6 great Father's Day gifts

Cooky Jack Nicholson and his daughter, 1969, LIFE magazine

Father's Day is June 16th this year...right around the corner! Here are 6 great gifts that any dad would love to receive...

Mother's Day gifts for new mommies

Usually when we buy gifts for new mothers, they're really gifts for the baby (for example, onesies, diapers, fuzzy duckies, and the like). Here are a few sweet gift ideas that will make any new mommy feel pretty and pampered.

A light, jersey robe with a pretty lace trim, $110.

Calming and soothing loose-leaf chamomile tea, $5.

An airy linen scarf, $49.50, for breastfeeding discreetly in public, or for tossing around her shoulders on cool summer nights.

Handmade diamond stud earrings, to make her eyes sparkle (P.S. Because these are studs, she can wear them without worrying about the baby grabbing on!). $34 and up.

A handmade, water-based body cream, for soft, supple, rejuvenated skin, $26.

<3

(On To Baby)

6 Inexpensive, Last-minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Alright. So there are seven days (or less, depending on when you're reading this) left until Christmas, and you still haven't done all (or any) of your holiday shopping. You have a few ladies left to shop for, but you can't think of anything awesome to get them. You've thought about taking the easy route and just buying them a bucket of assorted popcorn or a packet of socks, but then you realized that those are pretty crummy gifts. Well, worry not, sweet reader, because I've got you covered! Here are ten inexpensive and easily-attainable last-minute gift ideas...and no rush-order shipping required:

2012 Holiday Gift Guide: 30 Under $30!

To close out the An Air of Surprise 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, I've rounded up 30 gifts that are each $30 or less to cover anyone else on your gift list that I may have missed! Ideas after the jump!

Gifts for the Hostess

♪ 'Tis the season for holiday parties! ♫
It's not imperative to bring a hostess gift for each shindig you attend, but it's always good to be prepared with some ideas, just in case!

My Christmas wishlist

I normally don't ask for much for Christmas, but there are always a few things that I hope to find under the tree. Here's a small list of the things I'm expecting I'd love to receive this Christmas (P.S. Hey, fellas, these would also make great gifts for your girlfriend or wife, so pay close attention!).

For Your Best Friend, Who Feels Most Comfortable in Suits and Once Whittled You a Flower

A vintage desk lamp, $24.80.

A luxe plate for his iPhone, $27, or have him custom make his own, $33.

A bike bag, $179, for biking to class or across the state.

A set of these quirky, chrome-finished dart coat hooks, $29.50.

Manly soap. $6.50 for a 4-5 ounce bar, $22 for the set.

A classic Zippo lighter that will last him forever, $16.95.

One (or two, or five!) super nifty beeswax candle, in the shape of a jar or bottle. $10 and up!

A travel hammock, $35, for camping and such.

A bike mount for his iPhone, $50.

A deck of cards fit for a gentleman, $15.

Something stereotypically manly, like a flannel button down, $49.90.

A gun tie clip, $30. Subtle.

American Crew Ultramatte to give his hair the ultimate masculine finish (that'll still be soft enough for your to touch!), about  $15. 

A mini robot vacuum, $16, for when he's too lazy to sweep away crumbs himself. 

 

A framed print of one of his favorite music icons, $109 and up.

Two juicy 8 oz. steaks delivered to his doorstep, $99.95

A set of ts02 thinksound headphones, which deliver a perfectly clear, open sound, $80.

(Coltrane; Steak)

For Your Cheeky Friend, Who Always Has Something Funny to Say and Carries Tasty Snacks in Her Handbag

Glittery rose nail polish, $14, perfect for the holidays.

This quirky ice cream scoop, about $16.

A jar of hot chocolate, $8. I like to save the cute jar once I've used all the cocoa!

A fabulous hot oil treatment, $6, for keeping winter frizzies at bay.

A gorgeous set of pens (that you'll definitely be borrowing), $28.

A sweet bow sweater, $98.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in 'Black Honey', $15. (Hint: This shade of lipstick flatters literally every skin tone!)

A box of brown sugar and gingerspice cookies, $8.50 for a dozen. 

An aromatic spray, $25, to bring about calming vibes.

A seriously gorgeous marbled glass ornament, $12.

Need more suggestions? Here are some ideas for the young girls in your life and some for wacky aunts...

For Your Older Sister, Who You Love To Death, Even Though She Always Manages To Get On Your Very Last Nerve

A brilliant watercolor iPhone case, $35.

This wine-hued lipstick, $15.

A set of pretty gemstone magnets, $36.

A quirky cow print to remind her of the time Mom dressed us up as cows for Halloween, $25 and up!

A bird peephole cover, $20, to add a bit of flair to her door.

A grown-up wallet, $26

The super versatile and widly-acclaimed Urban Decay 'Naked' palette, $50.

A fabulous camera strap, $130, accented with a layer of tulle and festooned with rows of silver sequins.

A soup and sandwich tray, $30, for her ramen noodles and bread with butter.

An easy tote bag that lists all of the major cities she'll one day visit, $36.

A mug for her lattes,, $20.

A micro lens for her cell phone camera, $15.

P.S. More gifts for sisters...