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2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Update: Please note that the formatting of this post was destroyed once we transferred from fantabulouslyfrugal.com to shopgirldaily.com

2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide is filled with gift suggestions for everyone on your list! (Literally everyone – this is our biggest gift guide to date!)

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts

 

Never leave home without a little somethin’ somethin’ this holiday season. These hostess gifts are sure to be a hit for whatever soiree you attend.

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfectionist Personalized Journal from Minted The Perfectionist Personalized Journal • $16 at Minted

Of all of the hostess gifts here, this is the one you’ll actually have to plan ahead for. Minted has a great selection of super cute personalized journals that will help your favorite hostess plain out her next soirée. Prices start at just $16.

H2O+ Clean & Comfy Softening Hand Care Set • $20 at H20Plus

This set comes with the award-winning H20+ hand and nail cream and their moisturizing hand wash, and will help keep hands clean and smooth all winter long.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: H2O Plus Clean & Comfy Softening Hand Care Set
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Peace Candle from Bridgewater Candle Company Inspirations for Life Peace Candle • $22 at Bridgewater Candle Company

This candle is part of Bridgewater Candle Company’s Inspirations for Life line. For every tall jar candle that’s sold Bridgewater will feed an orphan for a day. With this hostess gift you’ll not only bring a smile to your friend’s face but you’ll be doing a bit of good, too!

Ginger Treats • $39.50 at Origins

This gift is the ginger lover’s dream! (Did you know Origins sells more ginger scented products during the holiday season than any other time of year?!) This trio of treats includes Ginger Souffle Whipped body cream, Incredible Spreadableâ„¢ Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub, and Ginger Float Cream Bubble Bath.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Origins Ginger Treats
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Striped Tapered Candle from Steven Alan Striped Tapered Candle • $25 at Steven Alan

As much as we love black and white stripes around here, these are the only black and white stripes you’ll find in this year’s gift guide! These candles are chic enough to go with any decor, so you won’t have to worry about getting something she won’t use.

Jouer Puttin’ on the Glitz Gift Set • $25 at Birchbox

This cute little set includes a limited edition collection featuring a trio of Jouer Mini Lip Glosses (Glisten, Peony, and Riviera) set in a chic Mini “IT” Bag that’s adorned with champagne confetti detail.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Jouer Puttin' on the Glitz Gift Set
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Mint + Gold Teardrop Vase Mint + Gold Teardrop Vase • $36 at Brika

We recommend bringing this pretty little vase already filled with a couple of flowers and that way it’ll serve double duty: easy table decoration and beautiful keepsake!

Gold Foil Coasters • $28 at C.Wonder

These gold foil coasters, inspired by Indian block print, are as pretty as it gets. The set includes eight coasters in antiqued gold chevron, star trellis, Moroccan gate and swirl designs (two of each print).

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gold Foil Coasters
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Mighty Leaf Master Tea Pouch Sampler Master Tea Pouch Sampler • $44.96 at Mighty Leaf

For the hostess who enjoys a spot of tea there is no finer gift than this Master Tea Pouch Sampler! It has 108 packets of tea, including various kinds of green tea, black tea, white tea, and herbal infusions.

 

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Tech Gifts

 

There are a few really hot tech gifts that have either just been released or will be out within the next few months. The gaming devices, in particular, are pretty much the hottest gifts this holiday season. It might take a miracle, however, to get your hands on one of the systems!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: XBox One | FantabulouslyFrugal.com XBox One • $499 at Microsoft

Speaking of gifts that you might need a miracle to get your hands on, the XBox One is right at the top of the list! This system launches November 22, but nearly all retailers have already sold out! This latest console is a state-of-the-art gaming system, as well as a movie and TV hub.

Samsung Galaxy Gear • $299 at Best Buy

I don’t wear a watch and I don’t have a Samsung phone but the commercials for this new smart watch make me want to change my ways! Be sure to read the fine print if you buy this watch – at this time the watch is only compatible with a small number of Samsung phones.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Samsung Galaxy Gear | FantabulouslyFrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: iPad Mini | FantabulouslyFrugal.com iPad Mini • $299.99 at Best Buy

Sure, the iPad Air just launched but everyone I know is talking about the iPad Mini. This streamlined iPad fits into small purses, and will keep all of your entertainment close at hand. The iPad Mini is super light and easier to grasp than its larger counterpart.

Renny Bluetooth Home Ringer • $99.95 at Olens Technology

The Renny announces who’s calling and allows you to answer and talk without needing to have your phone in hand. It works whether your phone is on silence or vibrate, too, so you’ll never miss a call again! Additionally, Renny will stream music from your phone. This device works with up to two phones.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Renny Bluetooth Home Ringer
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Microsoft Surface 2 | FantabulouslyFrugal.com Surface Pro 2 • $899 at Microsoft

The Microsoft Surface is the best tablet for travel and actually getting work done, thanks in large part to the full keyboard. The Surface Pro 2 was just released and they’ve expanded on the original. This new model has an expanded battery life, it is lighter, has a full HD screen, and runs Windows 8.1.

Playstation 4 • $399.99 at Best Buy

The Playstation 4 gets released on November 15, but it, too, is already sold out! The Playstation 4 provides an immersive gaming experience, as well as an array of digital entertainment apps.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Playstation 4 | FantabulouslyFrugal.com

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Gifts

 

Gifts for babies and gifts for kids are pretty much where it’s at these days. Toymakers begin planning their holiday offerings nearly a year in advance, and the gifts available this season certainly don’t disappoint!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: BabyKids Book of the Month Club Book of the Month Club • $28 from BabyKids

Every month for 10 months, the child will receive a new book in the mail. Books will teach the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and more! Some books are holiday-themed, while others are color, wipe, and color again books, which the child can keep reusing.

Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car • $49.99 at Walmart

This toy is on pretty much every list of hot toys this holiday season, and for good reason: this toy does it all! It encourages babies to sit up, crawl around, and pull themselves up. It introduces babies to colors, numbers, letters, greetings, and more. It plays 75 different songs, and it just looks like too much fun!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Make My Day Baby Bib | FantabulouslyFrugal.com Make My Day Baby Bib • $11.95 at Amazon

These silicone bibs catch food and clean off super easily, but we’re smitten with the “decorations”. A necklace for the girls and ties for the boys? Too cute!

Personalized Airplanes & Clouds Baby Teether • $11 at Treehouse Illustrator (Etsy)

This little personalized teether is certainly functional, and when the baby is too old for a teether you could actually turn this into a holiday ornament. (Other designs are available.)

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Airplanes and Clouds Baby Teether
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy | FantabulouslyFrugal.com Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy • $19.99 at Target

Earlier this year I visited with a friend whose one-year-old son had this puppy and I think I may have been more smitten with it than the baby was. This puppy has so many different phrases and songs that it sings that it is hard to get bored!

Aden and Anais Easy Swaddle • $25 at Layla Grayce

Help the little one sleep easier with one of these super cute swaddles. A few different designs are available, each cuter than the last. (It’s hard to see, but the swaddle featured here is covered in monkeys.)

