According to the wedding gurus at GetMarried, the US holiday season between Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) through to Valentines Day is the most popular season for engagements with approximately 35-40% (or 550,00-650,000 couples) getting married in the 12-18 months afterwards.

Here are their top 10 bridal trend predictions for 2010. Some of them are frankly, a little weird, but there are a few others which could be added to a novel gift registry, especially if you need help with wedding expenses.

1. Non-linear wedding aisle.
Well marriage is hardly linear, more of a game of Twister and Monopoly with a Get Out Of Jail Free card so maybe that’s the idea? Or is it to be photographed on your best angle? I truly doubt this one will take off… If it does, a Gemini, Scorpio or Aquarius would be the most likely candiate.

2. Comfort foods
When the economy tanks, everyone wants to go back to basics which is great news for your wallet (although maybe not your waistline). Why not consider adding your catering bill to your gift registry, ask Uncle Tim to share some of his dusty bottles in the cellar or have your aunt make the cupcakes. And everyone really does love chicken. Comfort foods are nirvana to Taureans and Cancerians.

3.  Gifting techie gadgetry
Technology is a tricky one because it becomes obsolete so quickly, making your friends and family waste their money on something you can’t keep. Whatever PDA, iPhone or other techie gadget you get in 2010 is unlikely to be any use in say 2015.  However, for the retro girl/guy marrying that iPod addict, why not consider buying software that convert records to a digital file? One for the Aquarians.

4. Texture-inspired invitations
Embossed, die-cut and engraved invitations are the go for 2010 as they’re supposed to mimic your wedding decor. Unfortunately the bride will be the only one who notices the seamless theming. Yes, you could ask for someone to pay for your invites as their gift to you but um, don’t. This trend could suit the Virgos.

5. Cobalt blue
This colour is set to be the hottest colour for brides in 2010. And in about oh, 10 years or so when everyone looks at your bridesmaids in this electrically charged 80s colour (I was very fond of it myself then), they will laugh. What about keeping it to gifts like vases, table linen, candlesticks, picnicware, or cushion covers? I see this one suiting fun-loving Sagittarius.

6. Wear-again bridesmaid dresses
I like this trend. Whether you or your bridesmaids are paying for their dresses, it’s nice to think the frocks will get some wear again, like regifting…Pisces are super-sentimental and will appreciate this one.

7. Three-dimensional save-the-dates
Here’s they’re talking about items like paper umbrellas to signify a destination wedding. This is where you might want to add honeymoon excursions and attractions to your gift registry. Or even a B&B gift certificate for when you get home and feel a bit anti-climactic. Sagittarius again.

8. Old Hollywood glam for men
Think Cary Grant – even George Clooney. If your man doesn’t have a good pair of shoes, why not put that in your wedding gift registry. He will have them for years! This will thrill the Librans and Leos.

9. Blogger brides
Blogging about your wedding planning is becoming surprisingly common. If you’re a techie yourself, maybe you could give her free hosting, cool apps or a hand at programming as your wedding gift? If they can make their blog into a money-making exercise, this trend might suit Capricorn while Gemini might try it just for fun.

10. Personalised everything
Last, but definitely not least, brides want a wedding which is completely customised for them, from personalised invitations, monogrammed guest books, and made-to-order favours to gifts which are all about the couple.  Some of these things are fun but just add to the cost of your wedding. In addition to the array of personalised homewares and books you could ask for, I think a personalised set of cards and envelopes embossed with your names and address would be a nice addition to your gift registry. And you just know your aunt would buy it as that would give you the stationery on which to write your thank you cards! This trend will suit Aries, Leo and Libra (who likes everything matching).

It’s In The Stars turns 3 years old this month so help us celebrate our birthday festival until 19 December!

You’ll save $19 on BabyStars reports which are ideal if you, your sister, best friend or daughter is having a baby or a christening soon – or if you’re seeking a beautiful keepsake gift for Christmas!
 
A BabyStars report is a fascinating look at any little one aged from 0-12 years, using just their name, birthdate, time and location, providing easy-to-understand astrology insights. It’s perfect for picking up and reading in sections at a time and you’ll be astonished at how incredibly accurate it is!
 
