This is a first for me – I don’t usually make bucket lists but I was influenced and inspired by my friends who do (looking at you, Amy!). I’m hoping to live my best Christmas season and not let the busy-ness get to me. In the last few years I’ve been tied up doing other things that I ended up ordering cards after Christmas – more a Happy New Year card. I’d like to have it done in time to go out well before Christmas this year. The other things on the list aren’t really big things but they’ll make a difference to me so they’re there. Do you make a list of things you hope to accomplish? For me, writing things down practically guarantees they will happen!
You know how I shared the Netflix move list on Friday? Well…Friday night I watched Merry Gentlemen. I was not a fan. We don’t get the Hallmark Channel and I was hoping that Netflix would come through for me. It was weird. So, I’ll keep looking for the kinds of Christmas movies that are sweet and predictable with snow and cookie baking with a plot that includes a former hometown super star who returns home to save his family’s business and rekindles a relationship with an old flame. I already know the ending: he quits his job in the big city and moves home to marry the old flame and live happily ever after.
Gift Ideas
I rarely have enough good gift ideas to create dedicated posts but I can brainstorm a few! One thing I know to be true is that YOU are the best person to determine what the special people in your life would like most. I also believe that the majority of us have what we need. All that being said (or read) there are a few things I’ve discovered that were really appreciated when I gifted them! So maybe they’ll help you too.
Let me also say that I personally prefer experiences. Gift me a lunch or dinner with you and I am all kinds of happy! Especially when it’s someone I only see a few times a year. But my love language is quality time and I understand that not everyone appreciates the same thing – so for those people – here are a few gift ideas!
Older Adults
This is one of the trickiest categories for me. I’m talking about retired, older adults. Certainly if you know there is something they need or have wanted that would be what you get. Prescription costs add up so maybe even a gift card to their grocery store or pharmacy would be appreciated. I’d write a heartfelt card and include the gift card with it because words mean a lot. If you feel that is too impersonal then I suggest this couch arm table. I gifted it to two special men last year and they were very appreciative! Believe it or not a bidet is a great idea too! I ordered this bidet attachment for my bathroom – our travels last year really made me a bidet lover and my two sons swear by them. They each have them in their apartment bathrooms and one in their bathroom at home. This eye glass cleaner would be very handy too! I love gifting these beer glasses, they do not have to be used for beer btw. They go in the freezer, they’re plastic, and double lined. You can pour a coke in one and within minutes it’s ice cold. Another idea – this microfiber duster set. I have it and use it on my high ceilings and my chandeliers – works great!
This might be a splurge item, but I’d love to get an Aura frame for my mom. If I can get my sister and brother to chip in as well, I know she would love this! No one loves photos quite like she does and this would be perfect!
Pet Lovers
We have had family friends over the years who have fur babies and that opens up a whole new category for gift giving! This cat tunnel looks like a lot of fun and it’s a great price. This cat perch looks like a great idea too. For dogs, this chew toy set seems to have something for everyone!
Home Organization
You might have that friend or family member trying to get organized. Especially in the fashion department. Those organizational tools can add up. I love this belt organizer (would love one myself) and think it would be appreciated by men and women! Shoe organizers are a great idea too! I have and use these in my closet but I am thinking this one would be good too. This steamer is the one I use, it’s small and does the job. It may not be home organization but I’m adding it here anyway. I own this sheet organizer and LOVE it – it has totally transformed my linen closet. These acrylic shelf dividers would be so helpful too.
Self Care Obsessed
These self warming eye masks help tired eyes, headaches, and relieve dry eyes. They heat up as soon as you open the package – no microwave needed. The best part is that you can break up the box and give them to multiple people. I think they’d make a great stocking stuffer! These little masks treat puffy eyes are dark circles. Gloves in a Bottle makes a great gift too.
Cute pajamas are always appreciate by the self care lover in your life! I think these are just adorable! This Glamorous laundry wash is a treat!
The Luxury Lover
Since most of us have all that we need, the holidays can be a fun time to gift someone something they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves. One year I gifted my sons’ girlfriends Chanel mirrors. To clarify I have two sons and they each had girlfriends – not one son with multiple girlfriends, lol. But I also love the idea of this long wearing Chanel lipcolor. Cashmere anything screams luxury and I believe Quince is the place to buy it. Nordstrom’s house brand cashmere is $100 while the price at Quince is $50 for the same style sweater. I love mine. Quince has this cashmere scarf, and a wrap that would be so useful.
That wraps up my gift giving ideas. When I am out shopping I usually pick up a few candles to gift to hostesses and there are times I gift a live poinsettia plant as well. No matter what I always like the recipient to know that my gift expresses how I feel about them, that I know them and care for them and that I am not simply buying something to check off my list. I’d love to know your gift ideas too!
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