Archive for the ‘Gifts’ Category
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Image by Vanessa Pike-Russell
A quick perusal of the Valentine’s Day aisle at the convenience store warrants unsatisfactory results. There you’ll find nothing but chalky conversation hearts, goop-filled chocolates, cheap stuffed animals, and cheesy perfumes endorsed by even cheesier celebrities. And you don’t want to give your sweetheart the same old crap. You want to give your love something special, unique, and meaningful to commemorate Valentine’s Day, right? Right!
Here at aHa! Modern Living we have chosen our top 5 Valentine’s Day gift ideas to make it easy and fun to select a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. All of these items are sure to say, “you’re special, so I picked something special for you.” We think our gifts are a welcome change from the “same ole same ole,” and we’re sure your honey will think so, too.
(1) Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers
 What better way to say “whooooo loves you, baby?” The Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers are a great gift for the eco-conscious recipient, since they are made from water buffalo horn. We love the idea of giving a gift that can be used and enjoyed every day. This is a terrific gift for the man or woman who loves to cook, or host dinner parties. Whether you choose to take a cue from the nakedness of the owls is up to you. |
(2) Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion
 Want to give something chocolaty, sweet without inducing a tummy ache? Daub and Bauble presents a delicious solution with its luxurious Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion. This delectably scented, creamy hand lotion is fragranced with a rich chocolate and cinnamon, and formulated with softening Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. For a perfect set, select the Cacao and Spice Hand Wash as well. Then deliver with the following simply sweet message: “I wanna hold your hand.” |
(3) Birdie Necklace
 Now it’s definitely true that most women would love to receive some gorgeous new jewelry for Valentine’s Day. But when it comes to jewelry, make sure you don’t fall into “the trap.” That is, don’t buy your wife or girlfriend the necklace that has been advertised by all the national jewelry store chains for 3 months now. That’s just boring, and she’s already seen it on television a thousand times. Instead, take a look at this creative and beautiful Birdie Necklace. It’s the perfect way to say, “you make my heart sing.” |
(4) Eggling Seed Starters
 Want your love to blossom and to grow? Then give your honey an Eggling Seed Starter. They come with everything the essentials, so all your schnookums will need to do is crack open the top, add the seeds, and water. It is perfect even for those who claim to kill all their houseplants. Plus… who knows… maybe the Eggling Seed Starter will help you to start your own little somethin’ somethin’. |
(5) West County Garden Gloves
 There is no better way to say “I glove you” than with West County Garden Gloves. These gloves are particularly unique because they are the perfect blend of both functionality and fashion. They are a great choice for work around the lawn and garden, and even have a mesh back that makes them light and breathable. Remember, though, that it’s Valentine’s Day. Don’t let the gloves do all the dirty work! |
Tags: eco friendly gifts, gift ideas, Valentines Day
Posted in Gifts, Holiday Stuff, Home Decor, Shopping | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
When it looks like this outside, it's definitely time to bring some green into your home. Image source: Andrew Prokos Photography.
With the frigid months of winter upon us, it’s all too easy to find ourselves sitting around and twiddling our green thumbs. We can’t wait to dig our hands into some spring soil, but alas, months of frozen earth lay ahead. And our mood is starting to reflect the gray, black, and brown shades of our frozen gardens.
What’s the perfect cure for the winter blahs? Bring some green indoors! After all, nothing brightens up a room like a cheerful indoor plant. As a bonus, houseplants also help to clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is a definite plus when it is too darn cold to open the windows and get some fresh air in your home. There are numerous Benefits of Decorating with Houseplants; click here to learn all about them.
When the weather prevents you from gardening outside, some friendly and perky houseplants can come to the rescue. They also make the perfect hostess gifts, as they are considerably more creative than the obligatory bottle of wine. Our favorite houseplants here at aHa! Modern Living are cheery, low maintenance, and easily portable.
