Ideas & Tips — Practical Gifts

Nothing is more fun than going out to eat sushi at a local restaurant, but what if you could also make your favorite sushi rolls right in the comfort of your own home? It may prove less expensive than dining out and it's also a fun activity with which to wow your friends and family members! Here are some tips to keep in mind:  Buy sushi-grade fish: It's very important that you only use sushi-grade fish when making your own rolls, which means it is safe to eat raw. Sushi enthusiast Monnie Nilsson writes in The Denver Post that you should...

The mortar and pestle is a versatile and useful kitchen implement, but few of us actually grew up using one, so it can be a bit difficult to get into the swing of using it for cooking. Here are a few tips to help you take proper advantage of your mortar and pestle: It's not just for dry spices. Garlic, basil and other "wet" spices can also be ground into pastes or muddled in the mortar and pestle, making it a great tool for creating rubs and seasonings for meat dishes. Use it to make pesto. According to numerous cooks, the difference...

May is National Moving Month, with the Department of Transportation predicting that more than 35 million Americans will relocate this year. That means you probably know someone who is changing residences in the next month, whether a friend, family member, coworker or significant other. Once they complete their big move, why not help them celebrate with some thoughtful housewarming gifts? Here are five beautiful home gifts available for $10 or less: Egg server with spoon: Cheer up your morning with this stylish stainless steel egg server! A raised egg cup comfortably holds a large AA egg standing up-right. A built-in plate...

Whether you decide to go with the more traditional stainless steel cookware or more unusual stainless steel items such as cups or candleholders, stainless steel housewares add refinement and modern sheen to a home without sacrificing practicality. Supply your house with stainless steel to take advantage of these benefits: Durability: Stainless steel has a longer lifespan than most other materials and is highly resistant to damage such as scratches and dents. It also maintains the same appearance over time, never becoming discolored or (obviously) stained.  Easy cleaning: Stainless steel owes much of its popularity in the kitchen to the fact that it can be cleaned...

Some simple preparation can help you avoid the stressful rush of trying to find a last-minute birthday gift for your sister-in-law, a housewarming gift for your best friend or a Christmas gift for your family. Huffington Post contributor and editor-in-chief of Gifts.com Dana Holmes recommends designating some space for your gift stash, and filling it with universally appealing. "To avoid spending every spare moment gift shopping, I like to stock up on fun gifts and match them with their rightful owners when the time comes," Holmes writes. "I call this my 'gift closet.' I have a few shelves stocked with...