How can you tell?

New styles make it difficult to distinguish expecting mothers
OK, I will be the first to admit that my powers of observation maybe lacking but I am finding it more and more difficult to determine when someone is expecting and when they are just over weight. With the new blouse styles emphasizing empire bust lines it is often hard to tell. I eat lunch at brew pub near our offices frequently. The same waitress serves me most of the time. She looks very pregnant but I am afraid to mention anything for fear that she is just very over weight. Subconsciously I find myself looking to see if she rubs her belly or holds her tummy as she walks like expecting mothers do. I am also on the look-out for the pregnant waddle as I call it. Sometimes I think I have spotted the telling behavior of an expectant mother, then other times I am just not sure. Since I starting noticing my waitress it seems that every where I look I see someone else who looks pregnant. I am tempted to suggest that expectant mothers start wearing a necklace with an arrow saying baby or something else equally disgusting but just as functional. As cute as the new tops look on the very thin, I have to say that they certainly create confusion for observers when the wearer is anything but stick thin.

Gift ideas for the new baby and their parents
I am going to risk embarrassing myself and buy my waitress/friend a new baby gift. Maybe I'll ask someone else in the restaurant first just to make certain. Fortunately, at Arttowngifts.com we offer a complete selection of unique baby gifts. I can select from new baby gifts sets such as our Baby Bountiful Gift Basket which includes all of the essentials for a new baby or our New Baby Shower Gift called Bundles of Joy for a Boy or Girl. This new arrival gift includes a wicker bassinet loaded with outstanding gifts for both baby and mom making it a perfect choice for a baby shower.

Remember new dads too
Don't forget those new dads. At Arttowngifts.com we keep the new fathers in the loop with gifts like our New Dad's Gift Basket. While new baby gift baskets make perfect gifts we also offer several personalized baby gifts to provide a lasting gift that marks the importance of the occasion. My favorites are our Personalized Pewter Train Bank and an Alphabet Cube Silver Bank. Remember Arttowngifts.com when you need last minute gifts for any occasion.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Online Shopping is Perfect Place for Last Minute Gifts
Let’s face it, life can be distracting. Between busy jobs, shuttling kids back and forth and attempting to take care of all of the things that need to get done, some things get lost in the shuffle. One of those things can be important occasions that require a gift. How many times have you completely forgotten to purchase a gift for an upcoming birthday or anniversary? For individuals who need to purchase high quality, last minute gifts, Arttowngifts.com is the perfect online destination. You will find last minute birthday gifts, last minute wine gifts, last minute wedding gifts, last minute anniversary gifts and even last minute personalized gifts.

Same Day Delivery Available for Special Selection of Gifts
Arttowngifts.com offers same day delivery for a special selection of wine gifts, gourmet gift baskets, fruit baskets and balloon bouquets. Just order before 2:00 p.m. in the recipient's time zone for same day delivery as long as you select from the Same Day Gift Collection.

Have an Extra Day? Choices for Last Minute Gifts are Fantastic
At Arttowngifts.com we also offer a variety of other gifts and trinkets that can be shipped to you overnight for next day delivery. You will find themed gift baskets, personalized gifts, gold dipped roses, jewelry, home décor and much more. Most regular orders such as gift baskets or gold roses are delivered much more quickly than you might think using just regular shipping. Most ship the same the day they are ordered. And expedited shipping is always available including next day delivery, two day delivery and three day delivery for those last minute ut ohs. If you opt to pay a rush fee, personalized gifts can even ship within 1 business day. And now we even ship cheesecakes and specialty dessert cakes for next day delivery from a nationally known bakery.

Make Sure Last Minute Gifts Look Well Planned
The only proper way to handle last minute gifting is to ensure that your gift looks anything butlast minute. Instead, it should look like it was well thought out and planned plenty of time in advance. The challenge... there are very few places that will allow you to do place high quality gift orders on short notice. When you find a place, keep their contact information nearby, in case you need it often in your increasingly busy world. If you are unsure what types of gifts work well on even on short notice, keep reading; we have listed some good last minute gift ideas for various occasions. Here are just a few of the ideas available:

• Sympathy Gifts: You can find affordable and gorgeous sympathy baskets with an assortment of tea, coffee and gourmet foods. Some offer a sympathy theme done in a very tasteful manner.


• New Baby Gifts: Purchase a unique and adorable gift basket for the new baby in someone’s life. There are special baskets made for mom or even the proud papa, complete with cigars, or cute t-shirts and necessities for the baby. Several new arrival gift baskets offer everything a new mom needs for to get her baby off to a good start.


