Tag: Gift Guide

11 Gifts No One Wants to Get This Christmas

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date October 14, 2021
8 Comments on 11 Gifts No One Wants to Get This Christmas

Each year when Christmas rolls around we buy gifts for the people in our lives. We exchange gifts with our family members, friends, children, and parents. When it comes to giving gifts to those you are closest to, it’s a little easier to buy something you know they’ll like. Sometimes, however, the gift-giving occurs in a group gift exchange or among co-workers, and you may not know what to buy. When this happens, try to avoid buying the gifts no one wants to get.

In these cases, you usually don’t know what specific item to buy, because you either don’t know who will be receiving your gift or you don’t know the person well enough to make an educated decision. This leaves you searching for and buying a gift that most people would like. This can be tricky, as many commonly given gifts in these settings are gifts that no one actually wants.

Now I don’t know about you, but I love to give GREAT gifts. If I gave a gift that no one was excited about or that paled in comparison to the other gifts, I would feel terrible! I would be so embarrassed, and I would feel bad for the person who was stuck with it. No matter who is receiving your gift, you should make sure the gift will be loved so that no one is disappointed (including yourself!).

To help you out, I have compiled a list of the gifts you should avoid giving at Christmas time. Also known as The Gifts No One Wants to Get This Christmas.

11 Gifts No One Wants to Get for Christmas

1. A pet

Giving someone a pet as a gift may seem like a good idea, but it really isn’t. A pet should be personally chosen (by the pet owner) to ensure that there is a bond between the owner and the pet. By gifting a pet, you are giving the receiver a HUGE responsibility.

Welcome to the world of cleaning up after a pet, feeding, grooming, and paying vet bills. While this world is great, it should be something that the pet owner (or the gift receiver, in this case) chooses for themselves. Unless someone specifically asks for a certain pet, avoid this gift at all costs.

2. Exercise equipment

Exercise equipment is a gift no one wants for a couple of reasons.

First, it puts potentially unwanted pressure on the receiver. Either they feel pressured to begin working out, or they just got a gift that will collect dust. There is no in-between.

The second reason that exercise equipment is a bad gift no one wants is that it could be insulting to the receiver. They may feel like you are implying they need to lose weight, which you never want to do when giving someone a gift.

3. Anti-aging cream

Just like with exercise equipment, anti-aging cream could be unintentionally insulting to the receiver. This is a gift best left for personal purchase instead of as a gift.

4. Cleaning supplies

How exciting is it to buy cleaning supplies? Now, consider how fun it is to use or look at cleaning supplies? Not much fun, right? Think about that when you’re buying a gift.

Would someone be excited to unwrap a gift only to find all-purpose cleaner or sponges in the package? I wouldn’t be, especially if everyone around me was opening exciting gifts. If there is nothing pleasurable about it, don’t buy it as a Christmas gift.

5. Gag gifts

While everyone may get a good laugh out of a gag gift at first, it is going to quickly lose its charm. There isn’t much that a person can do with a gag gift, so it ends up being clutter or trash. You don’t want to give a gift that is never used and barely remembered.

Now, ignore this tip if the theme of your gift exchange is gag gifts. Also, ignore this if the gift exchange is between children because children do love a good whoopee cushion or bubble-gum zapper (their parents may hate you for it, though).

6. Lingerie

So, not only could lingerie be an embarrassing gift for the receiver, but it is also a gift that isn’t of much use. If a man gives a woman lingerie as a gift, he is essentially buying a gift for himself. Um, what?!

Men, don’t buy lingerie as a gift for women. Women, don’t give lingerie as a gift for Christmas, either. Save it for a bachelorette party.

7. Socks

Unless the person receiving the gift specifically asked for socks, don’t buy them as a gift. Socks are so impersonal, and it isn’t always very exciting. If you do buy socks as a gift, make sure they are high-quality, fashionable socks. Regular white socks from Walmart should not be a gift.

8. Fruitcake – Gifts no one Wants

I have never in my life met someone who actually likes fruitcake. Why is it still such a popular gift at Christmas time?! Please don’t.

9. Seasonal clothing

If you give someone a Christmas sweater or Christmas leggings as a Christmas gift, they will only be able to wear them that day and then not again until next December. Even if you give the gift a week early, the receiver will only get to wear it a couple of times before the Holidays are over.

10. Gift cards to expensive stores

Unless you are using a large amount of money to buy the gift card, the receiver may actually be inconvenienced here. If you give a $20 gift card to a store that only offers items that cost more than $20, you are forcing the gift receiver to pitch in money for their own gift. They can only use your gift at one store, but if they can’t even afford to buy one item with that gift card, it isn’t really a useful gift. See the problem?

When is a Gift Card Appropriate?

If you want to buy a gift card, make sure it’s to an affordable store or website and put enough money on it that the receiver can buy something without using their own money. Amazon gift cards are my favorite because the receiver of the gift card can literally buy ANYTHING.

11. A vacuum cleaner

If you have carpet in your home, you need a vacuum cleaner. This doesn’t mean anyone (even if they have carpet) wants a vacuum as a Christmas gift. You can say Merry Christmas in a better way than dishing out chores to the receiver. Unless someone specifically requests a new vacuum as a gift, don’t do it.

Gifts No One Wants

Some of the most popular gifts to give are gifts that no one really wants. You may be guilty of giving these gifts yourself. If so, don’t feel bad. Most of us have done it.

This year, avoid giving the worst Christmas gift by avoiding these 11 gifts no one wants. By figuring out which gifts people don’t want to get for Christmas, you have made your choice so much easier. Even if you don’t know what someone DOES actually want, your chances of hitting the mark are much better now.

