Holiday Gift Guides

The holiday season is officially here. Thanksgiving came and went and Christmas is less than a month away. I’m doing my best to soak it all in, but still pack in as many festivities as possible. Vienna loves all holidays so I enjoy making it magical for her. This year, we’re doing Elf on the Shelf for the first time. I know, I know—by week two, I’ll probably be cursing it. But seeing her face light up with excitement makes it all worth it.

Christmas shopping is going well! This time of year, gift guides are always a great source of inspiration for me. Instead of putting together random finds from the internet, I wanted to make my guides more intentional this year. Below you’ll find Stocking Stuffers for Kids, Gift Guide for Kids, Gift Guide for Her (aka my wishlist), and Gift Guide for Him. These items are either things we already own and love, things we bought for Vienna this year, or items I’ve got my eye on. I hope you enjoy browsing these guides as much as I’ve enjoyed putting them together. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and happy shopping! 

Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Welly Bandaids / Dr. Bronner’s Lip Balm / Scunci Hair Ties / Piggy Paint Nail Polish / Bombas Wool Blend Socks / Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow / Hally Hair Gem Pen / WeeOnes Bow Headband / Retractable Pens / Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty / Magnetic Toy Men / Word Search / YumEarth Giggles / Brain Quest Smart Cards / Squishmallow Keychain / Stopwatch

First up is a gift guide I always need help with myself—stocking stuffers for kids. Growing up, unwrapping gifts in my stocking was my favorite part of Christmas morning. But for some reason, I struggle with ideas for Vienna’s stocking every year. I asked a few friends who gave me some ideas I would have never thought of, including this stopwatch. There’s so many times when Vienna says, “See how long it takes for me to run up and down the lawn” or “See how long it takes me to do cartwheels down the hallway.” Another fun thing going into her stocking this year are the Brain Quest Smart Cards. They are great for long car rides or for rainy weekends inside. Vienna told us her bus driver has them! 

Gift Guide for Kids

Do-a-Dot Art Coloring Book / Fat Brain Toys Hey Clay Animals / Target Polly Pocket / Carthartt Hoodie / Columbia Snow Gloves / Gymnastics Mat / Ear Muffs / Ooly Scented Gel Pens / Hair Tinsel Kit / Super Smalls Bead Kit / American Girl Doll Backpack Carrier / Rollerblades / Hair Towel / Lego Classic

Next up is my Gift Guide for Kids, perfect for ages 5–10! This guide is filled with thoughtful items that are sure to bring joy and creativity to any child. Each item listed is something Vienna will be receiving from us, Santa, or family this year. If your child has an American Girl Doll, this carrier is a game-changer. Vienna takes her doll everywhere, so having a safe place to carry it is ideal—especially considering how pricey those dolls are! Another great find is this PillowFort hair towel, which will be great for spa nights at home or drying hair quickly after a bath. And I can already imagine Vienna’s excitement when she opens the hair tinsel kit. She’s going to lose her mind! 

Gift Guide for Her — aka My Wishlist

Cole Haan GrandPro Sneakers / Tory Burch Spongeware Pitcher / Noritake Mini Bowl Set / Bombas Half Calf Socks / Personalized Silver Pen / Lake Pajamas Pima Cotton Set / Yeti 18 Soft Cooler / Mark & Graham Monogrammed Large Pouch / Le Creuset Large Platter / Skims Long Sleeve Shirt / Baby Bogg Bag / L.L. Bean Bean Boots / Chappy Wrap Blanket

To be honest, there’s not much I want or need this year, but my family always appreciates having a few ideas… especially since my birthday is just two weeks before Christmas. This list is a mix of things I’d use every day and a few special pieces I’ve been eyeing for a while. These Lake Pajamas and Chappy Wrap blanket would be perfect for lazy weekend mornings or after a long work day. I love being cozy while also feeling put together. I love these Cole Haan sneakers which are a more streamlined sneaker than my Hokas. For home stuff, I’ve had my eye on this Tory Burch Spongeware Pitcher for years. It’s such a beautiful piece that could be used as a pitcher or vase! Also to note… an engraved metal pen with your name in a script font is just so chic. 

Gift Guide for Him

Leatherman Skeletool / On Cloudswift 3 Sneakers / Melin A-Game Hat / Lodge Cast Iron Pan / Ugg Chukka Boots / Apple AirPods Pro 2 / L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Vest / Carhartt Beanie / Bombas Ankle Socks / Ridge Wallet / Theragun / L.L. Bean Slippers / RayBan Clubmasters / Stanley IceFlow

Buying gifts for the men in your life is tough. Whether it’s your husband, dad, brother, or uncle, why do they always seem to have everything? If you’re struggling to find something unique and thoughtful, this guide has you covered. Bryan has this $20 Carhartt beanie (in fact Vienna and I have one too) and it’s a gift that anyone would love. He also swears by his Stanley IceFlow. He loves how it has a top handle for easy carrying, making it super practical for work, hiking, or even just around the house. If your guy enjoys cooking, the Lodge cast iron pan is a must-have. It cooks steaks beautifully and is a gift that’ll last him forever. 

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