Ran out of gift-giving ideas for your beau? After all the anniversaries, holidays, and birthdays, the sentimental present list gets quite short rather quickly. While some of us worry about being insincere with gift-giving, others purchase gifts for their partners with the intent of using it for themselves. However, thinking of a gift that your long-term partner would genuinely like and put to good use can be a challenge in and of itself. We’ve got some tips to help you decide. -Meryl Lumba

1. The Active

a. Traveler

What better way to surprise your partner than a planned  trip together to backpack across Europe? You’ll obviously have to consult each other’s schedules, but exploring Europe is not only romantic but also exciting! Each day will bring about something new. Check out the Globus – European Sampler Tour (starting at $2349 at libertytravel.com).

b. Handyman

If he’s working on something new every weekend, building or re-doing a woodshop might be worth considering. He’ll definitely appreciate the new space! Here’s a grand gesture: The Journeyman (starting at $16k on barnpros.com).

c. Athlete

Whether he’s a runner or plays sports recreationally, athletes know that shoes make all the difference. The newest release, and runner’s choice shoe,  is Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ (various colors at $160 on nike.com). Choose his favorite color or surprise him with a bolder design!

3. The Creative

a. Gamer

This isn’t as hard as it at first seems. Just check out his game collection! Many well-known games create specialty controls. Buying him one, similar to this Gears of War 3 Controller ($60 on amazon.com), will channel his inner gamer!

b. Reader

If your guy loves his books, buying him a rare book, or rare edition, will win his heart over again. abebooks.com is a good source to buy such treasures!

c. Artist

We all wish we had enough spare time to pursue our hobbies. Whether he channels his creativity at work, or constantly tells you that he wishes he had more time to sculpt or paint, giving him the gift of assigned time will help. Check out classes at The Painting Lounge ($50 per person for a 2 hour session). They have a little something for every art-lover!

3. The Adventurous

a. In Bed

Check out toys for him on babeland.com! You never know what he’ll love to try!

b. With Food

Does he love to cook? Check out this Cutting Board ($55 at etsy.com), which you can personalize for him!

c. With Hobbies

If he likes to try different projects every weekend, this beer making kit ($40 at williams-sonoma.com) will definitely throw him off guard! He’ll be brewing something for every season.

Spa Day

Design an afternoon of pampering for you and your mom to spend together. Adorn your living room with scented candles, throw pillows, and mellow music. Then commence the indulgence!

Just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day, we’ve made shopping easy to gift your mom this year. Whether she’s a Happy Hour Mom, an Eco-Friendly Mom, or an Artsy Mom, we’ve got you covered with some unique and thoughtful gifts. – Victoria Barton

Spring time is in full swing — tights are off, spring dresses are on and for those of us in New York City, the most telltale sign: Mister Frostee trucks are posted up on every street corner. Undeniably, it is also wedding season. If you’re like us, you’ve received your fair share of wedding invites and between planning for new dresses, shoes, ‘dos and gifts, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of all that dough you’ll be spending. Don’t you worry. We’ve got some easy, fun and very cute DIY wedding gift ideas (read: inexpensive) that even the…umm…least crafty of us can manage to execute.  -Jacqueline Vasquez

1. Chalkboard Wine Glasses

We loved this simple (and, might we add, incredibly chic) idea that’s perfect for your wine-loving couple. We can appreciate craft projects with fewer than 5 steps to follow, which this definitely is. Chalkboard spray paint, cheap wine glasses and painter’s tape is all you’ll need! Pair this adorably personalized set of wine glasses with a nice bottle of wine and a box of chalk. How to make this.

2. Monthly Date Box

What couple doesn’t love to go on a free date? And who doesn’t love splitting the cost of a gift with friends? Precisely why this is one of our top picks. The idea of the “Monthly Date Box” is that you come up with 12 fun (and inexpensive) date ideas — one for every month of the year — and then provide the money to do it. In the case of the genius blogger who came up with it, they chose to provide $100 for each date. Decorate a small box and envelopes, and inside each one, include a description of the date along with the moolah. How to make this.

3. Coffee Mugs

Talk about adorable! Personalize a set of cute mugs for your soon-to-be-married couple by using a Sharpie (and, heck, why not make that Sharpies — you know, different colors and all) and writing something cute on each one that describes him and her. Some cute mugs we came across included “Mr” and “Mrs,” “I love you” and “I know,” and “He loves strong coffee” and “She loves green tea” for starters. The best part is, after you’re done getting artsy, all you have to do is bake the mugs for 30 minutes at 350°F. We would create a little gift basket out of it with exotic coffees or teas for them to enjoy on their first mornings of wedded bliss. How to make this.

4. Photo Coasters

If you have a Monica and Chandler couple friend, this next gift is perfect for them. Monica wouldn’t dream of putting a drink down without a coaster, and so —if you’ve got a friend like Monica tying the knot — we suggest gifting them with a sweet set of coasters like these. Just take six photos of the happy couple along with six 4×4 tiles from a hardware store and some good ol’ Mod Podge to get the job done. Put one layer of Mod Podge on the tile and lay down one of the photos. Follow that with another layer of Mod Podge and let it dry. Afterwards, add some felt pieces to the bottom of each tile and you’re all set! How to make this.

