Practical Yet Thoughtful Christmas Gifts to Get Your Family and Friends This Year

This is a guest post by Maggie Hammond. Proud mama to two little people, and has one too many furry friends. Passionate about alternative medicine, the great outdoors and animal welfare.

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When it comes to buying Christmas gifts for your friends and family, the last thing that you want is to end up spending your money on something that the recipient is unlikely to use. Sadly, many of the gift ideas that we see today aren’t actually that useful and while they might be nice, there’s always the risk that the receiver isn’t going to benefit much from the gift you present them with - a common reason why many gifts are saved to repurpose for the next year or sold online. This year, COVID-19 has tightened the purse strings for many people, and there’s even more reason to invest in Christmas gifts that serve a practice purpose while being thoughtful too, of course. Here are some great gift ideas that anybody is sure to appreciate. 

Home Items

If you know somebody who has recently moved into a new home, or anyone who always appreciates new items for their home, then you really can’t go wrong with this Christmas gift idea. And with this Kohl’s shipping code allowing you to get free or discounted delivery when you order home items online, you can give your friends gifts that they’re going to love and find a lot of use for, like bed linen, soft furnishings, essential kitchen items, and more. 

Skincare

Rather than getting the generic skincare sets that tend to come out every single Christmas, if you have a friend or relative that is committed to taking care of their skin, then find out what brand they use and get them some more. Anybody who follows a good skincare routine knows how expensive good toners, cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizing creams can be - and many people like to stick with the same brands that they’re used to, so buying a product from the range they normally use is always better than one of the nicely packaged sets from the Christmas gift section. 

Food

Everybody needs food and you can certainly find some creative and thoughtful ways to give food as a gift at Christmas. This is an especially good idea if you have a friend or relative that has been hard-hit by the pandemic and you know will struggle to enjoy a nice meal for the holidays this year. Arranging a hamper with some festive staples and other food items is a really thoughtful way to show that you care. 

Gift Cards and Vouchers

Finally, you can never be exactly sure what people really need in their lives when it comes to gifts, so it might be better to simply let them make their own purchases. Gift cards and vouchers for small, local shops help support local if you live close to the person you're giving to, and of course there are always the Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, or Walmart options that you can never really go wrong with since they cover a wide range of different product ideas, whether your friend or relative needs to stock up on some essentials or treat themselves to something that they’ve been wanting for a while. 

With COVID-19 making huge changes to our lives right now, buying practical, useful yet thoughtful gifts for the holidays is the best way to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces. 

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Gifts for booknerds

December 4. Say it with me, friends - time flies. Gift giving is not a strength of mine unless it's a Favorite Things type of gift giving where I give people things I like. Not the point, really. I'm also trying my damndest not to be a flippant consumer or buying just to buy or buying plastic shit that will end up in a landfill. All that to say these are some cool things I do love or would love as a reader, and if you have a reader in your life, they might like one of them as well.

In this gifty season, just a reminder that no one wants a gift you have to go into debt for or run to the ends of the earth to get. And if they do, get rid of them and give an extra hug to someone who is amazing in your life instead.

Amazon links are affiliate links - buying through the link costs you nothing and pennies of proceeds go to run Show Us Your Books monthly linkups and prizes to giveaways for the same.

1. Number one always is a book from their desired list if they have one. I don't buy many books anymore, but I have a list of books I keep that I can't find at the library so I'll have to buy if I want to read, a list of books I've read and want to own (small), and a list of books that are available via kindle only. If your reader is also a listy reader, inquire within.

2. If your reader is a bibliophile who collects books, a personalized embosser is an awesome idea. This one on etsy.

3. Kindle paperwhite (affiliate link) - No colored covers or fanciness, but you can 100% always read in the sun while wearing polarized sunglasses and never miss a word. Also waterproof (can verify, unfortunately for me/fortunately for you).

4. For the feminist reader: well-read woman bookmark, anonymous bookmark, badass book club tee, strong female characters tee.

