Holiday Gift Guide: ME ME ME (My Wishlist and Favorites)

 

 

Contrary to the title of this post ("ME ME ME") I can say that this year has been the most challenging year to actually pass along ideas to my relatives who ask me what I want. I was talking to some girlfriends the other day and lamenting that there seems to come a time where everything you want is like, five dollars or five hundred dollars ... and that makes coming up with a wishlist sort of hard. But ALAS, this girl can always find a few items that I would be tickled to find under the tree, and I've also included in my list a few things that I already own that are favorites. I'll point those out below.

 

 



 

1 - Metallic Star Ornament // 2 - Swarovski 2015 Annual Ornament // 3 - Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment // 4 - Gold Stork Scissors // 5 - Adele 25 // 6 - Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings //

7 - Moroccan Oil // 8 - Voluspa Spruce Cuttings

 

1: Metallic Star Ornament (on Nordstrom here)

Ian has already told me once this year that our tree has too many ornaments on it ... I mean, really?! Is there such a thing? I think not. I took one look at this metallic ornament and knew it would look lovely on our tree. And for $16, I think it's a great price. This would also make a wonderful gift for just about anyone -- your boss, your in-laws, your best girlfriend (just slip it around a bottle of bubbly for that one!).

 

2: Swarovski 2015 Annual Ornament (on Amazon here)

You've seen this pop up on my wishlist each year. I've been collecting these since 2002, and although the ornaments aren't inexpensive in the least, this is the one big item I ask for every year. They often gain value throughout the years so it should be a nice collection for me to pass down to our children one day. I will give them both the ornament for the year they were born and then let them pick their favorites from there. You can also search for past year ornaments on eBay.

 

3: Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment (on Nordstrom here)

This lip treatment has been on my radar for what feels like forever and I still have never pulled the trigger. I would like to try it in the Petal or Rose color -- both just look so fresh and pretty with their slight tint. I know this product has a cult following, and I'm ready to drink the kool-aid.

 

4: Gold Stork Scissors (on Amazon here)

These 6.5" scissors are so cute and would be a welcome addition to my stocking! I have some nice larger scissors for bow-making but these would be awesome for little snips here and there. They are just pretty!

 

5: Adele 25 (on Amazon here)

Confession: I'm not really iTunes savvy and I have, like, eight downloaded songs on my iPhone. I am still a CD lover and would love Adele's new album on CD so that I can play it in my car. Her voice is just hauntingly beautiful, and one of my favorite songs of hers remains "Skyfall" from the Bond movie.

 

6: Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings (on Nordstrom here)

I have had my Danielle earrings for more than half a year now and I love them! I chose the ivory mother of pearl set in gold, and I think this is a great color to start with. They go with so much and really add a lot to an outfit. They are $60, so not inexpensive, but a great pair of statement earrings. If you don't own a pair yet, you may want to sneak up to your honey and whisper "Santa baby...." and slip him that link.

 

7: Moroccan Oil (on Nordstrom here)

This is another favorite product that I already own that I am passing along to you. My standard-size bottle of Moroccan Oil has lasted forrrrrrrr-everrrrr and I just love it for my hair. I have relatively thin hair (but a good amount of it, especially being pregnant) and this argan oil still is not too heavy for it. This $15 small bottle is such a nice and luxurious little gift or stocking stuffer for someone and one that I can wholeheartedly stand behind. Now that I am washing my hair less and using dry shampoo on the roots, I like putting this on my hair and braiding it the night before I plan to wash it. I think it just really helps moisturize it and make it smoother. This smaller bottle is a super way to test this out, and being that a little goes a long way, this is not a size that will disappear from your bathroom cabinet too fast.

 

8: Voluspa Spruce Cuttings (on Nordstrom here)

I purchased this delicious-smelling candle for myself last year and it's just about to burn out. It has a wonderful Christmas spruce scent without smelling like PINE PINE PINE PINE as many of these candles can. They are a good middle pricepoint at $16, and Santa? I'd love another one this year, please!

 

Other than that, Ian already knows that I would be thrilled with a Swell water bottle and a prenatal massage at Edamame. I have asked my mother-in-law for new slippers and a Bobeau fleece wrap (I already own two but would love another!). My mom, sisters, and aunts are rockstar stocking fillers, so I am already looking forward to our post-dinner stockings.

 

And really, all I truly want this season is some great family time. :)

 



Holiday Gift Guide: Toddlers!

Okay, the last gift guide before my own personal list ... gifts for the wiggly, giggly toddlers in your life! This is a fun age because toys are getting to be even more interactive, and there are so many awesome educational toys out there, too. 

