Give a Treat, Not a Trick: 5 Halloween Gift Ideas

Halloween is the one day that everyone can dress up in costume, eat mountains of candy, scare the bejeesus people and chalk it all up to tradition. Nowadays, Halloween is as much for the kids as the adults, so I’m celebrating my sharing gifts that are slanted more towards adult-friendly gatherings (spiked witches brew, anyone?) but could be given to add some festive fun to a kiddie gathering too. These Halloween gifts range from candy bowls to cake pops, so you shouldn’t have a hard time picking something for your friends, for your boo or maybe even just for you! See my gift ideas here.

source: pinterest.com

Out the Box: Heather Waliga

Out the Box is a series on HoneeBee Gifts that focuses on local community notables who share a bit about their gifting life...and a little more. I am excited to share this feature with you and I hope you enjoy this up and personal look at gifting. It's kind of like peeking into someone's closet...but much more fun!

The Gift: Heather Waliga
Today we are featuring Heather Waliga, Evening Anchor for News 14 Carolina. She works right here in Charlotte and I just think she is as cute as a button! And to add to the cuteness, she recently got married so I am sure she has that newly married glow.

The Wrapping: Heather shares just a bit of her gifting life...
Best gift received: The most special gift I ever received was on my wedding day. My husband made a photo album documenting each stage of our relationship and included a letter wit every detail of how we met so I'd never forget. He gave it to me right before I walked down the aisle along with a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings that I'd been admiring. That's my second favorite gift:)
Best gift given: Right after my sister was accepted to a college in Boston, I knew she was dying to go check it out, and I wanted to take her there. So for Christmas, I made a photo collage of Charlotte and one of Boston. Then I cut out a plane and pasted pictures of our faces in the windows. Of course I had to cut out Boston University t-shirts for us to wear. She was so excited! I love coming up with creative ways to surprise others.
My "go-to" gift (to give): Photo gifts including everything from a unique frame with a meaningful picture to a photo book that I created.
What's on your gift wish list: Currently, a new kitchen table. I've always wanted a big wooden, rustic dining room table with a bench like the one my grandma used to have. I have so many good memories of playing "spoons" on it with my family as a little kid. Now I'm on the hunt for one of my own!
Your most recent shopping splurge: I'm a shoe girl, so my most recent shopping splurge came just before my wedding. Instead of a dress change for my reception, I had a shoe change. I bought 3 pairs!
Fill in the blank: I love shopping at Marshalls for everything from handbags to homegoods. I love a deal, and I just can't seem to get enough of that place.

The Bow: Let's peek into the life of Heather, off-air...
On a Saturday afternoon you'd most likely find me...traveling! Nothing makes me feel more adventurous that experiencing new places. But when I'm not traveling, I'm usually enjoying one of Charlotte's many great restaurants with my husband, catching a movie or getting some much needed retail therapy:)
Favorite quote...I love quotes and there are so many that have inspired me over the years. A couple that I really love:
"Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away"
"Life begins at the end of our comfort zones"
I am most inspired by...Nothing inspires me more than meeting and sharing the stories of people who have overcome great obstacles and remain strong in the face of adversity. It is truly amazing to see how people dealing with tragedy go on to encourage others and change lives.
I'd love to meet...Oprah. I've always admired her work.

Bzzz...Be sure to tune in to News 14 Carolina to see Heather in action! You can email her at
heather.waliga@news14.com, follow her on twitter @heatherwaliga

source: facebook.com

Gift Tip #112: Mar y Sol Bow Clutches

The perfect pop of color to add to any outfit is this luxe clutch from Mar Y Sol. Made of handwoven raffia, the bag is adorned with a beautiful bow and has an easy breezy snap closure. This little wonder will fit all the essentials and a bit more.

source: scoopcharlotte.com

Experience: Simon Fashion Now

This weekend, stop by SouthPark Mall to experience Simon Fashion Now, a weekend of runway shows, entertainment, munchies, in-store promotions and more. This free event caters to shoppers by showing them exactly what the stores have to sell (all featured clothes are available for purchase), how to wear it and what trends to look out for this season.

Here's what you can expect during Simon Fashion Now:

Day 1- Trends & Friends Night,Oct. 19, in Circle Court and Simon Fashion Now stage, offers an evening of fashion, cocktails, small bites and a silent auction to benefit Autism Speaks.

