Similar to Dear Abby or Ask Ann Landers, “Dear Gift Gals” is where we love helping you discover thoughtful gifts for all occasions. In this edition, we’re sharing ideas for one of life’s greatest joys — welcoming a precious baby into the world. We’re here for all the celebrations that come with little ones, including gender reveals, baby showers, push gifts, baby arrival gifts and baptisms.

As folks begin dreaming about the lazy days of summer and the vacations just around the corner, different gifting occasions start to arise. Every year, we receive the same question: What makes a great traveling hostess gift?

Sometimes you need a small token of appreciation for a dinner hosted while you’re out of town. Other times, you’re spending a week at a friend’s beach house and want to bring something more substantial. And sometimes, you’re traveling internationally and need a gift that is compact and easy to pack. Each situation calls for different considerations, including size, portability and value.

Thoughtful Traveling Hostess
Gifts to Consider

• A personalized Pittsburgh pillow to bring a bit of “home” to their home (and it’s embroiderable)

• Steel City Salts, which are safe and compact for international travel

• A GurglePot fish pitcher filled with fresh flowers (pick up the flowers once
you arrive)

• Seasonal pillows to add a pop of color and fun to any space

• A bottle of wine wrapped in a Geometry tea towel (check out our social media for a how-to)

• Locally made soaps or lotions, beautifully wrapped

Since your Gift Gals can still remember — as kids, of course — the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976, we also wanted to share a few red, white and blue gift ideas that make wonderful hostess gifts.

Summer Patriotic Gifts

• A Rifle Paper Co. Melamine American flag tray

• Red, white or blue pepper mills

• Patriotic pillows featuring stars and stripes

We hope readers will continue to be part of this conversation. Please send your gifting questions or topic ideas to info@lebobeat.com.

Your LEBO Gift Gals are Karin Smith and Jen Brandenstein, owners of Barefoot & Stitches on Beverly Road.