Whether you are shopping for your kids, your spouse, your best friend or your child’s teacher, I have ideas for you!
Some individuals are natural gift givers, always full of creative and thoughtful ideas. The rest of us have to invest a lot more thought and time scouring the internet to come up with great ideas. I always appreciate gift guides to supply me with ideas when mine are lacking. Hopefully, this 2021 Holiday Gift Guide will do that for you!
The gift ideas below are some of my favorite products, books and brands that my family and I enjoy and find useful. As a family that airs towards the side of minimalism, I am very selective about what we buy and items we bring into our home.
Some products below are directly linked to small businesses because I know that is as important to you as it is to me. In transparency, some (not all) of the links are affiliate links. This means that a tiny percentage of your purchase will support my business, but there is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business and many others this holiday season!
So here they are- some of my favorite gift ideas for all the people you in your life!
Gift Ideas for Adults
1. Adventure Challenge
Every friend I have knows how much my husband and I have adored the Adventure Challenge Book. We have the ‘couples’ edition and it has added spice, interest and a whole lot more fun into date night/day. But they also have a ‘family edition’, ‘solo edition’ and a *new* ‘in bed edition’. I know- you and your partner are going to thank me for sharing this with you. You’re welcome. 😉
2. Large Wooden Cutting & Charcuterie Board
Gorgeous- this board makes an amazing first impression! Maybe it will make chopping all those veggies for a pot of soup a little bit more enjoyable. It works perfectly as a charcuterie board for an evening with friends OR for a ‘snack dinner’ for the whole family with an assortment of veggies, dip, cheese, crackers, fruit & nuts. The built in juice groove and side handles make this beautiful board also very functional. Note- my exact board is no longer available but this one is similar and looks even better!
3. Luggage
For the person dreaming of a weekend getaway with friends, the couple wanting to celebrate an anniversary or occasion, the gal who is always checking websites for cheap flights and the high school graduate who doesn’t know he needs this yet, this is a great gift!
4. Noonday Jewelry
My Noonday jewelry is my go-to most days of the week! All pieces are handcrafted by artisans all over the world. Noonday helps these business owners create sustainable income in vulnerable communities through fair trade. I wear these driftwood bracelets frequently as they seem to go with everything- casual and dressy. Also, I love these layering necklaces. They no longer have my earrings but these and these are similar.
5. Breaking Free From Body Shame by Jess Connolly
One of the most powerful books I read this year! Jess ‘goes there’ and really unpacks body shame from so many different angles. I read it with a group of friends this fall and found our book club meet-ups insightful and beautiful.
6. Deep Tissue Back, Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat
This is one of those gifts that my husband and I use almost every single week!
Gift Ideas for Young Kids
1. Spider Web Tree Swing
The trick to helping my kids play outside more is having fun things to do! This spider web tree swing is the gift that keeps my girls laughing and playing. When neighborhood kids are over, they always want to go outside to swing.
2. Fruit & Vegetable Memory Game
Both of my girls love to challenge me in a game of memory and often they win. This one has pictures of vegetables and fruit, creating a perfect opportunity to discuss different types of foods, especially ones that your kids may not eat regularly. Frequently I talk with parents about creating positive conversation about vegetables outside of the dinner table and this is a great way to do that! This card game would be a great stocking stuffer!
3. Make A Wind-Chime Kit
This is a gift that allows kids to create and then you hang it up outside so it doesn’t contribute to clutter inside. Win-Win!
4. Adjustable Non-Slip Lace Headbands
These are my girls’ favorite hair accessories!
5. Tru Chef Kids Knife Set (5 Pieces)
This is the perfect knife set to begin teaching some basic knife skills to your elementary aged child. My daughter was thrilled to open this gift & it has boosted her interest in trying new foods. I also really appreciate the container to keep the knives out of reach until we are ready to use them together.
Dad T-Shirts
Yes, my husband has all of these (or we have given them to other dads) and he wears them constantly. Frequently people stop him and tell him how much they love his t-shirt.
1. GirlDad
2. Super DadMan Bat Hero T-Shirt
3. I Tell Dad Jokes Periodically
4. DaddySaurus
5. Husband Daddy Protector Hero
6. Dad Jokes? I Think You Mean Rad Jokes
7. My Favorite People Call Me Dad
Adult Stocking Stuffers
1. Scalp Massager
When I bought this scalp massager for my husband several years ago I wondered if we would really use it. Yes, we really do use it, enjoy it and find it relaxing. When you just need a few minutes to relax and step away from life, this is a great tool to help you do that.
2. Workout Gloves
Weight lifting has produced my fair share of blisters! Wearing gloves has helped a lot! These gloves come in different sizes and work for both men and women.
3. Magnetic Measuring Spoons & Magnetic Measuring Cups
Never lose your measuring spoons (or measuring cups!) in the drawer again! Magnetic measuring spoons… it’s a game changer. No more frustration finding missing spoons or trying to put them back on the hook the right way!
4. Digital Instant Read Thermometer
A digital instant read thermometer is a valuable tool for the person who cooks occasionally, sometimes and all the time. #nomoredrychicken
Teacher, Friend & Service People Gifts
1. Tin of Tea + Jar of Local Honey
Giving consumable gifts that don’t spoil is a great idea! We love this local honey company!
2. GraceLaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart
This is an exquisite coffee table devotional book filled with pages of beautiful art and life-giving words. Some friends and I used this as a part of a Bible study and found it laced with the goodness of God’s grace. Ruth Chou Simons is an artist and also has a set of 3 lined journals (could be divided up for gift baskets) and additional books including her most recent, When Strivings Cease.
3. Handheld Milk Frother
This handheld milk frother produces thick and creamy foam every single time. This gift will give a smile every single morning- at least it does for me!
As you make your list and choose gifts for people you love, like and maybe some that you hardly even know, remember that you don’t need to find the perfect gift, just a GOOD one. Cheers to a season of giving!