Here are some things that my Camille (18 months old) either loves or is getting for Christmas this year.

1 - Radio Flyer Wagon // 2 - Flash Cards // 3 - Felt Play Kitchen Food // 4 - Play Pots and Pans // 5 - Tickle Monster Book and Gloves // 6 - Play All Day Elmo and Elmo Fork and Spoon // 

7 - Play Kitchen // 8 - Boon Pipes

1: Radio Flyer Wagon (on Amazon here)
I pulled a total mom move and polled my Facebook friends about what to look for in a wagon! I was tempted to go with the classic metal style but was surprised how SO many people strongly suggested the version with seatbelts. I got over my snobbishness about the plastic wagon and did decide that this will be a great one for Camille. It has two seats that also fold down for extra storage area. I think it will be great for fun in the driveway and backyard, and also helpful for beach trips and trick-or-treating!

2: Flash Cards (on Amazon here and here)
We already have one set of these and LOVE them. I like lining them up for Camille and telling her to find certain cards. Sometimes we even use baby sign language with these -- I'll make the sign for baby or shoes, and she will find the corresponding card. These are inexpensive, Prime-eligible, and fantastic gifts for babies and toddlers.

3: Felt Play Kitchen Food (on Etsy here)
I am so excited that Camille is getting some of these wonderful pieces for Christmas! My aunt is actually making them (she is SO talented) and we have several of her items listed in our Etsy shop!

4: Play Pots and Pans (on Amazon here)
My friend Sarah was the one who introduced me to this set of play pots and pans. They are great quality, and I think they will be so fun for Camille to use with her play kitchen (#7 below).

5: Tickle Monster Book and Gloves (on Amazon here)
All of the credit for this sweet book set goes to my friend Kristen! She is an awesome mom and is always coming up with the cutest things and best ideas for little ones. Her family gave this to Camille for her first birthday, and it is so much fun to read to her. The reader gets to wear these silly monster gloves and the book prompts you when you get to go crazy tickling your little one!

6: Play All Day Elmo and Elmo Fork and Spoon (on Amazon here and here)
If I say that Camille is obsessed with Elmo, it's just scratching the surface. Ian already bought her the Play All Day Elmo (which is actually pretty neat) and I think this inexpensive fork on spoon set from Amazon will be awesome for her stocking.

7: Play Kitchen (on Amazon here)
I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so excited! Camille gets a play kitchen this year!

*** reader suggestion time! ***
8: Boon Tubes (on Amazon here)
Thanks to a sweet reader Gigi for this cute bathtime toy suggestion. She said that the Boon Pipes bath toys are so much fun and really add some giggles to the nightly bath. I think Camille would be a big fan of pouring water through these pipes and watching the neat things that they all do. So smart!

I hope you have liked these toddler suggestions ... I'd love to hear if you have others to add or if you plan on purchasing some of these!

Holiday Gift Guide: Parents and In-Laws, $10-$50 Budget

Buying for parents and in-laws is fun, but it can also be a challenge because they may want something more tasteful than trendy, more practical than "OMG cute." But leave the dustbusters on the shelves ... there are great options out there to be found! I've got a few suggestions to pass along today, all within a $10-$50 budget.

1 - Flower Delivery by The Bouqs // 2 - Wooden Backgammon Set // 3 - One Line A Day Journal // 4 - Moscow Mule Mugs // 5 - Cook's Illustrated Subscription // 

6 - Fondue Pot // 7 - Custom Handwriting Ornament

1: Flower Delivery by The Bouqs (FREE bouquet with your first purchase offer here)

Let's start with a gift for people you actually won't see on Christmas. One of my favorite go-to presents is a nice flower delivery. Ian's grandparents always demand no gifts, especially now that they are in a smaller retirement community, but I can't let Christmas go by without them having a special holiday treat from their little Millie girl. :) Avoid the long lines at the post office and hefty shipping fees, and just have a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered. Sitting on their table, it's a daily reminder of you thinking about them over the holidays, and if they are hosting a shindig themselves, it helps them with decor! The link above is my referral link to you and it will earn you a free bouquet with your first purchase. So, go ahead and set up delivery NOW for December 22nd for someone special on your list, and then pick someone else (or yourself!!) to receive a second bouquet for free. I've been so, so happy with the quality of my flowers from The Bouqs and I especially LOVE that they have bouquets with a flat $40 cost, no hidden shipping charges added in, thankyouverymuch!

