Things I Love: Inspiration for Your Gift List
Hi! Welcome to my holiday gift idea lists! This is such a hectic time of the year, and even the most creative among of us can draw a total blank when it comes to buying gifts. I wrote this list as a real person, and I'm sharing real stuff that I like. And yes, some of these things are "dull and practical", but as a busy mom of three, juggling all tons of tasks at once, I can say that sometimes helpful gifts are the best gifts!
I am by no means a trendsetter. Or a trend follower either, unless I just really love something. This is a random collection of things that I use (or have used) that I really love, and many of them were given to me as gifts. Hopefully, it can help inspire you if you are stuck for an idea!
*This post does contain affiliate links. When you buy a product via my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. None of these products are sponsored. I am recommending them based on my own opinions. Full disclosure here. *
I am by no means a trendsetter. Or a trend follower either, unless I just really love something. This is a random collection of things that I use (or have used) that I really love, and many of them were given to me as gifts. Hopefully, it can help inspire you if you are stuck for an idea!
*This post does contain affiliate links. When you buy a product via my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. None of these products are sponsored. I am recommending them based on my own opinions. Full disclosure here. *
1. Sunbeam Mini-Heater
I could not live (or at least work) without my little desk heater!
2. E.L.F Eyeliner Pens
I can draw all day, on paper, with a pen. But give me an eyeliner pencil and I'm a disaster. Well. One eye is always a disaster, at least. (On the upside, the other one looks fine.)
I bought these because they look like my art pens. And guess what? They work! I can actually get both eyes to match up (mostly) just because it feels like drawing with a pen. Which is good, because Sharpies are not eye-friendly, really.
Everyone has different body chemistry, I know, but I can wear this eyeliner all day without having to touch up. I just set it with a little black eyeshadow and go. And because I don't waste any of it, one pen lasts me for months!
3. Mini 4x6 '' Sketchbooks
Sometimes (a lot) I don't have time to sit down and create a huge drawing. But I still try to draw something every day. I hate to "waste" a big sketchbook by doodling in a corner. These little sketchbooks are just the right size! They are very portable, fit in my purse, and won't get bent or crumpled.
They can also be used as art journals with or without a bullet journal format if you like doodling while you plan.
4. Owl Purse
I've been collecting owls since I was a baby. (No really, one of my first baby gifts was an owl!) My sister got me this owl purse last year as a gift and that's the only bag I've carried all year. It works as a backpack or shoulder bag, and I get a lot of compliments! It's actually very roomy too...I lose stuff in it all the time. :D
5. Bic Permanent Markers
I love my Sharpies, but these are a great addition to my art supply collection. They have vivid colors, and they are "inkier" than Sharpies. While that means they don't do well for tight, precise coloring, they are are excellent for coloring my cartoons, doodles, and free hand designs. Play with the bleed a bit and you can get some neat watercolor effects.
6. Clear Egg Holder
It doesn't seem like a clear box could make your fridge look tidier, but these are pretty amazing. My hens lay an interesting variety of brown and cream eggs, and these holders really show them off. (And look a lot better than all the mismatched foam or cardboard cartons.)
If you know someone who raises backyard hens, this would be a sweet gift idea. You could put candy eggs inside and it would make it's own little gift box.
It doesn't seem like a clear box could make your fridge look tidier, but these are pretty amazing. My hens lay an interesting variety of brown and cream eggs, and these holders really show them off. (And look a lot better than all the mismatched foam or cardboard cartons.)
If you know someone who raises backyard hens, this would be a sweet gift idea. You could put candy eggs inside and it would make it's own little gift box.
7. Apothecary Jars
These are really quite versatile to have around. I keep one on my desk, because it's such a pretty way to save spare change. I use them for candy jars during the holidays, or even set up a little seasonal scene inside of one.
During the summer, I can grab one for plant cuttings that I want to root in water. (Looks much prettier in the window than empty mayonnaise jars!) And on Wednesdays my betta hangs out in one while I clean his regular tank. (Sort of like a 30 minute vacation rental for fish.)
All-in-all, they would make a nice gift for just about anyone.
8. Adjustable Salt and Pepper Shakers
S&P shakers are a pretty classic gift. These are an upgrade on the usual shakers though, because you can adjust the top to "fit" coarser salt and pepper.
9. Whiteboard Magnets
I think of them as "dot magnets". Whatever you call them, they are fabulous. I switched out all the magnets on the side of my fridge to these, so I can color code what gets hung up. (Fridge is ONLY for to-do lists, chore charts, etc.)
They are tidy, super strong, and would make a great stocking stuffer.
10. Woodburning Pen
Next to the hot glue gun, the woodburning pen is probably the coolest, handiest "craft" tool in the world. Obviously not a gift for young children, (or anyone who is terribly accident prone...) but a fun, creative gift for everyone else!
Once you practice for a bit, it is just like drawing. So you can draw with fire...how cool is that?