• Personalized Gifts: Engraved, monogrammed and custom gifts convey the message that you went the extra mile to select an extra special gift meant just for the recipient. Personalized gifts are fantastic for bridegrooms, bridesmaids, graduation gifts, anniversaries and weddings. These engraved gifts are both high quality and very affordable.


• House Warming Gifts: New home themed gifts are the perfect way to congratulate the major milestone of home ownership. Arttowngifts.com offers beautiful, house-shaped baskets, full of various kinds of goodies. You can even send delicious nut and fruit trays, wine, champagne gift and snack sets.

Visit Arttowngifts.com when You Need Last Minute Gifts
Even when we have the best intentions, life sometimes gets in the way. Special occasions and celebratory moments come up often when we are unprepared... a new baby is born, a friend elopes, a family member is hospitalized or someone passes away. In these cases, we need a go-to place to find the perfect gift at the last minute. Here at Arttowngifts.com you will find last minute gifts for all occasions; birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, new arrivals and housewarmings. You will also find jewelry, gold dipped roses and art for the special people in your life.

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day 2008

Time to Think About Your Mom - Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11, 2008
We are ready here at Arttowngifts.com to make shopping for Mother's Day simple and affordable with a host of unique gift ideas for Mother's Day. Whether your mom is still young or just young at heart you are sure to find an ideal Mother's Day Gift at Arttowngifts.com.

Give Your Time... Plan to Make Mom's Day Special
If your budget is a little tight this year, consider making the day special by spending less on the gifts and giving Mom more of your time. You could offer to complete some small simple "honey do's" around her house. Husbands can give their wife's a day off from the kitchen and other household responsibilities starting with the traditional breakfast in bed. Get the kids to pitch in and help you make dinner. You can make it a special day for everyone. The kids will enjoy helping you while mom will enjoy all of the attention. Plus your children will remember the holiday fondly for years to come. You will be starting your own family traditions!

Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts make Shopping Convenient
So what are some ways to send a gift without running up your credit card? The traditional Mother's Day Basket is an inexpensive way to tell your mom she is special. For example, our Mother’s Day Breakfast Gift Basket is a great way to get Mother’s Day off to a perfect start! Themed Gift Baskets such as Garden Lover's Baskets and Spa Gift Baskets are an ideal choice when your mom is in another city. There is no hassle to find a shipping box, wrapping, or going to the postal service only to wait in line to ship your gift. Just go online, place you order and you have a great gift for Mom on its way. And you can select a theme and contents she will enjoy. For example, if she likes chocolate, she is sure to love our Chocolate Decadence Gift Basket.

Unique Gift Ideas for Mom
If you are looking for something more lasting flowers, consider ordering a rose from our Gold Roses Collection. Choose from solid covered roses in two metals, gold and silver or let the color show through with our Lacquered Colored Roses with gold trim. Another popular practice is to select an item to engrave such as Wine Accessory Gift Set from our Personalized Gift Store. You can personalized any number of items including bottle stoppers, a silver heart box, elegant key chains, business card holders, charm bracelets, pendants and even all in one tools for Mom's glove box or purse.

Regardless of the gift you select, the important thing is to just make your Mom feel special. And remember to give you grandmothers a call and even say or do something nice for your mother in law. Considering sending them inexpensive Mother's Day Baskets too.

Does Your Office Celebrate Administrative Assistant's Day?

Secretary's Day or the politically correct and more appropriate designation, Administrative Professionals Day falls on Wednesday, April 23, 2008!

What gifts do you have in mind for your administrative assistants and other staff members? If I have one tip for bosses in companies no matter who big or small, please do not let Secretary's Day pass you by without acknowledging your staff. Contrary to what you may think, it is a BIG deal for those professional staff members that keep your company and office running on a day in and day out basis. Why not jump at the chance to tell them how much you appreciate them?

Acknowledge Your Administrative Staff
Forgetting Administrative Professionals Day is the equivalent of missing Valentine's Day for your wife or girl friend. The difference is that your administrative assistant will not complain. Their feelings will be hurt so their performance is likely to suffer or worse the next time they see another employment ad, they will be tempted to look. Here at Arttowngifts.com we make it easy for you to acknowledge the contribution of your administrative assistants, professional staff and secretaries.

Gift Baskets Make Selecting a Secretary's Gift Easy
For example, consider sending them a simple Gourmet Gift Basket. Or suggest that they take a break to pamper themselves with a Spa Gift Basket. Our top of the line Pamper Me Basket will make a great impression with a bath caddy packed with slippers, a towel, and a variety of soaps, lotions and creams. If you know that they like to read, our Book Lovers Gift Basket is a perfect choice. Alternatively if they like to work in their garden then our Weekend Garden Gift Basket is ideal. We even have a Bird House Gift Basket for nature lovers and a Keepsake Kitchen Gift Basket for the cook! You are sure to find the perfect gift basket for everyone and every occasion here at Arttowngifts.com.

