honeysuckle & heart: gift guide

Showing posts with label gift guide. Show all posts

finds: knot & bow

I am completely enamored with this etsy shop chock full of adorable gift trimming.

I'm such a sucker for all types of kraft paper wrapping tied up with twine.

A few years ago, a parent gave me a box of these cookies for a Christmas teacher gift with a note of encouragement attached - best. parent. ever.

Now, I stock up on them for the few weeks that Trader Joe's stocks them and give them away as hostess gifts and to our family. Of course, a few boxes get consumed at home each year because they are so delicious!

If you are looking for a thoughtful, easy-on-the-wallet gift ($4) with cute packaging - add some of these to your shopping cart.

to give and get {for guys}

I have 10 solid years of buying (a.k.a. madly hunting for) gifts for the men in my life. Between Zach, his two brothers, my two brothers, not to mention our dads - that adds up to a lot of gifts! At the beginning, I was not very intrigued while shopping in the men's department and settled for less than inspiring gifts (sorry guys!). However, since getting married and understanding the male psyche a little better - gift buying has become much more interesting. Here are my favorite gifts:

Homage t-shirts, $24

Quirky, retro, and best of all - so soft! They feel like you've worn them for years. They have loads of styles, and although I spring for the OSU tees - they have plenty of other cities and states represented. (Plus, this Friday all tees are $10 to $20 on sale....I'm definitely picking up a couple.)

A Watch, $20 and up

Zach recommended I add this to the ultimate guy list. I'd splurge on a great brand - like Swiss Army and view it as a heirloom gift. Zach bought his after a big promotion and wears it everyday to work. He also has some simple Timex watches that are classic, sporty designs too. The best finds for watches under $100 are the great field watches and vintage styles at Urban Outfitters.

Instax Mini 7S Camera, $130

Although I usually end up taking pictures most of the time, I think Zach would totally dig having a small Polaroid-type camera. He's heading to India in the spring, and this would be such a cool way to record the trip!

The Mustache, $12 and $8

Sweet. Add a mustache to anything and it works for guys (at least in my experience). Last year, I bought these glasses for Zach, but I love the fingerstaches for a stocking stuffer and mustache mug this year.

Vosges mo's bacon & chocolate pancake mix, $12

I've seen my husband and brothers eat breakfast enough to know that they love the sweet and salty combo of chocolate, syrup, and bacon. I think this mix would be perfect for any bachelor who wants to recreate the flavor sensation at home.

J. Crew Men's Sale

Finally, I figured out how to successfully buy clothes for Zach. My secret is this - find one store whose clothes fit perfectly and buy all gifts there. For his "athletic" build (broad shoulders and trim waist) that store is J. Crew. Luckily their men's sale items are fantastically marked down and I only shop in bulk with additional % off and free shipping promo codes. My favorites include: cotton-cashmere v-neck sweaters, long sleeve henleys, flannel shirts, and secret wash shirts (especially the gingham ones).

Hanes Waffle-Weave Tee, $10

For an even cheaper clothing item - last year we discovered these awesome Hanes waffle tees with a Christmas gift card. They look like a J.Crew shirt, but only cost about $10 at Kohl's. And I know some of you are the die-hard Kohl's shoppers with all those coupons, so you can probably buy it for like 35 cents!

Soccer Pants, $30-45

A couple years ago, Zach and I went to Soccer House in my hometown to pick up a pair of warmup pants for my brother, Ryan's, Christmas present. Once there we both ended up buying a pair as well since they were a great deal. (You can see mine in this post.) Zach wears these all the time, and I'll probably pick another pair for him this year (shh...it's a secret!).

Planet Earth DVD series, $45

These shows are amazing if you haven't seen them. I show Planet Earth to my biology classes, and guys and girls love it. It's an investment, but after 4 years of teaching I've probably seen all the episodes 20 times each and I'm still not sick of it. This was a great gift for my dad several years ago. If you're looking for a wow episode - try Shallow Seas, Jungles, or Deep Ocean (my favorites). Added bonus: David Attenborough's British accent and dry humor throughout the narration.

Last but not least - if you're still at a loss, gear your man up for winter with a pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves, a big umbrella, and galoshes (Mad Men style!).

I really hope this little guide gets you going in the right direction!

to give and get {for girls}

a print of a favorite flower in amber glass, $13

I've already bought several presents for people on my list, and there are a few rules to help guide me while shopping. Usually, I try to pick items that are practical, pretty, and have some personality (alliteration!). I also tend to choose gifts that I don't buy with my own money but would enjoy having and using. For me - these rules usually mean I'm purchasing accessories, jewelry, and books.

Due to my great anticipation of the holidays, here are my favorite items to give and receive for girls. Everything is under $40 and follow the links to get more information! Here goes:

ruffled peony print, $35

sparkly quartz necklace, $24

a girly pair of flannel pj's to wear all winter long, $40

simple ribbon posts, $24

Beautifully detailed monogram cards, $18 and cute new pair of mittens, $25 are pretty, yet functional gifts

a classic clothbound book, $14 and a delicious scented candle, $18

4 new nail polishes brighten up winter's gloominess, $20

Last but not least, I love getting new socks and tights.