Printed on high quality 100gsm premium paper, BabyStars reports make the ideal keepsake for christenings, naming ceremonies or as a fun primer for any new or experienced parent.

And you’ll save $19 off your LoveStars report - which is the ideal personalised gift whether you’re in a new relationship, recently become engaged or you’ve been happily married for ages – for anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, engagements, Valentines Day and weddings.
 
You can curl up together to read the fun, fascinating and incredibly accurate insights about each other and your relationship and smiling, “Yes, you DO do that!”. All you need are your names, birthdates, times and locations.
 
Printed on luxurious-feeling 100gsm premium paper, your LoveStars report will be one of the most-read books in your home!
 
Hurry! Our 3rd birthday promotion ends Saturday 19 December!

Pre-Christmas overseas delivery order deadline: Wednesday 16 December
Pre-Christmas Australian delivery order deadline: Monday 21 December
 
BabyStars Birthtime Known (45-50 pages) – reduced from $99 to $80
BabyStars Birthtime Not Known (30-35 pages) - reduced from $89 to $70
LoveStars Birthtime Known (30-35 pages) – reduced from $89 to $70
LoveStars Birthtime Not Known (15-20 pages) – reduced from $79 to $60
 
I look forward to delighting you with your own report very soon!

Gift-giving at Christmas-time seems to revolve around children, teenagers and young people – but those aged 70 and over can often feel a bit left-out, even miffed that you haven’t made an effort for them…

Some people at 70 are fit as a fiddle and still exercise daily, while others are sicker, bedridden or more frail and require assisted care. Here’s about 80 fun gift ideas for you to make Christmas or their birthday, or any time you see them, special.

Books
Those who are still battling how to turn on a laptop, let alone email or go online shopping, may appreciate Abby Stoke’s step-by-step computer handbook Is This Thing On? for complete technophobes, while die-hard softies may love the romantic novel, One Last Dance in which a 89-year-old and 79-year-old fall in love. Give Granddad a ripping heroic biography of a WWII soldier who overcame horrendous injuries to become a star baseball player in The Corporal Was a Pitcher.

Others may laugh out loud at Genevieve: Small Dog, Big Life “written” by a papillon or the tales behind the scenes at the North Pole in Xanta Claus, be amused by the fun 41 Uses For A Grandma and be fascinated by the facts in Strange But True America. Have they always dreamed of being an author? Everything You Need To Know To Write and Market Your Book could be a winner.

Personalised gifts
Create a personalised book containing images of their favourite photos with captions to match. They won’t be able to put it down! Check out how you can do it with photo books by Freeze Frame, Blurb, and Life’s Sweet. Spring for your (grand)parents being interviewed at home on video by Save Their Story or Family Heirloom Books or over the phone for a personal biography by Priceless Legacy, or let them read and record a CD of their grandchild’s favourite book with Cherished Voices. Others may enjoy tracking down their family tree through a 12-month gift certificate to One Great Family geneology website.

Those with grandchildren may love reading all about them in a beautiful BabyStars report. Create personalised calendars by Tukaiz, blow up a favourite photo of theirs on canvas, or if you know them reaaaaally well, let them star in a raunchy novel.  Have they always wished they went (back) to university? Create a fun varsity t-shirt from YourName University or arrange to send personalised paper newsletters from Sunnygram. Is Grandpa a golf nut? Have his name “spelt” out in golf ball type for his study from Letters That Wow. Others may enjoy receiving a photo of their grandchildren encased in glass for their necklace.

General gifts
Watch their eyes light up with fragrant Diptych limited edition holiday candles and swoon over yummy Lake Champlain chocolates, Chef Joe’s Cookies, or all the goodies in Gourmet Gift Baskets. A couple of fun stocking fillers are Grandparent Talk and ideal for Yorkshire terrier-lovers, Schmitty’s Healthy Do’s and Don’ts 2010 calendar. Glamorous grandmas may appreciate customised rhinestone t-shirts,while the crafty types may enjoy DIY purse kits from BagSmith. They could also appreciate a kit that lets them write their favouite inspirations from much-loved books.

