Willow Tree

If you are still trying to figure out a wedding gift to give a newly married couple, you could consult their registry if they have one, or you could take a more sentimental approach to your gift-giving.  Choose something they don’t expect and won’t forget. It’s easier than it may seem to find a creative gift to celebrate the couple’s love. Here are a few thoughtful wedding gift ideas for the new bride and groom. Cake Topper Even if the wedding has come and gone, you can still get them a cake topper that they can display as a commemorative keepsake in their home and then use on a future cake to celebrate an anniversary. Hand-crafted cake toppers look wonderful atop a cake, but also serve dual duty as a lasting memento of their special day. When they look at the artful piece, they will be reminded of their enduring love and promise to take good care of each other throughout their lives together.  Nativity Set Help a couple start a Christmas tradition ...

Happiness seems to come naturally for some people, or at least it appears that way because of their sunny disposition. Often, however, to cultivate feelings of happiness, we need to make an effort. How does one do this? By being grateful. Being grateful leads to optimism and a decrease in negative thoughts. If you can actively make gratitude a daily habit, you’ll start noticing a permanent change in yourself over time. Get inspired by the following five ways to show gratitude every day. Journal What You Are Grateful For Buy yourself a special journal just for writing down your moments of gratefulness (big and small). Spend a few minutes on it each day or at the end of the week. Include any positive experiences you encountered throughout the day or acts of kindness you received. Did someone hold the door open for you? Did you receive a compliment? Once you get into the habit of identifying these small moments of happiness, it becomes second nature. Lift Someone...

Any clue as to what special day is celebrated by millions around the world on the first Sunday of August every year? Hint: It’s a day to celebrate the power of friendship and the bond between friends. It’s Friendship Day! Although this holiday almost became extinct in the 1940s, it’s still alive—and making a resurgence. Unfortunately, the popularity of the holiday wanedin the U.S., but it began gathering momentum in Europe and Asia. Many consider its popularity in Asia as the reason the holiday is still around. The resurgence of the holiday’s popularity in the U.S. is great news: Friends are worth celebrating. We could all use a reminder to show appreciation and love for our friends more often. Here are a few ideas to let your friends know you appreciate them and everything they’ve done to help you through life. Thoughtful gifts and gestures such as nativity figurines or even a handwritten note are sure to be appreciated by any friend. Exchange Gifts A small bu...

There’s no right or wrong way to process grief after a loved one passes away, and the same can be said about honoring that person on the anniversary of their passing. Everyone deals with loss differently. From bereavement gifts to sympathy cards and flowers, there are many ways to remember a lost loved one and offer support to others. Some people want to fully feel their sadness and be alone, while others may feel compelled to keep the day upbeat and share stories—or perhaps a mix of both. As the day draws near, think about how you’d like to celebrate a loved one’s life or honor them on the anniversary of their passing. Bring Flowers and Reminisce For many, taking flowers to a loved one’s grave or memorial site brings comfort. If you are too far away, go somewhere quiet and peaceful where you can reflect upon their life. You can sit and just think of the memories you have shared or journal your thoughts about them, noting special moments and and perhaps what you...

Summertime brings blooms, blue skies, warm sunshine, and endless reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re invited to a summer garden party, celebrating a close friend’s birthday, attending a milestone wedding anniversary, or gathering for a family reunion, there’s usually a need for a thoughtful gift for a special woman in your life. Choose an artful piece that represents the sentiment you want to express. Here are a few ideas that are sure to make her smile. Give a Bouquet That Lasts a Lifetime For the one who adores receiving flowers or enjoys spending time gardening, you could give her a gift that will always stay in bloom. A small figurative sculpture of a woman holding a vibrant bouquet is a thoughtful gift that your friend or loved one can display in her home throughout the year. The hand-painted line of sculptural figures by artist Susan Lordi, Willow Tree®, is a wonderful way to express friendship and caring. She adds just enough pop of color in her peonies, ro...

Beyond the distinct framed photos on the wall, how do you preserve your family memories? Family photos, of course, represent a wonderful timeline, but there are many ways to remember happy moments. Finding the best display method just takes a little creativity and reflection on what family means to you and how you display that bond in your home. Instead of keeping memorable items tucked away in an attic or basement, be selective and thoughtful about how you want to display your favorite times together as a family. For some inspiration, here are a few creative ways to honor family bonds. Treasure Box Just for Family Vacations If you want to remember special summer family vacations, find a few items you can put into an artful memory or keepsake box to remember for years to come. Some examples of items you might want to put into a keepsake box include things like tiny shells from the Pacific Ocean, ticket stubs from Disneyland, dried flowers from Yellow stone, a key ...

A DIY gift basket is such a personal way to show someone you care about them. They are suitable for any occasion, easy to put together, and look fabulous once they’re assembled. Who wouldn’t appreciate getting a custom gift basket from you? Here are a few simple tips for making your own gift basket for a special someone. Choose a Theme Tailor the theme of your gift basket to the receiver. Think about what they like to do, what their hobbies are, and what interests they have. Select a handful of items that would go together nicely in a basket. No matter what you choose to put in there, the lucky recipient will love opening a thoughtful, homemade gift basket from you. Here are several theme ideas for homemade gift baskets: Sentimental Grandma Gift Basket Everyone knows grandpa and grandma gifts are often the most challenging to buy. Speak to their loving, caring, and nurturing side with special pieces that depict family relationships, such as: · Hand-painted k...