By popular request, I’m transposing the conceit of my gift guide for kids to this one – gifts for the people you love – by sharing what I’m actually gifting to a few of the loveliest people in my life this Christmas. Plus, I’ve included a few notes on gifts that have landed well in the past, in the hopes that one might be the right for your husband, mom, dad, sister, in-law, or beloved teacher.
(And on that note, if you are any of those people, close out this post pronto. Please and thank you :))
In the past, I’ve gifted experiences (Jim Gaffigan, Nate Bargatze, a treetop adventure course), this chair that folds up tiny, LOTS of clothing (this, this, this, this, this, and this most recently), a tumbler, a Durham Bulls shirt, a NYT crossword puzzle book, a Soda Stream (still used daily four years later), a weather station, and a very suave briefcase. (The briefcase linked is not exactly the same, but as close as I could find from the same brand – I bought John’s in 2018. It’s been used daily and still looks handsome!)
In the last few years he’s also bought himself a ruck carrier and plate, a down coat with hood, a fleece jacket and hat (both seen above), and some Ugg boots – after lusting after my warm toes for years. And don’t forget this post on some of John’s clothing favorites – lots of good ideas in there! One to highlight: the Legends sweater shirt, which is still his favorite thing to wear. Looks like a flannel, is as incredibly soft and stretchy as the best sweatshirt.
Oh yes, and don’t forget books: though John doesn’t read a ton of them himself (he’s more of an articles guy), he loves to support his favorite authors and thinkers by adding their offerings to the collection on his nightstand :) A few new additions this year: Fighting Shadows, The Divine Conspiracy, The Anxious Generation, and How to Know a Person.
My Dad will get a continuation of the Atlantic subscription I started for him a few years ago, and whose articles we enjoy discussing together – though I’m intrigued by this grill prep and carry set that is being gifted by several members of Articles Club this year.
For his Dad, John chose a gift basket of food goodies from Asheville. It’s a little more than the limit (see below), but it’s in support of our beloved mountains, so we’ll just consider the overage a donation :)
On John’s side of the family, the siblings and parents draw names — everyone gifts to one other person with a $100 limit. I drew my mother-in-law and chose for her a weighted vest (I got the 6 lb version!), a stick-on bird feeder, and the cutest seed birdhouse from a local garden store (above!).
On my side of the family, the siblings and husbands have opted to splurge on a fancy dinner out, together, in lieu of gifts over the last few years – and this year, too. However, my younger sister Kim will be joining us for Christmas morning this year, and per my desire to leave no one out of the gifting, I’m planning to wrap up a few small things for her: a set of 2025 PowerSheets (perk of the job!), a caramel tasting set from Trader Joe’s, a watercolor workbook, and a Ghiradelli’s brownie mix paired with a little bottle of blood orange olive oil. (You swap the flavored olive oil for the canola oil called for in the recipe – so delicious!!)
My Mom is going to get this Blackwatch pullover from my own wish list – she likes most of what I like and as a diehard New Englander, loves an L.L. Bean gift :)
All of the kids’ teachers will be getting a gift card to a local business, matched to their interests, and a very grateful note.
A few other gifts we’ve given in the past for your consideration:
— Chappy Wraps | Light yet cozy with the prettiest patterns. This is the go-to blanket on our sofa and we’ve gifted one to my parents, too!
— Original Bogg Bag | We use ours at the pool, the beach, and the soccer field, but I think they’re particularly helpful for road trip packing.
— Snap tote | They fold up flat and snap open to fit a ton – I use mine at least weekly, and have had it for years!
— Boat & Tote bags | Incredibly sturdy and incredibly classic. I like mine open top, in navy, with sans serif embroidery. I find this to be a versatile gift at a great price point that’s easy to personalize – you could embroider her initials, nickname, or something funny or practical! Plus, they introduced the most beautiful medium blue this year!
— Geometry napkins | I split two packs of these between my Mom and I for Mother’s Day this year, and they were a hit with both of us! The suede-like material requires no ironing for a smooth fold and there are dozens and dozens of patterns to choose from.
— Something meaningful, framed | We recently gifted John’s parents a house portrait as a housewarming gift and framed it with Framebridge – a favorite I’ve used for many projects over the years. There are lots of house portrait options on Etsy, too!
