Want to know something I love about buying kid gifts? You can give them something that’s $5 and look like you hung the moon :) (Case in point: this ribbon twirler we gave my niece last Christmas.) And of course, I also love giving heirloom-quality gifts that they might one day pass down to their own kids! Today’s gift guide has picks from each column, including some things that are on June’s wish list this year. My friend Sam helped me with some of the boy picks, since she has firsthand experience!

Buckle up – it was hard to narrow down my picks, so today we have not one but TWO boards of ideas!

Pajamas | Bonus points if you can match amongst multiple kiddos or cousins! I also love these ones and these ones.
Squirrel popper | Just make sure they don’t shoot their eye out :) A certain nephew of mine will be getting one of these this Christmas!
Pennants | Choose from “capable & courageous” or “strong & smart” – either way, you can’t go wrong!
Wooden cutting fruit set | I clearly remember being gifted something similar from my grandma one Christmas and loving it. On June’s wish list this year!
Cozy sweatshirt | Sam and I both love everything from Winter Water Factory, and this print is a favorite we share!
Mini scooter | If our neighborhood is any indication, scooters are very big right now. This mini one is on June’s wish list, and though I think it will take her a few months to grow into it, I expect she’ll be scooting around like a pro this summer!
Quilt | The sweetest print from a cool Indian company.
Floor puzzle | The colors and illustrations take this classic puzzle up a notch.
Bruder toys | From Sam: “The model-sized toys are great for little guys! We have a cement mixer, fire truck, and crane, and I feel that they will still be fun for Perry to play with even as he gets older.”
Tegu blocks | Wooden blocks upgraded with magnets, in beautiful colors! Blocks are on J’s wish list this year, but I think we might go with this set.
Star Wars visual dictionary | Have a Luke fan in your house? I feel like this would go over super well. Plus, it seems like little kids are surprisingly VERY into very detailed books, like this one or this one.
Play tent | The dreamiest pattern combinations from the one and only Minted! On June’s list.
The softest dress | Marget got June the sweetest dress from this shop last Christmas, and we stretched that puppy as long as possible, transitioning it from a dress to a shirt! :) It doesn’t look like her star pattern is in stock anymore, but any of their prints would make a great gift!

Winter Water Factory dress | The best prints in organic cotton.
Memory game | Customized with family photos! I’ve done these for June, Tegan, and Wes so far and they are always a hit!
Home of the brave pennant | A rallying cry for everyone in the family.
United States blocks | An absolutely gorgeous set of wooden blocks that helps kids learn state shapes, capitals, mottos, birds, flowers, and trees!
Dollhouse | Bless Pottery Barn for making simple, chic, neutral toys that kids AND mamas can love.
Bow tie | From Sam: “Perry loves his bow tie, especially because he is able to match his dad!”
Tree swing | If you have the right tree in your yard, this looks SO fun. I am always in favor of something that gets kids outside! This one is MUCH more expensive, but if you don’t have the tree, could be an option!
Plasma car | Another neighborhood favorite! These things can really zoom.
Boxer briefs | The softest underwear with the cutest prints.
Baby doll | I have looked for weeks to find a sweet first doll for June, and I think this is the one!
Giant coloring poster | And I mean GIANT. So many fun designs!
Puzzle to go | From Sam: “We love these travel puzzles! They are easy to transport and we love bringing them along when we are traveling or when we are waiting for our meal at a restaurant.”
Kwix Stix | Quick drying tempura paint markers, going in June’s stocking! Thanks, Jo!
Three great books: City Atlas, Trucks Go, and A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars (written by my BROTHER-IN-LAW!!!).
Little aprons | The best patterns, and they can be personalized! Would be a perfect gift for nieces and nephews!

Whew!! I hope that was more helpful than overwhelming! :) How are y’all doing with Christmas shopping? I’m about halfway done, I think, and hoping to check a few more names off today!

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What to get the people who have everything they want and likely more money than you do? :) First, I have to say that many of the gift ideas in the gals gift guide and the upcoming guys gift guide work for this group — after all, parents and grandparents are people, too, and my Mom likes pretty much everything I do!

For this gift guide, though, most picks fall into two categories: either something sentimental, or an upgrade/replacement for something they already have. Again, if your parents are like mine, they have not replaced their oven mitts/Christmas decorations/baking sheets in 30 years. And we love them for it. But sometimes things need to be replaced :)

P.S. I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings!!

