Usually when I see gift ideas for moms they are way too fashionable for me, or much more than I'd ever spend on myself, or things I just would never use. One of my most favorite things is my new vacuum I bought myself last year for Christmas for my husband to give me. No kidding. But there HAS to be someone else out there that thinks getting a new vacuum for Christmas is exciting? Maybe?
Here is a list of my favorite things, lame or not:
This Vitamix 2-speed Blender is not inexpensive, but I bought it only after going through a couple "cheap" blenders that broke. I LOVE this thing. We use it daily-smoothies, shakes, and my favorite treat ever-banana ice cream, which I eat just about every night. It has excellent reviews on Amazon.
Cuisinart Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press
Another kitchen appliance that I adore. We use this at least two times a week, maybe more. It is easier and quicker than grilled cheese on the stove top. We make ham and cheese and turkey and cheese mostly. The kids can use this easily also.
Cuisinart Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press
Another kitchen appliance that I adore. We use this at least two times a week, maybe more. It is easier and quicker than grilled cheese on the stove top. We make ham and cheese and turkey and cheese mostly. The kids can use this easily also.
My oldest daughter wanted to buy a pair of these for me for years and years, and frankly I thought they were overpriced and ugly, and made everyone look like they have Big Foot feet, and also that I'm (a tad;) too old to wear them. And they are expensive and they are sort of ugly and I am too old to wear them, but darn, she was right, I love them. I wear them all winter with everything and don't ever want to take them off. I am always cold in the winter, but these keep my feet warm inside my drafty old house and outside too, and are so comfortable and easy. The new gray ones are so cute too.
I don't wear perfume because I am sensitive to fragrance, but I found this lotion in Seaside, Florida a couple years ago and it smells wonderful to me-just like the beach. That is the same bottle I originally bought-I only use a little bit and it's just enough. You can find it here.
For daytime, I have sensitive, dry skin and I haven't found anything that works better. It is light enough for under makeup, and strong enough that I use it in the evening too. It doesn't have a strong scent either. I go through about two bottles a year.
My face needs moisture, but it doesn't like all the chemicals in the drug store brands. Everything to me smells like a test tube of acid. And NONE of it ever could keep up with dry skin.
I found this brand on Etsy and ADORE this stuff. I only put it on at night after I wash my face. It's straight oil, but has never made me break out once. I won't say it took away all my wrinkles, but I will say my wrinkles look a ton better compared to when I was using the really expensive wrinkle creams and acids. (Which I will never use again!) The $18 bottle lasted me almost a year.
Elta MD Sunscreen-I started using this WAY too late-like 47 years too late. I tried so many different brands, but either it was once again too chemical smelling and feeling, or just really greasy. I was given a small sample of this and loved it. It has a nice dry feeling to it, and this SPF works great for me, even on burning hot soccer fields. It has excellent reviews on Amazon.
My hairdresser used this once on my hair, and the next time I visited she sold me a bottle. Sometimes my hair has a tendency to get sort of fuzzy from highlighting and blow drying. I can't use much conditioner in spite of the tangles, or my hair gets limp. I just use a tiny little drop of this every two days, rub it into the ends of my wet hair before blow drying and then I have smooth soft hair that isn't limp or fuzzy or tangled.
Goody Round Brush-I was looking for something to give my hair more body when blow drying (I have fine, thin hair) and this inexpensive brush ($6) does a wonderful job.
My hardcover Little House series. When I opened them for Christmas, I read them all cover to cover over Christmas break...which is about the tenth time I've read them, the last being when I was probably in junior high. When read as an adult (and as a mom), I gleamed more wisdom than I ever had as a child.
I use this for reading every night. Reading glasses, headlamp, turtleneck and flannel pajama pants. That paints a pretty picture doesn't it?
This is a cheap lens ($120) as far as camera lenses go, and takes beautiful photos, especially portraits. It is a fixed lens, which means the lens doesn't zoom in and out, the photographer has to move in and out. It's nice and light. It allows me to take natural light photos in low light-inside-which comes in handy in the winter months.
I love scented candles, and we have a Yankee Candle by our house, so often if I am lucky to find an hour to myself, I hit the bookstore, and then treat myself to a candle. They have great coupons if you sign up on the email list. When the kids ask me what I want for my birthday or Christmas I send them to pick out a candle. I love having the house smell nice and not like bacon or wet soccer cleats.
I bought this print from a cute Etsy shop and it sits next to my sink so I see it every morning. She has many beautiful sayings and I love the simple artwork.
I still use a wall calendar (I just can't transition to technology) and I have been buying Susan Branch for years. I can always count on this under the tree and then love spending time filling it out over Christmas break. It seems like I just bought this one yesterday, 2015 went so quickly!