5. For library lovers: a donation in their name to Friends of _________Library. Insert their local library. Library card bookmarks, library squad t-shirt, support your local library t-shirt,

6. Mugs because do you even know me? Bookish soul, Go away I'm reading, Fuck off I'm reading. I had to refrain from purchasing these three while I was pulling this together. 

7. For the person who would rather be reading than doing whatever they're doing out in public (i.e. me): I closed my book to be here t-shirt.

 8. Rechargeable booklight (affiliate link). This is the one I use. Perfect for porch reading in the summer or any time after someone else has gone to sleep. 

9. For the kids: personalized reading corner sign, personalized library tote, Readers are Leaders t-shirt.

10. A gift certificate to an independent book store. Tickets to see an author speak in person (check to see if your library or local bookstore has a series). A January date for lunch after you put a donation for the Prison Book Program together together. A donation to Room to Read.

Drop your ideas in the comments.

REMINDER! Show Us Your Books is this Tuesday, Dec 10. The Show UsYour Books Favorite Reads of 2017 is Friday, Dec 27. 

Happy birthday to my uncle Billy today!

Unusual Technology Gifts for Busy Dads

I am not a great gift giver so I tend to like gift list posts. This one from James Daniels, a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.

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Unusual Technology Gifts for Busy Dads
Finding the best gift for a dad can be a challenge. The traditional fall-back gifts are ties, socks and aftershave lotions. Dads are probably getting a little tired of this type of gift, so the task for any loving offspring is to find something different. If your dad is into gizmos and gadgets, you’re in luck because there are a wealth of unusual things to choose from, and more are added on a regular basis. If there’s one gift area that seems to keep on expanding, it’s technology. Whether you’re looking for a gift for Father’s Day, a birthday or just a gift that shows you care, here are some suggestions.

Golf Sensor
There are plenty of dads that enjoy a game of golf. Take his game to the next level with a futuristic golf sensor. This handy gadget attaches to a golf glove and is a motion sensor device that allows the player to see their swing in 3D from any angle, on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The app that comes with it also tracks a range of different important golfing data such as club head speed, club plane, tempo, backswing, hand path and hip rotation. All of which will help him improve his game.

Minikin Electronic Box
For dads who are into the whole vaping experience, the minikin vaping device has some interesting features. For a start, it’s exceedingly compact. It has a temperature control function, easy to access battery compartment and a rubberized finish. The gadget-loving dad will also appreciate the touch screen and the information it provides. It can be found at many online vaping stores including https://ultimatejuice.co.uk

E-Reader
If your dad enjoys relaxing with a book, he’s going to love an e-reader. Batteries in these gadgets last for weeks and the white screen technology means there’s no strain on the eyes. They are simple to use, comfortable for using for hours on end and the library of books available is massive. Many devices and e-reading software allow users to share books back and forth.

GPS Sports Watch
For the dad who is a fitness buff, a GPS sports watch will mean he never gets lost when out on a run. As well as GPS, a sports watch will be able to monitor his heart rate and provide real-time metrics to help him understand what’s going on with his body while he’s exercising. It should also be able to track time, distance, pace, speed, and calories burned.

Buying gifts for dads can be a challenge, but it’s always going to be worth the effort. Finding a gift that he’ll be able to use for years to come is bound to be rewarding. To help you find the best possible gift think about what he enjoys doing. There are so many gifts to choose from you’re bound to be able to find a gift he likes. When he opens your gift, he’ll be able to tell the amount of work that went into choosing it. Which will make it all the more special.

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Do you have any to add? 

Gift Ideas for the Hostess with the Mostess

1. Beautiful Volcano Flowers from The Bouqs - $50. Send some beauty. They last a long time, and if you spent a long weekend with someone or had a great time at a holiday event, show your host some sugar. That is an affiliate link. I sort of feel like flowers are a good thing to send after you leave or before you arrive. It's hard to shove flowers into someone's hands when they're busy greeting and doing.

