Awesome Mother's Day Gifts (to give AND receive!)

I was randomly walking through Hallmark at the mall the other day and browsing their Mother's Day gifts. Random figurines and cheap looking bracelets, and odd little trinkets. I know that everyone's style is different, but I thought I'd share some cool Mother's Day gifts that I think mamas of all ages would adore.

First up - The Andy bracelet, which is completely customizable, by Kendra Scott. It is on sale for less than forty bucks and you can make it totally unique. You can do both stones your mom's favorite colors, one of your birthstone and your siblings, or the birthstones of your kids. Where else are you going to find something so custom to you, at that price?

Some hand-poured Agape candles. I only just discovered these last week, when I was at House of Cabelo and I instantly fell in love. The scents are all really delicious, and creative. I couldn't resist the "Sonoma" scent, and went home with it that day, but I also think I need the Cayo Coco! YUM! If you're local, go to House of Cabelo in downtown Pleasanton so you can smell them all. If you're not, you can pick them up HERE.

These darling Sam & Libby sandals that are super chic, and look much more expensive than their $24.99 price tag.

This sweet blush clutch in Rifle Paper Co. fabric by Daisy Faye Designs. I own a skinny scarf from DFD and it is so beautifully made, and I get compliments every time I wear it. I love everything in that shop! This clutch looks great with so many outfits, and your mama will love it!

This fun name ring that you could customize with the name of her kids, grandkids or anything special! It would be so pretty to stack a few!

A facial! I love using Groupon to find facials at a great price. Why not treat mom to one?

What are some Mother's Day gifts you'd love to give or receive??

Gift Guide for the 30-something woman on your list

I have been asked by several people to please do my annual gift guides, or at least a personal wishlist. I'm not doing my gift guides this year for a handful of reasons, but decided to do a personal wishlist/something I think would be a perfect gift guide for any woman on your list, especially ages 20 - 50. This year (and really, every year as I'm getting older) it seems I would rather have one or two nice gifts, instead a handful of smaller ones. I'm loving quality over quantity, and I'm *really* loving personalized gifts. Below are some things I would love. Enjoy!

1. A personalized bag from Barrington gifts. I've only recently discovered this company (and don't own anything by them, so can't speak to the quality...) but I adore how you can truly personalize their bags. From the pattern, to the colors, to adding your initials. These are awesome. My favorites are the St. Anne, the Sonoma and the Belmont Cabin Bag (is that not the most chic travel bag ever, or what??)

2. Hanky Panky undies. I was recently given a pair of these at a "favorite things" party and they are kind of amazing. They are incredibly comfortable (seriously!!) and the material is really luxe. I feel fancy when I wear them, lol, and I now want every color!

3. Laura Mercier beauty products. Particularly the Sleek & Chic eye palette and the Petite Soufflés' Body Crème Collection.  I worked for Laura Mercier years ago, and the makeup and body products are absolutely incredible. If you haven't experienced them yet, head to your nearest Laura Mercier counter and check them out for yourselves, and please let me know what you think!

4. Personalized Signet ring by Stella & Dot. I sell Stella & Dot so I might be just a tad biased, but I think our personalized items are amazing. The quality and pricing is just incredible, and the turnaround/shipping time is unparalleled. I am getting this for myself and will wear it proudly!

5. Two-toned petite Kate Spade watch. I know the trend with women's watches over the last few years has been oversized, but I am personally loving a more petite watch that you can wear with a few bracelets. I love the rose gold and silver KS one, but since this is a WISHlist I'm also digging this two-toned classic Movado watch.

6. The Hayden Satchel by Gigi New York (personalized, of course.) I have an Uber clutch by Gigi New York (seen here) and I love it. It is such a beautiful quality, and seriously - there is just something about having your initials on it that makes it extra special!

7. Tieks in any color, but especially Obsidion Black and Rose Gold Glam. These shoes are amazing. I own several pairs and am asked all the time if they're worth the money. YES - worth every penny. 

