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We don’t all have the good fortune to have a 7-11 up the road — or in our cities, even — but if you do, then today (7/11/11) is your lucky day, because in honor of the shop’s unofficial birthday, free Slurpees will be awarded to all who order one. Woo-Hoo! Can’t beat a no-cost refreshing treat on a hot summer day, right? Now, it’ll be a small size you score (7.11 ounces), and you might be tempted to buy more after your taste, but hey, free is free is free — so grab your cold prize today! And enjoy!

Newborn twins Alijah and Tatiana are each going to get a baby rag quilt from me, and I have to say, this security blanket just might be my favorite baby gift of all time. I mean, there are lots of beauties over at Little Sassy Pants, and I’ve been know to order bundles of personalized burp cloths, but I am currently enamored by this snugglie, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors. How can you not love them?

Chances are you know a teacher who deserves a special thank-you gift, a new neighbor who would love a housewarming gesture, a momma-to-be in need of a shower something or other or maybe a pal who needs a little cheer while recovering from an illness. And chances are you’re completely stuck on what to get these people.

Meet Out of the Blue Delivered — a clever and crafty little company offering gifts for every occasion and life event. Shop around, pick your favorites, and then have them delivered. It’s that easy. And if you want some direction while you peruse this site, here are some of my faves:

• Blackboard coasters — I love, love, love these. First, they’re coasters and blackboards, which means you can write on them with chalk and then wipe them clean. Perfect for nifty little notes and to-do reminders. Second, they’re magnets, so when you’re not using your coasters, just store them on the fridge. Third, you can use them for nameplates at your dinner parties, and they can double as, yep, coasters. Love these.
• An adorable plaque that reads, “Heal” — perfect for a heartfelt get-well wish.
• Hand-made guest book — wouldn’t every bride and groom love this pretty prize?
• Spa warming pillow — throw this cozy number in the microwave for 3 minutes, and then warm all your tired and achy parts.

Your turn — take a tour of this super store, and tell us what you like best.

I love to give baskets full of goodies for gifts. I love a good theme too. So I’m recommending you get yourself a basket (or a mini storage bin, tote bag, anything that hold goods — just don’t make it a laundry basket, OK?). Then get yourself a theme, and put together a little something special for mom on Mother’s Day.

Pick a healthy eating theme, and fill your basket with an assortment of fruit. Choose a summer reading theme, and stock your basket with a few books (try this one), a bookmark, a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat. How about summer movies? Gather some movie tickets or a Blockbuster gift card, some microwave popcorn and some not-so-treacherous movie candy (Milk Duds are better than peanut M&Ms). And my favorite: The R&R basket, complete with candle, bubble bath, body lotions and gift certificate for a pedicure. Your basket can be a hodge-podge of all mom’s favorite things, too. You get to decide — just get out there and decide, because Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and it’s Friday, and, well, you’re running out of time.

Are these not the cutest flip flops ever? They’d make a pretty nifty Mother’s Day gift, wouldn’t they? I’m thinking so. In fact, I know how comfy these Havaianas Fit cuties are — my sister won a silver pair in a giveaway recently, and she passed them on to me (she’d just bought herself some silver sandals and was feeling generous) — and so I can promise mom will love them. Well, maybe not promise. But chances are, she’ll feel pretty sporty and summery in her very own pair. All you need to do is shell out $30 bucks (she’s worth it, right?) and order a pair for mommy dearest. Pick from pink, white, black, silver or gold. Hey, get a  pair for yourself while you’re at it.

I know moms and flowers go together pretty well, and you might be thinking of sending your momma a perfectly pretty bouquet of arranged flowers for Mother’s Day this year. But flowers are expensive, and they don’t last very long, and that’s why I suggest you head over to your nearest garden shop and buy a few plants your mom can plop right in her own yard. Hand deliver your favorite picks, and help mom bury them in the dirt. If you don’t live nearby, bundle up a few packets of seeds and some other garden goodies and mail them off to your special girl. Whether you live near or far, mom will get to watch your love grow.