Gift guide: for toddlers

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? I just finished ordering a few last minute things, thanks to Amazon Prime. Toddlers are so fun to shop for, which made it difficult for me to narrow it down. Here are a few favorites. You still have a few more days.

1.Will uses these do a dot markers at preschool and loves them. Because they don't make a huge mess, I like that they don't require too much supervision.

2. I've heard so many great things about balance bikes in helping kids learn how to ride a regular bicycle, and the seat is adjustable as your child grows.

3. So I had to throw this in there. The softest pretzel t-shirt from my shop and it's cute for boys or girls:)

4. I like simple toys where kids have to use their imagination a little and these kid o colored blocks would be perfect for building towers and knocking them down.

5. Will has so much fun playing with coins and putting them in his bank. This little apple bank is to die for, plus it's a good way to start teaching kids about saving their money.

6. We love Dr. Seuss books, and they are the kind of books I'm okay with reading over and over again. I like finding books for my boys that I used to read when I was little like Green Eggs and Ham.

7. I don't know a kid that doesn't like to prepare a pretend meal or play with a kitchen.

8. Memory is a great first game to play with toddlers. Will loves playing it over and over again. This memory game is wooden so it will last through many rounds.

9. I love these little sets from Melissa and Doug. Not only are they adorable, but well made. The airplane one would be a favorite at our house, but I also like the school bus and fire truck.
   
Any other good ideas for little ones?
 

Gift Guide: for baby

This is my baby's first Christmas! Since he's only four months old, he really could care less what he gets, so most of these things are things I like for babies.

1. It's hard to find cute stuffed animals and the Maileg stuffed animals are some of the cutest ones I've seen. I also like the idea of getting him a little something he can keep as he grows. Maileg Wolf and I also like Maileg Fox.

2. I've been a long time fan of Kid O toys. They are so well made and designed and my three year old still loves playing with them. kid o car and kid o airplane

3. Babies always need lots of blankets and this black and white baby blanket is perfect for a boy or girl. Plus, it's something you would be happy to see in your house.

4. I once read that the first colors babies recognize are black and white. I love these little black and white wee gallery cards. The designs are fabulous.

5. Baby moccasins  are so hot right now and Freshly Picked makes a good pair that stay on baby's feet. Plus, they come in lots of fun colors.

6. There is something so adorable about stripes on babies and now that it's winter baby hats are a perfect gift.

7. These baby beads are so cool. They are attached with an elastic so they all stay together. Lucas is definitely going to need this.

8. Board books are great for babies and this one has been a favorite of ours over the past couple of years.

9. Winter Water Factory has such fun, patterned clothing for babies and kids. Plus, I love the fact I can put my baby in a romper because he's still little and little babies in rompers are so cute!
 

Gift Guide: for him

1. I always use holidays and birthdays as excuses for getting my guy new clothes (when else will he buy something for himself to wear?) I like the idea of getting him a pair of well fitting and slim cut (not too tight) jeans.

2. I like that this laptop bag is a departure from the typical black and leather. It's way more casual, but still looks cool and does the job.

3. A desktop calendar of his favorite people or pictures is the perfect addition for a guy's work space.

4. We've been cooking up a lot of homemade pizza lately. My husband loves to cook and I thought this pizza cookbook would give him some new and fresh ideas and for perfecting that crust.

5. My husband wears his Ugg slippers all the time and has had the same ones for years. They may be more of an investment, but are definitely worth the splurge.

6. I love when guys wear scarves! This one is cashmere and looks extra cozy.

7. A buffalo print. What guy could say no to that?

8. Guys always seem okay with getting socks or sometimes even ask for them (my dad used to ask every year). It might not be the most original idea but definitely a practical one.

9. These headphones are the best! They are great for guys who spend a lot of time traveling or just like to tune everybody else out for a bit.

10. I don't know a guy that doesn't love to wear his alma mater. My husband can never own too many of anything with Duke on it which is why I included this sweatshirt in the mix.

Kids are next...

Holiday Gift Guide: for her

I put together a few little gift guides this year that I'll be sharing over the next few days. The first one is for her, but is pretty much the things on my wish list. Trying to make it easy for my husband:)

1. If you're going to wear sweatpants, they might as well be cute and comfy.

2. For those that may have to endure a long and cold winter, this slouchy beanie might make them feel better about it.

3. I don't wear a lot of jewelry these days, but sometimes it's nice to add something small and simple to your look like this feathered ring.

