The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’ve always found this saying to be true. You could probably change it to, the way to my family’s heart is through the stomach. Food is love where I grew up. Always was and always will be. When my parents decided they no longer wanted gifts for holidays, birthdays, etc., I began sending them food. Not because they were hungry or couldn’t afford it but because, food is love. This food sending has turned into a mild success, at least in my books. My dad is one of the hardest men I know to shop for. And I’ve found, I really can’t go wrong with sending something he can tear into and start eating immediately. And from what I hear, that is exactly what happens.

This year, Father’s Day is no different than the past few. Dad is getting food for the holiday. This time, his favorite candy bar, NutRageous. He recently told me you can’t find the candy in stores and it has to be ordered online. Not a difficult feat for anyone reading this blog but my dad isn’t much of a computer guy. When I was home last February, we had a little email tutorial session. I even taught him how to copy and paste. Needless to say, ordering something online isn’t as easy as it would be to run out to the store to buy. So just in case you are reading this dad, Happy early Father’s Day. Enjoy you’re case of NutRageous.

You are probably asking what this post has to do with these fine looking bags. Nothing really. Except that they would make a perfect Father’s Day gift. That is unless you are the food sending type. My friend Beau picked one up in Singapore and we were checking it out last night. They not only are super functional but seem to look even better after wear. You can find them all here.

Photos: Property of

Happy Valentine’s Day to you! I’m in Tennessee with a horrible head cold. It’s probably a good thing I’m not around to celebrate. Somehow snot and romance don’t go hand in hand.

I found this card at an antique shop a few weeks back. “Let’s make this a love game” seems a little spicy for what looks to be a six year old. But who am to judge? Jevan, this little tennis player will lead you to your surprise. Where would you look first?

Here is a quick and comprehensive list on just a few of the ways you can help out in Haiti. If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you have $5 or $10 to spare. You can even donate via text, it only takes a few seconds. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a donation of ten dollars will be added to your next phone bill and forwarded to the Red Cross. How easy is that? And if you haven’t heard, things aren’t getting better any time soon.

Illustration: Daniel Stolle for the NYT. This article will also give you insight into the struggles of a Haitian.

Thanks even cleveland for first sharing the photo and link.

I was recently introduced to a new to me line, Digby and Iona out of Brooklyn, NY. They are having a holiday sale through the end of the year. Enter the word “holiday” when checking out in the promo section and get 20% off the entire collection. Happy shopping!

The holidays aren’t complete without sending out cards to everyone on your list. While going to Target to pick up a box or 10 is easy and cheap (if you call dealing with thousands of other mad shoppers easy) thrill your sendee with something a little more original. These cards and wrapping paper from Rifle Paper Company should do the trick. They also do custom wedding invites and really great spoon recipe cards.

Take a look at these gorgeous terrarium type ornaments by Land Rich. Perfect as a gift or for yourself. Each quarter a new product will be unveiled. I love these so much, I just can’t wait to see what comes out next.

[Spotted via Unruly Things]

So in honor of the season of giving, here are a number of ways to give back. Whether it’s by purchasing products, volunteering your time or just donating cold hard cash in a friend or family member’s name or even your own the possibilities are endless. The list below is one that is near and dear to each of our hearts. Take some time checking out the links. There are some great products to purchase that support each cause as well as a number of ways to donate.

Thanks to everyone for the positive support this week on my first ever round of gift guides. My first year of blogging is nearing an end and I can’t believe the tremendous support group that has developed. I could not have pulled together such a well rounded list if it weren’t for each and every one of the bloggers featured this week. Also, thanks to everyone for commenting, sending me emails, retweeting and facebook messaging me. I love spending time developing this blog and it’s content and, although I don’t make any money doing it, it’s nice to know it’s appreciated.

SIMPLE LOVELY : Women for Women : Mission : Helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. From seeds to sewing machines, there are a number of ways to give back. If you prefer not to purchase products you can also donate cash.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Women’s Bean Project : Mission : Helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. WB is a nonprofit organization that teaches job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in the gourmet food production business. Buy a range of gifts like brownie mix, bean soup, or even a gift basket.

PAIGE NYKOLE : Oxfam : Mission : We work directly with communities and we seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them. For just $30, you can buy a miracle tree and your gift will help a family learn to plant their own trees and produce enough seeds to purify their drinking water.

JEVAN : Chill : Mission : Build the self-esteem of underserved youth through board sports. Get involved here.

Another great cause that deserves attention is the Colon Club. Their mission is dedicated to raising awareness of colorectal cancer in an out-of-the-box way. My father along with a very close friend have both gone through the trials and tribulations of colon cancer. The most difficult symptom to detect is, oddly enough, no symptoms at all. Because of this, it’s often that the cancer isn’t found until a late stage. This is why awareness is so critical. Fortunately both my dad and Dom are on the road to recovery.

These gift ideas while on the higher cost spectrum will stand the test of time. They were all selected because of their durability, functionality, timeless appeal or are manufactured by companies who have spent years perfecting their product. There’s something to be said about spending more money on something that will last a lifetime rather than something to be tossed to the curb in a couple of years because it’s either dated or broken.

This is the last guide for 2009. Tomorrow check back for ways to give back. While getting a gift is always great. Sometimes it feels just a little bit better knowing you are helping someone in need. I hope you were inspired by the ideas this week. I know I enjoyed working with everyone and putting this guide together. Happy Holidays!

[from left to right, top to bottom]

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Stranahan’s Whiskey : $50. Small batch Colorado whiskey. Need I say more?

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : CDG Parfums – Dover Street Market : $95. An unusually modern construction of a classic woody fragrance. Men and Women can both wear it.

[from left to right]

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Bacon Jam : $37 for 3 jars. A savory blend of bacon, onions, spices, and balsamic vinegar. Add it to your morning scramble, a burger with blue cheese or even a Cobb Salad.