So you want to buy a gadget, or something techy for that special someone in your life? How about taking a romantic twist on a gift?

For the past few years, I have taken on a new role… gift consultant. Sure, you might ask, how are you qualified? Maybe it’s because I watch a lot of movies, have a strong imagination, or just because I’m a hopeless romantic.

First, I’ll take you through a few Valentine’s Day gift scenarios I have passed along to close friends. I hope you’ll find some inspiration… but please leave a comment with your suggestions on cute and romantic gifts you have done for someone on Valentine’s Day.

Gift Scenario 1: Girlfriend likes to cook. Boyfriend would like to continue this hobby.

Outcome: Boyfriend purchased an apron from Williams-Sonoma ($19) in girlfriend’s favorite color along with some cooking supplies. Sounds normal right? Take it up the extra notch by writing a note and having it embroidered on the bottom of the apron. LOVE.

Online Tools: I would recommend having the apron embroidered locally. But if you want something embroidered that is “standard” you can order it from any online embroidery website.

Gift Scenario 2: Girlfriend wants a dog and something from Tiffany.  Boyfriend does not want to buy her a dog.

Outcome: Boyfriend purchases the same dog that girlfriend wants, but a stuffed animal dog, and puts the Tiffany necklace around it’s neck. Then puts it in a box with holes in it. done.

Online Tools: Stuffed Animal World has many varieties of stuffed animals (you could guess) but the dogs from Douglas Cuddle Toy (weird name) are great.

Gift Scenario 3: Girlfriend wants a digital camera. Boyfriend buys digital camera. Gift consultant (me) recommends making it a little more romantic.

Outcome: Camera is purchased. Boyfriend takes camera out of the box and charges it without disrupting the packaging. Boyfriend takes photos of clues that lead to each other and finally ends at something romantic (roses, dinner, etc.). Another suggestion is to have photos of boyfriend holding up cards saying “I love you” on the camera, so when she turns the camera on, they are there!

Of course, the inspiration for this was Love Actually, with the cards…

please share your ideas in the comments! What gifts have you passed along to someone you <3? What are your valentine’s day plans?

I do love you, blogs & tea.

Finding something for your mom (ok, well, any woman) can be a struggle. We’ve all been there.

I have a reputation @ the wig company as a “gift consultant” for colleagues with girlfriends (let’s just say that

I live vicariously through these gifts)… so I want to help pass along some of my ideas for Mother’s day to all of you who read the Techyness.

As mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been on a real Etsy kick lately… so here are a few ideas for all you Moms out there (because what’s better that something handmade, local, and helps out real people!?!).

On the techy side, what about a great USB flash drive? Even the non-techy moms will be a fan of the LaCie Key-Shaped USB drives. Simple, flawless design.

BUT. Never give a woman JUST a gadget or a technological device. Add a fun twist- if you’re buying your mom a digital camera, preload the sd card with some photos to flip through, or a pre-recorded video of you telling her you love her :) This was the same advice I gave to a fellow IMLP- lets just say it worked out well with his girlfriend!

Not sure what to buy Mom!?!

What about technology lessons? I usually help my mom out with blackberry 101 and 101.1 lessons whenever I’m back in Ohio. (Last time I gave a live demo of Kayak, she’s a huge fan now.) Or what about installing Skype on her computer and buying her a cute headset (alongwith some skype credits!?) Your mom would like to SEE you sometime, you know.

Want to show your madre you <3 her?  I’ve included some non-techy ideas…

I’m loving these posters that are silk screened by hand, especially this one. Or what about a photo locket (moms love a mix of classy/corny) – like this fleur-de-lis vintage locket, a mixed media locket, a tree locket for the nature types, and a classic long chained oversize locket.

If you’re looking for a photo to put in the locket, you can order photos via snapfish, or my personal favorite, mpix. These sites also offer fun photo gifts that ship fast- like photo albums, inexpensive photobooks from snapfish, or try vistaprint for endless possibilities (ships fast too!)…

Happy Mother’s Day – and comment with what you’re buying your mom this year :)