holiday GIVING and RECEIVING :o)

Friday, December 2, 2011

hey guys :o)  SP here with you today (again, lol)…with a FUN (and hopefully inspiring) post about GIFTlists and WISHlists for this holiday season!  I should preface this by telling you that this will NO DOUBT be the longest, hugest, most ginormous blog post YET, lol!  Also,  I have to start out by saying that this post idea originally came from Kylie…during one of our weekly calls/chats…and I just HAD to ‘steal’ it from her and run with it, lol!  She was very gracious…and so here we are :o)  Finally, my last little ‘disclaimer’, lol…please understand that I do NOT think Christmas (and the holiday season) is all about PRESENTS and MATERIAL things (quite the opposite is true)…HOWEVER, there are still times and situations where we must give (and want to)…so that’s what this post is all about :o)

So, if you know me at all – you know that I LOOOOOOVE to give…it is truly one of the best things in the world, bar none!  But, I really enjoy trying to give thoughtful, practical and useful gifts.  Now, don’t get me wrong – there is absolutely no shame in giving GIFT CARDS or MONEY, lol…but this post is also about inspiring you and maybe giving you some new and clever gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season!  Admittedly, my reasons for wanting to ‘do’ this post were somewhat selfish, lol!  Things are so busy this time of year…and we have lots of friends, family and co-workers that we share gifts with.  Well, I am out of ideas/creativity at the moment, lol…and I was hoping that this post might offer me some fun new ideas…and most of all – I’m hoping that you benefit from it as well!

In a nutshell, I asked the girls to share a few of their FAVORITE ITEMS TO GIVE…and then some items from their own WISH LIST :o)   I truly enjoyed reading through all of the lists and replies…and I hope that you will, too!  Keep in mind that some of these are more on the ‘practical’ side…and others are true dream/wish list items (none of us are actually expecting to receive those Tiffany rings…though we can dream, right?  lolol)!

So, how about I go first? :o)  I will tell you that this was not an easy task for me!  As this blog post deadline got closer and closer…I started wondering, ‘WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING?’  lol!  With Thanksgiving celebrations and Christmas right around the corner…hours are limited and the days seem so short!  But, even more than that…how could I possibly NARROW DOWN my gift ideas list, lol!  So, between the lack of time and the decision-making…I began to regret my decision to take this post, lolol!  But, once I actually got going with it…I had so much fun and loved ‘shopping’ along with the girls!  So, join us as we go through our ‘lists’ :o)

Oh wait…super quick – a couple of tips about ONLINE shopping (I feel qualified to share tips as I am known for my fierce skills in this area, rofl!)!  ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS – before placing any online order…SEARCH for coupon codes FIRST!  One of my fave coupon code sites is RetailMeNot (but seriously…in a google search bar – just enter the name of the website you are shopping with…AND…the word coupon – and you will get lots of options).  Now, you will not always find a valid code…but it is certainly worth looking (many times, at the very least – you will end up with free shipping).  Also, many times – you can find a lower price (and larger selection) online…so it’s always worth looking before buying!  Finally, COMPARE PRICES…it doesn’t take long to do a quick search to make sure you are getting the best price!

Alright…so, full disclosure here – I could have had a hundred items on this GIFTlist lol!  It was sooooo tough to narrow it all down as there really are so many options when it comes to gifting!  And then – you figure in so many different price ranges – and it all becomes nearly impossible, lol!  So, I tried to fit in a variety of ideas and budgets…and hope you find something inspiring!  Here goes:

