Blog Spotlight: Gifted

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited and just plain giddy I was when I came across the blog, Gifted. It was as if all my worries of ever having to pick “just the right gift” again, faded away in an instant. From Unique Boxed Teas to His & Hers Handy-Cards (you will have to see for yourself!!!), there is a gift for everyone on your list. What’s even better is that it organizes everything to a T! You can search gifts for mom, dad, the beauty junkie, the cool kid, the happy couple and even the jet set. And for all us bargain hunters, Gifted also categorizes by price so you don’t have to go searching around for a gift you can actually afford.

Thankfully, I was able to catch up with the talented Toronto-based writer, stylist and publicist, Allison Lawler-Dean. She shared how she started Gifted, where she goes to search for her ideas and even suggestions on what to give the person who has “everything”. Read below for the full interview…

Why did you start Gifted?

I started Gifted as a creative outlet when I first left my job as a magazine fashion editor in the fall of 2008. I wanted to keep writing and searching out fabulous finds. Before I knew it, I was posting every day and hooked on blogging.

Where do you go to search for your gift ideas?

Favorite boutiques, shopping sites, style stories…but my favorite ideas come from friends and readers who submit their favorite gifts they’ve given and received.

Do you follow a certain method to picking just the right gift?

Think about the person – what they like, how they spend their time, where they are in their life, their interests and priorities – and select something that compliments that.

What is the best gift that you have given?

I love photo-based gifts for the memories they evoke. I made a beautiful, printed and bound album of family photos for my parent’s 65th birthdays and they loved it. My sister just recently hand-made one for my birthday and I’ll treasure it forever.

What gift would you suggest for the person who has “everything”?

Experiences can’t be replicated so treat the person who has everything to something unique…a special dinner, scavenger hunt, tickets to a show, picnic in the park, etc. The better you know the person, the more personal and personalized the gift can get.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere! Beautiful shops, great design, stylish magazines, insightful blogs…

Trust me, this is one blog you won’t be able to pass up.