2016-10-17

Here it comes again.

Before you toss out the pumpkin and polish off the Halloween candy, the Christmas and Hanukkah season is upon us.

At least it is according to the retailers who begin splashing seasonal decor and sales offers from storefronts to your inbox before November 1st.

Most of us would rather fully enjoy that holiday in-between Halloween and Christmas, and maybe finish off the leftovers before the whirlwind that awaits us. But alas, Black Friday and Cyber Monday make that difficult.

A head start on the holiday season isn’t all bad. If you begin early, you can get your holiday shopping done before the mad rush and avoid retail overload during what’s supposed to be the season of peace and joy.

To make things even easier for myself, I do 95% of my shopping online. Why fight the crowds at the mall and the crazy traffic when I can shop from the comfort of my home?

My goal is to find unique, interesting gifts for my loved ones, and it’s so much easier looking online where you can find virtually anything at the click of a button.

If you’ve started thinking about holiday shopping, here are 22 cool things to buy for your friends and family:

Bath Bombs Gift Set

Give the gift of a luxury, relaxing soak in the tub to the women in your life. This beautifully packaged gift set of eight fizzy balls of fragrance will leave skin smooth and silky — but won’t leave stains or rings in the tub.

Each bomb is a unique fragrance and contains ingredients that promote natural healing, including shea butter, essential oils and clays. The bombs are free of artificial colors and dyes and will not stain your skin nor your bath tub.

==>>See more about the Bath Bombs Gift Set

Modern Stainless Steel Coffee Press

I love the sleek and modern design of this French coffee press. But it not only looks amazing, it also produces some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste.

Coffee brewed with a French press captures more of the coffee’s flavor and essential oils.

The double-wall construction of the pot keeps your coffee (or tea) warm longer, while the outside of the pot stays cool to the touch.

==>>See more about the SterlingPro Stainless Steel French Coffee Press

Sonos Smart Speaker

If you’re looking for a simple Bluetooth solution to stream music from your iPhone to a speaker, this powerful little speaker is it.

We bought the Sonos speaker when we recently moved to a new home, and it is so compact and easy to set up.

You can control all your music and streaming services from a single app. You can easily move it from room to room to have great sound wherever you go.

==>>See more about the SONOS Smart Speaker

Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women and Men When you travel, there’s never enough room on the hotel’s bathroom counter for all of your stuff.

If you’re staying with friends or family, you don’t want all of your toiletries cluttering up their guest bathroom.

This hanging toiletry bag was a lifesaver for me, as I can keep all of my make-up and lotions neatly contained and easily accessible.

It can hang from a door, a towel bar, a wall hook, or a shower curtain rod.

As you can see, it has lots of pockets and zippered compartments to keep things tidy and organized.

==>>See more about the Bago Toiletry Bags

Indoor Herb Garden

Getting fresh herbs in the middle of winter isn’t easy, and if you know someone who loves to cook with fresh ingredients, this herb garden is perfect.

Not only can they grow herbs, but the garden also produces salad greens and even vine-ripened cherry tomatoes. Many of the seeds are heirloom varieties.

The garden comes with a wide variety of pre-seeded pod kits that are guaranteed to germinate. All you have to do is drop the seeds in and watch them grow.

It automatically turns lights on and off, and reminds you when to add water and liquid plant food to create the optimal growing environment for your plants.

==>>See more about the Miracle-Gro AeroGarden

Corinthian Bell Windchime

Who doesn’t love the soothing sounds of a windchime? In fact the sound of the music created by a windchime is calming and helps tension and stress to leave the body.

The history of wind chimes dates back to ancient times in many cultures. Giving a gift of a chime is an offering of peace, prosperity, and happiness for the recipient.

This Corinthian Bell windchime is noted for the purity of sound they produce, as well as the solid craftsmanship and beauty of the chimes.

If you want to hear them before purchasing, check out this video.

==>>See more about the Corinthian Bells 44-inch Windchime

Virtual Reality Headset

After seeing some of the commercials about this headset, I was completely intrigued.

It produces immersive virtual reality experience that allows you to play amazing games, watch movies, socialize with friends, become part of a suspense thriller, and much more.