Check out the Perch! Campy Planters
 These simple yet stylish handmade planters come in three different vibrant color combinations: green and turquoise, gray and green, or white and yellow. We absolutely love their mini size; each planter stands just 6 1/2 inches tall. They can fit even on a small space such a bathroom sink or nightstand.We love the idea of planting a succulent in a Campy, which is pictured on the left. This is super low maintenance, since succulents can survive for long periods of time without water. Perch! Campy Planters also have a perforated bottom for water drainage, which is integral for healthy plants. |
Another great indoor option: Eggling Seed Starters
 At just 10 bucks a pop, you can afford one as a gift for each of your friends and still treat yourself. Check out both varieties: basil and chrysanthemum.Eggling Seed Starters are simple as pie to use. All you have to do is crack open the top, and water the soil within, which is already filled with peat mixture and seeds. One thing that we really love is how easily the Eggling may be transferred from the indoors to the outside. After 5 months, the whole egg can be planted outdoors. This way, your Eggling can brighten up your home all winter, and come spring it will be ready to take root. |
Looking for something a little bit quirky and fun?
 Then you will love the iGrobot Planter. Again, we just can’t help but love how fool-proof this planter is. It comes with instructions, two measures of peat, and a packet of rye grass seeds. Once your grass sprouts, you can trim it into a mohawk, or any other shape you may desire. We are sure that it will make a fun addition to your home or office space, not to mention a great gift for any techie. |
New aHa! Monthly Newsletter
We will be “growing” our Grow Category this February, so check back soon for new products! Or why not make it easier on yourself? You can receive updates on new products, special promotions, earn aHa! Customer Rewards, and unique content you won’t find on the blog, by subscribing to our new aHa! Modern Living E-letter. Take a peek at our December issue.
Tags: Eggling Seed Starters, houseplants, iGrobot, indoor plants, perch campy planters
Posted in Garden, Gifts, Grow, Home Decor | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
So it’s mid-December, and you haven’t even begun your Christmas shopping yet. Fear not! With our great selection of unique gifts here at aHa! Modern Living, we’ve got you covered.
Discover cool and affordable presents for everyone on your list:
We’ve all had to pinch pennies a little bit over the past year, so we certainly understand if you don’t want to empty your pockets for a few great Christmas gifts. This is why we have an awesome selection of presents for under 10 bucks.
 For your friend who, like many, is going to be traveling this holiday season, take a peek at the Daub and Bauble Travel Lotions. They are totally portable and packable, and meet the current airline regulations for carry-ons. They even still come in the same gorgeous bottle designs and delicious scents as the full-sized original. |
 Now for your boss’ fabulous holiday party. We’ll bet she has never received a gift quite like the Frog Salt and Pepper Shakers. Aren’t they a fun conversation piece? As an added bonus, they’re made from water buffalo horn. So they’re not only beautiful, but they’re eco-friendly too. We’re sure you’ll be bringing the most creative gift of the night with these. Right now they’re on sale for just $16.80, so you can get your hands on this fun and funky present for less than 20 bucks! |
 Your neighbor the gardener could definitely use some new tools for her favorite hobby. Check out the Gardener’s Multi-Tool. This handy like gadget has it all! And at under 15 bucks, it’s a gift purchase that you can feel good about making as well. |
 Okay, now we’ve made it to the last person on your list: your earth loving friend. She will totally dig some gorgeous nature-inspired jewelry, like these absolutely beautiful Twig Earrings. They’re on sale for under $30, which is a steal considering that they’re made from fine sterling silver. Not only that, but they’ll totally reflect your friend’s organic style, and match just about any outfit that she wears. |
Jewelry not her thing? No problem- we have a whole section of eco-friendly products to choose from. You are sure to find something that makes an easy, affordable, and fun Christmas gift!
Tags: christmas, daub & bauble, gift ideas, stocking stuffer ideas
Posted in Garden tools, Gifts, Holiday Stuff, Shopping | No Comments »
Friday, December 11th, 2009
Looking for affordable stocking stuffer ideas for garden lover friends, family members or coworkers? aHa! Modern Living has hand selected the top selling garden products for under $20 and fit perfectly in many stocking sizes. If you like everything you see, buy them all and save 10% and FREE Shipping.
 Matchstick Gardens $2.50
It’s your own portable garden that fits in your pocket. Available in herb and botanical varieties.
