The season of shopping is upon us once again. If you are stuck and don't have any idea what to get for all the people on your list, I'm here to help! If there's someone on your list that doesn't fit my categories, let me know and I'll do my best to give you some more ideas.
So, here it goes! What to buy for:
Children of all ages-
20Q- This little ball of artificial intelligence is an intriguing time filler for people ages 8 and up. It is played like the classic twenty questions game. You think of something and the gadget asks the questions and guesses your secret item. We played this on a 22 hour each way car trip and it was one of the group favorites. Everyone (5 adults and one child) participated and enjoyed the gee whiz factor.
Mindware Original Coloring Books- Good luck choosing from the amazing array of choices. They have everything from enviroscapes to hidden transformations to Celtic mosaics to stained glass optical art. All of them are intricate and stunning. Take a look at them on the website to appreciate how fun these can be for anyone six and on up.
Giant Pipe Cleaner Party- If you have crafted with young ones, you know the value of the versatile pipe cleaner. If you haven't, trust me when I tell you that pipe cleaners can be anything a child can imagine. Now picture fluffy, sparkly, giant pipe cleaners. They are the recipe for an afternoon of creating and playing. I bought some for my niece and didn’t anticipate how much my nephew would also enjoy them. They became everything from crowns to guitars to microphones to swords.
Playfoam- Squishy, tactile playfoam is a happy spin on play clay. It doesn’t stick to skin, clothes or furniture and comes in a rainbow of colors. It is non-toxic and gluten free as well. It doesn’t dry out and can be shaped any way you can dream up. Big people can take a turn and squeeze it like a stress ball until they’re cool and calm.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret- This is an excellent choice for girls or boys who are reluctant readers or bookworms. It is partially a graphic novel with lots of amazing illustrations that figure into this story that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.
www.etsy.com-If you don’t know about etsy, you are missing out. It’s a site with individual sellers hawking vintage and handmade goods. If it’s cool- it’s here. I could tell you about thisor thator even this, but it would be better if you go there yourself and search on your hepcat’s favorite color or a specific type of item or just browse to your heart’s content. I’ve purchased some great unique gifts from etsy and also have received some winners from my astute hubby and stylish daughter.
Lovely ladies-
Empire bracelet- This bracelet is elegant and darling. It has a freshwater pearl in the center flanked by two spoon handles inspired by patterns from the 1800’s. Go check it out!
Double silver and gold circles necklace- When you can’t decide whether to go with silver or gold this is a fabulous choice. Two interlocking silver and gold hand-hammered vermeil circles are suspended on a silver chain. It will go with everything and is stunning in its simplicity.
Matchsticks: Double Stick Tricks for Smart Chicks- These little double-sided tape strips are lifesavers- or at least outfit savers. The tape is strong and sticky, but also removes easily when you are done. They work great when a bra strap won't stay hidden, when a wrap shirt or dress won't stay shut at the neckline, or when a small part of a hem comes open. This is a practical gift any woman will be happy to have.
Reborn t-shirts- If some man you love has a t-shirt that is quickly becoming a rag, but he won't give it up, Maggie will come to your rescue! You can send her an old t-shirt and she will put the graphics on a new t-shirt. He can still have his t-shirt and you will be willing to be seen in public with him again. Everyone wins!!
Ice pack- Whether he gets lots of bumps and bruises during his expreme sports or he just imbibes a bit too much from time to time, this ice pack will be his best friend. It has a fun retro appeal and is actually useful.
Bright night bike light- Say that ten times fast! This light will keep the men in your life safe when they walk or bike when it's dark. This time of year, that can seem like all day. It would also be great in foggy or snowy conditions.
Gamers (Board-not video)-
Consensus- All right, I admit it, I’ve never played this, but it looks like a blast. I won’t belabor you with a description, especially since the one on Isabella.com would sound better anyway (There's even a video to watch.). Check it out.
Banagram- Faster than Scrabble, more portable than Boggle, this word game is top banana. There is no board and everyone plays at once trying to be the first to use all their letter tiles. I can even get my not so gamey husband to happily play it with me when I need a word game fix.
Whoonu- This is a great family game. From nieces and nephews to great grandparents- everyone can participate. Each person gets a turn to be it and the other players choose a list of things from the cards they are dealt (ice cream, snow days, roller coasters, coffee, etc) they think the person in the hot seat will like. Then “it” gets to rank the items and whoever contributed the number one choice gets the most points. What a fun way to learn something new about the people in our lives!
People Who Have Everything-
Magnetic Collage Frame- This 8” x 16” plastic frame with magnetic backing is a great way to end the clutter on the fridge and still display pics of loved ones. The pictures can be changed over and over so the most current photos can always be displayed.
Charity giving in their honor- For someone who doesn’t want or need any more stuff, this is a great option. Many charities offer a card you can give to the recipient to inform them about the gift in their name. Choose a charity that you think will be near to their heart. Here are a few good causes:
Central Asia Institute- This is the organization started by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. If you're not familiar with it, their mission statement is "to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan andAfghanistan." In today's world, I view this is as some of the most important work to be done.
Heifer International- Heifer's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. Heifer does this by providing appropriate livestock, training and related services to small-scale farmers and communities worldwide. This is another incredibly worthy cause that will make good use of your donation.
Charity choice-Donate money in someone's honor and they receive a card and get to choose which charity gets the funds. There are over 100 charities to choose from including charities for children, animals, and soldiers. This is a great way to let the recipient take an active part and assist a number of great charities.
Meals on Wheels-MOWAA provides healthy meals for hungry seniors. Help people right here that need our help.
People going through tough circumstances-
Apache Blessing Mug- Printed on this earth and sky blue and green striped mug are the following words: “May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.” Add a bag of coffee or tea and comfort is at hand.
Here's to shopping without leaving your chair!!!
Happy Holidays!