I love what one Amazon customer says about her experience with the headset: “I took a trip through our solar system in an experience called Titans of Space. It made it feel like you were in a little ship, flying up to each planet and some of their moons.”  Sounds pretty cool!

==>>See more about the Samsung Gear VR – Virtual Reality Headset

White Noise Sound Machine

We bought this sound machine during the time we were living in an in-town rental while building our house.

There was so much street noise, it would keep us awake. Now we can’t sleep without it. The white noise is so soothing, it lulls you to sleep.

This particular Dohm machine is so effective, it was named “Official Sound Conditioner” of the National Sleep Foundation. It creates a natural sound of rushing air which you can adjust at two speeds.

It has been proven to effectively block noises at a broad range of frequencies allowing you a deep, undisturbed sleep all night long, even if you have a snorer next to you!

==>>See more about the Marpac Dohm-White Noise Sound Machine, White

Digital Tire Inflator

This is great gift for those who are on the road a lot or for younger, newish drivers to give you and them peace of mind.

Actually anyone who drives should have one of these in the car in case of a leak or flat.

Also, tire pressure changes with differing temperatures, so it’s important to check your tires regularly, and this device allows you to refill air from the convenience of home without having to drive to a service station.

It’s capable of inflating a mid-sized car tire from flat to 30 Psi in under four minutes, automatically stopping at the precise pressure you set on the bright LCD display gauge.

It can also be used for bikes, motorcycles, as well as an RV, SUV, ATV and truck.

==>>See more about the Premium Digital Tire Inflator

Red Wine Decanter

For the red wine drinkers on your list, this elegant hand-blown carafe is the perfect gift.

Not only is this crystal glass decanter beautiful, but also pouring wine from the bottle to the decanter oxygenates the wine and releases its rich aroma and flavor.

When an entire bottle of wine is poured into the decanter, the wine reaches the widest diameter in the decanter which allows for maximum aeration.

The slanted opening prevents spills when pouring the wine. Read the reviews for ideas on aeration time in the decanter for the best taste, as well as cleaning suggestions for the decanter.

==>>See more about the Le Chateau Wine Decanter

Zen Box Essential Oils

If you know someone new to aromatherapy or who might like to try out a few different oils, this Zen Box is such a thoughtful gift.

This “test drive” box includes frankincense, lavender and immune boost oils. Lavender is known to help with relaxation and sleep.

Frankincense is known to relieve stress and anxiety, reduce pain and inflammation, and boost immunity.

The immune boost oil is for boosting the immune system as well.

If your gift recipient enjoys these oils, Zen Box has a yearly subscription, and this box includes a discount coupon for the subscription. So you can try the box yourself, and then give the subscription.

==>>See more about the ZEN BOX with Therapeutic Essential Oils

Cards Against Humanity Game

Warning: this gift is not for the faint of heart. There are very bad words and uncomfortable phrases. But unless you are quick to be offended, you’ll have a good time.

Here’s what the game creator’s say about it: “Unlike most of the party games you’ve played before, Cards Against Humanity is as despicable and awkward as you and your friends. The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a black card, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card.”

I haven’t played it, but with over 33,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, there must be something to it.

==>>See more about the Cards Against Humanity

Adult Coloring Books

I gave adult coloring books to my three young adult kids last year, and they spent their downtime during the holidays blissfully coloring away. Go figure.

The adult coloring book craze isn’t going away and for good reason. It’s relaxing, creative, and fun.

Take your pick from garden designs, animals, mandalas, and paisley patterns set in imaginative backgrounds.

After a hard day at work or rather than listening to the depressing news at night, your friends can enjoy some creative quiet time and art therapy.

==>>See more about the Adult Coloring Book Designs: Stress Relief Coloring Book

Colored Pencil Set

Don’t forget to include colored pencils with the coloring book. This set is designed specifically for adult coloring books.

It includes 48 different colors stored in a portable canvas art case. The set also includes a pencil sharpener, an eraser, and a metal pencil extender so you can still use each pencil when it’s shaved down to a nub.