Oldies hate missing out on weddings and christenings. Why not consider a connected digital photo frame from Ceiva which shows revolving photos in real time sent from anywhere in the world? You can never have too many pockets but they might also appreciate some on a cosy scarf from Kangaroo Girls. If your Nanna loves to bake cakes, she might love the CakeVase which lets you put fresh flowers on top of any cake she’s decorated or if she’s a knitter, here’s the Swiss Army tool of knitting kits! Gardeners might appreciate the Bee Lover’s Garden calendar.

Gifts to make life easier
Let them cheat(!) at bridge or poker night with large print playing cards, keep their hands free while they do their crafts and hobbies or hold their book comfortably with the Book Buddy resting pillow and straps.  Make it easier for them to dress with fashionable, modified, open-back or open-side clothing by Comfort’n'Care Clothing, Cooper Martin, or belts they can do up with one-hand from Myself Belts. Help them keep their hat or cap on with Capsurz. If they’re bedridden, consider giving them FunctionAll bedlinen which has ergonomically placed pockets for them to store their personal necessities without needing to call the nurse.

Do they feel the cold? Give them a heating blanket (which goes over them in bed or on their favourite armchair),or, one of the most novel gifts I’ve ever seen, a Heat By Design photo frame which heats the room by a few extra degrees! If you’re newbie at being a carer, you may benefit from checking out eldercare at I Care Village. If money is no object, you might consider springing for a customised ”hot rod” motorised scooter! Do they tend to misplace their belongings? Give them self-sticking, non-iron labels for clothing and accessories. Let them reach anything with a PikStick telescopic reacher, or safely hold and carry things with Handi-Straps.

Gifts to make them feel healthy
If they tend to suffer from aches and muscle tension, they may appreciate the whimsical, animal-shaped heat packs from Corn Bag Critters, or the health benefits of Matcha green tea, or loose Rooisbos tea.  They can walk more comfortably with shearling orthotics, indulge in chocolate that’s good for them with a Winetime bar, or  limber up with a Body Bar Flex. Let them inhale rose or lavender essential oils in their own heart-shaped aromatherapy pendant and get fit again with a Functional Fitness DVD they can do in their chair. Better yet, get them back in top shape with a resistance chair.

Gifts for their safety
Do they live alone? Give them a wide-screen Peephole viewer for the front door or a guiding light for their mailbox. They can track their medications, appointments and tests in a personal healthcare journal or follow the instructions in the Talking First Aid Kit. If they can tend to wander off, they might appreciate an EmFinders EmSeeQ wristwatch with GPS capability. A clever gift that looks like a heart pendant is a USB device that can contain all their latest medical info while you can help them stop confusing conditioner for shampoo with these spandex bandages from Shower Spex. Give them a special RxTote bag to carry all their medical essentials.

Charity gifts
Many older people don’t want to receive more “stuff” so they could appreciate your thoughtfulness if you give them a Givt charity gift card, Kiva gift certificates to help support budding entreprenuers in developing countries with micro-finance, donate to the charity of their choice with Charity Checks, or donate to Save the Children.

Gifts for fun and games
Golfing enthusiasts may find it easier to improve their handicap with a heavy golf putter. Others could enjoy listening to an iPod (once you transfer their favorite albums across) and an iPod travel case when they’re on the move. They love to know what’s going on. Ever thought of giving them a two-way radio or a police scanner? Others could enjoy playing The Art of Conversation board game with their grandkids. Some grandmas might love the almost-nude pin-up calendar of the gents from Atlantic Shores retirement community! If they’d like a book they can enjoy with their grandkids, the geography puzzle book, Knock, Knock, Where am I? could be the ticket.

Have you seen some cool personalised gift ideas for Christmas and thought,  “Yeah, my partner/mum/dad/sister/brother/daughter/son/child would like that!”

Check how many days you need to allow for delivery. While some personalised gifts can be ordered to arrive within 2-5 days (like ahem, mine), there are many others which require up to 14, and in a surprising number of cases, up to 21 days for delivery. While you can, of course, pay extra to have it rushed to your door, why empty your wallet doing that if you plan and buy ahead.

