2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Hey, friends! It’s baaaaaaaack! Holiday shopping season has returned, and I’m so excited to bring you another Holiday Gift Guide this year! It’s crazy to think that I’ve been putting these guides together since 2013, and this is definitely my biggest one yet! From moms to dads, hostesses to chefs, and little boys to little girls, you are sure to find something just right for all of your loved ones!

It’s always so much fun to pull together this list. I can do some shopping of my own, get in the gift-giving spirit, and crank up some holiday tunes…all while sitting in the comfort of my own home! And a quick note: none of these items are sponsored! This is just an honest-to-goodness list of the stuff that I LOVE!

Shall we get right to it?! Here’s the ultimate 2017 Holiday Gift Guide!

STOCKING STUFFERS

Phone Case: Changing your phone case is kind of like getting a whole new phone — but it’s way more affordable! There’s a design, color, and style for just about everyone’s taste, so this is a great gift to tailor to your special recipient. I love the new personalized cases from May Designs and I’m swooning over these floral designs!

Ornaments: Each year the kids and I love to make our own ornaments to give to the grandparents or to tie on our neighbor’s packages. These Mason Jar Lid Reindeer are some of our favorites! Not crafty? The Land of Nod has so many great whimsical options — like these Nutcracker ornaments!

Simply Mailed Gift Cards: Do you know a new mom, a busy parent, or an elderly friend who could use some help planning and organizing her meals each week? You can purchase a Simply Mailed gift card and take at least one task off of her plate! She will receive 3 easy dinner recipes each week, as well as an organized grocery shopping list, so that she doesn’t even have to think about what to serve each night. This gift is totally customizable, as you can select a meal plan that feeds a family or a meal plan that feeds just two people. You can also determine the price! Sign up for an annual membership for 12 months of meal plans, or purchase 1, 2, 3 (or more) months separately. A perfect gift for the person that has everything! Learn more HERE!

See’s Chocolates: It wouldn’t be Christmas for Keith without at least one box of See’s chocolate. He’s a chocolate fanatic, and this is his absolute favorite. I place an order each year — without exception! The “Create Your Own Box” is my go-to option, since I can curate all of his favorite flavors (i.e., the fruity cream-filled milk chocolates).

Cozy Socks: Such a fun treat for anyone at this time of year. I love the designs on these wool socks, I love fluffy non-skid slipper socks for lounging around the house, and Keith loves these men’s wool socks for hikes and outdoor yard work at this time of year.

Travel Coffee Mug: Keith and my brother swear by these Yeti ramblers, which they use every single day on their commutes. The mugs keep drinks hot or cold for hours, they are sturdy, and (unlike many other travel mugs) they are dishwasher safe! I think I need to stick this Yeti can and bottle insulator in Keith’s stocking this year for his beers!

Lip Balm: No more dry lips at this time of year! This Rosebud Salve lip balm has been a favorite of mine for over a decade, and it sits by my bedside for daily use.

Hand Cream: I love, love, love this luxurious treat! It’s a great gift because it’s useful, and it’s not necessarily something that we will buy for ourselves. A true indulgence! And if you need another great option that’s perfectly sized for a stocking and even more affordable, check out this Orange Blossom gift set from The Naked Bee. My friend Mollie gave me this set as a part of my birthday present earlier this month and I LOVE IT! It smells amazing, and it’s so handy to have the mini lotion, sanitizer, and lip balm for my purse.

Gel Nail Polish: This is the only kind of nail polish that I use, because it’s the only kind that actually stays on my nails for more than a few days. Don’t skip the clear top coat, because that’s where  the magic is! I think that I need to add this holiday collection to my own list this year.

New Dish Towels for the Kitchen: I love using seasonal dish towels to brighten our kitchen and to change the look and feel of the room. For the New Year, how about some bright, colorful towels like these that infuse optimism? These classic striped towels are also a staple in our home (and they come in many different colors)!