What gift can you think of that no one wants to get? Better yet, is there a gift that you receive every year that you don’t enjoy? Tell me about it in the comments! Also, tell me what you do with the gifts that you didn’t want after you get them home.

Tags Gift Guide, Holiday

Gifts Holiday How To

5 Ways To Choose The Perfect Gift

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date July 31, 2021

Studies show that giving to others can make you happier than spending the same amount of money on yourself. That joy can come with a bit of a catch, though. It can sometimes be difficult to choose the perfect gift for someone, whether that someone is your six-year-old nephew, your mother-in-law, or that slightly strange co-worker that you got in the office Secret Santa.

How to Choose The Perfect Gift

1. Consider the Person and Their Interests

Make this list as long as you can, spending at least two minutes writing down everything you can think of. Now, think of something to go with each item on your list, no matter how small or large. You don’t have to give all of those gifts, but you will come up with some unique ideas that you would not necessarily have thought of otherwise.

When you combine a few of the ideas, the gift receiver will appreciate how personalized and thoughtful you were. Perhaps your nephew loves wooden toys or your colleague is known to be a Game of Thrones fan. If so, consider those as gift options.

2. Consider What They Need and Want

Consider some of that person’s more exciting needs. If there is a mom on your list, consider products to help them run their lives more efficiently. Or, consider something she has been wanting to do but can’t seem to find the time for, such as a home manicure set. Thinking on a broader scale will allow you to step outside of your comfort zone as you choose the perfect gift.

3. Find Something That Matches Their Personality

Consider the gifts that speak about who your recipient is in person, using the list of information that you have compiled. Purchase an arts and crafts supply for an artistic person. Consider the art projects that they have completed or have at the very least shown an interest in starting.

4. Make the Giving of the Gift an Event in Itself

Use your imagination when it comes to packaging. Rather than simply handing them a gift wrapped in regular wrapping paper, consider the gifting experience to be an event that you want them to enjoy. Try a scavenger hunt, which is great for kids. And never, ever underestimate the joy of unwrapping gifts.

5. Do Not Overthink It

We are all guilty of overthinking the gifts that we buy. We want them to be absolutely perfect for the person receiving them. Most people are overjoyed to receive any gift, and sometimes, the more simple ones – a promise of your time, a home-baked cake, hand-picked flowers, or that little something that you saw that you reminded you of them can be the most special gifts of all.

Choose The Perfect Gift

When you want to choose the perfect gift, keep an open mind while you also consider the person you are buying for. Make it fun and thoughtful, and they are sure to love it.

Tags Gift Guide, gifts, Holiday, How to

Adulting Coffee Date Gifts

10 Reasons to Try Bean Box Award Winning Coffee

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date April 23, 2021
3 Comments on 10 Reasons to Try Bean Box Award Winning Coffee

Bean Box, Bean Box Coffee, Coffee Subscription Box, Gifts for Coffee Lovers, Subscription Box for Coffee, Auto-Ship Coffee, Coffee,

I love coffee and, like many people, begin my day with it every day. Mornings are sometimes hard for me, so I started switching up my coffee flavors to make it more exciting. Once I did that, I started looking forward to mornings and to waking up before the kids. Now, I am obsessed with trying new coffee and trying different brands. I found Bean Box, and when I tried their coffee, I was hooked. You will never get bored with their products, and they offer so many perks to their customers.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Why You Should Try Bean Box Award Winning Coffee

1. It can be the Perfect Gift

Finding the perfect gift for someone you care about can be hard sometimes. With Bean Box, you can simplify the gift buying process by signing the receiver up for a coffee subscription box. You can also buy a gift box for them, instead. They offer many gift options including:

Coffee Sampler
Tea Tasting Gift Box
World Coffee Tour Box
Bean Box Single-Brew Cups
Chocolate Collection Gift Box
Coffee and Tea Gift Box

2. They Have Cold Brew

Need I say more? Sometimes you just need a cold coffee. Bean Box offers a cold brew that is delicious and refreshing.

3. They Have Dunk-able Biscotti

Their Italian-style biscotti are handmade and pair perfectly with coffee. They are dunk-able, so you can dip them into your coffee without them crumbling to pieces.

I’m excited to try their coffee & biscotti tasting box. It comes with yummy coffee and a variety of biscotti to try.

4. You Can Sign Up For a Subscription

I love a good subscription box, but Bean Box is the best yet. At the time of this blog post, all of the subscriptions ship for free, too. Some of the subscriptions you can choose from include:

Coffee of the Month Club

In the Coffee of the Month Club, each month you will receive 12 ounces (makes 24-36 cups) of whole bean coffee from roasters like Zoka, Seattle Coffee Works, Vita, and Fundamental. It also comes with tasting notes, brewing tips, and chocolate.

Coffee Bag Subscription

The Coffee Bag Subscription is a 12 ounce bag of coffee that can be delivered weekly, biweekly, or monthly. You can choose which roast you prefer and if you want whole bean or freshly ground coffee. This one is perfect for those that never want to run out of coffee.

Coffee Tasting Subscription

The Coffee Tasting Subscription is my favorite one because you get four different coffees each month. Each coffee comes in a 1.8-ounce bag, which will brew 4-6 cups of coffee. So, between all four flavors, you will get 16-24 total cups of coffee.

It’s fun because you can mix it up and try different coffee often. This makes it easy to find your favorite because you can try them all without ordering a large bag.

5. They Offer All Roasts

Bean Box has coffee for everyone because they offer light, medium, dark, decaf, and espresso roasts. They also allow you to choose a mix of medium & dark or a mix of light & medium. If you can’t decide, you can select all roasts and receive a variety of everything.

6. You Can Choose Which Type You Want

You can choose from whole bean and freshly ground coffee, ensuring you get what you need or prefer.

