Thinking About a Gift Card for Mom? Think Etsy!

 Still need a last-minute gift for that special mom in your life?  Lots of people steer away from gift cards because they think they are impersonal, but those people probably have never received an Etsy gift card.  Etsy gift cards can be printed or emailed directly to the recipient, which will open up a magical world of endless possibilities for her.  Not only can she shop for just about anything handmade or vintage on Etsy, she can have something custom made just for her.  I'm totally going to use myself as an example . . .

I shop on Etsy A LOT.  The sellers are always wonderful, and a lot of them will customize items to fit your needs and your tastes.  One of my favorite Etsy sellers is Trish, the owner of CaliCatBoutique.  She sells handmade handbags, totes, clutches, backpacks, wallets, and more.  Everything you see pictured here, Trish has made just for me.  How awesome is that?!!

These are coordinating mother-daughter Mabel tote bags.  My daughter and I could not agree on a fabric, so we decided that having coordinating bags is just as good as having matching ones.  Trish also created matching accessories according to our specific needs.  I cannot wait for the weather to warm up, so we can start carrying these babies!

Both of the bags above and the ones shown below were not bags the CaliCatBoutique offered in its shop.  Do not assume what you see in any Etsy shop is all there is to offer.  Many sellers will create something just for you.  That is something you cannot get at the mall or your local department store.  I should also add that these custom bags cost a fraction of what designer bags cost.

The two bags shown above are mother-daughter Disney Princess-inspired Marianne clutches.  I fell in love with this fabric, but thought it would suit a smaller bag because it was so colorful.  My daughter wanted glitter on her bag and I wanted something purple.  I love how these turned out, and they are perfect for when we want to travel lightly.

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Above you'll find a larger version of the Denver Backpack and custom Clematis Clutch. Both accompanied me to Utah last year, where my oldest competed at the USA Taekwondo National Championships in Salt Lake City.

These two are the very first custom handbags I ordered from the CaliCatBoutique.  Above is a custom Star Wars Rey-Inspired Sublime Bag.  Below is a custom Disney Princess-inspired Everyday Tote Bag.

Am I stopping there?  NO WAY!!!  I currently have a Disney Mulan-inspired bag and clutch in the works with the CaliCatBoutique.  As you can see, the possibilities are endless on Etsy.  Give mom what she wants, which we all know is to have things her way. Am I right?

What are your favorite Etsy finds for Mom?

Tell us in a comment here.

3 No-Brainer Holiday Gift Ideas They'll Cherish for Years to Come

Thank you to CanvasPop for providing a square photo canvas print for this feature and for hosting a holiday giveaway for 3G2S readers.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

The other day, I was looking through our photo albums for pictures my daughter could take to school for a show-and-tell type thing and I realized how few photos we actually have.  I easily take over a thousand photos a year, but they are all stored on an external hard drive.  Of those 1000+ photos I take each year, almost none of them are of my husband and me.  This made me realize that the only photos we have hanging in our home of the two of us are our wedding portrait and one or two others from before we were married (15 years ago).

When I had the opportunity to have a canvas photo print made, I decided to have one printed using a more recent photo of my husband and myself.  When I opened the box and unwrapped the canvas, such an amazing feeling of sentiment came over me.  I thought to myself what an unbelievable gift this would make for a loved one.  After the initial flood of sentiment passes, they will still cherish this gift as it hangs in their home for years to come.


3 No-Brainer Holiday Gifts Your Loved Ones Will Cherish . . .

1.  Canvas Word Art - With CanvasPop's Word Art Maker, you can combine two very powerful things, the perfect photo and words from your heart, into one work of art.  You can also make typographical art without a photo.  The possibilities are endless, from your favorite quote to an inside joke that will be sure to get a smile.

2.  Mosaic Art on Canvas - Can't decide on just one photo or looking for an alternative to a photo book?  This option allows you to include many photos in one work of art.  You could simply include your favorite photos or choose a theme.  How about photos of places to which you've traveled together or perhaps chronological photos that highlight your loved one's life?

3.  Classic Large Canvas Print - A high quality photo canvas print looks so amazing compared to a print on paper.  The photo canvas shown below is just printed from a high resolution selfie my husband took of us a couple of years ago.  The canvas art at CanvasPop range in square and rectangular sizes from 8"x10" to 24"x72".  Ours is 20"x20" and was perfect for a wall space next to the window in our bedroom.

