Posts by Gift Guru
Super Bowl food ideas – The definitive list
Another week of NFL playoffs is wrapping up, and the Super Bowl is only three weeks away. Whether you’re hosting the party and assembling a Super Bowl menu or just attending, it’s time to start choosing the best Super Bowl food ideas. Lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork! And we’re sure you can find something great with our list!
Top 18 Super Bowl Food Ideas for 2018
Super Bowl food staples
There are some foods that just have to be on the Super Bowl menu. You can upgrade to a more advanced variety, such as nachos instead of chips and salsa, but some variety of the staples should be included!
Pizza
Probably the most common food at Super Bowl parties, pizza is a no-brainer.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Now a party favorite, you may need to coordinate with your guests or you might end up with three dips!
Chips and Dip
An easy fan favorite, you can also upgrade this with Guac or a nacho variety.
Potato Chips
While not exciting, somebody needs to bring them! Sour Cream and Onion, BBQ, and Salt and Vinegar add a little variety.
Wings
Another easy and common food, you can usually get your wings with your pizza order.
Meat & Cheese Tray
Another finger food you can pick up at the grocery story, ready to serve.
Veggie Tray
No need to reinvent the wheel, veggies and dip will always be a party staple.
More advanced Super Bowl food
If you have a little more time, go ahead and put a little legwork into your dish!
Mexican Cueso
Possibly the easiest dip ever, simply combine one can Rotel diced tomatoes with one package of Velveeta cheese!
Meatballs
Make your own or get some pre-made from the store. Either way they’ll be a hit.
Pigs in the blanket
Return to the great outdoors with a childhood staple.
Guacomole
Upgrade your chips and salsa with this fan favorite!
BBQ Pork Sliders
Delicious, easy, and always a great idea.
Common Super Bowl desserts
While your party attendees may already be full, you still need one or two dessert options.
Cookies
Somebody will be bringing these to the party. Will it be you?
Brownies
The perfect finger food dessert!
Super Bowl drinks
Maybe you’re doing bring-your-own alcohol, maybe now. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these classic super bowl drinks.
Mimosas
Just the right amount of sweet and booze to get your game face on.
Bloody Mary
Fight off your late Saturday night with a little hair of the dog!
Beer
Who could forget the most important thing!
Amazing Valentines Day eCards
Valentines Day is quickly approaching, and it’s time for last-minute preparations. While there is something truly special about a handwritten card, it’s not always an option. If you’re traveling, out of town, or sending to somebody overseas, a paper card may not be possible. Fear not, Valentines Day ecards to the rescue!
Ecards, or electronic cards, are a quick and easy way to share your feelings and affection for your loved one. And you don’t have to run to the store or mailbox! These cards are sent electronically, typically delivered by email and ordered through a vendor’s online portal. Some ecards are free, while others may cost a small amount.
There are many permutations of ecards and electronic greetings. Facebook enables users to send digital greetings. Recent services such as Mobile E-cards or MCards have launched to enable users to send greetings to a mobile phone by text or app.
Ecard vendors offer options for most holidays and occasions, and especially Valentines Day. These Valentines Day ecards offer sentimental messages and cool animations to suit every loved one on your list – from friends to kids to spouses. Ecards digital nature makes them more versatile than traditional greeting cards. They have the ability to be easily sent to multiple recipients at once or be extensively personalized by the sender. Video ecards are now arriving on the scene.
So if you procrastinated, want to add a personal touch, or are expanding your outreach this year, these Valentines Day ecards providers are sure to meet the need!
Our top Valentines Day eCards vendors
Hallmark eCards
Hallmark eCards is a staple in the ecard business. Their offerings span all common occasions and holidays, with an incredible selection of Valentines Day ecards. While Hallmark requires a subscription to send ecards, they allow for unlimited sending with that subscription. If you plan to send ecards throughout the year, this is a great option. Users can also share ecards with a friend on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
JibJab
Looking to put a comedic touch to your ecard? Look no further than JibJab! These ecards come in the form of a video with your and/or your loved one’s face on the characters in the video, along with song and dance. JibJab rose to fame over ten years ago with their political satire videos. And JibJab has carried the comedy forward to their amazing ecards. Like most, they have a great selection of options across most occasions and holidays. This makes them a great option for your Valentines Day eCards needs!
