My blog reader feed has been filling up with gift guides for WEEKS and I always enjoy browsing them, even if the tastes or price ranges are to my own. It's just interesting to see what other people like! And sometimes I DO find a good idea!
This is my 3rd year of doing a very short Christmas gift list. These are all items we own or items on our own Christmas lists. We do pretty specific gift lists with most of the people we exchange with but I always dream of getting the perfect present that I didn't specifically want. Even though I am always aiming to have less. But the IDEA of someone filling a hole in my life I didn't know I had...that appeals greatly. Even though I am also find with not entering into any more gift exchanges. I didn't say it all made sense!
Here's the lists from the past two years:
2021 {10} Item Christmas List
2020 {10} Item Christmas List
And here we go!
BOOKS
1) The Sea Below My Toes by Charlotte Guillan, illustrated by Jo Empson
For: Your 3-8 year age range interested in animals and/or the beach/ocean!
I always start with books and we're starting with the youngest age range book! This is a GORGEOUS picture book that has fold out pages so if you laid it out, it would be about a 10 foot long picture of the different layers of the ocean. It is wordy if you just sit down to read about them all (we did it over two reading sessions) but I learned SO MUCH about the oceans and about the creatures in them. Plus, pictures are fantastic.
2) Unsolved Case Files Series by Tom Sullivan
For: 8-12 year age range who likes mysteries
Luke read the three in this series in the fall and they were right up his alley. These are colored graphic novels about three different unsolved mysteries. He would be VERY interested in finding the answers and the idea of these mysteries still out there intrigued him! Plus, a nice change from Wimpy Kid or DogMan.
3) The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
For: The Office lover in your life (there probably is one)
I've been listening to their podcast since it started in 2019 and Matt gave me the book for Mother's Day/our anniversary in the spring. It's even more behind the scenes from the actresses who played Pam and Angela. A ton of behind the scenes pictures. Just so fun, cheerful, and interesting!
4) Katherine Center novels
For: romance readers in the 20-40 age range
These are romances that I feel pretty comfortable recommended to most anyone in that age range (or even higher or lower). I've read Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, and What You Wish For, and maybe getting one more for Christmas. She's very consistent but also writes intriguing, complicating, and romantic romances while also keeping it all pretty chaste. I know when I pick up one of her books that I am in for a good reading experience.
5) Messy Minimalism: Realistic Strategies for the Rest of Us by Rachelle Crawford
For: anyone who feels like they have too many THINGS
This will be on my favorite reads of 2022 list. I've read many minimalism books and this had a different tone that felt very relatable and also like advice from a funny and caring friend. I've been following her on Instagram since and she is a good follow with funny reels and such. This just makes minimalism, in whatever form you pursue, actually seem doable.
OTHER
6) Salt Lamp Night Light
For: anyone interested in pretty things that are real expensive but also a little useful
I bought this for myself last winter and it has been a lovely little bright spot, literally, in our kitchen ever since. I simplified our counter a bit (it might have happened after reading #5) but still wanted to hide an outlet there. Enter this nightlight which adds such a cozy glow to a darker area. It's just pretty. And functional!
7) Lego Succulents
For: adults who grew up on Legos and also appreciated home decor
This was one of my birthday gifts from Matt and he picked it out on his own (Legos are always a good bet for anyone in our family). I put it together over three evenings when Matt & I were watching Stranger Things after the boys went to bed. It was just a delightful experience and they look pretty good! It currently sits on top of the printer next to my desk and it's the perfect amount of cheer and, also, needs NO watering.
8) {50} Awe-Inspiring Travel Destinations
For: anyone who likes puzzles and can handle the pieces
This one might be on my Christmas list. I went on a REAL BIG puzzle kick last winter and I am just waiting for most of my Christmas work to be done so I can get my puzzle table set back up. Then I will be back at the puzzles again this winter. And it's always fun to work in some new ones. Although my puzzle collection is certainly big enough to not need new ones.
9) Letterboard
For: anyone who wants an easy word display
I thought about buying one of these for the boys for awhile since they kept wanting to play with mine but they eventually stopped so I haven't. But I still might eventually if they show interest again! I have a larger one that I got right after Sam and I semi-regularly change it out for the seasons. Mine lives in out kitchen, a very frequented area of our house. If I were to get a second, I personally would prefer the blue pictured...
10) Play-Doh Grill and Stamp
For: kids who like Play-doh
That's every kid, isn't it? Sam's getting this for Christmas. Please don't tell him. He's at a perfect age for Play-doh and Luke will even play with him on weekends and breaks. I'm sure this will get a lot of play over Christmas break!
Happy shopping!
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