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

There’s a perfect book for everyone on your list! Here are a few to get you started…

Everyday Dinner Ideas: 103 Easy Recipes for Chicken, Pasta, and Other Dishes Everyone Will Love by Addy Gundry: I received this cookbook to preview from the publisher and it’s AWESOME. If you enjoy the recipes on my blog and the way that I feed my family, then this is a great companion for your kitchen. The meals are simple, quick-prep, and family-friendly. I’ve really enjoyed reading through the book for inspiration, and I can’t recommend it enough! And if you like desserts, Addy Gundry’s Easy Cookie Recipes is also a great find. She makes baking simple with shortcuts, cake mixes, and other approachable treats.

The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey: This is a compilation of insight and advice from Oprah’s Super Soul Sundays interviews. I love just about everything that Oprah does, including her Super Soul Sundays podcast, so I know that I will enjoy this new book! It’s a lovely, inspirational gift for any girlfriend or loved one on your list.

Susan Branch’s Books: A blog reader reminded me about this wonderful author not long ago, and it reignited my love for her work. As many of you know, my family has a home on Martha’s Vineyard, so I’ve been a big fan of Susan’s books, calendars, and artwork for my entire life. I even remember using one of her planners back when I was in high school! She has more products than I could possibly link to here, but a few favorites include: Heart of the Home, Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen, Christmas from The Heart of the Home, and The Summer Book.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: This book will make you feel good! Gilbert is the author of the book EAT PRAY LOVE, and in this inspirational memoir she shares her unique view on creativity, living a creative life, and why every human on this planet needs to feel creatively fulfilled (whatever that might look like for YOU). It would be a beautiful gift for that creative spirit in your life, or for anyone that would like to get out of the daily grind and tap into her own creativity. You could the book pair it with an adult coloring book and gel pens, with a journal and a nice pen, or with classes to a pottery or dance studio, for instance.

Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss: There’s just so much great advice crammed into this one book! Fellow Princeton alum (go Tigers!), Tim Ferriss, is probably best known for his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, and for his first book, The 4-Hour Workweek. In Tools of Titans, Ferriss breaks down the tactics, routines, and habits of billionaires, icons, and world-class performers. He interviews folks from just about every arena — including athletes, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and entertainers. I just found this so fascinating! I’m itching to get my hands on Tim’s next book, Tribe of Mentors, which sounds equally good!

Weber’s Greatest Hits: 125 Classic Recipes for Every Grill: The Weber grilling cookbooks have been a much-loved staple in our family for as long as I can remember. This book is a perfect gift for that meat-loving man in your life!

Harry Potter: Illustrated Series: Have a young reader in your house? There is a new series of Harry Potter books that include illustrations! The text is the same, but there are some beautiful illustrations throughout, which makes the long books a bit more appealing to newer readers. Gibbs has enjoyed cruising through this series in the past few months.

The Ultimate Book of Cities: This book is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers! It reminds me of the Richard Scarry Busytown books, but there are flaps and pop-ups that make it interactive. So much going on, and so many fun illustrations!

A Column of Fire by Ken Follett: This book is the latest in Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth series, whichremain some of my favorite books OF ALL TIMES. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

FOR HIM

Men can be so tough to shop for, right? I’ve rounded up a few of Keith’s favorites (and a few items on his list) to help you pick out the perfect gift for the special guy in your life!

Bluetooth Wireless Headphones: Keith and I both have a pair of these wireless headphones, which make it easy to listen to our favorite podcasts and music while exercising, doing chores, or running errands. No bulky cords to contend with, and no need to keep your phone on your body or in your hand at all times!

Wheeled, Carry-On Charging Suitcase: For a guy who travels constantly for work, this suitcase looks like the perfect solution: it’s a carry-on size (a must!), it’s got wheels (another must!), and it even charges the batteries for your devices (so you don’t have to fight for a spot at the charging consoles in the airport)! Genius!

Keen Trail Shoes: We love hiking, and Keith is a big fan of trail shoes with a sturdy sole (instead of relying on bigger boots). The Oakridge Shoe and the Targhee II Hiking Shoe look like great options from one of our favorite brands.

Orvis Men’s Sandy Point 1/4-Zip Pullover: I’m pretty sure that Keith owns this top in just about every color! It’s a definite wardrobe staple because it’s soft, it keeps him warm, but it’s not bulky and hot when he’s indoors. A great affordable layering piece for any active guy!