2: Wooden Backgammon Set (on Amazon here)

One of the things my parents enjoy doing together is playing backgammon with a beer or special cocktail in hand. This set is right under $50 and Prime eligible on Amazon, and it looks so nice. If your parents, in-laws, or really any couple in your life has a lot of fun playing games together (what? turn the iPads and televisions off??) then this is a really neat idea.

3: One Line A Day Journal (on Amazon here)

I've blogged about this before -- my middle sister gave me one a few years ago in my stocking and I love it! It's $10 and it allows you to jot down one line (or if you're a talker like me, three lines of small handwriting) for one day. Each page features the same exact day but it shows all five years. It's a great way to reflect on exactly what you were doing the year before and, hopefully, how far you've come. :)

4: Moscow Mule Mugs (on Amazon here)

Everyone loves Moscow Mules, but not everyone has a nifty set of glasses to make them at home! This set is beautiful, Prime-eligible on Amazon, and right under $50. Tie them all up in a cellophane gift bag with a cocktail stirring spoon on the bow and you are all set! There is an adorable printable recipe card that you can find here. 

5: Cook's Illustrated Subscription (on Amazon here)

This magazine subscription is for total foodies. Step into a test kitchen to read articles about the best recipes, cooking gadgets, and brands ... not a single lick of advertising found in the entire magazine, either! For example, one article may focus solely on the classic chocolate chip cookie, and how to achieve the BEST cookie (they will test various recipe versions, cooking ingredient brands, and cooking temperatures for you). If you have someone to buy for that loves to cook and appreciates GOOD food and recipes, this is a great match for them.

6: Fondue Pot (on Amazon here)

I've owned a fondue pot since I was in college, and it has definitely been put to good use! My favorite fondue to make is cheddar cheese (with half a can of dark beer in it) served with pumpernickel bread cubes and granny smith apple slices ... and who can forget chocolate fondue with crumbled Oreos in it, served with jumbo marshmallows and banana slices? This is around $30 on Amazon, Prime eligible, and to really take it to the next level -- if you are going to be with your gift recipient, make sure to pack the fridge or pantry with your fondue ingredients so you can help them break it in that night! Fondue is such a fun group activity to do together, especially during the holidays!

*** reader suggestion time! ***

7: Custom Handwriting Ornament (on Etsy here)

This beautiful and meaningful ornament is a gift suggestion from a blog reader Kendra, who actually owns this Etsy shop. As soon as I saw her custom handwriting ornaments, I was blown away. You'll need to act quickly on this item to give her ample production time before Christmas, but how sweet is this idea: you scan in the handwriting of a loved one, and she brings it to life on a wooden ornament. To capture a child's handwriting for a grandparent, or maybe to memorialize a family member that has passed, this is truly a gift with a lot of heart behind it. 

Two gift guides left ... one for toddlers, and my very own wishlist and favorites list this year! Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you have found these enjoyable and helpful! I'd love to hear from you in the comments section if you decide to purchase any of these ideas. :)

Check out my other gift guides: 

Coworker $10-20 Budget

Babies, Babies, Babies

 The Man in Your Life

Holiday Gift Guide: The Man In Your Life

Men can be so difficult to shop for. They want it or need it? They buy it. Like, in December. Which makes gift-giving that much harder. 

Here are some tried-and-true winners around these parts mixed in with a few items that I just know Ian would love. I hope this helps you in your search for the perfect gift for that man in your life, whether's it's a husband, boyfriend, best friend, brother, father, or in-law ... neighbor, accountant, pastor, Amazon delivery man, you get the picture.

1 - Carhartt Vest // 2 - Reef Sandals with Built-In Bottle Opener // 3 - Luminox Watch // 

4 - Kiehl's Facial Fuel // 5 - Tile Key Finder // 6 - In Harms Way // 7 - King Cube Tray

1: Carhartt Vest (on Amazon here)

Ian likes the rugged look, and what can I say -- I like that look on him! This vest is currently $65, Amazon Prime eligible so free 2-day shipping, and it's sherpa-lined. Does one come in a womens' small?!

2: Reef Sandals with Built-In Bottle Opener (on Amazon here)

My sister got these one year for my dad. WINNER! Guys love showing off their gadgets and tools, and these flops with a built-in bottle opener are pretty genius. Technically, they may have to wait a few months to wear them, but they're so cool that you may just see your man trotting down the frozen driveway to fetch the paper wearing these flip flops in January.

3: Luminox Watch (on Amazon here)

Ian has owned this watch for a few years now and loves it. It's the most expensive item on the list here, around $170, but good for anyone who still needs a BIG gift for a guy. The fact that it's used by US Navy SEAL team members got Ian's attention ... and his immediate order. Highly recommend. And it looks tough.

