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, many of them are local to Central Oregon:
Artists & Makers
My studiomate and bestie, Jennifer McCaffrey, is creating floral portraits. They’re customizable pieces of art based on a person’s birth month. Such a thoughtful and beautiful gift!
It’s been a blast having Mark Seekins as a studiomate. I love this new block print.
I’m not usually a cookbook gal, but this one changed my life. I’m counting Caroline as a maker because we’re internet friends. :)
I love these map prints from HikerBooty.
Kelsi Cross’s block prints are always a win. I have this one in my dining room and I love it so much.
These mini original paintings by Ash Cascade are so giftable.
These hair tie bracelets from Bronwen are such a great idea. I also love this necklace.
It’s probably time that you buy a ceramic snake.
I love Hannah Jensen’s work so much. My friend bought this print and it’s even more stunning in person.
Slap some Sheila Dunn stickers on a new water bottle and it’s the perfect gift.
My girls fight over this Megan Myers coloring book.
This print by One Two Coyote captures the high desert in such a beautiful way!
My new studiomate Gwen has such beautiful, whimsical work. This print of a dragon carrying banana bread is a favorite.
If you need some holiday cards, Watercolor Wednesday has got you!
These Free Range Totes are such great quality.
My friend Jonathan’s new children’s book about poop.
This awesome clock made by my friend Dana.
Who doesn’t love a candle?
Is it super lame to link my own stuff? Oh well. The puzzles are such a great in-law gift.
Local Businesses in Bend, OR
Vanilla is hands-down my favorite for women’s clothes.
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. And then include this bookmark from a local artist.
If you’re in Sisters, you must stop in Bedouin.
Speaking of Sisters, check out Makin’ It Local while you’re there. They have a whole wall of my work, custom-framed!
A gift card for art classes at TEAL or Two Suns Art Studio would be fun.
Gathered Wares is great place to stop for perfectly curated vintage.
Ju-Bee-Lee is a great spot for gifts.
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. :)
I pretty much exclusively shop at Quince these days. I’ve been living in this cardigan, this other cardigan (lol), these affordable jeans, and this sweater. I constantly get complimented on this home scent. This silk pillowcase is legit. And this is my favorite purse.
The softest pajamas of all time.
THIS ROBE. Dear lord. Pair them with these slippers and you’ll never leave the house.
Another option for slippers...these have a good sole in case you want to go outside.
My sister-in-law gave me this necklace last Christmas and I never take it off.
These birthstone earrings are really sweet.
This product is witchcraft for taming my frizzy, sort-of-curly hair.
This lip stain and this bronzer/blush combo are some of my favorite makeup products.
Goodr sunglasses are the best.
I would love to receive this scarf for Christmas, but I’m crossing my fingers that the red one will come back in stock.
I really love my new watch. I don’t need a ton of features (mostly viewing texts, pinging my phone (lol), and seeing my pace and mileage on runs. I love that this one is small and looks like a normal watch.
Y’all know I’m obsessed with Stio and I have a 15% off discount code (GILMORE15). Here are some of my faves:
The ultimate winter fleece top. Buy this in every color.
These pants are the coziest ever.
This lightweight pullover is perfect for excercising or hanging out when it’s just slightly chilly. Packs down small and has the perfect cropped cut.
The easiest shoes to slip on for around town, and I love switching out my ski boots with them after a day on the mountain.
I wear this jacket all the time. It’s the perfect weight for keeping you warm but not too hot while being active. I love it for skate skiing.
My ski jacket, bib, and gloves.
Gifts for Men
A space-saving bowl/cutlery/plate set for camping.
Same deal — knives and cutting board for camping.
A beloved camping grill.
I got Beau one of these coolers recently and he didn’t return it, which honestly is a huge win. The man is PARTICULAR.
Literally anything from Stio. My code GILMORE15 will get you 15% off! I recently got him this jacket and this shirt.
A cool, slim wallet.
A fun stocking stuffer.
One of these mugs and a bag of good coffee.
A solo stove!
If you’re into camping, I cannot tell you how much of a gamechanger this is!
Beau’s favorite carry-on/weekend bag.
Anything by Vuori is always a win!
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
Emmie’s most-loved activity.
Both girls are obsessed with this necklace/bracelet maker.
Avoid paying 1 million dollars on face paint at the fair.
The yoto player is everything. We go everywhere with them.
It’s time we get new water bottles.
Going to put these in their stockings because dear lord they go through so much tape.
Both girls are obsessed with these how to draw books.
I plan to get them something like this and fill it with craft supplies.
This cardboard construction kit is on Miles’ list.
This marble coaster looks awesome.
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 Order of the Phoenix!
Both girls are getting a rumpl for future camping/van trips!
We got a tin can phone earlier this year and we love it.
The perfect stocking stuffer.
I think Miles will love this miniature greenhouse kit.
A weaving loom is in their future.
Emmie will lose her mind over this.
A classic timex watch.
Such a hit for our girls and would make a great stocking stuffer.
A fun toy to keep in your purse.
Miles has slowly been creating a lego city out of these lego friends sets.
Going to fill their advent calendar/stockings with these stupid things.
Gifts for the Whole Family
Here are things that everyone in the family might enjoy. :)
This waffle bowl maker is something we all enjoy.
For music on the go.
We bought the Skylight Calendar last 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 I feel like this gem bingo game will be a hit. Also going to get them Blokus.
This e-bike has changed my life. 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.
It’d be super fun to have a way to print photos at home.
I’ve been considering getting a Brick for a long time.
This video camera is so cool.
Wait, do we need a bidet?
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. :)