Make Them Feel Special with a Personalized Gift
Nothing says that you gave a lot of thought and time selecting a gift more than a personalized gift. Here at Arttowngifts.com you can select something special from our Personalized Gift Selection. Engraving is free and only takes a day or two. Some ideas for custom gifts include, personalized jewelry, personalized boxes, personalized glassware and personalized tools. There are gifts for both men and women and even ideas for awards.

Don't Panic - Last Minute Gifts are Available
Finally, if you let the time slip up on you, our Last Minute Gifts are here to save the day. Choose from hand delivered fruit baskets, gourmet and wine baskets and balloon bouquets.

Let Us Know Your Ideas About Ways to Celebrate Admin Professional's Day.

Playing Easter Bunny Can Be a Breeze

Stay in Touch with Grand Children and Friends for Easter
We just finished getting all of our new Easter Basket designs posted for Easter. Believe it or not Easter Shopping has already started. I am sure everyone is really looking forward to spring this year after the long snowy winter. We are shipping Easter Baskets now and are also taking orders for delivery right before Easter. This year we are offering Easter Baskets that are more activity centered such as our Easter Fun Gift Basket which contains a Plush Easter Bunny, Bubbles, Mini Easter Puzzle, Silly Putty, Coloring and Activity Book, Crayola Crayons in 24 Colors, Easter Bobble Head and Blue Easter Basket in addition to the traditional Chocolate Bunny and Candy Eggs.

Easter Gifts for Everyone
For families we have two Easter Baskets that include great gifts and treats that are sure to please every member of the family. The Hippity Hoppity Gourmet Easter Basket includes both a bunny and a chirping chick plus the traditional Easter Candy treats. Two plush toys makes it perfect for a family with two children. And then there are still treats for parents too. Alternatively our Extravaganza Easter Basket includes bunnies and candies for the kids and gourmet chocolates for the adults. For just adults we offer a more sophisticated version of the Easter Basket called, Ultimate Easter Basket. Older kids will enjoy it too. I sent this one to a friend attending college as a sort of Easter Care Package.

Lots of Alternative Easter Gifts
We have you covered if you would like to send Cross Necklaces, Easter Bunny Charms or Bunny Earrings. If you want to send a healthy snack instead of the typical Easter Candy, send a Fruit Gift Basket for the Easter Celebration which is full of fruit and healthy snacks. Finally, here is one of my favorite ideas for Easter, the Pretty In Pink Personalized Sport Bag for Her. It has a lot of practical uses. Stuff it with Easter Treats and then it can be used for lots of activities later. I know I would love this! Check our website for more Easter Gift Ideas and Easter Baskets. You are sure to find the perfect Easter gift for everyone on your list, even you!

Get Ready for Saint Patrick's Day with Great Gift Ideas

Is everyone really Irish?
Does it ever seem to you that everyone claims to be Irish when it is time for the Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations. Since I really am half Irish I am always looking forward to the upcoming holiday. The Luck of Irish Date is fast approaching. Saint Patrick's Day 2008 is Monday, March 17, 2008. So the big question is who has good ideas for ways to celebrate and more importantly where to find Saint Patrick's Day Gifts. Of course we are loaded with unique St Patrick Gift Ideas here at Arttowngifts.com.

Order Saint Patrick's Day Gift Baskets now for St Patrick's Day Delivery.
Take care of your Saint Patrick Day Gift List today and we will schedule your order for delivery on Saint Patricks Day. Our Shamrock's Treasure Chest Gift Basket and Singing Leprachan Bear
is the ideal gift for your child or grand kids or even the adult kids on your list. The singing leprechaun bear is sure to be a big office hit. If you want something a little less juvenile for your Corporate Saint Patrick's Day Gifts try our St Patricks Luck of Irish Gourmet Treats basket which features traditional Irish fare including munchies and candies. Or give the gift of green with a St Patties Snacks Gift Basket which is packed with mint candies and a variety of treats and snacks.

Shamrocks and Clover Jewelry -- Order Saint Patrick's Day!
Deck yourself and your friends out in French Wire Shamrock Earrings or Claddagh and Shamrock Link Bracelets. There are lots of other styles from which to choose. You are sure to find an Irish bracelet, pendant or earrings you will love. And we also have some neat charms.

