Gift Ideas Generator - The Blog

GiftGen iPhone and iPad App Launched!

2011-12-23T08:36:00.000Z

We're happy to announce that we've now launched our FREE iPhone and iPad app on iTunes store!

You can download it here...
http://itunes.apple.com/app/giftgen/id392027903?mt=8

The app allows you to save lists locally on your phone and also to email them. Great for when you are trying to agree what gift to buy someone if you’re collaborating with family, friends or work colleges, because you are clubbing together to buy a gift, or just so you don't buy the same thing.

Facebook URL

2011-10-13T11:22:00.002+01:00

We now have a vanity url / username on facebook, which is www.facebook.com/Gift.Ideas.Generator. Note that the dots are optional, so http://www.facebook.com/GiftIdeasGenerator also works.
Would appreciate it if you could 'like' us, if you haven't already.
Don't forget that there's a facebook app version of giftgen too on facebook.
Thanks for reading, and I promise the next post will be more interesting!

RC Air Swimmers

2011-09-08T13:16:00.010+01:00

iwantoneofthose.com just emailed us about this fantastic new gift idea...

Remote control floating clown fish and sharks!

Wedding Presents

2011-04-28T11:04:00.006+01:00

I've been meaning to write a wedding post for some time now, and so, the day before a royal wedding seems to be as good a time as any!

Here's some links to sites that have dedicated wedding day gift ideas pages...

up to £40

Over £40

Is Money Really the Best Gift? - Maybe Not!

2010-12-17T12:20:00.001Z

There seems to be a growing trend to give money instead of presents, and not just the ‘slip a ten pound note in the card’ kind. This is a lot more organised and pro active. I’ve read a number of articles discussing this, for example “Forget gifts just money say newlyweds” appeared in the daily mail recently and there’s an article on wikiHow called “Ask for Money In Place of a Christmas Gift”. Read Full Article

TreeBlocks - Eco Friendly Wooden Toys

2010-12-09T09:02:00.008Z

If you're looking for a childs toy that's not only educational, but also eco friendly, then treeblocks.co.uk is the place to head. They've broken their site down into children's key learning stages...

Click here to visit their site.

FREE gift ideas

2010-10-02T19:48:00.010+01:00

We're always keen to have as many FREE gift ideas as possible in our database, and in the current economic climate, we feel it's even more important. Homemade or personal gifts can be the most appreciated and cherished of all.

For craft/making ideas try make-stuff.com

For cooking ideas try the North pole cook book

When we can't find a site that helps you with a free idea, then Mark sets up a page at his virgin freespace like these...

Mark's FREE favour vouchers

Mark's printable bookmarks

If you have any great free gift ideas then don't hesitate to let us know

Fathers Day Gift Ideas

2010-06-08T13:40:00.005+01:00

Here's some links to sites that have dedicated fathers day gift ideas pages this year...

up to £30

Over £30

Easter Gifts (or not!)

2010-04-01T11:16:00.014+01:00

We're not a big fan of the idea of 'Easter Gifts' which has appeared in recent years ( as I wrote in my article Easter Gifts – Rampant Consumerism or healthy alternative? ).

So, For the traditionalists..

Easter Egg links
thorntons.co.uk/Easter_Range
greenandblacksdirect.com/easter-eggs

However, if you're on the look for chocolate egg alternatives, then we suggest you try these retailers...

Easter Sweets
aquarterof.co.uk/eggciting-easter

Personalised Easter Cards
gettingpersonal.co.uk/easter-cards

Small Gifts
gettingpersonal.co.uk/easter-gifts

I've purposely avoided posting any expensive easter gift ideas, as I'm still not keen on the idea!

60th Birthday Present Ideas

2010-03-25T12:15:00.005Z

Here's a link to our 60th Birthday Present ideas page, and here are links to some webshops that have a 60th birthday specific page...

up to £30
gettingpersonal.co.uk - 60th Birthday Gifts
PrezzyBox.com - 60th Birthday Gifts
a1gifts.co.uk - 60th Birthday Gifts

£30-£100
buyagift.co.uk - 60th Birthday Gifts

£100+
redletterdays.co.uk - 60th Birthday Gifts
buyagift.co.uk - 60th Birthday Gifts

An appropriate quote

2010-02-23T11:50:00.004Z

"The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value."
- Charles Dudley Warner, US essayist (1829-1900)

Photo Gifts from PhotoBox

2009-11-26T09:35:00.006Z

PhotoBox offers innovative photo gifts such as photobooks, calendars, diaries, cards, canvas prints, T-shirts, mousemats and photo stickers and more. Here are links to their homepage, and main categories...

Novel gift ideas that can bring to life one of your forgotten photos, or treasured masterpiece. Just upload your shot, and select your gift. Visit their site.

The 'C' word that keeps getting earlier!

