Hints for: Him

For the dream boat in your life.  (Or for the brother-in-law you just know what to get.)  

1.  Honestly, who doesn't want this?  

2.  TIMEX Watch.  So classic.   

3.  Michael Jackson + Game System = Possibly the best entertainment ever.  

4.  Not a fan of jerseys?  Me neither.  Try a vintage-esque version of his favorite team.  

5.  You'll see this on the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, but really, it's the best down around.  Practically weightless.  Sooo warm.  Tried.  Tested.  Approved.  

Hints for: Little One

1.  Custom and/or creative crayons

2.  Rumba Watch

3.  Winged Sneakers

4.  Best baby toy of all time

5.  Classic Ramona Set

6.  Really Cool Teepee

Hints for: Her

I don't know about you, but I've got to get rolling on my Christmas shopping.  When I hear people say they only have one more gift to get, they're already finished, or that their presents are already wrapped and under the tree...I die a little inside.  

But I've been doing some homework, and here are some ideas that maybe, just maybe, could be the perfect gift for someone on your list.  

1. Ina's New Book.  Fail-proof recipes.    

  

2.  Nestling Birds Necklace

3.  Hand Embroidered State Pillow.  

4.  Soup and Sandwich Tray.  What's not to love about fancy presentation to comfort food.

5.  Windowsill Herb Garden.  For the person who has everything?

6.  Lovely Bowls.  

7.  Favorite T.  How 'bout multiples?

8.  I agree with Oprah.  Sequins + Ugg = Perfect

9.  Personalized Service Wares.  Personalized gifts are always a fave.

10.  Something I want...that you might too

  

Home Sweet Home

This is about the cutest thing I've seen all day.  Love it!  I think the Utah one would look perfect above my desk.  You think so?

{via 6th Street Design School}

Buy your own state's print here.

Homemade Christmas

Pre-Christmas I mentioned that the Waterfalls were having a homemade Christmas this year.  I was nothing short of amazed with the final products each person received.  The gifts were thoughtful, custom, original and, well, fabulous.

  

Pictured above are the applique shirts I made for my nieces along with the apron I made for my sister-in-law. For someone who possesses ZERO craft ability, I was rather pleased with the final outcome.  They were wearing their goods Christmas morning, hopefully an indicator they were pleased with the gifts, as well.

Some other loot included in the Waterfall giving were personal letters with sweet and hilarious pictures, planters, mod podge "Family", screen print scarves, and even a coat/hat rack made from antlers (below).

I also made an apron for my little niece Rees.  I found this cute fabric one afternoon and finished the apron that night.  Being my second apron, I had a little better idea of what I was doing (aside from the pocket that ended up a tad bit crooked!).  I was a little off in my size estimation, so Rees may end up using this apron until she goes to college.

The homemade Christmas turned out better than I expected.  It was really fun planning and creating the gifts, as well as wondering what you would receive.  But I think the best part was the anticipation of giving the gift to the recipient.  I loved it!  Can't wait to do it again.

Gift Idea #10...For the Man in Your Life

I was a little alarmed after doing a Google search for men's gift ideas to find several life-size Twilight cut-outs, too much beer/drinking paraphernalia, and weird stuff you only find in the magazine on the airplane.
Man, you can be hard to shop for!  You know what you want, but oftentimes won't let on to the specifics.  Therefore, attempts at the perfect gift may end up in a return trip to the point of purchase.  So what's a girl to do?  Here are a few ideas I have come up with along with some ideas from Oh Happy Day.

1.  Garmin Forerunner 405.  The gift of all gifts.  The watch of all watches.  Any man (or woman) will be pleased to be the recipient of this gift.  This GPS-enabled watch tracks your time, distance, pace and heart rate, and it keeps track of this information on an on-going basis.  Sync the watch with your computer to keep track of how far you've come overtime.  Even for the simpler, less techy athlete, this watch is a great training companion.

2.  Headlamp.  This is a must for any man on your list.  Comes in handy for nighttime reading or runs, working on the car, camp outs, fix-it projects...you get the idea.  The Tikka is great, but I really like the e-Lite:  lots of options, red and blinking lights, compact, and a whistle.

3.  Magazine subscription.  A magazine subscription that suits his interests is the gift that keeps on giving all year long.  Try Bicycling Magazine, Wired, Runner's World, National Geographic or  Newsweek to name a few.  

4.  Kiehl's products.  Typically men aren't too finicky in the personal care arena, but if there is something he (or maybe just you) particularly care for, why not splurge?  Kiehl's products seems to be straightforward enough for a man, yet effective enough for all involved parties.   The Clean Hold Styling Gel is a favorite around here.  But you can't go wrong with any Kiehl's product.

5.  Mini screwdriver set.  Again, another essential household (toolkit) item.  Particularly for the gift-ridden times when you're changing batteries in and out of new toys and electronics, you'll appreciate the precision and ease of these little guys.  Klein Tools makes a great set you can find at Home Depot.

Best of luck ladies!

Gift Idea #9

For those lacking the gift of gab, here's an idea:  Table Topics, "...a collection of conversation starters meant to spark fun, interesting and meaningful discussions around the dinner table, at parties, on dates, on road trips -- wherever!"  

