It's that time of year when all the grown-ups look at each other and ask how a whole year could have possibly gone by already while the kids ask for the millionth time, "How many more days until Christmas?!" followed by, "That's too far away, can I get a pet fish noooow?" True story.
And no to the fish. Let's just focus on taking care of our geriatric dog.
It's also that time of year when I'm excited about gift giving, but not excited about crowded stores, long lines, and grumpy shoppers. The crazy-eyed frenzy can be a holiday joy sucker.
In order to preserve my jolly and festive feelings toward the holidays, while also indulging in my enjoyment of thoughtfully selecting and giving gifts to loved ones, I'm going to be doing most of my shopping from home. Online. Cyber Monday is for people like me. My fuzzy slippers are on, chai latte is in hand, and Christmas with Bing is playing in the background. Shopping at it's finest.
So here are my favorite gifts for 2018 (if you need my shipping address, just let me know...smiles). I hope whoever you gift these to thoroughly enjoys them!
THE APPLIANCE EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE
(AND IT'S NOT AN INSTANT POT)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my KitchenAid Mixer. It is a permanent fixture on my countertop. From making large batches of cookies (like these or these) to mixing my favorite cheesecake, this appliance is a baking workhorse. I love all the attachments that you can accessorize it with as well. How about an attachment for cutting and rolling your own fresh made pasta? Or for making your own gourmet shaped pasta?! Yes please. There is also an attachment to grind and mill your own fresh grains. This mixer does so much more than mixing.
Click these links to view on Amazon.
- KitchenAid 5-Quart Stand Mixer
- KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment Set
- KitchenAid Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment with 6 Interchangeable Pasta Plates
- KitchenAid Grain Mill Attachment
P.S. If you do happen to be part of the 1% who didn't get the Instant Pot checked off your holiday wish list last year and you're dying to get one, here's a link for you too. (And as of this post's publish date, the 8-Quart is $60 off which is an awesome deal!)
ANOTHER APPLIANCE EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE
I'm a strong believer in giving myself the occasional gift. One year I bought myself a Cuisinart Food Processor. This was one of the BEST gifts I ever gave myself. With a jar of fresh homemade pesto (recipe here) in my hand that took minutes to make, I yelled out to Joe, "Look what I made!!! This thing has just revolutionized my life!" I also use my food processor religiously to make this Smoothy & Creamy Hummus, Smoked Salmon Dip with Dill & Capers, 5 Minute Peanut Sauce, and this tasty 5 Minute Green Garlic Dip. And I haven't even mentioned the homemade salsas and sauces I whip up in this baby.
AN AWESOME KNIFE SET
A well-balanced set of essential kitchen knives are every foodie's dream. High quality knives make all the difference in food prep. A really nice knife set is also really expensive, but the holiday season is usually when the biggest discounts are available so definitely take advantage of the season's deals if you are looking to purchase a great set of knives that will last a long time. I love my Wüsthof Knife Set.
FOR THE BOOK LOVER
(WHO DOESN'T MIND FEELING ALL THE FEELS)
I love books that move the reader to reflect on life and the things that matter while also provoking laughter and tears, sometimes within just a few moments of each other. These are some of my faves. Note: You may also need to gift a box of Kleenex with some of these.
Click these links to view on Amazon.
- Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist
- Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
- Sky Lantern by Matt Mikalatos
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
FOR THE GLUTEN-FREE COOKBOOK LOVER
For anyone who loves cookbooks, especially those who have gluten intolerance, celiac, or would like to cook for someone who is.
Click these links to view on Amazon.
- Nourishing Superfood Bowls by Lindsay Cotter
- Alternative Baker by Alanna Taylor-Tobin
- Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple by Danielle Walker
- The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen
- Gluten Free for Good by Samantha Seneviratne
FOR THE PLANT LOVER
Perfect for the green thumb in the family. Create a cute gift basket by pairing one of these cute modern tabletop planters with a little green plant (or a succulent or cute cactus for the aspiring green thumb) and a small bag of potting soil.
Click here to view on West Elm.
HYGGE THEIR FEET
Cozy feet are a must. Plus, purchasing these slippers directly empowers artisan women living in vulnerable situations in rural Patagonia to sustain their culture and community doing what they know and love – knitting, while also empowering artisans to generate an ethical income from home. Purchases that promote a positive impact while also promoting cozy feet. Win win.
Click here to view on Accompany.
BLING!
Because...jewelry. You know who that person is who would love some beautiful bling.
Click on these links to view on Accompany (clockwise from top left).
- Rose Gold Hula Bracelet (loving the tassels)
- Virtuous Full Circle Necklace
- Madison Olive Hoop Earrings
- Porcupine Naibor Necklace (not actually porcupine, but colorful glass beads with 24K gold glass beads and a row of 14K gold filled beaded bars, so fancy)
- Kerina Horn + Brass Bangle Set
- Bow Earrings
TEAM JOANNA GAINES
I absolutely LOVE the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line that came out this last year at Target. But then again, I pretty much love anything that comes from home renovator and designer Joanna Gaines. If only an interior design fixer upper by Joanna was a Christmas gift, right?!
