Holiday Gift Guides

9 Holiday Gift Ideas for Men

December 13, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

My biggest pet peeve with holiday gift guides for men is that they’re so predictable. Not every guy wants a J.Crew sweater, whiskey stones, and a French press. There’s nothing wrong with those gifts, of course, but this year I thought back to some of the most well-received gifts I’ve given Dave and my dad to create this list — with a few extra ideas peppered in for good measure.

Pocket Axe – I honestly don’t understand the appeal of this mini axe, but my dad wanted it last year. My parents moved to a rural area a few years ago and my dad hunts, so I assume it’s handy for that lifestyle. If the guy on your list would rather hang out in the kitchen instead of the woods, this chef’s knife is a nice gift.

Bluetooth Speaker – I actually gave this to Dave last year for Christmas. It has great sound for being such a small speaker! It’s also waterproof, making it great for the pool or boat. (Dave’s brother in law tossed it in the lake last summer to test its claim of being able to float. It does, indeed, rise to the top. Phew.)

Bourbon (or Vice of Choice) – Not all guys love bourbon, but I’m willing to bet that most have a guilty pleasure to indulge this holiday season. My dad asked for cigars this year, and I’ll admit I feel a little sheepish giving him something that’s bad for his health.

Cashmere Sweater – Lands’ End and Garnet Hill are two fantastic places to snag quality cashmere at a reasonable price. Dave has this sweater in charcoal and I just gave him the camel-colored one for his birthday. It’s a classic sweater that can be worn to work and looks handsome with a pair of jeans.

Leather Duffle – One of the very first Christmas gifts I gave to Dave was a Floto leather duffle bag. It gets better and better with age, and now brings back so many memories of our travels.

Multi-Bit Driver – Honestly, I love this gift idea for any homeowner — male or female. Nothing is more obnoxious than misplacing the screwdriver you need.

Leather Gloves – If he doesn’t already have a nice pair of leather gloves, this is something to add to his winter wardrobe. If he’s more of an outdoorsman, opt for these wool gloves with a deerskin palm. (Dave uses the latter when he shovels. They’ve held up for years.)

Smart Switches – I initially thought that smart switches and lights were kind of stupid … until Dave insisted we install them. Scheduling your lights to come on before you get home or when you’re on vacation is amazing.

Tickets – The most memorable gifts are always experiences. If his favorite artist is playing nearby or there’s a sporting event he’d love to go to, spring for tickets and plan on doing dinner and drinks beforehand for some quality time together.

–
Need more gift ideas? I’ve got lists for the hostess, ideas under $25, and those for pets!

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Gift Guide: Cats & Dogs

December 12, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

This gift guide is a perennial favorite of mine, even if it’s also a guilty pleasure to scroll through some of the cutest and most unique items to gift our pets (or pet lovers) this year. It seems wildly indulgent at first blush, but a recent study cites that dog owners spend $1,285 a year on their pet, while cat owners spend $915 a year. Food and veterinary bills aside, I’m sure there’s some wiggle room in the budget for a present for your most loyal companion. (Maybe even a piece of chic cat furniture?)

Gingham Dog Toy – I can’t pass up an Instagram-friendly dog toy, especially when it comes in a selection of gingham colors to suit your decor.

Cat DNA Test – The ancestry trend has made its way to your furry friends! This cat-specific test offers insight into how closely your cat is related to select cat breeds and wildcats. The company will also offer insight into your pet’s health and habits. There’s also a version for dogs from another company.

Scratching Post – We have two of these scratching posts for Bacon. They’re fairly aesthetically pleasing, as far as those things go, but the real benefit is the wide base that keeps it from tipping over.

Food Dish – Something that’s sitting out all of the time should probably be pretty to look at.

Dog Sweater – I’m jealous of all of you small dog owners who can slip one of these cute sweaters onto your four-legged friend. I grew up with large dogs (a Gordon Setter and a Golden Retriever), and they would have looked ridiculous in a fairisle sweater.

Dog Camera – I can’t be the only person who wants to creep on her pet when she’s not home, right? (Please tell me I’m not alone…) This one will bribe your dog into a camera-ready pose with treats. It also has a two-way chat option that detects barking, allowing you to check in on an anxiety-ridden pooch.