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Aden & Anais Easy Swaddle | Fantabulouslyfrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: bébéPOD Flex Plus | FantabulouslyFrugal.com bébéPOD Flex Plus • $49.99 at Target

This feeding chair attaches to most regular dining room furniture, eliminating the need to invest in a full high chair. It comes with a built-in toy, but also a few different easily cleanable eating mats.

Prince Lionheart Playmat Plus • $31.59 at Walmart

Don’t let the size of the image to the right fool you – this play mat is huge! It’s actually 51″ x 71″, which gives babies and kids plenty of room to move around. The play mat is reversible and has different designs on both sides that will spur imaginative play. This mat is designed to start as a tummy time mat, and then provide a play space as the child grows.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Prince Lionheart PlayMat Plus | FantabulouslyFrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Twinkles To Go Octo | FantabulouslyFrugal.com Twinkles To Go Octo • $20.95 at CloudB

Twinkles To Go helps little ones get a good night’s sleep when they’re not at home. This mini nightlight lights up the ceiling with stars or sea creatures.

MLB Gameday Teether • $18.50 at Chewbeads

You can build baby’s allegiance early with an MLB teether. 12 different teams are available, including the World Champion Boston Red Sox. (Go Tigers!)

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: MLB Gameday Teether | Fantabulouslyfrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Mickey and Friends Inflatable Ball Kit Mickey and Friends Inflatable Ball Kit • $49.99 at Kohl’s

I’m pretty sure I was born in the wrong era because how I feel like we really missed out on not having at-home ball kits. Going into the ball pit at McDonald’s was pretty much my favorite thing ever! Anyhow, bring this experience home, where you can clean it as often as necessary.

Prince Lionheart Back-to-Sleep Bear • $20.99 at Drugstore.com

This little bear is for babies aged 0-5. It will allegedly help lull babies and children to sleep within minutes.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: PRINCE LIONHEART back-to-sleep BEAR | FantabulouslyFrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Felt Blue Ball Toy

Felt Blue Ball Toy • $15 at CityBlis

This felt toy has “feel good” tags on it like “free hugs,” and also has an internal bell.

Areaware Alphabet Blocks • $72 at 2Modern

These alphabet blocks are so chic you may not want to part with them!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: AREAWARE Alphabet Blocks by Pat Kim | FantabulouslyFrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: ABC What Can I Be Personalized Book ABC What Can I Be Personalized Book • $29.95 at I See Me

Children love seeing their name in print, and with this personalized book children will be able to learn about different careers while learning the alphabet.

Aden & Anais Classic Musy Mates Lovey • $24.95 at Layla Grayce

Of course every child needs a lovey, and the ones from Aden & Anais are not only adorable, they’re super soft, too!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Aden & Anais Classic Musy Mates Lovey

 

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Kids

There are so many great gifts for kids, but we could only include so many in our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide! Here are some of our absolute favorites gifts for kids: 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Kaskey Kids Football Guys Collegiate Football Guys • $28.99 at Kaskey Kids

I joked to my husband that this is the gift that was missing from his childhood. This set comes with 26 players, refs, goalposts, and a felt field, so kids (or adults?) can simulate their favorite college football plays. (Other universities are available! Go Blue!)

DIY Wired Doll House • $49.99 at The Grommet

This DIY kit was designed by engineers to help get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, and math. This doll house kit comes with 50 parts, including a motor, light, and switches.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: DIY Wired Doll House | FantabulouslyFrugal.com
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Prince Lionheart Whirl Balance Scooter Prince Lionheart Whirl Balance Scooter • $94.99 at Amazon

Balance bikes are great because they help kids learn how to balance before riding an actual two-wheeler. This bike is even better because it is shaped like a moped! Too cute! (Available in multiple colors.)

My Mini Golf Set • $169.95 at My Mini Golf

If you’re a family that loves your mini golf, you need this set. It lets you set up a full mini golf course in your backyard! This is a set the whole family will be able to use over and over again for years. (Other sets are available as well.)

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: My Mini Golf Set | Fantabulously Frugal
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: United States of America Block Set | FantabulouslyFrugal.com United States of America Block Set • $98 at Anthropologie

This is the year of the fancy block sets! Each of these blocks can be flipped so that together they create the United States. Other sides of the blocks contain facts and details on all 50 states.

Leap Motion Controller • $79.99 at Best Buy

The best way I can describe the Leap Motion Controller is to compare it to an XBox Kinect. It tracks your movements – in this instance, your hands and fingers – so you can control your computer without a keyboard. There are a bunch of kid’s games that can be played using this controller, hence the inclusion here. Check out this Youtube video to see all that a Leap Motion Controller can do.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Leap Motion Controller
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Car Wooden Train Set 5-Car Wooden Train Set • $31.50 at Amish Toy Box

It only seems natural that we would include this gorgeous homemade train set immediately after the latest technological advances, right? While technology is well and good, sometimes the simplest toys will spur the most imaginative play. This is a keepsake toy that will last for years (and generations).

Personalized Memory Game • $19.99 at Pinhole Press

This game is sure to be a hit as kids will love seeing their own faces on the back of the memory cards! You can include 12 of your favorite photos.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Personalized Memory Game from Pinhole Press
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Jetaire Camper Play Tent Jetaire Camper Play Tent • $199 at The Land of Nod

Even as a kid I wasn’t much for camping, but I would have been pretty excited to go camping in my living room in a play tent such as this! How cool, right? (The fake campfire is available for pre-sale and will ship in mid-January.)

3-Sided Easel • $149 at Pottery Barn Kids

This has three different areas for creating art. Two sides have chalkboards and one has a whiteboard. The easel comes with an 18″ paper roll.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: 3 Sided Easel
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Zing Air Huntress Z-Curved Bow Air Huntress Z-Curve Bow • $29.99 at Kmart

Girls wanting to be just like Katniss from The Hunger Games now have the opportunity thanks to this little plastic and foam bow. Set up some cans for target practice!

Shaggy Plush Animal Rocker • $149 at Restoration Hardware

Restoration Hardware has a few different shaggy plush animal rockers available, and each of them is cuter than the last!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Shaggy Plush Animal Rocker
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Rubber Band Bracelet Kit Rubber Band Bracelet Kit • $14.99 at Macy’s

Rubber band bracelets are where it’s at these days! Kids are making and trading bracelets like crazy. This kit contains everything your child needs to start their own little rubber band bracelet workshop.

Lego Creator Family House • $58.99 at Target

It has been awhile since I’ve purchased Legos, and I’m impressed with how far they’ve come! You can now get Lego’s in traditionally “girl” colors, but they also come in creator sets, which help teach design and architecture.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Lego Creator Family House
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Blabla Doll - Josephine the Elephant Blabla Doll • $56 at Layla Grayce

Blabla Dolls, like Josephine the Elephant, are made of soft 100% cotton using sustainable and fair trade practices. Many different styles of Blabla Dolls are available.

Zoomer Dog • $129.99 at Kohl’s

Zoomer is a super popular toy this holiday season and is perfect for households that don’t want to commit to a real dog! Zoomer understands commands (in English, French, and Spanish) like roll-over, lay down, and shake. Zoomer “speaks” back, wags his tail, and will let you pat his belly!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Zoomer Dog | Fantabulously Frugal
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Click ''n Play Hippo Click ‘n Play Hippo • $29.99 at Smart Gear

Kids can build, move, and transform this hippo into many different shapes. This Click ‘n Play Hippo has many click ‘n play animal friends!

