Gifts

It has been a minute since I have written. I am usually slow to get back to the pace of blogging and social media after the holidays. There is always this pause for me where I have a hard time seeing how that fits into my professional life as a realtor and designer. Especially with my kids now packed schedules and my inability to get out of sweats most of the time. But as soon as I start to plot out post ideas and getting a string of stories going with lots of great feedback from you all, it gets me motivated again.

I used to write a current favorites post every week and I loved writing it. This post is more a wish list, but same same. I figure you might want to see some things I am drooling over to start the year. xo

wish list

An oversized Puffer Coat in a sweet hue is all I need to wear right now / How sweet are these Cherry Earrings? / I am sucker for  light wash retro denim / How perfect is this Heart Sweater for Valentines Day?  / Target win with this Green Fleece that I would order oversized for over leggings / In desperate need for some kick ass Black Boots / I LOVE my Defined Dish cookbook, excited for the new one / If you have a Dyson, it looks like this Hair Tool is a must / I love the ruffle detail of this Amazon find Green Sweater / I keep going back to these comfy, but cool Hiking Sneakers / I usually make popcorn on the stove, but this Popcorn Maker could save me some time and kids could do on own / Dying to try the new Goop Cleanser / These Spanx Black Pants look like the perfect work pant that you won’t want to burn by the end of the day.

So the last list is really for the last minute shoppers who need some ideas for the lady in their life. And to be honest, this is really my list! Lots of things to keep her cozy and a little bling if you want to take it up a notch.

Also check out the Custom Gift , Tweens and Teens, & Under $25Men’s Gift Guides! Plus, holiday dresses if you need one.

  1. A cozy coat for the dead of winter  $425
  2. A neutral sunglass option that are also a fun shape $390
  3. The perfect day bag to fit all the things. Contact here to order
  4. A diamond bar earring to round out here ear party$495
  5. Jessica Seinfeld new book to start off the year with more veg $17
  6. This shower wash and lotion duo is the absolute best $50
  7. Boots that can stand up to snow and still take you to dinner $695
  8. A great changes up to your studs pink stone earrings  $265
  9. The best skincare duo there ever was in a mini size $270
  10.  These cowgirl boots come in a ton of colors and can be worn with everything $328
  11. A chic laptop case to protect her work essentials $47
  12. New cozy boots to slid into all winter $335
  13. The pajama set I am wearing while writing this I love it so much. Love this new stripes $78

Staying in a budget for the holidays is near impossible, and finding quality items in that budget is even harder. You know the gesture is worth more than anything, but here are some items that she will actually cherish.

Also check out the Custom Gift , Tweens and Teens, & Men’s Gift Guides! Plus, holiday dresses if you need one.

under $25 gifts
  1. The best body wash, I love the Eucalyptus scent best  $25
  2. How could these slippers not brighten someones day?! $19
  3. Quite possible the cutest to-go mug I have laid eyes on $15
  4. Charlotte Tibury’s cult favorite lip duo $25
  5. The perfect bedside table duo of lip balm and hand cream  $22
  6. This sweet bowl would be a great hostess gift with fruit or cookies in it $20
  7. A lip mask for nightime that will be heaven this winter $20
  8. To me pajamas are the perfect gift, everyone always needs them $25
  9. For the gal that has all the gadgets and loves being organized $25
  10. A hot cup of coffee in this Santa mug means instant smiles $22
  11. This hyaluronic acid serum is amazing and perfect for winter skin $12
  12. A precious little love knot ring  $22
  13. These slippers could not look cozier $19

When the search for gift guides begins it is all fun and shiny bright, then things start to look boring and lame. Which then makes me want to not do gift guides! So after asking you all what kinds you want to see, I have a new energy and promise I will get a few more out. Next up is this tween to teen guide that a bunch of people had asked for. I am NO expert on this demo, but I did my best to find some unique things that will not get an eye roll.

