A few years ago, my husband told me a story about something that happened in our early marriage.
It was Christmastime and we were visiting my Aunt Paula in Chicago, who happened to ask Jon what he had gotten me for Christmas. He proudly shared that he’d gotten me a blender and a set of hand weights.
“Take them back!” she cried in horror.
“But they’re already wrapped!” he protested.
“Listen to me,” she hissed, narrowed eyes locking on his now-terrified face. “Take. Them. Back!”
In the end, Jon heeded her advice, and exchanged the blender and dumbbells for some perfume and a nice pair of pajamas, both of which I still use. And to this day, he’s continued to be an excellent gift-giver at all holidays. (Thanks Aunt Paula!)
Sadly, not all women have an Aunt Paula watching their backs during the holidays.
Of course there’s nothing wrong with small appliances as gifts, particularly when it’s the “deluxe” model you’ve been eyeballing for a while (notice to all considering buying me a holiday gift: I would dearly love a KitchenAid stand mixer.) But truthfully, if I wanted or needed a regular old blender, I would already have gotten one myself or put it on my shopping list. (And as far as exercise equipment goes: unless I specifically ASK for it, then, um, no.)
It’s those indulgences that I love but would never think to buy myself – the silky PJs, the earrings that cost more than $9, the soft bathrobe, the Kindle, the beautiful new luggage set – that make the best gifts.
And while I don’t think I would have gotten upset if he’d stuck to his original choices, I also don’t think that Christmas would stand out in my mind as particularly special. But all these years later, I remember feeling so cared for as I unwrapped my gifts.
It’s not always easy for people in our lives to figure out what we want for the holiday – even when we drop serious hints. I’m constantly hearing from women whose husbands wrap up all kinds of perplexing things and stick them under the tree.
It’s not just our significant others who misstep, either. Case in point: I tell my kids I’d like a nice candle for my birthday, and they pick out a half-dozen of those candles with the synthetic fragrance that are so smelly they make my eyes water from across the room. I’d have preferred just ONE soy candle with a light, natural scent, but it kind of takes the fun out of it to have to get that specific.
So this year I’d like your help creating a holiday gift guide for moms that dads, kids, and other mom-gift-givers can use as a guideline when shopping. All you have to do? Leave a comment letting me know what you would put on your dream gift list this holiday.
Or, feel free to suggest something that you already own, love, and think other moms would love too. Go into detail: why would you love to own this object? What makes it different from other, similar objects the gift-buyer might encounter? Where can it be found? Is it available in more than one place?
Leave as many suggestions as you want, and feel free to give a thumbs-up on other people’s suggestions. My managing editor Sarah and I will comb through the list, choose our favorites, and compile them in the first-ever Happiest Mom Holiday Gift Guide.
Note: I especially love suggestions for gifts that come from indie shops and artisans!
As a thank-you for participating, if we feature your suggestion in the Gift Guide, the first person who made that suggestion will get a little gift from me.
Please note that by contributing to this thread, your comments may become part of the eventual Gift Guide. If you would not like your name used in the Happiest Mom Gift Guide, feel free to comment anonymously or use a pseudonym! (On the other hand, I’m happy to mention your blog URL if your comments/suggestions make it into the Gift Guide, so be sure to leave that if you’d like it included.)
I’m so excited about this and am hoping it will help some family members make better-informed gift choices and lead to happier holidays for some moms we know! Thanks so much for leaving your suggestion – we will leave comments open through Monday, November 12, so be sure to weigh in soon!
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
I love to get fancy chocolate bars, like Green & Black’s or Lindt or others like them. The ones that cost $3-$4 per bar, so I rarely splurge on them for myself, but I so enjoy breaking off a piece or two when I do have them.
My fantasy gift is my husband actually taking the kids on a fun adventure for a whole day so I may have some peace and quiet. I take the kids out on my own all the time so he has plenty of time to himself, but he doesn’t return the favor.
Like!!!
I will love to receive gift cards for hair care with due dates. I always postpone to get a haircut, so it could remind me to take care of myself. And if it includes a mani and/or pedi… It’s perfect!
I really want a handmade necklace – love this one http://www.etsy.com/listing/76852865/two-lovers-custom-initials-necklace?ref=usr_faveitems but can’t exactly buy it for myself.
