A Gift Guide for your Guy

For this gift guide I've put together things that my own husband has or wants, as well as things my other man-friends and family would love. It all may not fit the taste of your guy, but I hope you're able to get some good ideas from it. 

I think men underestimate the power of good skin care. Skincare products like this kit from Kiehl's are great gifts because they're things your man needs but most likely won't buy for themselves. If you already have a guy interested in good grooming he might love a BirchBox membership to try out all new products each month. 

For guys that love to travel or have to take a lot of trips for work, a weekender duffle is a must. Make sure to include this awesome book for ideas of places you can go together. And for all my fellow 'Noles, tickets to the National Championship would be a great inaugural trip for him to take. 

On Paul's Christmas list this year is a new shotgun. This particular one is the same one my grandfather had (which makes it extra special) and a great all around shotgun. Of course, he's going to need this sporting jacket and a subscription to Garden & Gun - a magazine we can both enjoy. 

I love that so many guys are becoming collectors. Lately, most of our guy friends have started vinyl collections and I think a Crosley turntable and a record of a classic is a great gift for any guy that loves music or just needs an opportunity to disconnect and relax after work. *You can buy vintage records online on sites like eBay & Etsy, but try and find a vintage vinyl shop in your town. Going on musical treasure hunts makes for a great date. 

For the guy who has either just started his career or is already a few years in, a briefcase embossed with their monogram is a great confidence booster. You'd be surprised how much nice business pieces means to a man. Last year, I got Paul one of these ties as a celebration to "making it" in his career. His demeanor is definitely different on days he wears it into the office. He keeps talking about wanting these shoes from his days in Manhattan. Turns out guys are just like girls in that way! 

Gifts for their home bar are always a win. Paul's drink of choice lately has been a gin martini and mine (when i'm not pregnant) is a gin & tonic so this handcrafted gin kit is too cool. If your guy isn't into gin, this beer brewing kit is also fun. Yes, you could just go out and buy your own, but making it is something fun you could do together, and it makes enjoying it a little more special. I think I could do a whole gift guide for the bar alone. There are just so many cool things. 

*Paul also wanted me to add that fun, colored socks make great stocking stuffers. 

**Gifts for little girls and gifts to make.

Toddler Girls Gift Guide

This gift guide is for young toddler girls, because that's what I know. Most of this is what she will be getting, already has and loves, or is on the list as possibilities for her birthday. If you are shopping for a little girl between 1-3yrs old, I just know they will love all of it. 

My hope is to give my children at least one timeless heirloom every so often and a Beaufort Bonnet is perfect for just that. They are so darling for church and perfect for protecting sensitive skin from the sun come Spring/Summer time. We got the Worth Ave. White as a starter and recently ordered her the Christmas plaid for pictures with Santa. Even after she grows out of them she can have them on display in her room for years to come and hopefully share them with her children/grandchildren (even if they don't have the same monogram). In addition to the bonnet, make sure you sign up for Zulily so you can invest in some timeless smocked dresses as great prices. 

This kitchen is Eloise's big present this year. Every place she goes (school, church nursery, friend's houses) that has a play kitchen, she spends the entire time there. We are so excited to see her face light up Christmas morning when she sees that she now has one of her own. Don't forget the Pots & Pans or a shopping cart with food. 

Anything that makes noise and sings is a win. The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Say Please tea set is awesome because it teaches numbers, shapes, and MANNERS! We are working on saying "please" and "thank you" but E still hasn't quite picked it up. She does love to mimic her toys, and has learned many words and phrases from them (go figure), so I'm eager for her to pick up some toddler girl etiquette from this darling toy. (It's never to early right? ha) You may also want to pick up this cheeky book or make your own toddler-sized table for them to have tea parties with friends. 

Eloise's Mimi is so good about the Disney Vault. Anytime a new movie is released, she pre orders it and gets them for all of her grandkids. Last year, she got Cinderella, and this year she's getting the Little Mermaid (which I love for obvious redheaded reasons). Make sure to grab some fun pajamas to match for lazy mornings when you watch it together. 

Pottery Barn's Anywhere Chair is a must for any child. Eloise got one for her First Birthday and she loves it. She climbs on it, reads in it, and snuggles with her jumbo Minnie in it. If you don't already have one, get one! It's a great gift to go along with all those books you got them. 

And for stocking stuffers, how about some bath toys of their favorite animals, along with some crayons, a new coloring book, and a few of their favorite snacks. 

Gifts to Make Gift Guide

This year, in going along with my #staffordseasonofgiving, I decided I would make most of our gifts for friends and family. It's a great way to give something personal and a little extra special to those you care about. A lot better than just asking them what they want and taking 2 minutes to have it shipped to them from Amazon (Not that there's anything wrong with that). So I've compiled a list of a few items we are making this year as well as some other easy ideas that you can choose from for your own loved ones. 

For Grandparents: personalized photo ornaments 

For Sisters, Moms, & Girlfriends: sweet smelling soy candles or anything that encourages nice long soaks in the tub. 

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For Brothers, Dads, & the other men in your life: Smoky-Sweet BBQ Steak Rub or anything made with bacon. 

For your young nieces & nephews: building blocks with their picture or a puppet theatre for any room in the house. 

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For Friends & Neighbors: Homemade Limoncello or really good Christmas cookies with hopes that they'll invite you over to enjoy them too ; )

*Don't forget to download cute labels for all of your homemade goodies.