Christmas is fast approaching and we have been busy putting together a 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for you all! Who enjoys Christmas? Gift giving can be stressful so I thought I would try and give you some great ideas for your friends & Family! Each item in this gift guide has been hand selected. Several gift categories are being featured for this holiday season, hope you enjoy.
All gifts in this guide presented a sample for quality control to ensure the best suggestions were being given. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
This category can be great for your professional businessman, tech savvy, outdoorsy, sport fan or couch potato in your life! I have selected several gift ideas in all different price points.
My first gift suggestion comes from a brand you have heard of, Wenger. Wenger, is a complimentary, inexpensive watch division of Victorinox Swiss Army. I found these Watches to be a perfect addition to my guide.
Have an outdoorsy spouse? While we love to Camp, fish, hunt, attend sporting events we also enjoy date nights. I wanted something for both social hour and the professional work place. The Urban Classic Watch, pictured above, was my pick. It has a nice size blue dial with a professional brown leather adjustable band. Sleek, stylish and personal. The new Wenger line retail from $135-$295.
If you have followed my website you may have seen my Laptop got hacked a few months back. Since we both have laptops and use them regularly I thought getting a computer security system was vital! The CUJO Smart Internet Firewall, made in USA was a great addition to protecting our home networks. The mobile app let you control your firewall’s settings as it protects networked devices and smart doorbells, cameras and thermostats against hackers. This is a perfect gift for the tech lovers on your list and is extremely beneficial!
After finishing Season 7 of the Walking Dead series on Netflix I got another great gift idea. Look at this awesome cup from Tervis showcasing our love for all things Zombie!! While these are a perfect addition to any travelers cabinet the also make great stocking fillers. Tervis has so many styles to choose from and they are affordable!
Fishing, hunting, movies, shows on TV search their styles here.
Have a guy in your life that need a new phone? I have been testing out several different versions and the new Pixel 2 is my suggestion. The screen is compact and can easy fit in one’s back jean pocket. The camera both forward and selfie mode shoot in almost DSLR comparable clarity! You can see some examples here. With the new Verizon Up reward program you can also enjoy FREE tickets to sporting events, concerts, movies!!
Who enjoys music? We loved going to concerts but with our busy work schedule it can be hard to fit them in. Let me introduce you to a great alternative and wonderful gift for music fanatics on your shopping lists. With the Bose Speaker(found at Verizon stores) you can hear the bass guitar picks! Now, I knew Bose was known for their sound quality but that to me is priceless. You can sit in four walls and enjoy almost a concert like musical production given off by this small speaker. These are on the high side of budgets but they are WORTH it, in my opinion! Enjoy my FULL review here.
Some of you may not think of snacks/food for gifts but they are!! We enjoy hiking, so I wanted to find a few gifts that incorporate that. Two brothers spent a lot of time searching for a high-protein bar that tasted awesome AND was good for you… but we never found it. So they decided to create it, with some help and thus helped creating GFB snacks! I plan on putting these in a stocking but you could easily wrap these tasty GFB gluten free snacks. With flavors like Cranberry toasted almond, Oatmeal Raisin, Coconut cashew and more you can easily find some to suite your friends/family!
Do you also have a BBQ grilling Pit Master in your house? The juicy steaks that come off the grill are worth waiting for all Winter long. I love finding kits to encourage some grilling ( which also gives me a dinner break). I found this barbecue gift set created by Thoughtfully. Let your pit-boss master his domain and create some tasty meals. This kit comes with a branding iron, 5 grilling charms, stainless steel basting pot, a silicone basting brush, 2 salacious sauces and 2 robust rubs. Enjoy other great gifts sets including drink mixers, Hot Sauce lovers, coffee even a Hangover’s kit check them out >>>Thoughtfully.
Another hobby my family enjoys are mind games. I used to get these types of game booklets for my grandfather before he passed. These are so much fun to complete and challenging. The Mind Stretchers Vol 1 & 2 by Readers Digest are my suggestion this year! Crosswords, word searches, trivia, logic and numerical games—these teasers are all designed to inspire and stimulate the mind. The Mind Stretcher books retail around $12.99 each so extremely affordable!
We travel both for work and recreational. Having the right equipment that help make our trips run smoothly are essential. If you have a traveler on your Shopping list these might come in handy.
When traveling my eyes become so puffy & tired looking. Hard to get Red Carpet ready for work with tired looking eyes. My secret…FreezeFrames.
Reusable Gel-Pads magnetically click into place within the FreezeFrames casing, and are anatomically engineered to discretely target zone-specific problematic eye areas unlike any other eye care product. If you have a traveler on your list these truly are a MUST have!!
We travel a ton and love taking our little one with us! This year we invested in new luggage. Zinc Flyte is a compact piece of cabin sized luggage, that works as a pull-along case and then even has its own flip out deck so your child has their own scooter on-the-go! They come in different styles (boy, girl, unisex) styles and sizes!
