If you don’t know a birdie from an eagle, you lack more than ornithology knowledge. You’re probably not a golf fan. Chances are, however, that you know at least one person that is an aficionado of the game, first played in Scotland way back in the 15th century.

If you have a friend or family member that enjoys the game, he or she probably has their own set of clubs, plenty of balls, tees, special shoes, and all the other accessories necessary for a good game. If this person is a real fanatic, they may play several times a week and even travel to distant locations – like Palm Springs or Myrtle Beach – specifically to enjoy a golf vacation, which often includes several rounds during the course of a week or more, played on a variety of courses.

It’s not hard to purchase a present for a friend who lives and breathes golf. A dozen balls is always a good option as are other items that he/she needs for the game. But how about something a little different this year? Personalized golf gifts, for example, are perfect for the game’s biggest fans and there are plenty of items from which to choose.

For example, you can purchase something that relates directly to the game, such as a monogrammed golf towel, an engraved ball marker, a putter set, or even a golf shoe bag with his or her initials on it. Or you can choose a personalized item that’s related to golf but doesn’t necessarily impact the game. These may include handsome framed prints depicting a favorite tournament, a pub sign, or a humidor with a golf-themed design. Other useful items for the golf lover include a small cooler for those hot days on the links.

Weddings are often a reflection of a couple’s unique tastes. The preferences of the bride and groom can be seen in every aspect of the wedding, especially if they are involved in all the little details. The ceremony and vows may be very formal or quite casual and informal. Couples may choose a huge party or small intimate reception. Preferences even show in the cake a couple chooses, be it traditional pound or yellow cake or perhaps something much more contemporary, like the popular “funfetti” candy sprinkle-filled confection.

These days, brides are also being bolder about the colors they choose for their wedding party. Years ago, bridesmaids were usually decked out in muted pastel colors like light pink, baby blue, and perhaps peach or yellow. Then, in the 80s, having a black-and-white wedding became very popular and many brides who seek very formal affairs still go with that color scheme. However, today’s brides don’t hesitate to go with some newer, trendy, bolder colors like chocolate and other deep browns, rich teal, gem tones like raspberry and sapphire blue, and sometimes muted earth tones like greens and tans.

At first, caterers were hard pressed to match these trendy new tones, but as they become more popular, you’ll find that you can request things like matching table covers and napkins in similar hues to what the bridesmaids are wearing. Wedding favors are also become more readily available in these popular colors, including personalized favors.

You might find candles in these new shades or perhaps bud vases, candy holders, or votive cups that feature personalization in ink colors that match the wedding’s color scheme. And to add still more color, consider purchasing matching candies, like M&Ms®, to fill these receptacles. They look great atop reception tables and can be coordinated to match flower-filled centerpieces and other accents.

Most of these pieces can be purchased in bulk at an affordable price and make for attractive and easy favors that you won’t spend hours putting together, giving you more time to bask in the joy of wedding planning.

Summer means a lot of different things to different people, but for sports fans, baseball is the number one summer activity. Whether you play it or watch it, it’s a sport that’s synonymous with warm weather and one that so many Americans enjoy. There’s a certain feeling of excitement and nostalgia when you gather to watch “the boys of summer” and a trip to a major league ballpark is a summertime must for most MLB fans.

If you have a major league baseball fan in your life, you know they live and breathe baseball all season long. Personal schedules are determined by the baseball schedule and you wouldn’t dare interrupt him during a big game.

Chances are he owns some things that relate to his hobby. Maybe he collects baseball cards, autographed balls, or other memorabilia related to his favorite sport. If so, he’ll love the gift of a personalized baseball-related item. Suitable for a variety of occasions including birthdays or Father’s Day, these gifts will make the die-hard fan smile and will be something he’ll hold near and dear to his heart for years to come.

Consider a unique Major League Baseball-themed print for his den or office. Check out those that include a photo of his favorite stadium or jerseys of his treasured team. These include the name of the team and often his name as well, depending on the design. Or look for pub prints that proclaim his place the major hangout for team fans. There all perfect for the baseball nut!

Beer mugs with MLB team logos are also popular and can be purchased as singles on in a set. These sturdy glass mugs hold lots of brew so he won’t have to get up during the game to refill it. Other personalized baseball-related items include autographed baseballs or baseball bats that make the perfect keepsake gift.

Summertime is picnic time! It’s that perfect season of year when you can enjoy a meal outside, surrounded by lots of grass, trees, and maybe even a lake or other body of water. Picnics are relaxing or rowdy and can be whatever you want them to be, from a noisy affair with extended family to a romantic rendezvous with that special loved one.

Summer picnic fare can also be as simple or complicated as you like. If you’re picnicking with kids, small finger foods are best. Most kids won’t sit still long enough to enjoy a formal picnic meal, so pack tiny sandwiches, fruit or veggie slices, raisins, snack crackers, and small juice boxes or bottled water. If your picnic crowd consists mostly of older kids and adults, you can choose standard picnic fare like fried chicken, biscuits, lemonade, and brownies. Of course, if you’re hoping for something a bit more intimate, consider packing goodies like wine, cheese, fruit, and a nice crusty French bread.

