or at least paid attention once or twice while she was whipping up those meals). 

There are some simple ways to plate your food so that they look fancier and more time-consuming than they actually are.

For instance, set the table with candles, clean silverware, and white plates. It'll give it a fresher look! Or go with a theme and set everything in a similar color palette.

Adding a sprig of an herb or freshly ground pepper right at the end can also make a dish look more put together.



Here are a couple of SUPER EASY recipes that you can do, whether you are a pro or not: 
Quinoa & Avocado Salad / Cod Arrabbiata Pasta / Chicken Lettuce Wraps / Breakfast Pizza / Bang Bang Shrimp

** Not sponsored, I just really like her videos! **

Buzzfeed Tasty also has a ton of great recipes on their Facebook and YouTube page so be sure to check it out if you need more meal inspirations. 

~~~

Tweet me your favorite gift idea from this list OR share with me a gift idea that I haven't mentioned!

Tweet to @jennn_ngo

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Now I know what you're thinking--

Another gift guide? I already did one last year (which you can view here) and I have several other gift guides like this one for my budget friendly readers. But I wanted to do an updated one in case you needed just a few extra ideas.

Plus, this year is really special for me since I will be walking for commencement for my Master's degree and my little sister is getting her Bachelor's. It's an exciting time and of course, no special occasion is complete without gifts.

So whether you're stumped for something to buy or you want to point your family members in the right direction, this list will hopefully be your guide for 2017.


GIFTS UNDER $50 "Making-minimum-wage broke"

graduation, gifts, budget, lifestyle, presents

1. After four years of reading assigned texts, a book may not be the first gift that comes to mind. But an inspiring book can be a wonderful gift for someone straight out of college, especially one like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It talks about how you can overcome your fears to live your most creative life.
>> click here for more info <<

2. For the professional buff with the big office job, a business card holder is a wonderful present. Add a personalized touch to complete the gift!
>> click here for more info <<

3. A sweatshirt is the perfect casual gift for the guy in your life. Plus the saying on the front is a great reminder to step back + relax after four years of hard work!
>> click here for more info <<

4. I don't know what it is but as I get older, I yearn more and more for pajamas and comfy clothes. These cotton fleece shorts are perfect for the summertime, lounging around after work. And let's be real here, who doesn't love being 'badass'?
>> click here for more info <<

5. What's a better gift than a photo album? Instax and polaroids have made an astonishing comeback. Your friend or sister or brother that always has a camera in hand? Give them this Instax album to store their memories!
>> click here for more info <<


GIFTS UNDER $100 "I-have-money-saved-up"

graduation, gifts, presents, college, fashion, lifestyle

1. A throw blanket is a must for cozying up at home. It can be thrown over a couch for added texture and color or placed at the foot of the bed. 
>> click here for more info <<

2. If the gift receiver is moving out after college, they're gonna want some tools to beef up that kitchen. Cooking on your own isn't an easy task but it can be fun when you have things like an immersion blender.
>> click here for more info <<

3. It never hurts to smell good. Splurge on this starter kit for Jo Malone for the girl who wants a new signature smell but isn't sure where to start.
>> click here for more info <<

4. You can never go wrong with a wallet as a gift, especially a sleek black one. It's a great way to 'graduate' from something casual to something office appropriate.
>> click here for more info <<

5. Again, going with the apartment theme, a piece of art is a wonderful gift. It can really add personality to a space and you can tailor it to the person you are giving it to.
>> click here for more info <<


GIFTS UNDER $600 "I'm-balling-and-it-shows"

graduation, gifts, presents, college, expensive, lifestyle, travel, fashion

1. Another staple gift is a watch. Rose gold has been in style for a while now and seriously, it's gorgeous paired with a button up and blazer. 
>> click here for more info <<

2. Another great gift to bulk up the kitchen is a cast iron dutch oven. It's beautiful, will last a long time, and be very impressive for hosting dinner parties. Definitely pricey but well worth the investment.
>> click here for more info <<

3. The man in your life deserves a lovely leather briefcase to round out his office look. It's great for carrying documents and for travel!
>> click here for more info <<

4. Going for a run? Heading to the train on your commute? A pair of wireless headphones are perfect. You won't have to deal with tangled wires (because really, who wants to deal with that?).
>> click here for more info <<

5. An iPad is definitely an expensive gift and I don't recommend dropping $600+ on just anyone. But if this is someone really special in your life and you want to celebrate their achievements, a new iPad would be an amazing gift. They can carry it around, organize their calendar, jot down notes-- perfect for someone fresh in the workforce.
>> click here for more info <<


Do you have anymore gift ideas? Share them down below! 
and remember to PIN this post for future reference :)


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Hello my dears! Can you believe it's already the end of April because I seriously can't. It's just about time for graduations and parties and all that good stuff so I thought I'd bring to you a gift guide for those high school/college grads in your life! I'm also having a hard time finding the perfect gift and figured that I can't be the only one struggling. Whether you have a lot of money or don't have much at all, here is a nice variety of items that may work for you.

If you have any other gift ideas, please let me know down below!