When you factor in that for many retailers, their last date to guarantee orders will be delivered before Christmas may be Friday 18 December, AND if you’re ordered customised gifts which require 21 days for production, you really need to order it by Friday 27 November.

This very handy list of the Christmas delivery deadlines for more than 170 online retailers by Coupon Sherpa lists their Standard Shipping, Express Delivery and the eye-wateringly expensive Fastest Shipping.

The earliest (and cheapest Standard Shipping) pre-Christmas delivery order deadline listed is 30 November (no, that is not a misprint) for MCM Electronics who distribute components, equipment and accessories for the consumer electronics industry (and require 12 working days to order in stock from the warehouses, while the latest one possible using Fastest Shipping which would get it there nail-bitingly close on Christmas Eve, is 23 December 7pm for Footsmart which makes comfort shoes and socks (though not, of course, anything personalised).

Ladies and gentlemen, start your shopping engines…

In the latest Christmas gifts survey by It’s In The Stars, we discovered:

* The top five most popular Christmas gifts of 2008 were personalised gifts (24.3%), clothes/shoes/accessories/jewllery (20.3%), books/CDs/DVDs (16.2%), electronic gadgets (16.2%) and beauty/fragrance/health (12.8%)

* One in three people (34.4%) buy Christmas gifts (or any sort of gifts) throughout the year when they see something suitable or on sale

* 45.0% of men vs 23.9% of women have not bought gifts online

* 78.4% will spend more than $75 on Christmas gifts per child, while 75.4% will spend over $75 on their partner

* Kris Kringles are considered the best idea ever to save money, time and hassle for work (41.9%), family (23.5%) and friends (21.9%) – and Generation Y is the most likely to hate family Kris Kringles with a passion (34.0%)

* Nearly half would use online gift suggestions (49.7%) to help them select the right gift with Generation Y the most likely to use it (57.4%)

* 33.3% would use a gift wishlist so they would know what others wanted, but only 21.8% would use a gift wishlist so others would know what they wanted

* Only 20.4% would use fee-based gift wrapping

Say it with flowers - even edible ones

Most people think of gift-giving for fun and happy occasions – such as Christmas, birthdays, a new baby or a wedding – but what would you give someone who’s suffered a tragedy or something terrible? Perhaps they’re going through a divorce, a bereavement, they’ve lost their job, gone bankrupt or been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

While your time (or more time for them) and perhaps a few healthy home-cooked meals are probably the best gifts you can give them, as well as a Care4Hire gift certificate for a carer to well, take care of them, here are 4 different types of gift ideas which may cheer them up during this difficult time…

1. Light-hearted gifts to cheer them up
Most of these gifts should raise at least a chuckle if not a wry smile. Check out Sockgrams, Madcapz (especially for women experiencing hair loss following chemotherapy or other illnesses) or a laughter club. They might smile again seeing a cheer-up message cleverly reflected back in the mirror on their t-shirt or amuse themselves wearing differently coloured undies, each with a message per day. Perhaps they’ll feel good again watching some favourite DVDs of Christmas classics. I also like the ideal of the customised daily messages in your inbox from My Very Own Fan and the idea of adopting a farm animal (perhaps if they’ve lost their own pet). If someone’s had a bad break-up and is trying their luck again(!) you could give them a Hot Lunch Date Box, or Pleasant Dreamz pillowcases peppered with positive affirmations. Those who’ve stressed about putting on weight from their medications or just plain old stress, might smile at the Knife and Fork Lift.

2. Just-relaaaaaax-and-chill-out gifts for stressheads
I loved reading about Mary-Jane’s Relaxing Soda, which they can sip while listening to a stress-relief meditation on CD, a gift certificate for a massage, or calming essential oils. If you want to take them on a break give then a gift certificate for a B&B. If they’re still bedridden, give them a comfortable Wonda Wedge pillow. Or let them relax with one of their favourite magazines.