Also check out the Custom Gift & Men’s Gift Guides! Plus, holiday dresses if you need one.

tween teen gift guide
  1. A cute poloroid camera $80
  2. A rainbow confetti cake kit for the aspiring baker $60
  3. “Siiiiick” new googles for the slopes this winter $234
  4. A book full of all things sneaker, which is apparently a thing $50
  5. The ugg of the season for the under 20 set $150
  6. A matching cozy set perfect for selfies $108
  7. Their own popcorn maker for movie nights with friends $22
  8. A cool girl belt bag $50 (comes in other colors)
  9. My favorite slippers in dip dye hues $70
  10. The coolest roller skates that I want now too $65
  11. Gaming headphones for hours of screen time fun $118
  12. A Sushi Making Kit, just add the fresh fish $35
  13. All the kids want this Virtual Reality headset $300
  14. Nike Airs for the golf course since he can’t get enough
  15. Gold huggie earrings that she will cherish $58
  16. And the perfect t-shirt for your kid that loves boundaries $22

Always, always you all ask for gift ideas for the guys. They are the hardest to shop for and most of them always ask for nothing. But do they really want nothing? I think not. This year’s guide includes a lot of things for being outside as it seems the pandemic has made us all outdoors people (note: not necessarily “outdoorsy” ha). There is still plenty of time to order custom gifts from this guide as well and look for my kids and ladies guides coming soon.

gift guide for him 2021
  1. A big smokeless free pit that he can throw wood in all winter $399
  2. A cozy way for him to get on the Shaket trend $129
  3.  The weekend print edition of the WSJ because its time for our kids to seee us read an actual paper again $24/month
  4. A 7 can Beer Cooler for his golf bag $24
  5. Crazy warm gloves to do all the outdoor things in $129
  6. A rough and tumble bluetooth speaker that is actually loud $202
  7. A soft hoodie from a local company from his beloved Northern Michigan $60 (check out all the great goods)
  8. An infrared thermometer gun so he can get thee perfect temp on that steak $29
  9. He will feel like an actual king in this RL velour robe $90
  10. These puffer coat beer coozies slay me $13
  11. A portable campfire so he can start instant fun anytime $28
  12. This mug and warmer set can even peek up a cold cup $88
  13. A cool way to wear Uggs that come in a ton of colors $130
  14. A three in one Northface because he really needs a new winter coat $360
  15. An incredible bluetooth speaker for golf that also gives distance and attaches to the cart $149

While gifting season arrives and people are freaking out over order deadlines and how much stuff they can order asap, I am trying to be more intentional this year. Custom gifts can be that gesture that you really took the time to pick something special, regardless of the price tag. And if you are one of those people that want to cross off the giving list early, these ideas can cover a lot of people and arrive in plenty of time. As stressful as the holidays can be, the joy of a well thought out gift being opened by a loved one is really the best.

custom Christmas gifts
  1. Cutest Gingham Monogram Tote for all the things $99
  2. Monogram Bourbon & Cigar Glass for nights by the fire $25
  3. A pretty Monogramed Cake Stand to display your baked goods $60
  4. A Custom Shot Ski for your ugly sweater party host $30
  5. A fun Smily Face Initial Blanket $78
  6. A Custom Basketball for your sporty nephew $35
  7. A beautiful Monogramed Tote (comes in many colors) that she will cherish $398
  8. A classic Signet Ring engraved with her initials $220
  9. The softest Monogramed Pajamas $85
  10. A sweet Handpainted Mug you can have any name on
  11. A cozy Initial Pom Pom Hat for the long winter $39
  12. This Framed Photo Ornament is such a hit with grandparents $25
  13. What tween wouldn’t want this Custom Fanny Pack? $70
  14. A sweet way to wear your family Initials. Coin Necklace $38
  15. Custom Golf Balls & Tees because you know nee will use them $89
  16. This Initial Phone Case is fun for any age $72

I had posted a few of the recipes I have planned for this week on my Instagram and it sounds like you all could use some ideas too. With my favorite cooking partner, my mom, finally here to visit we have a lot of catch up cooking to do. I love a cozy week with lots of new recipes with a sprinkling of the traditions we hold dear. Here are the recipes we have on the agenda:

Appetizers:

Salami & Provolone Phyllo Dough Rolls: Give me all the melty cheese in dough

Cacio e Pepe Puffs: My Mom said you can make in advance and freeze!

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail: We bought the Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili sauce to dip to switch it up

Entrees:

Skillet Roasted Chicken: My mom swears this is a crowd pleaser. This Half Baked Harvest one I made last week is also such a one pan winner.

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn Sauce: having a hard time find the peppercorns, so might just make it without!

