Holiday Gift Giving Ideas (and some ideas for you to ask for yourself too)

I like reading gift guides to find new ideas for giving.  In fact, I’ll be linking to one of my favorite blogger’s guide on Saturday’s Weekend Links.  She had some really unique ideas that I think you’ll like.

But today, I’m going to share some of the things I like to use, along with a few things I’ve given to others that turned out to be hits.  You may want to ask for some of these things for yourself.  Occasionally, I have a hard time thinking of something I want when Jim asks me.  Maybe you’re the same way.

I’m going to start with the kitcheny things, but there are some other categories to share too.

For the Cook

 

I love cooking with silicon spatulas.  They can take the heat, so they’re nice to use on the stove top.  I’ve been using mine to make eggs in the mornings.  I really like the shape and colors that this set comes in.   

 

This isn’t the first time I’ve encouraged you to get a good garlic press.  If you don’t have one, put it on your list.  A garlic press also makes a great gift too.  This Zyliss press is a good deal on Amazon right now.  Prices change quickly over there though, so I don’t know how long the sale will last.

 

I am loving my cast iron Dutch Oven from ALDI.  I think you can still pick them up at an ALDI store right now, but there are a limited time item.  I also had one I bought from Walmart for a good price last year and I liked it too.  These are great for using in the oven or on top of the stove.  I love the way they cook.  I’ve never owned one of the expensive brands, but I think these lower priced brands are a real steal!  Affordable and great for cooking!

I think a good slow cooker is a must for getting dinner on the table.  I’ve never used this particular model, but I love the features it has.  If I didn’t already own several slow cookers, I’d snatch this one up for myself now.  It’s on sale for just $39.99 ($20 off!).  Double check that price before you buy though, because Amazon changes the prices quickly.

A Few Things I Own and Like (not kitcheny)

 

Okay, I don’t own this yet, but I’m hunting some down later tonight.  A while back I mentioned on Facebook that someone could make a lot of money if they invented a hand lotion that didn’t make your hands greasy (and then your touch screens greasy).  And one of my readers, Kristal, mentioned this product.  I can’t wait to try it out!

Update: I stopped by Bath and Body Works tonight looking for this hand lotion.  They didn’t have this type, but in the men’s section they had the same brand, only it’s called Elixir White body lotion.  It’s not greasy at all.  I like it, but it does have a pretty strong, but nice, smell.  I’m still curious to try the Quince I linked to above.  One benefit to the Elixir White is that it was only $10.

This is a splurge, but it makes a nice gift.  Jim bought me the scent called Gathering Apples last year for my birthday.  It smells exactly like walking through an apple orchard on a warm afternoon in the fall.  I love it!  I’m completely curious about about the In the Library scent, which smells like “a warm blend of English Novel*, Russian & Moroccan Leather Bindings, Worn Cloth and a hint of Wood Polish”.  And I’d love to smell Russian Tea Caravan – “Smoked black Indian tea, bergamot and the hint of shelves full of old books.”

 

Stitch Fix offers gift cards.  I really like using this service.  You fill out a profile with your sizes and preferences, then the Stitch Fix stylist chooses 5 items to ship to you.  You get to try on the clothes and accessories in your own house with your own shoes etc.  I hate shopping in an actual store, so this is perfect for me.  I think it would make a great gift too.

A Few Other Ideas

Last year, I bought my oldest son a mustache for his car.  He bought me a bonsai potato kit.  We have a weird gift giving relationship.  I’d love to tell you what I got him this year, but on the off-chance he’s reading this blog post, I’d better not.

For our youngest son last year, I set off a whole new hobby.  He’d started playing around with a yoyo and I decided to get him several different kinds ordered from YoYo Play.  They have a nice selection of beginner yoyos.  He has since added a lot of yoyos to his collection.  And he can do some amazing tricks too.  If you’re looking for a no-battery gift for a kid or young teen, think about yoyos.

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