3. Thoughtful gifts to let them know you care
Many of these are personalised gifts designed specifically for the recipient. Children going through a rough time might like the Loveable Look-A-Like dolls while those undergoing surgery might appreciate the colourful Digni-TEE hospital gowns designed by a patient. If you don’t have the right words to say, a thoughtful poem, or photos encased in Treasured Blocks can be kept forever. A care package for a recently bereaved family could be just the the right gift. Other things that can work are care packages by Out Of The Blue Delivered and various items from The Comfort Company or a ruby glass heart to show your love and concern. Perhaps they have a sweet tooth and would love a cookie bouquet? If they feel like they’ve lost their mojo, maybe (just maybe) a boudoir photo session would be ideal or a pretty framed calligraphy print of Psalm 91:4. Others might want to consult with an intuitive healer.

4. Motivational gifts to make ‘em feel good (or a lot better)
A lot of these are books, such as Addicted to Stress, and Rich Woman (ideal for those trying to get back on their feet financially) by Kim Kiyosaki, whose husband Robert wrote Rich Dad Poor Dad , while those who have been lying around the home too long might respond to Get Off The Couch, Potato! Perhaps they could write in the Positive People Journal. If they need to take life one step at a time and reconnect with friends and family over dinner, a lovely food book Friday Evening Cookbook could be the answer. If they’ve been in the US armed forces, the colognes by American Line, which donate to the Veterans, Association could be a step in the right direction. And if music is the food of love, some might feel their soul is fed at last by singing and recording a song about their experiences.

Tomorrow (16 September) will be 100 days to Christmas Day. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, here’s 10 things you can do right now to make the task less painful!

1. Make a list. Seriously. You might be amazed how many Christmas gifts you may need to get in total if you plan to give at least one gift each for your mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, brother, sister, half-sister, half-brother, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandmother, grandfather, boss, mentor, colleagues, best friend, good friends, neighbour, babysitter, housekeeper, and so on…

2. Check their current clothing sizes. Aunt Marie might not appreciate a size 18 reindeer jumper if she’s lost several dress sizes thanks to Weight Watchers while little Taylor might have shot up several inches, making his new jeans look like cut-offs.

3. Check colour preferences. You might adore a smart navy coat, but it’s not nearly dark enough for your 16-year-old goth niece, while a hot pink lipstick might make your grandmother’s moustache show up.

4. Check addresses. If you’re not giving them the gifts in person, you don’t want them getting lost in the mail. Twentysomethings move a lot (usually back and forth to their parents’ house) while your fellow travelling buddy may have been relocated to Singapore from South London.

 5. Check sea mail deadlines. You’ll save yourself quite a bit on postage costs if you send gifts overseas via sea mail. The cut-off dates for sending Christmas gifts for the US and UK from Australia, for example, is drawing very near, while the ones to South America have already passed!

6. Check your spelling. People hate to get their name wrong, so if you’re ordering anything personalised, make sure you know how they spell their name, and also, how they prefer to be called. Some Katherines, for example, go ballistic when called “Kate”, while some teens may adore – finally! – getting something with their uh, cool rapper name they’re trying to get known for.

7. Sign up with relevant online newsletters. Many retailers include special offers you can use rightaway while other enticements can include birthday discounts, free shipping, free-gift-with-purchase etc – all of which can make buying Christmas gifts that little bit more affordable.

8. Check eBay for “bulk lots”. Many retailers sell what they call bulk lots of excess merchandise. If you have friends and family who live all over the country, buying little Christmas gifts in bulk amounts can save you heaps.

9. Check for possible gift ideas on Twitter. Simply enter “#ihave” in the search box and you’ll find all sorts of interesting items available.

10. Pick up a gift card once a week from now on (that makes about 14 by Christmas Day). This spreads out your expenses and lessens the likelihood of that mad scramble in the days before Christmas Eve. If you honestly don’t know what to get your teenage nephew, for example, a $50 iTunes card should do the trick.

A new survey by It’s In The Stars about Father’s Day attitudes has found that seven in ten Dads don’t really celebrate Father’s Day, but it’s women (not men) who are upset that their children don’t make an effort.