4: Kiehl's Facial Fuel (on Nordstrom here)

Ian really likes Kiehl's products. They aren't frou-frou but they are a great quality skincare line. Ordering from Nordstrom gets you free shipping and returns, although I highly doubt you'll use the latter part of that offer. A great idea for a guy who wants to take care of his skin but wouldn't be caught dead using your pink Clarisonic. 

5: Tile Key Finder (on Amazon here)

Raise your hand if your husband loses his keys. You can't see me, but I've got both arms up. And a leg. Ian's getting this for Christmas ... at $25 and Prime eligible, a no-brainer.

6: In Harms Way (on Amazon here)

A book choice! I love giving (and receiving) books for Christmas. This is one of Ian's favorites. It is about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945 and the tale of some of its' survivors. He absolutely devoured this book. 

*** reader suggestion time! ***

7: King Cube Tray (on J.Crew here)

This jumbo ice cube tray is a suggestion from my girl Owen of the blog Davis Duo. In her words: 

"A few years ago we went to Charleston and hubs had a drink with a huge ice cube in it. He LOVED the look of it as well as the fact that his drink didn't get watered down. So I knew I had to find one for his stocking. I found it at J Crew! It's perfect if your man is a whiskey drinker. Pop the ice cube out of the freezer and his whiskey won't get watered down." It's $9, and it looks like you can enter code TUESDAY today for 30% off.

Alright, there are my seven ideas for the man in your life. Tell me, what gift guide would you like to see next -- gifts for a toddler, or gifts for parents and in-laws? I'm all ears!

Check out my other gift guides: 

Coworker $10-20 Budget

Babies, Babies, Babies

Holiday Gift Guide: Babies, Babies, Babies!

Camille was such a small baby at Christmas last year, so a lot of our gifts for her under the tree were practical: socks, pajamas, and diapers. Literally, a box of diapers. 

But it is quite fun shopping for a sweet baby in your life, and here are some of my best suggestions, and of course, an awesome bonus suggestion that I got from a reader!

1 - Silly Buddy Pacifier Lovie // 2 - Sit to Stand Walker // 3 - Mustela Physiobebe and Noodle and Boo Newborn Wash // 4 - The Spirit of Christmas Board Book // 5 - Baby's First Christmas Ornament // 6 - Silver Rattle // 7 - Bella Tunno Wonder Bibs

1: Silly Buddy Pacifier Lovie (on Amazon here)
So, we own three of these. The first was given as a gift, the second was purchased after Camille chose it as her favorite lovie, and the third was purchased in an emergency setting when one went missing! We love this so much, and I often use it as a baby gift because the velcro hand will attach to just about any pacifier (or toy, if a baby doesn't use a pacifier). You can also just close the velcro on the hand and have it as a soft lovie.

2: Sit to Stand Walker (on Amazon here)
We gave this to Camille last Christmas and she STILL plays with it. In the land of baby/toddler toys, thats like finding the mystical unicorn. Awesome for helping baby learn to walk, and just a fun toy in general. Lights, sounds, and bright colors!

3: Mustela Physiobebe, Noodle & Boo Newborn Wash (on Amazon here and here, respectively)
These are our favorite baby products of all time. Both smell amazing and you've seen me wax poetic about each of these several times now. Even with Camille being 18 months old now, we still use these almost daily.

4: The Spirit of Christmas Board Book (on Amazon here)
Read this to your baby with a box of Kleenex nearby. Such a special book for the holidays and to help us all remember the true meaning of Christmas -- what really makes it special. Nancy Tillman is the author and she can do no wrong in my eyes!

5: Baby's First Christmas Ornament (on Amazon here)
Ian bought this for me last year after I dropped a few hints! It's a nice, heavy ornament and I love that it has the year of her birth on it.

6: Silver Rattle (on Amazon here)
Okay, this is the splurge item, but hear me out ... there are several silver-plated rattles that you can also find on Amazon for much less. We bought this for Camille last year, the real silver version, because Ian's grandparents sent us a check for Camille's gift from them and said that they were not sure what she would want. I thought and thought about how to use that money wisely and decided to put it into something that was timeless, elegant, and that Camille could pass down to her child one day. So this would be a special gift for your baby or a baby in your life, or maybe an idea for a relative who wants to spend a little more on the baby and purchase a memorable and sentimental gift. Oh, and did we keep it in the box? Heck no. Camille loved it so much, loved feeling the cold silver on her gums, and we let her play with it every day.

