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As much as I’d like to think that the Holidays are a time of making my own tree garlands, designing wrapping paper with hand-crafted stamps, and baking tin after beautiful tin of perfectly frosted sugar cookies, the reality looks a little different.
Okay, a lot different.
Reality in my house looks like a Christmas tree decorated by a 12-year-old (the ornaments all reside in a clump about shoulder height), wrapping paper from Costco all over the living room floor, a kitchen counter covered in breakfast crumbs, dishes in the sink with dried-on lettuce stuck to the edges, bills I never want to open staring at me, and a few Victoria’s Secret catalogs with covers that look like Hugh Hefner came back to life, smirked, and said, “That one. Use that picture.”
So when it comes time to shop for Christmas gifts I want two things: the perfect gift and the ability to order it online.
I do not want to deal with traffic.
I do not want to deal with parking.
I do not want to deal with lines at the cashiers.
I’m the perfect combination of the Grinch and Martha Stewart. Cranky about the holidays but also wanting them to be oh-so-perfect.
Anyway…
Here are some ideas I’ll be snatching up this season for friends and family. Maybe you’ll see something that catches your eye and can cross off some names on your lists, too.
FOR YOUR SISTER
Satchel with crossbody strap, Hearth & Hand – Magnolia
This satchel is darling, just like your sister.
She will love how much stuff she can fit into this bag while still maintaining a stylish look. Bonus: this can be used as an overnight duffel, or diaper bag, as well. And guess what? It comes with a matching, separate zippered pouch, that will hold all the small stuff she loves (lip gloss, hand lotion, hair ties, etc). And the leather base will help keep scuffs and icky floors from ruining her gorgeous tote.
FOR YOUR 5 YEAR OLD NIECE OR NEPHEW
Milo Does Not Like Mornings, by Sasha Graham
For every parent who has ever struggled to get a kid out of bed in the morning, and for every kid who has ever struggled to stay there!
Milo is a boy who loves to run, and jump, and climb, and laugh, and swing.
But NOT in the morning.
In the morning, Milo doesn’t like to move a muscle.
When Milo’s mom tells him that she has an important meeting in the morning, Milo PROMISES her that she can count on him. But when the sun comes up, will Milo listen to his Tiny Ninja or will he stay fast asleep?
Bonus: this book contains a Find the Ninjas challenge inside!
Pair this with a fun ninja mask and a cape and you’ve got a perfect Christmas gift.
FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR’S VSCO GIRL
Roxy Little Sweet Emotions Girls Trucker Hat
Pair this cute cap with a flannel shirt and maybe an iTunes gift card, a shell necklace, and bam! You’ve got a rad gift for the skkkkkkst trendy girl in your life.
FOR THE MAN THAT ONLY WEARS BLACK
I get it. Men like to wear black. No, I really do get it because black is my color of choice, too. If you have a man that only works in black, and sometimes very dark grey, (name that movie the lego movie), then this is the t-shirt you need.
The crew neck is just as great, too. It’s suede-like soft, holds its shape, and won’t fade in the wash. It’s the perfect t-shirt. I dare you not to steal it.
FOR YOUR HIPSTER FRIEND or YOUR BELOVED CAT OR DOG
Turns out Wheatgrass is not just for hippies. Dogs and cats like to eat it as well.
This tabletop reclaimed barn wood style planter wheatgrass kit accomplishes everything all in one product: cute display, seeds, and sprouting material. You’ll be a juicing fool in no time (or your cat or dog will be).
Speaking of your pet, here’s an easy way to clean your dog in the shower.
The Waterpik Pet Wand Pro shower attachment will help keep you dry while you bathe your doggo. No more shampoo residue in all that fur, and no more soaking yourself while trying to clean your best friend.
One more thing to add to the hipster list: reusable bags. I know this is probably old news by now, but it really does help the environment if we use less plastic. If you have kids and you send them to school with a lunch every day, or if they are involved in sports and needs snacks, these reusable zipper bags are the bomb.
These zippered, leak-free pouches are machine washable. Let me just say that again: these are machine washable. No more washing by hand at the end of a busy day. I have some reusable plastic ones by Russbe (they have the cutest designs, especially for little kids), but it is kind of a pain to have to hand wash them every. single. day. I’m looking forward to being able to toss these in the laundry and call it good.
FOR THE NEWLYWEDS THAT ALSO HAVE A YouTube CHANNEL
They need something unique. Something they can showcase on Insta, or YouTube. Something their friends will “oooo and ahhhh” over. Here it is, the agate cheeseboard from Anthropologie.
This beautiful piece is outlined in brass and each different color sports a unique and equally gorgeous cut. These are the definitions of Instagrammable content. Bring on the Happy Hour!
FOR THE DISTINGUISHED GYM RAT
This leather air pods carrying case will keep music at an easy reach and help keep dirt and grime at bay. And it can be easily clipped to a bag zipper, or a keychain. Now the only problem will be remembering to charge the dang thing.
FOR THE COFFEE OBSESSED
I’m a coffeeholic.
No. For real.
Knowing I can have a cup of coffee in the morning is literally the only thing that gets me out of bed.
I’ve tried all the coffees, too. From the famous to the no-name brands, I’ve tried them all. And this, my friends, is the best coffee I have EVER had. It’s all I buy now. It’s dark, it’s organic, it’s full of rich flavor, and it has the best name ever: Kick Ass.