2009-10-20T09:58:00.019+01:00

As far as I'm aware, the 25th of Decemember actually occurs in December. Yet our inbox is being bombarded with emails from websites that have started promoting their Cxxxxxxx offerings. I'm refusing to mention the 'C' word yet, as I personally don't like hearing the word before November. For those of you who DO like to plan ahead, here are a couple of the sites which have pages geared up for the season concerned...

note: I actually started writing this post a few weeks ago, and I guess it nearly is November now!
For the record, our EARLIEST email mentioning christmas this year was received on the 21st August!

50th Birthday Present Ideas

2009-09-08T10:34:00.011+01:00

Here's a link to our 50th Birthday Present ideas page, and here are links to some webshops that have a 50th birthday specific page...

up to £30
gettingpersonal.co.uk - 50th Birthday Gifts
PrezzyBox.com - 50th Birthday Gifts
a1gifts.co.uk - 50th Birthday Gifts

£30-£100
buyagift.co.uk - 50th Birthday Gifts

£100+
redletterdays.co.uk - 50th Birthday Gifts
buyagift.co.uk - 50th Birthday Gifts

Hampers - from Virginia Hayward

2009-07-21T09:59:00.015+01:00

One of the best gift ideas for people who have everything is a hamper. They can enjoy the contents, and then don't have more 'stuff' to clutter up their house! So check out Virginia Hayward

They have also started to branch out into Experience Day Gift Sets.

30th Birthday Present Ideas

2009-06-29T19:01:00.020+01:00

Here's a link to our 30th Birthday Present ideas page, and here are links to some webshops that have a 30th birthday specific page...

up to £30
gettingpersonal.co.uk - 30th Birthday Gifts
a1gifts.co.uk - 30th Birthday Gifts
PrezzyBox.com - 30th Birthday Gifts

£30+
buyagift.co.uk - 30th Birthday Gifts
redletterdays.co.uk - 30th Birthday Gifts

Fathers Day - Personalised Cards

2009-06-17T12:30:00.012+01:00

If you're looking for a novel Fathers day card then head to one of these sites, that allow you to personalise your own Fathers day card, with your dad's name or favourite saying or whatever you like...

GiftGen Widget

2009-06-07T11:58:00.009+01:00

We have a widget version of GiftGen that can easily be added your website, blog, igoogle page or social network site.

The widget version of GiftGen code can be grabbed from widgetbox and easily cut and pasted into your site.

The widget can be configured to eaither provice a widget size gift ideas list page, or the full screen browser version. Just select 'Full Screen' or 'Widget' from the 'Results Page Size' dropdown before clicking 'Get widget'.

Fathers Day

2009-05-31T19:37:00.013+01:00

I know it's a bit early, but our inbox has been bombarded with fathers day gift suggestions recently, and I've held off until now.

The best fathers day ideas pages we've come across so far are at...

BuyaGift.co.uk

2009-04-24T09:21:00.010+01:00

Looking for a special and memorable gift? An experience voucher could be just the ticket. There are a huge number of options these days, and you are not restricted to just costly hot air balloon flights or flying lessons. Some experiences are now under forty pounds, such as white water rafting, a full body massage, football stadium tours, Abseiling, dancing, helicopter ride, tea for two and more.

BuyaGift.co.uk have a HUGE selection of experience days, so check them out now!
Here's some links to their popular categories...

handpickedcollection.com - Classic present ideas handpicked by style journalists & trendsetters.

2009-04-02T12:33:00.044+01:00

We've just discovered handpickedcollection.com, which has unique gift ideas selected by a panel of 'style journalists & trendsetters'. Their main categories are..

With sections containing...

Products appear to be very good quality and are in the £5 - £100 price range.
Click here to visit their site.

GiftGen named as the MOST USEFUL shopping site!

2009-03-24T08:55:00.013Z

The Gift Ideas Generator was recently featured as the No. 1 'most useful shopping site' (beating eBay & Kelkoo!!!) in the Telegraph's '101 most useful websites' article.

I know it's a case of 'blowing your own trumpet' a bit, but we haven't mentioned this on the blog before and we were obviously extremely pleased about it!

Mothers Day Gift Ideas for Kids

2009-03-19T12:44:00.017Z

Mothers day is almost here (It's this sunday coming!). Mothers day is about showing appreciation to your mum for all the things she does for you, like washing your clothes and cooking your dinner. It's the thought that counts, and not about spending a lot of money. Flowers and chocolates are usually popular gift ideas. Something handmade by yourself is a great way to give a unique gift. Try these sites for handmade mothers day gift ideas...

GiftGen Demo Video & 5 Star Review

2009-03-05T13:20:00.015Z

We've just discovered that Channelflip reviewed our site in December (giving us 5 stars), and produced a great demo video...

Wedding Present Ideas

2009-02-08T15:42:00.016Z

I received an email this morning, reminding me of a friend's wedding. I quickly used GiftGen to get some present ideas, and here are some of the best ones that came up...

Here are some links to the wedding present section of some great gift sites...