This one has a low-profile .75" deep wrap that is perfect for spaces where your wall art could get easily bumped, such as a hallway or a high-traffic area.

This canvas is the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning and it's the perfect way to start the day.  It just makes me feel happy inside every time I look at it.  That's the kind of gift I want to give everyone I love!

Like these gift ideas? Pin this list for later . . . 

Enter to Win a Photo Canvas for the Holidays! (CLOSED)

3G2S readers can click the link above or the button below to enter to win a 16"x24" canvas print (ARV $89) from CanvasPop and to read the official rules.

Contest ends November 30, 2015 at 11:59PM PT. Open to residents of the US, Canada and the European Union.

What picture perfect photo would you like to have printed on canvas? Tell us about it on Facebook!

Home Decor Gifts for Everyone On Your Shopping List from Zazzle

Thank you to Zazzle for providing a sample round pouf for us to base this review upon and for providing a gift certificate for our giveaway prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Over the years, Zazzle has grown significantly as far as the types of custom products they offer.  Take their home decor selection, for example.  You may expect to see throws, pillows, mugs, and tree ornaments when you visit their site, but you will find so much more.  Upon visiting Zazzle.com recently, I was delighted to find lamps, cutting boards, serving trays, plates, bowls, tree skirts, Christmas stockings, and even wrapping paper!  Of all the wonderful home furnishings items I had discovered, the poufs were my favorite of all.

When I first saw the Luck & Longevity Round Pouf, I knew it would be perfect for our home.  I love the Asian flair and it was an easy way to add another seat in our living room without adding a large piece of furniture.  Of course, you would need to find the right pouf for you.  With currently 43,513 cube and round poufs to choose from and the ability to customize your item, I don't foresee a problem with finding exactly what you need.  There are styles that are suitable for nurseries, dorm rooms, mancaves, and everything in between.  Many styles can be personalized with a name or a monogram, whether your are choosing a trendy chevron pouf or one that's in your favorite team colors.

If you truly cannot find exactly what you're looking for, then you always have the option to design your own pouf by uploading your own images for the top and sides.  I always thought it would be cool to create a mosaic image using photos of my children, my husband, and myself from different stages of our lives.  What design would you put on a custom square or round pouf?

To view all the home decor items available, visit www.Zazzle.com, where you could finish almost all your holiday shopping in just one stop!  Be sure to sign up for the Zazzle newsletter to stay in the know about special offers and Zazzle promo codes during the holiday season and throughout the year.

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This giveaway is open to U.S only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Give the Gift of Music This Holiday with the SOL Republic PUNK Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a PUNK wireless speaker sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our giveaway prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been privileged to have reviewed so many SOL Republic products over the last couple of years. I am always excited to see and test the next one. So far every SOL Republic product I have tested has received an outstanding review from me and I would be lying if I said I was not partial to their products, but frankly they have earned that bias from me. SOL Republic makes great personal audio electronics and their pricing is always better than the competitor for comparable items. However I always try to find at least one imperfection when I do a review for them. I am not always successful….

I received the SOL Republic PUNK Bluetooth speaker in black for review. And as always, I was excited to get it as I love my DECK and wanted to see how a smaller speaker compares. The basic rule of thumb with speakers is that bigger is almost always better. Could the PUNK sound as nice as my larger DECK?

I wont keep you in suspense: The DECK has a bigger and richer sound, but wowee the PUNK wireless speaker sounds extremely good for a 3-1/2" speaker and I was impressed. It boggles my mind how much sound SOL Republic can jam into a speaker that can fit into your palm.

The bass is better than I would expect from such a small form factor (SOL Republic signature bass) and the rest of the range was pleasantly complete. At max volume there was no cracking or static. This is no quickie-mart-as-seen-on-TV speaker that I see everywhere. I tested a few different genre’s of music to hear a variety of sounds as well as some video to really test the PUNK. It all sounded fantastic.

The PUNK is also water and dust resistant, something that even my DECK can't do! The exterior is rubbery and soft offering some light shock resistance and toughness. The PUNK is so tough, it doesn't come with a case like its peer does. Just grab and go.

You can plug the PUNK into analog and USB ports for wired audio and charging. Not that you need to plug it in for audio, the Bluetooth connection was as easy to set up as can be and the range is superb. Although I have yet to prove if the PUNK can go for 8 hours on a charge, I hardly doubt it as my DECK can play all day long. SOL Republic knows how to do wireless batteries!