1st Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
The Paper Anniversary
Known as the Paper Anniversary, traditional wedding anniversary gifts for the first anniversary are composed of paper. There are a number of different topics that can fit the theme, including hand written notes, artwork, event tickets, and more. Take a look at a few of our favorite 1st anniversary gift ideas below!
Favorite 1st anniversary gift ideas
Printed wedding vows
For the first of many anniversaries, revisiting your vows and putting them on display is a option for a first anniversary gift. It’s a great way to keep them fresh in your life, especially as each passing day takes you further from your wedding day. There are a number of ways to capture these, but we like the art print from Minted.
Printed vows wall art from Minted.
Wedding bride and groom artwork
There’s little better way to put a personal touch on your first anniversary than a custom sketch or artwork of the couple on their big day. There are many variations of this option, including sketch, pastel, watercolor. You can find some great options on Etsy.
Bride and groom wedding art
Travel destination map
As you grow your relationships, you’ll likely have the opportunity to travel the world and share amazing experiences together. Capture the journey by marking your destinations on a travel destination map.
Travel destination map
Bouquet of paper flowers
Flowers are one of the most common event celebrations, but unfortunately last for a week or two after the event. Capture your first anniversary with a gift that will stand the test of time. Paper flowers are a great option for the paper anniversary and are sure to impress.
Paper flowers bouquet
Handmade paper clock
Combine the traditional (paper) and modern (clock) first anniversary themes into one with a unique paper clock. You might even be able to fine someone to use your vows for the base paper, really adding a personal touch!
Paper vow clock
Paper Tickets
Do you love to travel or go to events with your spouse? Give them the gift of a paper ticket to a destination they love. You can travel, enjoy a concert, or catch a movie.
Keepsake box for love letters and correspondence
Do you write love letters to your spouse? If not, now might be a good time to start. Then you can keep track of these letters in a new keepsake box.
Keepsake box
Greeting Card
Greeting cards are a staple most event celebrations. For your first anniversary, go above and beyond with an intricate popup from Lovepop cards. They have tons of great options all with unique designs.
Lovepop popup card
We hope you were able to find some great 1st anniversary gift ideas for your paper anniversary! If you need more ideas or are celebrating another anniversary, you can check out other traditional anniversary gifts by year here.
Get great ideas delivered before every event! From Gift Guru!
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Great Father’s Day Quotes
There are many great ways to say thanks to dad on Father’s Day, from a meaningful gift, to spending time together, to a special Father’s day song. This year, try out reading one of our inspiring Father’s Day quotes to dad. There are few better ways to express your gratitude than with heartfelt words about what your father means to you. We think one of our Father’s Day quotes will be just the thing!
Father’s Day Quotes
Tim Russert
“The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.”
Jim Valvano
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
Bo Jackson
“I would say my greatest achievement in life right now – my greatest achievement period is – and I’m still trying to achieve it – is to be a wonderful father to my kids.”
Sidney Poitier
“I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father’s life.”
Jennifer Grant
“When it comes to Father’s Day, I will remember my dad for both being there to nurture me and also for the times he gave me on my own to cultivate my own interests and to nurture my own spirit.”
Michael Gurian
“Father’s Day is hopefully a time when the culture says, ‘This is our moment to look at who our men and boys are.’ “
The best songs for Father’s Day
Sometimes it can be difficult to express how you feel to your father. Or maybe your away or overseas and can’t connect in person. When a gift or card just isn’t enough, share your feelings for dad with one of the best Father’s Day songs! From Harry Chappin to Will Smith, we’ve got plenty of great Father’s Day songs to choose from! If you’re looking for something a little longer, check out the great Father’s Day playlist from Spotify. Or you can make your own playlist!
Cats in the Cradle – Harry Chappin
One of the essential father-son songs, Cats in the Cradle shares the story of a father and son’s relationship through time. Through the song, it reminds us that sometimes we need to slow down and focus on our family and relationships rather than chase the fleeting things in life.
My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton
This GRAMMY winning single from Eric Clapton reminds us why we should treasure our relationships while we have them. Clapton lost his son at the age of four and never met his own father. My Father’s Eyes is near the top of any Father’s Day songs lists!
Father to Son – Queen
Queen’s “Father to Son” captures the at times difficult task of raising a son and imparting wisdom and advice. From their 1974 LP Queen II, this song can help you celebrate your relationship with you father and initiate conversations that may be hard to discuss.
