December is one of my favorite months of the year. I’m able to visit friends and family I rarely see during any other month and make desserts to my heart’s content. The downside? Trying to find the perfect gifts. Everyone knows someone who “has everything” or someone who shops a few days before Christmas and purchase themselves the gift you have for them. This year we ‘ve got your back. Our Holiday Gift Guide 2019 has something for (almost) everyone.

We received samples to facilitate this post, but we only recommend products we’d love to give or receive as gifts.

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Gifts For The Traveler:

Sleep Headphones – As a frequent traveler, I don’t sleep well while I’m away. My preference is complete darkness with no noise. I’ve found slivers of light slip through the curtains and don’t get me started on the noise. I was in search of a good night of sleep during a recent trip, so I tested The Sleep Headphones. Designed by the coaches at Let’s Just Sleep, this FCC certified sleep mask is made with cooling memory foam and created to block out all light. The thin line noise-canceling wireless speakers in the mask provide up to 10 hours of podcasts, audiobooks, white noise, or music.

How did they work? The sleep mask conformed to my face, felt ultra-soft, and made the room pitch black, perfect for sleeping. I am a side sleeper so I was worried about the headphones digging into my ears. When I first tried the mask, I thought the speakers were uncomfortable. I adjusted the mask and found a spot where they didn’t bother me. Afterward, I no longer heard the neighbor’s television or footsteps echoing down the hall. I plan to use these on all my trips for more restful sleep.

The Let’s Just Sleep Headphones retail for $24.97.

CORI Traveller Pillow -If you are a frequent traveler, you’ve probably caught red-eye flights or been stranded in the airport facing multiple delays. During these times, it’s almost impossible to rest. A travel pillow helps, but they can be bulky and uncomfortable. The neck pillow has changed forever with the new CORI travel pillow. It’s the first pillow designed with customizable side, front, and all-around support.

It’s easy to adjust the pillow to your specifications. Simply unroll the pillow and add one or more of the three modular components in your favorite combination. Ergonomically friendly and available in eye-catching colors, this lightweight pillow weighs in at only 8.1 ounces. The durable strap can easily be attached to a backpack and rolls up into a compact size. I’m a fan of the washable covers. I remove them when I arrive home and toss them into the laundry. No more germy neck pillows!

The Cori Traveller Pillow retails for $59.00 in Singapore dollars. The website automatically translates to other currencies. It’s $42.79 USD.

Simplily Bundle II – When I take a short trip I prefer not to check luggage at the airport. My packing style is a carry-on and a personal item. The Simplily Bundle II really did simplify my travel with this stylish bundle. The bundle includes a large Weekender Bag, a hanging travel organizer, and a jewelry and accessories organizing case. The Weekender bag is large enough to fit several outfits while being compact enough to fit under an airline seat or in the overhead bin. The bag features a padded interior tablet or small computer sleeve, three exterior slip pockets for phones and other gear, and a zippered exterior pocket to hold wallets, keys, and more.

The hanging travel bag features clear zippered plastic pockets. They’re designed for easy cleaning. That means no more worries about shampoo or conditioner spilling out and soaking your clothing. There’s also a jewelry organizer with slots for earrings, necklaces, and a bag to hold bracelets. The Simplily Bundle is available in a choice of chic designs and has handles designed to slip over a piece of luggage. Best of all, the pieces are washable!

The Simplily Bundle II retails for $61.60.

Finders Key Purse – My family teases me about my ability to lose my keys in my “giant purse.” There’s nothing more frustrating-and probably dangerous-than standing beside a car door digging distractedly through a purse. I solved part of this problem when I purchased my last car with a smart key unlock system. However, I still have to lock the door and sometimes, I unlock it from a greater distance. That’s where the Finders Key Purse comes into play. I just attach my keyring to the clasp on the Finders Key Purse and drape it over my bag. Voila! I have a cute purse decoration and my keys within easy reach.