I have a few favs… One year, my mom reserved a nice suite hotel room for my husband and I and she kept our son overnight so we could enjoy the time..
*Another would be a certificate to a spa – massage, manicure, facial, pedicure, etc. Who doesn’t love pampering??
*One that is on my list this year is a Coach bag. This is a luxury that I have never been able to buy this for myself, so to me it’s just something that i have always wanted and never have had.
*Concert Tickets to a favorite artist would be so fun!
I second the Kitchen Aide Stand Mixer…I wanted it before I ever started cooking and now that I actually am trying new things I would really like it.
Also love adding to my Pandora bracelet, like Jessica mentioned, especially items that relate to special family moments. I have each of my girls’ birthstones, then a ladybug to represent my Lillybug and a bead that looks like Minnie Mouse’s dress to represent my oldest. I have a giraffe for my niece, a bookworm to represent myself etc!
I truly AM a bookworm and have certain artists that I adore. I love when my husband hunts down special editions or autographed copies. This is even more special now that I normally do not buy real copies of books and use my ipad with the nook and kindle apps.
Lastly, my husband pays close attention to me throughout the year…I might say “I wish I had better headphones” in March, and they end up under the tree!
How fun. I love Sephora gift cards (and Starbucks), stationery- I really like http://www.etsy.com/shop/TamaraGarvey and http://www.etsy.com/shop/penandpaint (and of course any framed prints or cards from my friend Chrissy – http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartBoxStudio?ref=seller_info and you know, tech gifts are totally okay with me- Jeff got me a laptop for Mother’s Day and I would not mind an iPad or iPad mini for Christmas, or a Kindle Fire, or something like that!
And of course a girls-only weekend or solo weekend to have spa treatments and relaxation/quiet is a gift of perfection!
Steph
Steph
I definitely agree with the luxurious pajamas and/or slippers – especially if you live in a cold climate.
I tend to find jewelry and perfume hard to purchase for someone unless you really knows their taste. I personally love it when someone gets me a gift card for some place I love to indulge, but rarely do because of the guilt of spending money on myself. This could be anything from a Starbucks card, gift certificate to my favorite nail place or store. As a Mom, I think it is so rare we can go enjoy the feeling of shopping for ourselves, so we not only get to spoil ourselves with something nice, but also enjoy the good ‘ol shopping experience, too.
Another idea: a reminder of some nice memories made throughout the year. Moms are usually the ones taking the pictures, putting them in frames and making the photo books or albums. How nice would it be to get a nice frame, photo book or even a simple collage with us in the pictures, enjoying time with our kids? It could be as fancy or simple as the giver would like, making it ideal for all price ranges and ages. It’s a gift that will be cherished and can serve as a great pick-me-up on rough parenting days.
A fun, cheap, handmade gift are solid perfume twists from Sweet Anthem. My friend and I discovered them at a local craft fair last holiday season and love them. They look and carry like lip balm, so you can throw them in any pocket or purse and they won’t leak or break! Plus the scents are super unique.
http://sweetanthemperfumes.com/collections/products-solid-perfumes/products/solid-perfume-twists
I would love:
1. Coupons for babysitting so I could get a haircut, go shopping alone, go sit somewhere and read or crochet in peace, etc.
2. Gift certificates for a house cleaning service so I could get some nice, deep cleaning done in my house without killing myself!
3. Handmade gifts from my children: they’re little and would need an adult to help them, but the handmade card with my two year old sons handprint in paint I received for Mothers Day is one of my prized possessions.
4. Since I’m still nursing and can’t really leave the baby for long, a volunteer offer from my DH to spend the weekend taking care of everything (feeding, diapers, cooking, cleaning, laundry, tidying, etc) so I could spend a weekend playing with my kids, sleeping, taking baths, nursing and RESTING would probably be the best gift ever!
5. Promises (that must be fulfilled!) of back rubs from my DH would be wonderful. I’m often tense, and its hard to relax enough to enjoy physical interaction with my DH. This would kill two birds with one stone!
6. VISA/AMEX gift cards, of course!
Oh, man, I’d love a new fuzzy robe. And a few new books and cookbooks. The perfect set of earrings. A hobby store gift card. Money to go buy w/e I want on a shopping alone day.
