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10 Anniversaries which you must not forget

Thursday, May 2, 2013

When you are married it is expected that both partners remember their Anniversary, or face the consequences. But although everyone is different in how they mark these events, from the nonchalant to the obsessive romantic, there are 10 Anniversaries which we think you would do well to remember, and even rope your friends into celebrating.

  1. The Anniversary of your first date/kiss – not a big deal to some people, but earth shatteringly important to others. This one doesn’t have a specific gift associated with it, but perhaps a kiss…especially if you are the one who has forgotten.
  2. The first anniversary of your wedding day – can it really have gone so quickly. Always a shock and one that is traditionally celebrated with…paper. Hard to get romance out of that, but it could be a love letter, or a paper dart if they haven’t remembered.
  3. 5 years married – not bad. You will know each other quite well by now so why not go bonkers with a gift of….wood. I like the idea of planting a tree, which will grow, like your love, every year.
  4. 10 years – a considerable milestone, and an occasion to celebrate with friends and family and…tin or aluminium. You will have learnt how to keep your partner happy by now so this one is up to you…but I might suggest that a four pack might not work.
  5. 20 years – what heroes! So many memories that are unique to the two of you, and bind you together. As this is a big one you have earned a gift of china. Perhaps you could feign a misunderstanding of this one and have a trip to Hong Kong.
  6. 25 YEARS – friends and family will definitely want to get involved in this one so you may want to throw a party, in which case an anniversary gift list is advisable. With a theme of silver you can’t go wrong. Perhaps everyone could contribute to something fabulous, and you can give your partner a picture of you in a silver picture frame (to keep the burglars away as my husband would say).
  7. 30 years – congratulations on a job well done. Pearls seem a fine gift for the ladies, but not sure what is in this for the men. Perhaps think laterally and take him deep sea diving.
  8. 40 years –whoa, you are amazing, and all your friends will think so too. Rubies are the order of the day, but I’m sure a nice bottle of wine or port would not go amiss while you reminisce.
  9. 50 years – you are now becoming a real rarity. If a party is called for let someone else do all the work and enjoy your gifts of gold – you can never have too much of this but I would suggest gold bars if they are asking.
  10. 60 years and you are a diamond! All you will need for this one is your lovely partner.

Happy Anniversary!

 

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Group gifting – 10 great stories

Thursday, May 2, 2013

For every gift giving occasion and every wish list, there is always at least one item that you would really love to be given but it’s just too much to ask for.

Our brilliant users have found that they can have their dream present, as well as lots of other gifts, if they simply ask for contributions. Friends are thrilled to chip in and dreams come true!

Here are 10 stories:

  1. Anna was really keen to go to a festival for her 18th birthday, but was worried that she would have lots of gifts from well meaning relations, but no ticket for the thing she really wanted to do. So she put the festival ticket as the favourite item on her list and made it available for contributions, and hey presto!
  2. Paula and her mates were concerned about her friend who had recently had a major operation. They wanted to cheer her up, but it was always difficult to get together to coordinate a gift. She put a pampering day at a spa on the list so that everyone could contribute – a great gift. So great that they all went along too.
  3. Mike had always wanted to have a new all singing all dancing mountain bike for his 30th birthday, but there was no way he could ask anyone to get him something so extravagant. Fortunately for him his discerning wife set up his birthday list and asked friends if they would like to contribute to the bike instead of searching high and low for a gift. Well, this story had a happy ending.
  4. There were so many things that Julia wanted for Christmas that she didn’t know where to start. But she put together a long list of goodies, including the dress of her dreams. Her best mates grouped together and bought it for her…on condition they could borrow it.
  5. As the office admin Penny was in charge of all the birthday cards and leaving gifts . She used to dread going around yet again to ask people to give cash so she could buy the next leaving gift, until she found whatidlove and simply pinged an email around the office. Money came in, group gift was bought, presentation made. Now she could get on with her job.
  6. The end of exams was looming and Jenny and her mates really wanted to throw a party. They put everything they needed on their wishlist, including a collection towards renting the club. Thanks to everyone who was invited chipping in, they were able to get the venue they wanted with all the trimmings and had a great time.
  7. When Peter and Amanda got married they already had two homes between them so they wanted less rather than more. But as all their friends and relations insisted, they set up a gift list with plants for their garden. One of these was a rather expensive tree, which they wanted to plant in celebration of their marriage. Of course, everyone wanted to contribute towards this so they put it on their list for small contributions so that everyone could be part of the memory.
  8. As a thank you to John’s parents, who hosted the running group every year they did the marathon, they traditionally bought a hamper…..and then it usually took until the following year to collect the money from everyone. When John found that he could list the hamper as a gift for contributions on whatidlove the whole affair became very easy…except for the run of course.
  9. At the end of the Christmas term the class rep had the job of collecting money from everyone in the playground and buying a gift for the teacher from all the parents…as if there wasn’t enough to do at that time of year! How simple it all became to put a selection of vouchers on a wish list and share it by email so everyone could give what they wanted, and as much as they wanted, free from public scrutiny.
  10. George and Helen have a wish list, which they use for every gift giving occasion for friends and family to contribute towards a trip to the moon. They are just waiting for the technology to catch up with them.