VTech Kidjamz Studio • $49.99 at Kohl’s

Now kids can have the ultimate jam session! This toy comes with 20 kid-friendly songs that kids can DJ along to, as well as a microphone, keyboard, headphones, portable music player, and song book.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: VTech Kidjamz Studio

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Teen Girls

When I was a teenager I only wanted gift cards because I just didn’t think anyone could get me. Turns out I was wrong and I always opened up a few gifts that I loved. Here are some gifts for teen girls, and hopefully they’ll feel the same way about some of these gifts as I did about my own gifts way back when.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Unicorns are Lame Tee Unicorns are Lame Tee • $22 at Skip n’ Whistle

Said no teen ever.

The Hunger Games Wild Ophelia Chocolate Bar Library • $65 at Vosges Haut Chocolat

12 chocolate bars to represent the 12 districts in The Hunger Games. All of the chocolate bars are unique and sound delicious, for instance, one is filled with caramel corn!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: The Hunger Games Wild Ophelia Chocolate Bar Library
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Big Shot Sparkle Headband Big Shot Sparkle Headband • $20 at Bando

This sparkly headband comes in black, silver, and gold, but we prefer the multi-colored sparkles. It looks good with everything!

Ruby Stackable Gemstone Rings • $173 at LoveGem Studio

When I was a teen all I wanted was to look unique, and these stackable rings are unlike any I’ve seen before. Who wouldn’t want a crown ring in addition to a gorgeous ruby?

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Ruby Stackable Gemstone Rings
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Custom One-Line-a-Day Journal | FantabulouslyFrugal.com Custom One Line a Day Journal • $55 at Uncommon Goods

I’m a huge fan of the “one line a day” journals (and they may pop again once or twice in this gift guide), but this is the first time I’ve seen one that could be personalized.

Divergent Trilogy • $34.25 at Amazon

Allegiant – the third book in the trilogy – was just released, so if your teen hasn’t read these books yet I can’t recommend them more! These books are also dystopian in theme, with their own strong heroine Tris. The first book will hit the big screen in the spring.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Divergent Trilogy
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Boho Wrap Boho Wrap • $8 at Ooh La La Boutique

This awesome little wrap is truly versatile! It can be a headband, hair tie, bracelet, belt, or neck wrap!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell • $14.18 at Amazon

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

TheQ Camera • $199 at TheQ Camera

With just one button on the stylish TheQ Camera, you can upload to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Blogger, Google+ and more. TheQ camera is life proof, specifically waterproof and shockproof, and it is currently available in nine fun colors. Pictured here is “cupcake.”

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: TheQ Camera
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Quilted Mani/Pedi Lapdesk Quilted Mani/Pedi Lapdesk • $79 at PB Teen

This little box serves as a way to store nail polish and nail accessories, and it’s also a great flat surface for giving oneself a mani or pedi! This lapdesk is available in a few different color schees.

Year of Gratitude Card Set • $30 at See Jane Work

This would be a nice gift for teen girls that are currently or will soon be seniors in high school. I’ve never written more thank you notes than I did that year, thanks to all of the graduation gifts I received. This set includes thank you cards and a journal to keep track of things for which you are grateful.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Year of Gratitude Card Set
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: LC Lauren Conrad printed collar woven shirt Lauren Conrad Printed Shirt • $44 at Kohl’s

All girls seem to love Lauren Conrad and your girly girl may like this new bow-covered top from the LC Lauren Conrad Collection at Kohl’s. This top is not yet available but should hit stores around mid-November.

Acrylic Block Letter Necklace • $48 at Lauren & Lola

Initial and monogram necklaces aren’t going anywhere, and Lauren & Lola has some really cute designs that I haven’t seen anywhere else, including this acrylic block letter necklace that’s more bold than a lot of the similar necklaces.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Acrylic Block Letter Necklace
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Umbra Richie Instapic Frame Richie Instapic Frame • $10 at Umbra

If she’s using Instagram, she’ll probably be happy to receive a few Instagram-friendly square photo frames! Umbra has a few to choose from, and this Richie frame is my favorite.

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Teen Boys

When my brother was a teenager I had no idea what to get him. This was, of course, before the advent of the Amazon Wish List and the last time I checked his was 400 items long. While I think finding gifts for teen boys is harder than finding gifts for teen girls, my go-to shopping choice for boys has been to go with media/technology/entertainment gifts. Guys like Best Buy, so if the worst case scenario is the gift needs to be returned to Best Buy they’re probably going to be happy!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Man of Steel Man of Steel • $22.99 at AmazonMan of Steel will be released November 12, 2013.
Custom Sneaker Kit • $45 at Uncommon Goods

There’s no reason to shell out the big bucks for a pair of Jordans or D Rose shoes because now he can paint his own unique sneakers for a fraction of the price.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Custom Sneaker Kit
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: MeCam MeCam • $49 at MeCam

Pin the MeCam to you and it will film whatever you want, in light or dark conditions. If he’s into any type of sports, this could be a fun way for him to share the experience with others.

What Would You Do for a Klondike Bar? Game • $24.99 at Amazon

Can you read the title of this game without singing? I can’t. This fun board game challenges participants to figure out what they’d do for a Klondike bar in head-to-head challenges that range from trivia to acting things out.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: What Would You Do for a Klondike Bar Game
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Crossover Phone Case Crossover Phone Case • $34.99 at Quirky

This crossover case eliminates the need for a separate wallet because these silicone strips will snugly hold up to four cards, as well as cash money.

Hit Mit • $25 at Hit Mit

Hit Mit is a fun cross between paddle ball and hand ball. Players wear the foam mits on their hands and hit the ball back and forth.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Hit Mit
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo HD On-Ear Headphones Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo HD On-Ear Headphones • $199.95 at Macy’s

Everyone tries to replicate Beats, but this is still the go-to brand when it comes to “cool” headphones right now. 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Funkalicious Hoodie Funkalicious Hoodie • $49.50 at Threadless

Threadless hoodies are always a hit, and this one with the moonman carrying a boombox is sure to be a hit.

Remote Controlled Miniature Indoor Blimp • $59.99 at Vat19A blimp. That flies. Enough said, right? 2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Remote Controlled Miniature Indoor Blimp
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Ender's Game Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card • $4.39 at Amazon

This book was just made into a movie, so perhaps he’d enjoy reading the original story after seeing the movie?

T-Frame Photo Display • $30 at Umbra

If he has a tee that’s particularly important to him, this frame will help him preserve it.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: T-Frame Photo Display
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Tocky Alarm Clock Tocky Alarm Clock • $58 at Nanda Home

We’ve all seen the rolling alarm clock and this Tocky is similar. When it’s time to wake up, Tocky will fall off of whatever surface it’s on and not turn off until you get up, find it, and turn it off.

