Gifts of Thanks

Today is the first official day of fall! I have been saying it for a while now but if you have not started to think about the upcoming holiday season you are going to miss the boat!!

I am busy getting the Hand Crafted Cottage all ready with oddly shaped pumpkins and gourds, deliciously spicy smells, and even a goblin or two. I love fall and I love the traditions it brings. For us Canadians, the first holiday on our radar is Thanksgiving. Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, family, friends, and love. What's not to like about this time of year?

One of my fall traditions is to bring a small gift to the people at work and others I see on a daily basis (the wonderful lady at the day home, our neighbours, etc.). I like to recognize this special turkey day and say "thanks" to those around me, I appreciate you! Of course, Christmas is coming soon, so I don't want to break the bank going too extravagant with my little offerings. Something that is small, special and shows that I care - that's what I'm looking for.

These mouth watering sweet and spicy caramels from Bliss Candies are all individually wrapped and would look so beautiful displayed in a jar, wrapped with an orange satin ribbon around the lid. Described as creamy and sweet, with a kick, any co-worker or friend would love to receive some of these little gems. Bliss Candies provides only fresh, handmade and hand cut, delicacies that I can tell you, from personal experience, are absolutely heavenly!

Vegan Propamanda is another shop on my shortlist of fabulosity! Offering delicious cookies made of pumpkin, chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg, they are a great way to show your vegan or vegetarian friends that you are thinking of them (and honouring their choices)! I think this shop is great because they will work with you to create any vegan friendly baked good you may be looking for.

Another wonderful option that I have found on Etsy are the vast arrays of jams and jellies. Bovines Bubbles and Hogwash Ltd. offers a great selection of fresh, homemade jams and jellies, even providing a sugar free option for our diabetic friends. With names like, drunken winterberry jam, autumn pear and cranberry jam, and chocolate raspberry cheesecake, how could you possible resist? They do offer a three pack which is great for allowing you to choose a few different options or split them up between co-workers.

I simply adore these organza flowers from Every Day Diamonds. Instead of offering some nibblers to your special friend why not offer them something beautiful to wear on Thanksgiving day instead? Usually, as hostess we are so busy organizing the meal, cooking, and filling drinks we sometimes forget to look after ourselves too. There is a great variety of flowers to choose from and you just can't beat their prices (stay tuned for a feature on Every Day Diamonds..coming soon!).

The idea behind a thanksgiving gift is that it should be small, thoughtful, and not too hard on the pocket book. It's just a nice way to say that you are thankful for those in your life and a fun way to get started on the holidays.