 

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How to make your dream come true with a Honeymoon wish list

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Just like the wedding the honeymoon has to be amazing, the holiday of a lifetime, the realisation of a dream. So when you set up your wedding list let your friends get involved by inviting them to contribute to make your dream come true.

…and don’t forget that you can have your wedding list and honeymoon fund on one list with whatidlove.

It’s a good idea to make items on your list as personal, and specific as you can, so friends feel that they will be making a real difference to a particular part of your honeymoon.

1. Choose it together – this is a holiday for both of you so start planning together based on shared interests, places you would love to go, things you would love to do. Brochures and wine will help here.

2. Check out the weather – If you have a time of year in mind then check out the weather in your chosen location so you don’t end up under monsoon rains or in the midst of the typhoon season…or maybe this will come first, and the wedding date will follow….or maybe you like typhoons.

3. Make sure the pictures on the brochure match the reality – When choosing accommodation go for as much luxury as you can afford – it is a once in a lifetime event after all! But always check testimonials and if possible call to confirm exactly what you will be getting, view, services, location, so you are happy when you arrive.

4. Plan out planes, trains, automobiles – guests love to contribute towards a specific element of the trip, rather than a general one. So put an upgrade on a flight, scooter rental, a fun way of getting around, to inspire them.

5. Be specific in your wining and dining – if you have an idea of where you may want to eat, a roof top bar, a degustation, put in all the detail as  friends who contribute will be making this happen for you and will want to be there with you (if only in their heads!)

6. Everyone likes to join in with the fun – anything off the wall, bungee jumping, white water rafting, trekking – these are the sort of things people love to give towards, as they will want you to have an amazing time and get a sense of helping you to realise a lifetime ambition.

7. Romance and luxury – it goes without saying on a honeymoon, but sometimes the little touches, a candle in a can, an album for photo memories on your return, could also be listed as a honeymoon gift, especially for those who want to buy something specific, not too expensive, or outright.

8. All the kit – and of course you will want to have some fabulous clothes, luxury luggage and all the frills for your special trip, which is where it is great to combine the wedding list for specific items, maybe a panama hat, with a general honeymoon fund for the Louis Vuitton travel accessories.

9. Make it personal – only you know how to do this, but friends will engage with the list much more if your personality shines through in what you have chosen to do, eat, wear, and all the fun things you plan to happen while you are away.

10. Your list is a living thing – well almost, the point being that you can edit it whenever you like. So add something new whenever you come across it, even if the list has been sent out. Or if something you really want, and have marked as a favourite item, has not been bought or contributions are below the total say a week before the event, buy it yourself…they do say you are worth it, and if not now then when.

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What to put on the baby shower list: 1 to 10

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

If you are a friend or relation of the mother-to-be it could be you who gets to organise the baby shower!

