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.

When he really noticed the furrow in my brow he reminded me of Sam and Mike. The Tanner crew we met up with in NYC last weekend. By the end of the evening I had over a dozen wonderful gift ideas for guys from guys.  So good, I was able to knock out a gift for the most difficult person on my list to shop for, my dad. I hope you enjoy today’s posts completely dedicated to all you guys.

[from left to right, top to bottom]

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : Old Lawnmowers Book : $11.95. What man doesn’t enjoy the smell of fresh cut grass.

JEVAN : Brixton Hat : $20. Stay warm with this simple yet stylish beanie offered in a range of colors.

SAM from HECKLEWOOD : Camp Mess Kit : $21.95.  A mess kit for 21st century camping.

JEVAN : Rural Alberta Advantage LP : $14.99. Everything’s better on vinyl. One of my favorite albums of 2009.

[from left to right, top to bottom]. I call this group the survival kit.

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : Turkish Fig Bar Soap : $5.00. Because guys don’t like to smell like flowers. UPDATE: The soap is sold out, but you can find more products here and here.

SAM from HECKLEWOOD : Jet Boil Coffee Press : $19.95. He has the jet boil. Now he can enjoy morning coffee around the camp fire.

MIKE from HECKLEWOOD : 3pc Albacore Tuna Set : $21.75. Man must eat to survive. Why not enjoy some delicious albacore.

SAM from HECKLEWOOD : Gerber Knife : $24.99. For the outdoorsman on your list. Or even the city guy. Guys like knives.

[from left to right, top to bottom]

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Bird Bottle Opener : $25. Jevan and I have a small collection of vintage and new bottle openers. This one would be a great addition.

JEVAN : Adidas World Cup 2010 Replica Soccer Ball : $24.99. Enjoy the world’s beautiful game. Go USA!

JEVAN : Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea (hardcover) : $14.95.  A graphic novel based on French-Canadian cartoonist Delisle and his travels while in North Korea

JEVAN : Graham Parsons – Return of the Greivous Angel (LP) : $18 new. Or go crate digging at your local record store for a used version of this country classic.

[from left to right, top to bottom]

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Woolen Blanket : $185.Will keep even the coldest nights cozy.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Jielde Signal Desk Lamp : $405. A lamp that will brighten any room, on or off.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Navy Award Pillows : $165. Made from vintage Navy awards.

PAPER N STITCH : Hand Crocheted Throw : $115. Intricate, delicate and one of a kind.

[Left to right, top to bottom]

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Pastoral Wine and Cheese Basket : $109. For the person who has everything. One can never have too much cheese or wine.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Flatsawn Bench : $275. A classic piece that will take lots of wear and tear and be a staple in anyone’s home.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Evan Hecox Print : $125 unframed. Inspired by his travels Hecox finds interest in every day things.

K.I.D COLLECTIVE : Vintage Bakelite Dominoes : $10 – $299. Game night anyone?