~~~~~~~~~~

UNDER $50: "I'm eating-from-the-dollar-menu broke"

(1) Magical Thinking Good Vibes Pillow
(2) Personalized Tumbler
(3) Inspirational Calendar
(4) Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera Case
(5) Brushed Steel & Leather Business Card Holder
(6) Garden Custom Stamp

These gifts are great whether your friend or family member is dorming after high school or getting a new apartment after college. Fun pillows and calendars as well as any other general home decor item can be a wonderful gift. They'll think of you every time they use it! Items like business card holders can also be great for networking through clubs or through work. For the photographer in your life who wants to document special memories, a cute instax carrier is perfect! Last but not least, my favorite, personalized stamps are a beautiful present because he or she can use it to send letters and packages back home. It's also really nice if they have moved to a new city or place to add a personal touch to all kinds of mail and commemorate the move!

UNDER $100: "I make a few extra bucks on the side"

(1) Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker
(2) Cheero 6000 mAh Danboard Power Bank
(3) Beats by Dr. Dre In-Ear Headphones
(4) Personalized Rocks Glasses
(5) Kate Spade Cedar Street Rose Passport Holder
(6) Herschel Novel Duffel Bag

My sister actually has the Bose speakers and I can safely say that they were the best gift. She loves using it to listen to music in her dorm room, jamming out with her friends. Along the same lines of music, good quality headphones can be a great gift. It can be used in the library to zone out other students studying or used on the commute to work or school. And of course, if he or she is using it to listen to music on a phone or tablet, a power bank might come in handy! This cute one can charge two devices...perfect for tech savvy graduates and also great for making friends. Know a guy who loves drinking? Just graduated and now has his own place? Personalized glassware can be so posh (also useful so other people don't drink out of your glass). For those who are planning to study abroad or travel a lot for work, a passport holder can be a wonderful present. It's functional but also pretty! Duffel bags also make great traveling items (or double as a gym bag/laundry bag/weekend bag).

OVER $100: "I'm balling and flaunting it"

(1) Movado BOLD Watch 25mm
(2) Vitamix Pro 750
(3) Salvatore Ferragamo Tramezza Bifold Wallet
(4) Ted Baker Adira Colour Block Shopper Bag
(5) Ted Baker Alanie Hanging Gardens Suitcase
(6) Fitbit Blaze