Of those men who celebrate Father’s Day, they are most likely to want – and receive – personalised gifts relevant to their families. Here’s some of the Father’s Day survey findings:

More women than men are likely to make an effort celebrating Father’s Day 

• 56.4% of women but only 30.0% of men celebrated last Father’s Day with their Dad by giving him a gift and/or sharing a family meal at a restaurant or at home.
• Men are three times as likely as women to overlook or ignore Father’s Day, believing that their father ‘is fine with that’ (17.5% vs 5.1%)

More women than men upset that their kids make little effort on Father’s Day 

• More women than men (52.6% vs 44.4%) say that their kids made a fuss of their father/them on Father’s Day
• Men are twice as likely as women to report that they don’t care about Father’s Day (33.3% vs 15.7%)
• More women than men are disappointed that their children don’t make a fuss of their Dad on Father’s Day (31.5% vs 22.2%).

Most people spend very little on Father’s Day gifts

• Nearly one-quarter (23%) spent nothing on their Dad for Father’s Day while the same proportion spent $25-$50
• Most people (28%) spent $50-$100 on a gift and/or on going out with their Dad for Father’s Day
• One-third (37%) spent nothing at all or less than $25 on a Father’s Day gift
• One in 25 (4%) spend more than $150 on Father’s Day gifts

Women more likely than men to see celebrating occasions with family as important 

• Women outrank men in considering it’s important to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, christenings, engagements, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and weddings
• Both men and women rank birthdays, weddings and Christmas as the top three occasions – although not in the same order
• Of the eight occasions, men rank Father’s Day in seventh place, with christenings coming in last. Women rank Father’s Day in fifth place, after Mother’s Day.
• Women are far more likely than men to view celebrating/recognising Fathers Day as important (77% vs 46%).

Men most likely to want – and receive – personalised gifts for Father’s Day 

• The best two gift category “matches” in terms of what men wish to receive as a Father’s Day gift and what women intend to give are personalised gifts (17.9% vs 16.6%) which suggests that men are more sentimental about their families than we give them credit for, and a weekend away (5.1% vs 5.5%)
• One in four men (25.6%) want books, CDs or DVDs for this Father’s Day, but only 8.3% of women intend to give them.
• Similarly, 12.8% of men want a special dinner out, but only 5.1% of women plan to give them), electronic gadgets (10.4% vs 5.5%), pampering (10.4% of men want them, but no women plan to give them), clothes (5.1% vs 0%) and sports equipment (7.6% vs 5.5%).
• Very few men (2.5%) want BBQ equipment but 8.3% of women intend to give it, with similar results for sports equipment (2.5% vs 5.5%).

In very exciting gift news, It’s In The Stars has teamed up with Australia’s leading online florist, Roses Only to create a stunning gift to take their breath away!

If you’ve got an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, engagement, wedding or important romantic gift occasion, you can now give your partner a box of beautiful long-stemmed roses from Roses Only with a boxed gift certificate for a beautifully designed, hardcover, 30-35 page LoveStars report!

And if you’ve got a baby shower, a christening, naming ceremony or want to delight a new parent, you can surprise them with a box of long-stemmed roses with a boxed gift certificate for a beautifully designed, hardcover 45-50 page BabyStars report!

Note: deliveries currently for Sydney and Melbourne only. Please contact Roses Only to request other locations.

The latest personalized gifts survey results are in! A new survey by It’s In The Stars on personalized gifts has found the following:

* The top 5 most popular gift occasions on which to give a personalized gift are birthdays, christenings, new babies, anniversaries and Mothers Day

* Jewellery, day of birth and art items are the 3 most popular types of personalized gifts

* The top 3 ways to personalize a gift are by name, day of birth and photography

* Most personalized gifts are given to partners, friends and children

* About 40% of personalized gifts are bought online with Gen Xers the most likely to buy from personalized gift websites

* Most people spend $50 or less on personalized gifts – Baby Boomers spend the most

* Over 60% have given two or more personalized gifts in the last year

* Most people would wait up to 7 days to get something personalized AND delivered to them or the recipient

* Gen Ys are the most likely to make use of a gift wrapping service and to give a gift certificate so the recipient could select their own personalized gift

* Cancerians and Taureans tie as the best gift-givers, voted as the Sun signs known for giving gifts that delight the recipient

For more details visit http://www.itsinthestarsonline.com/verve/_resources/personalized-gifts-survey-findings.pdf