Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Back To School Gifts


It’s that time again! Supply lists, class schedules, and syllabi, oh my! Back-to-school days are always a hectic time for everyone, especially parents. Shopping for supplies, clothes, and dorm essentials can take a lot out of you. But while you’re out battling other frazzled parents for #2 pencils, college-ruled paper, and bright pink erasers, take a moment to remember how exciting a new school year is to a student.

It’s a new year, a clean slate, a chance to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Homecoming dances, try-outs, and football games are just around the corner. Mid-terms, finals, and report cards are a long way off! But that doesn’t mean the back-to-school season is completely stress-free to a student. Different teachers, classrooms, and classmates can be overwhelming to your child. Why not give them a surprise pick-me-up during this back-to-school season?

To add some flair to her first-day-of-school outfit, try giving her the Nothing is Impossible Bandz Bracelet, a motivational and inspirational gift that will remind her she can do anything she sets her mind to.

If your children adore their comfy Crocs shoes, “kick” them up a notch with our Crocs Shoe Charms – there are many options to choose from, including turtles, dogs, monkeys, and even dinosaurs! These are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

Have a high school student about to take Driver’s Ed? We recommend a New Driver Kit as a fun way to celebrate this new responsibility! It comes with a flashlight, dashboard dancer, Band-Aids, angel visor clip, car freshener, and a variety of other gift items, all enclosed inside a metal lunchbox. Pair it with the pewter Don’t Drive Fast Keychain to remind your new driver to drive carefully.

If your high school student is into sports, send him/her to practice with the All Star Line Up gift box. It contains a variety of energy-boosting snacks, including popcorn, cookies, a sports drink, beef jerky, and lots more!

Let’s not forget our college students! The Off-To-College Poem Glass Frame is personalized with your daughter’s name, along with a short message and poem. Include a picture of the two of you, and make it a reminder that you are always with her. The Dorm Room Survival Kit is a perfect collection of must-haves for that new home away from home. This handy basket contains a mini fan, air freshener, laundry bag, soap, Kleenex, Shout wipes, student decision dice, deodorant, cotton swabs, Band-Aids, and a mini net sponge. For a more personal touch, give your college student the Dirty Duds Laundry Department Personalized Laundry Bag, a drawstring cotton laundry bag that can be personalized with their name. It’ll be sure to remind them to wash their laundry…although folding said laundry is a different story!

For these and more gift ideas, visit www.abernook.com

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

September 13th ~ Grandparents Day


The first Sunday after Labor Day was deemed National Grandparents Day in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. To many, this may come as a surprise – such holidays are generally considered to be “Hallmark” holidays, and aren’t given much thought or respect. The day’s purpose is cited as “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”


As with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, taking one day out of the year to celebrate a special person in your life can do a world of good. This year, Grandparents Day falls on Sunday, September 13th. Even if you have never celebrated Grandparents Day before, it's time to show your elders your appreciation somehow, whether it be with a simple visit to their home or in a more tangible way, like with a card or gift.


An excellent way to show your grandparent how much you care is with a Grandma/Grandpa Picture Frames. The Walking with Grandpa personalized frame is a special and keepsake gift. The poem says it all. These frames can be personalized with up to six names, making it a one-of-a-kind gift they’ll treasure. Or how about a special bracelet that is perfect for grandmothers: the Grandmother’s Live, Laugh, Love Bracelet features pink Swarovski crystals, Bali silver, and message beads, while our Expressively Yours Grandmother Bracelet has beautiful silver-like beads and a heart charm. The Grandmother’s Love Clock is a unique addition to a desk, dresser, or bookshelf. Likewise, our Engraved Pocket Watch is an elegant gift for a grandfather. A Photo Money Clip shows off pictures, and is great for any grandparent.