Our Matchstick Gardens also made Marie Iannotti’s, garden writer for About.com, Top 10 Gifts for Gardeners list. |
 Floral Clippers $5.00
Regular hand pruners can make trimming those small, delicate flowers quite challenging. Your garden lover won’t have to worry about bending the stems those precious flowers with these compact, easily maneuverable flower clips. Great for snipping fresh herbs for savory recipes. |
 Pot Pads $6.00
Pot Pads will help your container gardener move heavy containers (up to 3,000 pounds) over uneven surfaces, keep deck or patios surfaces from staining, and provide much needed air flow to the plant’s roots. Available in red and green.
Read Kerry Michael’s review of our Pot Pads on her About.com Container Gardening blog. |
 Garden Weeder Gloves $7.50
The unique foam coating will protect your gardener’s fingertips from the elements, while the extended cuffs will guard their wrists from scratchy, itchy weeds. Available in blue, pink, purple
|
 Soil Scoop $18.00 NOW $14.40
The Soil Scoop is the jack-of-all-trades. This tool can perform a variety of gardening tasks: digging, weeding, chopping, cutting, potting or planting. Available in blue, purple, yellow, green, red.
Watch this tool in action on Fern Richardson’s blog, Life on the Balcony.
“I LOVE my Soil Scoop.” Kerry Michaels, garden writer for About.com |
 Write + Erase Plant Tags $16.00
Help the garden lover in your life keep track of their seedlings with these stylish, modern plant tags. Made from U/V resistant soft rubber, these tags will stay legible and are re-usable season after season. Available in herb and botanical designs. |
 Ken Ho Weeder $16.50
This tool is great for scraping away those annoying shallow weeds in your gardener’s flower or veggie beds. The Ken Ho Weeder will be hard to lose in the garden with its bold red handle. |
Still not what you’re looking for? Check out more garden related gifts in our for Modern Garden category.
Tags: Garden tools, gardening, stocking stuffers
Posted in Garden, Garden tools, Gifts, Holiday Stuff, Shopping | No Comments »
Monday, December 7th, 2009
photo by Happy Mundane
Every year, the Christmas season starts a little earlier. This year, stores were filled with plastic evergreen trees and stacked boxes of greeting cards even before the Halloween costume aisle was cleared out.
The holidaze begins months in advance. Yet every year, regardless of how early you start your Christmas shopping, there is someone who remains on your list. This is the someone for whom you need to find a gift that is unusual; not just another trinket from a big-box store. aHa! Modern Living is here for the rescue with a selection of gifts for that tricky person on your list who already seems to have it all.
Gifts for the Un-green Thumb
We all have that friend who claims to kill every plant she lays hands on. Here is the perfect solution for the aspiring gardener or apprentice who is still learning the trade. The Matchstick Garden totally makes planting as easy as pie. All you have to do is tear off a little matchstick, which is already brimming with seeds, stick it in the ground, and give it a little sprinkle of water. That’s it! They come in both wildflower and herb varieties, and at the price of only $2.50 per packet, you can afford to give both!
Matchstick Garden
One of the most common reasons that houseplants are killed is over watering. The pretty and sleek Aqua Genie Watering Can aims to prevent over watering. It’s made of lightweight plastic so that it’s easy to lift and won’t rust. This is a super error-proof and user-friendly watering can.
Aqua Genie Watering Can
Gifts for the Novice Gardener
Your friend who is just starting to dabble in tilling and cultivating will love to receive some new tools to help her along the way. Chances are, she’s using some old rusted hand-me-downs. She’ll really be inspired to plant a fabulous garden when she receives the
Garden Tool Hand Set. This is everything she needs to dig, transplant, and weed.
Tags: Garden tools, gardener gifts, holiday gift ideas
Posted in Garden, Garden tools, Gifts, Grow, Holiday Stuff, Home Decor, Shopping | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Need to get some holiday shopping done but you’re stuck behind your desk all day? Or maybe you’re too busy running errands for the family to scout out the best deals around town. Then take a quick peek at our Cyber Monday Specials during your next 15 minute break, or wait until you get home to browse our specials from the comfort of your own sofa. We are offering 20% off and FREE Shipping on our 9 most popular items (see below). Hurry! Sale ends today, 11/30/09, at midnight PST.