Boat and tote | Not a New Englander? Then maybe you will get the honor of introducing your loved one to L.L. Bean’s iconic bag! They can be monogrammed for an extra touch.

Striped pot holders | There are a lot of gems in the Hearth & Hand collection, but I love these simple pot holders! Swap out her stained ones for a new pair.

Echo Dot | Know your audience with tech gifts, but they can make great gift ideas because a) they may not be something the recipient would buy for himself, and b) you will hopefully be there in person to show him how to set it up or use it!

Keepsake Kitchen Diary | This is actually on my wish list! It has space to write in 150 recipes and the stories that accompany them. Not-so-secret-side-benefit: maybe one day your Mom will pass it down to you!

Ceramic spoon rest | A kitchen essential that’s classic and clean. Maybe pair this with the pot holders?

Potted paperwhites | If you’re new to the in-law rodeo, a growing gift is usually a good option. For a much smaller version at a lower price point, I’ve seen pretty options at Trader Joe’s!

Scalloped pot | In the same vein, a pretty pot filled with either a potted plant or a gift certificate to an online nursery (we like White Flower Farm) is a go-to. (The pot shown from Jenny is sold out right now, but this hanging basket is another good option!)

Faux magnolia wreath | A timeless option for their front door or mantel. I’ve purchased faux plants from Magnolia before and have been impressed with the quality!

365 Calendar | This is like those tear-off calendars that used to be all the rage (cute kittens, inspiring quotes, etc.) BUT way better because every day is customized with your photos! I don’t know about y’all, but my parents would LOVE a new photo of their grandkids (and kids!) every day.

A coffee table book | On a subject they are or might soon be interested in. Two good options: Portraits of Courage, whose proceeds support veteran causes and that brought me to tears, and The National Parks, for soaring images and stories from Ken Burns.

A Lindsay Letters holiday canvas | If your parents aren’t of the social media persuasion, introduce them to LL and look like a genius! Any of her holiday canvases would help spruce up a Christmas decor collection. (I also like this metal wreath!)

A fun food item | If you’re truly stumped or your parents insist they “don’t want any more things,” food it is. Bonus points for getting them something yummy but special, or with a story behind it. My father-in-law loves pates, and I’m pretty sure he will be getting this award-winning one this Christmas. Toss in a beautiful platter, tray, or spreaders if you’re feeling daring :)

Other solid ideas: tickets to a show or a gift certificate for a favorite restaurant, a cooking school lesson, or a fly fishing lesson. (These are not cop-out ideas! Experiences make awesome gifts!)

I’d love to hear: What gifts for grands and parents have you been proud of in the past? I have to say, I’m pretty excited about a semi-DIY gift for my in-laws I’m working on this year, but I can’t share it yet! :)

More gift guides:
Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
Kind-Hearted Picks

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Something different for you today!

This year I have been intrigued and inspired by my friend Nicole’s commitment to buying new clothes only from ethical sources. Admittedly, it’s not something that has been a huge priority in my life thus far, and it’s not an area I know much about — BUT, what better time to dip in a toe than the gifting season? With all the gift guide hoopla happening right now, I think companies that do good deserve a spotlight just as much as any.

Whether you’re splurging on a friend, adding a pricier item to your personal wish list, or taking advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, there’s never a better time to pick up one of these items than this week! I hope you find something to love here!

P.S. A note from Nicole, who helped me find most of these picks: “I think ‘ethical’ is open to interpretation. It could mean produced ethically, with the community and the environment in mind, or created under a business model that benefits society in some way. It’s also worth noting, for background, that while some companies are scrutinized and criticized for the way they contribute to their causes, I think any company that has a net positive impact on the world could fall into this category. (I’m thinking of TOMs as an example — criticized for not using their money and influence to actually improve the infrastructure that causes the ground to be unsafe to walk on, and instead just handing out shoes.)

I’ve marked with an asterisk those companies that have current or upcoming Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales!

*A gorgeous maxi skirt from Francis + Benedict, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that employs Togolese seamstresses and invests their profits in the same communities to benefit orphans, widows, and those in poverty.

A striped ceramic tray from The Little Market, Lauren Conrad’s online market supporting artisans around the world. (Go, LC!)

*A dainty wire cuff bracelet from Nisolo, who provides fair wages, community support, and support of independent artisans.

A Kitchen Traditions recipe box from Belle & Union, made from trees killed by a fungus. Infected/dead trees are often burned when the more eco-friendly option is to recycle them into usable goods!