Father and Son – Cat Stevens
A folk classic, Cat Stevens’ “Father to Son” shares the story of a father’s wisdom and a son’s rebellion.
Song for Dad – Keith Urban
As Father’s Day songs go, Keith Urban’s “Song for Dad” is a modern classic. This 2002 favorite shares how it’s the little things we love about our dads, and that maybe kids should dread the thought of growing up to be like their parents.
I learned from You – Miley Cyrus
Written while Miley was still a “Daddy’s girl”, “I learned from you” shares the journey of a child growing up and learning from her father. Sung with her dad Billy Ray Cyrus, this is Father’s Day songs classic!
I’m Already There – Lonestar
Country songs tend to bring out the emotion, and Lonestar’s “I’m Already There” is no exception. It shares the story of those who aren’t able to spend time with their father because their are either working to support the family or deployed in the military.
Just The Two Of Us – Will Smith
Will Smith’s “Just the Two of Us” shares the story of Will and his oldest son Trey. The song highlights their relationship as both best friends but also the strong fatherly advice and mentorship.
Daughters – John Mayer
Off his 2003 album Heavier Things, John Mayers “Daughters” explores the nature of father-daughter relationships. The song highlights the importance of these relationships through time, and the impact that these relationships have later in life.
He Didn’t Have to Be – Brad Paisley
Not every father is perfect. But flaws included, any man can be the perfect father for a child in need of a father figure. Brad Paisley’s “He Didn’t Have to Be” honors all the step fathers and father figures that take on the dad role when they might not have to.
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
A true classic, Butterfly Kisses shares the story of a father thinking back to raising his 16 year-old daughter as he now walks her down the aisle.
Just Fishin’ – Trace Adkins
From the perspective of a father to a daughter, “Just Fishin’ ” shares the story of how the little moments in life are the true treasures. This Trace Adkins song definitely embraces the saying of “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”
My Old Man – Zac Brown Band
The story of a lifelong relationship, “My Old Man” shares the guiding influence that Zac Brown’s father played in helping him learn and grow into the man he is today.
Father’s Day Playlist
If you didn’t get enough of the individual Father’s Day songs, this great playlist should help you get through the big day! Enjoy!
Best Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and what better way to spend the day than with the best romantic movies of all time? From romantic comedy classics to dramas, musicals to modern stories of unexpected love, these films are just a few of the romantic movies to set you up for a great Valentine’s Day.
Let your inner movie lover out for the day and take advantage of some funny, sweet, and unexpected romantic movies this Valentine’s Day. Sit back and relax with your friends, a special someone, or take advantage of having the entire couch to yourself!
Gift Guru’s 21 Best Romantic Movies
I Hate Valentine’s Day
Written and directed by the comedic genius Nia Vardalos (of My Big Fat Greek Wedding Fame), the story follows a woman who loves Valentine’s Day and her quest to find true love.
Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this story of two unlikely lovers meeting in LA.
500 Days of Summer
With a cheerful musical score and a cast of characters that might remind you of your own friends, 500 Days of Summer proves that things may not work out the way you think they’re going to, but they do work out in the end.
The Notebook
A quintessential romantic comedy perfect for Valentine’s Day. Follow Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in their story of star-crossed lovers throughout their lives.
Love, Actually
Love, Actually isn’t just a movie for the holidays! Follow the love stories of the characters as they move through marriage, family, affairs, and politics.
Dirty Dancing
A classic romantic film for the ages, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s story of summer love has drama, music, and inspiring dance moves to get you in the Valentine’s Day mood.
La La Land
A modern love story set in LA, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone bring the drama and grace of old Hollywood back to the silver screen.
Sleepless in Seattle
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks star in this heart-warming film about finding love in the places you least expect it.
When Harry Met Sally
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal proving that love isn’t always at first sight, but it is forever.
Sixteen Candles
Molly Ringwald proves that even after a day of teenage angst and embarrassment, the most popular guy in school might still be interested.
Valentine’s Day
A series of interconnected relationships and love stories makes this film a must-see on Valentine’s Day. It’s right there in the name!
Lost in Translation
An unexpectedly romantic movie, Bill Murray and Scarlet Johannsen find out how people can connect when you’re far away from anything familiar.
When in Rome
A comedy of errors, an ancient Roman spell must be broken in order for two people to find out if they are really, truly in love.