While traveling I enjoy listening to music. Dolly Parton is the most honored female country performer of all time. After 50 years in the industry she has now come out with her first children’s album in all of those 50 years. Need another reason to gift this? All of the proceeds from this CD will go to the Imagination Library! Check out her CD and song listing here.
Shopping for my spouse can be hard! After a long work week sometimes we just want to sit on the couch and watch some of our favorite Netflix shows. Or take them on the road with us! Which gave me a great idea for a gift. You can find a Netflix 3,6 or 1-year subscription gift card at local stores (Best Buy).
This gift is practical, perfect for a stocking and easy to travel with!!
Shopping for ladies can be tricky. They often juggle many hats but no worries I am here to help. This year my guide includes everything from the Kitchen baristas, Mom jean wearing to fashion savvy business ladies. I believe you will find something for every one of the ladies on your list!
Let’s explore the kitchen ladies on your list. I personally frequent the kitchen as I have a love of all this made from scratch. This year I found some great recipe books I actually use. My mother is big on recipes but if they do not have pictures to go with instructions I tend to get lost in the verbiage. Try the Taste of Home: Most Requested and The Complete Month of Meals Collection by American Diabetes Association. They both have great illustrations, recipes that you can actually cook and are an affordable gift to give!
The first gift set, I would suggest, comes from Hamptons Salt Company. It is a provider of all natural sea salts. Their salt collection are unrefined and have no unhealthy additives. My personal favorite flavors are garlic, black truffle and Smoked hickory. For the gal that has a zillion gadgets these collection would be a great addition to their spice cabinets priced at around $10!
Coffee was my best friend when my son was small. I used to be one of those Mom’s you could not even talk to before I had my coffee. This year I decided to include some great gift sets that include special brews. Give the gift of cutting the line and taking it to go with this Thoughtfully coffee gift set. Quality Colombian beans, filters and a unique alphabet magnet set for word play on the enamel mug.
Not much of a coffee drinker? Thoughtfully also have some hot chocolate or Tea sets. This particular kt pictured above comes with Godiva cocoa, a dusting wand and handy storage containers for the home barista. Check out different blends or kits here.
What lady does not enjoy a little “bling”? This year I decided to include a gift that is not only unique but beautifully handcrafted! Gorgeous handmade 14 kt gold filled hammered circle necklace with Swarovski crystals as well as matching earrings. Lexi butler designs are such a great gift idea with many styles, colors, fashionable designs and price points for any lady on your list you might be shopping for! Enjoy their website site for more bling here.
Like any professionally lady I have a busy schedule on my plate. From PTA meetings to Professional work trips I need to stay organized. The first way of doing this was getting a timepiece. While fashion is always in the forefront of my mind practicality is more important. I went with the Urban Donnissima with the sleek stylish white band. It is perfect for any outfit and would be great for Mothers, Daughters or your spouse! They are a great luxury timepiece that come with a 3 year warranty. This of this as an investment and way of staying organized! Enjoy more styles here.
As, I get older I realize my skin needs to be taken care of more. I have yet to notice a female who does not care about their skin in someway. Most of us even have skin care regimens we follow daily. I’d like to introduce the O, The Oprah Magazine Spring/Fall 2017 Beauty O-Ward, Robin McGraw Revelation’s Luxury Skincare Line. For the ladies in your family that you would like to splurge on and give them something luxurious these skin care items are a great option!
Gift a loved one a younger-looking complexion this Season. Powered by a unique time-released technology, this potent yet balanced serum gradually delivers Retinol to minimize irritation and maximize visible results. The Robin McGraw Revelation’s Luxury Skincare is great for a stocking filler or gift under your tree. They are priced right around $22-48.
I have some lovely ladies on my list that love candles. Every time we visit the Mall they are stopping to smell the new fragrant styles Yankee Candle has to offer. Season after season, from reliving favorite memories to setting a mood, candles can help do it. Gift some long-lasting scents that will help make houses feel like homes.
Have an outdoorsy person on your shopping list?? From customized apparel to personalized picture frames, GiftsforyouNow, are sure to exceed your loved ones expectations. Most tend to think personalized gifts are out of their price range and/or it takes too long to order. GiftsForYouNow makes affordable, high-quality items with a personal touch and can deliver them quickly. These have a wide range of items to choose frrom!!
Have a nerd/wizarding fan on your list? How above someone who enjoys coffee, wine or tea? For 70+ years, Tervis have been making drink ware in the USA with a lifetime guarantee. They are constantly adding new designs to their selection. These cups are unbreakable, super insulated and perfect for anyone on your list. I had to include different styles of these amazing products because I truly stand behind them!
Have a wine lover on your Christmas list? I personally love wine and visiting local wineries. Since I have several wine glasses I thought this year I would suggest a wine subscription box called Winc. This way you can try new wines and flavors. Pick from red or white, dry or sweet wines. If you are interested in this as a gift use my code to get $20 on me!! Just click here & enter it.