• FUN ACCESSORIES – this adorable scarf/glove set is at TARGET (yay, lol)!  I so wish I had seen this a couple of months ago…because I bought a similar, name brand set for WAY more money…and it looks almost identical, lol!  This set is only $10 (wow, seriously – awesome gift and/or stocking stuffers!)…and would be great for friends, moms, sisters, etc.!  BEST OF ALL though…the gloves are FLIP-TOP, which means they will work with all of our smart phones (without having to remove them completely just to answer or make a phone call, lol)!  Of course…the name of the game here is FUN ACCESSORIES…and who doesn’t love a new little scarf, hat, bracelet, bag, etc.?!  So, shop around and see what you find!
• PHONE WALLET - to me, this is just such a great and practical gift…but with style and a lot of ‘bang for your buck’ if that makes any sense.  If you have someone on your list who is ‘all about brands’…then this is a great way to make them happy, without completely breaking the bank!  It is especially great for moms who are carrying diaper bags and just need their phone, drivers license, debit card, key and some cash :o)  Depending on how much ‘stuff’ you need – this should hold the essentials!  And, it protects your smart phone (stylishly, lol)…and makes it easy to find when you need it! (it is currently $48)
• FAMILY TREE WALL ART - I just think this is such a SWEET and PERSONAL gift…for, well…ANYONE, lol!  The design is so simple that it can blend in with any decor…and what a special thought!
• CANDLES – I know, this one isn’t very creative – but seriously, most of us love candles – so they make great gifts, lol!  I’ll be honest and say that we do not ‘burn’ candles in our home – it’s one of those ‘rules’ I made when we had our son…and well, it just kinda stuck (even though he is older now, lol)!  However, many LOVE to burn candles and I have to say that Yankee Candles are among my favorites.  It might be because they have SO many food scents (which are really the only frangrances I like, lol) – with these four being at the tippy TOP of my list:  Christmas Cookies (I stock up on this one during the holidays), maple pancakes (the scent is spot-on), pumpkim buttercream (yum), and Gingerbread!  But really – they have tons of ‘flavors’ (something for every taste) and lots of options on sizes, etc.
• CANDLE WARMERS - so, remember what I just said about us not ‘burning’ candles?!  Well, instead – I purchase the Yankee Candles, and place them in my warmers!  Now, when you purchase these warmers, they do generally come with a candle…but in all honesty – they are not all that great, lol!  So, I replace them pretty quickly with something a little better (and the large yankee candle jars and tumblers fit perfectly)!  I LOVE these warmers (and have many in my home) because not only do the candles last longer – but there is no burning…they give out a GORGEOUS glow…and the scent is distributed so nicely!  They are especially great for kitchens and bathrooms!  And, best of all – you can find several options for both style and color/finish :o)
• KEURIG - seriously, this is probably one of my favorite (material) things on the planet, lol!  We have several of these…and have gifted quite a few…and they are ALWAYS a hit!  If you are a coffee, tea or hot cocoa drinker…it’s a must :o)  And, when it comes to Keurig coffee machines - you can find so many different models and sizes…something for every need and budget!  Also, the k cups are EVERYWHERE – so many flavors available at grocery stores, online, specialty stores, big box stores, starbucks and more!  I could really go on and on about this subject, lol…but I must keep moving!  You can purchase the Keurig machine online at stores like Amazon, QVC, Keurig…or locally, well – just about anywhere, including Costco (which generally has a great price!)
• APRONS – these are NOT your Grandmother’s aprons, lol!  Well, I guess they kinda are…just a little bit cuter maybe?!  Depends on what you like – but you can find super duper cute and ruffled aprons…or simple and clean lines!  Your choice…but they are truly wonderful gifts for just about anyone!  I never thought I’d wear one…but now have a nice little collection that I adore, lol!  These are especially great gifts when included with a little kitchen gadget (like a whisk, etc.), homemade food gifts, a recipe, etc.  Or, well…just the apron alone would be wonderful, too lol!  You can find tons of apron options at local stores…or online at amazon, layla grace, etc.  Have fun (and pick one up for yourself, too, lol)!
• BOOKS – enough said, lol!  You can never go wrong with gifting books (whether they be digital versions – or the real thing…though for GIFTS – I do kinda prefer the ‘real’ thing)!  This is an especially good option when you know the recepient’s interests (i.e. cooking, history, music, religious, etc.)!  Oh, and if you have a LEGO LOVER like me…THIS BOOK is perfect :o)  Amazon is my favorite online resource for books…but it is also always nice to support your local bookstores!
• SILPAT - I just personally think that these things are one of the greatest inventions, EVER :o)  Over the years…I have stocked up so that I have one for every baking sheet!  They have TRULY made me a better baker, without question, lol!  This is another gift that is great to include with something else!  An idea – roll it up, add a cookie scoop and a recipe – tie with ribbon and you are done :o)  Can’t tell you how much I love these things (and how many years it has been since I had cookies that were burned on the bottom, lolol)!
• BURT’S BEES - the great thing about Burt’s is that it is relatively inexpensive…but really GOOD :o)  Target carries a bunch of it (as well as other online resources and local stores)…and I especially like THIS super cute MANICURE SET!