— Solo stove | Yes, this gift was all the rage a few years ago, but it’s still worth a mention! Produces a near-smokeless fire in a compact, good-looking package. Pair with extendable sticks and the absolute best thing to sandwich a marshmallow between.
— Tea kettle | An elegant countertop tea kettle for the tea, coffee, or hot chocolate drinker in your life! We’ve gifted these twice and they’re always a hit. Lots of fun options for this one – pair it with some gourmet or meaningful tea or coffee, a pretty tea towel, and/or a mug that will make them smile!
— Something from White Flower Farm | This is my father-in-law’s favorite plant source, and we have ordered many things from them over the years! Bulbs, wreaths, flowering houseplants – or a gift card for them to choose something for their yard.
— A photo gift | Don’t sleep on the photo mug, friends! Are they a little cheesy? Yes. Do lots of grandparents legitimately want one? Absolutely yes, but they’re not, you know, something you’re going to buy for yourself. A personalized calendar with photos from the year is another sure bet!
— A live wreath | This was our go-to teacher gift for several years running – we bought simple wreaths from a local fundraiser and dressed them up with bows. I have also done the same for hostess gifts! L.L. Bean has beautiful options if you need to ship.
— A media subscription | Whether physical or digital, this is one of my favorite things to give. In recent years, I’ve given an Our State subscription to a friend, an Atlantic subscription to my Dad, and a So Many Thoughts subscription to my Mom.
— A digital picture frame | The siblings went in on this for John’s parents a few years ago, and it’s so easy to upload new photos by email!
Whew!! I sincerely hope you found an idea in there for the ones you love, or that something I listed sparked an even better idea. And happiest Thanksgiving, friends! I’ll be back with a final gift guide on Friday :)
Everyone’s favorite gift guide – what we’re actually giving our kids this Christmas! It’s been enjoyed since 2019, when we had a four-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy. Below, I’ve shared what each of our kids will be finding under the tree this year, along with a few suggestions I gave to relatives. I’ve also listed a few of the very favorite kid items we already own at the bottom if you’re looking for a few more suggestions!
(And if it’s helpful, I’ve linked everything here!)
First, the kids will be receiving one joint gift this year – the beautiful embroidered banner below for our loft/playroom, in honor of the Narnia books they’ve been reading with John. I love it so much, but the other designs are tempting, too!
June (who is almost 9) will be receiving:
— A ticket to Alice in Wonderland performed by the Carolina Ballet this spring. I wasn’t thrilled with the DPAC offerings this season, and though I don’t think a ballet would be her first choice, she thrives on a fancy night out and 1-on-1 time so I feel like we can’t go wrong here. — New bedding: the duvet, sham, and sheet set of her choice. I’ve selected some options I think she’ll love (including this, this, and this) and will wrap and print a little catalog for her to choose from. She’s been asking for a “fluffy” comforter for awhile (she has a quilt on her bed now), so I think this will be very exciting. — 8 books in the Dear America series, a favorite from my childhood. And when I say from my childhood, I mean from my childhood – I’ve tucked these away for several decades just for this moment! — Two winter watercolor workbooks – one from Emily Lex (I bought it in the cutest shop in our downtown, supporting two small businesses in one go!) and one from Brighter Day Press. I’m hoping she’ll let me paint alongside her!
— A ticket to Dude Perfect when they come to Greensboro next summer. We would have bought tickets for both kids, but June will be at camp on this date! — A replacement Yoto Mini. Yep, you read that right: somehow Shep’s Yoto went missing a few months ago, and though I am annoyed that he lost it and was definitely not going to jump in to replace it immediately, he’s been sad without it and I’d love for him to have one again. — A wooden paddleboat kit. We snagged this surreptitiously on our Bryson City trip after he clamored for it in a store. — An NC Courage tee to cheer on his favorite soccer ladies.
— Dog BINGO. I originally purchased this for June a few months ago, and she’s going to be very jealous when she sees Annie open it, but ultimately it will be played by everyone and I’m relieved to have another gift with the name of the hardest child to shop for under the tree :) — A giant box of chalk. This sidewalk chalk is incredible – bold and vibrant – and with 180 pieces, should satisfy our smallest artist for at least a few weeks. — A kimchi tee. All of our kids are nuts for fermented cabbage, much to John’s delight. They’ll get a kick out of this graphic tee, which I’ll wrap with a few consignment finds I held back from my fall haul. — A new bike helmet from our local shop, just like the big kids. — A little purse for all her treasures.
