Need a Birthday Gift Idea? What About a Country Cooking Gift?

If you have a birthday party coming up, Gifting Goat can help! Just follow these 3 simple steps!

#1 – Pick an Apron Pattern

Simply Savvy Aprons makes adorable and unique aprons. We fell in love with the Country Girl apron and chose to go with a “country cooking” theme for the birthday gift. The apron has pockets, and a cute ruffles around it.

#2 – Pick a  Chivas goat milk soap

I thought the Lemongrass goat milk soap paired nicely with the “country” theme. There are tons of soaps to chose from, so if Lemongrass is not your favorite try Herb Garden goat milk soap or Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soap. Place the soap of your choice on a walnut soap dish and tie together with a ribbon.

#3 – Pick a Cookbook

Pick your favorite cookbook and write a sweet note on the inside cover. Maggie Foard’s cookbook “Goat Cheese” is a wonderful cookbook. The recipes are divine and include our favorite ingredient, goat cheese! The hard cover cookbook is filled with amazing photos and can be a coffee table book as well. Wrap the cookbook with the apron and place the soap dish on top.

Need a gift idea? Check out Gifting Goat’s suggestions!

How to Make a College Care Package

Care packages are a great way to help  a new college student feel at home in their new surroundings. Gifting Goat thought it would be nice to send a care package with a theme… college showers. The reputation college bathrooms have for being dirty is not a wives tale. The recipient of the care package will be grateful to have certain luxurious amenities even if they have to shower in the not-so-luxurious dorms. Gifting Goat suggests you include these few things in the care package…

1. Shower Shoes: it is absolutely amazing how dirty shower floors can be, so send off a pair of fun shower sandals. We loved these nautical shower sandals from Dorm Buys.
2. Clear Complexion Goat Milk Soap: skin has a tendency to break-out in new environments. Making first impressions is important so include a Clear Complexion soap in the package, as this soap is designed for acne-prone skin. The bottom layer helps prevent new blemishes from forming, while the top layer helps to heal current scars. Learn more here.
3. A Travel Soap Container: bar soap is cleansing but it is important (especially in showers used by multiple people) to keep your soap clean. Send along a travel container so they can store their soap in their room. You can find tips on how to use a travel soap container on our “Travel with Chivas” blog post.
4. Something Fun: this little hippo is a toothbrush holder. You can suctions him to the mirror and keep a toothbrush protected from dust and other bacteria… not to mention he is cute! We also found this little guy at Dorms Buy.

Photo credit: Taylor Harkins

Attending a No Gift Wedding? Give Them Something They Will Cherish

Being invited to”No Gift”* events is always a challenge for me since I find comfort in wrapping presents. So, at the last “No Gift” wedding I attended I gave them a goat! Let me explain…

Chivas Skin Care partnered with The Nomad Foundation to donate a herd of goats to the nomadic Tuareg people of Niger. You can Donate a Goat to a Nomadic Tribe for only $55. The best part about this gift is that the recipient will receive a gift box containing one Leslie Clark print certifying the donation, and a goat milk soap of your choice.  Okay, so yes, it is a small gift for the recipients, but the main point is that they can feel good about having a donation made in their name, rather than another Le Creuset cooking pot.

Of course I wanted to make this gift extra special so I wrote a little poem to go along with it…

I had originally bought you a huge boat,

But you asked for no gifts so I just got you a goat.

While we celebrate your wedding,

To Niger is where your goat is heading.

You will probably never see your new pet,

But I hope you never forget.

Every time you use this soap,

Remember that your goat has brought others hope.

Wishing you two all the best!

The couple I gave this to thought it was hysterical. They loved the idea of “having” a goat. They appreciated the donation and I was glad they had something to unwrap. Everyone was happy… even the goat!

*Note:  Here’s what Emily Post says about the issue of “no gift” weddings:  “Often a second-time bride or groom or an older couple feels that they have everything they need and prefer that their guests not give them a gift. Regardless, the joy and happiness a wedding represents include the giving of gifts to celebrate that happiness, and the printing of ‘No Gifts Please’ on the invitation is not acceptable. Again, family members and attendants can share this information with guests or can provide the name of a favorite charity to which guests may contribute in lieu of giving a nuptial gift.”

Looking for a Unique Bridesmaids Gift?

Looking for a nice gift to give all your bridesmaids? Consider the Chivas Mini Starter Kit! Read more below to learn why…

#1 If you know you already love Chivas products, the Mini Starter Kit is a great way to share a little of everything with your friend.  It includes (1) Mini Original goat milk soap (2) Mini Sweet Nothings goat milk facial creme (3) Original Vegan lip balm (4) Sweet Nothings bath salt sachet.

