A Spa Day, Stuffed Animals, Jewelry and Other Gifts for Your Sister

“Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.―Carol Saline” They’re our best friends, partner in crime and sometimes our own personal critic. Having a sister just feels awesome. Wouldn’t it be nice to get them something fun for their special day or birthday perhaps? If you’re stuck on a rut, here are some ideas to get you started: a spa day, stuffed animals, jewelry, you name it!

·      A PAMPER SESSION – A day trip at the spa for some massage or facials would be great. Add in a little mani-pedi session and it’s bound to be a day of relaxation and pampering for her and for you. You can also opt for a salon day or where budget permits, go on a staycation!

·      A PHOTO (BOOK) – Gone are the days when photos were secluded to the bedroom or hidden in the darkest corners of the room. With many specialty, art and craft stores, photos are made to resemble art in creative forms. Why not make use of this? Photos capture memories. Find a great photo of her or the two of you. If you can’t pick one, you can get a photo book instead. The more the merrier!

·      CUSTOMIZED JEWELRY – Personalized jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, pendants and brooches never grows old. Sure they have been used before but their charm still encapsulates the recipients. Wouldn’t you love to get a piece that has been made specifically for you? We bet your sister does. It doesn’t even have to be expensive. You can opt for more affordable accessories.

·      MATCHING ANYTHING – How about something matchy-matchy? You can opt for silk robes, cute kitchen aprons and bags to name a few. Depending on her personality and hobbies, the choices are endless. Plus, you’re not only getting something for her. You’re buying for you too. Score!

·      FUNCTIONAL – Functional items such as bespoke metal bookmarks, personal journals or planners, pens and jewelry boxes are a neat option too. You can customize them to match a theme or add in their names and initials. Not only will they be unique but they too are bound to be useful.

·      STUFFED ANIMALS – Last but not the least, these cuddly wonders never grow old. Tell your sister that these stuffed toys will serve as your representative in times where she needs a hug and you can’t physically be there (yet). It’s cute too.

Shop for Steiff Teddy Bears on a Budget

If we get to pick a single toy to bring should we get deserted on a remote island, we’ll definitely go for a Steiff teddy! Why not? They’re cute, cuddly and very durable so they’ll be the best island buddy one could ever ask for. That is of course, should there be no other human on the island too. With that said, it’s obvious that we adore the said toys so much we’d gladly fill our shelves with them both for play and display. So of you want to start your own collection too we’d gladly dish our tips on how to start beginning with how to shop for Steiffbears on a budget.

Tip #1: Know your range. – Working on a budget means one has to establish a plan Remember that Steiff teddy bears are priced differently and such values are dictated by a combination of factors such as exclusivity, age, condition and material among others. Know what your range and limits are then research for toys that fall within it.

Tip #2: Address the power of the internet. – With technology at our fingertips, shopping has been made easier. It’s possible to get your hands on Steiff toys with the help of cyberspace. One can purchase such bears regardless of the seller’s location which is great especially for hard to find models.

Tip #3: Don’t write off happenstance. – Sometimes, one will find a collectible teddy bear when it is least expected so don’t hesitate to visit flea markets and garage sales or even ask a friend. You’ll be surprised with all the finds you’d get. It doesn’t hurt to try after all and who knows? You might even strike a good deal. Just make sure that you have packed a great deal of knowledge when it comes to identifying authentic Steiff products.

Tip #4: Go for a treasure hunt. – Vintage and antique shops are a goldmine for everything. The trinkets and thingamabobs they hold might just be what collectors are looking for. It’s not far off for one to find a Steiff teddy bear in one.

Tip #5: Say yes and negotiate. – Because we’re talking about how to shop for Steiff teddy bears on a budget, we stress the importance of negotiating and bargain. Don’t be afraid to try and haggle a little especially when the situation allows you to (e.g. online sales, flea markets and garage sales).

Gift Ideas for Children

Buying gifts for kids is no easier than it is for adults. Buying presents in general is quite the fun task albeit a challenging one. Sometimes it can be particularly hard to wrack your brain for ideas. Before stress eats at you, we’re here to give you some options with the help of the team at Montezumawell. Besides, let’s not take the fun out of shopping. Agree?

1.    Stuffed Toys

This one is definitely a classic and one that you are least likely to go wrong about. There are many types and designs of stuffed toys out there for you to choose from. Just make sure that they aren’t going to be heavier and bigger than the child you are giving them to. Also avoid those that have detachable accessories or parts so that you won’t have to worry about choking hazards. What makes them a good choice is the fact that they encourage the development of motor skills, imagination and role playing.

2.    Coloring Books and Crayons

If you want to harness their creativity and artistic ingenuity then these art supplies will be great. We all know how children love to doodle on just about anything. Instead of having them draw over your walls, why not give them a book instead? When choosing crayons, always opt for the bigger size ones that are labelled as non-toxic.

3.    Board and Card Games

For older children who are about eight years old and up, introducing board games would be beneficial to help them not only have fun but also to encourage critical thinking. There are so many available board games out there today ranging from the easy to difficult depending on age and preferences. But if you like, you can always stick to the classics. Chess or checkers anyone? Or how about a few rounds of Tic-Tac-Toe?

4.    Craft Kits

Children will also enjoy craft related toys. There are many kits being sold out there such as edible chemistry sets, jewelry and charm making, sewing, knitting and the like. The choices are quite endless on this one. This will also be particularly great if the kid you are gifting it for has a preference and liking on the hobby.

5.    Puzzle Pieces

Do you want to pick a toy that’s both fun and challenging? Well nothing does it better than puzzles! They come in varying forms and formats so you won’t have to worry about them getting bored about it.

The Queen Elizabeth Teddy Bear Epidemic

We love stuffed toys. At least most of us do for a huge chunk of our juvenile lives. However, many never got to outgrow such fondness for our furry animal friends. In fact, many kids at heart and adults of today have turned into collecting these pieces. Apart from their childhood stash, they too have taken it upon themselves to get their hands on collectibles, one of which is the Queen Elizabeth Teddy bear.

Unlike vintage pieces that have been preserved for years, the Queen Elizabeth Teddy bear is actually a recent one and a limited edition design too. People went gaga over it the moment it hit shelves that they sold like pancakes. Only a few more pieces are up for grabs from first line sellers while others are already marked up and sold by scalpers knowing their demand.

You might be wondering what brought about such adoration for a piece of toy. Well let us tell you that the Queen Elizabeth Teddy bear is no ordinary toy.

Designed and manufactured by one of the world’s most renowned companies, the toy is a product of the Steiff brand, a German company known to be the original creator of teddy bears and the first one to put them in the market back in 1904. Steiff is known for its high quality toys that stand the test of time. In fact, many vintage pieces from the 1900s are still in good condition today and treated as collectible items. Apart from its regular releases, the brand is also known to create limited edition pieces.

The Queen Elizabeth Teddy bear also celebrates a historic salute to the royalty to which it has been named after and made for. As of the year 2015, Queen Elizabeth II has earned the title as the longest reigning British monarch surpassing the late Queen Victoria’s of over 63 years.

They toy was designed to be regal and timeless to resonate with her majesty. The five jointed bear is made of white Schulte mohair and stands 30 centimeters in height. It comes with a sparkling crown and a royal coronation robe in deep blue with spotted plush edging. On one of its paws, a musical staff embroidery can be found to represent that it is a musical bear that plays “God Save the Queen”, the national anthem. Because it is a limited and special release, the Queen Elizabeth Teddy bear comes with the signature Steiff trademark, the button in ear in gold plating.