The Ultimate Gift Guide
Hi friends, and happy holidays!
I always enjoy putting together a little roundup of things I’m loving in my email newsletter, so I thought I’d take some of my favorites from the year and make a gift guide! I know holiday shopping can be a bit overwhelming, so my hope is that this post can help you cut through all the noise. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Artists, Makers, and Small Businesses
First things first, let’s start with a round up of artists and makers! I know we all get hit over the head about the fact that we should be shopping local, and I also know that it can be tough to do so when money is tight. But speaking from experience, this has been a tough year for small businesses. I’ve seen some of my favorite shops close their doors, and I know of a handful of others that are on the brink. When we put our money back into our communities, it helps artists continue to make art and stores to stay open. If we truly cherish the culture, beauty, and human-touch that our local makers and businesses create for us, we simply have to support them. Here’s a list of some of my favorites:
Artists & Makers
I’ve always loved this print by my studiomate, Jennifer McCaffrey.
I love wearing this scarf by my other studiomate, Alyson Brown.
Our newest studiomate, Kristine Cooper, has a gorgeous calendar!
I’ve always had a crush on Taylor Manoles’ work.
This print by One Two Coyote captures the high desert in such a beautiful way!
I’d love to hang this print by Ash Cascade in my home.
I have this print by Kelsi Cross in my dining room and it’s one of my favorite pieces.
Sheila Dunn keeps getting better and better. This print takes my breath away!
My friend and neighbor Karissa Viebeck just launched some originals and prints and they’re all stunning.
I have and love a very similar necklace from Wyld Terra.
No skinny wall is complete without a Carter and Rose wall planter.
This sweet Christmas in Bend book by Kristen Riggle would make such a great gift.
My girls would love this Bend coloring book by Michele Michael.
A beautiful card pack by Emily Livengood.
I love this print by Hannah Jensen.
If you’re a paper planner person, I always have to shoutout my friend Laurel Denise.
Every kid needs Megan Myers’ new book!
Mark Seekins is one of my favorite humans and I love his work!
A stunner by Becca Klassey.
Canyon and Cove has the sweetest prints.
Local Businesses in Bend, OR
Vanilla is hands-down my favorite for women’s clothes and gifts!
I’ll be hitting up Leapin Lizards, Learning Express Toys, and Kids Paradise for the girls’ gifts.
The Workhouse is the perfect place to shop tons of local artists and makers!
Hit up Dudley’s for any book-lovers in your life.
Staghorn Mercantile is AWESOME for gifts and has some of the best price points in town.
Gifts for the Ladies
I probably have zero men that follow me (lol), but IF you are here, here’s a list of things that I (and therefore probably your wife, sister, etc.) would love to receive for Christmas. :)
Clothes/Accessories
The softest pajamas of all time.
I have and love this leather purse.
Some of my favorite jeans: these if I want to dress a little funky, these if I want to be more…normal? Haha.
I’d love to unwrap this cardigan (oooh, or maybe this one?) on Christmas morning.
These clogs are so cozy and versatile.
I live in this and really everything else from ZSupply. This cardigan is also super cute!
My go-to tshirts.
I’m obsessed with this fleece from Stio. My code GILMORE15 will get ya 15% off!
I really love this jewelry company.
I’ve always loved these reusable bags and use them for way more than just groceries.
Beauty
The most purchased thing I’ve ever linked in my email newsletter was this eyelash serum and mascara. They’re both awesome!
I almost exclusively use Merit for makeup. I especially love this foundation stick, blush, and highlighter.
I love this cleanser, deodorant, and body wash from Salt & Stone.
I swear to you that this thing works. You’re welcome.
I’m a very low maintenance hair person, but this hair waver is fun and easy to use when I’m feeling fancy.
Speaking of hair, I use this on my damp hair when I want it to dry more wavy/textured.
Gifts for Men
I got Beau one of these coolers recently and he didn’t return it, which honestly is a huge win. The man is PARTICULAR.
Beau has been eyeing one of these grills for camping, but also to use at home. I may try to surprise him with this. :)
Literally anything from Stio. My code GILMORE15 will get you 15% off!
We both love our Goodrs so much!
A cool, slim wallet.
A fun stocking stuffer.
Would make a great gift.
If you’re into camping, I cannot tell you how much of a gamechanger this is!
Who doesn’t love a Sonos speaker?
Beau’s favorite carry-on/weekend bag.
Anything by Vuori is always a win!
Beau loves these headphones for trail running.
Another beloved camping item.
We’ve been opting for real books (over the kindle) and this reading light is great for when someone wants to stay up later than the other. :)
Gifts for Kids
These would be fun to bust out at a restaurant/anywhere else you want to keep them occupied in public.
Miles is super into Harry Potter. We started reading them together when she was five, and gift her the next illustrated version of the book every year for Christmas. This year is Goblet of Fire!
The girls love the Maileg mouses/accessories, but they’re so dang expensive. We found these dupes and they don’t know the difference. :)
This would be a fun, high-impact Santa gift. The girls love coloring and forts, so…win!
Miles is super into inventing/creating things, I think she’d love this.
A unicorn inside a purse? Emmie’s mind will be blown.
The girls are obsessed with these foil craft kits.
Emmie is ready for a big girl scooter.
This would be so cute for over their beds.
Miles has slowly been creating a lego city out of these lego friends sets.
These dress-up sticker things are so sweet.
This kitty is the love of Emmie’s life.
This is THE thing that my kids have loved the most and the longest. They get new story cards every year in their stockings.
Another very fun toy to keep in your purse.
Such a hit for our girls and would make a great stocking stuffer.
Miles is very into these clay kits.
Emmie is in her aggressive doodling era and I could see her loving this.
Miles has randomly gotten into basketball and I think this would be super fun for all of us.
Gifts for the Whole Family
Here are things that everyone in the family might enjoy. :)
We bought the Skylight Calendar this year and really love it. The calendar keeps us organized, the kids have really gotten into the chores/rewards system, and the rotating photo display while it’s not in use is really sweet.
We’ve gotten into playing games after dinner, and Exploding Kittens has been a big hit for Miles. Emmie has been loving puzzles and this Bee game. She also asked Santa for the chicken version of the same thing, which is a bit redundant, but she likes what she likes. :)
This e-bike has changed my life. I basically bought it as a car replacement and, weather-permitting, have been commuting on it every day. It’s super sturdy and the center of gravity is lower to the ground, which I love for when the kids are on the back. The panniers hold SO much — I’ve been carting packages, prints, and paintings back and forth to my printer with ease. I love it SO much.
It’d be super fun to have a way to print photos at home.
Miles has been playing chess at her after-school program, and I think this would be a really fun set to have at home (it’s magnetic!).
And that’s a wrap!
Hope you all have a magical holiday season, and remember, at the end of the day, it’s the experiences that everyone remembers at the end of the day. Wishing you joy, rest, coziness, and all the good things. :)