#2 All these goodies are packaged up in a small kraft gable box, so you don’t even have to wrap them up! (You can always tie on a bow for a little flair).

#3 Priced at only $20 each, you can buy these affordable gifts for all your bridesmaids (even if you have a large wedding party).

#4 Or if you want to splurge, you can give the Mini Starter Kit in conjunction with a necklace, shawl or clutch, which are other common bridesmaids gifts.

#5 Last, but not least, shouldn’t the gifts you give be in alignment with your core values: natural, local, fair trade & eco-friendly?

Click here to learn more about the Chivas Mini Starter Kit.

* Note:  We also specialize in custom gifts, including bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding favors.  Click here to learn more about Chivas’s custom wedding gifts.

* Note: We know it can be hard to resist the temptation to buy something for yourself on our website… so we suggest you check out our Sweet Nothing bath salts. Preparing for a wedding can sometimes be stressful so relax and enjoy a warm, detoxifying bath with our bath salts!

Looking for a Bridal Shower Gift Idea? Gifting Goat can Help!

Most brides focus on their dress, hairstyle and makeup for their big day… but they often forget to find something to wear while they are getting ready. With this in mind, Gifting Goat has come up with a bridal shower gift that is as simple as saying “I Do!”

# 1 – Pick a White Robe:

To make sure the bride is picture-ready while she’s getting ready, pick out a white robe. Gifting Goat suggests looking into the luxurious robes made by Giraffe at Home. ( You may recall our recent post about about Little Giraffe baby blankets… well, guess what, the same company makes adult sized throws and robes!)

# 2 – Select a Special Soap for the Starter Kit:

Pair the robe with a Chivas Starter Kit, so that the bride will have beautiful, vibrant skin on her special day! The kit includes 1 goat milk soap (which will keep her body soft and smooth), 1 goat milk facial creme (which will make her skin naturally radiant under all the make-up), 1 goat milk bath salt sachet (which will help her relax a few nights before the big day) and 1 vegan lip balm (which will make her lips kissable for her new hubby). Normally, the Starter Kit comes with the Original goat milk soap, BUT you can also customize it if you wish! Just write your soap preference in the comments section of your order. Gifting Goat suggests you request a soap that is packaged in one of the wedding colors. For example: if the wedding colors are red and white you might request Bed of Roses goat milk soap, since it’s packaged in a soft red label. Brides spend a long time selecting the colors for their wedding so this attention to detail will be appreciated. (If you can’t match the soap packaging to the wedding colors, then just pick your favorite scent! Sweet Nothings is one that most women love.)

# 3 – Remember Tradition:

One bridal shower tradition is making a bouquet out of the ribbon from the gifts. The bride is supposed to walk down the aisle at the rehearsal carrying the ribbon bouquet. So, make sure to use colorful ribbon when wrapping your bridal shower present. We found this fun ribbon at The Ribbon Jar.

# 4 – Make a Memory:

Attach a sweet note or poem to the present. The bride can add this to her wedding scrapbook or put it in a keepsake box. Here’s a little something Gifting Goat came up with (you are welcome to use this!)…

When your wedding day finally arrives,

It will be the most magical day of your lives.

But before you walk down the aisle,

You will be getting ready for a while.

While you wait to have your hair done to your liking,

Put on this white robe and in the photos you’ll look striking.

This luxiourious robe will relieve all your stress,

And have you calm and ready to slip into your wedding dress.

While starting a life with your husband anew,

Bring this Starter Kit along with you.

With soaps colors in every hue,

I picked this one especially for you.

Your wedding day marks the start of a new life,

You are going to make the most amazing wife.

Photo credit: (1) nordstroms.com (2) chivasskincare.com (3) ribbonjar.com

Gifting Goat Presents One of Our Newest Products

Gifting Goat couldn’t wait to get her hands on our new book, “Pizza and Wine” by by Chef Leonardo Curti and James O. Fraioli. She was ecstatic when the post man delivered the package containing a sisal soap bag, Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soaps, and the book. She had originally ordered them for her own enjoyment but thought it would make a nice hostess gift for the dinner party she would be attending that evening. She wrapped these Chivas Skin Care goodies up and headed to the dinner party. The hostess loved the sweet gesture! The next day, Gifting Goat made another order and added the 6-Pack of Essential Goat Milk Soaps. That way she will always have extra goat milk soaps to wrap up for any occasion. Gifting Goat explains how easy this last minute gift is.

What You Need:

• “Pizza and Wine” by Chef Leonardo Curti and James O. Fraioli
• Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soap
• Sisal Soap Bag
• Ribbon
• Gift Tag
• Wrapping Paper (you can always reuse old wrapping paper)
• Fresh Herb ( she used organic rosemary)

Directions:

1. Wrap “Pizza and Wine” in the wrapping paper of your choice.
2. Place the Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soap in the sisal soap bag and pull the draw string closed.
3. Tie the ribbon around the present, leaving the ribbon loose enough to slip the soap bag under.
4. Attach the gift tag to the bow and place the fresh rosemary under the bow.