Plus, coming soon: my favorite gifts for guys - and I have loads of practice in this area (husband, two brothers, and two brothers-in-law)

my new favorite birthday present

Thanks to my sweet, thoughtful husband, I spent my 25th birthday at the Conrad Hotel! We left right after work on Friday and drove downtown (where we used to live). We spent the afternoon swimming, went out for a fancy dinner, and got Patachou for breakfast in bed. While I thought I would miss opening presents, I was definitely loving every minute of my birthday surprise (and would highly recommend it for those of you who always try and fail to figure out what your significant other wants for a birthday).

While we were only 15 minutes away from our place, we both were so relaxed that it felt like we were coming back from a week's vacation (without all the travel exhaustion). This may become a new tradition...

{the sneaky planner and I}

{outfitted for the fancy dinner}

On a side note, I've not been posting much, but that's about to change....I've got loads of house things I need your opinions on: lighting, painting, and some smaller projects. I love reading all your comments and suggestions! It was lovely to have a break -- but I've missed my little blog.

loving (but trying not to wish for) list

{slate stripes dress}

{vintage hobnail milk glass)

{big sky wedges}

{jack tack flower pin}

{cerulean bag}

Although I have some items I need to sell before we move, I have a feeling big-ticket house items will be higher on the priority list than any of these lovelies.

christmas wishlist

One of the most dreaded things about Christmas for me is trying to find the "perfect" gift for each person on my list. I love the holiday and the spirit of giving, but I hate the idea of giving someone a gift that they either do not want or will not use. I also despise the commercialism that permeates the holiday and always seems to suck me in. There is only one person on my list who shares my tastes, so I can get very confused/stressed about what to give everyone else. That is why lists work for me. While surprises are wonderful when the person knows you well, lists give me the satisfaction of knowing I found something that you will love and enjoy.

Zach is in the middle of 'busy season' at his accounting firm, and his deadline is the fifteenth. Since he doesn't have a chance to do any Christmas shopping until then, I am making him a go-to wishlist to minimize his time in the mall (the place he would least want to be at any time of year). Most of these items can be ordered online with free shipping and come right to our front door.

I've already worn out one pair of these comfy, retro shoes and I've been meaning to replace them for a couple of months now. I'm partial to the grey pair, but I haven't found it in my size - so navy comes in second place. {Chuck Taylors, size 7 - $42}

I need a new pair of post earrings after losing my favorite pair at my brother's soccer game this fall. Searching through the grass for the lost post almost made me miss the second half of the game. I love anthropologie's collection of post earrings - simple and very girly.

Some cute new pajamas that are warm enough for winter would be a nice luxury.

I may need to wait till this goes on sale, but I am in love with this sweaterdress. I have one other sweaterdress that I purchased to go with a pair of black flat boots, and I love wearing it. It's keeps me warm and it is so comfortable. Plus, it looks much more classy than sweatshirts and leggings which also meet the same criteria. {Converging roads sweaterdress, size s}

A new alarm clock. I've checked out vintage clocks on etsy, but this grey, round reproduction clock would probably be more reliable.

Some DeBrand's chocolate.

Real Simple magazine subscription.

Mittens.

Now, please tell me - what is on your Christmas list or do you prefer surprises?

wedding shower presents

This past weekend, I went to a wedding shower for my friend Jenna. I have been married for almost 2 years and in many ways, Zach and I still feel like newlyweds. However, I think I have erased from my memory all of the painstaking work of planning a wedding. I remember all of the fun parts (showers ,the wedding day, and honeymoon) and I choose to forget all of the meetings, payment due dates, and tiny details that no one really noticed. It is funny how you begin planning a wedding with your dream in mind, and then you realize how impractical, expensive, and impossible some of your ideas can be...

However, one of the most exciting parts about wedding showers is opening a huge pile of presents! At each shower, I was surprised and blessed by friends' and relatives' generosity. As I sat at Jenna's shower, my best friend Katie and I had fun remembering our showers and our favorite gifts. Here are some of our favorite and most used gifts:

StirCrazy Popcorn Popper: Movies at home with healthy popcorn is so much better (and cheaper) than the movie theatres.

Pampered Chef Batter Bowls: so practical! We use ours for salsa, cookie dough, pancake batter, homemade pizza dough, and more...

Emile Henry Pie Dish: pies turn out with golden flaky crusts - I like raspberry or cherry pies the best.

Thomas O'Brien Towels: these have stayed soft and cozy, even after 2 years and they are a great deal at Target. I bought them in soft blue and white.

Williams-Sonoma Everyday Restaurant Dinnerware: Kate and I both agreed that china would not be practical in our homes, because we wouldn't use it often. I opted for this set of white dinnerware and I love it! It is practical and always makes food look better. I found all the extra pieces (butter, creamer, sugar bowl, salt and pepper shakers) from the PB White collection.