The Princess Bride
A movie for all times, The Princess Bride is the ultimate tale of princesses, pirates, dastardly royals, and the promise of true love.
50 First Dates
No memory? No problem! Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore star in this film about love and family.
Slumdog Millionaire
Pull on your dancing shoes and dive into the colorful culture of India. Drama, suspense, and awesome group dance scenes will have you rooting for the main characters to find each other at last.
This Means War
A love triangle between Tom Hardy, Chris Pine, and Reese Witherspoon? Sign me up! Get ready for laughter, love, and some explosions to round it all out.
Pride and Prejudice
A classic story of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, set in the English countryside amidst chaotic families, gossipy mothers, and the strict rules of society.
10 Things I Hate About You
A high school romance will bring you back to the days of your first loves, the teenage rumor mill, and the witty banter of Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger.
Magic Mike
Who wouldn’t want to see the hunky cast of Magic Mike on Valentine’s Day? Sit back and enjoy the shirtless dance routines, with the added love story on the side.
Die Hard
Bruce Willis takes down a team of international terrorists while trying to mend the strained relationship between himself and his wife, played by Bonnie Bedelia.
We hope you find and enjoy one of the best romantic movies and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Planning a great Valentine’s Day dinner
Valentine’s Day is just over a month away! Now is the time to start formulating your plan, and luckily you have us on your side. This year, we will be doing a multi-part series on planning an amazing Valentine’s Day, starting with Valentine’s Day dinner!
Step 1: Valentine’s Day Dinner
Have you recently started dating somebody new? Your first Valentine’s Day dinner can be a make or break event in your relationship. Trying to impress your long-standing spouse? New or old relationship, here’s how to do it. (note: we’re writing this addressed to a female significant other. Adjust as necessary!)
Take the lead, and communicate it
First things first, you are in charge of the evening. Make sure to communicate to your significant other that you have a plan for it. We suggest doing this one or two weeks in advance of the evening, so she doesn’t get nervous leading up to the event. You don’t want her to think that you are unprepared or that dinner will be a last-minute arrangement.
Find and vet your venue
If you’re new in your relationship, there are probably several restaurants you know that you haven’t tried together yet. If you’ve had good dates at one or more of these venues, use it to your advantage. Should you choose a new venue, be sure to research prior to going. Yelp is a great resource for finding new romantic spots, allowing for you to search directly for romantic dinners. You can also visit or dine there to verify the quality and experience. This is a good idea if you are going to try to plan anything custom (see below) with the restaurant.
If you’ve been together a while, you can also find a new venue as described above. Or, you can take advantage of nostalgia and go to a venue you haven’t been to in a while. Is there a restaurant where you shared an important memory, such as a first date? These can be great places to bring back fond memories from years past.
When you’re set on a spot, lock it in with a reservation. Double check that everything is still set the morning of Valentine’s Day.
Ride in style
Driving isn’t a particularly romantic activity. Fortunately, getting a limo ride is cheaper than ever. Schedule an Uber Black Car, Lyft Premier, or other similar services well in advance, both to and from the venue. This will let you focus on your significant other during the trip and avoid spending time looking for parking.
Surprise her
If you have trust in your ability to choose a venue for Valentine’s Day dinner, go ahead and surprise her. If you get it right, this will show that you have been paying attention and know her and her preferences well. Really looking to up the surprise? Have her wear a blindfold. This will create some excitement and preserve the surprise until you get there.
Go Private for Valentine’s Day dinner
Some venues aren’t normally open to the public or are normally closed in the evening. If you know of a venue like this, such as her favorite brunch spot, you may be able to arrange a special accommodation for you and your significant other for the evening. This will not be cheap but is sure to show your commitment to her and the relationship.
Pre-plan the dining experience
How well do you know her dining preferences? If you are on top of things and know what your significant other likes, you can plan a multi-course meal in advance. When you arrive, you will be directed to your seats and let the servers take it from there. You’ll need to clear this with the restaurant in advance, but many will cater to your needs for Valentine’s Day dinner.
Create custom dinner menus
Want to go the extra yard? You can create custom menus to go along with the meal. These will sit on the table and show the depth of your planning for the evening. Again, you’ll want to clear this with the restaurant first. If they’re willing to work with you, then you can get started. We recommend you include; your names, the date, a slimmed down set of course offerings or a predetermined menu (if you choose the above option), and any custom food options you may have arranged.
