It’s December! You know what that means. Christmas is near. I’m sure that’s no surprise for you since they technically start stocking stores for the holidays sometime in August – am I right? This year I’m not complaining, we’ve had our house decorated and Christmas tree up since November 6th. I knew I wasn’t going to have much energy left as I approached my due date (man was I spot on with that one!) so I used what energy I did have to get it done early.
So we’ve been ready for Christmas! We actually had our pumpkins out on our steps still as I decorated – my 3 year old was pretty confused. Someday she’ll probably think her mom was crazy, but for now I think I’m safe.
Anyways, I want to get on with the show! I have a lot of fun gift ideas to share with you guys this year. Every year I try to make my Holiday Gift Guide better and better (and more expansive) to try and give you as many unique gift ideas as I can. This year I think it came out to be my best one yet! So get comfy and keep reading to check out the following holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list this year. I hope you find some great inspiration!
Some samples of these products were provided to review and photograph.
All opinions however are mine. Post contains affiliate links.
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WOMEN: Gifts for Her
Okay guys, listen up. We really are not that hard to shop for. Most of the time it’s actually really simple luxuries in life that make our hearts happy. You know, like a Starbucks/Caribou gift card, a massage/pedicure/manicure or just the afternoon off to ourselves. Those aren’t that difficult, am I right? Alright. So start there. Then, if you really feel like shopping for something, there are really plenty of options out there right now. Today I wanted to mention some of my favorites and hopefully spark some inspiration in your venture to find the perfect Christmas gift for her.
I had to list these first because A) they cover the whole family category and B) does it get any cuter than matching buffalo plaid slippers for the whole family? We have been wearing these Dearforms Clog Slippers like crazy ever since we got them, and I’m not sure who’s enjoying them more – papa bear or lil bear 😉 Either way, I love the comfortable fit of these and they are just too cute not to mention! (Retail: $18.00 per pair)
Birchbox Beauty Advent Calendar
I love this advent calendar from Birchbox!! It is the perfect way to give the woman in your life, 14 days of beauty samples. Not to mention, let me tell you, these are some really awesome beauty samples. Each day holds another beauty product (face, hair, etc.) for her to try out and love. (Retail: $38.00)
I love pretty much anything from prAna, they have the coziest, cutest items for both women and men. Plus, their clothes are made with a conscious, they’re fair-trade certified, and they use recycled wool and organic cotton to make their garments. Above pictured is their high-waist Akiak leggings ($89) and their super warm Diva Long jacket ($189).
Soft Surroundings Faux Fur Throw
My husband will be the first to tell you that I’m obsessed with throws and blankets, and this La Parisienne faux fur throw from Soft Surroundings is my new favorite obsession. Not only does it look beautiful draped on our new couch, but it’s also super warm and cozy (it’s also my 3-year-olds favorite blanket right now as well.) I was worried about how it would wash up once she got some of her snack on it, but it actually washed up perfectly and you would’ve never even guessed it was washed in the washing machine! (Retail: $89.95)
Baggallini Expandable Carry on Duffel Bag
For the traveling woman, it’s important to have a good set of luggage and also a carry-on bag. Because you’re constantly fumbling around in your carry-on, dragging it around, or pushing it through security, it takes some clever design to make a carry-on duffel for women that will withstand all these tests. The Baggallini Expandable Carry On Duffel has been an awesome bag for traveling. I love that the back has a slot that slides around the handle of your luggage so that it stays securely in place as you’re running around. It has an expandable portion, plus a detachable wristlet on the inside to carry important items like your phone, ID, etc. Last but not least, it has a shoulder strap as well so that you can carry this bag really however you want! (Retail: $98)
Birchbox Best-Sellers Gift Set
I absolutely love this Best-Sellers gift set from Birchbox as well. It’s a little clear makeup bag filled with all of their customer favorites! So far everything I’ve tried from this little gift set has been amazing – it only makes sense why everyone else must love these items too! (Retail: $42)
