There is more of an awareness to take better care of the environment, and now consumers can shop for fun, trendy, and eco-friendly gifts.  Here are just a few…

1. 1. Candy wrapper purse, $22.00 and up. See Image
2. 2. Bottle-shaped platters made from 100% recycled glass, $18.00 See Image
3. 3. Personalized aluminum water bottle, $19.95 See Image
4. 4. All natural pet grooming kits, $26.00 See Image
5. 5. Organic baby onesies, $56.50 See Image
6. 6. Stainless-steel compost pails, $49.94-69.95 See Image
7. 7. One-of-a-kind art work made from recycled license plates, $$$$ See Image

I received an email today to read an article titled Building a New Girls’ Network.  It is an insightful look on a growing movement happening everywhere.  The new girls’ network is about women developing valued personal and professional contacts with other women.  Reading further, I had a childhood memory that came full circle…

When I was little, I followed my mom everywhere.  Lunch with friends always ended with shopping.  While I waited and pranced around in boutique stores, my mom was trying on the latest fashions.  I still remember when my mom purchased a black St. John skirt for $800!  I remember saying to her, “$800!  It’s just a black skirt?!?!”  She replied, “Spend the money and buy good quality.  Classics never go out of style.”  Like an echo I replied, “$800!  It’s just a black skirt?!?!”

Going back to the article, Christine Lau identifies networking styles to how men and women shop.  She says men know what they want, find it, and make the purchase.  Women, on the other hand, like the freedom of having choices and having the time to make the right decision, and embracing the entire shopping experience.  Networking for women is very much the same.  It’s about the quality interaction and positive experiences you have when meeting like-minded women.

In my business, clients should know that I only want to give them the best.  To me that’s very important.  We are about giving gifts of exceptional quality, and that’s the Bess Impression!

Click to read the HawaiiBusiness article:

http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/Hawaii-Business/July-2009/Building-a-New-Girls-039-Network

With the warm and sunny weather, get out and enjoy the summer!  Here are five summer activities that are fun for people of all ages.

1. 1. Volunteer at a care home, local food bank, or beach clean-up.
2. 2. Get your friends and family together for a weekend of bbq or camping.
3. 3. Join a club such as a hiking or gardening club.
4. 4. Learn a new sport or hobby.
5. 5. Play tourist and visit the local museums and galleries.  Many offer free admission and special events during the summer.

Here are my top 5 picks for budget friendly Father’s Day gifts.  They are easy to find and cost less than $25.

1. 1. Bath and body products ‘For Men‘
2. 2. Coupon books
3. 3. His favorite snack foods and booze.  It is after all a special occasion.
4. 4. Unique family photo.  The more creative and funny, the better.  Every time Dad looks at the picture, he’ll have a smile on his face.
5. 5. The day off from his weekend chores.  Cars can still be driven even when they are dirty.

People often tell me that giving gift certificates are generic and impersonal.  That’s so not true.  I happen to love receiving and giving gift certificates, especially now in our unhappy economy.  People are cutting back on their unnecessary spending.  No more morning stops to the coffee shop, weekly manicures, and spur of the moment weekend vacations.  However, gift certificates allow you to do these things on a budget.  My in-laws are awesome.  I can say that they know me pretty well, because I haven’t gotten a gift I didn’t like from them and the gifts keep getting better each birthday and Christmas.  Lately, they’ve been giving me gift certificates to my favorite nail salon.  I haven’t had to pay for my manicures or pedicures in five months.  That’s an awesome deal for me, and I can still have my beauty breaks.

Gift certificates can also control your spending habits.  Think of a gift certificate like a debit card.  Throughout the year, I surprise my husband with Jamba Juice gift cards.  Yes, my husband takes pleasure in the simple things. He can enjoy a refreshing smoothie in the mornings, and for him it’s such a treat.  When he uses up the gift card, he rarely ever purchases his own smoothie.

See…giving gift certificates is not generic or impersonal.  It’s perfect for people young and the young at heart!  You just have to find the appropriate gift certificate for the person, occasion, and cost.