Inspiration for Gift Giving

I know Christmas is over and we’ve got a long time until it’s time to celebrate again, but I wanted to share some of my favorite presents that I gave and got this year for inspiration. Because there’s going to be plenty of times throughout this year that you want to get someone a gift. 

Presents I Gave

+ bath bombs — if they like baths, they’ll love bath bombs.

+ incense — nag champa incense is my favorite, and anyone that likes smelly goodness will love incense.

+ a journal — I kept a journal starting last Christmas and wrote an entry every day of what we did, and then gave it to Michael this year. It was a big hit. 

+ power bank — for that person whose phone battery is always almost dead. I got this Anker one for Michael. 

+ inflatable lounge — much more of a warm weather gift, but Michael is all about being comfy, and he likes to go out and sit in a hammock in the summer so I thought this would be good to have in the car for when he can’t find trees close enough.

+ string map — a lot of fun to make, and pretty simple too. Just need a board, nails, and some embroidery string. I made a map of Iowa for a friend, but you could make letters or silhouettes. So many options. 

+ packing cubes — for anyone who travels and appreciates organization. I like these. 

+ chocolate — you can’t go wrong here. 

+ gift card — let them choose their gift at their favorite store.

+ suspend game — I was looking for a white elephant gift that would be good for any age. And I found this one, which is kind of like Jenga. 

+ s’more kit — my dad is the s’more king and he likes anything chocolate. But you could do a hot chocolate kit or any number of food kits. 

+ hygge kits — or at least that’s what I called them. I gave one to two friends as well as my mom and sister. They had face masks, warm sock slippers, chocolate, a candle and incense. 

+ regifted things — you might think this is tacky, but I think it’s genius. If you have something cool that just isn’t your style or you don’t use it, give it to someone that will. 

Presents I Got

+ hanging planter — Yes, a friend made me an awesome hanging planter that’s hanging above my desk now. I love it. It looks kind of like this one. 

+ vegan “meats” — Our friend got Michael and I a selection of vegan meat from this shop we visited in Minneapolis.  

+ knitted socks, hat, cardigan — my mom is a knitting goddess and each year I get some amazing knitted goodies. So, if you can knit or crochet make something!

+ wine — you can’t go wrong with wine.

+ converted home movies — my younger brother sent in all our old home videos to this company that converted them into mp4’s that we now all have access to for the rest of time. One of my favorite gifts. 

What are some of your favorite gifts that you gave or received? 

Getting Into the Winter Spirit

I saw a quote online that is currently up on my felt letter board:

“Summer is a state of mind.”

I saw it and I thought, heck yeah.

While obviously summer is so much more I decided to see what I could do about my attitude and mindset towards winter.

And I started by asking myself “what are your favorite parts of this season, and how can you make the most out of them?"

In no particular order:

+ baking cookies (delicious results and a comforting process)

+ staying warm and cozy (knit socks, warm clothes, and blankets)

+ spending more time with those you love (schedule time to hang out)

+ pumping up the skin care (moisture, moisture, moisture. I’m in the process of ordering a few new products)

+ taking hot baths (my go to remedy for everything)

+ snuggling up in fluffy blankets (what’s better about cold weather than being able to curl up on the couch in a big blanket)

+ reading all the books (less time outdoors doesn’t mean you need to lose yourself in your Netflix account)

+ finding fireplaces and sitting in front of them (my parents have one, Michael’s parents do too)

+ warm drinks and hot soup (nothing better than wrapping your cold paws around something warm)

+ drinking red wine (I drink white in the summer, red in the winter)

+ sledding, snowboarding, building snowmen or snow forts, getting into a snowball fight (we haven’t had much snow in the past few years, but I’m going to make the most out of what we get this year)

+ the holidays (mostly eating good food, cuddling up next to a fire and spending time with loved ones)

I will continue to add to this list as the season goes on, but I’ve already noticed a switch in my attitude. I’m making it into something worth enjoying instead of something I have to suffer through. 

And the biggest lesson I've learned about winter over the years? 

If you're properly prepared and bundled up, it's really not that bad out.

What are some of your favorite things about the winter?