CheekyChicago

I have always loved to travel and enjoy getting away for a respite with family during the summer months. Summer travel, of course, means shopping, sourcing new lines for my store and searching for hot new gifts for the season.

This weekend, I was in Ohio for a family celebration and found abundant inspiration for great new gifts right under my grandparent’s roof. In this economy, what better way to give than to make something from your heart?

I love this “tag tote”, made by my grandmother, to add whimsy and personal style to a useful “green” shopping bag. You can use tags from your favorite designers, clothing and goods right out of your closets, and design a one-of-a-kind piece for anyone of any age.

It’s perfect – not only as a tote – but also as a chic throw pillow on a dressing table chair. (I, of course, still cherish two cross stitched pillows handmade by Gigi when I was little: “Pretty is as Pretty Does” and the still-favorite “Preppy Handbook.”)

When I look around my home, these hand made, personal, thoughtful gifts always bring a smile to my face – not to mention, they invoke many a warm memory.

And isn’t that what gifts and giving are all about? Capturing a moment in time, a piece of personality, a pinch of passion and favorite things to cherish? Happy summer travels and treasures to you…