Seriously. If you have a coffee lover in your life, or if you just want something special in your own stocking, buy this coffee. You will not be disappointed. After all, 5 thousand reviewers cannot be mistaken.
Add a cute mug and a Whole 30-approved creamer and you’re good to go.
FOR THE LULULEMON FANATIC (at half the price)
Amazon has this Lululemon knock off that is crazy good. I mean, the designs are so similar I’m surprised they don’t get sued for trademark infringement (please don’t sue them. I love these prices). And not only are the designs look-alike, the fit and comfort level is surprisingly great! But here’s the best part: it’s dirt cheap compared to Lulu.
Here is my favorite pair of leggings. I chose the black pair and the navy pair for myself, but I’m showing a lighter color here so you can see more detail. These puppies are silky smooth, pass the squat test (i.e. you’re not going to give away Victoria’s Secret), they hold everything in (no rolls, bumps or bulges…and that’s after 6 months of me not lifting a thing — thanks, disc herniation — so I have lot of rolls to play with), and best of all, they stay put. They are high waisted but they don’t roll down your tummy like some other brands. And for $24.00 you cannot go wrong.
FOR THE TEACHERS, HAIR STYLISTS, or DOG GROOMERS IN YOUR WORLD
Actually, for the hair stylist, I would suggest you just give him or her a larger-than-normal tip. I’ve talked to a lot of stylists and they all tell me this is the gift they really appreciate (and can use) most.
But if you’d like to include a small token of thanks along with, or in place of, an extra monetary gift, this is the greatest idea right here.
Every woman I know likes hand lotion. Especially one that spends a lot of time with her hands in the water. Instead of giving something from that store in the mall that you can smell from a mile away (ps. if you can smell it from that far away, chances are the chemicals creating those fragrances are not healthy for you. Like, at all), choose instead one of these lotions from Perfectly Posh that use coconut oil and glycerin to provide intense moisture, and just the right amount of a favorite fragrance.
Fair warning: you will want them all for yourself!
FOR THE KID THAT HAS EVERYTHING & ALSO LIKES TO COOK
Raddish has a great idea here. With how quickly the home meal delivery trend has taken off, it’s no wonder someone came up this idea.
You sign up a child for Raddish and for between $20-24 each month they receive a new, exciting theme and lots of cool extras, like crafts, apron patches, cooking utensils and a ton more. Raddish is for ages 4-14!
AND, their website is packed full of useful, fun stuff. You can check it all out by clicking here.
FOR THE BACHELOR PAD, MAN CAVE, or COLLEGE GRAD
Everyone loves darts. And men especially love darts. And especially if right next to the darts is a mini fridge filled with beer. And girls will like this dart board too so they can practice up and beat the men who love the game so much (insert evil laugh here).
FOR YOUR SWEET GRANDMA and GRANDPA
Personalized house painting. Guys, everyone loves going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Or maybe you want to memorialize the house you grew up in. Either way, this is a unique gift your parents or grandparents are going to love.
Just send in a photo of your grandparents’ home, and this wonderful Etsy artist will send back a gorgeous digital watercolor print. You can add customization and can also alter elements in the original photograph (i.e. please remove the houses in the background, please add more tulips in the planter boxes, etc.). You can choose sizing from 5×7 all the way up to 16×20, and pricing begins at $35.00.
FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND (Men: get this for your wife)
Just do what I say. Get this cozy blanket, a bottle of wine, and the first season of Outlander on DVD. Perfect gift. The End.
And finally, for the hardest one to buy for on your list…
FOR YOUR TEENAGE DAUGHTER
Portable drinking straws Because teens don’t care about germs, but adults do. She’ll love it because saving the turtles is cool.
Invisibobble hair ties Trust me these truly are the best hair ties around. You will want them for yourself as well.
Face Halo makeup remover pads These are GENIUS! Little pads that you just add water to and they will instantly take off all makeup. Perfect for when your girl is too tired to take off makeup and you’re tired of washing black smudges off of pillowcases.
Hair clips. Yes, these are a trend. Yes, it’s a little bit weird. But yes, I promise she will adore them.
Wearable nail polish bottle holder. Spills stopped. Oopsies obliterated. Whoops wiped out. I could go on but I’ll be quiet now. Just slip the nail polish bottle down into the silicone holder and then push it onto your fingers between your knuckles. How simply perfect.
And here’s a nail polish brand you can feel good about giving her. Ella+Mila is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor, and it’s made in the USA. Give her this white one (it’s a crazy trend right now),
and get this one for yourself.
Whew!
After all of that shopping you deserve to put your feet up, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and some great TV!
Happy Holidays to you!
Cheers!
I love your suggestions for gifts Megan! I’m happy to say that I’ve actually bought the coasters ( smaller version of the cutting board) and the gift recipient was thrilled with the gift. Also, Alison and Eoin have the beautiful cozy blanket at their house and I used it there this morning! SO cozy!
One question, why do you call the hair clips ‘weird’? I’m not a teenage girl, but I do love hair clips; they perform an important function!
XO- Nancy
Nancy,
You are so on top of gift giving with those darling coasters!
The hair clips…I think I mentioned they were weird only because when I was growing up they were definitely not considered cool, and now they seem to be all the rage with the girls! How things change. xoxo