Holiday Gift Guide 2011 #5: RedEnvelope Review & $50 GC Giveaway

With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are probably busy making our lists and starting our Christmas shopping. Since baby #3 is due in just a couple of weeks, we started shopping early this year. I feel like I have gotten a good start, but there are still people that I am trying to come up with the perfect gift for. Something that's unique, personal and meaningful. It's not always easy to come across gifts like this, that is...until I came across RedEnvelope and their great selection of gifts for every occasion.

Offering a unique and wide range of thoughtful gifts for every occasion and everyone in your life, RedEnvelope is known for their unique gifts of exceptional quality. Whether it be to celebrate a new beginning, affirm a friendship, thank a colleague or something else...RedEnvelope has it all. And, with the ability to personalize many of the items they offer, it's no wonder people continue to turn to them for unique, special gifts.

Every time I visit the RedEnvelope website I find myself in awe of all their amazing products. With everything from women's gifts and men's gifts to home & garden products, and more...there's really something for everyone! With Christmas nearing, I was especially drawn to great gifts for Christmas, and found there were many things that would suit the personalities and tastes of the people I'm buying for, perfectly. As I browsed through ideas for women, I came across the Loving Arms Necklace and couldn't have been happier to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review it!

Features/Benefits:

• sterling silver pendant
• pearls measure 3.5mm-4.5mm diam.
• snake chain adjusts from 16" - 18" L
• lobster claw clasp
• pendant measures 11/8" H

When the necklace arrived, I couldn't wait to check it out. I was impressed right from the start. I love when companies take the time to package things with care and in a personal way. The necklace arrived in a beautiful red box that not only displayed it well, but also makes it perfect for gift-giving.

Upon opening the box, I was even more in awe. The Loving Arms Necklace is absolutely beautiful! I could tell the quality is fantastic right away. This is definitely a necklace that's made to last and one that I'll have for a very long time!

As a mom, I love jewelry that's meaningful and represents the love I have for my kids and family. That's what makes this necklace so special. It represents the bond between mother and child with "arms" wrapped around one, two, three, or four freshwater pearls, one for each child. I have three pearls on mine, one for each of my kids. I love it and have received so many compliments on it.

The sterling silver pendant is such a nice size. It's large enough to stand out so people notice it, but small enough that it doesn't seem too big. It's perfect! I thought the pearls might seem loose like they could fall out, but I haven't worried about that at all. They seem to be attached very well.

When it comes to necklaces, I'm kind of picky about chains. I wasn't sure how I'd like the snake chain, but seeing it in person...I really love it! Not only does it suit the style of the necklace well, but I love that it adjusts from 16" - 18" in length. This means that I can get it sized just perfectly for any top I'm wearing.

I've really enjoyed wearing this necklace. It's gorgeous and is very easy to wear with anything I have on. It can easily be dressed up or dress down and is my new favorite accessory. I wear it almost daily!

Of course, the Loving Arms Necklace is just one of so many great gift ideas for all of the people on your list this year. I would highly recommend checking RedEnvelope out as you start your holiday shopping.

Buy It: You can buy the Loving Arms Necklace from RedEnvelope starting out at $69.95.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a RedEnvelope $50 Gift Code!

Mandatory Entry - Visit RedEnvelope and let me know something you might use your $50 GC towards if you won!

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry - Follow RedEnvelope on Twitter

2. 1 extra entry - Like RedEnvelope on Facebook

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and RedEnvelope) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Looking for unique, personalized and high quality gift ideas?! #Win a $50 GC to RedEnvelope! http://bit.ly/tIX9f3 Ends 11/27

5. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

6. 3 extra entries- Post my Holiday Gift Guide 2011 button on your blog and let me know the URL where it can be found. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 27th and is open to US Only.

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by RedEnvelope. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.**