7. They Have Premium Tea

If you like tea, Bean Box has you covered for that, too. My favorite Bean Box tea so far is Cozy Nights Herbal Tea, which helps me fall asleep at night. They have so many flavors, though, so make sure you check them all out.

8. There are Coffee Perks

When you shop with Bean Box, they offer coffee perks that you’ll love. You can set up auto-ship on your favorite products so that you never run out or forget to order. Bean Box offers free shipping on many products and gives you 5% back in Bean Box credits that you can use on more products.

9. They Have so Many Unique and Exciting Flavors

I can’t get over how many flavors Bean Box has, and I want to try them all. I like dark roasts, so I’ll be trying all of those first.

There are a few I’m most excited about including Dark Side of the Moon, which has caramel, chocolate, and cocoa. Cloud City Blend has hints of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate. Full City Espresso contains chocolate and cocoa powder.

10. Coffee is Life

The final reason you should try Bean Box is that coffee is life. As parents, we need it to function. You should make this part of your life exciting by switching it up and trying new things.

Try Bean Box Award Winning Coffee Today

I have an entire list of products that I want to try from Bean Box, and I’m slowly working through the list. The things I’ve tried already have been so good, and I can’t wait to try the rest!!

Check out their website ASAP so you can enjoy $5 off your first box. Which products sound the best to you?!

If you are interested in subscription boxes for kids, check out my post 4 Fun Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids: Non-Toy Gifts for Kids.

Tags adulting, Coffee Date, fun, Gift Guide, gifts, subscription boxes

For the Home Gifts Holiday

The Best Precious Moments Gift Guide 2020

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date October 18, 2020
2 Comments on The Best Precious Moments Gift Guide 2020

classic Christmas gifts everyone will love

Nothing says classic like Precious Moments, and it’s the perfect gift to give someone you love. Anyone in your life will love these cute décor pieces. The best part is, there are so many to choose from that you’re sure to find something personal and meaningful.

From ornaments and snow globes to figurines and advent calendars, Precious Moments has everything. There are figurines related to professions (Hello, medical professionals!), lifestyles, holidays, and special events. With many styles, colors, and types, you have plenty of options.

So, as you start planning your Christmas shopping this year, consider some of these Precious Moments Figurines. You’ll be glad you did and your gift will be a hit on Christmas morning.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Precious Moments Gifts 2020

1. All I Want For Christmas Figurine

Precious Moments All I Want For Christmas Figurine

Visiting Santa and telling him what you want is a tradition for most children. This figurine is nostalgic for adults and can help bring Christmas spirit. For children, it’ll be a reminder of the excitement involved in seeing Santa.

2. Tree-mendous Fun

This figurine has colors and lights, making it stand out among the other decorations. With tree decorating and carol singing involved, it is sure to inspire happy memories. The button cell batteries are included.

3. Meet Me Under The Mistletoe Limited Edition Figurine

Precious Moments Meet Me Under The Mistletoe Limited Edition Figurine

This mistletoe figurine will bring back memories of Christmas’s past spent with someone special. You could get this figurine for them as a reminder of you that they’ll always cherish.

This figurine is limited edition and Precious Moments is only selling 3,000 of them, so don’t wait if you love this one.

4. My Favorite People Call Me Grandma

Precious Moments My Favorite People Call Me Grandma

Grandmothers tend to love cute figurines like this, and this one will make her even happier. A reminder of how much her grandchildren love and appreciate her will never be forgotten. Plus, we all know that the saying is true, grandchildren truly are their grandma’s favorite people.

5. Quote Pitcher

Refresh Your Spirit Refuel Your Soul Precious Moments Pitcher

While Precious Moments is best known for their figurines, they also have items for your kitchen. This pitcher is so cute and can fit many different kitchen styles.

It is made of glazed ceramic, is 8.5″ high, and can hold 49 oz. of liquid. You aren’t limited to using it for serving liquids, however. It can be used as a decorative vase, instead.

6. Each New Moment Milestone Photo Frame

Precious Moments Each New Moment Milestone Photo Frame

Parents love to document each milestone, especially the firsts. This New Moment Milestone frame does just that, plus it allows the parent to display it in a beautiful way.

Each spot holds a 3″ x 3″ photo. There is a place for first smile, first bath, first teeth, first steps, and first solid food.

7. May Angels Embrace You Photo Frame

Precious Moments May Angels Embrace You Photo Frame

This photo frame holds a 4″ x 4″ photo and is for those who have lost a loved one. They can place a photo inside, and the wings wrap around. It is a reminder that their loved one is always with them and always surrounding them with love.

8. Be Caring, Kind, And Live Joyfully Bear Keepsake Bank

Precious Moments Be Caring, Kind, And Live Joyfully Bear Keepsake Bank

This bank is made of ceramic and is around 5″ tall. It comes with an endangered animal story card so the child can learn about the animal, too. It opens on the bottom to get the money back out, and is the perfect, classic gift for any child.

9. Your Story Has Just Begun Bookends

Precious Moments Your Story Has Just Begun Bookends

If these bookends existed when I was decorating nurseries for my babies, they would have definitely been in there. I am in love with them because the animals are the saying are both adorable.

10. You’re My Honey Exclusive Limited Edition

Precious Moments You’re My Honey Exclusive Limited Edition

If you’ve ever been camping together, this is the perfect gift to give to someone special. It will bring back great memories of time spent around the campfire. This Precious Moments figurine is an Exclusive, so you won’t find it in stores.

11. Fairy Tails Do Come True Exclusive Figurine

Precious Moments Fairy Tails Do Come True Exclusive Figurine

This mermaid figurine is perfect for a little girl’s bedroom. As a little girl pulls on a glittery mermaid tail (or blanket), it inspires imagination. Precious Moments has this same figurine with different hair colors, too, so you’re not limited to the blonde version.