Truffle Mash Potatoes: Truffle butter makes everything extra special

Traditional Meatballs with Arrabiata Sauce: A casual comfy meal on Christmas Day is my favorite since I will still be in pajamas

Ultimate Garlic Bread: Because that spicy sauce is going to need something to dip in it. Love the addition of lemon zest.

Mini Wedge Salad Platter: An elegant way to serve something with ranch all over it

Breakfast:

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants: Stock up and make them all break, they are the best. You can find in the frozen food section and the plain mini ones are also perfection.

Sour Cream Waffles: These are sacred in our family. Dreamy is an understatement and perfect with bacon and coffee

Dutch Baby with Apples & Cinnamon: I have never made one and excited to! Or at least watch my mom do it ha (recipe from Modern Comfort Food, not available online)

Dessert:

Christmas Tree Cake: We always make a birthday cake for Jesus for Christmas Eve and this one looks so cute! (image above)

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies: I just love a soft sugar cookie. Lucky for me, my mom is a great baker and I am a good taste tester.

 

Would love to hear any recipes you are excited to try too. As far as I am concerned we will keep this up until break is over so I need more ideas!

xo

Erin

It seems that everyone is wanting to think outside the box this year on gifting, which I love. And with so many small businesses trying to make the season extra brighter the options have gotten more exciting. I wanted to put a little list together that would have gifts for anyone on your list that you may not have seen yet. Hopefully this helps with the rest of that list you have going.

  1. A custom travel tote with packing blocks she can look forward to packing $175
  2. Faux Shearling clogs is the only shoe/slipper they need $29
  3. The crazy at home facial the internet raves about $29 or get the whole set
  4. Dinner for 6 from Momofuku to your door $169
  5. Super fun Blue Light Blocking Glasses that also give back $42
  6. A Gray Malin Amalfi coast puzzle to remind them of their travels $25
  7. The Tesla of razors $19
  8. Who doesn’t need a sherpa fur onesie?! $41
  9. A rad all blacked out watch $135
  10. A Masterclass subscription to learn chess, tennis skills, cooking with masters, and business classes with the best of the best.
  11. Father & Son Boomba sock sets for their stockings $64
  12. Keith Herring Domino sees for the gamers $40
  13. For the outdoorsy dude, a flask that is also a flashlight $95
  14. A custom whiskey barrel to elevate the bar $85
  15. A custom family tree would be just the sweetest $65
  16. A weekly news magazine for little inquiring minds $49 for 25 Issues

xo

Erin

I was seriously on the fence on doing any gift guides this year. I know you are all inundated with so many ads and guides and it can be so noisy. Also, gifting feels different this year to me. Do you think so too? If I had to guess everyone will be more focused on the littles joys of cookie baking and tree trimming and snuggle holiday movie time than lots of gifts. It just feels more like another lesson coming from this year that it is the moments that matter, not the things.

But I did hear from some of you that you still love a few ideas, especially for teachers, helpers, and loved ones you may not be seeing this year. So here is a little list of gifts that support small shops and retailers, which I am really trying to look to first before going to a large retailer.

And if there are any lists you would like to see, please tell me and I will put it together because I love ya! Here are all the gift guides from years past if you need it.

small business gift guide under $50
  1. These custom tree toppers are the most fun and come in different finishes $50
  2. I LOVE these super soft organic pajamas. Especially this little heart print that gives back to Baby2Baby. $52
  3. All of the best Glossier make up for $40! You get to pick all the colors too. I wear the cloud paint every day, my favorite.
  4. How cool is this custom one line portrait drawing? You can print it on anything and make their day. She does Pets too! $19
  5. A custom initial necklace with endless options is always a winner $23-$55
  6. How cute is this custom craft rainbow? $26
  7. Who wouldn’t adore a leopard 2021 Planner? This company makes so many pretty prints $23
  8. This luxurious and insanely good smelling lotion and body wash is the perfect set. $50 total for both
  9. File under the cutest gift that is the most functional. These sweet food storage covers are such a cute little gift for your foodie friend. $19
  10. Love these custom Lego Trays for easy moving around $38
  11. These ankle weights are on my list and this site gives back with every purchase of any item! Buying these provide a care package for a pediatric chemo patient. $40 Make sure to check out the entire site.
  12.  I am so into a signet ring and this one is perfect $50

xo

Erin