Amazon Echo: Do you have one yet? If not, you NEED at least one! We have an Echo or an Echo Dot in just about every room of our house, which we use for listening to music, cooking timers, weather and news reports, voice-controlled thermostat control, and more. A “smart home” is a happy home, and this is always a well-received gift (trust me).

Omaha Steaks: Pair a gift package of these gourmet foods with the Weber book above, and you’ve got an awesome gift for your man! You can often find great holiday deals from Omaha Steaks, so be sure to keep your eye out for a discount!

FOR THE KIDS

In our house, it’s all about the LEGOS! But I know that wouldn’t make for a very interesting list, so I’ve got a few other suggestions here as well (in addition to the Legos, of course)!

Lite Brite: This old-school favorite is making a comeback, and Casey loves it! This is a nice indoor activity for the cold weather months when my busy little boy can’t get outside as much as he would like to!

Melissa and Doug Jumbo Coloring Books: My kids have enjoyed these coloring books for YEARS. While they appeal to toddlers, my 6- and 8-year-olds still sit down almost every day to color a picture as well. We’ve been through countless pads in just about all of the different themes, so this is a constant MUST on our wish list! Add a great set of Washable Scented Markers and your kiddo will be in heaven!

Personalized Dishes and other Creations: The Bitsy Creations Etsy shop has so many adorable plates, bags, mugs, placemats, and printables that can all be customized with your child’s name. This is such a fun and easy way to make a kid feel special! I remember when I was younger and I could never find keychains, mini license plates, or pencils with “Blair” written on them. I would have DIED for one of these pieces!????

Magna-Tiles: These magnetic building tiles are such a cool gift! My boys went through a period where they were really excited about building castles and other structures with the transparent tiles. They’re a great option for younger kids who might not have patience for Legos yet.

Marble Run: The older boys have these in their classrooms at school and love them!

Keva Planks: These wooden planks are another building favorite on the boys’ lists.

Bruder Trucks: I swear Spencer has an entire fleet of these big, sturdy vehicles, yet there’s always another truck on his wish list! The Garbage Truck is a recent favorite, and he’s hoping that Santa will deliver either the Dump Truck or the Tractor Trailer and Forklift.

Sports Equipment: My sports-obsessed 6-year-old, Casey, is eyeing this 3-in-1 Soccer Trainer Set, as well as the kid-safe Two Bros Bows Archery Sets. For indoor fun, Gibbs wants this Hockey Set.

Mystery Mosaics: We are always looking for new ways to entertain the boys quietly indoors when it’s too cold or too dark to get outside. Casey spotted these Color-By-Number Mystery Mosaics and instantly added them to his wish list!

Snap Circuits: Literally circuits that a child can snap together, this is a great toy to teach kids about basic concepts of electronics (ummm…I could use a refresher myself!). My brother gave a set of these to Gibbs a couple of years ago, and Gibbs thinks they are AWESOME. He can create motors, fans, light switches, etc. by snapping a circuit together according to the instructions.

FOR HER

After reviewing my list, it’s very clear that the theme of this year’s holiday (for me, anyway) is “cozy!” From the clothes to the shoes to the makeup, everything on my list is comfortable, practical, cozy, and just makes us feel good. Isn’t that really the perfect kind of gift, too?!

Coffee Mug: I adore a beautiful new coffee mug to brighten my mornings! The Home Grown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie has been a favorite for a long time, but I’ve also got my eye on this new Night Sky Mug. Want to put together a gift set? Include some delicious holiday coffee or cocoa and a couple of Koffie Straws (which help to keep our teeth pearly white!).

Waffle Iron and Mix: Another fun treat for the kitchen, which most gals won’t buy for themselves! A waffle iron makes weekend breakfasts feel indulgent, and it’s perfect paired with this gingerbread pancake and waffle mix!

Fancy Schmancy Slow Cooker: While we’re on the subject of kitchen appliances, I thought I should mention this top-of-the-line slow cooker that caught my eye! It’s the perfect way to help a busy mom get dinner on the table easily! This particular slow cooker can steam, brown, or saute your meat in addition to cooking it slowly. It would get a lot of love in my house!