Cassette Combo Wallet • $32 at Studio Manhattan

This hip genuine leather wallet has 6 credit card slots, 2 ID windows, and 2 pockets for cash.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Cassette Combo Wallet
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: NBA2K14 NBA2K14 • $59.99 at Target

If the teen boy you’re shopping for enjoys sports and video games, there’s a good chance he’ll enjoy NBA2K14, which is getting excellent reviews. The game is available for both XBox 360 and Playstation 3.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Pets

Of course we couldn’t forget our furry friends in this year’s gift guide! This year’s gifts for pets includes a few selections for cats and dogs – my apologies for not including other animals!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Star Wars Yoda Cat Teaser Star Wars Yoda Cat Teaser • $4.99 at Petco

I have to imagine that if you have a cat and you are a Star Wars fan that this Yoda cat teaser is a no brainer!

Cheese Chase • $21.99 at Petco

Is this cat really chasing cheese? Because that sounds kind of fun. Whether there’s real cheese in this toy or not, the cat seems to be enjoying itself!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Cat Cheese Chase
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Handmade Cat Tent Handmade Chevron Cat Tent • $50 from Feline Intent (Etsy)

I can’t imagine any cat wouldn’t want their own tent. (Multiple patterns available.)

Poinsettia Cat Collar • $4.99 at Petco

I strongly believe that pets should be dressed up at all appropriate occasions, which means pretty much all of November and December. This poinsettia cat collar is not yet available, but you’ll find it in-stores soon.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Poinsettia Cat Collar
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Zuke's Natural Purrz Cat Treats Zuke’s Natural Purrz Cat Treats • $3.99 at Zuke’s

My dogs really love Zuke’s dog treats, so I’m assuming cats will also love Zuke’s treats, which are made with real meat and cranberries.

Stud Shampoo for Dogs • $12.99 at Petco

I don’t really enjoy washing my dogs and normally take them to the groomers for their beauty sessions, but when they need a quick touch-up we use Stud Shampoo. It actually smells pretty good and it works really well, Plus, I appreciate the stylish bottle!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Stud Shampoo for Dogs
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Zuke's Lil Links Zuke’s Lil’ Links • $7.99 at Zuke’s

My dogs go CRAZY for Zuke’s Lil’ Links. You could say my dogs are treat snobs because there are some treats they just don’t care about. I can get them to do tricks for Lil’ Links though. I like that they’re grain-free and full of nutrients.

Christmas Tree Waste Bags • $14.99 at Petco

If you’re a dog owner you know there’s no such thing as too many poop bags! These holiday-themed bags will soon be on the shelves at Petco.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Christmas Tree Poop Bags
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Super Shammy • $19.99 at Soggy Doggy

This small little towel will help dry off your dog on those unfortunate occasions when they have to go out in the snow or rain. It is super absorbing, odor-free, and one size dries all.

Cuddle Cup • $69.99 at Dog Collar Boutique

Unfortunately the Cuddle Cup is only available for minis right now, which is too bad because it’s a great (and super cute) product! It’s actually a 3-in-1: It’s a bed, a cup/sleeping bag for dogs that like to “tunnel,” and it can be pulled open as a blanket.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Cuddle Cup

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Cooks

This is clearly not the category for me as I will do anything to get out of cooking a meal, but if there’s someone in your life who enjoys experimenting, entertaining and/or putting together good meals for their friends and family, here are a few gift ideas for cooks.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Flirty Aprons Chic Print Apron • $34.95 at Flirty Aprons

Flirty Aprons come in a bunch of super cute designs! I love that the waist tie is super long and fits everyone, and that most of the aprons have pockets on the front. I’ve had a Flirty Apron for a few years and they just make cooking more fun!

Freud Stovetop Espresso Maker • $125 at Horne

Is this not the most beautiful espresso maker ever? This gorgeous stainless steel espresso maker not only makes a great cup of espresso, but it is also dishwasher friendly.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Freud Stovetop Espresso Maker
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Whip It Good Print Whip It Good Print • $20 at UUPP (Etsy)

The cook who is always whipping something up may enjoy this quirky piece of wall art.

Granite Wellness Mat • $129.95 at Wellness Mats

For those who spend a lot of time standing in front of the stove a wellness mat is a must! It’s easy to clean, supportive, and feels great to stand on when you’ve got big meals to prepare.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Wellness Mat
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Cook's One Line a Day Cook’s One Line a Day • $16.95 at Crate & Barrel

I mentioned earlier in this gift guide that I really like these one line a day journals! This one allows chefs to keep track of what they’re cooking each day, or tweaks they’d make to recipes, or anything food-related at all.

Modern Art Desserts by Caitlin Freeman • $16.99 at Amazon

Imagine wowing your guests with desserts that not only taste amazing but also look like works of art? I’d be open to anyone making me a Mondrian-inspired cake!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Modern Art Desserts
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Nibble Cake Pan from Quirky Nibble Cake Pan • $21.99 at Quirky

I don’t know about you, but when I bake things I always want a taste to see how it turned out. This pan eliminates that problem by providing a separate “nibble” cake so you can have just a bite of the cake to make sure it’s perfect.

Architec Stackable Appetizer Maker • $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Those who frequently cook for a crowd will love this appetizer maker, which lets you stack items together and then easily cut them into bite-sized portions. (Comes with a recipe guide.)

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Architec Stackable Appetizer Maker
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Choice Cuts of Potatoes Flour Sack Towel Choice Cuts of Potatoes Flour Sack Towel • $15 at Sunday Drive Designs

We hear so much about “choice cuts of meat” that this “choice cuts of potatoes” towel just made me laugh. It includes such things as french fries, hash browns, and my personal favorite, mashed.

Reusable Cooking Sheets • $14.99 at Cookina

These Reusable Cooking Sheets are an alternative to aluminum foil that you can use, and then wash and reuse! The sheets are easy to clean and don’t hold the flavor from previous uses. This is a BBQ cooking sheet, but sheets for traditional oven use are also available.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Reusable Cooking Sheets

 

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Foodies

 

We all have someone on our holiday shopping lists who enjoys eating well (and they’re not necessarily the person who likes to cook!). If you’ve got one of those people on your list, here are some gifts for foodies that are guaranteed to make their belly’s happy.

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Mangia Mangia Italian Gift Set Mangia Mangia Italian Gift Set • ≈$250 at Italian Days

A few years ago I went on the Italian Days tour in Bologna, Italy, which was amazing. This is a best of the best Italian food gift, which includes parmigiano, truffle pasta, balsamic jelly, extra virgin olive oil, traditional balsamic aged over 25 years and much, much more!

Downeast Smoked Salmon Sampler • $92 at Sullivan Harbor Farm Smokehouse

This gift set includes great fresh lox to go with your bagel no matter how far away you live from a deli! You’ll also receive 2- 8 oz packages of sliced Cold Smoked Salmon, 1-8 oz Gravlax, 1- 6 oz Smoked Scallops, and 1- 6 oz Smoked Salmon Pate.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Downeast Smoked Salmon Sampler
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Churro Kit Churro Kit • $19.99 at Cuban Food Market

Warm, freshly made churros are one of the best things ever. With this churros kit they can be made anytime. The kit includes A Churrera Imported from Spain, Churro mix, and a hot chocolate mix imported from Spain.

