Thursday, May 24, 2012

Our Father's Day Gift Guide


Whether he's your Dad or a man who's been like a Dad to you, finding a really great gift for Father's Day can be hard.

He'll say that he doesn't need anything.  "Just let me play golf" or "let me snooze on the couch, and I'll be happy" he'll say.  And the crazy thing is - he probably would be.  Most Dads are fairly low maintenance, and more inclined to do something for you.

But it's important to mark these days.  It's important to let him know that you appreciate him, and that you wanted to do something special for him.  It's good for the soul both to cherish someone and to be cherished.  So make him breakfast in bed, or take him out for a meal.

Buy or make him a card, and if you want, get him a little something that he'll appreciate.  Here are five ideas he'd love.

1. Is he a runner or bicyclist?  Give him a jar of Gilden Tree's Nourishing Foot Cream, a case of  power bars, and a bike/hike trail map of your city or area.
 2. Is he interested in camping?  Give him a set of waffle weave towels to use in camp.  The hand towels are lightweight, big enough to use as a bath towel, and dry incredibly quickly - always important when you're at the mercy of the weather.


3. Does he like to garden?  Get him a really nice pair of work gloves and a nice new bucket.  You can never have too many gloves or too many buckets.  Tuck in a jar of Shea Butter Balm and a hearty bar of soap for a great, simple, practical gift.


4. Is he a lounge on the deck kind of guy?  Give him a lightweight summer robe  - our most popular robe is the classic waffle weave kimono style robe. It's soft, comfortable and very generously sized - perfect for any man, and when you add a beverage of his choice - he'll think he's died and gone to heaven.


5. Does he go to the gym?  Get him a Complete Healthy Feet Kit.  It has a terra-cotta Foot Scrubber, and small jars of foot soaks, scrub, foot cream and balm - just perfect to tuck in his gym bag.


Don't worry about gift wrap.  We offer it for just $5.00, and we always offer a free gift message. Items are placed in a nice brown kraft gift box, and tied with a real green ribbon, and we'll tuck in your gift message, too.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Gilden Tree's Green Wedding Gift Guide



It used to be so easy.  Young couples would register for china, crystal and silver, or they'd go to a big box store and fill out a wish-list.  All you had to do was go to the list, choose something and the store would wrap and send it for you.

These days, it's a bit harder because most couples already have their own households, either separately or together, or it's a second marriage and they don't need the basic items which used to fill those lists.

Many couples are skipping formal items altogether and are instead making a conscious decision to consume less and choose more sustainable goods.  It's a wonderful way to start a new life together, but can make make the question of what to give the newlyweds all the more perplexing.

Over the years, our creative customers have had us send lots of beautiful, eco-friendly wedding gifts.  So, to help make it simpler, here are three of our favorites!

1. Classic Waffle Weave Bath Towel Sets ($84.99)  and Modern Design Waffle Towel Sets ($84)

Even if they already have towels, they'll love these soft, eco-friendly waffle bath towels because they dry so quickly and because they're made of Natural Cotton that's Oeko Tex Standard 100 Certified.

One of our best-selling wedding gift items - these sets include 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 washcloths. (Classic set also includes a bath mat.) White is definitely the most popular color, and it's an even split between Modern Design and Classic Waffle Weave.

These are amazing flat weave towels that are soft, super-absorbent and dry so quickly that couples just fall in love with them.  For an extra personal touch - get them monogrammed.  

2. Waffle Weave Throw Blanket ($44)

The joy of consciously choosing a simpler life is reflected in these soft blankets and any couple will find so many ways to use one.

They're perfect for cuddling up in front of the fire, as a car blanket or light camp blanket. You can even take them to the beach, because sand just falls right off and they're machine wash and dry.

Tuck one in with an old-fashioned picnic basket, for a picnic blanket - they're so  soft, warm and easy to live with.  In Sage Green, White, Slate, Orange, Espresso, and Cream.
59" x 77"  Suitable for monogramming.


3. Honeymoon Robe Gift Set ($145)

It's a little bit of luxury that helps make the honeymoon even more special with robes that will last for years.  Two beautiful white waffle weave robes are packed in a chic pandan box, with a candle, chocolates, a cd of romantic music, Shea Butter Balm and Massage Stones (includes easy massage instructions.)

If you've ever traveled in Europe you'll know how soft and comfortable a really good quality waffle robe can be and these are the nicest, thickest kind we've ever seen.  Call or email and and let us help you choose just the right sizes.

We'll be happy to Gift Wrap your gift for just $5 and our gift messages on a pretty card are always free.  Call us toll-free at 888-445-3368 or email us at customerservice@gildentree.com for help finding the perfect gift.

GildenTree.Com

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

A Simple Joy: Celebrating May Day

Yesterday we offered a May Basket to all our customers (with a Crazy 4-Hour Sale) "tucked" in the basket.  I wonder if anyone else still carries on with the tradition of May Baskets?

I have always loved May Day, and in my neighborhood, we still exchange May Baskets.   We made May Baskets when I was growing up and  the rules were quite simple.  You created a small basket out of paper, and added a few pieces of candy and a little bunch of flowers. 

Then you had to hang the baskets on the recipient's doorknob, ring the doorbell and quickly run and hide, since if the recipient saw you they could kiss you.

Yesterday after work, I rushed home and helped my daughter Maya put together our May Baskets. We were in a time crunch so we just used colorful little paper cups and blue ribbon with Smarties and sprigs of Lilac tucked in. Maya and the neighborhood kids raced all over the neighborhood delivering them and no one, I believe, got caught. 

I love sitting on the front porch watching the kids dash around the neighborhood - lurking behind bushes and cars while they wait for the baskets to be found.   How simple a delight and how unforgettable. 

If you don't already celebrate May Day, maybe it's time to start a new tradition! Next May Day, make May Baskets and deliver them - but better be quick or you might get kissed!