This is a sponsored post about Gifts with Meaning for James Avery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is The Cle. She passed away in 2012, having been born a stray cat in Spartanburg, SC 15 years prior. My family adopted her and named her after the ancient Egyptian queen. But Cle was more than a pet, as most pets are. She was a family member with a fierce personality and incredible quirks that meant she was the basis for our family inside jokes, anecdotes, and memories. Even five years post mortem, my Mom, Dad, brother and I (and even husband) use her name as a word for affirmations, agreements, love and missing each other.
Over Cle’s lifetime and beyond, we’ve given each other gifts with nods to her (and our current cats, too) and her strange tendency to reach for anything in her vicinity. Cle had extremely long legs with deft paws, and could stealthily snatch a pop tart right out of your hand. We called this reach the “Cle Claw.” Mom slipped this Cle Claw-inspired magnet last year in my stocking that I keep out to think of our family. Chase got a cat paw shaped back scratcher, and my brother cat-related gag gifts. But they always make us laugh, smile and think of each other, not just the Cle.
Last Christmas was very special for another reason, as it was the first year my family (both while married and unmarried) were together for the holidays since I was married. We had such an incredible time blending traditions and celebrating new ones that I invited them all back for a repeat of the fun this year. I’ve even got some incredible Cle Claw related presents to share… but I can’t spoil these gifts with meaning because my family actually reads these posts!
A sweet gift that came across my radar this year was a sterling silver cat charm from James Avery. Both my Mom and I collect charms, which remind us of places we’ve visited or our great accomplishments in life. I have charms from my graduations, the birth of my children, my wedding, and places across the world that I’ve vacationed. Shouldn’t it be natural that I also have charms to remind me of family and make me smile at the same time?
These charms from James Avery are more than just jewelry. This specific cat charm is a symbol of my family. It relates to both the pets we love and the family humor that keeps us together. When we say, “Cle” to each other, it really means, “I love you!”, “I totally agree,” or “I miss you.” I set this little coral bag under the tree for myself so I can remember what my family means to me. Perhaps something in their collection speaks to you in the same way?
For more inspiring James Avery stories and the jewelry that helps tell them, such as my cat charm, visit My James Avery Page and share your own stories with #MyJamesAvery and #ACharmedChristmas. Thanks to the generosity of James Avery, I’m able to give away a cat charm just like mine to you! One reader will win a gift-wrapped sterling silver cat charm shipped right to them in time for the holidays. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Happy Holidays!
What a lovely way to remember your furry friend. I know lots of families who integrate their pets into the holidays and this is a way to celebrate the pets who’ve passed on.
This is such a great gift idea. It reminds me of the one you guys got me for sweet Gator.
This is such a sweet story! I love how the cat charm represents such love for your family.
What a sweet way to remember The Cle!
I’d go with this blessed one: https://www.jamesavery.com/products/blessed-charm?metal=Sterling+Silver&via=59dfbd9e6170704e420079d1
I thought the texas one, but I think I already have that!
I love the tree of life.
That is so sweet. I still miss my tortoiseshell cat.
The turtle charm reminds me of Pokey our box turtle.
I like the feathered friends charm. Our bird Mango died this year and for a memorial we put a bird bath in the back yard. We get so many birds coming to visit, it has helped turn the sadness into joy.
The 14k gold Sign of Love Charm, speaks to me, but kitty’s are my first love!
I like the Angel of Peace charms.
I love the Feathered Friends Charm.
The Tree of Life charm is cool.
I like the Love You More charm!
I love the Seraphina angel one!
I love this cat charm! James Avery offers so many beautiufl things. The Tree of Life Charm is so nice, too.
I like the nutcracker charm!
i like the Queen Bee Charm its really cute and unique
I have several charms from James Avery, the Sunburst Pendant has my caught my eye this year,
I like a few and can’t choose but I def like the puppy charm.
I really liked the sweet 16 in the heart –that’s my daughter next year (gulp)
My Fav is the “You Are Always in My Heart” Charm
I love the “To the Moon and Back” Charm! This is something my sister and I always say, so this is the one that speaks to me the most!
My favorite charm is the Puppy Charm
I really like the love you more charm.
I love animals , so the Paw Print Charm truly speaks to me. Thanks for the chance to win.
The Love You More charm
I love the Sweet Kitty Charm. I love CAT anything.
I like the Keepsake Heart Charm with Lab-Created White Sapphire.
Feathered Friends Charm is so cute we just love birds.
love the tree of life charm
I really like the Hummingbird Finial with Floral Charm the most. My mom collects hummingbirds.
Since its Christmastime, I love the Nutcracker charm.
The Heart Remembers charm is calling me out.
It was hard for me to choose they are all beautiful. Maybe the love you more charm
The Angel Wings Charm speaks to me and reminds me of my mom who was an angel.
I really like the Mother and Baby Dolphin.
Tree of life charm
I love the Heirloom Sterling & Bronze Pendant with Agate.
I like the sculpted owl charm
The Heart Remembers Charm- love it
I love the Enamel Christmas Stocking Charm. A great addition to a bracelet for the granddaughters Christmas gift.
“Granddaughter” Heart Charm would make a lovely gift.
I like the Texas with HOME printed on it.
i love the cowboy boots charm..my dad even wore his at my wedding
I like the Nesting Bird Charm with Blue Enamel Egg.
i love the Magnolia Blossom Pendant
My wife absolutely would love to wear the cool To the Moon and Back Charm daily..
A fascinating and amazing Feathered Friends Charm, my wife would definitely enjoy wearing everyday.
My lady friend likes great items, and the Sculpted Owl Charm would be just marvelous to have for all occasions.
I really like good things, and the Sweet Tea Charm would be wonderful to have all of the time.
The captivating Puppy Charm would be fabulous for my girlfriend to wear and it would be nice to always have everyday.
The awesome Sweet Kitty Charm would be just right for the day and my wife.