Want more ideas on how to wrap up your favorite Chivas Skin Care products? Click here to see more ideas from the Gifting Goat.

What You Need:

• “Pizza and Wine” by Chef Leonardo Curti and James O. Fraioli
• Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soap
• Sisal Soap Bag
• Ribbon
• Gift Tag
• Wrapping Paper (you can always reuse old wrapping paper)
• Fresh Herb ( she used organic rosemary)

Directions:

1. Wrap “Pizza and Wine” in the wrapping paper of your choice.
2. Place the Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soap in the sisal soap bag and pull the draw string closed.
3. Tie the ribbon around the present, leaving the ribbon loose enough to slip the soap bag under.
4. Attach the gift tag to the bow and place the fresh rosemary under the bow.

Want more ideas on how to wrap up your favorite Chivas Skin Care products? Click here to see more ideas from the Gifting Goat.

Gifting Goat Wraps up the Perfect Engagement Party Gift

Summer engagement parties can leave you looking for gift ideas. Look no further, Gifting Goat has the perfect gift for any newly engaged couple!

When deciding on a price range for an engagement gift it is important to keep in mind future gifting expenses. If you are a close friend of the bride and/or groom, you will also need to purchase presents for the wedding shower, bridal shower, bachelorette or bachelor party, and the wedding. Gifting Goat suggests that you spend around $30  for the engagement party present. Putting time and effort into wrapping can make your gift seem more expensive than it actually is! With this budget in mind and wrapping tip Gifting Goat has come up with the perfect engagement party gift.

Need:

• “Goat Cheese” cookbook ($25)
• Spatula ($2)
• Brown wrapping paper (or kraft recycled paper) ($2)
• Colorful summer ribbon ($1)
• Floral present topper, optional ($1)
• Recipe card
• Tape

Instructions:

1. On a recipe card ( or piece of nice paper) write down your favorite recipe or a recipe you think the newly engaged couple will enjoy.
2. Wrap up the “Goat Cheese” cookbook in the brown wrapping paper. Take the time to make sure the creases are clean and the tape is hidden as much as possible.
3. Wrap the ribbon around either corner, tying a knot in one corner.
4. At this point, tape down your recipe card in the center.
5. Carefully, slide the spatula under the ribbon on either corner.
6. Finally, tie a bow in the corner where you have knotted the ribbon. (Optional: attach the floral present topper under the bow.)

About the Book: The “Goat Cheese” cookbook has large photographs and tons of great recipes that will have your engaged friends excited to use their new kitchen!  Recipes include Sweet Ricotta Pancakes topped with bananas and strawberries, Cherry Oatmeal Scones with chevre or fromage blanc, Lamb Tenderloins stuffed with eggplant and feta, and the Espresso Cheesecake Brownie …Yummm!  You can learn more about the “Goat Cheese” cookbook here.

If you are worried about what gifts to buy for other future wedding parties, have no fear, Gifting Goat will keep you posted with wedding gift ideas, and more, all summer long. And if there’s a baby on the way, check out “Gifting Goat Shows You How to Make Baby Shower Party Favor” ,which features our goat milk bath salts packaged cutely in baby bottles.

Photo credit: Taylor Harkins

Gifting Goat Shows You How to Make Baby Shower Party Favors

Gifting Goat shows you step-by-step how to make these adorable and inexpensive baby shower party favors.

What you need:

(Makes 6)

• 6 Chivas Skin Care goat milk bath salt salt sachets (can purchase individually or in a 6-pack)
  
• 6 pieces of tissue paper
• 6 baby bottles
• scissors
• ribbon
• gift toppers (like the flowers or bear we used)

Directions:

1. Put a goat milk bath salt sachet in each baby bottle. Depending on how large the bottle opening is, it may require some squishing but be careful that the sachets don’t tear. Screw the tops back on the baby bottles.
2. Place one of the baby bottles in the center of a piece of tissue paper (decorative side should be facing down). If the tissue paper is large you can fold it in half. Then grab the corners of the tissue paper and pull them together at the top. Place your hand around the neck of the baby bottle and squeeze lightly.
3. Tie a bow with the ribbon around the neck of the baby bottle and add the gift topper.
4. Place these adorable baby shower gifts by the entrance of the party so your guest will see them walking in and also remember to take them when they leave!

