gifts

Enough about the kids. We’ve bought, wrapped, bought some more and wrapped some more. I’m OVER the kid stuff, it’s time to think about MOI. Yeah, right, but a Smarty girl can dream, can’t she?!

Each year, I drool over a few things that I think are over the top “Smarty” and if there was an elf dedicated to me, this would be my loot. Because I know I’ve been good all year long.

I summoned the help of super Smarty stylish Kaylee & Cheryl, who have the best taste ever! So together we present these fab things that we’re totally crushing on:

A Moon & Lola Acrylic Monogrammed necklace, oh how I love thee!

Enough about the kids. We’ve bought, wrapped, bought some more and wrapped some more. I’m OVER the kid stuff, it’s time to think about MOI. Yeah, right, but a Smarty girl can dream, can’t she?!

Each year, I drool over a few things that I think are over the top “Smarty” and if there was an elf dedicated to me, this would be my loot. Because I know I’ve been good all year long.

I summoned the help of super Smarty stylish Kaylee & Cheryl, who have the best taste ever! So together we present these fab things that we’re totally crushing on:

A Moon & Lola Acrylic Monogrammed necklace, oh how I love thee!

Moon and Lola’s fabulous line of personalized accessories, such as its signature acrylic monogram necklace, is a personal fave of all of us at CSP. This Moon and Lola original has graced the pages of fashion and lifestyle magazines including InStyle, Lucky and O Magazine, since it’s debut a little over a year ago. Now the line can be found in more than 700 boutiques across the country and overseas. CSP {hearts} our hometown Raleigh gal who is the fashionista behind Moon & Lola, Kelly Shatat!

The 2012 Smarty Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by Toys & Co in Cotswold and Park Road Shopping Center. Find everything on Santa’s list at Toys & Co! And, they will wrap every gift BEAUTIFULLY and oh-so-expertly. They are the toy experts so they will help you source a gift if you are not sure what to get.

Continuing with our 2012 Smarty Holiday Gift Guide Series, I bring you the ultimate guide for the hardest age group to buy for, tweens & teens.

The number one gift requested by most tweens and teens for years running is definitely C-A-S-H! This is especially true for boys. Yes, it seems a bit boring to give, but trust me, they’ll love you for it! But, if you feel like you need to step up your cool-factor with this age group, we compiled a list of ideas below to suit many different price ranges. Also, if you have a child who may be falling right in between age levels this year (kinda like a tween-tween!), be sure to check our gift ideas for ages 10-12. These ideas roll for your own kids, nieces/nephews and even your babysitters.

Smarties, this came in from our friends at Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) and Carolinas HealthCare Foundation (CHF). This is such a beautiful story and a great gift idea for anyone on your holiday list!

The Baby J Fund Christmas Ornament Collection

Friends Beverly Ladley and Landon Slane team up annually to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the Baby J Fund. The fund is named in honor of Beverly and her husband Mark’s late son– Baby John Francis Ladley, III, who lost his battle with a brain tumor. Slane, a fine jeweler based in NYC, creates one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments from sterling silver. Ladley and her team of volunteers raise funds during the holidays with sales of Slane’s specially-designed ornaments. All proceeds support pediatric brain tumor research at Levine Children’s Hospital. Thus far, the fund has pledged $600,000 with a goal to grow beyond this commitment. To help them exceed their goal and to learn how you can purchase an ornament, visit www.babyjfund.org.

Don’t let the name fool you, this is not a soccer shop, comic book store, or specialty children’s shop. I stumbled upon Kicks N’ Grins a few years ago, it sits next to the Charlotte sushi hot spot, Rusans. With its patriotic flags flying out front I was drawn to peek my head inside, and what a surprise! If you have not heard of Kicks N’ Grins, let me be the first to introduce you to my “go to” for gifts.

Kicks N’ Grins is everything NC, everything plus much more. From great collegiate items, to the original Pawley’s Island hammocks, beautiful bird houses, and my fav – Hot Honeys Peanuts! Francis, the ultra friendly manager and brother to owner Terry Snyder, stocks the funniest greeting cards too. I promise that you can find something for anyone, go in for a gift and find a little something for yourself too!

When I need a gift, my first stop is always Poppies in Birkdale Village. Whether it’s for a baby shower, a house warming, or just something fun for a friend, I know I can find it at Poppies. I also know Kate will be there to show me what’s new, ask about my kids, and fill me in on her crew. Kate Kazmer opened Poppies Gifts 8 years ago and the store has been a Lake Norman favorite ever since. Kate is first and foremost a mom, who juggles the demands of owning a business and running a household. Her husband’s job takes him overseas quite a bit, but she makes it work. Running back and forth between school, Poppies, and cheerleading practice, she somehow finds time to connect with her customers and always has a smile on her face.

Kids – Georgia (11), Lily (10), Jack (4)
Hubby – John, we will be married 15 years in September
How long in Charlotte – 10 years
Hometown – Philadelphia
Occupation – Owner of Poppies in Birkdale Village