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 kiddos 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! First up, we’re giving a few family gifts this year. The kids will be receiving:— A Nugget play couch. A dear friend was gifted a gift card for a Nugget earlier this year, but since they already have several, she generously offered it to me (!!). I’d eyed them for years but hadn’t pulled the trigger. Instead of presenting such a momentous item to the kids on a random Tuesday, I’ve squirreled it away in a friend’s attic for the last few months and will go pick it up on Christmas Eve! :)— A copy of Little Pilgrim’s Progress. I have heard nothing but good things about this “lavishly illustrated” version and would love to kick off a family read-aloud by gifting a copy. June (who is almost eight) will be receiving:— A ticket to The Lion King when it comes to the DPAC in the spring. She loves dressing up and going to shows and I know this will be thrilling!— A purple bed rest pillow and super-soft minky blanket. June is all about making cozy corners in her room where she can read for hours, so I know these will be well-loved. — A learn-to-knit kit. No yarn is safe in this house! She doesn’t know how to knit, but inspired (I think) by Hyacinth Vanderbeeker, she’s constantly pillaging my yarn and

Okay – with this gift guide, we’re venturing into slightly more traditional territory: and by that I mean there are things on here that we don’t already own, ha! That being said, everything I’ve rounded up looks like a truly excellent gift option to me – and in many cases, the gift ideas are things we own, or have gifted to others. Lots of great gift ideas for parents in here (the ones who have everything!) as well as siblings – and maybe even teachers! Let’s do it. Accessories: — 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! — Hope Heals sweatshirt | A bold message with profits going toward an incredible organization. (Hope Heals is a camp that invites entire families affected by disabilities—regardless of age, diagnosis, or location—to enjoy respite, relationships, and resources, completely free of charge.) I would love one of these! Probably should have put it in the gifts for Em guide :) — For the men in your life, don’t forget this post on some of John’s favorites – lots of good ideas in there! One to highlight: the Legends sweater shirt, which is probably John’s favorite thing to wear. Looks like a flannel, is as incredibly soft and stretchy as the best

I had actually prepped the chocolate chip cookie recap earlier this week, but after the feedback on gift guide timing, I figured I’d swap this one in instead! (No worries – the cookies will be making their way to a blog near you soon!) You all were VERY enthusiastic about the idea of gift guides, which I love – we all want to delight our people with thoughtful gifts! Today, I’m sharing a few things on my personal wish list, as well as a few other items I own and love that you might want to add to yours. Let’s go! On my wish list: — A new set of mixing bowls | The glass set of 7 bowls we took with us when we moved to North Carolina is down to three. This pretty set would be even better for all the little bakers joining me in the kitchen these days. (There’s also this set of 3 in a similar lovely green!) — The sweetest library bag | We visit at least every other week, and our arms are always overflowing. — A cozy blanket | It’s hard to choose from all of their patterns, but I think my favorite is the Harbor Herringbone in Cornflower. Use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off. — A fun tennis bag | Could double for pickle ball, too :) — 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. My current pair has multiple holes after several years, so it’s time for a replacement. — Sneakers | I desperately need new sneakers for actual athletic pursuits! Everywhere I turn it seems people are wearing On Clouds – thoughts? Any others to

How do gifts work in your families of origin these days? For several years, on both sides, we’ve moved to picking names for siblings. A few years ago, we incorporated John’s parents into the picks on the Thomas side. This year, for my family, we’re forgoing sibling gifts and instead getting together and going out for a nice dinner. (We’ll still gift individually to my parents.) I don’t know if we’ll do it every year, but it’s a fun experiment! Even though I’m giving (and receiving!) fewer gifts this year, I still thought it would be fun to share a few things on my personal wish list while Black Friday Cyber Monday sales are still in full swing. As in the kids’ guide, I’ve listed a few tried-and-true favorites below, as well. On my wish list: — A new set of mixing bowls | The glass set of 7 bowls we took with us when we moved to North Carolina is down to three. This pretty set would be even better for all the little bakers joining me in the kitchen these days.— A wool coat in a punchy color | I wear my down parka daily in the winter, but it would be lovely to have a dressier option to mix in. I have looked at these beauties for YEARS without pulling the trigger.— A tennis dress | John and I have rearranged appointments on Fridays to play together a few times, and I foresee more matches in our future now that June is taking lessons. The green is gorgeous!— A soft, chunky sweater | Again in the green. This one is a splurge, but I seem to have reached the season of my life where I’d rather buy one sweater every few years and make it an especially good