DEMDACO

Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions, according to social sciences research. Gratitude correlates with greater happiness, more fulfilling careers, and overall healthier well-being. Research also shows that the act of giving can help cultivate stronger personal connections between family and friends that exceeds the monetary value of the gift itself. There are even evolutionary forces behind gift-giving. Anthropologists suggest that the most generous men had more success in finding a partner when giving unique and meaningful gifts, and that women with a penchant for gift-giving were better able to sustain the family unit. Receiving thank you gifts is always lovely, and research suggests the most significant benefits of giving actually fall on the person doing the act. Essentially, giving a gift can generate pleasure on its own and reinforce feelings of caring and connection with the people you love the most. You don’t need an occasion to give a g...

A nice houseplant or a bottle of wine are great housewarming gifts—but let’s be honest—they’re a little predictable.  Moving into a new home is one of those big benchmarks in life and a great housewarming gift should reflect the magnitude of such an event. Buying a home is a momentous occasion, signifying someone’s decision to put down roots, build a new community, and create new meaning in a new space. At the same time, picking out the perfect gifts for new homeowners is a special and meaningful way to celebrate this moment. It presents an opportunity to think about what qualities or characteristics make the new homeowner or couple unique and how you can contribute to their new space. There are so many ways to make a new homeowner feel excited about their recently-purchased home with personalized gifts and décor. Monogrammed Mementos A monogrammed gift is a great way to add a personal touch to a new home, and the opportunities are fairly endless. T...

The first year of a baby’s life is full of memorable milestones. Opening and closing hands, waving “bye-bye,” developing a “social smile,” discovering toes, and of course, taking the first step. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a baby’s first year is also a an important period for cognitive development, including exploring new objects, responding to expressions and emotions, and gesturing back. The first year is also when babies develop bonds of love, trust, and emotional engagements. The way parents hold, play, and cuddle their baby sets a strong foundation for baby’s social skills later in life.  A baby’s first year is also a special time for gift-giving. Babies are just beginning to explore the world around them, and everything is new, interesting, and engaging. Toys that aid in sensory development, cognitive growth, and social engagement can be both educational and adorable. And you never know, that one special gift—like a favorite stuffed ...

Feng Shui is an ancient system of Chinese principles that aims to bring an individual into harmony with his or her surroundings through energy, symmetry, and balance. Feng Shui, which translates as “wind-water” is based on five natural elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each symbolizes colors, shapes, emotions, and connections found in nature, and each is intended to bring balance into your space through complementary textures, shapes, and designs. Follow these Feng Shui designs to bring greater balance, symmetry, and energy into your space. Wood Wood is associated with growth and renewal. If you feel like you’re on the cusp of a new beginning, add wooden elements to your internal space and incorporate shades of soothing greens and cylindrical, trunk-like shapes. Fire Fire symbolizes passion and an internal light. When you feel a need for more light and laughter in your life, incorporate installations that are colorful and angular, and add as mu...