Yankee Hollow Cheese Subscription Box • $35/month

Each month, Yankee Hollow (a Chicago-based company!) sends out 2-4 artisanal varieties of cheese.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Yankee Hollow Cheese Subscription Box
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Brigadeiro Brigadeiro • $34 at My Sweet Brigadeiro

Earlier this year we were planning on going to Brazil next year, and to get in the “mood” I ordered some Brigadeiro, which is a traditional Brazilian treat. Made out of chocolate, condensed milk, and butter, this is one of the best treats I’ve ever had. Our trip to Brazil has been postponed (who knew going to Brazil during the World Cup would be $$$$$), but not forgotten as I need some fresh brigadeiro asap!

Kona Nightengale Coffee • $18.45 at Coffees of Hawaii

Kona coffee is some of the best in the world. This Nightengale blend is divine, but Coffees of Hawaii has other blends from all over the islands as well.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Kona Nightengale Coffee
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Bacon Rub Bacon Rub • $6.99 at Southern Culture

Candied Bacon Rub. Need I say more?!

Spooning Chocolate • $16.99 at Cocoa Canard

Just add water to this dark chocolate and it will create a smooth and creamy consistency that you might just want to eat with a spoon. This product will be available for purchase at the end of November.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Spooning Chocolate
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Cinnamon Pear Balsamic • $16.95 at EVOO Marketplace

I was in Denver last week and stopped by the EVOO Marketplace. I tasted probably 25 different flavors of balsamic vinegar, but this Cinnamon Pear Balsamic was really something special and totally unlike any other balsamic I’ve ever had. EVOO Marketplace carries many other flavors of balsamic, as well as a large assortment of extra virgin olive oil (hence the name).

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Bar Gifts

In each of our previous gift guides we have included bar gifts in gifts for men, but it struck me this year that this is unfair. There are plenty of women who enjoy adult beverages as well, so this year bar gifts gets its own section.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Personalized Growlers Personalized Growler • $22 at Nordstrom

If filling growlers is your recipient’s preferred method of obtaining their favorite beer, why not get them this personalized growler so they can do so in style?

L. Mawby Detroit Sparking Wine • $15 at L. Mawby

If you haven’t spent a lot of time in Michigan you may not know that the west coast has a thriving wine scene. My preferred wine comes from L. Mawby, a small vineyard in northern Michigan that focuses on sparkling wine. If your intended gift recipient enjoys sparkling wine, they may enjoy this tasty blend (which I served at my wedding)!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: L.Mawby Detroit Sparkling Wine
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: SomeeCards Pint Glasses Someecards Pint Glasses • $8 at Urban Outfitters

I know plenty of people that can relate to the sentiment on this pint glass, and I’ll point to myself first.

Rabbit by Metrokane Decanter • $59.99 at Macy’s

Pouring wine into a decanter helps it pick up oxygen to enhance flavor and aroma. With this set you will get the funnel, strainer, and decanter.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Rabbit by Metrokane Decanter
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Sphere Ice Molds Sphere Ice Molds • $10.95 at Sur La Table

Recently, whenever I find myself at a fancy drinking establishment my drink gets delivered with a single spherical ice cube in it. With these molds you can easily make your own and wow your guests with your fanciness!

Silver Banded Martini Mixer • $69.95 at Williams-Sonoma

If your gift recipient loves martinis, they could be making them in style with this chic mixer.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Silver Banded Martini Mixer
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Make My Day Chillballs Make My Day Chillballs • $19.99 at Bloomingdale’s

Chillballs are an ingenious invention that lets one chill their wine without worrying about watering it down. Just freeze the balls and then clip it onto the glass and – voila – a chilled beverage sans extra water.

White House Honey Ale Beer Kit • $44.99 at Northern Brewer

With this ale kit your recipient will be able to make the same homebrew that was developed by the White House kitchen staff!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: White House Honey Ale Kit
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Whiskey Book Whiskey Book • $84 at Graphic Image

This gorgeous leather-bound book is a real collectors item. It can even be personalized for that extra touch for your favorite whiskey drinker. This 367 page book includes everything from detailed descriptions of the whiskey regions of the world to information on distillers and brands to whiskey cocktail recipes.

Stu’s Bloody Mary Mixology Kit • $50 at Dean & Deluca

This kit contains everything needed to develop one’s personal perfect Bloody Mary, including two 8oz jars of Bloody Mary Mix, one 2oz jar of Sweet Corn Rimmer, One 2oz jar of Key Lime Juice, and one 1oz jar of Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Stu's Bloody Mary Mixology Kit

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Fitness Gifts

After all of those cooking, eating, and drinking gifts it only seemed right that we include a few fitness gifts in this year’s gift guide. These fitness gifts will help the intended recipient start their New Year’s fitness goals off on the right track.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Dream Body Cardio Series Dream Body Cardio Series • $129.99 at Fusion Fitness

The Dream Body Cardio Series makes working out fun with 5 different workout videos. With names like “M.I.L.F.” you know it’s going to be fun, but M.I.L.F. doesn’t mean what you might think. Here it means “Max Interval Laced with Fusion.” No matter what kind of workout you’re looking for you’ll find it in this set, from 60 minute cardio workouts to quick 10 minute tune-ups to a barre workout.

NutriBullet • $99.99 at Target

Purchasing a NutriBullet was one of the best things I did in 2013. The NutriBullet makes it so easy to make quick and healthy smoothies each day!Check out my NutriBullet review for more details.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: NutriBullet
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Fitbit Fitbit • $99.99 at Drugstore.com

This little wristband does everything! It counts your steps each day, as well as distance walked and calories burned, it monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm, and allows you to set goals and view your progress.

Casual Sash • $46 at Trabeca

No longer will you have to struggle with what to do with your keys and phone while you’re at the gym. Throw on a casual sash, which actually looks hip (unlike the fanny packs of yesteryear), and workout with all of your stuff nearby. Or, throw it on when you don’t want to carry a full purse.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Trabeca Casual Sash
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Real Ease Relaxation Tool Real Ease Relaxation Tool • $40 at Gaiam

Those suffering from neck pain may find relief with this tool in less than a minute! It cradles your neck along the base of the skull, which helps relieve muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Doonya DVDs • $24.99 at Doonya

Doonya is the Bollywood Dance Fitness Workout that doesn’t feel much like working out. You’ll learn the basic Bollywood dance steps, as well as short targeted workouts, dance routines, and longer workouts.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Doonya
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: NCAA Yoga Mats NCAA Yoga Mat • $39.99 at Cirrus Fitness

We show off our college pride in so many ways, and now we can do so with these NCAA-sanctioned yoga mats. A bunch of schools are currently available, with many more on the way. (Michigan is already available – Go Blue!)

Tinké • $119 at Zensorium

This neat little device will allow you to check your health and fitness anywhere, anytime. It measures your heart rate, blood oxygen level, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability with the touch of a fingertip.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Tinke

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Travel Gifts

Travel gifts may be my favorite types of gifts because there’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing a new corner of the world, be it near or far. If someone you’re shopping for love to hit the road (or is perhaps forced to due to his or her job), here are some gift options that will make traveling perhaps more easy or fun.

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Adventures Travel Poster Adventures Travel Poster • $18.50 at The Oyster’s Pearl (Etsy)

The couple that enjoys seeing the world together may enjoy this adventurous print!