Other ideas I gave to relatives: panda slippers and a bunny light. Mostly, this girl is still just thrilled to be here and happy to open anything! :)
A FEW OF OUR TIME-TESTED, VERY FAVORITE TOYS AND GIFTS:
— The Nugget, a key component for hours of open-ended play. — This ice cream play set, which has provided hours and hours of entertainment. FIVE STARS. — A set of MagnaTiles, because yes, they’re as good as everyone says they are. Definitely add the cars, and remember MagnaTiles and PicassoTiles are interchangeable! — A big box of colorful Duplos (played with daily for many years). — America’s Test Kitchen Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs, which has some of the most delicious recipes I’ve ever tasted (those chocolate crinkle cookies!). — A box of letter writing supplies (cards and envelopes, postage stamps, a fancy pen, stickers, a return address stamp, maybe even pre-addressed labels printed with the addresses of grandparents and friends!). — The softest faux fur tie dye blanket in all of June’s favorite colors. — A wooden train track. We have a combo of the Hape and Ikea sets, which are interchangeable. — A Micro Kickboard scooter. These are hands-down the best scooters – we’ve gifted them to all of our kids around age 2, and 3-5 is the sweet spot. — A glow-in-the-dark soccer ball – perfect for street games after Daylight Savings Time! — A Priority Start bike. June started with the 16″ at age 4 3/4, graduated to the 20″ at age 6, and got the 24″ for her 8th birthday. Shep now rides the 20″ and Annie will get the 16″ on her 4th birthday. These bikes are SO well-made – they’ve been through several kids in our family and still look perfect! — An art case coloring set. One of Shep’s most beloved items, used daily! — A game you can play together: try Cover Your Assets, Ticket to Ride, or Sushi Go Party, all family favorites. (More ideas here!) — The cutest personalized notepads. BIG favorite with June.
Whew! I hope that’s helpful! I’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas, but remember, kids don’t need much to be happy – in our family, we’ve actually found that too many gifts can be overwhelming and dull the whole experience. So choose wisely, and with joy – giving our kids good gifts is a really fun part of being a parent! :)
Below, tell me what you’re getting your kiddos this year — I love hearing your shopping lists!
Previously: — 2023: A 7-year-old girl, a 5.5-year-old boy, and a 2.5-year-old girl — 2022: A 6-year-old girl, a 4.5-year-old boy, and a 1.5-year-old girl — 2021: A 5-year-old girl, a 3.5-year-old boy, and a six-months girl — 2020: A 4-year-old girl and a 2.5-year-old boy — 2019: A 3-year-old girl and a 1.5-year-old boy
Welcome to the first EFM gift guide of 2024! No better place to start, as there’s no one I know better how to shop for than myself :) And I actually do plan to shop for myself this Christmas, as funny as that might sound. There are a few reasons why…
First, I am committed to a Christmas morning that is not simply my children opening gift after gift. I want them to see other people (a.k.a. me and John) opening and enjoying gifts, too, and understand that this morning is for them, but not all about them.
This is tricky, though, because while John and I try to exercise restraint in our giving, the handful of gifts we select for them are just the start: our kids also get gifts from two sets of grandparents. And aunts and uncles. And great aunts. And their siblings.
Which is so wonderful! But in contrast, John and I get gifts from… each other. Maybe one or two or three. And as both sides of our families have moved to swap systems or exchanged gifts for experiences, the balance of boxes under the tree has become more and more lopsided.
So yes, I’d like to even things out a little, and if I need to buy myself gifts to do so, I’m okay with that: I like getting things that I believe will improve my days or bring me little glimmers of joy, but gifts are not my main love language.
Second, I’m frugal. For years, in our early life together when we were living on less, I built my Christmas list with great care, earmarking things month in advance that I wanted but that simply didn’t fit in our budget. I’m grateful for all the gifts from parents and in-laws and siblings that for years filled in the gaps.
Though our budget has expanded, my frugal ways have mostly stayed the same — it still feels like I need an excuse to buy the special items that add a little joy, delight, comfort, and flair to my days but that I don’t need.
