Favorite Christmas Gift Ideas

The holidays are just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I've put together this holiday gift guide to help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list.

Smartivity Kits

Who to buy for: Kids Ages 6-14

Price: $29

Why these are great gifts: 

Smartivity kits combine STEM and fun to make a hands on lesson that kids of a variety of ages can enjoy. Each Smartivity kit includes two projects for hours of fun. At under $30, these are a thoughtful gift option that kids will want to play with.

Verses 

Who to buy for: Teens and Adults 

Price: $20

Why this is a great gift: 

Board games encourage face to face conversations and less screen time, so this game is great for teens, young adults or families. At $20 this game brings the biggest songs from the decades to a slapping party game. 

Dungeons & Dragons Then And Now Set 

Who to buy for: Teens and Adults

Price: $50

Why this is a great gift:

Fans of D&D will love this nostalgic dice set. It includes a replica set and an original set of dice. Of course, you can color one set in with the included crayola for the complete 1970's effect.

Bubblegum Kids

Price: $10

Who to buy for: Stocking Stuffers and White Elephant Gift Exchanges

Why it is a great gift:

Aside from the unique flavors. Bubblegum Kids offers a high-quality, health-conscious alternative to traditional bubblegum. This is a fun way to stuff a stocking or give an impersonal gift that anyone can enjoy.

Intake

Price: $40

Who to buy for: White Elephant gift exchanges, relatives that are known to snore.

Why this is a great gift:

These bands help reduce snoring and can be reused with the included magnetic tabs. These are more comfortable than breathe right strips and make for a useful gift to share.

Mom Bomb Bath Bombs

Price: $30

Who to buy for: Moms

Why these are a great gift:

Give a special mom in your life a chance to chill with a high-quality bath bomb. This is one-holiday gift idea that you know won't bomb as they smell amazing and promote relaxation. Plus the set of 4 means your favorite mom can savor the scent a few times.

Earth Mama Organics

Price: Starting at $4

Who to buy for: Women 

Why this is a great gift:

With a variety of products that combine traditional herbal remedies and generations of wisdom, Earth Mama Organics offers something for everyone. From lip balm to herbal tea and everything in between, you can find a perfect affordable gift option for anyone on your shopping list.

Supermarket Italy's Holiday Cheer Gift Basket

Price $100

Who to buy for: Families

Why this is a great gift: 

This fun gift basket has Italian card games, candy and cookies for a great gift to share with a special family. You can be sure they are going to have a family fun night in the near future as they unwrap this unique gift.

Two Rivers Coffee

Price: $28

Who to buy for: the coffee and cocoa drinkers in your life.

Why this is a great gift:

The Santa's favorite collection from Two Rivers Coffee is the perfect gift for the holidays. You can buy a box and gift it to a cocoa fanatic, or buy a variety pack and split it up with mugs to give a small yet thoughtful gift from the heart.

9 Terrific Ways to Celebrate their Retirement

9 Terrific Ways to Celebrate their Retirement

Retirement is such a big life change, it should be celebrated properly. Help the retiree in your life commemorate this

great achievement with a new tradition, a getaway or even something that pushes their comfort zone. Now that their

punching-the-time-clock days are over, guide them into a greater, even more fulfilling mindset with these nine terrific

ways to celebrate. 

Create a Career Memento Collection.

Now that the retiree has the time, why not map out a strategic road map to all of the places they’ve worked? Take along a camera and scope out every place they’ve punched a clock to make the all mighty dollar. If they lived out of state, make it a road trip with the idea of collecting thoughts, ideas, dreams and goals for the future. And of course, memories in the form of written text and photos to compile in an album that will mark their new beginning.

Focus on Health.

Now that time is theirs for the taking, the greatest currency they have is their health. Help the retiree with changes they can make in their life to put health at the top of their priority list. Entering a 5K (even if they walk), joining the spin class at the YMCA, and even looking up recipes for eating healthier can be motivation enough to change for the better. Being consistent in these changes is key, so be sure you are there for support and encouragement.

Build a Gift Basket.

Receiving a gift basket is always fun and goes a long way in expressing admiration and appreciation. Building one yourself for the retiree in your life gives you agency over what will go inside. So ask yourself, what are their favorite things? Their favorite places? Their goals for the future? Fill the basket with items like health products, motivational books, travel ideas, gourmet snacks, and egift cards that can be purchased from any one of thousands of retailers nationwide. They will delight in the thought and care that went into making it.

Plant a Tree.

Chances are good that if the retiree had planted a tree on their first day of work, today it would be standing tall and proud. Now that they’ve entered into this new phase of life, accompany them to the garden center, choose a tree that will do well in your area, and help them plant it in their yard or other location. It will require nurturing, which in turn will give them a new sense of purpose and responsibility.

Redecorate the Home Office.

Just because they won’t be ‘working’ anymore, doesn’t mean that their home office can’t go to good use. It all depends on their focus, of course! Are they planning on consulting part time? Maybe they would like room for crafting, indoor gardening or meditating. Ask them how they envision the room and then work together to refashion it into a place that best represents where they are in life now.