Are there better sounding Bluetooth speakers out there? Sure. But not one as small as the PUNK and certainly not as inexpensive. I also bet none are as tough as the PUNK or can get wet and keep playing.  The PUNK is truly designed to just grab, throw in a bag or big pocket, and go. With the punk you can have quality music anywhere you go.

And guess what? I don't have a single negative thing to say about the PUNK. I failed to find my obligatory imperfection. At $69.99 you simply cannot go wrong with this speaker. It's tough and easy to use, perfect for teenagers, college students, and anybody who needs great sound that's easy to take with you.

The SOL Republic PUNK wireless speaker comes in 7 colors.  To see them all or to learn more about this compact Bluetooth speaker, visit www.SOLRepbulic.com.

CYBER WEEKEND SPECIAL:  Order a PUNK speaker and get a pair of JAX in-ear headphones for FREE. (Valid thru December 1st, 2014 @ 11:59p Pacific Time.)  Also, $1 from every order over $50 from the SOL Republic website will be donated to the Children's Cancer Association.

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This giveaway is open to U.S only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn. Although every effort will be made for the winner to receive the prize by December 24th, 2014, delivery in time for Christmas is not guaranteed. The color of the prize to be sent will be based on availability.

A Custom Hand Stamped Personalized Sterling Silver Toggle Necklace for My Birthday!

Thank you to Like Mother, Like Daughter for providing a sample custom hand stamped silver necklace for us to base this review upon and for providing a gift certificate for our giveaway prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

It's September!  That means the two sapphires of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires had birthdays this month . . . one of which was me.  Yes, I turned forty *cough* one this month.  Somehow turning 41 seemed to impact me more than 40.  I wouldn't say I'm feeling old . . . just older.  Regardless, nothing cures the birthday blues better than jewelry.  Well, not just any jewelry.  It needs to be something special . . .

No piece of jewelry could be more special than one that was crafted just for me.  While browsing this charming hand stamped jewelry boutique on Etsy, called Like Mother, Like Daughter, I saw this sterling silver washer toggle necklace and I kept coming back to it.  I admit I have an affinity towards larger circular pendants, but I just wasn't sure this was the one for me.  Then I realized that I could make this the perfect necklace for me because it can be customized!

What did I come up with?  Why, it's this mommy necklace that has the names of all five members of my beloved family stamped into the sterling silver washer plus a silver family tree charm dangling in the center.  I just love the way this necklace turned out!  If you do too, you can order this custom necklace here.  It would truly make a cherished gift for a special mom in your life.

Now, I'm one to leave my jewelry on 24/7.  Just as stated in the shop information, this type of silver will develop a patina when exposed to air.  If you aren't a fan of an antiqued look, then I recommend that you keep these pieces stored away safely protected from the air while they're not being worn.  It's also helpful that each piece comes with a polishing cloth to help keep your jewelry looking like new.

To view all the wonderful offerings in hand stamped necklaces, bracelets, and earrings (in sterling silver, bronze, copper, and aluminum) visit Like Mother, Like Daughter on Etsy!  Now it does take some time for your custom pieces to be created, so plan accordingly if you're purchasing a gift.  For me, it was totally worth the wait!

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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

5 Mother's Day Gift Ideas for the New Mom in Your Life

This Mother's Day gifts post has been written as part of a compensated campaign for Coupons.com.  All opinions expressed are my own.

This year, Mother's Day falls on May 11th, a date that is quickly sneaking up on us!  If you need to shop for a new mom this year, my advice is to give her a thoughtful gift that you picked out with solely her in mind.  Since the majority (if not all) of the the gifts that have come into her home for the past year or so has likely been for the new baby, she will greatly appreciate a gift that was truly picked out for her.

Having been a new mom more than once, here are a few suggestions for Mother's Day gifts for new moms that I came across on BabiesRUs.com that I would have loved to receive during those exhausting periods of my life . . .

1.  If you're considering gifting a glider and ottoman, the Stork Craft Custom Tuscany Glider and Ottoman ($229.99) might be a fine choice.  Not only does it come in 6 wood finishes and 4 different upholstery choices, it has been highly rated by other customers for comfort.  I cannot tell you how many times I had fallen asleep while nursing in the middle of the night and woke up wishing I had a more comfortable place to doze off while still securely cradling my baby.