5. The Picture Frame

We couldn’t complete our round-up of favorite DIY wedding gift ideas without presenting a “frame” idea, obviously. At the top of most craft ideas, we found frames full of monograms, song lyrics and dates of weddings (i.e. EST 1998) but our favorite was this: A montage of all the greatest couples in history—past and preset, real and fictitious—with the couple’s name at the center of it all. Collectively, can we all please “Awwwww?” Because, we definitely did when we found this idea.

If your man is anything like the guys from Big Bang Theory, you know that he’s equal parts smart and sweet. And he probably has homages to his favorite thinkers, shows, and gadgets sectioned off in his apartment. Though he may say and do all the right things, it can be a little tricky shopping for him. If he’s simply not into “ordinary” gifts, finding one he can truly love and enjoy may become an incredibly frustrating task.

But don’t fret! There’s always something out there for our lovable geeks. Here’s some helpful shopping starters to show your geek that you appreciate him and all his quirks. - Meryl Lumba

1. Tech Lovers

Is he the first out of everyone you know to buy the newest gadget? Then he’s an “early adapter,” and buying for him can be super  tricky. Whether it’s knowing Apple’s latest trends or criticizing Windows for it’s failed attempts, your guy is on it, and he has probably already pre-ordered it. Instead of trying to “beat” him to the purchase,  ask him what he’s thinking about buying next and consider buying an accessory for it. If he’s buying a new desktop, you can check out the USB Fishquarium ($40 on thinkgeek.com) to help him organize his desk. This funky tank has a clock, lamp, and pen holder. Your tech-geek will surely find this a fun surprise.

2. Book Lovers

If your geeky man is a bibliophile, he probably has his favorite books in print, on tape, and as an audio file. And he’s probably sick of receiving those special, leather-bound journals to write in too. Instead, consider buying this Shakespearean insults mug ($13 on philosophersguild.com) to hold his coffee, which is a great sidekick to any story. Plus, who doesn’t love to learn Olde English insults?

3. Academia Lovers

Whether he’s scribbling away ideas to debunk an old philosophical theory or concocting the world’s next invaluable dissertation, your guy lives and breathes (and probably wants to work in) academia. Encourage him to take a break with this Sisyphus watch ($36 on philosophersguild.com)! Not only will he love the reference, but he will also appreciate your gentle reminder that it’s okay to take a mental break from the consuming academic world. From one geek to another, trust me when I say this gift will help him relax and make more time for other aspects of his life.

4. Video Game Lovers

The gaming world varies from sci-fi to sports to crime, so buying a gift for your avid gamer can be tricky- especially since he probably has the newest releases pre-ordered. Buying a system is probably already out of the question too, since he most likely owns either a PS3 just for its exclusive games or an old school Nintendo system just to play Super Mario. Instead, consider this Mine Crafted tee ($24 on threadless.com), a witty homage to Minecraft, which he probably owns for each gaming platform. He’ll definitely appreciate this pun-intended tee.

5. Sci-fi Lovers

Whether he’s a Trekkie or a die-hard Star Wars fan, thinkgeek.com has a variety of fun trinkets for all kinds of sci-fi lovers. Most notably, this site has Doctor Who gadgets, which any fan of this show can appreciate. Check out the Doctor Who TARDIS Talking Cookie Jar ($30 at thinkgeek.com)! Enjoy a cookie and get lost in another world.

So when you get the chance to give a gift that would mean a lot to him, know that you have more options to choose from. Now, picking something that he’d truly enjoy is not only rewarding for him, but also for you too!

From parades to parties, we’re all excited about the most well-known party holiday, er, Irish holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. Some will dress in green head-to-toe, and others will swig down pints of clover-colored Guinness, but how will you celebrate? Play the gift-giving leprechaun this year with these Patty’s Day-inspired gifts to share with friends! -Simone McDowell

Kiss Me I’m Irish T-Shirt ($16.85 at zazzle.com)
The classic “Kiss Me I’m Irish” t-shirt is a must have when celebrating this holiday. Heck, it may even get you a smooch or two!

St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl Ticket (tickets on Facebook)
A gift of a ticket to a few of your favorite pubs on St. Paddy’s Day just might get you into the BFF category. These crawls allow you to check out new bars around town, sip your drink of choice all while socializing with friends.

Four Leaf Clover Crystal Pendant ($29.98 at naturesjewelry.com)
What makes this pendant special is that it includes a real four leaf clover, perfect to bring good luck your way. The charm is made of crystal and includes an 18″ chain.

Taste of Home Wearing O Green Cake Recipe
Break out your inner baker and make a sweet treat inspired by St. Patrick’s Day. You can scour the web for inspiration on sites like Taste of Home or even Pinterest. You can simply add green food coloring to a Duncan Hines box cake or make brownies from scratch and top with green sprinkles. It depends on your cooking skills and of course, how much time you have but in the end the taster will enjoy every green bite.