The Key Purse comes in a variety of designs to fit every personality from divas to pet moms. I chose the Little Pawprints BLING. For each purchase of this design, 10% is donated to Best Friends Animal Society. Need even more? Finders Key Purse also has purse hangers, luggage tags, safety kits, and, my personal favorite, a Stadium Ready Purse. Don’t be like me and have to walk two miles back to your car to dump your purse because you didn’t realize purses have to be clear.

The Finders Key Purse retails for $8.95.

Solo Magnitude Backpack – I take a backpack as my “personal item” whenever I fly. It’s filled with everything I need for the trip; laptop, camera, tablet, phone, documents, and wallet. That means it has to hold up to heavy-duty use. Solo is my brand of choice. The padded internal compartment is perfect for laptops, tablets, and cameras, while the front zippered pocket can hold itineraries, plane tickets, and a wallet. The side mesh pockets keep the diet Coke I always purchase away from my electronics.

The padded straps fit over luggage or my shoulders when I am running across the airport trying to make a connection. Seriously, my Solo backpack has stood up to a lot of wear and tear. It’s been dropped, shoved under seats, and dragged through more airports than I’d care to count. With it’s sleek, minimalist design, ease of cleaning, and durability, I expect to use my Solo backpack for years.

The Solo Magnitude Backpack retails for $64.95.

Gifts For The Techie & Home Office:

Elixage Cables, Car Chargers, and Wall Chargers —
The Elixage Cables, Car Chargers, and Wall Chargers range in price from around $25 to $45. Designed for iProducts, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod, Elixage chargers are made to charge your phone or tablet quickly and safely. Plus, they charge up to 70% faster than standard 5W chargers. With a 3-year-old around, I like to have my phone handy to capture those sweet moments and firsts– but when your phone dies, you risk missing out on prime photo ops! With quicker charging, I don’t miss out, so I can record all her impromptu song and dance performances. Elixage chargers are certified by Apple and fully compatible with all your Apple products. Designed, engineered, and tested in Illinois, Elixage is proudly made in the USA.

These chargers are also far more stylish than your traditional phone charger. That’s great for people like me who tend to leave their phone charging on the coffee table. The chargers are sturdy, too. I’ve lost track of how many traditional chargers my family has gone through before finding Elixage. Now it’s not a problem.

Ematic Jetstream 4K Ultra HD Android TV Box with Voice Search Remote–
When we kicked cable, one of the first things we did was set up streaming. We quickly learned that having the best streaming device possible improved our experience. We’ve tried plenty, but we’re partial to the Jetstream by Ematic. This 4k HD streaming device is powered by Android and features a voice search remote with Google Assistant, access to 4,500 free and paid channels, 8GB storage for recording media, 2 USB slots and a microSD slot for playing recorded media, plus the ability to use apps and games.

The Jetstream lets us access all the shows, channels, and movies we could ever need, including the 3-year-old’s favorite, PBS Kids. We have been able to catch up with all our favorite shows on Hulu and Netflix, as well as gather around the TV for a family movie night. The Jetstream is simple to set up and use, making it perfect for people who are just getting into the world of streaming media. Note: Some paid channels require a subscription fee.

The Ematic Jetstream 4k Ultra Android TV Box with Voice Search Remote retails for $70.

Mycharge HubPlus Universal – My family loves to travel. We also take quite a bit of technology on the road with us. From our tablets to laptops, to cell phones, it seems like each of us has at least two things requiring a charger. I don’t know how many times I’ve reached for my phone, thinking it’s plugged into the car charger, only to realize someone has jacked the charger and my phone has been left to die. It was during one of these instances that I started looking into power banks. The MyCharge HubPlus Universal is the solution to our problems. With built-in cables, there’s no need to lug around a USB charging cord and a lightning charger– they’re simply part of the HubPlus! It also features a built-in wall prong to recharge the HubPlus itself.

A must-have for family road trips, business conferences, or any time you think you might be stuck without access to a charger, the HubPlus can provide three to four charges for your devices before needing to be recharged.

The Mycharge HubPlus Universal is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and USB devices and retails for $79.99.

