I’ve been feeling the pressure of the last-minute gift crunch the this week, just wanting to get our loved ones things they will LOVE and need or want, not things that will simply take up space in their lives. Sometimes I’m at a loss for ideas, sometimes I’ve got great ideas but they’d require doubling or tripling our gift budget, and sometimes (sometimes!) I come up with a good idea and it actually fits within our budget. I don’t have any gift guides to share this year, but as I work on checking off the last few folks, here are a few things on my own list! Maybe it will inspire a gift for someone you love :) Clockwise from top left: — My “fashion sneakers” are reaching the end of their life. I think these blush ones would be a welcome replacement! — We’re always looking for new recipes, and I’ve heard great things about this cookbook. — This vest would be a perfect layer for our mild North Carolina weather. — Over the last few years I’ve definitely embraced the idea that a bold lip color can transform a basic outfit. This one looks beautiful (I first saw it here), and as a bonus, all the ingredients are organic. — I’m thinking this style of PJs will be helpful for nighttime feedings in the months to come. My favorite pattern is actually Jetsetter, but the photo was more scandalous! :) — John and I are all about adventures, and it would be so fun to have this beautiful canvas to record our travels. Plus, the colors could not be more perfect for me – they’re basically the same as the EFM logo!! — I also love the colors of this happy little garland, and think it would be

Neutral in color, of course, not neutral as in boring! Here are some of my favorite picks for classic, cozy gifts to give and get. A. Tortoise tray ($40) | Perfect to corral anything that needs corraling B. Fir + Blue Sage candle ($30) | We love giving these candles as gifts but have kept several for our house, too. Once they burn down you’re left with a beautiful drinking glass! C. Plaid tassel scarf ($68) | I fell in love with this scarf when Lisa posted it, and can think of about 10 people who would love to be gifted it! Apparently I’m not the only one, since it’s currently sold-out online. Maybe you could find it in stores? D. Bell pitcher ($48) | I’m glad Meredith and Michael introduced me to this company, but now I want one of everything! Perfect for holding utensils or Queen Anne’s lace. E. Plaid throw ($20) | Festive enough for Christmas, but neutral enough for year-round use F. Ava star bracelet ($38) | Gorgeous and sparkly, and made by women in Uganda G. Metallic taper candle holders ($13-$18) | Would look festive on any table or mantel H. O Holy Night print ($20) | We received the canvas version as a wedding present, and it’s the star of our Christmas decor! I. A Heifer animal (varies) | Whether you choose a goat or a flock of chickens, a donation to Heifer is the perfect gift for the person who has everything. J. Hot cider candle ($24) | A delicious scent for fall, plus you’re left with a nifty enamel cup! K. Nordic candle holders ($5 and $13) | I came thisclose to buying these in the store the other day, but decided to save my pennies. They’re so pretty and delicate in

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