Hugs

Client: A close friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A very treatable form; but still scary and sad and disruptive. She wants to give her something to let her know she is thinking of her and there anytime she needs a hand or an ear.

Gen: She is going to receive outpatient treatment and will be doing a lot of back and forth. Hospitals can be cold in more ways than one. The chosen gift is this super soft, super long scarf that she can wrap herself whether it be when receiving treatment or snuggled & recovering. Something colorful and bright for days she may not be feeling so.

A Little Treat

Client: Her longtime friend and co-worker is newly engaged and moving into her new home. She'd like to send something as a small congrats; to let her know she is thinking of her.

Gen: She loves the outdoors, appreciates the where did you find type of gifts and her style is traditional with a touch of offbeat. The chosen gift is this fantastic polished steel bird that can be applied in that perfect spot of her new home. A little bit of the outside brought in. Perfect for the long NE winter days.

Do You See What I See?

Client: He needs a gift for his clients that he just sold their new warehouse space to. It is a post production company and the partner pair are noted as being "extremely creative, young at heart, active, artistic, hard working."

Gen: What could he give them that would celebrate their new space in a fun loving unexpected way? Hmmm... Well the winning choice was this LED graffiti kit complete with letter stencils and canvas. What post sunset brainstorm session doesn't benefit from a glowing light show? Self designed at that!

Gone Green

Client: They would like to get their green real estate agent a birthday present. She's been on top of it all as they have been thru

the somewhat ridiculous situations that have presented themselves in their new home search.

Gen: She is all about sustainable living and is more science teacher than sales person. She does have some fun though with her choices in wardrobe. I think she will love this metallic clutch made completely of recycled candy wrappers. A tree is also planted in her name with purchase!

Oui, Oui!

Client: She has just won the largest contract in her company's history. On behalf of herself and her team she would like to send a thank you present to her new client. Rule with the client is that the gift must be for the whole company to enjoy.

Gen: So this is a cosmetics division of a Fortune 100 company and you need something sophisticated and note worthy. It also needs to be sent to 60 people. I think I know just the thing. These chocolates arrive in a hand carved mahogany box. Oh and did I mention, also made to order in Marseilles, France? So sweet in so many ways.

Party of One

Client: She would like to send a thank you gift to one of her professional peers. This woman has graciously introduced her company to amazing contacts and helped her grow. A request is made that the gift be a personal accessory of some sort.

Gen: Okay her office is on Madison Avenue you tell me. Her style is described as a one statement piece kind of gal. Classic meets edge. What fun to shop for! The chosen gift is this fantastic silver bracelet. Dress it up, dress it down. Modern, timeless and certainly carries its own.

Gifts with Benefits

Client: Their mom is a breast cancer survivor & also happens to celebrate her birthday in October. They would like something that in purchase gives back to breast cancer research; and remind their mama that they are grateful for her recovery every day not just her special one.

Gen: You tell me she loves to workout & stay in shape. She's frugal, recycles everything & tends not to treat herself to too many "extras". I think the gift should not only give back but also also be able to be used time & time again; with many capacities. The chosen treat is this gorgeous multipurpose tote. Filled with a pink yoga mat, an equally fab Italian aluminum water bottle & a gift certificate for a workout class of her choice. Good for her. Good for the Earth. Good for women everywhere.

It's in the Bag

Client: She would like a birthday present for a long time friend who is turning 40. She specifically would like to see some handbag options. Her gorgeous, fierce friend can only accessorize occasionally as most time is spent in her U.S. Army uniform. But when she does, she likes to take full advantage and mix it up.

Gen: She is serving in Germany you say? You tell me she appreciates being able to shop all over Europe and dip into different trends. Is coming home in November to pick up her new motorcycle... Hmmm...I feeling something sexy yet functional. I love this handmade, sweat shop free bag out of L.A. Can sit on a hip, across the back or over the shoulder. In red.

Twitter Treat!

This is our FIRST EVER experience Twitter Treat! So exciting! This follower is creative, a true city girl and always on the go. Gen wanted to help her bring it down a notch with a once in a lifetime chance to see Leonard Cohen at the amazing Fox Theatre.

