Like everyone else on the internet, I am in love with a dog I’ve never met.
I’m not sure how to explain it- it just happened one day as I was on Facebook and started finding photos, videos, and notes from a really cute animal.
So of course, once he started to get famous (sigh!), with a book deal, magazine interviews and photos with celebs, I thought my chances with such a star were beyond my reach.
Of course, I let my hopes down too soon, because when Gund launched a special set of Boo plush animals, I knew it was my chance.
Knowing my love for all things cute pups, my boyfriend bought me this little cutie as part of an anniversary gift. <3.
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.
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?
As time gets closer and closer to Valentine’s day, I’ve been noticing an increase in articles on “Top [insert number here] Valentine’s Day Gadgets for Her and Him,” and others similar.
Therefore, I have a few feelings on these lists, froma techyness point of view.
#1. Yahoo’s 10 Valentine’s Day Gadgets for Her and Him: I have a few thoughts on this one. OK, so any article that starts off with ” Two well-established facts: 1. Girls love to take pictures. 2. Girls love cute, tiny things.” makes me a little skeptical on the research done by the journalist here.
2 things, buddy. 1. I am a girl. 2. I like gadgets… so don’t advise crappy ones, ok? Sure, buying a GPS for your girl is a nice Valentine’s day present (my suggestion would be to program it ahead of time with where you are planning to meet her and leave a note telling her to turn on the device and press a preset button, because that’s really cute), but really, why are you suggesting a $200 Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner!??!! Not good.
Create a digital MixTape using a MixTape shaped flash drive :)
#3. Chip Chick’s Top 12 Geekiest Gadget Gifts: This list has been the most creative thus far. Take the ping “dunk mug,” that has a dedicated area to keep your cookies. Or how about the usb flash drive shaped like a mix tape… this could be cute if you put mp3 files on it and actually give it as a digital mix tape (that would be totally cute!), which is of course, from ThinkGeek (a personal favorite).
In the end, I would admit that most of these are indeed much better options than what’s currently #1 on Amazon.com’s list…. the “Oxford Biscuit Jar,” only $99.99. I think I only want one if there are diamonds in it.
Or, if you really enjoyed the Tamagotchi’s from years back, and you’re lacking a date this year… there’s always the virtual boyfriend/girlfriend. With a really low total cost of ownership of ~$25 (not including future battery replacements), it’s probably cheaper than the last person you ended up dating.
I believe that my techyness is multi-dimensional. (Don’t worry, I’ll explain.)
While surfing the web (& choosing RSS feeds) I often find myself torn between straight-up true tech sites like engadget (my favorite) digg’s technology section, gizmodo, slashdot, lifehacker (basically Forbes top tech blogs).
But there’s another side. It’s more like the girly-girl in me that finds myself looking through the “geek chic” sites like GeekSugar and Shiny Shiny that are fun, shiny, filled with pictures, and pretty light on the techy side. Mainly, they feature photos of stars from MTV’s The Hills, Gossip Girl, Sex & the City and Paris Hilton (no surprise) clutching new iPhones, BBs, sidekicks, mp3 players, laptops and other electronic devices with simplified “how-to” guides and descriptions of said products.
My main question here is: are people really using these smart phones or just trying to look like the lc’s and lindsay lohans of the world? (although I do have to admit that I’m a little upset about hearing that john mayer has a blackberry bold.)
For example, check out GeekSugar’s “Top 10 BlackBerry Tips and Tricks,” with the best tip (in my opinion) to put your smart phone in a cup filled with uncooked rice overnight, which will absorb moisture. humm.
Mobile Magazine states, “no price has been attached to the Swarovski Crystal engagement ring USB flash drive, but the real price will be the potential for losing your bride to be over your uber-geekiness.” hahahahaha.
Regardless of how shallow some of the posts seem, there are a few hidden “gems” (haha) in these sites. Both are good resources for men who are looking to buy something for a techy girlfriend, coworker, or friend that is a girl (either way).
I believe that my techyness is multi-dimensional. (Don’t worry, I’ll explain.)
For example, check out GeekSugar’s “
Looking for ideas? I’m a fan of: