Smells Like Team Spirits!

Last year my husband and I went to Napa and Sonoma for a long weekend getaway. While there, we toured several vineyards and stocked up on an absurdly large amount of wine.

On our last day we went to Trentadue Winery in Sonoma. Although the tastings were delicious (we ended up purchasing a chocolate dessert wine), it was the wine bottles that I found most exciting. One one wall, Trentadue had a huge display of etched wine bottles with the name and logo of tons of universities.

Etched Collegiate Wine Bottles from Trentadue Winery

Etched Collegiate Wine Bottles from Trentadue Winery

Unfortunately they were “sold out” of the Duke wine bottle (my husband was extremely disappointed), but I was thrilled to find a Vanderbilt bottle to give to my best friend for her birthday.

Vanderbilt Wine Bottle

Vanderbilt Wine Bottle

Trentadue has etched wine bottles for almost every big conference school, in addition to custom etched wine bottles for occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or graduations. Orders take about 6-8 weeks for delivery and must be made via phone (call the Tasting Room Manager at 707-433-3104 #106), but is a great gift if you plan ahead for the holidays, Father’s day, or graduation!

For The Book Lover

Today I discovered Out Of Print Clothing, a website that caters to the literature obsessed. The merchandise features iconic book covers printed on clothing and accessories, including t-shirts, e-book jackets, coasters, matchbooks, and notecards. It’s the perfect place to find a gift for the English teacher in your life! Here are a few of my favorite products:

T-shirt depicting A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire T-shirt from Out of Print Clothing

A Streetcar Named Desire T-shirt from Out of Print Clothing

The Little Prince onesie (they also have other children’s classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon):

Le Petit Prince Onesie from Out Of Print Clothing

Le Petit Prince Onesie from Out Of Print Clothing

Library card iPhone cover:

Library Card iPhone cover from Out Of Print Clothing

Library Card iPhone cover from Out Of Print Clothing

For each product sold, Out Of Print Clothing donates one book to Books For Africa, a nonprofit that collects and distributes books to children in Africa. I’ve always been a proponent of the buy-one-give-one business model, and as literacy is a huge focus of my volunteer work, I could not be more excited about this organization. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping and help bring a book to someone in need!

 

 

 

Personalized Stationary

My best friend is turning 30 this year, and I’m so excited to visit her in Boston to celebrate! In preparation for her birthday, I’ve been squirreling items away all year, looking for anything and everything that fits her personality. She’s an architect and biking enthusiast who loves the color green. I knew I hit the jackpot when I stumbled across these two items; I can’t wait to watch her unwrap them!

Personalized Stationary:

Personalized Bike Stationary

Personalized stationary from Minted.com

Bicycle Necklace:

Vintage Inspired Bicycle Necklace

Vintage Inspired Bicycle Necklace from Liam’s Loft via Very Jane

 

Welcome to Give Better Gifts!

As a lover of both writing and shopping, I created this blog to share my experiences and help others find the perfect gift for any occasion.  I love the thrill of finding gifts, so much so that I’ve been known to buy birthday presents 11 months in advance, spend hours in card stores hunting for the most appropriate card for a recipient’s personality, and keep a notebook full of “top secret” gift ideas for family and friends. I hope you enjoy following my blog and I hope you will share any suggestions, feedback, or gift ideas to sarah@givebettergifts.com!