Christmas, then, becomes an opportunity to choose a few items that no one is going to buy for me… but me. (Usually at a discount – thank you, Black Friday!) And wrapping them and putting them under the tree kills two birds with one stone: I get a few things that have been on my wishlist, and my kids are reminded that Christmas joy is for everyone.
Is Christmas all about gifts? Of course not. But I do think the way we handle them in our homes can shape our children’s norms, expectations, and understanding of the world around them, and I want to handle that with care.
Now that we’ve got the (overly) deep discourse out of the way, let’s get to the goods! While these are gifts on my personal wish list, here’s hoping you might find something that would appeal to your sister, mom, mother-in-law, or friend, too. I’ve linked them below and rounded them all up here, if helpful!
On my wish list:
— The prettiest blue floral dress | I’ve been loyal to Lake’s pajamas for almost a decade but have never branched out into their other offerings. This dress looks like such an easy, swingy number to pull on.
— A personalized charm necklace | A dear friend has one of these necklaces and I think it’s an effortlessly chic (and meaningful!) piece. I’ve mocked up the Jane chain with four charms and am hoping for a Black Friday sale.
— A Blackwatch quilted pullover | Is this me embodied in a top? It just might be. I’d pull this on all fall and winter as a cozy extra layer and am always happy for an opportunity to buy from my favorite Maine company.
— A fluted mixing bowl | Our stand mixer is a permanent fixture on our kitchen counter and I think this would be the prettiest upgrade.
— A family snack box | I upped my snack game considerably from our first to second neighborhood swim season but this little guy would take it to the next level, keeping the plethora of fruit, veggies, goldfish, chomps, and treats we pack in place.
— A cozy sweatshirt that gives back | Hope Heals, a camp where families with disabilities experience respite free of charge, is precious and dear.
— A book of poetry | I’d keep Mary Oliver’s Devotions on my bedside table and slice off a poem to savor each evening.
— A family hymnal | I researched many options to find what I was looking for – music and lyrics for a wide selection of favorite hymns – and think this is it!
— A sun hat | I love my current sun hat but it’s not very packable and it doesn’t have a chin strap. A friend has this one and I think it would work well for boat rides and plane trips!
— A block print tablecloth | The loveliest neutral tablecloth that would be on repeat on our table throughout the fall.
— A cozy Christmas puzzle | Though I might have to break this out in advance – I’d rather see it on our table all month rather than under the tree on Christmas day!
And now, here are a few things I own and love that I think are worthy of adding to your wish list – or considering for your loved ones!
Clothing:
— A soft, chunky sweater | I bought this a few years ago and it is one of my favorite things in my closet. It’s easy (and so comfortable!) to wear, but looks really refined. The dark moss this year is so good! — Sleeveless linen dress | My favorite thing to wear in the summer! (Or this dupe, which my friend swears is just as good!) — Clementine shorts | Made for athletic pursuits but they look cute enough to wear out and about with a tee. My favorite colors right now are the Peri and Crushed Ice. — Kule tee | My favorite striped tee. I have the Classic in cream and navy, but it reads black and white to me. — Summersalt swim suit | I have the Sidestroke, the Oasis, and the Marina and I love them all. I would order up at least one size, as I think they run small. Very fun one-pieces and they’re always getting compliments from other mamas at the pool! — Lake Pajamas | It’s been almost a decade since I’ve worn any other pajamas (and in fact, still wear my original pair!). I wear the long-longs year-round and they feel so cool and silky. (I even added a holiday pattern last year!) — Joggers | My one and only pair of joggers, and they are regrettably worth it. I have the lake heather.
Shoes and accessories:
— Shearling slippers | At hours-of-wear, this item of clothing would probably clock in at the top of my wardrobe – they’re my go-to from when I walk in the door to hopping into bed. — Maylis shoes | I own and adore the Ella heels (in cream) and the Catherine loafers (in Maylis blue). Both pairs are comfortable, beautiful, well-made, and required almost no breaking in. Still in awe one of my bestest friends has seen a dream come to life in this company! — Ugg Classic Mini II Bootie | I was dubious about adding these to my wish list a few years ago, but I am fully converted. Priceless for staying warm in the winter, especially with walking June to school and hanging with friends and neighbors outdoors. — Hunter Play Rain Boots | I used to own tall Hunter boots and almost never wore them, because they were uncomfortable and hard to take on and off. I received the shorter version for Christmas a few years ago and ADORE them! Perfect for rainy walks and school pick-ups. — Julie Vos Penelope Demi Studs | I wear these 99% of days. Classic pearl studs with the loveliest gold-rim upgrade. — Bogg bag | Have you been to a public pool in the last few years? You’ve likely seen one of these tall-sided bags. We tote ours daily for neighborhood swims in the summer!