12. You’re My Hero Figurine

Precious Moments You’re My Hero Figurine

Health care workers are definitely heroes. They always have been, but even more so amidst the Corona Virus pandemic. Show your appreciation with this figurine. There are more options available on the Precious Moments website if you want one that looks different than this one.

13. Joy To The Whole Wide World Annual Santa Figurine

Precious Moments Joy To The Whole Wide World Annual Santa Figurine

This might be my favorite figurine of all time because I love that Santa’s bag has a globe popping out. It’s a reminder of how many places Santa has to stop on Christmas Eve.

The figurine is cute for any home, but especially for a home with children in it. It’ll make them more excited and ready for the big day.

Which Precious Moments Figurine Was Your Favorite?

Tell me which one of these figurines you liked best! Even better, check out the Precious Moments website to browse other options and tell me your favorites.

Tags Christmas, Gift Guide, gifts

Gifts Holiday Kindergarten Age Learning Parenting Toys and Games

12 of The Best Board Games for Kids: Meaningful Gift Ideas

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date August 2, 2020
36 Comments on 12 of The Best Board Games for Kids: Meaningful Gift Ideas

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , best games for kids

I don’t know about you, but I start my Christmas shopping in August. With five kids, it’s essential to begin early and to make sure all my gift plans are in place. My kids love games, so I have been researching the best games for kids.

While I know some of the games they would enjoy, there are so many games out there that I have never heard of. I like to buy games for kids that help develop their skills, and all of the games in this post are ones that do just that.

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

Best Games for Kids

1. Race to the Treasure

I love this game because instead of playing against one another, the kids work together to beat an ogre to a treasure. While playing Race to the Treasure, kids will learn strategy, math concepts, making decisions as a team, and cooperation.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old, Race to the Treasure game for kids, board game for kids

2. 5 Second Rule Jr.

This is a family-friendly version of the 5 Second Rule adult game. When playing 5 Second Rule Jr., kids will read a card and give an answer within 5 seconds. Since it involves quick thinking, funny answers are bound to happen.

With good laughs and light-hearted fun, this game is perfect for family bonding time. If the child can’t quite read yet, playing on teams is fun, too.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old, 5 second rule jr., board games for kids

3. Pie Face Showdown

Pie Face is such a fun game, even if it is a little messy. The original game involved players passing the whipped cream covered hand around the table and turning the crank, hoping to not get hit in the face with whipped cream.

Pie Face Showdown is an upgraded version of the original. This one requires two players to both have their faces in front of a whipped cream covered hand. The players have to push their buttons faster to make the whipped cream hit their opponent.

4. Guess Who?

Guess Who is a classic, and it’s one of my favorites. Each player has a card with a person on it, and their opponent has to figure out which character the other one has. The first to figure out their opponent’s character wins the game.

The way you eliminate characters is by asking descriptive questions. These questions can be “Is your person wearing a hat?”, “Does your person have a mustache?”, or anything else that can help eliminate characters and lead you to your opponent’s character.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old, Guess Who, Board Games for kids

5. Buggaloop

This game features a Hexbug that crawls underneath the “backyard” (the game board). It can climb vertically, horizontally, turn corners, and go through loops and tubes. You have to try and get your game piece all the way across the board before the Hexbug appears and takes you out.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old, BuggaLoop board game, Hexbug game for kids

6. Uno

This simple classic card game is perfect for kids because it teaches so many things at once. Color and number matching, taking turns, and paying attention are all skills they can develop while playing.

I play this game often with my 3 and 4-year-old, as well. The only change I make is that we can see each other’s cards so that I can help as needed.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , card games for kids, Uno

7. Rush Hour Jr.

To play this game, kids will shift vehicles out of the way to clear a path to the exit. There are 40 levels, allowing for endless fun and brain stimulation. Rush Hour Jr. can help improve logical and spatial reasoning, planning skills, and problem-solving.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , logic games for kids, Rush Hour Jr

8. Operation

Another classic, the game of Operation has stood the test of time. Kids love this game, no matter which era they were born in.

It helps develop fine motor skills as kids use tweezers to remove ailments from the patient’s body. If the child misses and hits the side of the opening, the game buzzes, and the patient’s nose lights up. The player who can remove the most ailments wins.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , games to develop fine motor skills, operation

9. Ravensburger Labyrinth

I am so excited to get this game for my son for Christmas. The game changes each time you play it because the tiles move. This ensure that the child won’t get bored with it, since it’s pretty much a different game each time.

They will move their piece around the board, working their way to a treasure. On each turn, the child will also have the chance to change the path of the maze. It’s the perfect game to teach strategy.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , board games for kids, Labyrinth

10. No Stress Chess

This game offers a chance to teach kids how to play chess with little frustration on their part. It comes with a deck of cards that teach the rules of the game and strategies that should be used.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , teach kids to play chess, no stress chess, chess for kids

11. Skillmatics Educational Game: Brain Games

This is a game that is fun for the whole family, as the age range is from 6-99 years. It teaches thinking and reasoning, plus logic and problem-solving skills. As the game is played, the boards can be wiped off and done again.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , brain games for kids

12. SpringFlower Sight Word Game

My son isn’t a huge fan of working on his sight words the traditional way. I’m always looking for new activities to help him learn them. When I found this game, I was so excited. I only wish I had come across it sooner!

The kids will use the fly swatters to smack the appropriate sight word when it is called out. It’ll help them recognize the word more quickly, and it’ll be fun, helping to commit it to memory.

gift ideas for a 6 year old boy, 6 year old boy gift guide, gifts for a 6 year old , sight word game, how to teach sight words

Final Thoughts on 12 of The Best Games for Kids

With as much as my kids love games, I always want to choose the ones that they will love. The best games for kids are the ones that offer a learning opportunity or help develop skills.