Click on these links to view on Target.
- Stoneware 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
- Green Glass Salt & Pepper Shakers (cute stocking stuffer?!)
- Acacia Wood Serving Platter (for an epic charcuterie and cheese board)
- Gray Backpack with Leather Detailing
BECAUSE EVERY MOM NEEDS STRENGTH IN MOTHERHOOD
Give the gift of health, wellness, and community to a mother in your family. Whether she is pregnant, recently postpartum, or is a seasoned mom with grown-up kids there is a place for her within the Fit4Mom community. Not only will you be providing a supportive option for her to focus on her well-being by participating in some great workouts but you will be offering her a valuable opportunity to connect with other women in similar stages of motherhood, which will most likely turn into lifelong friendships. This is the gift that every mother needs. She just doesn't know it yet.
To find a Fit4Mom franchise nearest to you and to learn more about Fit4Mom's program offerings click on this link and enter your zip code in the location finder.
THESE AWESOME STOCKING STUFFERS
Stocking stuffers can be just as fun as the gifts under the tree. I'll take two of the Maldon Sea Salt Flake Pinch Tins please.
Click these links to view on Amazon, Accompany, and Williams Sonoma (clockwise from top left).
- Olive Wood Branch Chopsticks (these may be the coolest looking chopsticks ever)
- Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract (THE vanilla of all vanilla extracts)
- Alter Eco Deep Dark Sea Salt (in my opinion every stocking needs to be filled with really good chocolate, this is my fave)
- Cute Snail Shape Silicone Tea Bag Holder (these make me smile every time I have a cup of tea)
- Akamba Ink Pen (unique and refillable)
- Olivewood Salt Keeper (my only problem is that I can't decide which one I like best, see also the Walnut Salt Keeper and Marble Salt Keeper)
- Maldon Sea Salt Flake Pinch Tin (I can get on board with keeping a tin of premium salt in my purse)
- Handprinted African Safari Pencils (my kids would looove these)
THESE STEMLESS WINE GLASSES
For the wine lover or for the person who is scared of spilling wine when they use the precarious stemmed counterpart (pointing to myself).
Click on this link to view on Williams Sonoma.
THIS COOL KITCHEN GADGET
This gadget is awesome for spiralizing fruit and vegetables. I love using mine to make zoodles (zucchini noodles) or to make this Spiralized Cucumber Salad. A great gadget for adding some interest to meal time and for increasing my veggie intake. Get Inspiralized.
Click on this link to view on Amazon.
THIS MARBLE ROLLING PIN
For the baker and expert pie and holiday cookie maker (which may ultimately benefit the giver of this sleek rolling pin).
Click on this link to view on Amazon.
A GREEN DUTCH OVEN (OR ANY COLOR REALLY)
A dutch oven is definitely a must-have for all the tasty soups, stews, roasts, and all the cozy one-pot recipes. This dutch oven will last a lifetime. I kind of want one in every color. (I'm also especially loving the Matte Black, Dark Blue, and Grenadine colors).
Click on this link to view on Amazon.
THESE GAMES FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT
(AS RECOMMENDED BY MY 8-YEAR OLD)
Click these links to view on Amazon.
- Clue Retro Series 1986 Edition Game (gotta love that the game I played as a kid is now considered retro)
- Lost Cities (only for 2 players)
- Uno (it's not retro, it's deluxe)
- Monopoly Junior (I promise you won't be playing for hours)
- Catan (a more complex game but my kids love it, my 5 year old needs help playing but my 8 year old doesn't)
- Sorry! (retro anyone?)
THIS BETTA FISH TANK
(BECAUSE I KNOW A COUPLE OF KIDS WHO MIGHT BE GETTING A FISH)
I'm thinking this no mess, no stress maintenance fish tank is right up my alley for two kids that desperately want a fish. Especially since we already have a geriatric dog.
Click on this link to view on Amazon.
Alright friends, that's it! Thank you so much for being a part of this little community here on Pass Me Some Tasty. I truly appreciate you and hearing about all of the tasty recipes that you are making from this blog. I hope you have a truly magical and fun-filled holiday season with loved ones, as well as easy holiday shopping in front of a fireplace with cozy slippers on and a tasty warm beverage in hand. And don't forget to have Christmas with Bing playing in the background. xo
Disclaimer: All brand recommendations are purely my own opinion. I am in no way sponsored by the brands mentioned or compensated by these brands for my recommendations. This post may also contain affiliate links which I may receive a small commission from (without any additional costs to you). The money earned from these commissions helps me to maintain this website. Thank you for your support!
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