As the shower centres on gift giving it is a perfect opportunity to set up a new baby wish list and, together with the mum, list all the things she will need in the coming months.

The wish list is the easiest way to make sure that friends buy exactly what the mother would love for the baby, but also to ensure that no two friends buy the same gift.

Baby shower gifts tend to fall into the following groups:

  1. Layette – aka clothes for the baby. This is what everyone likes to buy as they are so cute, but to be useful the list should include a range of the basic items, in a colour chosen by the mother to be, from babygros to scratch mittens. All babies seem to be showered with clothes and hand me downs, so this is a good opportunity for the mother to take control of core items.
  2. Nursery – some of these items are perfect for group gifting, so go ahead and add the crib, cradle or bassinet that is longed for, as friends can chip in and before you know it…….or if not, the baby’s parents could choose to make up the difference. And don’t forget the bedding and mobiles that the mother likes.
  3. Gadgetry – so much of this will be essential when the baby arrives, particularly a baby monitor, and nightlights.
  4. Baby changing – a table that is the right height, and all the changing paraphernalia, which may seem mundane but can be really useful.
  5. Bathing essentials – a bathing tub is always good to have, as well as hooded towels, sponges and, if she is lucky enough to have a baby with hair, a hairbrush!
  6. Feeding equipment – that could mean mum, in which case feeding bras, a nursing pillow, cream, pads and so on will be well received, but otherwise, or even for later on, bottles, bottle warmers, and sterilisers are super useful.
  7. Medicine – it’s always good to have some basics to hand from nail clippers for teeny, soft nails, to a baby thermometer so mum always feels on top of things.
  8. Travel – for getting out and about every mother needs a stroller and a changing bag. There are some gorgeous slings on the market, and a major expenditure will be a car seat, if mum needs one, which is another perfect opportunity for a group gift.
  9. Food and drink – I cannot think of an occasion when a delicious treat is not appreciated, and it doesn’t all have to be about the baby!
  10. Pampering essentials – as any woman will know, lovely scents, creams, candles or treatments are always a really special gift.

And don’t forget that the list can be shared with any friends or relations who would like to buy a little something for the baby, even if they aren’t coming to the shower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 reasons to set up a birthday wish list

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

If you haven’t used whatidlove before you are in for a treat.

Here are 10 reasons why it makes sense…not just for you, but for people who would like to give you a gift on your special day.

1. It may be a special birthday…but aren’t they all…and everyone will want to get you something you love and need, not something that will make you wince when you say thank you, before you recycle it or, worse still, stick in the bin!

2. You may have been away for a while, or not have seen certain relations for so long that your hobbies, needs, tastes have moved on. How can they possibly know what you would like to receive as a gift….until they see your wish list.

3. So that Aunty Mabel doesn’t buy you another tank top this year.

4. You only wish for one thing in the world. It’s too much for you to afford, but if you put it, and nothing else, on your list, and everyone chipped in, your wishes could come true!

5. You have everything you could possibly need and really don’t want any gifts for your birthday, but people insist on buying you something – so list your favourite charities on your birthday wish list so everyone can make donations instead of buying you gifts.

6. You have friends and family who live abroad but would love to buy you a gift. The wish list makes this really easy to do – no guesswork and everything can be sent straight to the delivery address of your choice.

7. You don’t really need anything for your birthday but are desperate to save up for your travels, student fees, a special event – so put it on your list and let people contribute towards what you’d really love.

8. You have set your heart on a work of art, which you have seen at a local gallery. Simply list it on your wish list and let people contribute towards it. Then you can claim the funds, trot along to the art gallery….and buy what you’d love.

9. Clothes – such a minefield and so personal. Don’t let mum guess what you would like to wear. List it and let friends and family buy you what you choose to wear – then everyone’s happy!

10. If you love your friends and family don’t let them waste their hard earned time and money guessing what you’d love as a present….when you can let them know so easily.