Lucky Leprechaun ($16.95 at shelburnecountrystore.com)
Would it be a St. Patrick’s Day without a leprechaun sighting? This plush leprechaun stands at 15 inches and includes the standard uniform from the top hat to the brown booties.

If the weeks until your spring wedding are starting to run out, ask yourself if you’ve even thought about gifting the lovely ladies in your bridal party yet. You’ve already put them through A LOT so treat your besties with gifts they’ll surely love! -Courtney A. Leiva

Skin Authority GO! Love Kit! ($58 at skinauthority.com)
Chances are, your bridal besties are suffering from clogged skin just as much as you are. So give your bridal party some skin TLC with this kit featuring exfoliators, peptides and antioxidants galore.

“My girlfriend of two years says she doesn’t want anything for Valentine’s Day, but I have to get her something. What should I buy her?”

“My husband deserves something special this year but I have no idea what!”

“Ugh, I don’t know what to get him, we’ve only been together for a month but I really like him!”

If we had a dollar for every time we heard a desperate friend come to us with one of the above scenarios, well, we’d have enough money to actually afford to buy our awesome boyfriend something really awesome this year. But, fear not! We had a word with Cupid and his gang to help zoom in on great gifts to suit any stage in the romantic continuum. - Sunny Montefiore

The Awkward Stage

“We just started seeing each other and things are going really well. But should we even acknowledge Valentine’s Day?”

For Him

KeyCharger ($8.99-$24 at keycharger.com). Think of it as an insurance policy for those nights when he’s out late and you don’t hear from him “because his cell phone ran out of battery.” He’ll think of it as the coolest new gadget in his toolbox. Available in both iPhone and Android versions, the KeyCharger is handy enough to fit on your key chain and will give his ole smartphone enough juice to keep his phone charged on the go. Those first few weeks are often filled with worries of “Will he text?” and “Will he call?” but quell your fears and calm your anxiety with knowing that the dead phone excuse is so not an option.

Mason Jar Cookie Company mixes ($11.99-$20 at masonjarcookiecompany.com). So you’re far from ready for making Glamour’s famed “engagement chicken,” but you know the way to his heart is through his stomach. These adorable mason jars can be tailored to his taste buds’ utmost delight — pick a base blend (gluten-free, peanut butter, traditional) and then delectable mix-ins (Butterfingers, gummy bears, graham crackers, coconut, peanuts) to make the most thoughtful piece of edible, layered art he’ll ever lay eyes upon. Best of all, it gives you the perfect excuse to spend a cozy winter night rolling up your sleeves and baking up a storm together.

For Her

Hourglass Femme Rouge ($30 at sephora.com). For the girl that always looks flawless, or, let’s be real here, you haven’t seen her without makeup yet, and don’t feel ready to give her the “You’re sexiest in sweats and fresh-faced” heart-to-heart. Hourglass Femme Rouge is the correct answer. Not only will this have her looking effortlessly chic in seconds, but these classic lipsticks will knock her dead with your sense of taste. Raven is the universal shade of seduction, just trust us.

Chalkboard Candle ($24 at minedesignhome.com). Does the new lady friend’s room always smell incredible? Is she always leaving you cute notes? Kill two birds with one stone with this charming scented candle that allows you to scribble sweet nothings all over its facade with the included chalk. Pick your color and scent, and allow the new wonder woman in your life to do the rest.

Next: The honeymoon phase…

Natural Wood Watch

A terrific combination of stylish meets practical is this Natural Wooden Watch ($119.95 on gifts.com). Pick this up for your man and watch his style grade jump a few points, instantly. The classic wristwatch has been re-thought in this time piece. Made of wood, chemical-free and lightweight, this is something he’ll want to wear every day. Plus, for each watch sold, the manufacturer will plant one tree. Brown is my favorite, but this watch also comes in black, two-tone, beige and army brown.

Image credit: redenvelope.com

Dana Holmes is a lifestyle, gift & etiquette expert who is Editor in Chief of Gifts.com and the Gift Rap Blog. She has been working in trend forecasting and gift recommendations for more than 10 years. Dana loves making occasions special with her unique gift ideas, tips and touches. She has been interviewed by the New York Times, Associated Press, Fox & Friends, TODAY in NY and many more.

- Christina Izzo

Gingerbread House Greeting Cards

You don’t get much cuter than these Gingerbread House Cards from One Charming Party. Simply print out the given template onto cardstock, then trick your holiday card out with candies like you would a real gingerbread house—mini candy canes at the doorway, red M&Ms at the windows and door handle, blue snowflake sprinkles for blooms in the flower box and mini white marshmallows at the bottom for snow. Write your season’s greetings on the back with festive flourish, slip the card into a clear envelope (that way they can see all of the adorable-ness immediately upon opening their mailbox, of course) and send away!

Image Credit: onecharmingparty.com