What are some of the games your kids love? Do you have any games for kids that you want to buy as a Christmas gift this year? Leave me a comment and let me know! I’d love to hear about it.

Posts Related to the Best Games for Kids

Tags big kid, big kid activities, Birthday, Christmas, Family Activities, fine motor, funny, Gift Guide, gifts, Holiday, kindergarten, learning, little kid, numbers, Parenting, Preschool, sight words, toddler activities

Adulting Decor Gifts Holiday

Valentine’s Gifts for Him and Her (+ some cute décor)

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date January 26, 2020
15 Comments on Valentine’s Gifts for Him and Her (+ some cute décor)

Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Décor, Valentines Day, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gift for him

Valentine’s Day is coming, which means you likely need ideas for Valentine’s gifts for your partner. We don’t make a huge deal of Valentine’s Day at our house, but I always make sure to get my husband and kids a little something to make them smile.

So far in our relationship, I have always made one homemade Valentine’s gift for my husband, and then one store-bought gift. Each year, though, I struggle in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s trying to think of the perfect gift for him.

This post is based on my research for the perfect Valentine’s gift for him, and since I know some of you need a Valentine’s gift for her, I’ve included some of those ideas, too!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

Whether you are looking for a Valentine’s gift for a dad, husband, brother or any other man, I’ve got you covered!

1. Engraved, personalized wallet

personalized wallet, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for him, best Valentine's Gift — Click image for link

2. What Do You Meme board game

Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for him, best Valentine's Gift, what do you meme game, games for couples — Click image for link

3. Carhartt Men’s Hat

Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for him, best Valentine's Gift, Carhartt hat, hat for men — Click image for link

4. YETI Rambler Insulated Mug with Lid

YETI coffee mug, yeti mug with lid, yeti cup, yeti insulated, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for him, best Valentine's Gift — Click image for link

5. Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes

6. Pop Up Indoor/Outdoor Golfing Target

Pop Up Indoor/Outdoor Golfing Target, gifts for a golf lover, gift for a golfer, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for him, best Valentine's Gift — Click image for link

Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Décor, Valentines Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gift for him, valentine's gifts

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her

1. Felt Letter Board

felt letter board, rustic letter board, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gift, wall decor, — Click image for link

2. Natural Himalayan Salt with Metal Basket Lamp

3. Electric Stainless Steel S’mores Maker with Compartment Trays and Roasting Forks

Electric Stainless Steel S'mores Maker with Compartment Trays and Roasting Forks, indoor s'mores maker, make s'mores inside, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gift — Click image for link

4. Tartan Winter Infinity Scarf with Beanie

Bowbear tartan winter infinity scarf and beanie, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gift, wall decor, — Click image for link

5. Matching Couple Coffee Mugs

From My Heart to Yours His and Hers Matching Couple Coffee Mugs Set, matching mugs for couples, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gifts — Click image for link

6. Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

Essential oil diffuser bracelet, Valentine's Day Gift, Valentine's Gift for her, best Valentine's Gift — Click image for link

Valentine’s Day Decor

Click on the image for more information about these cute Valentine’s Decor items.

Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Décor, Valentines Day

Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Décor, Valentines Day, valentine's gifts

Valentine’s Gifts for Him and Her (+ some cute décor)

Valentine’s Day Gifts are sometimes tricky to decide on. Keeping it fun and simple is the way to go. Which gifts on this list would you consider giving or which ones would you like to receive? Leave a comment to let me know!

Tags adulting, Gift Guide, gifts, Holiday, Valentine's Day

Adulting Decor For the Home Gifts

11 of The Best Amazon Finds For the Home Décor Lover

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date January 8, 2020
19 Comments on 11 of The Best Amazon Finds For the Home Décor Lover

home decor, gift ideas for a home decor lover

I love home décor and I love adding pieces to my collection whenever possible. While I like seasonal or holiday items, it’s also important to have beautiful pieces throughout my home during the rest of the year, too. These pieces can also be used WITH your seasonal pieces, making them year-round options.

Cute Home Décor Pieces

1. Small White Vase Set (Ceramic)

home decor, small vase set, ceramic vase set, gift ideas for a home decor lover

This set of 3 vases is versatile and could really be used in any room of a home or office. It’s a nice addition to other décor items and adds height difference.

2. Golden Black LED Marquee Letter

home decor, Golden Black Led Marquee Letter, vintage letter, gift ideas for a home decor lover

This light-up letter would be cute in any room, but I envision it in a bedroom for some reason. It could be hung on the wall or sat on a shelf, and it would be cute either way.

3. Hanging Planter Vase & Geometric Wall Décor

home decor, Umbra Trigg Hanging Planter Vase & Geometric Wall Decor, gift ideas for a home decor lover

Succulents are super popular amongst home décor lovers and wall-hanging planters are even better. This set of 2 doesn’t actually come with the succulents, so if you aren’t a plant lover, you could put something else inside. If you do love succulents, you can grab some of those to put in this planter right over here —-> succulents link.

4. Canvas Prints – green plants

home decor, Canvas Prints green plant, gift ideas for a home decor lover, succulent

These cute succulent canvas prints are perfect for any room of the house and can match many different décor styles. It comes as a set of 3 and could be used separately or together.

5. Decorative Natural Wood Floating Wall Shelves

home decor, Decorative Natural Wood Floating Wall Shelves, gift ideas for a home decor lover

Every décor lover needs decorative shelving to put their other décor on, right? This 3-tiered shelf is perfect because it’s versatile, can be used in any room, and has enough space to hold multiple items on each shelf.