***reader suggestion time!***
7: Bella Tunno Wonder Bibs (on Amazon here)
A blog reader Adelyn suggested a silicone bib with a crumb catcher for a great baby gift! UM, AGREE! We use these daily, and I love how easily rinsed off they are. I have tried a few different brands, but my tried + true staple is the Wonder Bib that is made by Bella Tunno. It's more lightweight and flexible than some of the others I've tried, and it has two closure buttons on the back which is really key these days that Camille is learning how to take off her own bib. Adelyn said that she travels a lot with her family and that they are even asked about these bibs in the airport. I couldn't agree more -- they are also the perfect bib to roll up (with a string cheese and fruit pouch inside) and stick in my purse for family dinners out. We have the yellow one in the collage above, and I also love the pink and green versions.

Thanks for letting me share my holiday gift guide for babies with you! Don't forget, if you have suggestions for men, parents/inlaws, toddlers ... send them my way! It has been so much fun hearing from y'all!

Holiday Gift Guide: Coworkers and Colleagues $10-20

I heard from several of you in my post asking for gift guide guidance that you were often stumped by what to get for your coworkers. There's no need to spend a ridiculous amount on this group (since you are most often buying for several folks), but you do want to have a nice way of saying "heyyy, thanks for getting my back when I replied-all that one unfortunate time."

This list has items all in the $10-20 range, for those colleagues who really mean a lot to you. But don't think that you even have to spend that much ... a single serving bottle of wine tied with a big plaid bow and a quick "Cheers!" written in gold paint pen on the bottle will run you about $2 and would be a really cute idea if you work with a larger group of peers.

Here are a few ideas that I have of ways to spread holiday cheer to your 9-5 comrades. (8-6, who are we kidding?)

BTW: These all contain Amazon and Etsy links for those of you looking to shop online ... my personal preferred vendors for shopping for the holidays. :)

1 - Acrylic Stapler // 2 - Kate Spade Journal // 3 - Fresh Poinsettia // 4 - The Southerner's Handbook // 5 - Electric Wine Opener // 6 - Nest Holiday Votive Candle // 7 - Smitten Monogram Tumbler

1: Acrylic Stapler (on Amazon here)
I worked with one sweet gal in particular who was an office supply fiend. She wanted her desk to be stocked with supplies, and it all had to be CUTE. This acrylic and gold stapler has her name all over it and would have made.her.day.

2: Kate Spade Journal (on Amazon here)
Journals like these can be used for just about anything ... notes during a team meeting, personal to-dos for the workday, a voicemail log, or grocery lists on slow workdays. :) Plus, everyone feels spoiled when they unwrap a Kate Spade gift. Am I right?

3: Fresh Poinsettia 
I worked with the sweetest lady who brought our team members a fresh poinsettia at the beginning of each December -- each and every year. It was an inexpensive gesture but one that meant the most to me. I kept it on my desk all month and then brought it home when I went on Christmas vacation. You can pick these up at any garden store or hardware chain.

4: The Southerner's Handbook (on Amazon here)
My girlfriend Kerry got me this book, and whether your recipient is Southern or not, it's chock full of fun information about the best parts of the South! It is written by the editors of Garden & Gun magazine. A great book for a male or female!

5: Electric Wine Opener (on Amazon here)
My brother-in-law bought this Oster device for me a few years ago, and to be honest, my first thought was "honey, I can open a wine bottle with my teeth, I barely need an electric device for it." Well, color me WRONG because this is such a fun kitchen gadget! Inexpensive, too! It quickly removes the cork from the bottle and is always a hit when I host supper club. For those of you who enjoy happy hour with coworkers after a stressful workday, this is a fun gift for them to share your love of post-work vino.

6: Nest Holiday Votive Candle (on Amazon here)
I know you've seen this candle a gazillion times on blogs this holiday season (and the season before that, and the season before that....) BUT it's for a reason. This candle truly is the best holiday scent, hands down. It is an expensive candle, but the votive size packs a scent punch and is the right price for a coworker gift.

*** reader suggestion time!***

7: Smitten Monogram Tumbler (on Etsy here)
This tumbler is my reader suggestion pick from blog reader Sarah, and I think it would make an EXCELLENT coworker gift. We had a water cooler at my old work, and it was highly encouraged that we always use cups with lids (I followed that rule 98% of the time because I didn't want to be the clumsy space cadet that dumped a whole cup of water on my work-issued laptop). I think this monogrammed tumbler is such a great coworker gift -- personalized and practical. A wonderful price, too!

So, seven fun ideas to help you out this holiday season! If you have other ideas to add to the mix, please let us hear them in the comments section! (Oh, and if you want to share your suggestions for me of gift guide additions for baby/toddler/men/inlaws and parents, I'm all ears ... email me!)