2.  In addition to dealing with the logistics of nursing away from home, many moms have still not returned to their pre-baby clothing size.  Why not treat her to a few stylish nursing tops, such as this Thyme Maternity Sleeveless Nursing Top (on sale for $8.70).  It might make a huge difference in her outlook on days she needs to go out and about while feeling run-down and sleep-deprived.

3.  Like many new moms, I gave up carrying a handbag and just threw my keys, phone, and wallet in a diaper bag.  That is a huge deal for any woman who has a love of stylish handbags.  If this sounds like the new mom in your life, how about gifting her a stylish diaper bag disguised as a handbag like this JP Lizzy Satchel ($59.99)?  This bag looks like a fashion-forward handbag, but it comes with a changing pad and there are pockets inside for diapers, wipes, bottles, and more.

4.  Other than having other people coming in to help, there are not too many ways to reduce the amount of household chores that need to be done.  Having a new baby increases the number of chores, but reduces the amount of time and energy available to dedicate to these tasks.  A robotic vacuum, like the Neato XV Signature Vacuum ($449.99), would be a welcomed gift for any new mom.  Not only does this gift allow for hands-free vacuuming, it might also be handy for soothing babies that are partial to the hum of a vacuum.

5.  Although new moms don't have much free time, it is a treat to fit a little pampering in here and there.  The Susan Brown's Just for Mom Ultimate Gift Basket ($95.00) or any selection of Susan Brown's body products would make a wonderful gift for a new mom.  Some of the products include a Dead Sea Salt Foot Soak, Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, and Botanical Body & Massage Oil.

Before you shop for Mother's Day gifts at Babies R Us, be sure to check for Coupons.com Babies R Us coupon codes to maximize your budget.  This is great advice to follow for any online retailer.  As an avid online shopper, I never complete my order anywhere without checking for promo codes first.

What other ideas do you have for great gifts for new moms?


PLEASE NOTE:  This is a multi-blog giveaway.  Please read the entry requirements carefully, as they will differ than what you would normally see on 3G2S.
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A Sunoco Gift Card is More Than Just a Gas Card . . . Get #FueledBySunoco!

Thank you to Sunoco for providing Sunoco gift card for our contest prize and for sending me a gift card as a thank you for taking the time to share this information with 3G2S readers.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Versatility and convenience are two features our family looks for in . . . well, just about everything we purchase.  If you are buying a gift for someone who leads a busy lifestyle, you should consider a Sunoco gift card.  These cards are not only good for filling up your gas tank, you can also use them to pay for maintenance on your car (oil changes, brake work, tire replacements, and more) and for fresh food, snacks, beverages, and groceries at the APlus Convenience Store locations.  I can totally see my husband filling his gas tank up in the morning, while grabbing a breakfast sandwich and a hot cup of gourmet coffee (or a couple of Nathan's Hot Dog along with an ice tea at lunchtime).

Who do you know who would love the time-saving benefits and convenience of carrying a Sunoco gift card?  They really would be the perfect gift for anyone who is always on-the-go, drives an older car that requires a lot of maintenance, has a long commute, or even someone young who just managed to buy their very first car.  You can purchase these gift cards online or at your local Sunoco station.  Before you purchase, be sure to check if there is a Sunoco location near where the gift recipient resides, works, or goes to school.  You can learn more about these gift cards and other Sunoco services, but visiting www.gosunoco.com.

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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

2013 Holiday Tech & Gadgets Gift Guide on 3G2S

Product samples of some of the items featured below were provided to facilitate this gift guide.  All opinions expressed are our own.


1. SOL Republic Deck Wireless Speaker ($199.99) - The Deck wireless speaker by SOL Republic and Motorola combines style and performance. The Deck is the only wireless speaker that has Heist Mode, a feature that allows up to 5 users to stream music to the speaker for a dynamic listening experience. Another exclusive feature unique to the Deck is Super-Power Wireless, allowing connected devices up to a 300 foot range from the speaker. The unit boasts an extra loud volume for outdoor use and a rechargeable battery that provides many hours of listening between charges. The speaker broadcasts in all directions providing a 360 field of music supported by a deep bass. The Deck can also be used as a speakerphone when paired with your smartphone.  The Deck is the perfect gift for music lovers who like to bring their music with them and share.

Keep an eye out for my full review of the SOL Republic Deck coming soon.  To learn more about the SOL Republic Deck, read our review and visit www.solrepublic.com.