UrbanPack • $80 at Overland Equipment

Normally when I travel I obsess over which bag to bring – large tote? crossbody bag? backpack? Finding a bag that’s big enough but not too big while being comfortable to carry can be a pain, but this UrbanPack gets it JUST right. This small backpack has pockets galore on the inside to hold credit cards, passports, or even travel books. The UrbanPack won’t fit a laptop, but you can carry your tablet of choice in the built-in tablet sleeve. The best part? No more thinking about the best way to carry this bag – it easily converts from a backpack to a shoulder bag.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: UrbanPack from Overland Equipment
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale • $20.28 at Walmart

Once upon a time my husband and I found ourselves at an airport in Nice, France, having to throw away some of our stuff because our suitcases were too heavy to fit on our mini plane. That sucked. Thanks to these handy digital luggage scales, there’s no reason to ever face surprises like that at the airport again.

Travel America Calendar • $26 at Rifle Paper Co.

Travel to twelve iconic American locations with this gorgeous calendar.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Travel America Calendar
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Trakdot Luggage Tracker TrakDot Luggage Tracker • $59.99 at TrakDot

This device may provide some peace of mind to those who frequently travel and check bags. Just stick this little device in your luggage before checking it and you’ll receive a text message or email reporting your luggage’s location.

Hoodie Travel Pillow • $19.99 at Vat19

This is the perfect travel pillow for those who really want to get cozy and shut out everything around them.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Hoodie Travel Pillow
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Power Flask Power Flask • $89.95 at Digital Treasures

The Power Flask is a sleek way to charge up to three USB-powered devices at once. According to their conversions, you should be able to full charge an iPhone nearly 8 times before you need to recharge the Power Flask!

Train Reaction • $14.95 at Train Reaction

Traveling with lots of luggage? This ingenious little device lets you hook a couple of suitcases together, while you only hold the handle of the smallest case!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Train Reaction
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Pedco UltraPod Go Tripod Pedco UltraPod GO Tripod • $14.95 at REI

This mini tripod is lightweight and fits in any bag, allowing you to take pictures where you may be. While the tripod balances on its own, a velcro strip also lets you attach the tripod to tree branches – or even ski poles – so you can literally use this tripod anywhere!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Parents-to-be

Until this year, I haven’t had many friends that have had babies. Now it seems like everyone is expecting! For those of you shopping for gifts for parents-to-be, here are a few options.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Diaper Dude Boston Red Sox Diaper Bag Boston Red Sox Diaper Bag • $78 at Diaper Dude

Diaper Dude has a selection of “manly” diaper bags, but we think their MLB selection of bags is particularly awesome, and this Red Sox Diaper Bag couldn’t be more timely!

Baby Brezza Formula Pro • $149.99 at Target

The Baby Brezza is like the Keurig for bottles! Press a button and it mixes formula powder and heated water together to form the perfect consistency without air bubbles.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Brezza Formula Pro
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Daddy Swag Gift Set Daddy Swag Gift Set • $89.95 at DaddyScrubs

Moms-to-be often get the brunt of pre-baby attention, but this little gift set lets the dad-to-be know someone’s thinking about him, too. This deluxe set includes scrubs to wear at the hospital that say “I’m the Daddy,” as well as a few other gifts.

Mommy-to-Be Gift Box • $66 at Erbaviva

This gift box contains three full-size mom-to-be products, including Stretch Mark Oil, Stretch Mark Cream, and Back Rub Oil.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Erbaviva Mommy-to-Be Gift Box
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Lorex Care 'n Share Baby Monitor Lorex Care ‘n’ Share Baby Monitor • $178.97 at Walmart

It seems like baby monitors get more advanced on the daily! This baby monitor offers Internet Remote Viewing, Motion Tracking, Two-Way Talk, Sleep & Soothe Sounds, and Crystal Clear Night Vision, as well as the SNAP ‘N’ SHARE technology that enables parents to digitally photograph their bundles of joy at any precious moment, night or day, from the handheld monitor or their smartphone or tablet.

Sleep and Breathing Monitor • $328.99 at Drugstore.com

Calm new parents fears with this sleep and breathing monitor, which tracks baby’s breathing and sends alerts to connected smartphones. Alerts include:  (1) No Breathing, (2) Slow Breathing, (3) Rapid Breathing, (4) Baby Awake, and (5) Baby off SleepMat. Parents can also log into the app to view their baby’s breath rate at any time.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Sleep and Breathing Monitor
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Countdown Calendar Countdown Calendar • $40 at Uncommon Goods

Parents-to-be can keep track of how many days remain until their bundle of joy arrives with this cute countdown calendar.

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for New Parents

We just shared some gifts for parents-to-be, so of course we had to follow that up with a few gifts for new parents!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Modern Stripe Blanket Modern Stripe Blanket • $130 at Butterscotch Blankees

A blankee from Butterscotch is a keepsake that will never fade or shrink. Multiple color combinations are available, and if you really want to go luxe you can upgrade to cashmere!

Instagram Greeting Cards • $25 at Printstagram

Turn your favorite new parent’s Instagram photos into greeting cards that they can send off to those people not catching their regular Facebook and Instagram updates.

2013 Holiday Gift Cards: Printstagram Instagram Greeting Cards
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: SpaWeek Gift Guide Spa & Wellness Gift Card • SpaWeek

We frequently hear that new parents just want a bit of pampering, so we recommend treating them to a gift card from SpaWeek. SpaWeek gift cards are taken around the country for services from massages to facials to manicures, so you don’t have to worry about first figuring out which spa your recipient would prefer.

Midnight Feeding Gift Box • $125 at Zingerman’s

This box contains everything new parents will need to refuel in the middle of the night, including a mini Sourcream Coffeecake, a mini Hot Cocoa Cake, two Black Magic Brownies, Zingerman’s Nor’easter Cabot Cheddar, La Quercia’s Borsellino Salami, a Chocolate and Nougat Cigar, Dulce de Leche Caramel Cream, John Macy’s Cheesesticks and a darn cute Zingerman’s bib.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Zingerman's Midnight Feeding Gift Box
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Personalized Baby Pillow Personalized Baby Pillow • $33.92 at Exclusively You (Etsy)

There are tons of personalized baby pillows on the market these days, but this is one of our favorites!

Custom Birthstone Bar Necklace • $325 at Naomi Gray

Birthstone necklaces are everywhere, but we love the simplicity of this little necklace. You can choose anywhere from two to five birthstones to include in the necklace.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Custom Birthstone Bar Necklace
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Mama Ring Mama Ring • $393 at Nora Kogan

I’m pretty sure this is THE piece of jewelry every new mom once to receive after the birth of her first child. It’s simple and elegant and every time she looks at it she’ll be reminded of those she loves most.

