12 December 2013
As I sit here adding the final details to the last gift guide of 2013, my sister is in labor!! It’s only appropriate, since these gifts are all for the littles. The number of babies and kids in my circle has seemingly grown exponentially this year, which is giving me a chance to indulge in all the adorable goodies for the under-ten set. Some of them are more expensive, but all are beautiful and built to last for years.
A. Wooden state teether ($12) | Handmade in Utah from Hard Rock Maple, a wood that’s naturally antibacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic.
B. Great Day plate ($25) | Adorable design to start a fun family tradition from my friend Emily Ley.
C. Wooden block set ($49) | The colors of these blocks make them pretty enough to leave out on the coffee table full time.
D. Pluck carrot memory game ($36) | We recently bought this for a two-year-old, and it is SO CUTE in person! The detail is fantastic.
E. Travel tic tac toe ($14) | Love this handsome wood set for games on the go.
F. Knitted jacket ($32) | Anything with ears automatically moves to the top of my shopping list.
G. Memory game ($20) | Choose twelve of your favorite photos to build this custom memory game. A perfect way to remember and talk about far-flung family members!
H. Knit garland ($64) | Perfect colors for a boy’s room.
I. Noah’s ark ($108) | Adorable, and beautifully made. Layla Grace often runs discounts, so sign up for their email list before you buy!
J. Livingroom lanes bowling set ($59) | Since my first niece or nephew will live in the frigid land of Minnesota, this awesome indoor game will likely be a future present.
K. Melamine bee plate ($6) | Dinnerware for kids has come a long way, friends.
L. Soft fox ($38) | Foxes are my favorite, and this one is extra cute. I also love the Bla Bla fox.
M. Print teaspoons ($38) | Since these acrylic, dishwasher safe melamine teaspoons are smaller than usual, I think they’d be perfect for little hands!
Not included in this gift guide: books. Books are one of my favorite gifts to buy for little friends, but I’ll probably write a whole post on my favorites one day!
Am I the only one who sometimes wants to buy things for her future children, even if they’re years away?? Please say no. Kid things are just so cute!
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10 December 2013
This year’s first two gift guide installments offered up many lovely things (and many I’d love to give and get), but I think I’m most proud of today’s. I’ve never done a gift guide for the gents before, largely because I think men are more difficult to shop for, in general, and also because I think the best gifts for men tend to be more specific (whereas, in general, a lot of gals would be pleased with a lot of the same things). I probably won’t be able to come up with this many male gift ideas for another five years, so enjoy! :)
A. Clean bottle ($10) | There probably should be a “brought to you by Shark Tank” disclaimer on this post. The Clean bottle was an ST discovery, and I think it’s brilliant — a water bottle that’s super easy to clean because it unscrews on both ends!
B. Wrought iron fire pit ($40) | We bought my brother in law a fire pit last year, and I must say, it was one of my more genius gift ideas. S’mores for all!
C. Light n’ go bonfire log ($10) | We also got Cormac this nifty log thing — it’s like a self-contained bonfire!
D. Flavored chili salts ($12) | These salts (flavored with different chilis) are perfect for the gent who loves to cook!
E. A Walk in the Woods ($8) | I would recommend Bill Bryson books to anyone, even those who don’t consider themselves readers. He’s laugh out loud funny and smart; A Walk in the Woods is one of our favorites.
F. Junior travel bag ($54) | Handsome dopp kit made from genuine Pendleton wool.
G. Red chambray tie ($16) | We bought John this tie a few weeks ago, and we both love it! It can be dressed up or dressed down, and is always casually cool.
H. Gosling freaker ($10) | Yep, you have Shark Tank to thank for this one, too. It’s a koozie (handmade in the US!) that fits any bottle! You have to check out this episode — the founder is a little nutty. Beep bop!
I. Sunglasses case ($12.50) | A manly (and safe) home for your gent’s specs.
J. Salsa Collection Gift Box ($36) | Cherry Republic is an awesome small business in Michigan (I wrote about them here and here). John is a salsa fiend, and highly recommends this sample box!
K. Nest thermostat ($250) | This one is more of a major gift, but it’s a good one! The Nest thermostat learns your habits and automatically adjusts your thermostat accordingly, plus you can control it from your smart phone. John’s wanted one for years!