Enjoy!

Her Name is Rio

Client: Her good friend is turning 40 & is throwing a big bash to celebrate. She needs a perfect birthday gift for this hot momma of two; who doesn't get out "quite" as much as she used to. She's social, she's lots of fun, her inner party girl is ready to come out.

Gen: She is a fashion director you say? She likes Brit pop. She's not afraid... Oh, I know just the thing. Not everybody can pull off something straight from the Fall '09 Runway ; but I believe she can. White oxford, hot heels, and these. Sequin leggings.

Three's Company

Client: He needs a gift for his wife to celebrate their third anniversary. He notes it is an extra special anniversary; since it is the first with the three of them. Their gorgeous daughter was born in April. So he asked if I could consider that in gift options presented.

Gen: How lucky am I? Third anniversary and also celebrating the 3 of them. On the hunt for all things three. What is selected? The perfect treat from Alex Woo. A slightly shiny silver charm necklace celebrating the "them" and the "us".

Tis The

Client: She needs something special for her mom's birthday. Her mom doesn't really "need" anything; so it just needs to be unique, pretty to look at and a wear did you find type of treat.

Gen: I know the perfect little design shop in NYC, which was her mom's hometown before moving South. These handmade cups are porcelain and adorned in 23K gold for the gorgeous details. One for each season.

The Nest

Client: They need a gift for good friends that just said "I do". Don't want to roll the registry and looking for something a little unexpected yet sentimental.

Gen: A wedding gift for an outdoor loving couple; who just moved into their new home too. I love this solar powered bird house. Symbolically sweet and functionally cool.

Twitter Treat!

Gen: The surprise Twitter Treat packed inside this great Kit + Lili bag is being delivered today! It is going to someone who is behind a great cause and ATL's largest picnic on September 7th. I thought this was functional, green and gorgeous; and would be the perfect treat for someone always on the go. We thank our friends at www.kitlili.com.

Make sure to follow as you could be next!

www.twitter.com/storiesofgen

Twitter Treat!

Gen: This time the surprise Twitter Treat went to a PR Maven in Atlanta. I thought RGB10 of RGBCosmetics would be the perfect surprise and accessory for a woman who is behind many of the major events in Atlanta & beyond. A shade to compliment any mood, season or soiree.

Be sure to follow on Twitter; as you could be next!

twitter.com/storiesofgen

Romantic Sensibility

Client: They need a wedding gift for a fave couple of theirs. No registry please just something that will suit them both with a hint of tradition. Their home is described as warm & cozy, filled with collected memories of travel and art.

Gen: Let's see, one of the best parts of a wedding to me are the toasts. That's why I love these for their wedding gift. They are French, functional and certainly beautiful. Here's to raising their glasses and remembering merriments shared on the "big day" -always.

Thanks for Sharing

Client: They need a thank you gift for a long time friend. She has always been generous with her time & resources; but now has given them something they will have forever. She shared her gift of picture taking by photographing their newborn daughter. Olan Mills? Not so much.

Gen: I also have been told know this friend loves to travel the world and embraces all things cultural. With that in mind, I'm off on the search for a timeless thank you. These porcelain plates are just it! The four gold leaf hands on the plate are a Muslim symbol for communal sharing. A little bit metaphorical, a little bit literal. Perfect.

Southern Goodbyes

Client: A group of good friends have gotten together for themed dinner parties for years. One of the couples is moving North; and she would like a proper going away gift(s). They love to cook, entertain and most certainly have a deep affection for all things Southern as that has always been "home".

Gen: I got it! Gifts will combine their passion for hosting, cooking and all things neighborly. Rustic sign from their old 'hood, bottled BBQ sauce & other tasty treats from some of the best (think Star Provisions), porcelain BBQ plates....and that's just the start! Custom wrapped in kraft paper with gorgeous ribbon. 

Twitter Treat!

This treat went to a rockin' dad who likes his KK to be stylin'. Our friends at www.oneluckybaby.com whipped these handmade and fantastic bloomers up and I even got to pick out the fabric. 