That's what's on MY wishlist, what is on yours?? Let me know in the comments section, so that I can check it out too! 

The perfect gift + FREE printables!

The following is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Gift Card Mall. As per FTC regulations I am required to let you know that I received monetary compensation and/or product in exchange for this post. As always all opinions are my own, and I would never steer you guys wrong. Thank you to Gift Card Mall and other Glitter & Gloss sponsors who allow me to continue providing great content to this site! ©Heather Giustino for Glitter and Gloss, 2015. All rights reserved.

Well my friends, those happy little red cups are out at the coffee shops, the weather has turned, and the nights are colder and longer. That can only mean one thing....gift giving season is upon us! Today I am going to share my very favorite gift to give and receive - gift cards! I love that you can get a gift card for just about any store out there, and I especially love that I can easily grab a gift card, in whatever amount I need at the grocery (where I seem to be at least four times a week) thanks to Gift Card Mall!

Recently I had a conversation with a friend, and found out she's going through a bit of a rough patch. I wanted to get her a little something to brighten her day, so while I was at the grocery store getting dinner I made sure to grab her a little gift card too.

Gift Card Mall has over 400 gift cards available for so many of my favorite shops and restaurants, but I decided to get my girlfriend a Kohl's gift card. The day we chatted she was loving on my outfit (which was head to toe from Kohl's) so I thought it would be perfect for her. At first I grabbed a cute red holiday gift card, but decided to go back and get her the gift card that can be customized in any amount from $25 to $500 so I could give her a little extra. I love that they can customize the amount of the gift card right there at the checkout register. It doesn't get much easier than that!

The gift cards come nicely presented, but I wanted to make the gift look extra special. To do that you just need a few things:

• tulle in a festive color
• crinkle paper/filler (I get this in a few different subscription boxes, so I just hang onto it, but you can buy it at any craft store.)
• thick glitter cardstock
• scissors
• tape or good glue (think glue dots or hot glue)
• the cutest gift tags in the world, made specifically for gift cards! (You'll find those below. They are FREE for you guys, courtesy of River & Bridge.)
• resealable cello bag (THESE are the exact ones I always keep on-hand, as they make just about anything more special)
• hole punch
• gift card and one or two small items from the store that the gift card is for

You can open the PDF file of these awesome gift tags HERE (it's the larger version of the file and will come out crisper) or if you prefer just right-click the below image and save.

Now, the gift card is the star of the show, but I like to include one or two small items from the store that the gift card is for. In this case I grabbed some adorable earrings (I may or may not have bought a pair for myself too...) and a nail polish one of my favorite colors, Marshmallow. These little extras take your gift card gift to the next level.

Assembling the gift is easy. Just open the cello bag, and put some of your crinkle paper in.

Lay your gift card and extras in there, making sure the gift card is front and center:

Seal up your bag, but make sure there is a little extra space at the top. Set the bag aside for a minute, and let's get to work on the gift tag!

Fill in your to/from on the adorable free gift tag (which you've printed and cut out, by now! I prefer to print on white cardsotck, but you can print on regular printer paper too.)

Place your cut out gift tag on the glitter card stock, adhering with strong tape or glue:

Cut around the glitter paper, leaving a little space between the glitter paper and your gift tag. We want to see the sparkle!

Line your gift card up with the top of the sealed bag, and punch two holes through the bag and gift tag:

Thread your tulle through the holes and tie a sweet, little bow:

Voila! You have a sweet and thoughtful gift:

 You can find Gift Card Mall online and in over 180,000 grocery, convenience, drug & specialty retailers so you are guaranteed to have quite a few places in your town that has Gift Card Mall. I absolutely love that they carry over 400 gift cards, there is literally something for everyone including the pickiest person on your list. There's something for everyone, making gift giving this holiday season (and all year long!) a little easier, and a little more fun! You can also find them on all of your favorite social media channels: FACEBOOK * TWITTER * INSTAGRAM * PINTEREST

Tell me - what is YOUR favorite gift card to give or receive?!