December 08, 2017 5 min read
How is christmas only 2 weeks away... I feel like this month is on hyperspeed! I know that giving gifts is one of the best parts of the holidays-- thinking specifically about the people in our life who we love and appreciate so very very much and wanting to give them something that shows that! Sometimes that (monumental) task can be a little stressful-- especially when we feel under the gun.
I love making christmas gifts, it's honestly one of my favorite holiday activities-- CRAFTING! But somehow, as little people have been added to our crew and more responsibilities also came, crafting time has been seriously cut down. So while I want to sew my mom the perfect leather bag, um, reality says "maybe next year". So what now??
Friends, I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY! I have sat and thought, and talked to thinky people and I put together a list of meaningful, practical (with the perfect touch of fancy) , and affordable ($50 and under) gifts for that amazing mom/step-mom/grandma/aunt (and spoiler alert, you can buy them all online--even from the bathtub you are now relaxing in since you are crushing the christmas gift game! YASSSSS) . This list is full of items that are earth friendly, comfy to the max, meaningful to the home, and all around fantastic. I also kept all the item links to amazon and etsy. I feel like simplicity is best , and since I personally have accounts on both those services, many of you probably do to-- yay for less work! So take a look and just think, in 10 mins the magic elves on the other side of the interwebs will be curating your perfect gift! **sigh**)
[I've included review excerpts from amazon and etsy for each product so that you guys can get a second vote for how amazing these products are]
1: The Yellow Bird Face Oil Set: ($35, Amazon) Perfect for all skin types. A spa experience in a box that will last you for months. Full of oils that will cleanse, nourish, reverse signs of again, and restore your skin.
"As I've gotten deeper into my thirties, my skin texture has become more bumpy and less "fresh". I don't like using lots of chemicals so I've tried a variety of products over the years to find something that worked. I LOVE these products! I use the soap on my face everyday. The charcoal would probably dry out your skin if used alone, but I always follow up with the oil. It's light, not greasy and leaves my face feeling so fresh! It's been about two weeks and I can definitely tell a difference in my skin texture, which is a first for any beauty product!"
2: Personalized Leather Bookmarks: ($15, Etsy) Perfect for the reader (and readers who get interrupted hahaha). A perfect addition to a book bundle gift. I love how unique these are-- and they're personalized!
3: Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat: ($30, Amazon) Not only is Yoga good for the body, it's good for the mind. A comfy and non-slip mat is a must. For all the people out there who spend time centering themselves. I love that this mat is made of non toxic and RECYCLABLE materials and they donate a tree to be planted with every purchase. *note: Some people noticed a faint smell when it arrives from being shipped, but that goes away after being aired out*
"I really like this yoga mat. Just the right amount of cushion to it that it is comfortable to lie on over a hard, gym floor, but not so soft that it will throw off your balance when standing on 1 foot. I bought the turquoise one and it's beautiful."
4:January Jewelry Brass Chevron Earrings : ($40, Etsy) Um what's not to love. Handmade from beginning to end. I love the versatility of these. They are a statement piece without being too loud. Classy to the max. Also, brass matches with everything and looks good with all skin tones. Obsessed.
"This item turned out amazing you can tell the love and passion that goes into each item"
5: Hand Lettered Proverbs Mug : ($10, Etsy) I love this verse-- so full of confidence and truth. A great reminder first thing in the morning (or any time of day!) Not to mention the beautiful lettering and painted flowers. Practical Beauty at it's best.
"Everything about this order was fantastic - from the ordering, speedy deliver to the quality of the mug. It was exactly what I envisioned! I most appreciated how quickly Michelle communicated with me. She went above and beyond to ensure that my order was perfect"
6: BB Lettering Designs Custom Wreath Print: ($35, Etsy) Beautiful and classic. A way to celebrate the family that means so much to us. 11x14 is the perfect size-- big enough that it draws attention, but not so big you have to custom frame it. You can't beat the value or quality for a hand painted piece of art for your home!
"This item turned out amazing you can tell the love and passion that goes into each item"
7: The Yellow Bird All Natural Foot Cream: ($17, Amazon) Smooth and nourishing. Fragrant due to the restorative and up-lifiting essential oils. Perfect for the feet of those who love to work out, walk, or spend all day cooking yummy food. Being anti-microbial and anti-fungal (with no chemicals!) is a huge plus. Also works amazing on any dry skin-- not just feet!!
"This foot cream is to die for! The smell is very appealing and relaxing. This product leaves your feet feeling relaxed and soft. The beeswax helps keep the moisture in which helps with the dry, cracked, callused skin on your feet. Highly recommend this product to others!"
8: Amazon Echo Dot: ($30, Amazon) Hands down my favorite kitchen tool. From playing music, to setting timers and even telling me what time it is. All without having to touch anything. My kids can have Alexa read Audiobooks from our Audible account (major quiet time win!) and I can even use it to call other family's Alexa. Perfect for every mom, whether she enjoys cooking or not :)
"I love this little device! Echo dot has been part of our daily life helping with weather forecast, reading news, playing music, telling jokes, controlling lights and cooperating with silly talks, lol. ...Anyway, I'm very happy with the life change Echo Dot brought to us."
9: Minnetonka Slippers: ($35, Amazon) My favorite slipper. I love how the faux fur is so comfortable and molds perfectly around your foot. The hard sole helps you not slip (and even wear these out if you want!) They are comfortable and last awhile-- the two most important features of a slipper!
"I've only ever had 'cheap' slippers, and after buying these will never buy cheapies again. I love the lined inside - helps to keep your feet super warm, but not too sweaty. They're sized well enough that if I'm wearing bulky wool socks the slippers have enough wiggle room to where they're still comfortable. The sole is thick enough that you can go outside to take out the trash, or if you're on a cold floor the cold won't creep up into your feet too soon. I need a roomier toe box for my feet, and these fit just fine!"
So there you have my top 9. Did I miss anything???
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