These simple little acrylic cubes are filled with some 400 squares of questions to ask in any given situation.  You know, the question(s) you wish you could think of when you're at another one those awkward work functions and you just have nothing to say.  Nothing.  To.  Say.  These little cards prompt questions which prompt conversation which prompts a more fun, less awkward time for everyone.
There are several different "situations" you can buy (i.e. Dinner Party, Book Club or College Edition), as well as topics categorized by decade -- '60s, '70s and '80s.
So..."Do you own any clothes inspired by Miami Vice?"

Gift Idea #8...sorta

Seriously people.  Forget the mall, catalog and online shopping routes.  Do not past Go.  Do not collect $200.  Go directly to your local Walgreen's pharmacy to pick up steals like this:

The Perfect Brownie Pan.  No more hassling with cutting gooey brownies.  Let the pan do all the work. Only $19.99!

If you thought the Snuggie was good, how 'bout the Snuggie for Dogs.  Guaranteed to make your dog hate you for life.

And if those weren't good enough, this will blow your socks off.  The Colossal Remote Control.  Aside from its universal power, I think the fact that it's 12 inches long with buttons you can see from the neighbor's couch will have you sold.  Plus it's on sale for $5.99.  Don't pass this up.

Gift Idea #7

Operation Stocking Stuffer

Restoration Hardware is a beautiful store full of beautiful things for beautiful homes and seemingly beautiful people.  Until I get a job there someday, my purchases at said store are few and far between.  However -- a big however -- when it comes to Christmastime, RH doesn't disappoint, particularly in the stocking stuffer category.
Here is just a sampling of what you can find.  To view all of their beautiful gift ideas, go here.

Superhero in a Box

Charades 

Bluesband Harmonica and Kazoo 

Great Lines from Great Movies Cards Vol. II

Leather Luggage Tag and Passport Cover

Gift Idea #6

I am less than crafty, so creative/cutesy gifts are not my thing.  Not at all.  So when it comes to Christmas gifts for the masses, i.e. neighbors, visiting and home teach-ees, co-workers, etc., I stick with simple stuff.  Like, REALLY simple stuff.

I found some great boxes at The Container Store.  For about a buck twenty-nine, a spread of sweets goes from good to pretty darn cute.  So, fold up your box...

...add your treats.  {I went with Ina's coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate, Pioneer Woman's molasses cookies (plus chocolate chips -- thanks Kristin), and white chocolate chip cookies (which normally have dried cranberries in them, which look cute, but D refuses to eat.)}

...then tape your box shut and tie a little bow.  Perfect!

Gift Idea #5

As you may have noticed, some of the "gift ideas" I have mentioned have been little tips, nudges and friendly suggestions for the hubs.  No, not all of them are personally motivated.  But this one in particular is a shout at the top of my lungs; I want this!

The item?  Any one of the variety of necklaces or charms from The Vintage Pearl.  You may have seen these simply beautiful pieces on others' blogs (several times on Nie Nie).  But I've had my eye on one of these for a long time coming.

Personal favorites?  How 'bout the classic Initial on a Chain

or the Mama Bird 

Love, love, love these as a sweet gift for a mom, sister or friend.

And yes, I know they won't make it in time for Christmas.  But this is something I'd be willing to wait for.

Gift Idea #4

It's kind of awkward to give a a new sports bra, ankle socks or running shorts with the built-in underwear for a Christmas gift.  Even if that's what the athletic recipient may need.  So here's a great alternative for that active gift-ee.

 The Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle is the perfect companion for hikes, bike rides, runs or any other activity you might enjoy.   The insulated bottle keeps your beverage of choice  nice and cold for hours on end, so your ice water stays icy while you're driving around town or running on the trails.  Unlike the trendy stainless water bottles out there, the valve is comfortable and prevents spills, even when it's open.  (I'm always afraid those stainless bottles are going to cut my lip open.)  It's lightweight.  It isn't bulky.  Dishwasher safe.  And when you take a drink, the contents don't taste like metal.
So if you're uncomfortable buying padded shorts or anti-chafing balm, this is a safe gift.

Gift Idea #3

Last Christmas, several buns were in the oven.  One baby had just hatched and three more were on the way, or soon-to-be on the way.  Aside from loads of clothing, blankets and newborn essentials, babies mean books.
A thoughtful gift for any new mom- or grandma-to-be is presenting a copy of your favorite childhood story book.  Perhaps you loved The Giving Tree or Where the Wild Things Are or anything Dr. Seuss.  A favorite of mine is The Elephant's Child.  I loved listening to my grandma read it to us in her big black chair about the "great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River" and that elephant's "satiable curiosity."  My grandma's voices were magically entertaining.  I was lucky enough to inherit (a.k.a. pick out for my Christmas gift) the original book which my grandma read to us.  The book itself is of heirloom value to me.  But the story itself that has the most sentimental value.  So last year, after doing some searching, I was able to order a copy of the condensed story, which I gave to my mother-in-law.  Now this story that is so special to me will be on her bookshelf for years to come.  I hope my W will love to hear his grandma's stories as much as I did.  Perhaps your family will too.

Gift Idea #2

This is one of my all-time favorite stocking stuffers.  Everyone needs a good chap stick (or, in my family, "lip stuff").  Burt's is one of the best ones out there, perfect for soothing chapped or wind burned lips.  Or perhaps you just need a little lip softening.  Either way,  Burt's is a winner.

Gift Idea #1

No more hassling with corny labels or writing your return address by hand.  How 'bout a stamp instead?  Personalized gifts are always a favorite of mine, and this is something everyone can use.  Enter promo code "Holiday" at check out and save 40%.  Score!

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