Some of the items mentioned below I received for free to review, and others are promoted using affiliate links. In my opinion, they are truly worth giving as a gift or purchasing for yourself. Thank you for supporting me!
It’s that time again… time to shop and wrap and label! Time to make shopping lists and stuff stockings! But sometimes, gifts are hard, yo. It’s difficult to give someone something different and exciting and not break the bank at the same time. I’ve got several gift ideas for you this year in my first-ever gift guide! Shop by type or family member for some hot ticket items for 2016.
FOR MOM:
Personalized .925 Sterling Silver Cuff, $60+
Essential Oil Diffuser, $63.75
At this wholesale price, I LOVED picking this Young Living home diffuser out for myself. It was one of the things I most enjoyed this year, and I got to support my friend while purchasing it. Add many drops of peppermint or stress away essential oil, and you can find me working in peace and a no-stress zone.
Stella & Dot Getaway Bag, $138.00
Stella & Dot Getaway bags are my FAVORITE. I’m not sure how I traveled before I got one! Besides being roomy, zippered and a fabulous print, they are expandable to fit extra goodies on the way home. Or perhaps you’re traveling with presents for the kids? Stuff them in and zip up the extra portion on the way back. Styles vary, but they feature leather handles and wear so well! I’m actually a stylist, so if you see something you like, let me know!!
FOR KIDS:
Reusable Sticker Books, $7.00 each
Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar, $49 
The Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar is the neatest thing for the budding generation. Meant for 3 years and up, the Code-A-Pillar teaches young kids about patterns and computer coding without them even knowing it. The 9 easy-to-connect segments can be arranged by preschoolers to “tell” the toy how to move forward, left, right, wiggle, dance or even wait for a couple of seconds before moving again. There’s even a motorized head, lights, sounds and eyes that brings him to life! Even I want to play with him… maybe that’s the cue I need to get on the floor and really get into a toy with the kids!
Pie Face the Game, $17
Pie Face the game is a HOOT! If you caught the YouTube video from across the pond with the grandfather-grandson duo, and you wanted your own game, fear not! This pie-in-the-face suspense game is going to get ya! If you don’t play with whipped cream, use the sponge on the “hand” of this game and turn the handles. You score a point for every time you turn the handle without getting pie-faced, and the whoever scores 25 points first, wins. Fun for the whole family… especially the grandparents!!!
FOR THE GOURMET:
Sno Spice Ice Cream Mix-Ins, $28/4 pack
Stuck at home with just plain vanilla ice cream? Or maybe you and your family have different palates? Never fear! Sno Spice Ice Cream Mix-Ins are a collection of herb and spice blends that transform ordinary ice cream into an amazing array of flavors. Best of all, there’s no sugar, no preservatives and tons of flavor that come from natural, simple ingredients.
Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds – Set of 4, $18.95
Need a cocktail? You MUST try a sphere ice-cube. The 2.5″ sphere design is perfect to accompany your Bourbon, Scotch . The molds are stackable, so they save space and WILL NOT tip over in your freezer and cause a giant mess. The silicone cap creates a perfect leak-free seal. BPA free, dishwasher safe. *Fancy!*
FOR THE TECHIE:
The Honeywell Lyric Smart Thermostat, $145
The Lyric Thermostat is my first step towards a smart home. At the flick of my iPhone, I can command a new temperature, tell Alexa to control it, or set a 7-day schedule for vacations. I didn’t know how much we were going to like it until I found out how much it did! Now I want one for the other temperature locations in our house! The techie in your home is bound to benefit from the command-able gadget
HP Sprocket: Mobile Photo Printer, $129.99
The HP Sprocket app, free on iOS and Android, lets you easily customize your favorite smartphone and social media photos with colorful frames, text, stickers, filters and more. Then, use the pocket-sized HP Sprocket to bring your favorite memories to life with vibrant 2 x 3” smudge-proof photos you can share, or peel-and-stick and create collages and art projects. This portable printer goes virtually anywhere, and with Bluetooth connectivity, you and all of your friends can connect to Sprocket with your smartphones and tablets and print and share a photo right on the spot.Monster Mobile Clarity In-Ear Headphones with Apple Control Talk, $34.95
Griffin iTrip Clip $19.99
FOR DAD:
Hobby Items, $various
My Dad happens to have a serious interest in flying! I’ve given him flight gear, jackets, accessories and more. My husband is into tennis and running, so naturally, shoes and a tennis bag are on his list. I find that people who love their hobbies always need new equipment or ways to improve their craft.
Custom Made State Coasters
Handcrafted by One Nut Woodworks, these entertaining coasters are made with two tones of wood and professionally sanded to carry only your finest beverages! Available in each of the 50 states, too… which one would you pick? You can read more about the carpenter, Seth, here and please know that in an effort to repay organizations that have given so much to Seth and his wife, 10% of all proceeds will go to raising awareness for men’s health issues.
Hygiene and Pampering Kit, $50
It’s not to say Dad is smelly (though after those gym workouts his shirts might need a wash!) but he does do a LOT for the family, so perhaps some pampering is in order? If he’s not the type to spring for a spa treatment, treat him to this hygiene kit with lavish items made in the USA. Some of these salves were invented by a mechanic who needed a tough clean that was kind on the skin.
Fancy Underpants
What should be on every dad’s gift list this holiday season? Underwear, socks, T-shirts, OH MY! But seriously… my husband can wear our an undershirt or a pair of socks faster than anyone I’ve met. I usually stuff his stocking with some essentials like Hanes® FreshIQ™ T-shirts, underwear or socks to keep him supplied throughout the year. Husbands or Dads will love the softness and comfort of Hanes, you’ll love the odor control technology that helps to reduce unpleasant odors from your clothes; something for everyone. FreshIQ™ fabric treatment attracts & kills odor-causing bacteria thereby reducing unpleasant odors from clothing. Be stink-free all year long!
I’ve got my stress away running RIGHT NOW!
And, that coding caterpillar? He’s kind of on my own want list!