Our much-anticipated holiday gift guide is here! And this year, it’s more thoughtful than ever. A huge thanks to all of the sponsors below who partnered with us on this post. Each item has been hand-picked to be something very special.
This year, as my thoughts turn toward gifting, I’ve been more thoughtful than usual. My family has so much; we are blessed to have a warm home to gather in when the snow falls outside. My children have toys and gadgets that I see get tossed aside and the longer I live, the more I realize that less is more and quality trumps quantity. Maybe it’s because we recently moved and I had the overwhelming task of boxing up our entire house that I realized—I don’t want to buy any more junk. I don’t want to Gift things that will end up in the trash next month.
So this year my gift-giving is focused on the theme ‘Something Special‘—items that are unique and that will last, items that mean something or can bring families closer together. So if you’re looking for something special as well, here are some fantastic ideas to bring more quality and less quantity to the holiday season.
{Each Gift Guide image is linked for your convenience!}
Holiday Gift Guide: Something Special
1. Making a House a Home with Crate and Barrel
Growing up, we had a favorite homemade blanket that all five of us kids could snuggle under and watch Saturday morning cartoons. This cozy chunky knit throw from Crate and Barrel reminds me of everything good about childhood.
Crate and Barrel has everything to make a house a home and it’s one of my go-to places for special gifts like this scratch-off world map which is such a cool gift for travelers and this gorgeous 7′ faux fig leaf tree that brings the outdoors indoors.
2. Turn Their Life Stories into a Book with Storyworth
Hands down one of the most special gifts I have ever given my parents and grandparents is Storyworth.
Storyworth turns all of their life stories into a beautiful hardcover book. Here’s how it works: each week your loved one gets a question prompt (like “What is the hardest job you’ve ever had?” or “What do you remember about your childhood home?”). Week after week, they add their stories to their Storyworth account and when they’re done, Storyworth sends them a priceless book—basically their life history!
Get $20 off Storyworth here.
(I’ve gifted it to my parents, in-laws, and grandma and it is such a priceless gift for our whole family. You can read some of my Grandma’s here.)
3. Show Her She is Loved with Helzberg Diamonds
As a woman, I know firsthand the endless time and sacrifice that goes into being a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Nothing adequately says, “Thank you for all you do. I love you…” quite like delicate jewelry.
I love this white sapphire halo pendant from Helzberg Diamonds. It’s subtle, graceful, and says so many things in one tiny gift. And check out the WOW price—it’s 50% off! (P.S. This amazing gift guide sale ends December 24th!)
4. Gourmet Stocking Stuffers with Lindt Chocolates
Even as an adult, stockings are quite possibly my favorite part of Christmas morning. If you’re looking for something extra special this year, have Santa tuck a few premium Lindt Chocolate holiday favorites into their stockings.
One of my kids’ favorite Christmas morning traditions is doing this chocolate advent calendar throughout December and then finding the Lindt Chocolate Santa in their stocking. This year, my golf-loving husband is going to find these milk chocolate golf balls!
5. Cool Vibes with Classic Ray-Bans from Sunglass Hut
The older I get, the more I realize that the items that stand the test of time have two things in common—they are both quality and classic. Sunglasses come and go in my life. Most of them I toss after a season because they’re either broken or out of style.
Ray-Bans on the other hand, will always be classic. They’re cool, chic, and the best gift for anyone on your list because they will stand the test of time. A pair of Ray-Bans is something special—something that will last. I especially love the Wayfarer Classic (this iconic style will always be hip) and the Erika.
Check out these select sunglass styles up to 50% off.
6. Give the Gift of Learning Fun with Highlights for Children
I remember as a kid running to the mailbox and hoping that a Highlights magazine was in there, and when it was…it was the best day! My siblings and I would crowd around it on the living room floor, poring over each page.
Well guess what? The same Highlights for Children you loved then is still just as fun for your kids now! Give a unique gift that comes not just once a year, but every single month and it keeps kids learning, reading, and thinking with fun stories and activities. (I’m excited it will give my kids something to do over the indoor winter months!)
And these favorite Highlights packages are 50% off!! (You can also sign up for their email to get $5 off your first order of $30 or more!)
7. Creative Play is the Best Kind with Little Tikes
I’m very selective when it comes to gifting toys because I know how much clutter is out there. But Little Tikes toys are time and again my children’s favorites. They are classic, nostalgic, promote creative play, and most importantly, stand the test of time.
If you’re looking for something special to gift a child, you can never go wrong with some of these Little Tikes favorites!
Cozy Coupe and other adorable ride-ons
Shop ‘n Learn Smart Checkout
And toys that promote active play!
8. Live the Handcrafted Lifestyle with Cricut
For the DIYer in your life, Cricut tools are phenomenal. Not only can you make your own cards, custom t-shirts, leather jewelry, and more…but you can use your Cricut as a side hustle to make some extra money on handcrafted items!
The Circuit Maker can cut hundreds of materials like leather, vinyl, and more with exact precision. Cricut Explore is a little more cost-effective and can cut and create as well! And Cricut Easy-Press allows you to easily create custom tees, bags, with heat transfers.
Cricut is one of those game-changers for DIYers.
9. Natural Fashion with a Passion
If you’re looking for something extra unique for the fashionista on your list, you simply have to know about HappyxNature (pronounced “Happy by Nature”), Kate Hudson’s new natural clothing line.
Not only are the items absolutely stunning, but they’re made with nature in mind, including some items that are crafted with recycled materials. High quality, high fashion, and something you can’t get anywhere else.
Check out items in the new HappyxNature line that would make unforgettable gifts.
10. Give the Gift of Family Dinner
The holidays are so hectic; I think we all can agree on that. Having a home-cooked meal is so important! It brings families together, is the catalyst for conversations, and encourages healthy relationships with food.
Give the unique gift of family dinner with Everyplate meals delivered right to any doorstep. The ingredients are fresh and the menu is delicious. We’ve had several of the meals and they are always a hit!
Get six meals free here!
11. Clothing for Life’s Great Moments
You know it’s a cool concept when two twins start a business crafting the highest quality clothing with life’s greatest moments in mind. Ever since I learned about Faherty Brand, I have been impressed and a little bit obsessed.
They have the most amazing ponchos with an outdoor flare that reminds me of camping in the mountains with my family, or walking along the beach at sunset, looking for crabs with my kids. Check out their insanely unique Adirondack Blankets which would make the perfect eye-catching throw or picture-perfect picnic blanket.
For something different, something special, check out Faherty Brand for all the cool people on your list.
Happy Holidays!
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