6. Rustic Antique Wooden Window Pane

home decor, Rustic Antique Wooden Window Pane, gift ideas for a home decor lover

I’ve been wanting this wooden window pane to put on my fireplace mantle for soooo long. I love the way they look and how much you can do with it, and it can be worked into any seasonal display you may have, too. My birthday is coming up so I’m hoping to get something like it. (Hint, hint, Christopher).

7. Bathroom Décor Box, Double Sided

home decor,Bathroom Decor Box double sided, nice butt, hello sweet cheeks, gift ideas for a home decor lover, Bathroom Decor Box 2 sides

How fun are these décor boxes for the bathroom?! I’ve been wanting one that says ‘nice butt’ for a while and when I found this double sided one I fell in love. I love changing up my décor every once in a while and what better way than by just turning something around?

8. Rustic Wood Home Sign

home decor, Rustic Wood Home Sign, nice butt, hello sweet cheeks, gift ideas for a home decor lover

Letters and words are so much fun, and they add a nice change to your other décor. These wooden ‘HOME’ letters can be hung on the wall or put on a shelf, and there are different color options available, too.

9. Flannel Blanket with Pompom Fringe

home decor, Flannel Blanket with Pompom Fringe, gift ideas for a home decor lover

Throw blankets are always a safe gift for a home décor lover. I love the color of this one and how it could go with so many different color schemes, and the pom-poms are the cute little embellishment this blanket needed to be perfect.

10. Artificial Eucalyptus Wreath

home decor, Artificial Eucalyptus Wreath, gift ideas for a home decor lover

Not everyone knows this, but you can do SO much with a wreath. From hanging it alone on a door or window to adding it to a empty decorative window frame (remember #6 on this list?!), this realistic looking wreath would be perfect for a home décor lover to add to their collection.

11. Antique Pewter Basket with Copper Handles

home decor, Antique Pewter Basket with Copper Handles, gift ideas for a home decor lover

I have this exact basket, and I literally want 6 more of them. It’s heavy duty, super cute, and can hold anything from toys to throw blankets. There are different sizes and shapes available, too.

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

Final Thoughts on The Best Amazon Finds For the Home Décor Lover

I love home décor and I’m always asking for it for holidays. The only problem with that is that my husband and kids never know what to actually buy me! If you find yourself in that same situation, this guide should give you some options or at least point you in the right direction.

Do you like home décor? If so, what style do you like best and what are your favorite pieces? Tell me about it in the comments!

Tags adulting, Gift Guide, Home

Big Kid Gifts Holiday

Gift Ideas for a 12 Year Old Boy

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date November 10, 2019
2 Comments on Gift Ideas for a 12 Year Old Boy

gifts for a 12 year old boy, best gifts for 12 year old, gifts for middle schooler

Whether you need birthday gifts, a “just because” gift, or Christmas gift ideas for a 12-year-old boy, this is the perfect gift guide. At 12, boys stop asking for toys as much and become a little more difficult to buy gifts for. I think it’s important to still find gifts for boys to “play” with, so I make sure to mix in toys for a 12-year-old with the video games and electronics that they always tend to ask for.

Since they are sometimes hard to buy for, I did my research (including asking our own son) and put together this list of gift ideas for a 12-year-old boy.

22 Best Gift Ideas for a 12 Year Old Boy

1. Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector

This projector can transform the color and mood of the room in only seconds. There are 16.7 million colors to choose from, and he can control the speed settings and brightness. The best part is that this is a smart projector, so it can be controlled right from a phone. It can also be connected to an Alexa or Google device, and you can set a timer for when it shuts off.

2. Game System

A PlayStation 4 or Xbox 1 are both great gifts for a 12-year-old boy, and Fortnite gifts are always a safe choice.

2. Xbox Live Membership

If your son plays online (which is the case with most games) this is a necessity. You can choose a 6-month option or a 12-month option. This allows the gamer to play online with his friends.

3. Drone

Drones are so much fun, and they normally get kids outside to play. If you’re unfamiliar with a drone, the child will use a remote control to fly the device through the air.

4. Amazon Echo

Our 12 year old loves to listen to music, and we are always finding our kitchen Echo in his room. He’d LOVE to have his own, so I know that it is a great gift for a 12-year-old boy.

5. Fortnite Nerf gun

It seems as if kids are growing up quicker than ever before, and I’ve found that 12 is about the age when kids stop asking for as many toys. This one is perfect because it does help them return to their younger years and relax a little more, but it is also a little cooler because it is Fortnite. 😉

Really, though, our son doesn’t ask for many toys anymore, but I always make sure to get him one Nerf gun. Since I only get him one, I make sure it’s cool and different from anything he’s had before.

6. Xbox controller

If the 12 year old boy plays video games, he could normally use another controller. And if he doesn’t NEED one but wants a cooler one, why not, right?

7. Bluetooth headset

Again, if your son plays online and with his friends a lot the Bluetooth headset is kind of a necessity. They want to be able to communicate with their friends while gaming.

8. Legos

There are so many Legos to choose from, and it can be difficult to choose just one Lego set for a 12 year old boy. To avoid the stress of picking the “perfect” one, you could choose an option that allows the child to build many different thins.

9. Wireless ear buds

If your son has a smartphone, and an older sibling, this one is definitly a want on their wish list. And lets be honest. No one likes the wires;)

10. Apple Watch or Fitbit

If your son has a smartphone this comes in handy as a parent as well as a kid. Kids like it because its the latest and greatest and you’ll love it because you’ll always be able to get ahold of them (without an excuse) and kids don’t follow the “street light” rule anymore.

11. Waterproof Bluetooth speaker

12. K’Nex Thrill Rides

There are so many cool options when it comes to K’Nex Thrill Rides as a great gift for a 12-year-old. It was so hard for me to decide on one as a gift for a tween, only because there were so many potential options.