Do Something Unconventional.

At the end of a person’s life, what they most regret are the things they haven’t done. This bucket list might include adrenaline-rush opportunities like skydiving, ziplining or learning to ride a motorcycle. Or, it might be a bit more mellow like learning to cook French cuisine or reading the top 100 books of all time. Ask them to write down a few things they’ve always wanted to do but never have, and support them in their mission to accomplish them.

Go Permanent.

Many people never see retirement. They may see retirement age, but are unable to truly retire due to various reasons. Celebrate your loved one’s retirement by purchasing a piece of jewelry or even getting a tattoo that commemorates and affirms their mantra for success. This might be Chinese letters, their spirit animal or a phrase they uttered to themselves when times got tough.

Give Back.

Chances are good that after a long, successful career, the retiree has much wisdom that can be given back to the community. Encourage them to teach a class, start a YouTube channel, create an informational TicTok account, whatever fits their personality and gets them inspired.
Start a Tradition.

People celebrate all kinds of days – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, so why not turn retirement day into a brand new day to celebrate annually? Specifically take that day to cross something off the bucket list, go out to dinner or commemorate it quietly. Either way, it will be a yearly reminder for the retiree that life is short but also sweet.The retiree in your life deserves special treatment after a long, fruitful career. While gifts are always nice, think about how you can help them

Gifts for Women

 What are you going to get the ladies in your life this holiday season? I have found some fun options that any woman would love to unwrap this year. These gifts work for a variety of interests and budgets. I hope this list helps you find something fantastic for the holidays and simplifies your shopping too!

Samples have been provided for inclusion.

Twirl pillow cases give ladies an inspirational message to help them sleep empowered! These are a good quality pillowcase, and they are great for gifting someone you might not know what to give. Starting at $125, these are a one of a kind gift option.

A Year of Self Love Calendar makes for a great gift that keeps on giving. This option from Workman publishing is under $16 and offers a year of self affirmations to help any woman start her day off on the right note. 

If you need a gift for a lady you don't know very well, gift her cleaner surfaces with these Copper Clean items. You can add an antimicrobial patch to any commonly used surface, like a phone, a door handle and more, or give her some really good copper pens. Pens start at about $8.

The Craftbud Candle Making Kit is one of my favorite gift options this year. This kit has everything needed to make some impressive candles; from wick to wax and everything needed along the way. Order this kit for about $65 from amazon for some crafty gifting!

The My Little Mascara Club is the perfect gift for a makeup loving lady because this club ships a fresh little mascara as needed, so she will never have to deal with clumps and lumps again. Order a starter kit for about $21.

The Mixify Nail Polish Kit is awesome for gifting. These stylish tins have everything needed to create a custom color, or two of nail polish. This is fun for chicks of all ages! Order for about $35.

A detoxing soap makes for a unique and useful gift.This Charcoal and Clay bar soap option from Rustic Maka is great. It smells pleasant, refreshes the skin, and is affordable at under $8 a bar. 

Sapadilla makes some very useful and natural cleaning products for the home. While normally I would advise you to avoid cleaning products as a gift, but these are really good and good for the environment too. Cleaners start at about $10 and are worth every penny!

If you need some gorgeous yet sassy ornaments, check out the collection from Hazel Grove Customs. From corkscrews to pie servers, they offer so many great gift options. Get a few ornaments for friends with a sense of humor this holiday season.

Let your favorite gal make a wish and journal her way to making it come true with Wishwork. This is such a fun gift idea that includes a book and a bracelet that is the perfect place to store your wish!  Prices start at $30 and the bracelets are so pretty!

Minioso 3 wick candles are an awesome gift because they smell as good as a high dollar option and they look great, but you can buy them in a variety of scents for under $11. Talk about a steal! Get a few for those ladies you don't know well but want to gift anyhow.

I love subscription boxes as gifts because they offer an assortment and they are probably the most fun mail to open ever! Like a surprise filled with surprises awaits! These pretty boxes from Her Mine are about $35 a month and have an awesome assortment of goodies from candles, to skin care and more. 

Tweexy is a wearable way to paint your nails with ease while keeping your polish on hand, literally. These are awesome gifts for women of all ages. Get a tweexy for about $10 for a unique and useful gift.

Bel Essence makes a line of anti aging skin care products that are kind to animals and awesome for your skin. This affordable line is great for gifting as the line has something for everyone, to help them keep their youthful appearance. Prices start at about $31.

If you are looking for a great gift for a plant lover, Hasting House Designs has some simply lovely hanging plant holders that are great gifts! Pair it with a small potted plant and you have a gift of art and life. They have a variety of nice holders and wall art available on etsy, where prices start at about $30.

Envirosax bags are awesome for gifts, or to use as a gift bag that will be used all the time. Not only are these stylish, but also they are so durable. I have had the same 3 bags from this brand for about 6 years, and they are still going strong. Order for about $11, in a variety of prints. 

