Sunday, November 20, 2011

My Favorite Things Link Party

I know we haven't celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but it's time to start thinking about our Christmas lists.  Share your posts about your favorite gifts to give and receive this Christmas season.  Hopefully, we can get some great ideas from one another to make our shopping just a little bit easier.

December is a big month for me.  Not only do we have all of the Christmas hoopla, but it is also my birthday month, so I thought I would start off sharing some gifts I would like to receive.  Just click on the links to find out where to purchase the items.

A high-quality water bottle.  I like to drink lots of water and it seems like the bottles I grab to go always leak. 

Source: rei.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


North Face Torpedo Jacket.  I run at 6am and it's cold!  I have an old North Face jacket that I love, but it is flourescent green and has some paint spatters.  I could definitely use a new one to keep me running in the cold, dark, winter mornings.



Design Books.  Fun to read and pretty to display.






Cell Phone Case.  I like the blue and orange cover on the left.

Source: etsy.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


I just saw this tutorial for making your own personalized cell phone cover that looks fun and easy too.  All it takes is some cute paper and a clear cell phone case.  This might be a nice present for a friend or sister.



Jute and Chenille 9x 12 Pottery Barn Rug.  Dear Santa, Please have your elves start weaving this for me.  I would love to have it magically appear under my tree on Christmas.  You are my only hope for this rug!  Love, Me.



Teachers and Other Special People

Ballard Tote Bag.  This bag is a perfect size for teachers to lug all of their school stuff around.  Best of all, it's on sale right now for just $12!  For something extra, you could fill it with some fun books or treats for your teacher.



Gift Cards.  Starbucks and Barnes and Noble are two good choices.  What teacher couldn't use a little caffeinated pick-me-up?



Something made by the kids.  We have made these ornaments in the past and they are really pretty and easy enough for the kids to make.  Pair with a gift card.



Travel Books.  Has your friend/sister/aunt/cousin visited someplace special?  I think a beautiful book highlighting that area is a great gift.  Even better - if you went on a trip with that person, write a little personal story or memory of the trip on the book flap before giving the book.  The Beautiful Cookbook series has gorgeous pictures.  I have this book that reminds me of the time I spent in Provence:



Any friend would be happy to receive something from The Zhush or Furbish Studio.  Here are a couple of my favorites (hint, hint).

Missed out on Missoni Madness? Pick up one of these cuties instead.

Source: zhush.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


Jonathan Adler Note Cubes

Source: zhush.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


Trays from Furbish






Candles.  These candles smell delicious.  My two favorites are Winter Wonderland and Marshmallow Fireside.



Anything Monogrammed.  I am a sucker for monogrammed items.  I even had an Etsy shop, Sew Suzy, where I sold all things monogrammed.  However, I got too busy and closed shop, but I still love monograms.  Here's a pillow that I made for my couch.

Even though I no longer sell monogrammed things, there are plenty of Etsy sellers who do.

Source: etsy.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


Source: etsy.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


Source: zhush.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


Parents and Grandparents
My parents are at the stage of life where they don't need more "things."  Experiences and events are much more important to them.  In the past, I've given them tickets to events I knew they would enjoy, such as season tickets to the chamber orchestra; tickets to see "Dancing with the Stars;" tickets to "A Prairie Home Companion."  We've even given my dad a ride in a glider, something he's always wanted to do.

Other ideas for events or experiences are: tickets for a hot air balloon ride, a historical tour, a train ride, a play, a sporting event; a gift certificate to a special restaurant or bed and breakfast; a day with a fishing guide; a cooking class; golf lessons; or lessons for anything your parents may be interested in.  The options are endless.

An exception to the "no more things" for parents and grandparents is this sentimental calendar.


Neighbors
It's become a tradition for the girls and I to bring little treats around to our neighbors.  We need to make something easy that all three children can participate in and I won't go crazy trying to supervise.  Usually we dip pretzel sticks in chocolate or white chocolate and then decorate with sprinkles or drizzles of chocolate.  This year, we might make these:  Hershey's Hugs sandwiched in between two pretzels.  What could be easier?


Pop them in a cute little bucket, Christmas mug, or even on a Christmas plate and deliver to the neighbors.

Hey, those look like our pretzel sticks from years past!


There you have it...some of the gift ideas that have been floating around in my head.  I left out gifts for my husband and kids on the off chance that they might be reading my blog.

Link up your Christmas gift guides and share your favorite things  What are you excited to give and receive this season?
  • I will leave the link party up for the next week.
  • I would love for your to be a follower of my blog, but you don't have to be.
  • Please visit the other bloggers who link up.  You might just find a new friend or a fabulous find for Christmas.


5 comments:

Gwen @ The Bold Abode said...

Yummy...yummy...yummy...

Homestyling101 said...

Great ideas! I think I want some one of those 'Missoni' scarfs for myself! Thanks for the great link-up!

A room with a view said...

Thanks for all the ideas..I need a new iphone case..perhaps I will make my own. My parents are not in the U.S. but the adults (siblings, cousins) do a secret santa based on a theme - see some ideas here.

Holly Gruszka said...

I love your idea of the book from a place you have traveled - what a nice, sentimental idea. I think you might like the stationery with the outdoorsy theme that I selected for my favorite things and I also love anything monogrammed!! This was fun Suzy and a nice break from design stuff. Thanks for hosting!

Erin (Out on a Limb) said...

I love your ideas, Suzy. What a fun party. I would love to try making the ornaments with my kids this year. I am a new follower and look forward to more from your blog! Thanks for hosting and Happy Thanksgiving.