Cubii Jr. – Many of the people in my family work from home, myself included. Although we love the flexibility and the lack of commute, working from home can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle than doctors recommend. Although we try to exercise, there are days when we get stuck in front of the computer or days the weather doesn’t cooperate with my daily walk. What if there was an eliptical I could put in front of my desk chair and work out while I wrote? Well, it turns out there is. The Cubii Jr. makes it easy to add more steps to your daily routine, something for which both your brain and your body will thank you.

The Cubii Jr. is nearly silent, making it easy to work out even if you’re stuck in a conference call. It’s also incredibly easy to use and set up, which is a bonus! The Cubii Jr. is appropriate for all fitness levels, and can easily be adjusted to the intensity you need for your own health goals. Perhaps most importantly, the sleek design fits in with your decor, making the Cubii Jr. a great part of your workspace. With the Cubii, it’s easier than ever to combine work and fitness!

The Cubii Jr. retails for $249.00.

Know Game – Family board game nights have always been one of our favorite ways to bond. Sometimes, though, we can get tired of playing the same games every week. Our family is partial to trivia games, but by now we’ve memorized all the cards in our favorite games. That’s hardly a challenge! Luckily for us (and the people we invite to game nights), we’ve discovered the kNOW! family board game.

For ages ten and up, kNOW! can be played either offline right out of the box or online using Google assistant on your favorite device. The answers change depending on when and where you play, and Google Assistant keeps the game as up to date as possible, so it’s always a challenge. kNOW! consists of ten mini-games, such as “Sound by Sound,” in which you listen to a sound from Google Assistant and try to guess the sound. We know what we’ll be playing for the next forty game nights. The online mode is suitable for ages 16 and up, while the offline mode is suitable for ages ten and up. kNOW! can be played with 2-6 people.

The Know Game retails for $24.97.

Arcworks Magic Ornaments– Decorating the tree is a celebration at our house. We usually go to the Christmas Tree Farm and chop our own tree. We bring it home, put on some Christmas carols and hot cocoa, and decorate. This sounds like a magical, special time, but it never turns out exactly right. A cat usually manages to know down the half-decorated tree, smashing ornaments, and the toddler accidentally breaks a couple. This year we’re trying a different tactic; Magic Ornaments.

This is a set of 40 ornaments plus a ribbon. What’s different about that? They all fit inside one envelope. That’s right; they are collapsible! Made from plastic and cardstock, these ornaments are available in two colors; red, gold, and silver, and blue, silver, and white. Each set includes 10 mirror balls, 10 glitter balls, 4 swirls, 5 angels, 5 snowflakes, 5 stars, and 40 feet of 2.5” ribbon. The sets are reversible so you can change the look depending on your mood. After Christmas, the ornaments require minimal storage space. I’m looking forward to an unbroken Christmas.

ArcWorks Magic Ornaments are available for $59.95.

Gifts For The Jewelry Lover

Isabelle Grace Diamond Dusted Long Bar Necklace in Silver – I have a confession: I love minimalist jewelry. Although I can get behind a pretty charm bracelet or some sparkly rings, I have a soft spot for a simple necklace. The Diamond Dusted Long Bar Necklace by Isabelle Grace fits the bill perfectly. Available in sterling silver, 14kt gold fill, and rose gold fill, the Diamond Dusted Long Bar necklace will fit anyone’s style– whether you have a minimalist streak or love accessories that go all out. “Diamond Dusted” refers to the unique finish. Perfect for either a day at the office or a night out, the Long Bar necklace can also be layered with other pieces, such as Isabelle Grace’s personalized necklaces, for a more dramatic effect.

One thing I love about Isabelle Grace jewelry is that each piece is made by hand in New Bedford, MA. That means that each piece is different and unique, just like the wearer! The story behind the brand is sweet too: the owner, Claudia, was inspired by a locket her grandmother always wore, which contained a photo of her grandfather.

The Isabelle Grace Diamond Dusted Long Bar Necklace in Silver retails for $49.