L. White Whale mixers ($13.50) | Made from exotic juices and garden-fresh herbs in Durham, NC!
M. Tell The Ones I Love by the Steep Canyon Rangers ($15) | Have a bluegrass lover in your life? This CD is one of our favorites.
N. Leather dopp kit ($78) | Handsome and embroidered. I love the custom-stained antique caramel color!
O. Bezl iPhone case ($20) | I have my friend Will to thank for this last one, which just might be the most minimal case ever invented. Watch the video — it’s pretty neat.
Whew! I hope that gives you a few good ideas for the gents in your life! I’d love for you to share other suggestions in the comments — I’m always on the hunt for tried and true options!
9 December 2013
John and I finished off most of our Christmas shopping over the weekend, with just a few goodies and some stocking stuffers to pick up this week. In case you’re still checking things off your list, too, here are a few of my brightest suggestions!
A. Colorblock double-strand necklace ($42) | Bright and colorful with jeans and a tee.
B. Letterpress Alabama camellia print ($25) | My Mom gets the credit for discovering these beauties! So fun to build a collection of states to which you have a connection.
C. Merry Christmas Y’all pillow ($15) | Southern and merry.
D. Lola sunglass cake ($22) | I think this case would make me smile every time I pulled it out of my bag.
E. Pieces and patterns wall calendar ($25) | So beautiful you’d want to frame each month when the year’s over.
F. Halcyon print ($35) | Gorgeous and girly colors.
G. Molly Blue cosmetic bag ($24) | Just big enough for weekend essentials!
H. Floral pillow cover ($48) | Bright and beautiful, and less than half the price of similar options from Society Social.
I. Dotted napkins ($5 each) | A perfect set for everyday use.
J. Buffalo check iPhone case ($35) | A little expensive, but I love the pattern.
K. Mason jar soap dispenser ($24) | I know I put this on last year’s guide, but it’s too good not to include again!
L. Pool confetti note set ($18) | So pretty! I’m actually planning to try my hand at DIY-ing these, though…
M. Prinstagram gift card (varies) | For the person who has everything… printable memories!
Which is your favorite?
P.S. 2012 and 2011 bright gifts.
6 December 2013
Thank you all for your kind and thoughtful comments on my last post! I know it might seem strange to follow it up with the first installment of this year’s gift guide, but… it’s not! And that’s the beauty of it :)
A. Striped infinity scarf ($16) | Soft and cozy with smart stripes — and handmade by a friend!
B. Scalloped metal pot ($10) | These are on my wish list this year! So pretty in person, and would make a beautiful gift filled with some bulbs.
C. Georgia Olive Tree seedlings ($20) | I love olive branch arrangements so much (we had one at our wedding!) that growing my own trees (inside?) seems like a worthwhile endeavor.
D. Black satin cat eye mask ($24) | As a professed cat lover, I’m not-so-secretly coveting this sleep aid.
E. Good luck porcelain horseshoe ($32) | Upturned horseshoes are thought to be good luck — this one would be so sweet as a housewarming gift, or nailed over your front door.
F. Adjustable rope dog leash ($60) | Best looking dog leash I’ve ever seen.
G. Tortoise link bracelet ($40) | Classic, but unexpected, and goes with everything.
H. Bulbs (varies) | As mentioned here, I was entranced by the bulb offerings at my local garden store. A selection of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils would make a fun and unexpected gift for even the most novice gardener! Wrap them in a pretty pot.
I. Oh Happy Day print ($20) | This gold foil beauty hangs in our gallery wall, and I think it’d be a perfect pick for so many aesthetics!
J. Lux Fur Mittens ($36) | My beloved leopard gloves are becoming quite hole-y in their old age… I wouldn’t be happy to replace them, but these (faux) fur mittens would make the transition a bit easier.
K. Oversize mason jar drink dispenser ($20) | Southern style for a crowd.
L. 9″ driftwood heart ($44) | Made from hand-selected pieces of Santa Barbara driftwood.
M. Shanna Murray salad plate ($6) | I’d stock up on these, then load them up with goodies as gifts for neighbors and hostesses.
Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be back next week with the colorful gift guide, plus two new ones — littles and gents!
P.S. 2012 Neutral Gifts