And once you have introduced your family and friends to the joys of the whatidlove wish list, maybe they will return the compliment so you don’t have to spend hours pounding the pavements looking for inspirational ideas, when you know that life can be so much simpler.

 

Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 ways to be organised for Christmas

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

If the thought of Christmas brings you out in a cold sweat, which is possible if you are the one who “does” Christmas, then this is for you.

We all know that, apart from its religious significance, Christmas is about spending time with our loved ones and gift giving, a chance to take a break and really enjoy the good things in life.

So here are 10 ways to help you prepare to do just that:

1. Gift giving – this is one stress that can easily be dealt with by setting up a wish list for yourself, which you can do at any time of the year, and adding to the list things you see as you go through your daily life – the scent you admire on a friend, the book you heard recommended on the radio, the dress you love but can’t justify. Then, nearer the time, and as people ask you what you’d like for Christmas you can share your list with them. It is always a great relief on the day to receive gifts that you truly love or need, and if friends and family have contributed to a large item on your list, you can claim your funds and look forward to buying what you dreamed of.

… but equally, or possibly more important, is to encourage those for whom you want to buy a gift to set up their lists and let you know the list number. this will give you more time to do 2-10 below!

No waste, no queuing, no making decisions in the dark.

2. Stockings – can you imagine how much shopping Father Christmas has to do for these? If only he could get his family to set up Christmas wishlists online for stocking fillers, and leave the list number under the chimney in good time for Father Christmas to order all the lovely things online…plus a few surprises.

3. Christmas cards – another major stress factor which can be lessened either by early preparation – buy the cards, the stamps, and get addresses sorted out, or even better, by sending electronically and donating the savings you have made to your favourite charity.

4. Cleaning and decluttering – in the run up to Christmas this is more important than ever. Even if this is not your thing, set a weekend aside to do this a few weeks before Christmas, and get your family to help you. This will really help when you have to find room for the tree, presents, food and all the paraphernalia that comes with Christmas.

5. Decorations – aim to buy your tree a few weeks before Christmas and set aside some time to enjoy decorating it with your family…and if you have time you can decorate your house.

6. Food preparation – this is all about planning what you will be eating over the Christmas period, working out recipes and quantities and buying/making in advance. Your life will be much easier if you can do this all online for delivery at a time that suits you.  Don’t forget to make early orders for delivery of the Turkey, and anything you can freeze or make in advance.

7. Drink – as with food it is always fun to have a special drink or cocktail planned for a special occasion. So make sure you take this into account as you compile your shopping list….and as bottles are heavy try to buy it online.

8. Activities – so that you aren’t caught out on the day with nothing in mind, sit down with your family to work out in advance what games you can play, films you can watch, and maybe, if you have some of these things are on your wishlist, you may be able to play or view them on the day.

9. Clothes – what to wear is always a dilemma, but doesn’t it feel good if you have thought it through and know what you will be wearing on the day, to drinks, to dinner and so on. Maybe you could even wear some of the items that have been bought from your wish list to really make the day special.

10. Happy Christmas! – if you haven’t done it, it’s not important.

 

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10 reasons why a wishlist may come in handy

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

You may well be familiar with the concept of a wish list for weddings, possibly even for Christmas or birthdays, but there are so many other occasions where a wish list could be really useful. So here are a few of our (many) ideas, inspired by how people have been using the whatidlove site.

1. Christenings, baptisms, blessings – just like baby showers celebrate the forthcoming birth of the baby, friends and family like to buy gifts when someone is christened or baptised, and there are only so many crosses a child can wear, or silver rattles which can be of use. So a wish list is a perfect way of making sure that the same gift is not bought twice. And if there is a reluctance to ask for gifts, it is possible to set up a baby fund on the christening wishlist so that friends and family can begin to make a contribution to the baby’s life.