(All things I want, but wouldn’t/couldn’t buy for myself during a normal time)
My husband has a knack for picking out lovely fine jewelry. He rarely sends flowers or brings anything home from business trips, but come the holidays and he chooses beautiful, thoughtful, just right jewelry that always suits me better than something I’d choose myself.
This year I asked for a visit to a local makeup artist. They look at your current skincare/makeup routine and offer suggestions, tips and products that would work well (ranging from department to drugstore finds). I’m at a loss with makeup, so this would be a real treat!
I also second Coach bags, Kitchen Aid stand mixers and you can never go wrong with a new pair of cozy pajamas.
I love this fabulous address stamp! http://www.etsy.com/listing/62640638/swirly-spiral-customized-address-stamp It is so cute and funky! I would really enjoy receiving this for Christmas. I write many letters, so this would be a perfect gift for me!
Well, what I’ve asked for this year is passports for the three of us, and boxing gloves.
My wish list is full of practical things that I can’t justify going out to buy myself, but would certainly make my life easier…and some fun things thrown in there too!
~Waffle maker
~Rice cooker
~Deep freezer
~New TOMS in a fun color
~New make up brushes
~Clairsonic (heard great things about it)
~New toiletry bag for traveling
~Cute new gym clothes (currently wearing DH’s old t-shirts and shorts!)
A great gift my husband gave me last year was the unofficial coffee of the month club. On the first of the month, he gave me a lb of specialty beans with a cute little card. It’s been so nice throughout the year to have special coffee in the AM. And it’s sweet that he’s remembered me each month this year.
LOVE this! What a great idea! Great for any small-ish consumable. I might steal this idea for my husbands gift.
What a fun idea, Meagan!
I have to second Andrea’s suggestion of a Clarisonic. I got one this year and I love it for two reasons: 1. It makes my skin look good, and 2. It reminds me that I deserve time in the bathroom, alone, twice a day to do something just for me that makes me feel great. It’s like a mini spa getaway every day.
I have been buying La Cueset kitchen items lately and they are so pretty! It would be fun to get one as a gift… or fiesta dishes!
Last year I received a wonderful gift from my mom. She took a photo of my son, when he was 6 months old, and turned it into a 4 panel Warhol style portrait.
She got it from allpopart.com.
My mom used colors from my son’s room to make the artwork a perfect fit. Plus, it came on a stretched canvas frame option, and it looks amazing
This year, I plan on creating a superhero of my son and husband, they offer Marvel characters and custom superheroes. Which my husband will love (he’s already a superhero in my eyes… now I can make him see it too!)
What a fantastic idea! (How sad is it that when I first saw the subject heading I instantly began flipping through my mind’s catalogue of best gifts for kids and dads?)
One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was personalized engraved stationery. The set I got is the simple creme-colored cards with my name engraved at the top, accompanied by matching envelopes with my return address engraved on the flap. This is a perfect example of something I would probably never buy for myself (a little pricey, though you can get great deals on personalized stationery), but it makes me feel so mature, sophisticated and just plain *special* every time I use it. I guess I’d recommend this with the caveat that it should be given to someone whom you’ve RECEIVED a hand-written note from in the past, because I think in the age of e-mails and texts, the world can be divided into those who still send hand-written notes and those who don’t. (No judgment, of course!)
Sarah
I am an etsy gift fanatic. Let’s see, some of my faves? I love hair clips, and my favorite are the ones here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuredMemoryLane?section_id=10952104
(I know they say bridal but I wear one almost every day!)
– I have given these crochet necklaces as gifts numerous times and they’re always loved:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TomBjornDesigns?section_id=6386687
Also, my Barefoot Dreams throw. Definitely an adult “blankie.”
http://www.californiacozy.com/Barefoot_Dreams_CozyChic_BambooChic_Throw_p/b402.htm
Okay, one more I forgot. These soy candles are amazing. The packaging is really gorgeous, they have wood wicks that crackle beautifully as they burn, and the owner of this shop is delightful to work with if you want something custom.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moltencandle?section_id=11551196
I know lots of people already have plenty of electronic gadgets but I think the Kindle Fire for an expectant or nursing mother is an amazing gift! I am nursing my third and it is so nice to have something small that I can use while nursing to easily read or check FB. Trying to hold a book and nurse is a bit hard (did that for babies #1 & #2) but the Kindle makes those loooong nursing sessions or the middle-of-the-night-but-don’t-want-to-fall-asleep sessions so much easier!