GettingPersonal.co.uk - Wedding gifts
BuyaGift.co.uk - Wedding gifts
House of Fraser - Wedding list page
A1 Gifts - Wedding Gifts

Charity Gift Ideas

2008-12-17T10:40:00.019Z

Buying a gift for someone who really doesn't need anything, or is of a caring nature? There are some great charity gift websites out there with ideas ranging from life changing gifts for the 3rd world , like a herd of goats or fruit trees, to planet saving ideas like sponosorship of a woodland or acre of rainforest. For the animal lover you could sponsor a dolphin, dog or a orangutan?

Life Changing gifts for the 3rd world
practicalpresents.org
presentaid.org
musthavegifts.org

Help the planet
rainforestconcern.org
worldlandtrust.org.uk

Animal Sponsorship
WWF - Animal Sponsorship
gorillas.org - sponsor a gorilla
dogstrust.org.uk - Sponsor a dog

Stocking Fillers for Kids

2008-12-14T17:53:00.014Z

I've been scouring the web for the best stocking filler ideas for kids, and have come across some great sections within some of the gift websites out there.

Here's the pick of the best I've found:

Under £1.50
Stocking-Fillers.co.uk - Under £2
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - up to £3 stocking fillers
Stocking-Fillers.co.uk - Under £3
Hawkins Bizzare - Stocking fillers

Up to £3
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - up to £3 stocking fillers
Stocking-Fillers.co.uk - Under £3
Hawkins Bizzare - Stocking fillers

£3-£5
Stocking-Fillers.co.uk - Under £5
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - £3 - £5 stocking fillers
TheGiftExperience.co.uk - Stocking fillers

£5-£10
Stocking-Fillers.co.uk - Under £10
TheGiftExperience.co.uk - Stocking fillers
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - £5+ stocking fillers
PrezzyBox.com - Stocking fillers

IWantOneOfThose.com - Gadgets & cool boys toys

2008-12-02T22:32:00.011Z

Just in case you've not come across it before, I thought I'd mention IWantOneOfThose.com. They sell all the latest fun gadgets, and have an price range of approximately £5-£250.

BeautifulThings.co.uk - Gifts for ladies

2008-12-02T15:27:00.003Z

We've recently discovered a website called beautifulthings.co.uk that is perfect for buying gifts for young ladies. Their main categories are jewellery, bags, pampering, home accessories, and gifts. Products are in the £5 - £40 price range. Click here to visit their site.

thegoodwebguide.co.uk - recommends us.

2008-12-01T11:47:00.004Z

The Good Web Guide (thegoodwebguide.co.uk) have recommended our site, and have summed GiftGen up as...

"A useful, no-nonsense resource to find the perfect gift."

To read the full GiftGen Review - click here

Secret Santa Gift Ideas.

2008-11-27T13:03:00.021Z

Forgive me for mentioning Santa before December has begun, but our secret Santa was organised at work yesterday (not by me!), and so I've been searching for the best sites for secret Santa gifts this morning. Here are the results of my toil:

Up to £3
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - up to £3 stocking fillers
Hawkins Bizzare - Stocking fillers

£3-£5
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - £3 - £5 stocking fillers
TheGiftExperience.co.uk - Stocking fillers

£5-£10
IWantOneOfThose.com - Stocking fillers
PrezzyBox.com - Stocking fillers
PrezziesPlus.co.uk - £5+ stocking fillers
TheGiftExperience.co.uk - Stocking fillers

New directory quick links

2008-11-23T21:50:00.002Z

Just a quick note to say that we've now added 'quicklinks' to our directory pages for men, women, boys and girls gift ideas to the top right hand side of this blog.

On a tight budget?

2008-11-20T16:49:00.000Z

We are all feeling the dramatic pinch of the money situation and whilst there are many sites, shops and organisations out there trying to convince us that they can save us money.

Our promise is simple "we can" - this is because we offer a completely impartial service, suggesting and offering a large list of retailers and alternative places to find the required gift that our generator has produced just for you.

We even include links to price comparison sites like Kelkoo for every gift suggestion.

By having price selections that start at FREE, and step through £3, £5 and £10, it really does mean that you can minimise the amount of money that leaves your purse/wallet.

It's not about the price, silly!

2008-11-19T14:33:00.003Z

It is important to remember that giving is about appreciation, whether it be of thanks, love or best wishes. It's a token gesture. You don't have to spend big to be thoughtful. A small but thoughtful present will be just as appreciated, if not more so than a more expensive thoughtless one.

Starting a Blog

2008-11-18T11:42:00.001Z

Here we are again, the two of us pushing forward with GiftGen. We decided it must be time to update our old and, hopefully new friends and followers. We've given you the mobile giftgen, PDA. giftgen and a complete makeover of our site.

Now we're starting a web log. (like we've got time on our hands!)

The plan is to update the blog once a week, with the latest gift ideas we've found, and general chatter about present selecting.