DejaVu Designs Pink Botswana Agate 60 MM French Barrette Hair Clip & DejaVu Designs Brown Sea Glass Ornament – The difference between a nice hairstyle and a great one can come down to the accessories. The right hair clip or barrette makes any hairstyle look more put together. The DejaVu Designs Pink Botswana Agate 60 MM French Barrette Hair Clip features a French barrette with tumbled pink Botswana agate attached. Each piece of agate varies, creating a unique piece of jewelry perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a prom accessory or something to wear during date night, this Hair Clip will add sparkle to any outfit.

One of our family Christmas traditions is to collect a new ornament each year. These ornaments are precious to me because they all have a special meaning. I carried the tradition over to my children, purchasing them an ornament each year. This year, I’m thrilled to add the surf tumbled sea glass heart ornament to our collection. Handmade with a piece of sea glass in a choice of frosted white, green, or brown, each piece is unique.

Collected along the shores of Casco Bay in Coastal Maine, this sea glass is wrapped with silver artistic wire and features a silver heart charm. If you don’t fancy hearts, there are plenty of other designs to match your personality-everything from a weight lifting charm to a cheerleading charm. DejaVu Designs offers a variety of gifts that jewelry lovers will embrace; necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, and hair accessories. With the one-of-a-kind designs, you’ll never have to worry about someone else showing up wearing the same jewelry as you!

The DejaVu Designs Pink Botswana Agate 60 MM French Barrette Hair Clip retails for $11.99 and the DejaVu Designs Brown Sea Glass Ornament retails for $14.99.

AJ’s Collection My Family Tree Necklace-I want everyone to know how proud I am of my family. That’s why this personalized My Family Tree necklace from the AJ’s Collection is so special to me. Made from two sterling silver metal washers with a tree charm attached in the middle, the washers offer space to add names, numbers, or a special family phrase or saying. I opted to put mine and Bryan’s names on the top washer and the kids on the bottom washer. The washers dangle from a sterling silver chain available in sizes of 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”, or 24” inch. Not only is this beautifully designed, but it is also a great conversation starter.

All of the AJ’s Collection items are customizable. You’ll find a variety of choices, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, and key chains. There’s also a selection of guitar picks, tie clips, and collar stiffeners for the men in your life.

The AJ’s Collection My Family Tree Necklace retails for $41.

Gifts For the Spa Lover

Legendary Apothecary Smooth Feet – The creators of Legendary Apothecary had a threefold goal when they created their smooth feet formula. They wanted a product that was kind to animals, kind to humans, and kind to Mother Earth. Their Smooth Feet Serum is made from a natural Old World family recipe that contains only three USDA Certified Organic Ingredients. That means no preservatives, no chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, and is certified cruelty free. Each bottle contains 30-50 uses and usually produces smooth feet in seven to ten days.

I have a habit of going barefoot with disastrous results. My heels are cracked and chapped, resulting in an unattractive look. I began using the Smooth Feet Serum; applying it before bedtime. It has a delightful lavender smell and is easy to rub into my skin. It feels a little greasy for the first few seconds after application but dries quickly. Best of all, it does make my skin feel softer. Those annoying cracks in my heel are disappearing after a few days of use.

The Legendary Apothecary Smooth Feet Syrum retails for $35.

Fre Skincare 123Fre-I live in the South where sweat (or as we call it, “glowing,”) is a way of life. I try to take care of my skin, but between the glistening and the torrential heat, it’s hard. Fre Skincare’s 123Fre program is designed to tackle exercise and sweat-induced skin damage, breakouts, dehydration, and signs of aging. This 3-step program combines a hydrating facial cleanser (Purify Me), a deep replenishing serum (Revive Me), and an Ultra-Light Moisturizer with SPF 30 (Protect Me.)

This collection is impressive for all the things it doesn’t have. It’s hypoallergenic, paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan, won’t clog pores, has been tested by dermatologists, and is designed for all skin types. Best of all, the products don’t feel greasy upon application and have a refreshing scent. I like the plastic traveling case too, which fits in a backpack or carry-on and protects against spillage.

The FreSkincare 123Fre set retails for $115.