The key to a good summer picnic is keeping the food fresh and cold. Not only does this make it tastier, but it remains at the right temperature, keeping bacteria from forming. It pays to invest in a good cooler for this purpose. Personalized ones are especially nifty as they’re uniquely yours. Look for one that’s sturdy and includes enough space to accommodate your usual picnic fare. Most are soft-sided and easy to carry. You might even choose a tub-style cooler that you can load with ice and your favorite beverages. They’re available in various sizes. Also check out small personalized insulated bags for wine, perfect for that white or blush vintage that should be served cold.

Being a dad isn’t a piece of cake. Most fathers go out to work each morning (or evening), eager to provide for their family. When they return, many modern dads help with the kids, chauffeuring them back and forth to activities and finding time to play with them when possible. And in addition, they bear the brunt of the responsibility for keeping the house in tip-top shape – making repairs, mowing the lawn, and doing a host of other tasks that simply wouldn’t get done if it wasn’t for Dad.

While all fathers should be honored every day, make sure that the one day we set aside for this purpose – Father’s Day – is full of those things and people he loves. Start by cooking him a great breakfast and serving it in bed. He’ll love the pampering! Next, plan a day full of things he enjoys doing. Take him to a baseball game or concert. Make reservations at his favorite restaurant. Buy him a gift that says “you’re special in my book.”

Choosing a Father’s Day gift can be tough. For example, if your dad dresses up for work every day, chances are he has more than enough ties, which seem to be the standard Father’s Day present. Instead, reach outside the shirt box and be a little more creative. Consider a personalized gift for him this year.

Truly, the list of possibilities is endless. Personalized items available for Father’s Day include barbecue aprons, golf accessories, customized frames, beer steins and mugs, wine accessories, sports-themed prints, cufflinks, pocket tools, duffle bags and other travel gear, Zippo lighters, pens and other office accessories, and so much more. Consider your father’s or grandfather’s favorite activities and check out the options. Buy him something useful or something he’ll merely enjoy displaying at home or in his office.

Most personalized gifts provide room for the honoree’s name and there’s sometimes space for a date, your name, or an extra sentiment as well. As an extra bonus, most of these items are quite affordable and are something that he’ll know you took extra time to choose. Hey, it never hurts to be on Dad’s good side!

There’s no bigger milestone in the life of a teen or young adult than graduation. Whether graduating from high school or college, commencement – as many schools call it – marks the start of a new life experience as the student enters either a higher stage of education or makes their way into the work force. It’s a time to celebrate and a time to worry, for many graduates. It’s also an ideal opportunity to honor that young person in your life who has reached a critical stage of adulthood.

If you’re friends with a lot of people in that age group, chances are you’ll be called on to attend tons of graduation parties. This can get a little expensive, especially if you decide to give cash presents to the honorees. Instead, why not put a little more thought into your graduation gifts and give them something they can treasure for years to come that’s also affordable?

The choice of personalized gifts appropriate for graduation is vast and there is certainly options available for both male and female and in many price ranges. The choice will depend on the student’s personality, no doubt, and perhaps where they’re heading after graduation. For example, someone heading out into the business world may enjoy a personalized pen or some other sort of desk accessory. High school grads heading off to college might benefit from a personalized duffle bag, a picture frame to remind them of home, or a handsome personalized clock to help them get up on time for those early morning classes!

If you’re looking for something more personal, consider a beautiful peace of engraved jewelry such as a locket, bracelet, or cuff links. If the grad is a wine aficionado, look for handsome wine accessories that include glasses, bottle stoppers, or wine boxes. Beer lovers can be accommodated as well with personalized mugs or steins that hold plenty of his favorite brew.

Bridal showers are tons of fun! Designed to honor the bride-to-be, of course, they’re also a great opportunity for a little female bonding and can also provide a chance for family members or friends who rarely find the time to visit each other to get together and celebrate.

Bridal showers really haven’t changed much over the years. They generally include lots of presents, plenty of food, and perhaps even a game or two – like designing toilet paper wedding dresses or playing “famous couples” trivia games. Some bridal showers are themed and perhaps reflect the bride’s hobbies or her ethnic background. In some cases, those throwing the shower will include the honeymoon destination in the shower theme. For example, one might throw a beach-themed shower for a couple that’s going to Hawaii or a French soirée for those traveling to Paris for their wedding trip.

These days, men are sometimes included as well. These “couples showers” are becoming more and more common and are often held outside when the weather permits, complete with a barbecue meal and activities that appeal to both sexes.

Regardless of where the shower is held and who attends, however, one thing remains constant – gifts. These days, many couples take advantage of bridal registries and choose things they might like to receive from particular stores. However, if you’re not the type who is inclined to purchase bed linens or napkin rings, you might opt for something a little more personal but still practical for a couple just starting out.

Personalized bridal shower gifts are special and let the bride (and groom) know that you carefully considered your purchase before making it. And, besides, it’s always fun to receive items emblazoned with your name or initials! Wise choices include glassware that the couple can use for entertaining, including wine or beer glasses, mugs, steins, and other similar items. Signs or prints that feature the new Mr. and Mrs.’s last name are also a perfect gift and can decorate the wall of their new home or apartment. Similarly, frames that include the couple’s name will be perfect for that treasured wedding photo or honeymoon shot.