Gifting Goat has the Perfect House Warming Gift

If you have a house warming party coming up, the Gifting Goat has the perfect gift to bring: a Vera Bradley apron gift set with a personal recipe card and custom Chivas goat milk soap.  Just follow these 4 simple steps to create a perfect and thoughtful gift!

#1 – Pick the Apron Pattern

Vera Bradley makes adorable Apron Gift Sets in eight different patterns. Pick the pattern that fits the style of the recipient. The aprons have pockets, and a cute ruffle on the top. They come in a matching fabric covered box, which makes a great recipe box.

#2 – Pick a matching Chivas goat milk soap

Once you have picked the pattern of the apron, find a Chivas goat milk soap that matches the print. Here are our suggested pairings:

• For Night and Day: Original goat milk soap
• For Make Me Blush: Sweet Nothings goat milk soap
• For Simply Violet: Lavender Oatmeal goat milk soap
• For Call Me Coral: Lemongrass goat milk soap
• For Sittin’ in a Tree: Fragrance Free goat milk soap
• For Totally Turq: Santa Rosa Valley goat milk soap
• For Loves Me: Lavender Pine Chamomile goat milk soap
• For Poppy Fields: Bed of Roses goat milk soap

#3 – Pick a Recipe

Pick your favorite recipe and write it down on a nice recipe card or paper. If you are not a cook yourself,  pick a recipe from Gourmet Goat’s blog. The Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese is a great recipe that everyone will love. Then place the soap of your choosing in the recipe box with the apron and recipe.

#4 – Write a Personal Card

Attach a card with a personal message or poem. Gifting Goat came up with a poem herself that you can use:

When cooking in the kitchen in your new house

You might want this apron to protect your blouse.

With floral designs and patterns galore

Your recipe box will have your neighbors knocking at the door.

Begging for recipes like the one I shared with you

Asking advice on their chicken cordon bleu.

But if you find your cooking is something all fear

Photos can easily be stored in here.

Remove the smell of garlic and take a refreshing shower

Enjoy the sweet smell and moisturizing soap power.

This home represents a new beginning

The memories created here will have your grinning.

Welcome Home!

Keep checking our blog for more gift ideas for every occasion.

Photo Credit: (1) Vera Bradley website (2 & 3) Taylor Harkins

Meet Our New Gang Of Gabbing Goats

We have seven new goats who will be gabbing it up on our blog (AKA cutesy names for our different blog columns)

To get to know them better, we asked each of them, “Which Chivas soap best describes you?”

• Gourmet Goat: She is our in-house chef. She is fascinated with creating and trying new recipes with goat milk – from homemade cheese to raw milk shakes. “The best soap that describes me would have to be Herb Garden goat milk soap. When I am not in the kitchen, I’m in my garden picking fresh herbs for my next recipe.  This soap uses some of my favorite herbs – basil, rosemary & fennel.”

• Gifting Goat: Consider her your personal shopper. She will offer you gift advice for your family and friends for all occasions.  (And you might find a little something for yourself too!) “If you’re giving a gift, your best bet is the Starter Kit which let’s someone new to Chivas try a little of everything – a goat milk soap, facial creme, lip balm and bath salt! ”

• Green Goat: He is focused on making the world a better place. He will update you on green living tips, ways to give back in your community and how to reduce your carbon footprint. “All the soaps are eco-friendly but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say the Lemongrass goat milk soap. I love the outdoors and the tea tree and citronella essential oils in this soap naturally deter insects to keep me bug- free!”

• Gossip Goat: She loves to talk… and talk… and talk. She will update you on the latest Chivas news from the farm, newest trends and any other goat gossip. “Since I’m always out talking with everyone, I have to look my best. I rely on the Clear Complexion goat milk facial soap to keep my skin blemish free and red carpet ready.”

• Granny Goat: Every family has their matriarch and Granny Goat is ours! She will provide that motherly advice and wisdom we all need in our lives.  “My favorite soap is Orange Spice goat milk soap. It is so rich with the cocoa butter and it smells so wonderful. It always reminds me of Thanksgiving and spending time with my family.”

• GTD Goat: He is obsessed with GTD – “getting things done” – and wants to share everything he’s read up about or tried himself to get more organized, productive and efficient.  “I’m a minimalist so I like that all Chivas soaps are three-in-one; they’re good for body, hands and face.  For example, the Lavender Oatmeal goat milk soap has oatmeal (which is a gentle exfoliant for the face), lavender essential oil (which is a natural anti-septic for the hands) and fair trade shea butter (which keeps your body silky smooth).”

• Guru Goat: She is our natural skin care guru.  She knows everything about natural ingredients, DIY skin care recipes and beauty tips.  “So many people ask me for advice about how to treat their sensitive skin and I always recommend the Fragrance Free goat milk soap because it is the most gentle and nourishing.”