Want something a little different but Sweet? Send your Irish Friends a Green Dessert!
Last year I wanted to celebrate St Paddy's Day with a different twist. I skipped the traditional and sent my friends White Chocolate Mint Truffle Tortes. They were a big hit! I got more comments on the dessert cake gifts than anything else I had done in previous years for Saint Patrick's Day Gifts.

Personalized Saint Patrick's Day Gifts - Engrave a Mug for the Toast!
I love the idea of sending personalized gifts for any holiday. It tells the recipient you took a little to think about their gift. Our Pewter Medallion Glass Mug is ideal for Saint Patrick's Day. We also have all kinds of glassware and mugs that can be personalized. It only takes a few days to get them personalized and the prices are dirt cheap. Plus engraving is Free!

Gold Trimmed Green Roses - Yes you read it right!
We even have preserved Green Roses in a variety of styles. Our dark green and platinum trimmed rose is in the traditional Irish green shade. We also have a Deep Green Preserved and Gold Rose. Both the Platinum Trimmed Roses and Gold Trimmed Roses are available in a lighter mint green and two tone varieties. I love these preserved roses because they last forever where fresh flowers just fade away. Place your order early. These roses won't last long.

Visit the site for more ideas and have a great Saint Patrick's Day Celebration and lift one for me!

Valentine Gift Ideas for Guys

We Sell More Valentine Gifts to Women than Men
While the guys are shaking in their boots about the upcoming Valentine's Day Holiday most of the woman I know are excited. They enjoy thinking about what to buy their husbands and boy friends for this romantic holiday. Believe it or not, we actually sell more Valentine's Day Gifts to women than to men. At Arttowngifts.com we have searched for the best Valentine Gift ideas for your men. So tell the guys out there they better get busy because you are going to be sending them stand out gifts this year. Because for you gals we have a complete selection of Valentine Gifts for your boy friends, sons, husbands, platonic friends, colleagues and bosses.

Personalized Gifts Make Great Valentine Gifts for Men
To start off, my favorites are from our Personalized Gift line. We offer free engraving and can ship these custom gifts within two days of your order. We even offer a rush service to get your order in front of the line for same day engraving. You can't beat that for last minute gift service! Here is something that every guy needs and will appreciate, an Engraved Leather Toiletry Bag. He is sure to think of you every time he takes a trip. Another travel related gift for that great guy who travels too much or goes to the gym is our, Personalized Duffel Travel Bag.

Our Favorite Men's Personalized Valentine Gifts
Here is a favorite gift for men, our monogrammed Leather Manicure/Shoe Shine Kit. We have received rave reviews from our customers who purchased this combination Personalized Show Shine and Manicure Kit for Birthdays, Father's Day Groomsmen Gifts and Anniversary Gifts. Another popular Valentine gift for guys is this Personalized Leather Wallet and Money Clip.

Jewelry for Men - A Special Gift Idea for Any Occasion
We also offer a complete line both Men's Jewelry including the standby of Personalized Cufflinks. Here are my favorites, Personalized Silver Round Beaded Cufflinks. Another popular item is our Rugged Sterling Silver Man Ring handcrafted by an outstanding jewelry artist. We offer the same ring in Gold.

Gift Baskets with a Male Theme Are Always in Stock
Now for some old stand byes. We have several gift baskets in our Gift Basket line with a male appeal. Check out our Gift Baskets for Men where you will find golf gift baskets, fishing gift baskets, sports gift baskets and even Men's Spa Gift Baskets such as our Men's Spa Gift Caddy. It includes a manicure set along with soaps and other pampering products.

Valentine Gift Baskets for Men Now Available
If you are feeling a little naughty or would like to send your guy a traditional chocolate Valentine Gift Basket you will love our collection of Valentine Themed Gift Baskets. One thing is for sure you will find all kinds of ideas for Valentine Gifts for guys here at Arttowngifts.com. Your gift is sure to be a standout! Place your order today. If you are short on time remember we offer a complete line Same Day Delivered Last Minute Gifts.

Personalized Valentine Gifts for Women

With Valentine's Day fast approaching I am sure most of the guys out there are already dreading having to come up with that perfect gift idea for their girl friends, wives and daughters. At least the guys I know always worry a lot about picking appropriate Valentine's Day Gifts for the women in their lives. It is the opposite for the gals. They love Valentine's Day. You might be surprised to learn that we sell more Valentine Gifts to women for guys than to men. So never fear guys, Arttowngifts.com has come to your rescue with some great ideas to keep you in your gal's good graces.

You can not go wrong with a Personalized Valentine's Day Gift. First it says that you gave some thought to your gift selection and that you ordered it early enough to get it engraved. Here at Arttowngifts.com we have you covered with Free Engraving on everything in our Personalized Gift Store.

