Sunday, December 21

Christmas Gifts

Since this week's topic is "Anything Goes" and I finished my Christmas shopping today, I've got Christmas gifts on the mind. What are some of my favorite gifts to have received? Most recently, a trip to New York. My dear husband arranged to have his parents take our boys for 4 days and we headed off to the Big Apple to hang with my agents and meet the fine folks of Simon Pulse (my publisher) as well as partake in a variety of touristy and Christmassy sights and events. It was a vacation I'll never forget. I think this was so special to me because it's something I probably wouldn't do for myself.

I also like gifts that are customized or personal. My sister-in-law once gave me a beautiful bracelet with the initials of my three little boys engraved into the beads. When I was younger, Santa brought me a birthstone ring that I still have and love, though it only fits my pinky finger. I also love scarves and hats, and I've received beautiful handmade ones from my sister, my friends Christina and Drienie, and my mother-in-law.

What are some of your favorite gifts to give? A few years back I bought some plain white plates and painted cute snowman scenes and Christmas sayings on them. They turned out really cute and I think people enjoyed receiving them. I like getting my husband cologne because he wears it and I get to smell it, haha. I like to give my dad clothes because, bless his heart, he needs my help in that department. I like to get things for the boys that we can all do together, like games or snowshoes or a basketball.
In the spirit of giving, I'm giving away a signed copy of The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren (recommended for ages 14 and up). But instead of winning it for yourself, you'll be nominating someone else to win it. (If you haven't read it yet, maybe s/he will let you borrow it after s/he finishes it). Just share the first name of the person you'd like to nominate and a couple of sentences why this person deserves a copy of my book. You can leave a comment below, or via my website. I'll choose a winner on Dec. 26, which happens to be the one year anniversary of The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren. Whatever your holiday traditions, I wish you good health and a happy spirit as we head into 2009!
xoxo
Wendy

15 comments:

Chelsea said...

Ooh, sounds fun. I'd like to nominate Megan of the blog Po(sey) Sessions. (poseysessions.blogspot.com). She's a bibliophile, and I think she'd really like this book. :)

Sara Hantz said...

Your NY vacation sounds awesome!!! One day I'll go.

Iserr said...

I would like to nominate my Sister, Korina. She loves these types of book, and she would love this. Especially since this is such a difficult christmas, would make her day. Thanks Daniel.

Paradox said...

I nominate ChickLitTeens. Her blog is here: http://chicklitteens.blogspot.com/

She tends to review books that are girly with a touch of fantasy, and this fits that description!

Lauren Baratz-Logsted said...

I love NY - Happy Hanukkah!

Anonymous said...

my 16 yr old daughter, she would love this

blackroze37@yahoo.com
and have fun in ny!

Shalonda said...

I would love to nominate Lauren from Shooting Stars Mag (http://shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com/). She is a very kind and generous person. She not only has contests on her blog, but more importantly gives of her time through her college's community service organization (most recently raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital).

Recently, Lauren and I were discussing the Pulse Ro Coms and she has never read one! I think it would be a great gift to a person who loves to read, but also is considerate of others!

Gerb said...

What a wonderful vacation, Wendy. You look fabulous in the pictures.

My favorite gifts to give are books or homemade items. When I had more time (before having kids and writing books took over), I used to make Father Christmas dolls with glass bead eyes, lambswool hair, velvet robes, the whole bit. Those were such a labor (!) of love that they were a pleasure to give.

I nominate Sarah from Bellfountaine, for Siren. She's a student I met during a school visit and her enthusiasm for books and reading is inspiring. I know she'd enjoy yours.

Wendy Toliver said...

Great nominations so far, everybody. Isn't it fun entering a contest on behalf of someone else? :)

Gerb, the dolls sound wonderful. Too bad I didn't know you yet back then (haha). Actually, I do have my little sumo guy you gave me and he hangs out on my desk when I write.

Lauren, Happy Hanukkah to you too!

Brooke said...

I'd like my best friend B to win it because she and I love reading teen fiction and sometimes we write it! She reads this blog, though, so I'm going to be a little oblique about identifying myself. Sorry!

Amanda Ashby said...

Wendy your trip to NY sounds amazing - and child free as well. I can hardly contain my jealousy!!!!!! Anyway, whoever gets a copy of Siren will be very lucky because Roxy rocks!!!!!

Aryn said...

I recommend my cousin, Maddie. She's 14 and her dad is a librarian.

Wendy Toliver said...

Hi Brooke and Aryn thanks for stopping by and nominating people.

And yes, Amanda, our trip was child free. That only happens once in a blue moon, eh? And thanks for the kind words about Roxy. I can't believe she's already celebrating her one year anniversary. :)

Laura said...

I nominate my awesome sister Claire. She's a fourteen year old flute player and a compulsive reader. I think she'd love it!

Wendy Toliver said...

Thank you for all your nominations! This made me want to send a book to each and every one of the fabulous nominees. However, the good news is I was able to pick up 3 copies, so instead of 1, there are 3 winners.

If you are one of the below people, please email me at wendyinfo at wendytoliver dot com with the name (first and last) and mailing address of the person you nominated. This information will not be seen by anyone but me. I'll get them in the mail right away.

Chelsea: Your friend Megan gets a book!

Daniel: Your sister Korina gets a book!

Gerb: Sara of Bellfountaine gets a book!

Congratulations!