As today is December 1, you may have been expecting a monthly goals post! But since I have the first gift guide ready to go, I thought I’d post it today, so if you do decide to purchase anything from it, you can take advantage of Cyber Monday sales! Goals will go up tomorrow. A. Southern phrase calendar ($12 + free shipping today only) | Colorful and fun, and perfectly priced for giving to friends. B. How Marvelous How Wonderful t-shirt ($25 + 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY) | I adore their whole Hymn collection, but feel like this one is particularly appropriate! C. Citrus recipe box ($34) | This tin has the prettiest colors. Even if you don’t need it to hold recipes, find something else to stick in here! D. All in one bag ($105 + free shipping today) | Natalie gave this to me as a bridesmaid gift, and though I was surprised at the color at first, I now love it! I’ve used it so many times in the past six months, and it’s really flexible. E. Hand-painted wrapping paper (price upon request?) | This has to be the prettiest wrapping paper in the world. F. Kaleido trays (from $16) | I love all of the color combinations and think these would be perfect on a bureau or coffee table! G. Boxer pajama set ($39) | Don’t mind the sultry VS model – I’ve heard these are the comfiest, cutest PJs! H. Large cosmetic bag ($22) | The yellow dots are classic and fun, but there are so many other patterns to choose from! I. Anchinalu scarf ($38) | A beautiful scarf, and it helps create sustainable business in Africa. J. Soma water filter ($49) | An elegant, filtering carafe, and it helps fund charity: water

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

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

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