The best gifts are the ones that make their recipient feel cared for. The ones that make it clear that they were uniquely and lovingly selected for them. These are the gifts that stamp into our memory, adding a string to the rope that binds us together. They communicate love, attention, and care. They make us feel seen and appreciated. They remind us that someone has a piece of our heart, and has a vested interest in protecting it.

This year, I took this approach in preparing my gift guides. Just as I would select gifts for the special people in my life, I compiled gifts I thought could possibly stand out as “the gift” for the special someone you’re shopping for this year! I’m excited to share my 2020 family holiday gift guides and hope that they provide you with some inspiration for your Christmas shopping season!

Each of my gift guides is inspired by the special people in my life, and I’m going to identify them with one of those people for each! Maybe they’ll know who they are if they read this, either way it’s fun to share an anonymous piece of them!

**Click on the title of each guide to direct to a page with shoppable links!**

Gift Guide for Her

She is a beauty. A glowing, positive presence that lights up a room, stamping smiles on everyone she talks to. She just had a baby and could use a little TLC, because she does that for the people in her life so well. She loves dogs and a good party. She is strong, resilient, and hardworking, always surpassing the goals she sets for herself. She never fails to let her people know that she cares, and you always know she loves you. 

Gifts Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Essential Oil Diffuser, Personalized Notepad/stationary, Handmade Soy Candles, “Resident Dog” coffee table book, Assorted clean facemasks, Charcuterie Board Cookbook, Silk Pillowcase, Spa Quality Robe, Dog Playing Cards, Vintage Dominos game, Handmade Macarame Coasters, Initial Flower Mugs, Initial plate necklace, Watercolor notebook, Skincare Fridge

Gift Guide For Him

He just turned 30, and he acts bummed but I know he’s proud of it. He’s the best dad in the world and would take a day driving his babies around on the tractor over a night out on the town (but he loves those too and will be the last to leave the party). He is a charming and damn good salesman, probably because he genuinely loves people. He’ll snag a chance to sneak away for some hunting, fishing, golfing… and can impressively stretch “yardwork” to be a 7 hour ordeal. He can smoke a mean pork butt and gladly does so with a beer in hand (and a cigar once the kids go down). The world’s best dad and husband, so he deserves something special!

Gifts Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Grill set, bamboo performance tee (matt’s favorite tee shirts), personalized handmade leather business card holders, personalized leather toiletry bag, portable leather cigar humidor, hunting pocket knife, Personalized golf balls, the best underwear (according to Matt), neck massager, Bike Lovers Tool Box,  Costa Fishing Sunglasses, Mini Yeti cooler.

Gift Guide for Baby

She is always smiling. It encourages people at the grocery store to do the same (to which she gladly accompanies her mom). She is heavily lacking “girly things” with a big brother who shoves tractors in her face all day. She couldn’t care less if her toys were made with wood, plastic, or cardboard (in fact, she’d probably prefer the cardboard…). But her mom does, so wood it is. Or silicone, because #teething. She like to snuggle, roll, explore, and chat. She is a miracle, an angel, and an answered prayer. So this year, on her first Christmas, she’s getting spoiled!

 

Gift Guide for Toddler

He’s a ball of energy, a handful, and the best tractor driver. He might not be a good eater, but he’s a GREAT hugger. He’s always looking out for his sister, wanting to “hug”, concerned with her crying, throwing away her diapers… if only he treated his dog with as much tenderness! He loves to force daddy to give him “push up rides”, and will point out phantom vehicles in the backyard all day if you humor him. He has the biggest emotions – even bigger than his mamas (and that’s sayin something), but that’s just because he has the biggest heart! …and because he’s two. He’s putting wrinkles on his mom & dad’s face, but they’re thankful for them. and him.

Small Business Love

My family will be making an effort to support a few of our favorite small businesses this holiday season in our shopping endeavors! I wanted to highlight a couple small businesses that I’m proud to support. Shop any of these and you’ll be putting a real smile on some faces!

Common Assembly – This woman owned boutique from Houston, TX boasts “kindness” as their “thread” and it is oh so evident! They make consistent concerted efforts to pay it forward and value ethical and eco-conscious choices for the brands they carry. Their collections feature a variety of women’s apparel and jewelry ideal for any occasion (or lounging around the house)! Use the code “Kelsie20” to save 20% on your purchase -  Click here to shop and feel good about spending your money with them!

Synergy Organic Clothing – Organic, ethical, and sustainable. Synergy Organic Clothing provides a quality selection of organic basics as well as unique pieces of clothing “art”! A Family owned business based in Santa Cruz, California, they challenge their customers to ask the question “who made my clothes”? Because when you shop with them, you’ll know the answer! Use my code “KelsieBrown20” to save 20% on their site! 

Smiling Tree Toys – A family owned toy company that creates beautifully hand crafted wooden toys for babies and toddlers! We have long been customers of theirs and have chosen their shop to gift wooden treasures to babies of our close friends as well as our own.  They also carry a fun assortment of holiday gifts such as ornaments!

Shea’s Garden Co (My Etsy Shop!) – I launched this etsy shop this month and am having so much fun making these little handmade greeting cards and gifts for y’all! Through the holiday season I’m offering free shipping with the code “KELSIEBROWNBLOG“!

It’s my hope that these guides provide you with some inspiration and ease in your holiday shopping endeavors this year! Perhaps the best gift we can give to one another this year is our eyes and ears. Let’s lookout for each other this year and beyond, and as always, let’s spread the love!

 

-Kelsie