2.  VTech InnoTab 3S Wifi Learning Tablet ($99.99 Now $69.99) - The InnoTab 3S by VTech is a tablet made especially for kids yet is full of features found in many tablets made for adults. The InnoTab 3S connects to you home's wifi and offers a completely controlled web experience. Parents can add approved websites to the units pre installed list of kid friendly sites. The InnoTab 3S is chock full of preinstalled learning activities, games, books, and art applications. Parents can go online to the Learning Lodge and add content at any time, some free and some for purchase. The unit boasts a 5” screen, rotating 2 megapixel camera, SD card slot, and 4 gigabytes of onboard storage.  The InnoTab 3S is a full featured tablet packed in a kid friendly package. This kid tablet is no toy. The unit offers extensive parental controls as well.

If you aren't ready to spend $300 or more for an adult tablet for your child, the InnoTab 3S is a great bridge tablet. The InnoTab 3S is the perfect choice for kids ages 3-9, who are asking for a tablet this holiday season.  This tablet comes in Blue, Pink, and a special edition Dora the Explorer model.

To learn more about the InnoTab 3S, visit www.VTechKids.com.

3.  Mobile Edge Mini Messenger Bag  ($49.99) - The Mobile Edge Mini Messenger bag is designed for tablet or netbook PC users who do not want to carry a full sized laptop bag. For anyone who needs to carry IT tools and related items in addition to a tablet, the Mobile Edge Mini is a perfect solution. The bag is made from rugged nylon and mesh with large zippers and plastic clips. This Mobile Edge messenger contains two padded compartments that can easily house any full size tablet or 13” ultrabook computer. The outer compartment has many divided sections for other gear. There is a small zippered outside pocket that is perfect for keys. This unisex tablet bag also has a bottle pocket and a second buttoned compartment (perfect for a flashlight) on each side of the bag. The Mobile Edge Mini Messenger bag is the perfect gift for the mobile professional.

To see color choices and more detailed information visit Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.

4. Jabra Freeway Bluetooth Speakerphone  ($99.00) - This speakerphone by Jabra allows for complete hands free calling in your car and much more. The Freeway automatically turns on and off when you enter or exit your car using its sensitive motion detection. The battery boasts a 14 hour talk time with a 40 day standby and can recharge from your car's 12 volt outlet with a provided charger. The unit can also charge using an included USB cable. The Jabra Freeway Speakerphone doubles as a bluetooth speaker by playing music through your car's FM stereo, as well as streamed from your mobile device. The Freeway is sleek in appearance and looks equally at-home in your car or on an office desk. The unit is small and light and attaches easily to a car's visor. This bluetooth speakerphone offers excellent sound clarity and microphone sensitivity. The Freeway is a perfect gift for anybody who likes to chat in the car or requires high quality hands free communication. It also makes an excellent speaker for your mobile media.

Visit www.Jabra.com for more information, including a product video.

5.  SOL Republic Tracks On-Ear Interchangeable Headphones V8  ($99.99) - The Tracks headphones by SOL Republic are handsome and simple in design. The Tracks are modular and the components (available for purchase separately) can be changed to suit any taste creating a truly unique set of headphones. The sound is rich in bass without sacrificing the rest of the range suiting many tastes in music. The ear pads are soft and the headband is virtually indestructible.  At $99.99 the SOL Republic Tracks offer a high quality experience at a fraction of the cost of its peers.  These headphones would be the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the sound of high quality audio.

To learn more about these on-ear headphones, read our review and visit www.solrepublic.com.

6.  Jabra Style Bluetooth Headset  ($49.99) - The Jabra Style is a small and svelte bluetooth headset. It may very well be one of the smallest headsets you have ever seen for a mobile phone. The earpiece fits almost entirely in your ear and the clip is clear so the unit is fairly inconspicuous. The Jabra Style is very easy to use as most of the features are automated. The unit detects the ambient noise and adjusts the volume automatically. In fact, the only button on the Jabra Style is the off/on button that doubles as the answer button. It is refreshing to find a top end headset that is so easy to use. The Jabra Style would be a great gift for anybody who likes to chat while they drive, workout, cook, or just about anything else that requires them to keep their hands free.

For more information about this and other Jabra products, visit www.Jabra.com.