Marriage has had a bad rap in the years it has been a “thing”? I was one of the lucky one’s, I met my spouse at age 25 and have been happily married for the last 4 years! Does that mean our life is easy? That it has been sunshine and roses ever since we got married? Ha, NO! It has been some of the most trying times, in my life. It has also been some of the most rewarding years because we make an effort to keeping the romance alive in our marriage. Need some great date night ideas?? Introducing Crated with Love, to keep the best part of your relationship alive and thriving through love and laughter with creative, simple date ideas. Check out more of what they offer here.
Need a great stocking filler or creative gift? Adult coloring can be so relaxing try Christmas Paper Play. Both my son and I enjoy coloring this together. Every page can be used as the basis of an activity, craft, or game, and all you need is a pair of scissors, some colored pencils, and the occasional dab of glue. Enjoy more styles here.
As a Mom myself I shop for a little one. He changes what he wants daily. I hope this guide for kids help give you some ideas you may not have thought of. We all know kids enjoy toys but I like to give more than just toys.
As my son gets older body care has become a gift I give him every year. Although he is a bit young to appreciate it. I also have some new Moms on my shopping list this year so I did a bunch of research on what company to include this year! Using skin care products on children can be scary because of the recent reports coming out about how certain ingredients or chemicals aren’t safe to use and can have harmful effects. Babytime! uses natural ingredients in their products and at least 70 percent are organic including fruits, vegetables and seed oils. They retail around $29 for a gift set which is great for any family budget!
My son also enjoys reading. I believe encouraging kids to read and reading to them is a vital part of their development. You will find lots of books on my Gift guide for this exact reason! For my nephew I choose The Snowbear in hardcover. Enjoy the story of Iggy and Martina, two kids who set out to build a snowman after a particularly heavy snowfall. For my son who enjoys Pirates I choose: Pirates Magnified. Explore the lives of 10 real pirates and learn about life on the high seas, while using the free magnifying glass to spot more than 200 pirate-themed items in each eye-boggling illustration.
In our house we like to write notes to one another. This year we upgraded to the Magic Sketch and placed it on our fridge. The Magic Sketch is a fun new way for your kids to draw, play, and learn! The flexible, LCD screen is transparent, allowing kids to trace with the provided stencils or from their own images. They can drop it, toss it, even step on it — it won’t break! It’s completely water resistant, so if they have a spill, just wipe it off and keep going.
Have kids who are a little older? I found these classic activity books and thought they too would make a great addition to someone on your list. Since my son is a AVID Harry Potter fan when I saw the Harry Potter: Magical Film Projections: Quidditch I just had to get it for him. If you are a Harry Potter fanatic who just can’t get enough this is a perfect addition to their collection! The other book was from a collection I once enjoyed as a child, finding Waldo! Where’s Waldo? Destination: Everywhere! is a perfect gift for any kid or adult still enjoying finding Waldo. These never get old and I love watching him browse the pages to find him and his gang of fun friends!
Remember when I said how wonderful the Tervis products were? I found this tumbler for my son who LOVES sea turtles. They sell water bottles, mugs, tumblers, wine glasses and even sippy cups!
Want some educational books to keep your little learners interested?? We have been traveling a lot and my son brought up a great point on our last trip. He asked about cities within states and what they are known for. Since I have yet to visit every state some of the questions I did not know. Now with the 50 Cities of the U.S.A. & States of the U.S.A. we can learn together! Explore skyscraper streets, museum miles, local food trucks and city parks from Anchorage to Washington D.C. in 50 Cities of the U.S.A. Quarto Knows has a wide selection of books you can look through and purchase enjoy them here.
After having a few game nights with friends and family members I realized not everyone plays board games. Goliath is an international manufacturer and distributor of a broad range of games. They have a great selection of games for the little one’s on your list. Goliath is one of the few remaining family-owned and run businesses in the world of toys/games. Check out their selection of games here.
Do you have a kiddo that enjoys building with LEGO? Have you tried Brick Loot? Brick Loot is a box subscription company for LEGO and Brick fanatics! Subscribers will receive a monthly box filled with unique, custom and never-before-seen items including Custom LEGO Kits, LEGO Minifigures and more. They are filled with 4-8 items that were hand picked by Brick specialists who scour the world for the newest and coolest products for you to collect.
If you have a child in elementary through high school in the house, a professional grade microscope at a budget-friendly price is a wonderful investment for the whole family. My First Lab’s array of fully assembled microscopes puts the focus on science, magnified. Our little Scientist is going to be so happy come Christmas Eve when he unwraps this!! Check out more microscope styles and sizes here.
Ready for a Movie night?? I was so excited to see Despicable Me 3 come out in time for Christmas! I have watched the first two with my son in theaters and couldn’t wait for this one!! I am a huge fan of Gru and all things minion related. This villain animation, complete with a great collection of movie star voices, will have you laughing/enjoying a movie night with your family in no time.