Baby Milestone Cards • $22 at Uncommon Goods

Instead of recording “first step” or “first word,” these cards invite you to record the first time your baby gave a thumbs up, the first time she needed a bandage, or the first time he named a body part. The twelve cards can be rearranged as needed, and each comes with tips on the back for how to enjoy that particular experience. When not in use, tuck the cards away into their screen printed, wooden keepsake box.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Milestone Cards

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Grandparents

Personally, I find gifts for grandparents to be the most daunting part of my holiday shopping list. Growing up, all my grandparents ever wanted was to spend time with us, which isn’t exactly something you can gift wrap! If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few gifts for grandparents that they may enjoy.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Advanced Sleep Sound System Tranquil Moments Advanced Sleep Sounds System • $169.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

This is the fanciest alarm clock I’ve ever seen! It features four new programs designed to help mask the symptoms associated with ringing in the ear. With Exclusive Sleep Enhancement Technology, it gradually slows playback speed of each sound program over a 20-minute period to gently lull you to sleep. You can listen to Tranquil Moments all night long or choose the Gradual-off/Gradual-on volume settings with 30-, 60- or 90-minute auto shutoffs. You can choose to wake to nature or therapy sounds, or to gentle bell chimes. With rich, omni-directional sound, it gently fills your sleep or relaxation area.

StoryWorth Subscription • $49/year

Tech-savvy grandparents will love StoryWorth, which lets them write and share their life stories! Photos can be added, as well as videos, and stories can be emailed to family members or even printed out in book form.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: StoryWorth
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Mama's Family Mama’s Family – The Complete Series • $199.95 at Time Life

Is there a show you can remember watching with your parents when you were a child? If so, perhaps they’d be thrilled to relive those memories with a boxed set. Personally, I remember watching Mama’s Family with my own grandmother.

Grandparent Countdown Blocks • $19 at Airplanes to Zebras (Etsy)

If you’re buying for what are soon-to-be first-time grandparents, these blocks might make a cute gift!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Grandparent Countdown Blocks
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Children's Art Notecards Children’s Art Cards and Gifts • Print Art Kids

Print Art Kids turns children’s art into an assortment of unique gifts, including note cards, notebooks, notepads, and more.

YesVideo • Price Varies

YesVideo allows you to convert your old family VHS tapes into DVDs or digital videos! Right now you can get one free digital video with code “CJ1FREE” – normally $14.99 each. Receiving this same video in DVD format costs an extra $9.99.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Yesvideo
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Classic Yahtzee Classic Yahtzee • $11.20 at Amazon

I spent a lot of time playing board games with my grandparents. In particular I remember playing Holly Hobbie (which doesn’t seem to be available anymore) and Yahtzee. Get your grandparents a copy of the game you remember playing with them – or one you’d like to start playing!

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Men

 

If the men on your shopping list don’t fit into any of the other categories that came before this one, here are some gifts for men.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Coach Deerskin Gloves 3-in-1 Deerskin Gloves • $198 at Coach

Is this not a nice looking pair of gloves? The snap is adjustable to keep out the cold.

Slow Getting Up by Nate Jackson • $12.80 at Amazon

Nate Jackson’s Slow Getting Up is an unvarnished and uncensored memoir of everyday life in the most popular sports league in America—and the most damaging to its players—the National Football League. From scouting combines to training camps, off-season parties to game-day routines, debilitating physical injuries—including degenerative brain conditions—to poor pensions and financial distress, he offers a funny, and shocking look at life in the NFL, and the young men who risk their health and even their lives to play the game.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Slow Getting Up by Nate Jackson
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: 19th Hole Authentic Golf Wood Club Opener 19th Hole Authentic Golf Wood Club Opener • $75 at True to US

Each of these bottle openers is unique, as they are made using salvaged pro-quality golf clubs. Each opener comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Blue Lagoon Socks • $15 at Argoz

Argoz socks are super colorful and super soft! They’re made with the finest imported cotton and it shows!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Argoz Blue Lagoon Socks
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Refleece Electronics Cover Refleece Electronics Cover • $36 at Refleece

Refleece makes gorgeous electronics covers using upcycled textiles and recycled plastic fibers. Specifically, they make iPad and tablet sleeves and e-reader cases using materials such as used Patagonia fleeces and scraps from the Woolrich mill.

EVOLUTIONMAN Face & Body Wash • $36 at EVOLUTIONMAN

This product helps minimize the look of fine lines, purifies deep down to the pore, smoothes skin’s texture, and lift’s beard hairs for an ultra-close shaver.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Evolutionman Face and Body Wash
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Miansai Card Holder Leather Card Holder • $95 at Miansai

This is one attractive card holder! It has five slots and is made with fine Italian leather.

Black Magic Belt • $39.95 at Mission Belt

Mission Belts fit all bodies, without the need to worry about holes. Just adjust the belt buckle to wherever you need it to be. Different styles are available.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Black Magic Mission Belt
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Breaking Bad The Complete Series Breaking Bad: The Complete Series • $201.99 at Amazon

Breaking Bad is one of the biggest video releases this holiday season. The set will be released November 26 and includes Collectible replica money barrel, Over 55 hours of special features from all seasons, All new two-hour documentary, 16 page booklet with letter from Vince Gilligan, Commemorative challenge coin designed by Vince Gilligan, Los Pollos Hermanos apron.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Rawlings Vintage America Wallet Rawlings Vintage America Wallet • $40 at Macy’s

If you’re wondering what my father-in-law is getting for Christmas, this is it. He’s a huge baseball fan and my husband and I are certain he will love this leather bi-fold wallet.

Tom Ford Noir • $125 at Nordstrom

Nobody does men’s fashion as well as Tom Ford does, so I’m inclined to trust his cologne for men as well.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Tom Ford Noir
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Untuckit Button Down Shirt Button Down Shirt • $99 at Untuckit

What makes the button down shirts at Untuckit unique is that they’re guaranteed to be the perfect length for men who don’t want to tuck in their shirts.

The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian • $18.13 at Amazon

Both a celebration of the power and pageantry of NCAA football and a groundbreaking, thought-provoking critique of its excesses, The System is the definitive book on the college game.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: The System
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: 30 for 30 30 for 30 • $63.99 at Amazon

The next collection of ESPN’s 30 for 30 films will be released November 26, 2013. This 6-disc set will include the most recent films from the award-winning series, including: Broke, 9.79*, There’s No Place Like Home, Benji, Ghosts of Ole Miss, You Don’t Know Bo, Survive and Advance, Elway to Marino, and more.

Black Tie Organizer • $10 at Umbra

This tie organizer is so neat! Ties can easily be hung from it and it also includes a little pocket at the top for cufflinks! This would be good for travel, or just for hanging in the closet.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Black Tie Organizer
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: The Ball The Ball • $34.99 at I Need the Ball

This new golf ball bombines the makeup of a high-performance ball with the core of a distance ball. (I don’t know what that means but it sounds like a good thing!)

Witch City Wicks Whiskey in the Jar Candle • $18 at Brika

Can you think of a manlier scent than whiskey? This soy candle is packaged in reusable whiskey tumbler that can be used once the candle has burned down.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Whiskey in the Jar Candle
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Shinola The Runwell Watch The Runwell Watch • $550 at Shinola

Shinola is a Detroit-based company making gorgeous entirely American-made watches. If he’s a watch connoisseur, he’s sure to find something here that he will love.

 

 

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Women

Finally, we come to my favorite part of the gift guide: gifts I’d like to buy for myself, aka gifts for women (part 1).

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson Life After Life by Kate Atkinson • $15.99 at Amazon

On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in a variety of ways, while the young century marches on towards its second cataclysmic world war. Does Ursula’s apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? And if she can — will she?