Day 2 of Simon Fashion Now, Oct. 20, continues with high-energy runway presentations for everyone the family, as well as in-store promotions and discounts.   Bzzzz: Don't miss out on these event extras:

• Be sure to check out the "Style Stops" in Macy's, Aveda, Sketchers and Tumi where fall trends and products demonstrations will take place.
• Swag bag giveaway each day featuring items from Paul Simon for Women, Sketches, White House Black Market and more.

Remember--come for the shows but don't stop there--do some shopping too, as most stores are offering special offers and discounts. For example Carmen! Carmen! is offer a one hour massage for $50, while Nine West is offering 15% one regularly priced item and True Religion is giving a free gift for purchases over $250.


This is a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping--I see great gifts being given from you this season!:)

source: simon.com

Gift Tip #111: Terry Shipley Ceramic Flowers & Vase

What stunning flowers and these beauties are evergreen. The ceramic flowers and vase created by artist, Terry Shipley will brighten up any room with its splashes of orange and red.  Their distinctive style is bold yet fun and will bring a bit of whimsy to any space.  

source: terryshipley.blogspot.com

Experience: Relish Carolina

Relish Carolina is a roaming dinner and activity club based in Charlotte. With every season comes a new, fabulous and creatively planned event by this talented group who seem like they were simply born to entertain. The next one takes place this Thursday and the theme is Paella and a Picture.

Guests will enjoy various types of paella, coupled with tasty tapas and delicious Sangrias. Oh and let's not forget dessert--a special churro! Everyone will also enjoy a movie in a "living room type setting" while mixing and mingling in a warehouse.

Being an amateur foodie and lover of "doing something different and trying something new"  Relish Carolina had me from the start. I was able to attend their first event which took place on Rosedale Plantation. I met some cool people, watched people play bocce and toured the garden and historic home on the grounds. My friend and I left there saying we had a magical evening. Yes, we seriously used the word magical!

This unique event would be a great gift for any foodie (amateur like myself or otherwise), individuals looking for a new experience and those that want to go beyond a traditional dinner and a movie. You can get more information or purchase tickets here.

source: relishcarolina.org

Experience: Fall Enrichment Forum with Designer Trina Turk

Today I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive Trina Turk Trunk Show at Duke Mansion. The trunk show was the start of a long, fashionable day for Ms. Turk who is in town for the Fall EnrichMINT Forum: A Passion For Fashion event hosted by The Auxiliary of the Mint Museum. The trunk show is a sneak peak at what you can expect during the forum, which includes a fashion show and live auction. Tickets are still available and can be found here.

The trunk show included an appearance by Trina Turk herself (see her in my last picture she shines in her pink blazer) as well as beautiful items from her women, men and residential lines. Here are a few items from the trunk show that would make great gifts:



Throw pillows are the perfect way to brighten your home and screams housewarming gift



Pair these eye catching ice buckets with a cocktail book for any hostess with the mostess gift

Bold and bright jewelry would be a great addition to anyone's jewelry box



And of course, clothes for any fashionista including swimsuits, menswear and of course women's apparel



Gift Tip #110: Orange Red Tapas Tray

Orange, red and a dash of blue, Oh My! This beautiful handmade serving tray would make a perfect edition to your next party. Tasty treats showcased on this tray won't last long! Plus, this would make a great gift for any hostess with the mostess.

source: tapatrays.com

Gift Tip #109: Vintage Gold Mosaic Cocktail Ring

Make your fingers giddy with this vintage gold plated red star center mosaic cocktail ring. It's unique design and eye-catching colors will be more than a conversation starter among many. This would be a great gift for any jewelry lover and would make a great birthday, anniversary or just because gift.

source: laurajamesjewelry.com

David Beckham knows how to give amazing gifts

David Beckham is not one to keep from splurging on his wife, Victoria. After reportedly buying her an $8 million Bulgari necklace for Valentine’s Day in 2006, the soccer star bought an entire vineyard for Victoria in 2008. Beckham reportedly told his wife about her new Napa Valley winery by handing her a bottle of wine with her name on the label. The Sun reported that the couple planned to bottle their own line of wine for friends and family.   Victoria is one lucky duck!

source: thedailybeast.com

Kelly gifts Beyonce a baby bathtub for Blue Ivy

When Kelly Rowland accidentally spilled the beans about the sex of Beyoncé’s baby, she probably figured she’d better do something big to make up for it, like buying her former Destiny’s Child mate a Swarovski crystal-encrusted baby bathtub.

Weighing in at more than 3,000 pounds, the little pink tub is valued at $5,200 and is covered in 44,928 imported crystals that interior designer Lori Gardner spends more than two months applying by hand.



source: thedailybeast.com & picture source: splashnewsonline.com