CLN&DRTY Lavender Coffee Eye Cream -Coffee is considered an eye-opener in the morning, but this Lavender Coffee Eye Cream gives that phrase an entirely new meaning. This thick, rich cream uses all- natural ingredients to help relieve tired skin, perk up tired eyes, and lighten bags underneath the eyes.
Coffee infused almond oil mixed with lavender essential oil and several other moisturizers to create a light concoction that smells heavenly.

CLN&DRTY doesn’t use fillers or water in their products either. Their products might have an ounce or so less than some conventional products, but this is designed to keep them fresh. I’ve found that “a little dab will do you,” as a small amount of this cream goes a long way. CLN&DRTY has an extensive line of skincare products for all skin types, including products for men.

The CLN&DRTY Lavender Coffee Eye Cream retails for $26.

Gifts For the Gardener & Handyperson

Stihl HSA Garden Shears– I am an avid gardener. Each year, much to my husband’s dismay, I expand our outdoor living space with more flower beds, shrubs, and bushes. It’s therapeutic to work in my garden, but there are some chores I like less than others. Take the grass that grows around the flowers beside my picket fence. I had to pull it out by hand because I couldn’t use a weed eater without ruining my flowers. That has changed since I tried the Stihl HSA garden shears.

These battery-operated shears make trimming my shrubs and weeds a breeze. They feature two attachments; one for cutting grass and one for cutting shrubs. The battery lasts up to 110 minutes, or way longer than I need before I stop for a cool drink. Their lightweight design makes them easy to handle. Plus, they make precision cuts, something I was never able to do before. The shears come with a carry bag, battery, and charger, along with the two attachments. I will never go back to the old way of cutting weeds again. Stihl also makes gardening accessories to enhance your outdoor experience. You’ll find work gloves, reusable earplugs, and eye protection.

The Stihl HSA Garden Shears retails for $99.95. Accessories are extra.

Sage Owl Grate Grill Scraper with Long Handle-Our family is passionate about grilling. We grill year-round, long after the other families in our neighborhood have stopped. The downside of grilling is cleaning. Most grill cleaners have those nasty bristles which are almost impossible to clean. They also break off. No one wants to find a bristle in their burger!

The Sage Owl Grate Grill Scraper aims to change all that. Made of solid brass, it is safe to use on all types of grills and is designed to last for years. Its universal design means it can be used on any type of grill, from our gas grill at home to the crusty one at a local park. It even works on my stove oven racks. The handle keeps our hands away from hot grates. Cleaning the Grill Scraper is easy too. I can remove it from the handle, wash it, and reattach it. When it’s not in use I can hang it inside the grill.

The Sage Owl Grate Grill Scraper with Long Handle retails for $33.76.

The DeckTool -We love having a deck. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or read a book while sipping an ice-cold beverage. The downside of having a deck is cleaning all the debris which collects in the cracks. A new company, based in Dahlonega, GA, is helping to make this chore easier. The DeckTool is designed with a lacquered pine handle (made in North Carolina) and a special alloy treated stainless steel blade (made in Pennsylvania.) Now, we no longer have to get down on our hands and knees to dig small objects-like acorns-out of the cracks.

The blade is thinner than a dime so it can reach between small cracks, but strong enough to push the objects out. Because the entire tool weighs around a pound, it’s easy to handle and is compact enough to store in a corner of the garage until needed. Free shipping is available in the continental US.

The DeckTool retails for $19.95.

Kapro 510 Optivision Rollmeter and Kapro 935 Optivision Red Torpedo 25 cm Level-We have a lot of handymen in the family. Whether they’re building shelves and bed frames or repairing walls and fences, it seems like someone is always searching for some tool or another. Hammers, wrenches, drills, measuring tapes— it seems like we can never have enough. More importantly, they can never be high enough quality. The Kapro Rollmeter is a magnetic tape measure, perfect for any handyman or carpenter in your life. The blade is self-locking and double printed, so it’s easily readable both vertically and horizontally.