Punjammies lounge pants from Sudara, who empowers women in India to live in freedom from human trafficking through living-wage employment and skills training.

*A pair of cozy socks from Bombas, who gives a pair to a homeless shelter for each one purchased.

*A sleek backpack from Everlane, who is devoted to radical transparency and the best and most ethical factories around the world.

A beautiful leather clutch from Fashionable, who manufactures directly in the communities they wish to impact, creating jobs and ending the cycle of charity dependency.

*The coziest flannel pajama pants from Boll & Branch, who uses fair trade cotton and donates with each purchase to help end human trafficking.

A pair of swingy earrings from Sseko Designs, who hires high-potential women in Uganda to support their college educations.

A stylish pair of shoes from Rothy’s, made from recycled and recyclable materials (water bottles!) with low-impact production.

A colorful throw from The Little Market.

*A pair of floral yoga pants from Naja, who employs single women and prints their materials digitally for less chemical runoff and water waste.

A beautiful vase from The Commons, who’s reviving a community in NC and uses recyclable/earth-based materials.

A slouchy tee from Sevenly, who originated the 7-day “cause campaigns.”

Finally, a sheet mask from Yes to, who is cruelty-free. Do it with a friend :)

Friends, I would LOVE to hear: What other companies do you love who are doing good? This list only scratches the surface, especially since that can be defined in so many ways! Please chime in!!

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Happy Monday, friends! With Black Friday/Cyber Monday fast approaching, I’m making my list and checking it twice for all of the loved ones in my life. I’ll be sharing gift ideas in a few different categories this week and next in case you’re stuck on a certain someone! Up first: your best girls.

P.S. A note on prices: though everything here is under $100 (and a few are just $10!), I did include a range. In both sides of my family we’ve gone to a gift pick system, where the siblings draw names and there’s a $75 cap per person, and I figured some of you may have done the same! Or maybe you’re looking for something to add to your personal wish list for a generous parent to gift you :) I hope you find these ideas helpful!

Blue swirl planter | This beauty would look perfect in almost any home decor scheme.

Flannel blanket scarf | Just one of many gorgeous patterns – only $11 right now!

A copy of your favorite book | A fool-proof gift idea for almost anyone: buy her a copy of your favorite book and inscribe it with a note about why you think she’ll love it. This is one of mine.

Gingham platter | With four different color options, you’ll find one to suit her style.

Thistle Farms hand soap | Thistle Farms is a Nashville business with the mission to heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Their soaps or lotion would make a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer.

Silver picture frames | These frames are on everyone’s wish list this year, and for good reason! A group of them looks so classic and pretty.

Floral melamine plate set | After being sold out for MONTHS, these appear to be back in stock!! I am a little bit obsessed with them and they are at the top of my wish list!

A subscription to Bon Appetit | Or the magazine of your choice — but I have to say, BA is bringing their A game. The writing is witty and fun, the style is so distinct, I love their culture features, and — oh yes — the recipes are good, too :)

Packable cream bow hat | The only word for this hat is darling. Even if someone says they don’t look good in hats, they’ll look good in this one. (Raising my hand here!)

A volume of Write the Word | I’ll be gifting these to a few loved ones this Christmas. No matter where your friend is in her faith journey, these journals will meet her there!

Delicate monogram necklace | Choose her own initial, her significant other’s, or her baby’s – it will be a treasure any way. I also like this bolder option.

Gingham pouch | These sweet little pouches (also in navy, gray stripes, and blue stripes) are just $10! At that price, you can buy them for all your friends and tuck something sweet inside.

Bow gloves | She may have everything, but does she have bow gloves? :)

Blue tansy mask | I have been using this for months and LOVE it! The nice thing about gifting a mask is that it can be incorporated as an “extra” into whatever skin care routine she already has. Pro tip: I often buy my Herbivore products here, where this mask is 25% off right now!

Watermelon baggu | This would just make her smile anytime she pulled it out :) At this price point, it’s also a great candidate for filling with an extra treat! (And if watermelons aren’t your thing, there are a million more patterns!)

Any other great gift ideas to share? Please do — I know readers would love to hear!! I’m also a BIG fan of experiential gifts, especially if you live in the same place — a gift certificate for a manicure or coffee shop and a date to go together, a coupon for a free night of babysitting, etc. (Side note: I think we should all trade babysitting nights with other couples more often, yes?! I wish this was more of a thing…)

P.S. Last year’s gift guide for gals – lots of great ideas I still stand by in this one! :)

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