13. Monopoly Voice Banking

14. Chromebook

15. Over the door basketball hoop

16. Electric scooter

17. Go pro

18. Gaming chair

So I never knew why kids wanted “office chairs” for their bedrooms when they never sat at their desk anyway, but then I learned that these are “gaming chairs”. My bad. Anyway, if you’re buying for a kiddo who plays video games, he’d love something like this!

19. Madden 20

This is one game that I have found that boys of all personalities love! I buy the newest version each year.

Playstaton 4:

Xbox One:

20. NBA 2K20

PlayStation 4:

Xbox One:

21. Champion clothing

22. Amazon Music Membership

If you are interested in giving Amazon Music Unlimited as a gift for a 12-year-old boy, you can try it out yourself first. If you’re anything like me, you have to feel confident in the gifts you’re giving. The free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited will allow you to see exactly what it is before you gift it.

Final Thoughts On Gift Ideas for a 12 Year Old Boy

With the holidays coming, there are so many kids to buy for. It can be hard to come up with awesome gift ideas for a 12-year-old boy since that’s about the age when they stop asking for toys as much. Luckily, I’ve done the research for you, and I hope this gift guide for a 12-year-old helps you find the perfect gift!

What would you add to this list of best gifts for a 12-year-old boy?

Other Gift Guides

Gift ideas for a:

Tags big kid, big kids, Christmas, Gift Guide, gifts, Holiday

Gifts Holiday

Best Gift Ideas for a 4 Year Old Girl

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date August 29, 2019
6 Comments on Best Gift Ideas for a 4 Year Old Girl

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids

I LOVE choosing and giving gifts, especially gifts for kids. The best gift ideas for a 4 year old girl are ones that other people may not think of giving, which is what you will find in this gift guide. Whether you’re looking for gifts for a girl’s birthday, a Christmas gift for a 4 year old girl, or a “just because” gift, all of the ones here will likely be a hit.

My almost 4-year-old daughter helped me choose some of these, and I can vouch for her judgement… she has a knack for choosing the best gifts, and she also knows what a 4 year old girl likes.

**This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.**

Best Gift Ideas For a Little Girl

1. Magnetic Building Blocks

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, magnetic building blocks

This is the best gift for a 4 year old girl because it will allow her to be creative, use her hands, learn shapes, and has many other benefits because the possibilities are simply endless! From castles to cars, the birthday girl will be able to build anything she wants.

Pros

Many play options available.
Comes with enough pieces to share with siblings or friends.
Encourages growth of many developmental milestones.
A storage box is included to keep all pieces together.

Cons

The storage case is kind of flimsy.
The magnets repel each other if not placed the correct way.

2. Tara Toy Disney Princess Necklace Activity

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, disney necklace activity, disney gift

Little girls tend to LOVE Disney, so you really can’t go wrong with this one. The birthday girl will be able to create her own necklaces using the provided beads, Disney princess characters, and string. It all even comes in a cute little carry case for her to keep all the pieces together and easily travel with the necklace activity kit.

Pros

Includes many Disney characters.
Comes with a secure carrying case to keep all the pieces together.
Allows for customization.
Great for fine motor development.

Cons

When the necklace clasp is opened, all the beads can fall off.
Carrying case is a little flimsy.

3. IQ Toys Kids Washable Makeup Set with A Glitter Cosmetic Bag

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, kid makeup, play makeup, makeup gift for a little girl

My little girl LOVES to play with makeup. I choose to give her some of her own so that she stays out of mine and her teenage sister’s make up bags, because the kid-friendly version washes off (and out of clothes) much easier. It gives her a chance to feel like a “grown up”, and she learns to experiment with makeup in a safe way. Someday she’ll want to wear it regularly and we’ll be all set already because of this best gift idea for a 4 year old girl.

Pros

Washable.
Made of non-toxic materials.
Comes with a bag to keep all the makeup in.

Cons

The bag isn’t full – some customers feel like it should have come with more makeup.
Makeup smells a little weird.

4. Soft Unicorn Hooded Bathrobe Sleepwear

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, soft unicorn hooded bathrobe, bathrobe for little girl, girls bathrobe, unicorn bathrobe gift

You can’t go wrong with unicorns these days, so this bath robe is the best gift for a girl. The rainbow colors, horn, eyes, ears, and mane will allow the birthday girl to pretend to be a real unicorn, and I promise she’ll love it. This robe is made of polyester and runs a bit big, so if you order the girl’s regular size she’ll have room to grow into it.

Pros

Soft and comfortable.
Big enough that the child won’t quickly grow out of it.
Button at the neckline to hold the robe closed.
Has a built in belt so it can’t get lost.

Cons

Leaves fuzz behind on furniture.
A few customers complained of holes in the seams.

5. Melissa & Doug Wooden Make-a-Cake Mixer Set

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids, melissa and doug wooden toy for kids

How fun is this best gift for kids?! Seriously?! It comes with 11 pieces including a mixer, a bowl, a wooden egg that can be broken in half, butter, a cake loaf, a cake pan, a pretend box of cake mix, a wooden knife, and a recipe for the child to follow. Kids will love this interactive pretend play, and it keeps them away from the screens for a while!

Pros

Helps with necessary developmental skills.
Heavy duty.
Buttons and knobs really move.

Cons

The cake mix box is made of cardboard and is easily ripped by kids.
The mixing bowl could be a little bigger.