Cat Toy – Sure, your cat will probably prefer the ribbons and boxes that the gifts come in, but this little mouse is too cute to pass up.

–
Check out hostess gifts here, and gifts under $25 here.

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Gift Guide: Under $25

November 28, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

This is one of my favorite gift guides to work on because it can be such a challenge to find great gifts under $25. This guide has something for most of the giftees on your list, including two great ideas for the guys. I didn’t want to go too girly with anything because I think it’s hard to buy clothing or accessory gifts for another person unless you know them really well. That said, I think these earrings would be a hit with most women on your list since the resin trend looks like it’ll last into next year.

Insulated Mug – YETI mugs have such a good reputation, but it’s not something that people always think it purchase for themselves. This is also a great gift idea for the outdoorsy person on your list.

Corkscrew – This is my favorite item in this roundup. I don’t even drink wine that often, but I’d still love to have it as an object d’art. I’d also recommend this corkscrew and bottle opener, which would be a great stocking stuffer. I have one that I keep in my luggage, and I just love the mint color.

Watch Strap – Dave purchased a couple of watch straps from this company recently and they’re great quality.

Book – A new coffee table book is perfect for your design-loving friend.

Liquid Eyeshadow Set – This shimmery set is almost too good to give away!

Coasters – I could include coasters in just about every gift guide. They’re a great gift to have on hand to reciprocate any unexpected gifts this season.

Baking Dish – This oven-safe bone china dish is as practical as it is beautiful.

Sneaker Cleaning Kit – I gave this to Dave a few years ago. It works really well and makes sneakers look almost new.

–
Check out hostess gifts here!

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Gift Ideas for the Hostess: Under $40

November 15, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

A hostess gift is certainly unnecessary for most gatherings with friends and family. However, I do love the gesture during the holidays. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation for those who are doing the work to fill your social calendar throughout the season. If you don’t have time to order something or would rather give a consumable gift, a nice bottle of wine, a beloved Belgian beer, or chocolate from a local chocolatier is always a hit.

Cookbook – Snoop Dogg’s cookbook is such an unexpected gift, which makes it a perfect conversation starter. If your recipient is more traditional, try Christie Tiegen’s latest or this elegant tome.

Decanter – It takes some scouting, but there are a surprising number of well-designed, affordable decanters. This is one of my favorites and would also be a great gift for the guys, the mid-century aficionado, or the mixologist on your list.

Hand Towel – A beautiful gift that’s also functional.

Coasters – Somehow coasters always seem to be at a premium when guests are over. Give a set of these green onyx coasters with a small thank-you note tucked on top.

Candle Holders – I would absolutely love to receive a set of brass candle holders as a gift. If these seem too modern for your giftee, scout out a vintage pair and give them with a set of hand-dipped candlesticks.

Dipping Oils – Sometimes it’s nice to treat your host with a little treat she can enjoy after the hoopla winds down. Make this extra special with a gift certificate to a local bakery.

Trinket Box – This stoneware box suits many decor styles, making it the perfect to thing to have on hand for holiday gifting. It also comes in white.

Ornament – She’ll always think back on hosting that holiday soiree whenever she adds this to her tree in future years. Want to do something more? Tie it to the neck of a bottle of wine with a thoughtful note.

–
Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

6 Christmas Albums You Need (Preferably On Vinyl)

November 14, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

When we bought our record player last year, I had no way of knowing that it would become one of my favorite things about the holidays. There’s just something about listening to an actual record instead of an Apple Music playlist that makes the experience richer. It’s certainly more tactile and our stereo system is by far better than a WiFi speaker, but I think it’s the romanticism of putting on a record while mixing cocktails, hosting friends, or decorating the tree that really gets me. That and nostalgia. When I was growing up, my parents always played the Bing Crosby Christmas album when we exchanged gifts.

We’ve amassed a sizable collection of holiday records in the last year and a half, including an embarrassing purchase of Trick Daddy’s holiday album I picked up at the used record store last weekend. (I mean, how could I leave that gem behind?!) Below you’ll find my six favorites (in no particular order) that you should add to your collection this holiday season — Trick Daddy excluded. Let me know if I’m missing any great ones!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX

–
Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’