7.  Lightscoop Deluxe  ($36.95) - Lightscoop is a swiveling detachable mirror you can put on your D-SLR camera to bounce the light from your flash off other surfaces, such as the ceiling or a wall.  This results in photos that have lights and shadows that are soft, rather than the harsh ones resulting from using a direct flash.  This little gadget slides right into the slot where you would normally attach an external flash and works best for cameras with nice bright flashes.  The Lightscoop is most effective when used with ceilings that are approximately 14ft high or lower and walls that are no more than 4ft away.  The Lightscoop Deluxe folds for easy storage.  Also available is the Lightscoop Jr. ($18.95), which comes with a storage pouch and works well on many compact cameras with bright flashes.  Remember to visit the product pages to be sure which Lightscoop product will work best with your type of camera.  Both products would make perfect gifts or stocking stuffers for that special photographer in your life.

To learn more about these and other Lightscoop products, visit www.lightscoop.com, Lightscoop on Facebook, and on Twitter.


More tech and gadget gift ideas will be added to this Holiday Gift Guide through December.  Remember to check back often and to follow @_Karen on Twitter to keep up with what's new!

Tech Tip: Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores + Zact Offers Nationwide Coverage with No Contract

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.  All opinions expressed our my own.

With more and more people dropping standard landline phone service and relying on their mobile phones, the need for inexpensive and easy to manage options is increasing. Fortunately there are more options than ever for mobile service providers and plans. Traditionally there were just two options for us to choose from: Contract or prepaid plans. But in the last year or so, another option is growing in availability, the no contract or pay as you go plan.

Although there are a few providers offering no contract mobile phone plans, there is one company that that offers all of the benefits of a contract plan and a great deal more. Zact Mobile, available offline exclusively at Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores, is a no contract phone plan that uses the extensive Sprint network.

With Zact Mobile, you only pay for what you use, all unused money is credited towards your next months service. Not only do you get to roll over any unspent money into the next month, you can tune your services by choosing options a la carte right from your phone further maximizing your money. In fact, the average bill from Zact Mobile is just $22! Zact mobile offers a fully customizable mobile experience to get the most from your device for the very least amount of money.

Any of Zact Mobile's plans are shareable, so you and your family can share the data and minutes for maximum convenience. Providing a phone for each member of your family could not be any easier. With Zact you can not only manage all of your services right from your phone, you can also manage parental controls for any younger users of the service. Parents can set talk, text, and data limits as well as set curfews, block contacts, and control what apps are allowed. I am pretty sure my contract plan does not allow me to do any of that from my smartphone.

You can checkout Zact Mobile phones and plans at any of the 414 Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores across the United States.  Find the store nearest you using their website, www.BestBuyMobile.com. You can also see an excellent video HERE that covers all of Zact Mobiles features, showing you why a Zact phone would make the perfect Holiday gift for anyone one your list, young or old, who would like the convenience of a mobile phone without the high monthly bills.

2013 Holiday Fashion Gift Guide on 3G2S

Product samples of some of the items featured below were provided to facilitate this gift guide.  All opinions expressed are our own.

1.  Dollie & me Matching Outfits  ($25.00 - $50.00) - Designed for girls who wear sizes 2T thru size 12 and their 18" doll, Dollie & Me is a favorite brand to many young girls.  The matching outfits, usually sold in sets, are a unique way to increase the fun and to enhance the bond between a girl and her 18" doll.  This matching "My Three Roses" Baby Doll Dress with Leggings Set is just one example of the 120+ matching outfit sets currently being offered by Dollie & Me.  The outfit designs are fun-loving, stylish, and bold, but also built for comfort.  A Dollie & Me matching outfit set would be the perfect gift for a girl who is receiving a new or even her very first 18" doll this Holiday.  In addition to casual dresses and legging sets, Dollie & Me also offers matching special occasion and Holiday dresses, as well as matching pajamas.  All doll outfits fit most 18" dolls, including American Girl dolls.

You can learn more about Dollie & Me fashions by visiting www.dollieme.com.  This brand is also sold by select retailers, such as Zulily, Sears, and Kohl's.

2.  RUUM Moto Jackets for Boys and Girls  ($59.50 - $69.50) - Moto jackets and boots are one of the most prominent trends this fall for men, women, boys, and girls.  RUUM American Kid's Wear is on-trend as usual and is currently offering the Boy's Motorcycle Jacket for both toddlers and grade school age boys, the Toddler Girls LG Moto Jacket, and the Girl's Hooded Moto Jacket (not shown).  One of these faux leather jackets would make the perfect gift for a child who enjoys looking stylish just as much as he or she loves playing their favorite video game.