Your new girl friend or even your wife is sure to love our Tiffany Styled Silver Plated Engraved Key Chain. Women like to feel pampered and elegant. Every time they use this key chain they will remember that you gave it to them.

Rugged and distressed jewelry is all the rage now particularly with young women. Girl friends and daughters will love our Personalized Distressed Pendant or our Silver Initial Charm Pendant. Both of these custom necklaces are handcrafted by one of our best jewelry designers. Be sure to order early to get your gift by Valentine's Day.

For a more sophisticated look consider our Romantic Victorian Style Silver Initial Locket or our Personalized Round Pendant Necklace with a velvet cord chain. You can include a photo in the Locket. Take this Valentine Gift idea over the top with a Personalized Silver Heart Box as a gift box for your purchase.

Here is another cute idea for a Valentine Gift with a feminine touch: Personalized Koozies in Pink! What a perfect Valentine Gift idea for a colleague! Business associates and career women will also enjoy our Personalized Silver Plated Business Card Holder. Mom, any wine lover or a frequent hostess is sure to appreciate our Wine Accessory Gift Set which includes a cork screw and wine bottle stopper in a cherry wood box with a personalized plate.

This is just a few of the great gift ideas for Valentine's Day that you will find at Arttowngifts.com.

Time to Order Valentine's Day Gifts

Have you started thinking about Valentine's Day yet? You would be wise to put Ordering Valentine Gifts to the top of the list. Many of the retailers are reporting that they are reducing their inventory this year because of concerns regarding the economy. This means that we will be experiencing shortages on the more popular items such as our Gold Roses and our Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry.

Our Silver Dipped Roses are already in short supply and I am sure that Red Trimmed Roses will go fast. Fortunately have a good inventory of 24 K Gold Dipped Roses our most popular preserved rose. Most people think there is an unlimited supply of these Forever Roses but that is just not the case. These unique roses are very time consuming to create. They require a lot of labor to complete. Most of the Everlasting Roses are created by small family owned cottage businesses with small staffs so supplies are always subject to limitations.

The reason for ordering handcrafted jewelry early should be obvious. The artists only have so much time available to make each piece. As the Valentine holiday gets closer they get totally swamped with orders for heart jewelry such as this Personalized Heart Locket or the
Love Sterling Silver Necklace. If you want something handcrafted or engraved, it pays to order early. Then you not only get the gift you want, you can save on expedited shipping costs.

What ever you decide you want to send your Valentine, you are sure to find it here at Arttowngifts.com. Select from a traditional Valentine Gift Basket with a Bear, Spa Gift Basket or a more Romantic Couple's Gift Basket. Don't forget the old stand by -- Valentine Candy or Valentine Balloons. We have something for everyone on your Valentine's Day Gift List.

Time to Make that Corporate Christmas Gift List

It is that time of year again to start thinking about making your Christmas Gift List. If you are like me, every year you promise yourself that you will start Christmas Shopping early and then before you know it you are enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner. Our goal at the Arttowngifts website for unique gift ideas is to make your Christmas Gift shopping easy. I normally think about and divide my Christmas Gift List into two mini lists: Personal and Business.

So with that thought in mind we will share some ideas for neat Christmas gifts ideas that will more than delight your clients, corporate associates and employees without breaking your budget. First, for those Corporate Gifts and Client Appreciation Gifts, we have two great ideas: Christmas Gift Baskets and Personalized Corporate Gifts.

The main difference between the two is that Holiday Gift Baskets can be easily shared and often create good will throughout the company while a Personalized Key Chain is just for one person. So if you need that staff at your best client on your side, opt for a Gourmet Basket. If you can afford it, send the staff a Gift Basket and the main buyer a personalized gift. In some cases their corporate gift receiving policies might actually make a Gift Basket a better choice.

The first easy idea is to send an affordable Client Appreciation Christmas Gift Basket. This Bountiful Gift Basket is our most popular Corporate Gift Basket. And to make it easy and more than affordable, this Basket Food Gift comes in 6 different sizes. There are numerous traditional Corporate Christmas Gift Baskets available in various sizes and styles. My favorite is the Season's Greetings Gift Basket which is also available in three sizes. Another favorite Christmas basket gift is the Holiday Celebration Gift Basket also available in three sizes.

Stay tuned for Personalized Gift suggestions for clients and employees in my next post. Then I will close the deal with Christmas and Holiday Gift ideas for your friends and family. Just remember the trick is to order early and save on those last minute shipping costs. Most websites will take your order now and delay shipping if you just make that request. Talk to you soon!