This post is already long, so I’ll save the non-clothing ideas – many of which feel more fitting for gifting to others – for next week! I also have posts in the hopper for grown-up and kid stocking stuffers as well as everyone’s favorite post: what we’re actually giving our kids this year!
October was full (actually, really full as I look back at my calendar), but its pace felt just right. We had time for movie night each Friday, for playdates and playing outside, for an impromptu hot dog and fire pit dinner with friends, for crafting Halloween costumes and walking to soccer and celebrating birthdays and TTT and volunteering at school each week. I try not to take any of it for granted, because it is all precious to me – and though it doesn’t feel like I’m fighting for it in the moment, I know we stacked many decisions on top of one another to get to this place. In this month of gratitude, I am grateful.
On my calendar: — Voting, always. — Thanksgiving in Virginia with John’s side of the family! — Beginning my 2025 PowerSheets. I chose Aloe!
What I’m loving right now: — Clothing swaps! Every few months the ladies of my church community group do a clothing/home items/toy swap and it is the best! I left the last one with two new-to-me pairs of jeans, a real boon to my wallet. — Speaking of jeans: In addition to the CG jeans, I bought this pair after trying them on in store. I feel like they’re a very wearable pair of wide-leg jeans if you, like me, have been hesitant to branch out from skinnies! — I’m surprised I’ve never mentioned this before, but this carpet spray is a dream for getting stains out of rugs and all kinds of upholstery. I just ordered another bottle.
As a reminder, you can find allll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What I read in October: — The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey | Just trying to keep up with my oldest reader! I’m always grateful when she wants to share something she’s read and loved with me. — The Pursuit of God | Reading this one as part of a book club at church! Written in 1948, with scripture quoted in KJV, I think I’d have missed a lot of its depth without the chance to discuss it with others. — The Outlaw Noble Salt | Loved loved loved this one! It’s a sweepingly romantic tale that explores an alternative ending for America’s most famous outlaw – a happy one, to boot. I found it fascinating how the author turned the idea of an outlaw inside out, making him the most steady and trustworthy character in the book. You’ll fall a little bit in love with him and be glad you did. Still thinking about this one weeks later! — The Tech-Wise Family | Re-reading an old favorite! I first read this little number in 2018, towards the beginning of our family’s life, and credit it with shaping and encouraging our bent toward digital minimalism. It holds up!
My reading list for 2024! I’m 14 / 24 so far. Two months to go and I hope to read 3-4 more from my list!
Revisiting my October goals: Edit Sheptember, Volume 6 Create our family Halloween costumes (Done! See them here!) Refinish the dining room table (Yes! I used a semigloss finish and it is now soooo much easier to wipe clean!!) Finish TCF content planning for the rest of the year Finish writing the TCF course (I did not finish but made major progress! Over six hours, I wrote all of lessons two and three and about half of lesson four. There will likely be five lessons total!) Send care packages to our favorite college students List items that have been accumulating on Buy Nothing Make a Christmas decor plan Choose our new china salad plates (I didn’t have time to make it to Replacements but ordered and returned two sample plates… so a little progress!) Read chapters 13 and 14 of Outlive
November goals: — Edit Sheptember, Volume 6 — Design and order our Christmas card and newsletter — Finalize china salad plate choice — Sell the gray table to make room in our loft — Read chapters 13 and 14 of Outlive — Paint the kids’ book ornaments. This was such an unexpected delight last year and I’m so eager to get started! I have June’s and Shep’s books picked out but I’m still debating Annie’s… there are just so many picture books we love!
As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2024 goals!
I’d love to hear: if you had to pick one book for each of your kids (or for yourself!) to sum up the year, what would you choose?!
P.S. Gift guides are coming! I am planning the following posts, but open to your requests: gifts for Em, stocking stuffers for kids and grown-ups, and what we’re actually giving our kids this Christmas. I’m also considering an updated post on some of John’s clothing favorites, since the original was a hit but is now three years old!
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