Remember the flowers
While not overly unique, flowers are an effective tool to express your love and affection. You can make them unique with a couple options and a little effort. You can have them ready in your limo if you take one. Alternatively, you can have them waiting on your table at the restaurant. Again, either method shows how far you’ve gone to express your love.
If you can’t impress her (or him) with some of these tricks, then we need your significant other to write for us! But for most, a Valentine’s Day dinner with one or two of these elements will lead to an enjoyable and memorable experience!
Best Love Songs for Valentine’s Day
Everyone needs a good soundtrack of love songs for Valentine's Day! It doesn't matter if you're a fan of rock, rap, country, or electronic dance tracks- there are romantic songs for everyone this Valentine's Day. Take a minute and create the perfect playlist full of love songs to share with your family, friends, or another special someone this February 14th.
Romantic songs come in all shapes and sizes, just like our relationships. Set the mood with some slow and steady jams, or get ready to rock out and dance the night away with those you love the most. Happy Valentine's Day, and happy listening!
Endless Love- Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
We Found Love- Rihanna Featuring Calvin Harris
I Will Always Love You- Whitney Houston
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher- Jackie Wilson
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You- Bryan Adams
Lucky - Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet
You're the First, the Last, My Everything- Barry White
Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner
Kiss from a Rose - Seal
I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner
You're Still the One- Shania Twain
When You Say Nothing At All- Allison Krauss
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
Never Let Me Go- Florence and the Machine
You and I - Ingrid Michaelson
Beautiful Trauma - Pink
I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
Our Approach To Gift Giving
We all know somebody who is a rockstar when it comes to gift giving. Without fail, they are ready with something great for every important event. There are many of us who wish we could be better gift givers. Maybe we’re not seeking rockstar status, but we’d at least like to be reliable. Well, what does it take to be a good gift giver?
Planning and execution are more important than creativity
At Gift Guru, we believe there are four required elements for effective gift-giving; planning, research, knowledge of the recipient, and knowledge of the gift topic. While many think that creativity is the secret sauce for gift giving, it is a differentiator but not a requirement to make a great impression.
The four elements of effective gift giving
Element 1: Planning
When you get down to basics, gift giving is really an activity in logistics. It has many steps, and each step takes time. The time required varies based on the gift you select, the delivery method, and other steps. At their core, every great gift giver is a good planner, keeping an eye on what events are upcoming and how long it will take to be prepared. Effective planning ensures that your outreach can be delivered on-time. Since gift giving is an emotional activity, on-time delivery can make or break it, no matter the quality of the gift.
Element 2: Knowledge of Recipient
Every great gift is in some sense personalized. This does not mean it needs to be etched with the recipient’s initials but means that it needs to tie to something important in the recipient’s life. This could be their passions or hobbies, their family or pets, or their stage of life (e.g. going to college). A personal touch to a gift demonstrates that you spent time coming up with the idea, even if you don’t find the absolute perfect gift.
Element 3: Knowledge of Topic
You may know your recipient, but do you know anything about the things they are passionate about? Selecting a gift topic is often one of the first steps in finding a gift, and not all topics are created equal. We all need food, water, and shelter, which means that most of us can make moderately educated gift decisions on these topics. But many topics are not as easy, and often require topic expertise (e.g. cryptocurrency) or have a strong degree of personal preference (e.g. road cycling equipment). When choosing a topic, you have two options; choose the one you know, or get to know the one you don’t.
Element 4: Research
Now it’s time to find the actual gift. Common methods of this include Googling “best gifts for x”, where x is the topic or demographic of your recipient. There’s nothing wrong with this, and we’ve been there ourselves. The advice we will give is to always keep gift research in the back of your mind. If you’re browsing the web or walking down the street and see something great, ask yourself which recipient might it make a good gift for. Then write it down or add it to your Gift Guru account!
What does this all mean? It means that being a good gift giver isn’t some hidden talent or unachievable goal, it is a process with required steps. With a little preparation and effort, most of us can improve significantly. And that’s exactly the goal of Gift Guru, to help you be a better gift giver. Our free service helps you track, plan, discover, and give. Our tools are designed to help you address each of the required elements of good gift giving, so you can make a great impression every time!
A Madison startup wants to make gift-giving more meaningful and less stressful
The creator of Gift Guru said that he wants to help people better connect with people they care about by removing the hassle from gift giving.