While I don’t hold tightly to any one gifting formula (e.g. something you want, something you need, something you wear, something to read), I’ve realized we do try to check at least two boxes with each gift collection: an experience, and something that will bring immediate delight (a kit, a toy). This year, the experience is the same for all three kids, and it’s a big one: a day at Disneyland with the cousins when we’re in California at Christmas. I’ve never been, and I can’t wait (and I can’t wait to see their faces). We’re also gifting our trio the Wingfeather Saga boxed set – read aloud delight awaits! For everything else our kids will be finding under the tree this year, read on… June (who is almost 10), will be receiving: — A weekender of her own. She has been asking for a small duffle for weekend trips and sleepovers, and this colorblocked version is quite fun.— “Fashion” sneakers. Fourth grade came with a noticeable uptick in brand/trend interest, including a desire for fancier sneakers. She picked out this style in the store but we’ll surprise her with the online-only lavender colorway.— A Camp Snap Pro camera. We got Shep the original Camp Snap camera (a screen-free, old-school, easy-to-use digital camera!) for his birthday this year; he he has loved toting it on adventures and snapping away. June will love this upgraded version (and to stop borrowing her brother’s.)— A Kavu sling bag. June came home from camp requesting a Kavu bag after seeing many other campers toting one. She likes that they’re big enough to pack a paperback :) Other ideas I gave to relatives: Crocs, a small jewelry case for earrings, outfits and accessories for her American Girl doll, a Doodle Crate subscription, the Mysterious Benedict Society books she doesn’t

As the Christmas toy catalogs have come rolling in, my children have gotten busy with scissors and glue — cutting and pasting to create larger-than-life wish lists. They won’t get most of what they’ve collaged, and they know that, but there’s still something exciting and anticipatory about curating a little collection of wishes. I suppose even grown-ups aren’t immune :) In that spirit, I’ve pulled together a few items that would go on my own collage this year. Here’s hoping you might find something that would appeal to your sister, mom, mother-in-law, or friend, too. I’ve also rounded them all up here, if helpful! On my wish list: — A Jess Ray tee | I reach for a graphic tee most days in the summer and it would be fun to rep one of my favorite artists, especially around her hometown of Raleigh – I’m sure I’d run into no shortage of fellow fans! (I also highly recommend Walk in Love tees – I’ve snagged a few last designs as they prepare to close up shop later this year!) — Washable silk skirt | I have seen so many women rocking this or a similar midi number lately and they always look chic. I’m eyeing the “wine tasting red” color. — A Five-Year Journal | With time slipping by and kids who change so rapidly, I think this journal would be a lovely, simple way to remember our lovely, simple days. — Textured gold heart earrings | If the track record of my other Julie Vos earrings is any indication, these beauties would get a lot of wear. (I wear the small pearls daily!) — An anthology of poetry (or this one) | I’d keep either one on my bedside table and slice off a poem to savor each evening. — A family hymnal | I researched many options to find

Hello, friends! I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings. We were in Virginia with John’s family and the week left me feeling full and happy. We decorated sugar cookies, we played cards and Do You Love Your Neighbor, we went on a hike, we went into DC and had tea, and our Thursday table was full of all the usual favorites plus buttered noodles, a Thomas family tradition. Perhaps my favorite part, though was the walks. Every morning, any adult siblings who were available snuck away for a brisk walk, 30 minutes to an hour. Not only did it feel great to move my body throughout a week that is more often known for lounging and eating, but the power of walking and talking was on full display. We filled each other in on jobs and home projects, kids and parents, travel and health and plans for next year. I am grateful for the siblings I married into, and relished the opportunity to catch up with some of my favorite people in this way. I hope you were able to find moments of connection this week, too. And oh yes, I did a little shopping along the way :) Some of my favorite purchases included this blue floral dress for me (50% off!), an embroidered C.S. Lewis banner for our loft/playroom (30% off!), curtain rods and rings for our dining area, and two of these quilted pullovers so my Mom and I can match (15% off!). And several items from my gift guides: gifts for Em, favorite gifts for loved ones, and what we’re actually getting our kids! To wrap up this year’s gift guides, I thought I’d share a few of the items I’ve squirreled away for my family’s stockings. Linking is a bit difficult, since I prefer to

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 :)) Husband and other guys: This year, John will be receiving a Great Smoky Mountains Landmark tee (in honor of our fall trip!), a new camping lantern, and a quartet of wooden cooking utensils since this article finally convinced me to ditch my black plastic ones. I’m also replacing his sun hat (it’s looking pretty dingy after a few years) and his pajama shorts. 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