Whew…that about does it for the ‘gift list’!  Well…I do want to add a few ideas/options!  Never pass up the ‘dollar bins’ at Target for stocking stuffers (that goes for any store like Michael’s, etc.) – you just can’t go wrong!  Think creatively…often times – you can group things together to make a nice, big gift – but spend less :o)  Always thoughtfully consider the gift recipient…everyone appreciates a gift that ‘seems’ custom-made for them (with special thought given to their likes and interests).  And finally – HOMEMADE/HANDMADE gifts are always among the BEST!  Anything that comes from the HEART is going to be a favorite!  You really do NOT have to SPEND lots and lots of money…just be creative :o)

As I mentioned above…there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving (or receiving) gift cards!  Let’s face it…during this busy holiday season (who am I kidding – it’s ALWAYS busy, lol…holiday season or NOT) – they are sooooo super convenient!  And, well…MANY friends and family specifically ASK for gift cards and prefer them over traditional ‘gifts’.  So, they can be a win-win :o)  I just thought I’d share a few fun gift card ideas…but the good news is that you can find one for just about ANY store, shop, restaurant…and many times – you can find them ALL in one place either online OR locally (many of our local stores have an entire wall of gift cards for just about every store imaginable! – love that!).  Or, you can go to giftcards.com and order just about anything you could ever want!  Here are some of my faves:  Starbucks (especially because a $5 gift card will actually buy something, lol), Sephora (love to place one in an expensive little cosmetic bag, tied with a ribbon), iTunes, King Arthur Flour (LOVE that place, lol…especially good for anyone in your life that loves to bake), Amazon (can you tell that I love Amazon? lol)…and SOOOOOO many more!  Possibly my favorite gift cards of all though…are the ‘generic’ Visa gift cards that you can use ANYWHERE!  These are perfect when you REALLY do not know what someone likes, lol!  With these – they can spend the ‘money’ anywhere…and on anything!  Perfect!  Oh, another QUICK gift idea!  If you have a little one who loves to ACT grown-up…buy a fun little wallet for him/her…and put a little Visa Gift Card inside…talk about feeling GROWN-up…carrying around their own debit card, lol!  Of course…go with the lowest dollar amount you can – because it’s really all about the ‘card’!  FUN STUFF :o)

Alrighty…I’ll try to be a little quicker with MY WISHlist, lol!  And while these are items *I* would love to have (and many I will never get, lolol)…I’m hoping they might also inspire you when it comes to gift-giving (or your OWN wishlist, lol)! 

 So, I have to say that I am truly blessed in many ways…and do not need anything :o)  But…that doesn’t mean that we can’t WANT stuff now and then, too – right?  lol!  These are just some FUN things that would be on my ‘wishlist’, if I had an official one, he he!  So here goes:

• CANISTER SET - so, this set has been on my WISHLIST at Amazon for a long time now…I’ve seen it go in and out of stock many times, lol!  SOOOOOOOO cute, aren’t they?  Even though my kitchen is black/white and green…I think these would just look HAPPY on the counter!  For that matter…I LOVE all of the GRASSLANDS ROAD ‘stuff’!
• Canon 35mm LENS - alright…so admittedly, this is a ‘dream’ item lol!  I don’t see it happening any time soon…but I would LOVE to have this one!
• COACH purse - Another one that prolly won’t happen (I really do NOT need another bag, lol)…but I love this style (madison leather hailey), size and color!
• FARMER’S MARKET BASKETS - these are just too cute for words…and can be used for just about anything!  So fresh and simple and clean – from Anthropologie!
• CUPCAKE CARRIER - this is one of the best I have seen…love the cheery yellow…price is great and Goodness knows I could use one, lol!
• K CUP Carousel - So, by now, you already know (if you read my gift list above, lol) that I love my Keurig Coffee machines…so it prolly goes without saying that I have LOTS of k cups around the house!  I keep them in a huge canister…but love the carousels for easy-access!
• Fresh Brown SUGAR set - I loooove this brand…and the brown sugar is just yummy!  So, naturally – a collection in this fragrance is a WANT, lolol!

Since I am SOOOOO not techy…I thought I’d ask the RoyalNerd for some suggestions for that kind of stuff, lol!  Some of these are obvious (iPad, Kindle)…but since we have personal experience with both, and recommend them so highly – they had to make the list!  Also, he says when in doubt – SHOP at THINK GEEK!  A quick disclaimer before we get started though…for us, the term NERD is a term of endearment…we LOVE our nerdi-ness and fully embrace it and consider the term a COMPLIMENT (so we hope you do, too) lol!  Alrighty, here goes:

• iPad2 - seriously – IF you can swing the $$$$$, it would be what WE consider the best (material) gift, bar-none :o)  We really do not need to go into much detail here…as most know all about iPads…but just had to have it on the list!
• KINDLE products - if you are not into the iPad…the price of the iPad…or apple products – then you might instead consider the KINDLE FIRE!  We can’t really and honestly compare it with the iPad…because it is apples (pun intended, lolol) to oranges!  Having both…all we can say is that we love both and find them to be very useful and fun!  And, for the price difference – it would be tough to not recommend the FIRE!  And, OF COURSE…there is also the ‘regular’ kindle!  We LOOOOOOVE our kindles and have been reading (and reading and reading) on them for years now!  Can’t recommend the Kindle enough!  Again…LOOOOOVE amazon, lol (and no, they are not paying me in any way…though if they offered, I feel sure I wouldn’t turn them away, rofl)!
• BOOKS – in particular – the CUCKOO’S egg by Cliff Stoll!  The nerd HIGHLY recommends this…I guess it is some kind of high-tech thriller (true story) that is a ‘classic’ among techie types :o)
• POSTERS - the nerd told me that ‘nerds love posters’ – and I guess THIS site has tons of them :o)
• Graphic TEES - these are great for anyone…but it seems that techies really love their graphic shirts.  Admittedly, I do not always ‘get’ the sayings…but I guess that is the whole point, lol!  For example…I had no idea that the shirt pictured above was ‘star trek’ lolol!
• iCade for iPad - if someone you know already has an iPad that they LOVE…and you know that they enjoy video games (especially arcade style…ya know, old-school) – this could be a really fun and clever gift idea (iPad required)!
• TV show BOX sets - so, there are obviously many to choose from…but, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA was the one the nerd specifically pointed out!  This is what he said about it:  “This is a remake not the original 1970s series!  Trust me on this one. This is even for those who followed the series as it aired.”  I can’t add anything because I’ve honestly never watched a second of it (not my ‘bag’ lol)…but he seems pretty serious about it, lolol!  If the boxed set price (full series) is a little steep – you could always start with SEASON ONE only…for about $16!
• HEADPHONES - a must have, and these are his favorites!  OR, for a little bit more – go for the RE-chargeable option!

Finally, I couldn’t move on without mentioning Etsy :o)  I know that most of us know all about Etsy…but just a reminder that you can get some super special, clever, unique, creative, personal gifts…and often for great prices!  When in doubt…check Etsy, lol!

WHEW…alright, I think that is it from ME as far as gift ideas go!  Now…I can’t wait to share some ideas from the girls!  I had a lot of fun putting these lists and graphics together…and even got some great inspiration, too - so let’s get to it!

Now…Kylie had LOTS of ideas and I have tried to include most of them here for you :o)  She is so creative…both in a crafty way, and in a giving way, lol!  Love it!  So, let’s see…she loves the ONE LINE A DAY memory book, the FRESCO filigree trivets (no longer available online – but you might be able to find IN-stores), and the CLEMENT drink rack and mug set (so cute!)!  Those were her ‘grown-up’ picks!  Now for her kid ‘stuff’ :o)  the JUNIOR gardening kit (love this) is a great option…OH MY – check out the PAINT YOUR OWN tea set (what little girl wouldn’t love this?), and finally – how about these CLASSIC card GAMES (perfect!)?! 

 As for Kylie’s WISHlist, it is equally as fabulous, lol!  I could share some of these wishes with her, he he!  But, no surprise, her wishlist is shorter than her giftlist (that’s just the kinda girl Kylie is) :o)  We’ll start with her DREAM item, lol – the TIFFANY CELEBRATION STACK rings (I’ll go ahead and add these to my dream list, too lol) – BRILLIANT and BEAUTIFUL!  Then we have the JO MALONE fragrances, perfect for the holidays…followed by the KITCHENAID stand mixer (in Almond Cream) <–this is a favorite kitchen item of mine, too!  Finally (well, not to imply there were lots of items, lol – because there weren’t) – we have the CRAFT CUTTER!  Kylie is going back and forth between the Martha Stewart CRICUT -AND- the Silhouette CAMEO :o) To wrap up for Kylie…I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a favorite site that she introduced me to – DONNA HAY!  It is an Australian company/store and the products are AWESOME!  Be sure to check it out when you have a few minutes (or hours, lol) to browse!  THANKS for all of the great ideas, Kylie!

 Next, we have Casharina’s fabulous lists!  Both her GIFT and her WISH lists are super practical and helpful (at least for me, lol)!  When it comes to GIVING, she loves fragranced body lotion because she says many of us just do not buy it for OURselves…not to mention – it is a great ‘extra’ to place in a gift basket of homemade ‘stuff’, without too much extra cost!  She likes the SWEET PEA body lotion from BBW!  And I really have to agree with her on this next one – PAJAMAS…you just can’t go wrong, lol!  The sizing is generally ‘forgiving’ if you don’t know the recipient’s exact size…and they are generally pretty affordable (and super cute!)!  Lastly, she says that she almost always buys her hubby a new wallet since they wear out so quickly – this is a fave of hers!  As far as WISHLIST items go…a new desktop computer might soon be a ‘need’ – so it made the list, along with some super comfy micro fleece pants…and a new LIGHT STAND!  Great choices, Casharina – THANK YOU!