To learn more about these kids moto jackets, visit www.ruum.com.  Be sure to also read all about our RUUM store visit.

3. Mialisia Jewelry  ($12.00 - $78.00) - Mialisia is a new jewelry brand that launched in 2013.  What makes this patent-pending jewelry unique is that its entire line of necklaces is interchangeable.  You can take any one necklace and turn it into a completely different style necklace, a bracelet, a belt, or combine it with other necklaces to create a brand new statement.  The number of possibilities only end where the stylist within wants it to end.  To complete every look, Mialisia also offers coordinating earrings and rings.  This jewelry would be the perfect gift for the woman who loves to change her look often.  Since this will be the first Holiday season Mialisia Jewelry has been available, she will likely to be the first among her friends to wear it, thus reinforcing her trendsetter status.

You can learn more about Mialisia interchangeable jewelry by reading our review and by visiting ohmy.mialisia.com and www.ohmymia.com.

4.  Cole Haan City Chukka Boot for Girls  ($67.95) - Also available for walkers and toddlers, this City Chukka Boot for little girls by Cole Haan is available in size 12 to 24 months up to a girls size 2.  What little girl could resist a shoe with pink laces that glitters all over?  The style of the City Chukka Boot is sure to delight any young lady.  The non-slip soles and the quality of Cole Haan will please her parents as well.  These boots would be the perfect gift for a little fashionista who needs something special to wear during the Holidays and would also be just the thing to bring new life to any fall or winter outfits that have begun to get dull.

You can find the Cole Haan City Chukka Boot in Black Glitter or Navy Glitter at Nordstrom.com.

5.  Limited Edition Justice YOYO Retractable Bling Initial Lip Gloss  ($8.00 - $10.00) - YOYO Lip Gloss is offering a limited edition line of lip glosses at Justice that makes beauty crossover to fashion for tween girls.  In addition to the fun sparkling initials and designs, what makes these lip glosses unique is their retractable design.  Simply fasten the crystal adorned clip onto a belt, pocket, backpack, or handbag.  This allows the lip gloss to stay handy, but never be lost due to the retractable line that attaches the lip gloss to the yo yo clip.  This scented lip gloss is colorless, so it is perfect for a tween who is still too young for makeup.  In addition to initials, the YOYO lip gloss is also available in other fun designs, such as a peace symbol.  Scents include Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Grape, and more.  These limited edition lip glosses can be purchased at www.shopjustice.com and at your local Justice store.

To learn more about YOYO Lip Gloss, visit www.yoyolipgloss.com.

6.  Hand-woven Guatemalan Headband  ($25.00) - If you love to give gifts that give or know someone who loves to receive them, then this vibrantly colored hand-woven headband from the World Vision Catalog might be perfect for someone on your list.  Although sized for an adult, this soft cotton headband also works for a child.  The pleated style allows it to be worn as a narrow or a wide headband.  The proceeds from this tax deductible gift will be combined with others to fund programs around the world, such as child protection, clean water, and disaster response, just to name a few.

To learn more about this hand-woven headband and the causes behind the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvision.org.

7.  Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit  ($15.00) - This 3.5" x 2" x 2" zippered pouch hold 17 essentials to make you prepared for a wide array of emergencies.  Shown in Cherry Red with a Chinese Symbol zipper pull, this kit is one of 10 styles available in the Good Luck Minimergency Kit collection (because who couldn't use a little extra good luck?), just one of many collections of emergency kits available for women, men, girls, moms, teachers, and more.  This particular kit contains lip balm, hair spray, a wrapped tampon, clear nail polish, breath freshener, nail polish remover, pain reliever, an emery board, an adhesive bandage, earring backs, clear elastics, a safety pin, a sewing/mending kit, Shemergency® tape, stain remover, a deodorant towelette, and dental floss.  These kits would make unique and thoughtful gifts for a teacher, a co-worker, or stocking stuffers for family members.  Refills for the various kits are also available for purchase.

To learn more about this and the many other Minimergency Kits available, visit www.pinchprovisions.com.


More unique fashion gift ideas will be added to this Holiday Gift Guide through December.  Remember to check back often and to follow @_Karen on Twitter to keep up with what's new!