There are certain accessories that can really amp up your professional game and watches are one of them. I like this sleek silver one because it's not too thick of a band and it's a color that works with every outfit. Next, a good blender is all the rage. Eating healthy is so important whether you are living on your own or tempted by the endless meals in the cafeteria. A fancy leather wallet can also be a great gift because it's something that can be used everyday and it looks so chic! Same with a good tote bag. Carry it to class with notebooks or to work with files...it's a staple. A suitcase can be a bit of a splurge item but having one handy makes traveling a breeze. I especially like carry-on sized suitcases because checking in luggage is a nightmare. Lastly...gotta work off those extra pounds put on by freshman fifteen or because you (or your graduate friend) has been binging on takeout food. A fitbit is great for the grad who likes working out or needs motivation to work out!

~~~~~~~~~~

Are you considering buying any of these for your friends who are graduating? Or maybe you are about to reach that milestone and would like one of these gifts for yourself. I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave it below as always :)


*** This post has updated links as of 2017. Some of these items are no longer available but I have linked similar alternatives! ***
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Hello my friends!

Welcome back to my blog. If you're new, hello hello~ Be sure to check out the rest of my page, add me on Twitter, and follow me on Bloglovin'!

If you're anything like me, you'll know the challenge of picking out the perfect gift is one that comes around more often than I expected. It seems that every few months, I'll be stuck trying to buy multiple presents for multiple people's birthdays and truthfully, it's getting harder and harder to one-up the previous year's ideas.

Having friends or family members with hobbies is nice but that's not something we can control. Also, knowing people who are actually in need of things all the time, such as socks or basic T-shirts, is great but most of the people I'm associated with are well equipped to handle their own fashion essentials. They have everything they need and they have the means to buy what they want. So what are people like you and me supposed to do when it comes to gift-giving? I don't have all the answers. Actually, I don't have answers. But here are some things that may tickle your fancy or inspire you in some way on your gift shopping journey!



Carry on carry on
(1) ASOS Tote Bag With Stud Detail $52
(2) ASOS Mini Suede Lace Up Duffle $31
(3) Nasty Gal Batteries Not Included Chain Bag $33.60
(4) ASOS Embellished Chain Cross Body Bag $48
(5) BDG Mini Saddle Bag $34
(6) Skinnydip Exclusive Pineapple Cross Body Bag $54



Knick knacks and accessories
(1) Loli Swim Toasty Egg iPhone 6/6s Case $35
(2) Triple C Smart Cordz Retractable Charge Cable $35
(3) Sunnylife Cactus Neon Light $22
(4) Cat Butt Magnets $12.99
(5) ASOS #Heart You Keychain $14
(6) Peek a Boo Cat Bubble Umbrella $40



For the cooks in your life
(1) Copper Infuser Tea Pot $49.99
(2) Croquade Heart Waffle Plate $39.95
(3) Hatching Chick Cookie Jar $12.99
(4) Aqua Ceramic Scone Pan $14.99
(5) Chef'sChoice Electric Egg Cooker $39.95
(6) Avocado Cuber $17.95


Leave it down below if you want me to do a birthday gift guide for the men in your life :) I hope this gave you guys some ideas of what you can buy as birthday gifts. Obviously, there are a lot more specific items you can choose depending on the person but I just found these to be very cute and unique!


Bye for now,
Jenn

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I recently did some shopping on Cyber Monday and realized how difficult it was to shop for gifts on a budget, especially when you're buying for people who already have everything!! Not only that, buying gifts in general is a daunting task because people tend to be picky about what they like (we are human after all). Anyway, I thought I'd lend a helping hand by digging around for sweet bargains that will make everyone happy this holiday season :)

Let me know: what's the best present you've given to someone??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Men


#1) Hoes Hoes Hoes Sweatshirt $19.90 (Originally $34.90)
#2) Wheel of Shots Game $15
#3) Build Your Own Batmobile $12.54
#4) PF Candle Co. Travel Jar $12
#5) Sriracha To Go Keychain $8
#6) How to Swear Around the World Book $16.11


Women


#1) Heart Fairisle Hot Water Bottle $18.81
#2) Graphic Sleep Mask $5.97 (Originally $9.95)
#3) Diament Jewelry Initial Keychain $10
#4) Elegant Touch Xmas Nails $12.52
#5) New is the New New Sweatshirt $19.90 (Originally $32.90)
#6) Magical Thinking Pyramid Mirror Box $18
#7) Emotional Baggage Tote $9.90 (Originally $19.90)
#8) Kittea Tea Infuser $14


Unisex


#1) Flannel Flask $12.50
#2) Maki Tack Set $8
#3) The Mindfulness Coloring Book $9.95
#4) Fabric Card Holder $9.50
#5) Mini Rectangular Luggage Tag $10 (Extra $10 for Monogramming)
#6) Sober Mug $15.90


I tried to include fun gifts but of course, there are other cute things you can buy for under $20 like socks, scarves, gloves, wallets, etc. I think books also make a nice gift, especially inspirational ones or specialized subjects for those eager to learn something new.

Is there any other gift guides you'd like to see? Leave it below!

Bye for now,
Jenn
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Hello!




Hey, my name's Jenn and you've reached my blog!
My life would not be complete without potatoes, cheesy puns, and #cat gifs.
True born New Englander.
Forever dreaming, forever creating.

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