2. Chocolate Covered Sea Salt Caramels from Whole Foods - 6.99 - 8.99. Perfect hostess gift. If you do the old one for you, one for me method of gift giving, you will eat them all. Trust. Kelly introduced me to these in Boston and I've been hunting them down ever since. You can only get them in certain parts of the country, which is some bullshit. Come on, Whole Foods. Spread the love.

3. Wine. It's the universal sign for I wanted to bring you something, I figured this was okay.

4. You knew a coffee mug was going to be on this list. Try the host's initial, first or last.

5. Downton Abbey Estate Blend Tea ($11.99). Don't we all want to have a cup of tea with the Dowager Countess?

6. For the hosts with a sense of humor: Cards Against Humanity ($25) or if they already have that, one of the expansion packs ($10).

7. Some assorted beauty products and sample sizes in a cute makeup bag. If assembling those types of things isn't your bag, keep some pre-made sets on hand. This one is $14.99 at World Market.

8. A bottle of nail polish and a pair of fancy dancer dish gloves. Let's spread the love and all do our part to make a necessary chore glamorous. I buy mine at HomeGoods for about $4 each.

9. Mini Bonsai Garden Kit ($9.99) if they're into things like that.

10. A sincere thanks for having me note with a $5 gift card to the host's favorite coffee place.

What do you like to bring to your hostess with the mostess?

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Everything She Wants - Under $30

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Dear friends: Sorry I felt the need to use a very crappy video still for the opening graphic of this post. That 80s hair, you guys. It forced my hand. I love Wham, and that I will not apologize for...this song is decidedly not Christmas-y but the title is good for a list of generic gift ideas, no? Have a listen to the song and peruse the list over a cup of coffee.



While I think it's too early for Christmas decor and am puzzled by the eleventy billion Christmas trees in my Instagram feed right now (staunch after Thanksgiving lady here), I like to get the commercialism out of the way so I can enjoy the sights, sounds, and company of framily during the season.

I like to decorate, visit, and bake in December. I do not like to shop for specific items in December, or even go in big stores at all. I do all of my shopping online so I can earn cash back through Ebates. If you haven't signed up for Ebates, you're missing out! Here are some ideas under $30 for the ladies in your life. Some you can see by the photo I already use/own. I always think what brings me joy/is useful/makes life better, and then I tend to gift that around.

Kate Spade NY Reusable Shopping Bag from Nordstrom - $16 and close enough to Treat Yo'Self. It comes in black & white polka dot too.

Earth Therapeutics Soft and Smooth Shut Eye Sleep Mask - $9. Package it with some lavender essential oil and a pair of cozy socks and send your gift recipient off to dream land.

Dirty Dancing DVD - Yes, everyone should own it on DVD in case the apocalypse happens and all streaming systems go down. It's $4.99 on Amazon. Stuff it in everyone's stocking. Be my baby. Nobody puts baby in a corner. Etc.

Not Your Mother's Hair Basket - varies, $5.99 each, catch a buy one get one 50% off at Ulta! I love the Clean Freak Dry Shampoo, Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, and Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream. Pack it with some awesome pony tail holders and fire away. Hair needs gifts too.

Yes, Please by Amy Poehler - $18.20 hardcover. I haven't read it but I'm picking it up at the library tonight and I can't imagine it will miss the mark. Amy rules.

For the FNL Fan - $27. Tim Riggins approved.

Muji Acrylic Three Drawer Case - $24.75. Or the two drawer. Or the five drawer. Or any of them. They're sleek and they hold makeup and other small lady things well. I freaking love my Mujis.

Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler - $18.92 hardcover. This book spoke to my soul.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter - regular $20, always on sale. The only thing that gets my skin through the gross scaly winter.

Pug Cosmetics Bag - $15. For my pug peeps. Come on, it's funny.

Echo All Over Touch Gloves - $28. I own them in light chartreuse but love all the colors. They're warm too.

Who doesn't love a coffee mug? This one is one I personally own from OnDisplayGraphics on Etsy. She's got a lot of cool mugs. Pop a bag of coffee or a box of K-Cups in the bag and you're good to go.

What are some gifts you're giving aside from peace, love, and your presence this year?

 Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday














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