Casserole Dish: If you read my blog regularly, then you know that we love casseroles! My Le Creuset dishes are some of my most-used kitchen products, and they will seriously last you a lifetime! Comfort food is the way to your loved one’s heart! The Dutch oven is the ultimate gift for home cooks, but a more moderately priced casserole dish is also a nice option!

bareMinerals Makeup: This has been my favorite make up for years! I’ve tried so many other brands, but I always return to bareMinerals because it’s gentle and comfortable to wear. Basically, this is the makeup for ladies who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing makeup! The colors are also very flattering, natural, and give you a real “glow.” The Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream is a must-have, as well as the Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss. You can’t go wrong with the bronzer or blush, either! When I give the makeup as a gift, I like to share gift sets that include a variety of colors and products so that the recipient can discover her own new favorites. There are many different holiday gift sets on the bareMinerals website here.

Ultra-Warm Patagonia Jacket: When it’s freezing cold outside, nothing beats a toasty warm coat that doesn’t make you feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! I love my Patagonia fleece jacket for slightly warmer temps, but this Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Insulated Jacket would really keep me warm when the mercury drops!

Down Vest: You’ve probably seen photos of me in my vests over the past few months. They are my favorite wardrobe staple, and I wear them multiple times each week. Some of my favorites include the Lands End down vests (love the plaid!) and the J. Crew down vests (orange and green are in my closet right now).

Soft Scarf: It’s fun to add a pop of color to an otherwise basic outfit by throwing a scarf around your neck. The scarves from Lands End are light, soft, and not itchy or bulky. I have this style in a number of different designs!

Old Navy Leggings: If you haven’t noticed, I live in my leggings! While I’ve got my fair share of pricier brands and styles, I always go back to the Old Navy activewear leggings! You can’t beat the quality for this price tag! They’re great in the gym, on a walk, or just for every day errands. This high-rise style really holds it all in, too!

Tunic Dress: I rarely dress up these days, but if I have an occasion to put myself together, THIS is what I want to wear. It’s fun, it’s pretty, it’s feminine, and it’s…comfortable! Covers all of the bases!

Handmade Jewelry: I’ve mentioned this jewelry on the blog before, but I just want to highlight it again. The beautiful pieces from Fuchsia Bloom Studio  complete an outfit in a special, unique way. The vintage designs are inspired by nature and are so, so pretty! You can see me wearing my earrings in this post.

Cozy Sweater: A warm sweater is always a great gift idea, and I’m currently loving this one from Loft. I purchased it for myself when I saw it for 40% off recently, and it’s a great option for dressing up or down.

Denim Leggings: Need some flattering and affordable denim leggings to wear with that cozy sweater? These are hands-down my favorite! They don’t feel like you’re wearing jeans because they have an elastic waist and they’re made with stretchy material. But they look like skinny jeans! Trust me — you’ll adore them!

Slip-On Sneakers: These are another one of my favorite recent purchases. If I’m running around town in my leggings, I’m often wearing either my running shoes or these slip-ons. They’re SO comfortable — even for someone like me with wide feet. If you’re between sizes, definitely size down 1/2 a size. I wear 8.5 normally, but these are perfect in a size 8.

Running Shoes: I live in my running shoes. For walks with friends, gym classes, running errands, or taking photos, 90% of the time I’m wearing these Nike Air Max Sequent 2 shoes. They’re so supportive and comfy! I also LOVE the look of these Nikes. They’re gorgeous!

Flannel Nightshirt: At the end of the day, nothing beats soft, warm pajamas by the fire. This nightshirt is wonderful because I can wear leggings underneath it when I’m really chilly, but I also don’t get overheated under the covers if I wear it on its own.

House Plants: For the gal who “doesn’t need anything!” A plant instantly freshens up a space, adds color, and makes it feel warmer. I have 3 succulents (similar to these) that sit on my desk and bring me joy every time I work at the computer! An indoor/outdoor live potted lemon tree would be a wonderful gift for a kitchen or porch, and a palm would add a beautiful touch to the corner of a living room.

Pitcher: This pitcher is functional artwork! It’s a great option for your favorite hostess, and it can sit out on the counter as decoration when it’s not in use.

And there you have it! My complete Holiday Gift Guide for the 2017 season! I hope that you’ve found at least a handful of new items to add to your list. Enjoy shopping from the COZY comfort of home!

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