When I was a child, the most wonderful time of the year officially kicked off on the day that the Sears Wish Book arrived in our mailbox. I circled every item I wanted for the holidays, making sure to write a “D” next to each one to make sure my parents knew it was on my list and not my sister’s.
My kids used to do the same with the Toys ‘R Us and Target holiday fliers, requesting approximately $3,428.76 worth of gifts. They had no idea how much things cost; they just knew what they wanted.
For the past several years, my teens put items they’d like in my Amazon cart, or send me text messages with links. It’s not how Santa would do it, but it is certainly convenient.
Online gift guides are the new Sears Wish Book, and I love perusing each one for ideas. This year I’m offering my own gift guide, with no particular theme except for the fact that all the items are from small businesses. There are items from past Love Lists, fun Internet finds, and ways to save a few bucks so you can treat yourself.
There are affiliate and referral links in this post.
Shop Smarter
If you do any online shopping at all, sign up for Ebates. Install the button on your computer or the app on your phone, and click through to the shopping site via Ebates. Then you get cash back on your purchases from hundreds of big name retailers, from Etsy to Kohl’s, from Under Armour to Macy’s.
Why you should sign up NOW: Ebates typically offers extra cash back on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And you’ll get a $10 bonus when you make a purchase of $25 or more within 90 days.
If you’re a hold out on Amazon Prime, this is the perfect time to sign up for a free 30 day trial. You can cancel after the trial (coinciding perfectly with Christmas) and pay nothing, but you may get hooked on the two day free shipping. Don’t think it’s worth the annual fee? Check out Julia’s post HERE, and find out. Regardless, the trial is free, so what have you got to lose?
Shop Naturally
Moody Sisters Skincare was on my Love List in October, and the products are fabulous holiday gifts. Try the sugar scrubs, lip balms, dry skin cream, and soaps. I have used all of them, with none of my typical allergic reaction to skin care products.
Savings Alert: Enter KISSMYLIST as the promo code at checkout and get 10% off your purchase. And shop in your pajamas this weekend for some specials.
Image courtesy of Moody Sisters; for more details visit HERE
Shop philanthropically
Another Love List item, Mitscoots socks, gloves, hats, and scarves are fashionable gifts that do good. For every pair of socks purchased, the folks at Mitscoots give away another pair to someone in need. The company also partners with organizations that help individuals get off the streets and into steady employment.
The boot socks and infinity scarf are great gift ideas for women and teens, especially if you need a present for a gift exchange or someone who is hard to shop for. I own the socks (athletic, boot, argyle) and the beanie, and love them all!
Savings alert: If you sign up for the email list at the bottom of the home page, you’ll get a promo code for 20% off your purchase.
Shop recycled
I have had a few pieces from Whisker Prints in my Etsy shopping cart for months. Whisker Prints are inspirational typographical art prints made from damaged vintage dictionaries from the early twentieth century. There is a quote for everyone on your list!
Savings Alert: Get 1% cash back on Etsy purchases using Ebates. Every little bit counts!
Shop yummy
Need a hostess gift? A gift under $10? A completely addictive snack that is made by a person instead of a machine? Hippie Chick Granola fits the bill. It’s all delicious, but my favorite is the chocolate pretzel blend. I haven’t bought the granola in awhile because I have absolutely no will power, but I may stock up for the holidays and those snow days when an hour of shoveling deserves a delicious reward. Bonus: Hippie Chick donates a portion of its sales to charitable causes.
Shop crafty
Over a decade ago I made my kids no-sew fleece blankets, and they still use them. I made myself one this fall, so that I could wrap myself in it during cold field hockey and lacrosse games.
I am Miss Uncrafty, but these blankets are easy. There are tutorials all over the Internet; just google “no sew blanket.” I used 2 1/2 yards of each piece of fleece for mine, and it’s huge. Granted, I’m only five foot two, but still.
Make one with school colors for a teenager, sports team colors for the diehard fan, or any of the oodles of patterns at fabric stores (I went to JoAnn’s). I made my blanket in the time it took me to watch a DVRed episode of Supergirl.
Shop unique
Finally, check out two websites that are full of cool and unusual gifts – Grommet and Uncommon Goods. Both sites feature goods from emerging artisans and aspiring inventors, and it’s easy to navigate the sites to find something for everyone on your list.
*****
Whether you brave the crowds on Black Friday, shop in your pajamas at home, or put it all off until December 24th, I wish you a holiday season filled with relaxation, laughter, and people you love.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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