==>>See more about the JNW Direct Colored Pencils

Beard Trimmer and Facial Hair Styling

Beards and facial hair for men are back in full growth. If the men in your life are sporting the look, they’ll love this set of trimmers to groom a beard, mustache, and head hair.

It comes with a full size trimmer, detail trimmer, nose trimmer, beard and mustache comb and hair comb.

It also has a rechargeable battery provides 35 minutes of cordless use after a 10-hour charge.

==>>See more about the Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 3100

Giant Ice Cube Trays

Have you ever had a cocktail with one huge cube of ice in the glass?

It’s a modern and cool way to present the drink, and the ice doesn’t melt as quickly as traditional cubes from the fridge.

The silicone trays are flexible, durable and are non-stick, letting the ice form and slide out in perfect shape.

Simply twist them or push on the bottom and watch the ice fall right into your cup.

==>>See more about the Glacio Silicone Ice Cube Trays Combo

External Battery for Smartphones and Tablets

Everyone hates getting stuck with a dead phone battery, but you can get hours of extra battery life with this Mophie Powerstation.

It holds its own charge and really does charge more than one item at the same time.

It’s great to take on extended trips or out camping when you can’t charge your phone.

I look the ultra slim, modern design and aluminum finish.

==>>See more about the Mophie External Battery for Smartphones and Tablets

Acorn Wool Slippers

I admit, I’m a slipper fanatic. Since I work from home (and live in the mountains), I wear mine more than I wear shoes!

I love these beautiful 100% boiled wool slippers by Acorn.

They come in so many beautiful designs (I love the owl design) with embroidery stitching, and all slippers feature berber lining and a cushioned memory foam insole.

Be sure to check out all of the various styles and read the comments for ideas about proper sizing.

==>>See more about the ACORN Women’s Forest Mule Slipper

Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags

For the environmentalist in your circles, these shopping bags are not only useful and Earth-friendly, they are also beautiful.

More and more people are abandoning plastic shopping bags, and in some states they are banned.

If you don’t like these designs, scroll around at the other Envirosax designs to find what exactly suits your taste. There are dozens of different designs.

Each bag measures 19.5″ x 16.5″ and holds the equivalent of two grocery bags. They have reinforced seams to safely hold heavy items and are water resistant. The handles are long enough to carry on your shoulders.

The bags can roll up easily to fit in your purse or pocket.

==>>See more about the Envirosax Havana Reusable Shopping Bags 5-pack

Bubble Pet Carrier

For your friends with a kitty or small dog, this is the ultimate novelty gift that is still useful and practical.

Rather than putting kitty in a cardboard carrier or crate, you can let her have window to the world with the bubble window.

The carrier is worn like a backpack, keeping your pet close to you at all times for their security and yours. It includes a built-in security leash, mesh panels and ventilation holes, soft washable pad,  and top and side entries for easy accessibility.

The carrier’s window can be switched to mesh or removed for small dogs. It is approved on most major airlines and meets all USDA and IATA requirements.

==>>See more about the U-PET Innovative Pet Carriers

Kindle Paperwhite

I love, love, love my Kindle — but I don’t love that I can’t read it when the lights go out. That’s why I’m asking for a Kindle Paperwhite this Christmas.

It has a high resolution display and a built-in adjustable light that you can use at night or during the day. The no-glare screen works even in bright sunlight.

It guides light toward the surface of the display with its built-in front light so you can read  for hours without eyestrain.

It includes all of the great features of a Kindle, but allows you to keep reading even when your bed partner goes to sleep.

==>>See more about the Kindle Paperwhite E-reader

Amazon Gift Card

Can’t decide what to get your teenage nephew or your boss? Is your sister super picky or your best friend won’t give you any ideas?

An Amazon gift card is always a great fallback option for a holiday gift.

Check out these cute holiday tin holders with a gift card redeemable towards millions of items storewide at Amazon.

==> See more about the Amazon Gift Card in a Santa Smile Tin

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out my latest books that are great gifts for anyone on your list who enjoys self-improvement.

The post 22 Cool Things To Buy As Gifts This Holiday Season appeared first on Live Bold and Bloom.

Show more