6. Mermaid Tail Blanket

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids, mermaid tail blanket for girls, mermaid gift, gift for mermaid lover

This crocheted sleeping bag blanket is the best gift for 4 year old girls because kids can be warm and comfortable while also pretending to be a mermaid. It’s long enough that the birthday girl will be able to use the mermaid blanket as she continues to grow, and it even comes with a mermaid pendant to really top of the gift. Personally, I would buy a mermaid movie or book to give along with this, so that the child can curl up in their new blanket and watch or read.

Pros

Warm and comfortable.
Has opening in the very bottom so that child can stand while wearing it.
Comes in a variety of colors.

Cons

The bottom part (the fin) isn’t as big as it looks in the picture.
Some customers thought it could have been thicker.

7. Kids Outdoor Explorer Kit

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids, outdoor explorer kit for girls, girls outdoor toys

Get the birthday girl out of the house and away from a tablet screen by choosing this outdoor explorer kit as her gift. It comes with 12 plastic bugs, binoculars, a flashlight, compass, magnifier, and pair of tweezers. The kit also includes a butterfly net, viewing container, bug container, bug catcher, a whistle, a cloth to clean the lens, and a bag to carry it all in. With all the pieces that are included, a child has limitless options for exploration and can even ask other kids to join in on the play.

Pros

Encourages outdoor play and exploration.
Many play options in this one kit.
All of the pieces fit in the small carrying bag.

Cons

Smaller pieces can easily be lost.

8. Moon Star Projector Light

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids, moon and star projector light, light for kids, color changing light

This light projects moon and star shapes onto the child’s walls and ceilings without interfering with their sleep. The designs can be seen up to 15 feet away, but they aren’t so bright that they make it seem as if the lights are on. The subtle light given and the shapes on the ceiling can help the birthday girl drift off to a peaceful sleep by giving her something calming to look at.

Pros

Has multiple light settings.
Isn’t noisy and the lights aren’t too bright.
Colors can be changed, and there are Holiday themed settings.
Can be plugged in or used with batteries.

Cons

The cord that comes with it is short (although it is just as USB cord so you may have a longer one lying around)
It doesn’t have an automatic shut-off.

9. Teepee Tent

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids, teepee gift for kids, teepee tent for kids, best teepee tent

My daughter loves to spend time alone, playing or reading quietly. She also loves going in forts, tents, and other “hideaways”. This tent is so cute and has door flaps for privacy (they can also be tied back to keep it open). The windows are so cute and make it seem like a mini home or room. I can just picture a little girl sitting inside this tent playing with her toys, so I know it’s one of the best gift ideas for a 4 year old girl.

Pros

Made of thick canvas.
Large enough for more than one child.
Easy to put together.

Cons

Canvas may be wrinkled when it is delivered. This can be fixed by steaming it before putting it together.

10. Flower Garden Building Toys

Gift idea for a 4 year old girl, gift ideas, gift guide, best gift for 4 year old girl, best gift for a little girl, gift idea for kids, best gift for kids, flower garden for kids, garden toy for kids

This toy has so many flower petals and stems that fit into the green “grass” pieces. A child can create their own floral arrangements and “plant” them into the toy, creating their own garden. For more sensory fun, she could use real dirt to plant these pretend flowers into.

Pros

Helps with fine motor development.
Encourages hand/eye coordination.
Child can rearrange and recreate different gardens many times.
Comes with a storage box.

Cons

The only complaint that other customers had about this toy is that it comes with 2 flower pots that can really only be used with real dirt. To me that’s a pro, though!!

Final Thoughts On Best Gift Ideas For a 4 Year Old Girl

These best gift ideas for a 4 year old girl will be a hit no matter which holiday or event you choose to give it for. Are there any gifts you’ve given to a girl of this age that were an absolute hit? Tell me about your best gift ideas for a 4 year old girl in the comments!! I’d also like to know of any to avoid, so definitely let me know about those gifts, too.

Tags Gift Guide, gifts

Adulting For the Home Gifts Holiday

12 Amazon Prime Day Must-Haves

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date July 13, 2019

Amazon prime day must-haves, must have electronics, must have kitchen gadgets, must have home items

Amazon Prime Day (AKA: Christmas in July) happens only one time per year, and Amazon offers TONS of amazing deals you can’t find any other time. I love Amazon all year long, but I’m even more fond of it in July. Prime day is on the 15th and 16th of this month, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Since I am an Amazon Affiliate partner, I get early access to Prime Day deals and a sneak peak of the deals to come. It would just be rude if I kept all of this awesome info to myself, so I’m going to share it with you, too!

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Amazon Prime Membership Perks

There are literally SO MANY benefits for Amazon Prime members, it’s probably impossible to list them all. Just so you can get an idea of some of the best benefits, though, I’ll give it my best to list as many as possible.

Free shipping (sometimes same day!!)
Awesome deals that aren’t available for non-members
Watching movies and TV shows
Free games
Ad free music

How to Join Amazon Prime

It’s so easy to join Amazon Prime. All you have to do is click the image below, and you’ll be taken straight to the sign-up page. You can do a free trial at first to make sure you love all the awesome features and exclusives that come with it.

You can cancel at any time, so there is no commitment if you sign up. It’s super easy to cancel, too. You won’t have to deal with calling anyone or waiting a certain amount of time, you can simply cancel right on the Amazon website (although I’m certain you won’t want to cancel).

Must-Have Prime Day Deals

Fire TV Stick
Instant Pot
Bosch Drill
Robot Vacuum
Laptops
Amazon Echo Dot
Kindle Paperwhite
Phone accessories such as this wireless charger
Xbox 1
PlayStation 4
TVs
Air Fryer

Final Thoughts On Amazon Prime Day Must-Haves

There are going to be SO MANY awesome deals on Prime Day, and there are even some offers leading up to the actual even, so the sooner you sign up the better! What items are you hoping to find for a good deal on Prime Day? Tell me about them in the comments!