Darn I wish I would have never tried one of these. And Janey loves them too and says I have to share with her. It's the most I'll spend on chocolate, but they are heavenly, and they are also hidden under the broccoli in the refrigerator. (This year they are a special Christmas treat since I have been eating healthy!)
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Our Favorite Toys, Books and Games where I list our favorite most-played with quality toys from the last twenty-one years of gift giving.
Our Favorite Toys, Books and Games where I list our favorite most-played with quality toys from the last twenty-one years of gift giving.
I'm laughing because I asked for a Shark last year ago based on your post about it, my Blendtec is my BFF, and I have that exact same panini press. Wish I knew you IRL; I'm sure we'd be pals! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love the Elta MD sunscreens too. Have you tried the tinted zinc one? It's like combing foundation and sunscreen...saves a step in the AM!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Physical-Broad-Spectrum-SPF-85-Gram/dp/B0012XO2W6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480598504&sr=8-2&keywords=ella+md+tinted+sunscreen
Love your book recs, and I really appreciated your Christmas guidance for moms post.
I felt like we were kindred spirits when the first thing on your list is a vacuum cleaner. You have no idea how much I love a good vacuum cleaner. As for Christmas gifts, I am ALL ABOUT good practical gifts. A vacuum cleaner would be right on the top of my list.
ReplyDeleteI am a retired teacher of 31 years. Many years ago, I worked at a school where the dang copier stayed broke more than it worked. My mom was having some health problems and it seemed every time I had to go to her I couldn't get things ready for a sub. My dear hubby walks in on the Friday before Mother's Day with a full sized copier for me to use in emergencies. I consider that one of the most loving and best gifts ever. It came in handy over the years to take care of things when I got behind or sick.
Give me practical any day over diamonds.
That Shark is at the top of my list this year! And I am drinking a smoothie made from my Vitamix right now. I got a refurbished one to ease the sticker shock a bit.
ReplyDeleteFynny, we had a Dyson for years also, when we needed to replace it we also went with Shark and love it as much for so much less! I always love your gift ideas, over the years the toy and book ideas have been spot on. I alsobuy the Susan Branch calendars now. I had never heard of them before you! Love your blog as much now as when I first started reading when Patrick was little!
ReplyDeleteFynny, we had a Dyson for years also, when we needed to replace it we also went with Shark and love it as much for so much less! I always love your gift ideas, over the years the toy and book ideas have been spot on. I alsobuy the Susan Branch calendars now. I had never heard of them before you! Love your blog as much now as when I first started reading when Patrick was little!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I was wondering how you would describe the scent of the face oil. Is it pretty strong....I'd love to try it if the scent was mild.
ReplyDeleteThanks...and thanks for the great list! Heather
Yes it is strong in an earthy way. It takes a little to get used to. But I would suggest emailing the owner of the Etsy shop because I do believe it could be made milder?
DeleteThanks for the face oil recommendation. I think my dry sensitive skin would benefit from it- and great price too!
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the vacuum: Does it fold down flat for vacuuming under things like beds and couches? I love almost everything about my current vac but it doesn't get under things and I miss that from when I had a canister type vac.
ReplyDeleteI can fit it almost all the way under a twin bed-it does fold down but eventually the canister gets in the way.
DeleteI received a new vacuum for mothers day, a washer and dryer for my birthday the year prior and I even asked for a new iron once! I prefer practical gifts over anything else. You should check out Damn Good Face Wash on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/damngoodfacewash) I like all natural products for my sensitive-ish/combo skin. It gets very dry here in the winter and the face oil and wash have blown my mind. I love them!
ReplyDeleteI love your list! It's better than Oprah's :) I'm going to ask for everything on it❤️
ReplyDeleteI am envious that you have a Yankee store near your house! I love Yankees. I live south of London, England and they are popular here. You can buy them in department stores, garden centres and card stores here, but the nearest shop selling only Yankees is far away. I would love to have one near my house!
ReplyDeleteLove your gift suggestions (as usual). Love that sandwich press!
ReplyDeleteLove your gift suggestions (as usual). Love that sandwich press!
ReplyDeleteJust purchased 2 of the headlamps.
ReplyDeleteOne for me i think and 1 for my son's girlfriend's little sister (she has 2 one is in fourth grade and one in sixth i think).
been struggling with decent/inexpensive gift ideas.
my college age kids could probably use it too….
Thanks for the list! On the panini press, what kind of bread do you use for grilled cheese and other sandwiches? I was just wondering if regular sand which bread will work with this, or is it too thin?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the list! On the panini press, what kind of sandwich bread do you use to make grilled cheese and other sandwiches? I was just wondering if regular sandwich bread would be too thin?
ReplyDelete