If you’re the shower organizer, you can also take advantage of the personalized item market by purchasing favors that include the bride’s or couple’s name or initials. Such items include votive or tea light candle holders, champagne glasses, bud vases, or miniature photo frames.

While it’s true that bridesmaids and groomsmen probably contribute much more to helping a wedding run smoothly, the bridal party’s smallest members provide a cuteness factor that can’t be beat. Who doesn’t emit an audible sigh of adoration as they watch a tiny flower girl or ring bearer making their way down the aisle, often doing something other than what they’re supposed to be doing? And how cute they look in all those wedding photos!

While these little ones can sometimes be a handful, they certainly do add something special to the bridal party so it’s always essential to honor them with a special gift they’ll long treasure. Personalized items are a terrific idea. What kid doesn’t love receiving a gift emblazoned with his or her name? And there are so many different personalized gifts from which to choose.

Young ring bearers might enjoy something related to sports, like a personalized baseball bat or baseball or a bag in which to carry their gear. The littlest of ring bearers can also be rewarded with silver-plated banks or other similar items.

Flower girls often love just about anything that shines and sparkles. So, for her, consider personalized necklaces or bracelets, perhaps similar to those that are being presented to the women in the bridal party. That will make her feel “grown up.” She might also enjoy a pretty pink bag for overnight trips to a friend’s house or even an attractive frame bearing her name and her official title as “flower girl.” It’s the perfect place for her favorite wedding picture and a convenient reminder of that special day.

Who deserves more praise they mothers? These women of great strength and fortitude sometimes seem to do the impossible. They are not only mother but also nurse, teacher, home repair expert, gardener, and chauffeur and they take on tasks that many of us would be hard pressed to do. Most are gentle and loving, and even when they reach old age, they still worry about their kids.

No wonder Anna Jarvis petitioned for an official Mother’s Day way back in 1908. Her church in Grafton, West Virginia took up the cause and celebrated the first Mother’s Day that year. Six years later, President Woodrow Wilson made it official, signing a declaration that made the holiday a national observance that would take place each year on the second Sunday of May.

Today, Mother’s Day is one of the busiest holidays for companies like Hallmark, and most florists note that besides Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day is their most hectic holiday as well. Even the telephone companies note that this is the holiday when the most phone calls are made as grateful sons and daughters call home to tell Mom just how much she means to them.

Cards and flowers mean a lot to Mom, but perhaps you’ve thought about being a little more creative with your gift giving. This year, how about honoring your wonderful mother with a unique personalized gift? Personalized gifts let mom know that she’s number one in your book. Furthermore, there are so many from which to choose that there’s sure to be one that fits your mother’s interests and personality.

Jewelry is always a safe bet and personalized jewelry is unique and special. How about a charm necklace or bracelet that bears the name of each of her children? Or maybe a charm bracelet that can include a photo of the grandkids? Other possible items include small jewelry or keepsake boxes for her most precious treasures.

Another great gift that Mom can admire daily is a personalized photo frame that bears her name, the name of the giver, and perhaps a tender sentiment. The ideal location for her favorite picture of the family, these frames come in many designs and are sure to brighten up any room.

If your mother goes to the gym, attends classes, or enjoys traveling, you might consider a personalized tote, duffel, or garment bag or even a backpack. Most include a name or initials and are great for the locker room or for a quick weekend getaway with Dad.

In these times when both parents work outside the house, finding a good person to care for small children during the day and older kids after school can sometimes be a challenging task. Just read the newspaper and you’ll find stories about less-than-exemplary child care workers who simply didn’t do their job when it came to protecting and nurturing the children in their care.

So, when you’re fortunate to find a well-grounded, reliable child care provider, you’ll want to acknowledge him or her with a gift on Child Care Providers Appreciation Day, which will be held this year on May 7.

Specifically, this day honors the 2.3 million individuals who care for the wealth of children in the U.S. who are under age 5 and are not being cared for by a parent or guardian at home. Child Care Provider Appreciation Day began in New Jersey in 1996 and is now celebrated each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day. It’s a day when parents should take the time to honor those who help raise their children, often for a salary that is far below those of other occupations.

Child care providers include both young people just starting out in the work force and extend all the way to retirees who simply have a love for small children. But no matter what their age, all of them enjoy being acknowledged on this special day with a gift or other token of appreciation.

Personalized gifts are always a wise choice for such an occasion. You’ll find there are a variety of items from which to choose and the inclusion of the person’s name, your name, and a personal sentiment gives these presents special meaning. If possible, find a gift that pertains to the provider’s hobbies or interests. These might include wine accessories for the wine lover, sports-related gifts, or travel gear. Or if you’re unaware of what they like to do when they’re not working, consider a gift that everyone will enjoy including personalized jewelry, keepsake boxes, coffee mugs, picture frames, desk accessories, or a pretty print or clever sign for their wall.

Child care providers offer an important service and they deserve to be acknowledged with more than just a handshake or nod of the head. Take some time this year to choose a gift they’ll long treasure.