2. Retirement – as you will probably know when someone retires it is normal practice for everyone to deliberate on what gift can be bought by everyone in the office. Some poor secretary is then lumbered with the task of buying the gift and going around (cringe) collecting money from everyone. This wouldn’t be necessary with a retirement list where you could add the item and send the list number to everyone to contribute towards. And when all contributions are in, the funds can be claimed, the gift bought, and John Smith gets to retire a happy man.

3.University –we all know how expensive university education has become, and how every little bit of help is appreciated. So if or when you find yourself to be an impoverished student simply set up a university fund wish list to which anyone who asks (and I’m thinking wealthy relations) can contribute for your birthday, Christmas, or simply to make your life easier.

4. Teacher fund – another awkward collection is the one where some poor soul has to collar everyone in the playground for contributions towards the teacher’s gift, for the end of the year, or possibly Christmas. Again, so much easier to put a teacher wish list online, email all the parents, get the cash, buy the present – problem solved (was it a maths teacher?)

5. House warming – you have moved into your new home (hooray!) and want to invite everyone over to celebrate. “what can I bring as a housewarming gift” they ask, and all sorts of issues begin to arise. You can’t think on the spot, you need a door knocker but have you already asked for that. So…..it’s always handy to have a list on the go, maybe one that you can add to as you settle into your new home and realise what you don’t have, so you are ready when you are asked this question….and then, once everyone has had a chance to buy from it, you can set up a new list, maybe a Christmas list, and put all the unbought items onto it…better luck next time.

6. Charity fundraisers – a challenge has arisen which you cannot resist and you would like to raise sponsorship for climbing the Himalayas backwards…but you would like to have a few of your favourite charities rather than one Just giving page. A whatidlove list is the perfect solution. List as many charities as you would like, give people a choice, and watch the donations flood in….and then you have to climb the Himalayas backwards.

7. Things I love – many of our lovely users set up lists for specific items purely for their own reference: books they hear about on the radio and would like to read, shoes they love and would like to save up for, gadgets they read about and want to give some consideration to before they purchase…and don’t want to forget. So you can simply list things for fun, for you to buy when you want…or not. It’s your list.

8. Special birthday – a special birthday can often give rise to a swell of desire from friends to club together to buy the birthday girl or boy a special gift, and this is where the group gifting possibilities of whatidlove come into their own. We have seen all sorts of desires being met this way from sports cars to Jimmy Choos – great to have friends who care.

9. Get well gift– if you have a friend who has been having a tough time wouldn’t it be lovely to set up a list of goodies for him or her so that friends and well wishers can contribute. It’s really just a kind gesture but lets you put a lovely range of goodies together on one list.

10. Thank you gifts – many is the occasion when a group of people need to say thank you for a party, hospitality, a holiday. A whatidlove list would suit this perfectly as you can put a selection of things on a list, or one big thing (hamper?) for everyone to contribute towards….it’s so simple how could you not.

 

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How to plan the perfect wedding

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

First of all – Congratulations!

So much to do, but if you get organised you can make your wedding the most perfect day and a wonderful memory. So here are a few helpful hints.

 

Step 1 – who to invite

Planning and budgeting is key.

You need to decide who you would like to invite to share the day with you as this will have the biggest impact on how much the wedding will cost and the style of wedding you would like.

It could be a casual affair with many friends and relations or a select, upmarket affair to which only the inner circle are invited….or anything in between…and as everyone loves to be invited to a wedding, and once you have made this decision you should stick with it, its always a good start to agree this with your partner and both your families.

Sometimes it helps if you and your partner decide on numbers and then let your relations know how many places there are for relations.

 

Step 2 – pick the date

You probably have an idea in your head of the time of year you would like to get married, which could be a way ahead or coming up soon. So pick a few dates you are happy with and proceed to Step 3.

 

Step 3 – choose the time and place

This applies to any ceremony as well as any reception or party you may choose to have, as you will need to book the church/ hotel/beach/restaurant to ensure you have everything lined up exclusively for you on your chosen date. This will also help in your selection of music and décor which could well come as part of the package.

