Buying Guides



After all my friends and family started having kids, it started to get really expensive to buy holiday gifts for everyone. In recent years we've gone away from giving individual gifts and instead are giving one nice gift that the whole family can enjoy. And what does one whole family like with such diverse personalities? Food, of course! Food is one of the things that is universally given on a holiday and it is the one thing that is never returned. Here's a few of my favorite food gifts this year that the whole family will enjoy...now and for years to come!


Always there for you when you desperately need a mom's night out or when all of a sudden your kids get sick in the middle of the night and you can't miss the work meeting in the morning, is the one person you shouldn't skip over this holiday season -- the babysitter. While you shouldn't spend a fortune to show your appreciation for her willingness to put up with your kids on Friday nights (ours are all under $35), what you can do is get her a trinket of appreciation that will keep her coming back despite the last minute call and your toddler's recent meltdown. It's the thought that counts and perhaps a raise in 2012?!


Ask any mom what she wants for the holidays and she'll probably tell you just a little time to herself to get her nails done or go to the grocery store -- alone. While that is surely nice, she probably wouldn't mind a little something luxurious that she normally wouldn't buy for herself either. So tell her how much you appreciate her this holiday season with a luxurious gift that also won't break the bank and she'll be in debt to you forever (especially if you watch her kids while she gets that pedicure too!).


Teachers ultimately end up spending more time with our kids during the week than we do it seems like. So it only seems fitting that we show our appreciation for their dedication to our kids and in making them the bright stars of the future with a nice holiday gift. Go for a gift that's unique yet practical and add your own touches to it such as a lovely basket filled with your favorite chocolates. Keep in mind that it's definitely not necessary to spend a lot to say "thank you" because in the end it's the thought that counts!

This tote brings a whole new meaning to "book bag!" Great Gatsby Tote Bag, $15.95 - Barnes and Noble
You can never go wrong with a book of chocolates. Holiday Mini Candy Bar Library, $25 - Vosges Chocolates
Because teachers are too busy to keep their tea hot, the Tea Buddy will do it for them! Just add your favorite brew for a perfect gift. Tea Bag Buddy, $4.95 - The Container Store
Nothing beats personalized stationery! Custom Note Pads, $35 (set of 5) - Paper Source
We all know someone that is the master of their kitchen. Perhaps it's you or it could be your best friend or your mom but all you know is that in order to keep on her party invite list and have cookies hand delivered once a month, you need to show your appreciation for her culinary skills this holiday season. Here's a few of our favorite gifts that will please any baker, master chef or the mom next-door with a knack for making awesome crab dip!


Sure all the kids are wanting what their neighbor is getting but yet, there is something so special about giving and receiving a handmade gift. Not only does it give them the opportunity to appreciate what people can make if they put their mind to it but it is also so special to receive a one-of-a-kind gift. So whether you're really crafty and can make these yourself or you prefer to purchase from an online artisan, just know that it will be whole-heartedly appreciated!


You can never have TOO many crayons. Recycled Snowflake Crayons (set of 6), $6.95 - Etsy
Everybody needs to eat and play with their food -- this is the perfect combo. Chalkboard Placemat, $15 - Etsy
For instant glamour, just add feathers. Peacock Headband, $11 - Etsy
Every little kid needs a hideout that can be used inside or outside! Custom Teepee Tent, $98 - Etsy
For busy little boys that love toting their cars everywhere! Car Activity Mat, $15 - Etsy
Ahoy Matey! They'll love pulling this toy all over the house. Pirate Ship Wood Pull Toy, $28 - Etsy
They can drool all they want on this iPhone, it's not going to short out! Toy Wooden iPhone, $12 - Etsy
It seems as the kids get older, they get harder and harder to shop for. Maybe it's because they've developed their personality by now and they know exactly what they like and what they don't. While the hottest electronics may be at the top of their wish lists, consider gifting them with a few toys that don't require batteries and run on good ol' fashioned fun and creativity. Who knows...they may end up liking them more than that iPad2!


Just like teenagers, preschoolers seem to think they have all the knowledge they need to conquer the world. However, what they don't know is that most of it is is their imagination -- which they seem to be full of at this age. Foster their imagination and creativity with gifts that require them to build, color and mold whatever their little heart desires. You'll love that it gets them away from the TV and they'll love the endless possibilities from just one little gift!


Toddlers are so busy that it's often really hard to pick out what will be their favorite toy. In fact, at this stage in their life, they change their mind so often that you would think they have a split personality. Make it easy on yourself as the gift giver this year and go for a crowd pleasing gift that you know they will love like messy finger paints for the one that loves to get dirty or perhaps a drum set for the budding rocker. And remember...kids are easy to please so you don't have to spend a ton to get them to smile and "thank you!" (all our picks are less than $130).
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