There are so many great things to give and I hope to save you time looking. I have all kinds of categories to help you narrow it down, but sometimes I put out a combined list and this is the first of 2021.
SLEEP HELPERS
Smaller than the average earbud, Bose Sleep Buds II are designed to be pliable while staying in as you naturally change position in the night. Three sizes of silicone ends come with them to achieve the best fit.
These don’t stream music or podcasts, instead they deliver relaxing and noise-masking (not noise canceling) sounds to help you fall asleep and stay asleep all night long. They also help block out city sounds or a snoring partner.
TIP: BOSE has a library of 50 sounds to download to the buds. Some people in reviews were upset they couldn't download their own music or apps like Calm, but that is made clear in the description. You can control the volume and even do a personal alarm. Their battery lasts up to 10 hours per charge. Get at Amazon or Best Buy for $249. Google around as sales crop up closer to Christmas for a little off.
SPEAKING OF SLEEP
Philips makes the SmartSleep light therapy lamp and waking lamp that helps you do both based on how the sun naturally sets and rises. Besides that you fall asleep to a simulated sunset, it also includes different breathing guides to help you let the day go and relax. You can also set the sunrise wake up to include sounds like birds as the light gently grows brighter over 30 minutes, to mimic how it naturally would. At Best Buy for $179, but Google around, as prices change every day.
TIP: There is a second model called Smart Sleep Connected that seems to be sold out in so many places - but you can keep an eye out if you care to try for that one. The difference is that it allows you to further customize your experience.
YUM AND CLASS in one:
Brie en Croute is a showpiece hors d'oeuvre and an absolutely fantastic gift to send to just about anyone, especially for the person who has everything or is hard to buy for. It's hand crafted but frozen so they can keep it for any special occasion, through the holidays or on New Years, if they manage not to devour it immediately You can get this one, filled with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts and garlic, or truffle mushroom and scallion $59 through Amazon.
Or a 12 0z through
Amazon for $49 with a choice of all flavor combos they offer. I'm going for an apricot toasted almond one! It has a single big baked leaf on top! Then there's this lovely one - 1 pound, 1 1oz, which serves 12-20 people) which is enhanced with tangy blue cheese, bacon, garlic and scallions with a decorative leaf and vine pattern on top - this also comes as a Football design, which has savory from
Williams Sonoma for $59. So much better than Nachos!
FUNKY CHICKEN
Unique, FANCY and SPECIAL, the Toulouse Hen Covered Vegetable Bowl is crafted of earthenware. When covered the bowl measures 11-1/4 inch long x 7-1/2 inch wide x 10 inch high and holds 48 ounces. NOTE: Important to hand wash. From
Fitz and Floyd for $89.99 This too would be interesting for the cook who has it all...
The Sencor is a great electric tea pot that won't break the bank. I looked at dozens upon dozens... plastic, glass, stainless, cordless, and think this is great. It heats up fast, the glass lets you see what's happening, and it lights up with a subtle blue, which is a little exciting and calming at the same time! It does work on a cord but has a platform that singly holds the pot. The mouth is wide enough to clean easily, and capture water from a Fridge dispenser or Britta. Has an auto shut off when it hits a rapid boil. At
Walmart for $42 Lowes for $33ITS FOR THE BIRDS
For the Birder, Gardener, Grandparents: Wonderful birdseed wreathes. You can find them in many places, so run with the idea locally, or, you can order these from Gardeners Supply is known for their quality. This
Birdseed Wreathe is approx. 8" in diameter x 2-1/2" thick and contains White millet, red millet, black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, safflower, papaya, cranberries, juniper berries, pecans, pinecone, and a raffia bow. It goes for $25.
The
larger Songbird Tweet Sunflower Wreathe measures 8-1/2" in diameter x 2-1/4" deep with a 3" hanging cord and is made from Sunflower hearts, black oil sunflower seeds, yellow dyed peanut hearts, all for $ 27!
CANVAS THE AREA
This travel case is the right size for going to an Air B&B, getting away to a friends cabin or boat... if you're not flying right now.
Sturdy canvas with a zipper and a little better design for the straps- perfect for traveling because this one comes with a slot to attach securely to the handle of your rolling bag, but easily slide off for boarding. Comes in all black, or tan and white or navy and white as pictured. From Lands End ON SALE NOW from $69 to $34.98.
BEAUTY AND THE BOLD
For a really unique gift, and a good quality one, check out
Favor and Hot Cake Designs. They specialize in hand made carved resin jewelry in bold designs and colors.They offer a variety of brooches, earrings, necklaces etc. This sampling doesn't even cover it, so be sure to look around the site if this kind of style intrigues you.
Their
brooches are really special. Like this
Mexican Flower for $54 in what's both the color of the moment and a timeless one... They ship USPS for about $7 but can do Fed Ex or UPS if you email them requesting it. And even though a mom and pop shop, they do returns.
GIFT OF MUSIC
How Cool is this!? Much more than just aIt's a 2.5" x 5" wood ornament which you can personalize front and back with 3 lines. What makes it UBER SPECIAL is that a code is on the back: Point your phone at it when in photo mode and it jumps to Spotify with a SONG LIST you custom made for the recipient. Definitely click the link to see the little video of how well it works, and read all the stellar reviews. Hardly breaks the bank at $20. From
Capitol Maker on Etsy.
GET YOUR BITS FIT
These are half the price they were last year! And yet, the reviews are still great. These work for men and women, beginners and those who want an advanced work out at home or when traveling. More photos and info when you click the link. LetsFit Resistance Workout bands for only $12
on Amazon.
HIP GIFT BASKETS
Knack Modern Gifts is a company where you can buy gift baskets, or collections, based on interests, occasion, gender or ethos, ie: sustainability, giving back, black owned, women owned, etc..... This can be perfect for a boss or someone hard to buy for.
They are filled with new, different, hip things, or you can customize yours completely, choosing from their widely varied list of offerings. I think they're a little pricey but these modern baskets definitely are not the same sold same old.
THE BEST TOWELS
If you've ever dried yourself off with a towel that really does its job, you know what I mean when I say that so many are plush and thick, tout amazing thread count, material and weave or have great colors but are not truly absorbent. And that is the whole point.
Haven towels are the most absorbent I've found and I've tried MANY. You'll dry off with the first blotting. They don't fade, or lose their shape. The ones I bought 3 years ago and wash frequently look brand new.
They don't come in a broad array of colors, but maybe they will soon. Get a set for you, as well as them, on sale now for $57 at
Bed Bath and Beyond. (single pieces rather than sets can be found
HERE).
There'll be more to come, but until then, peruse the categories on the upper right of this page titled LABELS to find many more Great Gifts from my past posts! Stay tuned!
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