My husband loves that it has a sturdy belt clip, making it convenient to carry around while working. The Red Torpedo is a sturdy level with three shockproof vials, including a vertical vial with RedEffect™️. The Red Torpedo is perfect for construction, masonry, and tilling. Not in need of a tape measure or level? Kapro makes a variety of other sturdy, high-quality tools as well. These make great gifts for anyone interested in woodworking or household projects.

Gifts For The Outdoorsman or Woman:

Karl’s Mystery Tackle Box -Do you have someone in your life who is hard to shop for? Do they perhaps love fishing? If you’re thinking, “that’s an oddly specific question, but yes,” you’re not alone. My son-in-law is hard to shop for, but loves going fishing. When I heard about Karl’s Mystery Tacklebox, I knew this was the perfect gift for him. A subscription tacklebox, the Mystery Tacklebox by Karl’s features fun new fishing supplies every single month. Choose from three levels of subscription: regular, pro, and elite. Regular features roughly $25 worth of tackle every month, Pro contains roughly $40 of tackle, and Elite contains roughly $60 worth of premium Bass fishing gear.

With both the Regular and Pro levels, you can choose which species of fish you’re wanting to attract– pick between bass, trout, inshore saltwater, panfish, catfish, and walleye. The Elite box is catered towards Bass fishers. All levels of subscription feature free shipping, and auto-renew each month– although you’re free to upgrade or cancel at any time.

Karl’s Mystery Tackle Regular Box is available for $16.99 a month.

heYou! Oversized Beach Towel Blanket -The three-year-old loves the beach and the local lake. Playing in the sand is a favorite pastime. For me? Not so much. I spend a lot of my time trying to remove sand from the towel, every item we have brought with us, and the car. The upcoming beach season is going to be better thanks to the heYou Oversized Beach Towel Blanket. What’s not to love about this blanket? At 63” by 75” inches there’s plenty of room for me to spread out. It includes stakes to hold it in place and is stitched to provide maximum strength and durability.

There’s a handy pouch to hold a phone or keys and it’s ultra-lightweight. This beach towel blanket dries 3 times faster than cotton blankets. Plus, any sand that lands on the blanket can be shaken off! The best part? This blanket can be folded into a pouch and carried like a purse. It’s available in five designs to suit varied tastes. We chose the “You, Me, and the Sea” blanket.

The heYou! Oversized Beach Towel Blanket retails for $39.99.

Kelty Bestie BFF Blanket-I always keep a blanket in the car because I never know when our family will decide to go to a state or national park for the day. I want to be able to whip out a blanket to provide a sitting area. One problem I had with traditional blankets was wetness. If the ground was wet, that blanket was going to be an uncomfortable experience. The 80″ by 60″ Kelty Bestie BFF Blanket has solved my problems. Known as the “mullet of blankets,” it’s got two layers. The bottom layer is a tarp that stays dry even when folded. The top is a cozy blanket packed with Cloudloft™ Synthetic Insulation.

It has some other features that help promote it to BFF. Stakes are included to keep it in place. No one wants to chase the blanket around the park during an unexpected windstorm. There’s also a pocket that holds keys and a cell phone, two items I am always trying to find. When folded, it can be placed in its carrying bag and stuffed in the trunk, where it takes a minimal amount of space. I’m sold. This is my new BFF.

The Kelty Bestie BFF Blanket retails for $44.95.

Jack and Mary Designs The Original Memory Mittens -I am always cold, so mittens are a staple in my winter wardrobe. This year I found Jack and Mary Designs who create the Original Memory Mittens. There are two ways this works. You can purchase mittens pre-made. These are made from recycled wool sweaters, lined with fleece, and then decorated with a button. They’re soft, super warm, and a great gift for a cold-natured friend.

You can also have mittens custom made using a favorite wool sweater of your own. This would be a sweet gift for grandparents, parents, or anyone. Before sweaters are created into handmade mittens, they are thoroughly cleaned and inspected, hand-assembled into a sewing kit, and then inspected again after stitching. Mittens and a variety of other products are available for men, women, and children.

The Original Memory Mittens from Jack and Mary Designs retail for $50. 

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