LiveLoveAndDrive.com

This iPhone App appears to be a great way to really make your Holiday shopping and even all year gift shopping, easier than ever! Especially with the fantastic local options for shopping here in Washington and Oregon, the choices of where to go, what to get and remembering what they love can be difficult.

Below is a clip of the article, but be sure to check out their link to see the full article and to see examples of what this application can do for you! Let us know what you think!

Quick Pitch: Gift Plan is an iPhone app designed to solve one of life’s little problems: gift giving.

Genius Idea: Creating a holiday shopping list is one of those necessary yet tedious tasks this time of year. Jotting down notes to remember that Uncle Tim wants a new pair of shades and Cousin Sarah needs new headphones is easy enough, especially if you save them in digital form. Still, these lists aren’t exactly efficient ways.

Gift Plan, an iPhone() app from Glasshouse Apps, offers up a new and convenient way to not only craft your holiday lists, but maintain an ongoing record of what all your friends and family like and want for any special occasion. The application also makes its fairly painless to build your master gift recipient list by importing selected contacts and their birthdays, anniversaries and profile photos from Facebook.

Check out the link below for more details and to even view examples of the Application.

via: http://mashable.com/2010/12/10/gift-plan/#

One of the most treasured shopping occasions for me this time of year, is holiday gift shopping for the special people in my life. I just love to see the reactions I receive when I put a lot of thought and effort into a gift. I just love to give!… and Portland Oregon is the shopping city to find that perfect gift! Gift cards can be so cliche nowadays ; ) Think outside of the box in 2009 and put some thought into it! (I find that simply listening to a person talk over a period can reveal some of those special gift ideas… it’s almost like a cheating on test.)

As you may know, holiday shopping can be very hectic. You remember Black Friday don’t you? December can be like a mini shopping armageddon. It’s every shopper for themselves! Make sure you stay focused while keeping your eye on the prize… buying ‘thoughtful gifts’.

This finally brings up why I’m writing this blog post, safe holiday shopping. This is the time of year criminals are very active. In big cities like Portland, where thousands of people are out shopping, it is more important to be aware of your surroundings. Whether it be where you park, or where you set your purse.

Below are a few safe holiday shopping tips to take along with you this year or even to pass on to another.

1. Try to get your shopping done during daylight hours if possible.
2. If you must go at night, park in an area where there is plenty of light and remember where you parked. When you leave, if you are nervous never be too afraid to ask an employee or security to walk you to your vehicle.
3. Avoid bringing a lot of cash on your shopping trip, Try to use checks and/or credit cards. It is also a good idea to put your forms of payment in different pockets and/or different areas of your purse. This way it is spread around and not all in one place to be taken.
4. If you are really loading up on gifts, avoid carrying many bags at once. Consolidate them into larger bags or make a couple trips to the car to drop some off.  Be sure to put them out of sight and in the trunk. This way you are not a target.
5. Walk with confidence and be sure to have your keys in your hand before heading to your vehicle, this way that are right in your grasp and you will not be searching for them. Once to your vehicle, check your back seat and lock your doors once inside.
6. Avoid wearing your most prized and expensive jewlery.
7. You are having a good time shopping and are distraced, but do your best to stay alert of your surroundings the people near you.
8. Be wary of anyone approching you. This is a prime time and way for a criminal to attempt to distract you and get you off guard.