Make sure to follow on Twitter as you could be next!

www.twitter.com/storiesofgen

Big Cheese

Client: Their good friend has been promoted to C.E.O. at a tender age of 32. They want to send a congratulatory treat his way to showcase their praise. Young, modern, active and has an eye for design.

Gen: I heart promotions! And I know the perfect present that blends classic tradition with where did you get that? These sport pens were originally designed in Germany in the 1920's. Just perfect for executing important contracts and the like with a just a touch of masculine flair.

Cheer Me Up

Client: Her friend since college has been laid off from her job of many years. She's creative, loyal, loving momma of two. She wants to send a small just because/cheer her up/thinking of you treat.

Gen: Laid off, kids....means perhaps more dinners at home. Why not cheer up the table with these amazing plates from my friends out in San Fran? Kid friendly, each a different color, bright and fantastic. Grinning while eating...for sure.

Twitter Treat Trois!

Twitter Treat Trois was delivered today. Ruby red, glass, no two are exactly the same. I have several in my personal collection and they always turn heads. Dress it up, dress it down. It rolls however you please. 

Make sure to follow on Twitter as you could be the next surprise Twitter Treat recipient!

www.twitter.coms/storiesofgen

I Do

Client: Needs gifts for 3 sets of parents attending and throwing nuptials at a sandy destination wedding. Would like something a little bit traditional but more sentimental and of course unique.

Gen: You are heading to the beach you say? Need something for very different people but you love all the same? These apothecary jars are quite literal; but the touch of sand from the actual beach and the handwritten letters to each folded inside on what they taught you about the subject. Now that's one of a kind.

Twitter Treat Two!

Gen: We heard this Twitter follower was cooking up all things "new". We saw this lovely apron at our friends place in San Fran and knew it was the perfect treat. Make sure to follow....as you could be next!

Oh Lady!

Client: She needs one more treat for her retired mom for Mother's Day. "You see", she tells me, "a theme has already begun." A theme of ladybugs, that happen to be her mom's favorite. Could I find something to go along with?

Gen: Hmmm...ladybugs. One of the other gifts is a ladybug wine topper; which gets me thinking and searching. Turns out there is a little Ladybug Vineyard in California who use the polka dotted ladies instead of pesticides while making their wine. So a bottle of red and one of white it is! Also nice,  they are both 90 pointers and award winning. Cheers!

Something Simple

Client: Her mom is recently widowed and wheelchair bound. They are redoing her bedroom; and she wants it to be a peaceful place as she spends most of her time there. She needs something that is pretty but practical. 

Gen: I am off on my search for pretty, practical & including the requested color blue. Found  are three nesting boxes that are earth friendly; and lined in navy ribbon. In each box will have a surprise treat: a letter from daughter, book from favorite author and puzzles of her favorite sort. 

Twitter Treats!!

Gen: I came up with a fabulous new idea! Every now and then, I am going to send surprise treats to my Twitter followers. How great for an unexpected something to arrive at your doorstep? The first one arrived today; and it left me feeling fantastic (her too). Follow on Twitter and maybe you will be the next!

www.twitter.com/storiesofgen

Hot Momma

Client: His wife's birthday is just around the corner and he wants to get her something to make her feel fantastic. Her big day happens to be just a few weeks before another HUGE day; as they await the birth  of their first tiny addition. 

Gen: Hmmm....gorgeous, glowing, creative yet practical. She's in marketing for one of the big one's  and is going  back to work after maternity leave. I am feeling something glamorous yet practical and it is hard to beat one of these. If you didn't know, you'd have no clue it was actually a diaper bag with a spot for a laptop. Celebs love 'em and so did she!

A Good Year

Client: Her friend of many years is about to tie the knot in the gardens of a Puerto Rican art museum. She is a New Yorker. Described as a modern woman who is not afraid of speaking her mind, keeps those close to her close and relishes in the details. She wants a little something to give her the night before she says, "I do". Something just for her.

Gen:  She loves to travel and the experiences that come with. And she is about to embark on one of the biggest adventures of them all...life long partnership. How about something to document her thoughts, the sights she takes in, conversations had in passing that she doesn't want to forget. These come cleverly marked, one for each month, a place to express the next big year in her life. 

