Holiday Gift-Giving Guide

Y’all, I do not understand why Black Friday sales are lots of different days, many of which aren’t even Friday. Even so, I joined the online influencer club and created a gift guide for you. Happy shopping and merry Christmas!

Accessories

Bombas socks – I know, they’re kind of expensive. But I love how the ankle socks feel on my feet and in my shoes. 

Crossbody bag – I have loved this Lululemon one for a while, but I found an even better and cheaper one on Amazon. Truly, hooray for liking the off-brand one better!

Madewell bag with flower strap – My friend Ashlee carries this Madewell bag and I loved it so much I bought it too. I didn’t love the thin strap on it. I probably put too much stuff in my “medium tote.” But I bought a wide, pretty strap on Amazon and it makes the bag nearly perfect. 

Sweatshirt jacket – You know how it is with teenagers and coats, but, really, I can’t blame them because I don’t like to wear coats either. My boy has long loved these warm, zip-up sweatshirt jackets. So, yep, I got another one in the next size. 

Books

Audible – If you know someone who likes to listen to books as they drive around or do chores at home, consider gifting a subscription like this. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it. 

Book light – I read on my Kindle a lot, but I have a book light just in case I want to stay up later than Greg. I like this book light because it charges and doesn’t require batteries. 

Book of the Month – Way better than Jelly of the Month, this gives the gift each time your loved once received a blue box with an early or new release they’ve chosen. Again, as a reader myself, what a great gift! 

Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories About Nourishing & Gathering People – Yes, this is my book. But, also yes, it would make a good gift for someone who likes opening her home and life to connect with others. There’s many examples from my own life and other friends who share stories about how to be hospitable in any season of life. 

Created for Communion: Discovering God’s Design for Biblical Friendship – Again, yes, my book, but also a great gift to encourage women in friendship that truly matters. 

ESV scripture journals – I used to carry my Bible to church and fill the margins with notes. Both during our main church service and the Sunday school class I attend, we go through books of the Bible, so I bought the books we were in and now fill the notebooks with notes. There are whole journaling pages plus wide margins. Marking up scripture is the best way for me to learn, so this is the perfect notebook for me to carry with me to church. 

Kindle Oasis – Like a Paperwhite, but this Kindle has page-turning buttons. Y’all, it’s waterproof and there’s no glare. It’s the best for hauling around a ton of books on a device that’s about the size of a mass-market paperback, although it’s much thinner than that. 

Line-a-day journal – I’ve gifted so many of these. It’s a journal that gives you space to write a sentence or two for each day for five years. I’m on my second journal, and I’m going to keep giving them away like candy. Documenting my day briefly each night before bed as become over the past five-plus years one of my very favorite habits. 

Praying Through Loneliness: A 90-Day Devotional for Women – I have a couple of devotionals included in this lovely book compiled by Kristen Strong. It’s a great book to keep near and pick up when you need some encouragement. 

Experiences

I love going on a trip more than unwrapping gifts, so if that’s something you’re thinking about doing, I wholly support it! Here are some of our favorite trips, if you’re looking for some inspiration:

• Chattanooga
• Colorado
• European Reformation Tour
• Hoover Dam / Grand Canyon / Sedona
• South Florida
• St. Pete Beach, Florida
• Tetons / Yellowstone / Glacier
• Wisconsin Dells

On a smaller scale, you could gift local and regional experiences likes museums, zoos, concerts, or ballgames. And, if this is the route you’re going, here are some other gift ideas to accompany passes and tickets:

Baggallini anti-theft crossbody bag – I really love my other off-brand crossbody purse, but the zippers are super secure and I wanted something slightly different to travel. This seems like it’s just right for that. For something bigger than this small purse, I think my Kavu sling bag.

Capital One Venture credit card – This is a great card to use for expenses because the rewards points are good and allow you to “erase” travel purchases. You can also book hotels and other travel reservations directly through the Capital One website and get special deals. When we signed up for TSA Pre-Check, the fee was reimbursed when we used this card. (Also, sign up for TSA Pre-Check if you’re ever going to fly!)

Packing cubes – This is the first I’ve used packing cubes, and I just couldn’t justify the price of expensive ones. These had good reviews and seemed like a good place to start. I bought three different colors. 

Reusable shopping bags – I really like these because they are thin, basic, and easy to wash. They’re great to carry along to separate dirty clothes or move other items if you aren’t staying in one location, which we don’t on many trips. 

Household

Blink outdoor security cameras – I’ve shared about these before, but they’re easy to set up and use. I can see movement on my porches, which I especially like at night or if the kids are home alone. We recently added the doorbell to our system. 

Pellet ice maker – This is our second counter ice maker and I love it! It’s bigger than our previous one and makes the soft, crunchy Sonic ice. (PLUS it’s currently on sale!) 

Pioneer Woman stuff – Most of any these kitchen & household accessories would make great gifts. I have plastic plates and bowls, mixing bowls, various utensils, cookware, and an Instant Pot in her lovely designs. I’ve gifted items in the past and will likely again in the very near future. 

Walmart delivery – I am a paying member of Walmart+ and don’t regret it. When my groceries and household items show up on my porch while I’m working, I feel like I’m multi-tasking in the best ways! Plus you get other perks, like free, quick shipping on items not available in the local store. (Save $20 if you sign up through this link!)

YouTube TV – We ditched cable years ago and love this streaming option. The channel selection is good and it’s cheaper than cable. (Save $15 if you subscribe through this link!)

Toys & Games

I don’t give many toys for Christmas, especially with my kids getting older. I do like to give Lego sets.

Hoverboards have been popular in house for quite some time. The trampoline is another popular activity around our house for kids of all ages that also encourages physical activity. We’re on our second one, and I don’t regret the eye sore given the amount of time it’s been used.

Crunch Labs – Ben gets excited each month when these boxes show up on our porch. It’s a great subscription box for my teenager who loves to build things. Plus the whole family likes Mark Rober’s videos that go along with the projects. 

I do love giving family games as gifts. We have so many favorites, such as Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Mancala, Phase 10, Rummikub, and Blokus. (Here are other favorite family games!)

Online shopping tip!

‘Tis the season! We all shop often online, so who doesn’t want some extra money to come their way?! That’s what Rakuten does! I have the extension installed on my Chrome browser on my MacBook and the app on my phone. Just look up the store from which you’re going to shop or use the Rakuten website and earn cash back from so many places. 

*****

I also have a storefront of favorite things by category, if you love Walmart as much as I do these days!