Bath and Body Travel Kit • $30 at Erbaviva

This cute little travel kit will keep a gal relaxed when she’s on the road! This kit contains Relax bath Salts (2 oz.); Awaken Spray (1 oz.); Embrace Body Lotion (1 oz.) and Breathe Body Wash.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Erbaviva Bath and Body Travel Kit
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Bedhead Flannel PJs Flannel Classic PJs • $124 at BedHead

Bedhead PJs are super soft, comfy, and classic. They come in a ton of cute d

Linnea’s Lights Holiday Spice Candle • $32 at Orange and Pear

Holiday spice is a delightful blend of warmed spice cranberry mingled with pomegranate and sweet orange. Each double wick candle burns for at least 60 hours.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Linnea's Lights Holiday Spice Candle
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks I Love Your Style: How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style by Amanda Brooks • $20 at Shopbop

I Love Your Style is a sumptuous full-color look-book and style bible, complete with more than 400 classic and modern photographs, that will both empower and inspire women to dive into the challenge of defining, or refining, their personal style.

Loren Hope Leda Earrings • $80 at Social Dress Shop

These fuchsia, turquoise and blue drop earrings with Austrian crystal accents will add a fun pop to any outfit!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Loren Hope Leda Earrings
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Disney Princess Mug Disney Princess Mug • $13 at Revell House (Etsy)

We all know a Disney Princess or two, right?

Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple • $8.99 at Amazon

Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she’s a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she’s a disgrace; to design mavens, she’s a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom. Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette’s intensifying allergy to Seattle–and people in general–has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic. To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence–creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter’s role in an absurd world.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Where'd You Go Bernadette
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Handcandy The Pearly Headphones Hand Candy Pearly Headphones • $44 at Shopbop

She can listen to her tunes in style with these gorgeous headphones!

Tortoise Colored Stone Link Necklace • $42 at Caroline Hill Collection

Tortoise necklaces are hot right now and we love how this one combines tortoise links with a gorgeous multi-colored pendant.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Tortoise Colored Stone Link Necklace
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit • $24.50 at Birchbox

Want to get her the hottest new skincare product? Look no further than this kit. This skincare system has won more than 90 beauty awards (!) because it quickly removes all makeup and grime, plus it exfoliates and removes dead skin cells.

Every Day: A Five Year Memory Book • $16.95 at Anthropologie

This journal was created by luxury stationery designer Mr. Boddington’s Studio. Every day, just write a few brief words about the highlight of the day. This journal is perfect for the normal journal-phobes who don’t want to write out long passages but still want to remember their day-to-day activities, thoughts, and dreams.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Everyday A Five Year Memory Book
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Deborah Lippmann Big Bang 12-Piece Mini Nail Set Deborah Lippmann Big Bang 12-Piece Mini Nail Set • $78 at Sephora

The perfect set to add to – or start – any nail polish collection. Deborah Lippmann makes some of the best nail polish around and the particular colors included in this set are gorgeous!

Drybar Blowout in a Box • $220 at Sephora

Drybar was one of the very first blow dry bars, and now you can get a Drybar blowout at home thanks to this boxed set. The set includes: Buttercup Blow Dryer, The Full Pint Medium Round Brush, 1 oz Happy Hour Blowout Shampoo, 1 oz Happy Hour Weightless Conditioner, 1 oz Hot Toddy Heat Protector Frizz Fighter, and 1 oz The Chaser Shine Cream.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Drybar Blowout in a Box
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Elephant Plantable Notepaper Set Elephant Plantable Notepaper Set • $24.95 at Botanical Paperworks

With this notepaper set you can keep the snail mail movement alive AND afterward the recipient can plant the paper and watch beautiful wildflowers bloom.

Madewell Transport Tote • $168 at Shopbop

A quality leather tote is something that she will be able to keep and use forever. This tote from Madewell fits the bill perfectly.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Madewell Transport tote
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Custom Signature Necklace Custom Signature Necklace • $295 at Neiman Marcus

Submit any signature and have it made into a custom necklace. This is a great way to remember loved ones, or keep your spouse with you at all times.

Signature Series Rose Gold and Silver Circle Earrings • $50 at Kenda Kist

These pretty earrings combine silver and rose gold for a modern and unique look.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Signature Series Rose Gold and Silver Circle Earrings
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri • $15.72 at Amazon

Born just fifteen months apart, Subhash and Udayan Mitra are inseparable brothers, one often mistaken for the other in the Calcutta neighborhood where they grow up. But they are also opposites, with gravely different futures ahead. It is the 1960s, and Udayan—charismatic and impulsive—finds himself drawn to the Naxalite movement, a rebellion waged to eradicate inequity and poverty; he will give everything, risk all, for what he believes. Subhash, the dutiful son, does not share his brother’s political passion; he leaves home to pursue a life of scientific research in a quiet, coastal corner of America. But when Subhash learns what happened to his brother in the lowland outside their family’s home, he goes back to India, hoping to pick up the pieces of a shattered family, and to heal the wounds Udayan left behind—including those seared in the heart of his brother’s wif

Black Sequin Scarf • $22.40 at Wallis

This fun scarf can will add a little bit of sparkle to outfits, day or night!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Black Sequin Scarf from Wallis
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Monogrammable Fotostrap in Camp Monogrammed Fotostrap in Camp • $85 at Fotostrap

You’ll find a selection of really cute photo straps at Fotostrap, all of which can be monogrammed on the all-leather shoulder pad. The fabric portion of this photo strap is made out of seersucker. Every photo strap comes with it’s own story. This photo strap was named in honor of Camp, a baby adopted from Ethiopia.

2014 Desk Calendar • $70 from Graphic Image

While we all do things digitally these days, I find I’m better off actually writing down important dates and things I need to remember. This desk calendar is a stylish way to keep track of things – there is plenty of room to write and take notes and the metallic leather exterior is ultra chic!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Graphic Image Desk Calendar
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Elva Fields Rose Gold Gorgeous Necklace Rose Gold Gorgeous Necklace • $178 at Elva Fields

This beautiful rose gold necklace isn’t yet available, but keep an eye out – it will be soon!

Monogrammed Rain Boots • $98 at Zoubaby

These monogrammed rain boots are too cute! We love the classic riding boot design and of course the extra special monogram!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Monogrammed Rain Boots
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg • $10.73 at Amazon

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.” She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Hand Etched Gold Toned Bangles • $190 at Lingua Nigra

No order is exactly alike, as all of these gorgeous bangles are handmade. Each order comes with three bangles. Bangles are created by etching paint splatters on a sheet of metal, placing it in acid and then sawing the shape and forming the bangles. They are then cast in brass for consistency.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Hand Etched Gold Toned Bangles
2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Kelly Moore Songbird Camera Bag Songbird Camera Bag • $199 at Kelly Moore Bags

Kelly Moore makes some of the best camera bags in the business. This particular bag is available in multiple colors and comes with tons of space and pockets, so it can serve as not just a camera bag but an everyday bag as well!

Feeding in the Light Scarf • $19.99 at Grateful Girls

I don’t know anything about Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, but I do know that this scarf is really pretty! It’s based on a piece of artwork created by Jerry Garcia.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Feeding in the Light Garcia Artwear Scarf

 

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