Nothing like jumping back into the swing of blogging than bringing you an all encompassing gift guide for the holiday season! Gift guides can be super overwhelming, but I’ve decided to just pick a few things from a few different categories to keep things simple and easy for you – most of these products we own or are gifting this holiday season, so it’s a tried, true, and tested recommendation!
For Her
Earrings | Chasing after a toddler in the morning doesn’t always allow me to spend much time as I would like to get ready. There’s nothing like a fancy pair of hoops to help me feel more put together or add an extra touch to complete my look and the studs add a little something extra. I love these AUrate hoops, they are small enough to not tempt a little’s hands from grabbing and would fit perfectly in a stocking!
Nail Polish | Olive + June Nail polish is a serious game changer for the at-home manicure. I haven’t stepped foot into a nail salon in months thanks to their DIY kits! And this CV holiday red? It’s the PERFECT shade of poppy red. Their polish can last up to 7 days, if not longer, I’ve experienced it myself.
Headband | I’m all about what can help get me ready as fast as possible in the morning, which means sometimes cutting out a lot of hair styling that I used to do (blow dry, straighten, curling). I’m learning to embrace my natural texture of my wavy hair and to help, I’ve fully embraced hair accessories. All you need to do is slick your hair back into a low bun or pony and place a headband in. It will instantly elevate your look. Let someone else treat you this holiday season with a fun accessory.
For Him
Whiskey Glasses | My husband loves whiskey and we even have a whiskey bar – these are some fun glasses that we can have at the bar for when it’s time to have a drink!
Sports T-Shirt | Tailgate Clothing is a homegrown Iowa brand, so we love to support it when we can for our local Iowa Hawkeyes! I love that they have NFL sports as well, so we can add another lived-in vintage inspired tee to Cody’s closet!
Socks | Practical, but the reviews are awesome. And let’s be real, sometimes as an adult, you crave the practical gifts!
For Toddlers
Kitchen Helper | Jack is desperate to help us in the kitchen these days. I want to encourage his independence, but in a way that is safe for him. I don’t like the idea of him sitting on the counter or standing on a chair, so this is the best solution!
Play Kitchen | I snagged this play kitchen after Christmas last year (for more than 1/2 off!). Again, I’m all about encouraging and developing Jack’s independence and working with a play kitchen will be a great add to our home. Jack’s birthday is a few days after Christmas, so this may actually be for his birthday, but we still have it wrapped under the tree for now! Here are a few options less expensive/in stock – here and here (the popular IKEA option – great for DIYs – if only I had the time and energy).
Wooden Toys | I snagged a vintage toy truck from a local Des Moines vintage shop (CK Design Co) for Jack’s birthday (late December babe). He’s obsessed with all things that go, and he’s going to have such a blast with his toy truck. This is another version from a cute online shop – but don’t forget to shop local when you can!
From Amazon
Onesie | My sorority sister and her family just launched a children’s clothing company called Coo Baby based locally out of Iowa. Their first product are these super functional pajamas (grippers, two-way zipper, AND hand cuffs) in solid colors. They are working on a 2-piece set for toddlers which will be launching soon! *I just received mine in the mail – purchased during their Black Friday sale – I can’t wait to get more, it’s seriously the SOFTEST!
Ice Roller | Because self care is important. I’m treating myself to this tool this holiday season, because the pregnancy insomnia has already started and this will at least make me think that I look more awake in the mornings!
Echo Dot | We have three of these in our home. I don’t stress about Alexa listening in on us, but I use ours daily to listen to music – it’s hooked up to both our Pandora and Spotify stations, as well as to check the weather, and we use one in Jack’s room as a white noise machine. There are a million other ways to use them, but that’s how we use ours – and they are super affordable!
For the Homebody
Beanie | If you knowing anything about the blogging community, DIY home renovators, you know about Chris Loves Julia. They have their own clothing/accessory brand called ProperTee – super cute hats, shirts, and sweatshirts. They are truly made for the homebody!
Slippers | ‘Tis the season to bundle up! These fuzzy slippers will keep your tootsies warm this winter. Perfect to throw on once you get home, especially if you aren’t a fan of wearing shoes in the house!
Coffee Mug | Whether you are curling up next to your tree or fireplace, one must always have a cute mug in hand. For hot chocolate, for Bailey’s and coffee, for your latte, whatever your drink of choice may be!
For the Local
Love & Grey | This home decor shop is based out of Ankeny, IA. I own a few of her pieces (soon to be hanging in the nursery)! She releases seasonal signs as well as signs that can be hung up year round. She has a very boho feel and you will want EVERYTHING. Her signs and home accessories always sell out super fast, so just be prepared!
The Gemini Collective | My good friend of mine, Emily, just launched her own clothing/home/accessories shop and I’m so proud of her! You can shop her store via her Instagram page!
CK Design Co | One of my favorite local vintage shop – I get all of Jack’s wooden toys from here, and she always as a great basket collection. She has a brick and mortar shop, but also has an online shop and sells a lot of things via Instagram stories.
For the Little Reader
A Snowy Day | This little board book is the perfect size for little hands. Jack is obsessed with snow and always pulls this book off the shelf for us to read.
Busy Books | If you want to keep your toddler active, invest in a Busy Book! Jack will play with his train book for the longest time. Not only does he play with the book (which has a track for the pull back toy), but will play with the train itself around his play around and on his play-mat that has a road on it.
199 Things That Go | We are working on building Jack’s vocabulary, and a lot of that happens when we read. He has been reaching for this book a lot, we will match his toy vehicles to the pictures in the books. He loves to point out the school bus, his dump truck, and all the trains!
*This blog post is in collaboration with Nakturnal!