4. I've been a fan of Max Wanger and his photography for quite some time now and would love one of his prints in my home like this one.

5. You can never have too many scarves and I'm really liking the southwestern trend. This scarf would be so cute with a basic tee and jeans.

6. Because everyone could use a classic brown bag. I really like this one.

7. We've been entertaining a lot lately and it would be nice to give my flatware a little update to this set.

8. After seeing this amazing J.Crew shoot in the country I became hooked on the idea of getting a pair of new balance sneakers.

9. I've been wanting to enliven our meals a bit and I think this cookbook will definitely help in that area.

10. If I were to ever have a sweater that I had to wear everyday, this would be it.

Stay tuned for more gift guides. To see some of my gift ideas from previous years click here.

Mother's Day Gifts

lanterns / scarf / fragrance / necklace / rings / bag / blanket

Just a few last minute Mother's Day gift ideas for those who are still figuring out what to get mom (including myself).    

Holiday Gift Idea #20

Golf Courses / Betty Crocker Cookbook / The New Terrarium / Decorate

Only 2 days left to shop before Christmas. I love getting a book in a topic I'm interested in, so why not give someone a book about something they might enjoy?

p.s. love these bookends

Holiday Gift Idea #19

leather magic wallet J.Crew

My husband is kind of obsessed with the magic wallets from J.Crew. Every time we go to the J.Crew Outlet Stores he is always looking for them and will buy whether he needs a new one or not. They are pretty cool and great for someone who doesn't like to carry around a lot of stuff.

p.s. this leather iphone cover looks pretty awesome as well.

Holiday Gift Idea #18

tiered geometric necklace Urban Outfitters

Love the simplicity of this necklace, need I say more?

Holiday Gift Idea #17

PlaSmart PlasmaCar Amazon

These cars are the best and fun for kids of all ages. Don't believe me? Read the reviews.

Holiday Gift Idea #16

Sonia Kashuk silver holiday brush set Target

Not only are these makeup brushes useful, but pretty. I also love this set.

Holiday Gift Idea #15

all bags from ASOS: envelope laptop case in fluro / envelope laptop case in cobalt / envelop laptop case in red / mirror metallic laptop case

A new laptop case is always cool when it comes in a bright color or metallic.

Holiday Gift Idea #14

watercolor postcard kit Paper Source

This watercolor postcard kit is perfect for the aspiring artist or anyone else who wants to give watercolors a try.

Holiday Gift Idea #13

northface etip gloves

I posted about these gloves last year, but since I recently became an owner of them, I can really tell you how amazing they are, especially if you have a touch screen electronic device and live in cold weather. Plus, they are a great idea for guys or girls (and if I didn't have a one year old I would have seriously considered the white ones, but opted for black instead).

Holiday Gift Idea #12

clockwise from top left:  bdg studio wool tote / cooperative hardware tote / deux lux two-tone tote bag  / alternative dream weaver tote bag

Everyone needs a tote bag to carry their stuff. Plus, today is the last day to get free shipping at Urban Outfitters

Holiday Gift Idea #11

chevron throw

How lovely are these throw blankets? I would surely take one in my house.

Holiday Gift Idea #10

clockwise from top left: gemini cardigan / decisively textured pullover / hallowell cowlneck / iced garland cowlneck

A cozy sweater is a great gift, especially this time of year. I love these ones from Anthropologie. Also, today and tomorrow only, all sweaters and outerwear at Anthropologie are 50% off, and if you see something you like, act quick because they're selling like hotcakes.

Holiday Gift Idea #9

glass shadow boxes

I'm pretty much obsessed with these shadow boxes from West Elm. They would be great for storing jewelry or other pretty treasures, and you can even get them personalized.

Holiday Gift Idea #8

bow bridge thin bangle Kate Spade

Because every girl deserves a little lucite and kate spade in her life.

Holiday Gift Idea #7

clockwise from top left:
tech candy barcelona iphone 4 case / tech candy new york iphone 4 case / tech candy bordeaux iphone 4 case / tech candy new york iphone 4 case

A little style for the iphone can never be a bad thing.

Holiday Gift Idea #6

mossien watch  Aldo / parreno watch Aldo

Really digging these all-black watches. They are perfect for the men in your life (and are both less than $50).