 

Step 4 – the honeymoon

Otherwise known as an excuse for a fabulous holiday with the one you love. Such a big world with so much to choose from, so make sure you take into account the time of year and weather for where you plan to go, and availability on your chosen dates.

 

Step 5 – save the date

At this point it is a good idea to communicate the date with your guests so that the day is in their diaries, with an indication that the invitation is to follow.

 

Step 6 – the wedding gift list

People expect to give you a gift to celebrate the beginning of your life together, and really appreciate any guidance so they can give you something you love or need. This is the time to register with whatidlove to set up your list, and start to put things you’d love to receive on it, or maybe suggest that your friends would like to make contributions towards something that is important to you- the honeymoon, a new kitchen, a tandem! You can add to or edit the list as you go along so this can just be the start.

 

Step 7 – the invitation

Now you have everything in place you need to choose the right invitation for your wedding , and to share the wedding list with your guests.

 

Step 9 – the cake

This will depend upon your theme or style, and of course the price. There are some wonderful and imaginative cake makers out there, or you may be lucky enough to have one in your family.

 

Step 10– the dress

For many the highlight of the day. The most fun is to be had sitting down with a pile of magazines and some girlfriends whose taste you trust. It’s a good idea if you have chosen your bridesmaids by now and let it be known who they are so there is no competition in the air! Then there is the trip to try dresses on – another excuse for a girls day out….and if you decide to have something tailor made you will may want to meet the designer/seamstress to be sure of the quality, and price, of her dresses.

 

Step 11 -  the flowers and decoration

A good one to get the mothers involved with. You will have an idea by now of the colours you would like and possibly also the flowers, but a good florist will have lots of ideas to inspire you…or you may have a wedding planner in which case all will be in hand.

 

Step 12 – the ring

Less urgency here as this is something that you and your partner can do at your leisure with only yourselves in mind

 

Step 13 – transport

Depending on whether you want to arrive in a helicopter, horse and cart, or unicycle you will need to book exactly what you will need for yourself and also for others in the wedding party to get them and you to and from the wedding and the reception.

You will also need to arrange for your transport when the happy couple wave goodbye to all their guests….usually something that can be defaced by your friends!

 

Step 14 – stag and hen nights

This one will be out of your hands…..I just hope you have a best man or bridesmaids that you can trust!

 

Step 15

Which brings us to photography. It’s often good to go on recommendation as you are buying not just the art work and style, but the person who will be with you on the day, and you will want to feel comfortable with how they work.

 

Step 16 – the wedding night

Yes, I know this is personal, but a good idea to have booked a bed or suite to kick off in style

 

Step 17 – after the event

Well, you have the partner of your dreams, some memories and don’t forget all those lovely gifts. A good time to revisit your whatidlove wish list to send your thank you’s and to claim all those generous contributions from friends and family.

And if some items weren’t bought off the list, why not set up a new one for your birthday, Christmas, whatever, and put them on there.

 

Happy days!

 

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king size white sheet -we don’t care where it comes from

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Pure white sheets

This is a common refrain on wish lists.

If you would like something generic for your wedding, anniversary, birthday or for any reason- a white cotton towel, basic babygro’s, a plant, whatever – you can say this on your list.

Simply indicate that you don’t mind where it comes from in the field for “seller” when you add it to your list from “shops not on the web”.

For those gift givers who prefer to exercise a bit of individual choice, but still want a bit of a steer, this is the perfect way to let them do just that…and of course for those who just want to click through to buy the exact item you would love….well that’s easy.

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Put gift vouchers on your list if you don’t feel inspired

Friday, February 1, 2013

If you are struggling for ideas to put on your wedding, baby, birthday, anniversary, any wish list, don’t forget that you can put gift vouchers from any store, online or offline, that offers them.

You may, in the current climate, want to exercise some judgement on which retailers you select, but the great thing about gift vouchers is that you can still point the gift givers to stores where you would like to shop.

Our customers have a wide range of vouchers from John Lewis to the  Royal Opera House…the choice (and the gift!) is yours.

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