Got a knitter that you’re buying for this year? How neat are these wooden yarn bowls from UncommonGoods? They just place their ball of yarn in the bowl, loop the tail through and it nicely guides the yarn through as you knit. Keeping it tangle free, tension perfect, and let’s admit – your yarn is very cutely displayed. They have a few different designs as well, including one that you can personalize with your recipient’s name! (Retail: $50 and up)
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks
I mentioned these last year in my gift guide and they were really some of my favorite items that I shared. I went through the whole tube of each one since then 🙂 If that tells you anything! I love that the colors of these are so complementary to your skin tone and that the color stays on so nice! Not to mention, they go on so smoothly and just look amazing every time. The Stila Stay All Day lipsticks are available in a wide array of colors. (Retail: $20 for the 3-pack)
I love trying out skincare products, they’re always coming out with new and improved ways to revitalize your skin. With living in Minnesota, my skin always gets so dry it seems inevitable. I love this set from Algenist, it’s their ‘Secrets of Algae Kit‘ which offers a liquid collagen, eye renewal balm, and anti-aging cream. You can tell that this isn’t your ordinary buy-from-the-drug-store set, it is a luxury collection that uses some serious science to better your skin (in as little as 10 days!) I especially love the eye cream, and the face cream has been awesome too! (Retail: $115)
MEN: Gifts for Him
Men can be tough to buy for, I can definitely vouch for that! So I talked to my husband and did some research and found some great options for the man in your life. Most all of these things can be purchased online as well, so the ease of shopping for your husband or boyfriend, or friend or dad, etc. is as easy as can be. Here are some of my favorite gifts for him this year.
KUIU Men’s Insulated Snap Shirt
No this handsome guy isn’t a model, I gave my husband his present early this year. He’s sporting the Insulated Snap Shirt from KUIU, which just happens to be his (and my) new favorite shirt of his. I confess, I’ve stole it a couple times and wore it as well because it is so nice. It can be worn as a mid-layer shirt or a lightweight jacket, it’s lightly insulated and water resistant which makes it an awesome layer for him on his hunting trips. I was amazed at how light and somewhat thin that it is, because it looks thick but it’s not. But because it’s insulated, it’s warm – it’s like magic. He’s already thinking about what color he wants to get next. (Retail: $139)
ThermoWorks Thermapen Digital Temperature Gauge
If you have a guy who likes to grill or cook, then the Thermapen is a surefire way to go. Plus, your food will be perfectly cooked every time you bite into it! I love using ours for everything we make, it gives me a little reassurance that I’m not serving undercooked meat (like the photo on the right – it looks done on the outside, but obviously it wasn’t cooked all the way through yet!) (Retail: $79)
Limited Edition: Handsome and Bright from Birchbox
If you’ve got a guy who loves to keep up with grooming trends, or just hygiene in general, then he’ll love this limited edition Handsome and Bright box from Birchbox. It’s got some amazing goodies in it, including BOMBAS socks (which give a pair every time you buy a pair) plus some amazing face wash, a cozy Surf Club hat, moisturizer, hand cream, lip balm, and more. My husband got to sample this box and he absolutely loved the socks and face wash, not to mention he enjoyed trying out the other items too, it was a nice change up for him! (Retail: $52.00)
SlideBelts Adjustable No-Holes Belts
If the man in your life needs a little update in his wardrobe, try one or two of these belts from SlideBelts. They’re ratchet belts without holes, allowing for a perfect fit and easy adjusting. I gifted one in brown and one in black to my hubby this year for Christmas. It’s also nice that you can choose which buckle you would like to put on them as well, so he’s sure to love every inch of his new belts. (Retail: $38.00+)
For the fishermen in your life, Lucky Tackle Box sends out monthly fishing-themed boxes offering new and unique products for the man in your life to test out. We sampled the Walleye and the Bass box, both of which had some awesome things inside. They have a few different boxes to choose from and prices are very reasonable! (Retail: Boxes start at $16.99)
For the beer lover in your life, this one is a must. My husband loves his IPA’s, so when I came across this Craft Beer Kit from UncommonGoods, I had to give it a shot. He has always said he would like to try brewing his own beer, so it’s a neat little experience gift for him! Plus, if I get to sample some beer out of the deal, don’t we both technically win? (Retail: $45)