I think many of us are also going to love Kim’s WISHlist, lol!  You’ll see that she has a love for Etsy, like so many of us!  So let’s take a peek at her wishlist :o)  The Calphalon nonstick Omelet skillet is a great choice and looks so sleek, love it (not to mention, practical!)!  Then, we have the ever-popular external flash for canon dslr’s (I highly recommend these!).  Now, we move into the FUN, Etsy ‘stuff’ – a makeup bag (complete with brush roll), camera bag and padded camera strap!  I LOOOOVE all of these…the quality looks superb, and the fabrics – divine!  And, to wrap up – there is the beautiful and functional Cucina recipe book holder from Pottery Barn!    Again, really enjoyed these gift ideas…many thanks, Kim :o)

I LOVE Jenelle’s lists…especially her WISHlist, lol!  I like how just just ‘went for it’…caravan and all, lol!  Too cute and boy do I hope they get one :o)  Her GIFTlist isn’t too ‘shabby’ either, he he!  She begins with a great gift for kids, especially when it comes to travel time – magnetic puzzles!  Jenelle highly recommends the kikki.K store and says that pretty much everything they carry is great for gifting – so be sure to check it out!  I really love her idea of handmade/baked gifts…the reindeer cupcakes are WAY TOO CUTE…and she even found a fabulously clever way to package them (one of my fave things – wrapping and packaging, lol)!  Perfect for little school/class/friend gifts!  Now, back to Jenelle’s WISHlist, lol…she starts with something I would like to try as well (have heard so much about this brand) – the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (she says it is the BEST!).  Then, she moved on to another love of mine, lol – coffee!  On her list is the DeLonghi Nespresso System (Lattissima EN670B), looks awesome and makes cappuccinos and latte macchiatos (YUM)!   And, her list will end on a HIGH NOTE :o)  Her family dreams of a new, modern caravan in time for summer holidays - like this Jayco model!  Fabulous ideas, Jenelle – THANK YOU!

Moving on to Rosy’s lists…she shared a great mix of handmade, practical and fun gifts!  When it comes to GIVING…she really loves to create and gift photobooks (how applicable here, huh?  lol…love it)!  The Action Bible Songs book was a gift from her MIL to her son last year and she said he LOVED it (when kids love their gifts…it is always a great recommendation for others – trust me!)!  Rosy also included this PATTERN, which she has worked with many times to make sweatshirts as gifts (great idea…wish I could sew, lol)!  For her WISHlist, Rosy has a handful of fun items…from comfy flats, to a great VEGGIE peeler (with brush) from Rachael Ray (truly love her kitchen gadgets)!  Oh…and in between…my favorite CANON LENS ever (50mm 1.4) AND a fabulous idea for any scrapper – a PERFECT WORD BOOK (to spark ideas for journaling and page titles/quotes) – awesome :o)  Thanks bunches for the ideas and inspiration, Rosy! 

Last, but not least – we have Beckie’s WISHlist…and I really love a couple of these :o)  She is hoping for a KINDLE FIRE (and you know I love it, lol) – and I hope she gets one!  And, if you didn’t know it…Beckie and her family are HUUUUUGE Florida Gators fans…so the decal family would be perfect!  And, I don’t think many of us could resist her choice in necklaces, lol!  LOVE the antique silver camera necklace!  And…this last one – I’ll admit that I didn’t even know it existed and had to read to find out what it is, lol!  It’s the MACRO EXTENSION tube KIT for Canons - visit the product page to find out more!  Thanks so much for the fun ideas, Beckie!

Alright…that wraps up the longest blog post in history, lolol!  I’ll see you guys again in 2015!  ROFL, just joking…but I do need a bit of a break after this one, lol :o)  Thanks for reading through all of our ideas and thoughts…and truly – we hope that you are inspired…or can at least mark a gift or two off your list!  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE feel free to share any favorite gift ideas you might have in the COMMENTS section – we would LOOOOOOVE to ‘see’ your ideas – THANKS!  XOXO — SP

P.S.  I know some of you will want to know about the fonts used in this post…so here ya go:  Mr. Moustache, Print Clearly and Emily Lime :o)

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