Have we piqued your interest? Then start shopping our Cyber Monday Specials. In order to receive FREE Shipping, choose either UPS Ground or FedEx Home Delivery during the checkout process and enter the discount code CYBER20 on the Summary Page. We offer a 30-day Money Back Guarantee on all orders and free return shipping. So don’t fret, shop with confidence at aHa! Modern Living this holiday season.
Happy Shopping!
Tags: cyber monday deals, free shipping, holiday gift ideas
Posted in Garden tools, Gifts, Holiday Stuff, Home Decor, Shopping | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Flickr photo by jacreative
Every year we all dread Christmas shopping. Fighting over the last Tickle Me Elmo, waiting in line, ducking through huge crowds… ack! It’s no wonder that our stress levels sky rocket during the Christmas season.
This year, it’s time to turn over a new leaf. At aHa! Modern Living, we make shopping a total snap with our no-fuss shipping and return policies. We use eco-friendly packing materials, and any order that’s over $75 ships for free. So what are you waiting for? We have the perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list.
The Gardener
Check out these beautiful little Garden Plant Tags. They are made of UV resistant rubber, so they won’t fade even in the summer. They’re reusable, too, since each name can be written on with a gel pen, then erased later with soap and water. You can select from two different designs, Botanical and Herb, both of which are sure to be adored by those who love to get their hands dirty.
Garden Plant Tags
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Tags: bean sprout necklace, elephant watering can, Everyday Raw, flower garden scrubber, Matthew Kenny, Perch! bird feeder, Perch! salt and pepper shaker, plant tags, stocking stuffer ideas
Posted in Gifts, Holiday Stuff, Shopping | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
Too funny looking to eat?
Every November since 1947, the President of the United States has been gifted with a live turkey from the National Turkey Federation. Don’t you think that President Obama would appreciate an update? I mean, how about a gift with a little more staying power, like the adorable Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers? These are better than real-life birds.
Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers
How the turkey gift tradition started
Anyway, the tradition began of giving the President a turkey so that he and his family could then eat it for Thanksgiving dinner. It wasn’t until 1963 that the tradition of consuming the presidential turkey was upset. President John F. Kennedy was the first one to irk the system. He looked at the turkey and simply said, “let’s keep him.” Hence, the first presidential turkey pardon occured.
Now, despite President JFK’s trend-setting ways, turkey still remains the ubiquitous symbol and favorite food of Thanksgiving day. Did you know that every year, 5.32 million turkeys are slaughtered for Thanksgiving? Yikes, that’s a lot of birds!
Eco-impact of a turkey dinner
Meat production isn’t particularly earth-friendly. Conventionally raised meat does not contain as many pesiticides as produce, but it can contain both hormones and antibiotics. Plus, it takes multiple times the fuel and water to produce one meal’s worth of meat as it does to produce a meal’s worth of grain. So a veggie Thanksgiving menu is better for the earth, and for your body!
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Tags: owl salt and pepper shakers, quorn, sapling servers, Thanksgiving, tofurky, vegetarian
Posted in Entertaining, Gifts, Holiday Stuff | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Sneak peek at the new home page design
Here at aHa! Modern Living (AML), we are constantly striving to make your shopping experience with us as simple, pleasant, and of course fun, as possible. This holds true to our very foundation, and our goal of helping you to create a symbiosis between your home, and the peacefulness of the outdoors. With our new website design, shopping for beautiful nature-inspired gifts and home accessories will be even easier; just make sure to brush the soil off your hands before you click your mouse.
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Tags: aHa! Modern Living, holiday shopping, re-design
Posted in Garden, Gifts, Home Decor, Shopping | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
As we bid a heartfelt “adieu” to summertime, it is time to turn our thoughts to those of the pens, paper, and textbooks. September is a month that marks fresh beginnings, and it is a wonderful time to show those whom we appreciate most, our teachers, that we are ready for a terrific year. We all know that teachers deserve a little extra TLC for the extremely hard work they do to support each individual student. aHa! Modern Living makes it easy to find a perfect, and perfectly affordable, gift for every teacher in the Gifts for Under $25 shop.
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Tags: back to school, garden gifts
Posted in Garden, Gifts, Grow, Home Decor, Shopping | No Comments »