Clothes are always a hit for the men in my life, so I’m always on the lookout for nice-fitting clothes that are going to last or that have a bigger purpose. I discovered this sweatshirt from United by Blue and absolutely loved it and the message behind it. For every one of their products sold, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways. Beyond that, this sweatshirt is made with their organic cotton/recycled poly blend helping to stick with their mission. I will gladly keep shopping from this website, as they’ve got plenty more to choose from! (Retail: $68)
Genius Pack Aerial Hardside Carry On Spinner
For the businessman or travel fanatic, you can count the Genius Pack Aerial Hardside Carry On Spinner a success. For my husband, this was a no-brainer. When he travels for work, he just brings a carry-on and packs as much in there as he can. The nice thing about this carry on is that it has a dedicated spot for laundry (on the right side, you can see the zipper there), along with interior category compartments, 360 degree spinning wheels, and it’s exterior is also scratch and stain resistant. This is one carry on worth investing in! (Retail: $178)
KIDS: Gift Ideas for Kids
I love shopping for kids, because it seems like there are always new and fun things coming out for them. Even more so, I love finding gift ideas for kids that also enable them to play and learn at the same time. Another added bonus for kids gifts is finding something that allows them to get energy out at the same time, or keep their little minds and hands occupied for good chunks of time (am I right, mamas?) Here are some of my favorite picks for this year.
If you want a great way to introduce your little one to some outdoor gear, plus work on their balance and coordination, these little electric scooters are awesome! The Razor Jr Lil’ Pop Scooter can be used manually or electrically (via a little easy button on the handlebars). It’s easy to charge, just plug it in and let it be. They have several colors to choose from and they’re affordable as well! (Retail: $44.99)
If your child loves cars, remote controlled toys, and lights – then Zoom Tubes Car Trax is going to be a new favorite. I love that it also has an engineering aspect as well. The kids have to assemble the track first, and then they can insert the cart and control it with the little remote control. It’s really a simple toy, but my daughter thought it was pretty neat! (Retail: $30.99)
I absolutely loved the idea behind this ice cream ball, and can’t wait to try it out next summer when the heat is on and the kids need something fun to do. Essentially you put the ingredients in the ball, kick it around and play for 20 minutes, and then open it up to enjoy your fresh-made quart of ice cream. You can find this for sale at UncommonGoods.com! (Retail: $50)
My daughter specifically asked for this Orbeez gadget this year. It’s actually pretty neat, and I’m hoping she shares with me! It comes with foot spa beads that offer a constant waterfall cascading over your pretty toes. It also comes with toe separators and nail polish. She’s going to be pumped to see this one under the tree this year! (Retail: $34.99)
For the creative little girl, this jewelry maker is going to be a hit. It provides all the tools they need to create all kinds of fun jewelry for them and their friends! Plus, it gives them an outlet of creativity and fine motor skills amongst the fun! (Retail: $29.99)
This one is for all the kids that love to learn and cook! Eat2explore is a fun family activity that helps kids explore the world through food. The kit theme that was received was for Morocco and it came with all kinds of fun information to learn about Morocco plus some culinary staples that we could test out. It’s really a neat way to immerse yourself in a different culture without even leaving home. (Retail: $19.95 and up)
USA Toyz Snap N’ Glow Trax Light Racer Set
This is another one of those toys that seems so simple but it’s just so cool! My daughter actually discovered the Snap N’ Glow Trax when a friend had them and she loved that you could bend and build the track however you wanted. The pieces of the track just snap together and you can work to create all kinds of designs along the way. The added bonus, it keeps them busy for hours! Double win. (Retail: $59.99)
Drones have been all the rage for a couple years now, and finally there is one that is affordable and good for kids! The “Scoot” Hands Free Hover Drone is a sensor-guided drone that comes complete without a remote. Just charge with a USB and toss it in the air to play. (Retail: $49.99)
What gifts do you have to add to the list? I’m always adding to the list, so drop me a line and if it’s something that must be named then I will get on it!
I hope this year’s Holiday Gift Guide gave you some inspiration in your Christmas gifts! Happy holiday shopping 🙂
Sarah
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