Yummy

Client: Her boyfriend is turning 40 and she would like to get him some gifts surrounding his passion for cooking and cuisine.  She wants to stay away from the typical and cliche; so "no boring cookbooks".

Gen:  Well I don't do boring, so not a problem on that one.  Turns out I just came across this very intriguing, biannual hard bound magazine. The focus is not all things foodie but rather food and the people and culture behind it. Its contributors are artists, fashionistas and photographers to give you a small idea.  Really you have to read it to fully appreciate its grandeur. Hard to find? Yes.

Where It All Began...

Client: She needs something fantastic for her parents who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. They are tried and true New Yorkers, retired to sunny Florida and are throwing a big bash to celebrate their unity. She wants to celebrate their love with something sentimental yet unexpected.

Gen: How did these love birds meet? Turns out to be quite the story. In just one day, there was a baseball game, a swim and a trip to the theatre. Four months later they said "I do"! A photo shoot was  planned; where black and white images were captured telling the story of "Where It All Began". Cheers to the amazing duo! (yes that really is their wedding picture)

Barcelona Bride

Client: A Valentine for his Spanish bride. They met in Madrid (she's from Barcelona), married here and call Atlanta home. Something sweet to remind her of where they met, where she's from and how much he loves her.

Gen: Right away, know the perfect treat! These sweet hand stamped charms come with different phrases in her language from home. He picks the one that says "Kiss Me".

Wicked Tooth

Client: Her roommate has a wicked sense of humor and sweet tooth to match. She wants something small for V Day that will make both sides happy.

Gen: When we came across these, we could barely stand it. Legal absinthe flavored lollipops? Yes it is true. Don't get us started on the flavor with real bacon. Lick, lick!

Green Day

Client: Looking for a few of the same thing for Valentine treats; but the budget's tight. A green gift that will be good for his assistant, dog watcher, and his best girl friend. Something small to acknowledge the day and show his "love" for what they do.

Gen: A green treat for Valentines Day....These are the perfect alternative to fresh cut flowers. They grow in the container they arrive in and bloom vibrant red Cosmos; brightening many, many days to come. It's love!

Blossom

Client: It is a friends' from college 40th birthday. They are headed for a weekend away to pamper themselves in an Asian retreat. Massages, steam baths, wine, reflection. It is all part of the plan! She'd like just a little something extra for her friend; to remind her of this relaxing adventure.

Gen: She loves all things Asian, is busy with her career...meaning lots of take-out and doesn't spend much on herself these days. Perhaps something pretty that she can enjoy her take away sushi on. Glam up a Tuesday night at home and remind her of the celebration of good friends and turning 40.

Directions

Client: She needs a gift for her husband. He is an amazingly creative and thoughtful gift giver; and she wants to up her game and really surprise him this time. He loves his Irish heritage, appreciates men's fashion and is always up for an adventure.

Gen: You travel the world together.... He loves to plan the next big trip from Dubai to Maldives to Paris. You have a blog just to show your traveling photos. A world map is ordered, custom framing is complete and silver stick pins show where you two have been. Something he will have to reflect and remember; as well as dream up the next big getaway.

Snip, snip

Client: Wants a funky treat for her hair stylist; who is just back to work after having her first baby. She is part punk, with plenty of attitude packed into her tiny frame but this new momma is also "very sweet".

Gen: Fun, fun! Pink hair one week and black the next. Rock-a-billy baby in Vans on the way home from the hospital. Perhaps something comfy with that perfect American Apparel fit and tons of fun in the design. You should see the back!

No. 10

Client: It is their 10 year anniversary and they are headed to Vegas to renew with friends and Elvis. A weekend of celebrations and planned for ridiculousness. The present though, should be sentimental and sweet and a symbol of all things love.

Gen: She loves vintage and modern. She loves things that come with a story. She also has a subtle almost secret appreciation for traditions. Well, I am off estate sale shopping for that one of a kind, story telling, stories to be told "something".  And...what do I find? A vintage Cartier love ring in platinum with 3 perfectly small diamonds. It is actually in her ring size and in flawless condition. Meant to be! Just like them.