Mine is an on the go jewelry cleaning tool that any woman who loves jewelry will appreciate. This is a great gift because it is affordable and useful. Order from amazon for $16.

Safesleeve phone cases are awesome for gifting because these are so useful, they offer protection and they have a place for your debit and credit cards! Using a safesleeve has been life changing for me because I now have someone safer to hold my debit card than my pocket, plus, this protective case keeps my phone safe while blocking radiation! Order for about $35.

Tenikle universal phone mounts are awesome for gifts because they make using your phone for videos, music, talking, livestreaming and more a hands free, and secure event. This unique design is so much more fun than the average phone mount. Order for about $30.

This year make a statement with your gift while the gift makes its own statement with options from Fair Anita. Find cute and ethical jewelry, clothing and bags at affordable prices. Necklaces start at about $22.

Urban Hydration makes an awesome line of Aloe Vera based skin care products. Order them all and pop them into a pretty basket and you have one awesome, complete gift that is going to wow any woman! Order these skin care products starting at $10 each.

Gift a lady in your life some Stylistic Abstract Swan and Pink Flamingo LACBirds fine art blank fold over greeting cards are created with the artwork of Laura Ann Cohn (LAC)..  Each card has a colored border making it a ready to frame printed piece of art. Made with love in Texas, USA. Order a 6 pack of these fine art cards for about $22 on Etsy.

The Morning Side Kick Journal gives  the gift of an engaging, fully guided morning planner to help you wake up earlier and start the day with a perfect morning routine that works for you. You can order this handsome journal for about $29.

These gorgeous wine tumblers from Everything Decorated make an awesome gift! These are really good insulated tumblers and they are decorated perfectly. Be warned, the box the items from this store arrive in so pretty! It is a work of art on its own. Browse the selection of goods for sale and find something to make one of a kind with personalization.

I know polishing rags don't seem gift worthy, but these from Aunt Mary Ann's Authentic are too good  not to share! These can be used for so many things around the house. The sugar scrub pairs perfectly with it for a smooth and clean start to winter. Check out the line of products from Dragonwise and find a few new favorites to share this holiday season.

Flo Home Delight offers high-end textile accessories that makes amazing gifts for refined men and women. Crafted in France, and shipped via amazon, you can count on these delightful coin purses being a hit! Order for about $58 

Shashi socks are different because they work with all of the shoes in your closet. From open toe styles to no show and more, these are grippy and unique for a discerning sock drawer. Order for about $18 a pair.

 In honor of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,  Shanti Creations NYC created a Notorious RBG Candle, which will allow for 10% of the candle to go to a non profit for women’s equality . Order this really great smelling candle in respect or rebellion for $30

Roam Often offers these awesome and cozy scarves that can double as blankets! They are so soft and stylish that they make the perfect gift! These cost about $40 and are sure to get a ton of use this winter. 

Art Studio Live offers these fantastic painting kits that have everything needed to host a painting party at home! This kit has 6 colors, 3 brushes, a generously sized canvas and palettes to make painting a breeze with everything you need. Order for about $30 and it includes the painting tutorial of your choice!

Give the gift of an upgraded nail polish experience with Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Care. This vegan nail polish is unlike any I have ever used before. It provides excellent coverage and is good for your nails too! Prices start around $17 a bottle. They have an impressive line of colors to choose from.

High on Love dry body oil makes for a great gift idea because it leaves skin super soft and nourished! Almost any lady would love this product. It is infused with CBD  and is non greasy for a healthy glow. Order for about $45.

L'Duex is the perfect gift because it brings pretty jewelry and hair ties together to create something that is functional and fashionable. Prices start at $26.

A fluffy towel set is always a great gift idea because they are super useful! This Hotel Collection

Ultimate Micro Cotton towel from Macy's is very plush and absorbent. Order for about $17 a towel for any woman on your shopping list this season!

23 Skin gives the gift of great skin care and a little pampering, in a pretty and portable package. Gift Natures Most Energetic Skin Care for about $35 a jar, or get this mini gift bundle for $35.

Nature by Canus makes for a wonderful gift this holiday. Grab some of this awesome goat milk soap, lotion and milk bath starting at about $5 a bar and add them to a pretty basket for a gift that is ready to go!

Any woman who loves to cook will appreciate this automatic, hands free Yes You Can can opener by Kitchen Mama. This little handheld can opener is easy to use and doesn't need loads of counter space. Order it for about $25 for anyone who likes to cook at home.

A super cute bubble tea coloring book is so fun to give or get this year! This book has 50 fun pages to color and will help any woman relax! Order The Boba Coloring Book for about $9 on amazon.

Every woman needs a great watch and the collection from undone makes for a great gift. These are stylish without being flashy, and they have options for both men and women. Make a statement to quality this year with an Undone watch.

I hope these gift ideas help you find a great gift for a lady on your shopping list this holiday season! While you are here check out these other holiday posts.