I’d love to receive this – http://www.etsy.com/listing/93640691/hand-stamped-stacking-rings-in-sterling It’s a beautiful handstamped ring that can be stacked. I love them with my kids names. I like that it’s a little twist on the birthring and all the mom necklaces that are out there.
I’d also love an etsy gift card! There are so many great little shops I’ve discovered and getting a gift card would be awesome. I’m probably not going to put a $15 dollar headband or a pretty felt pin for my coat on my Christmas list but a gift card would mean I’d get a few little things I’ve been eyeing without any guilt!
Day spa voucher – can’t go wrong! And an explicit promise of easy babysitting for the day that it will be used!! Even better – book it in advance!!!
When I had two very small children, I craved a night at a hotel. Nowhere romantic. Not even with my husband. Just a night to sit in a bath with my book. Drink some wine. Sleep ALL night. Leisurely breakfast. Silence…
An e-reader of any breed – so I can bring my book wherever I am going without having to heft the thick heavy books with me. And so I can read trashy novels on the sly without anyone knowing!
Organise for a family portrait to be taken.
Great idea to collate these all in one place – I might have to send the page to my husband!
I love the idea of a holiday gift guide for moms! Brilliant!
I’ve recently ventured into the world of hot tea and found that there are so many varieties to try! Topping my list this year are various loose leaf teas from stores like David’s Tea and Teavana. I agree that the best gifts are the “luxuries” you would rarely spend on yourself. But the cool thing with tea is that you don’t actually have to spend a ton to give a tasty treat… and for a nursing mom like me, having a warm, caffeine-free kind of tea is a great guilt-free indulgence!
The best gift for me would be one that helps me develop professionally — something that encourages what I do outside of being a mom. I’m a writer, so a class — even an online class — or a writing conference would be the most amazing gift ever. Something that not only allows me to indulge and enjoy doing something I love to do, but also sends a message from the giver that they believe in what I do and think it’s worth investing in. I guess since I’m a SAHM who freelances when I can, that would mean a lot to me!
Breastfeeding / bottlefeeding mommy would be happy to get a nursing necklace! You know, a chunky colorful necklace that the little one can touch and discover while eating
These ones are adorable. And can be worn without the baby too
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TomBjornDesigns?section_id=12385353
I’ve been thinking back to the best gifts my husband has given me and two come to my mind as my favorite Christmas gifts ever.
1. He did the twelve days of Christmas for me leading up to Christmas. It was simple things that I like each day leading up to a beautiful letter on Christmas morning.
2. He got together with two of my friends’ husbands and they sent us to a pre-planned weekend in Vegas.
One was cheap and very sweet, and one cost a little more but they were both very thoughtful and really appreciated!
Husbands should carry around notepads. So whenever we say ‘Oh that’s pretty’ or ‘I’d love to go here’ or ‘OMG PUPPY!’ they can take note, and go back whenever they need to, to get us something that doesn’t come off the shelves of Randomville.
I would LOVE for certain things to get DONE around the house! Either my spouse paying people to do it, or just taking an evening or saturday and doing it! I’ll even take the kids away so he can work without “help”! That’s my dream! I turned 40 this year and am spending the year buying those things we need for our house but I never bought! (Like a toy shelves! I already have 4 kids!) It’s a great feeling!
I *love* “stinky candles”. It’s one of those luxuries that I really get to use daily. My favorite brand is Lafco. SO pricey, I know, but so special: http://www.candlesoffmain.com/lafco-candles.aspx?gclid=CLijmfDuu7MCFQWnnQod1wQAeA
As a stocking stuffer, there’s nothing I like more than Yogi teas (http://www.yogiproducts.com/)…. I love the “fortunes” on each tea bag.
I would love to receive beeswax candles from my favorite supplier, an Orthodox Monastery: http://www.saintsmaryandmarthaorthodoxmonastery.org/candles.html. The candles burn very cleanly, and when you open the box, the honey smell is absolutely divine! I prefer the tapers, as they burn a bit better than the pillars.
On a really practical note the best gift my husband ever got me was my steam mop: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0054QXT3U/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1352265569&sr=8-2&pi=SL75
It can sanitize the carpet after my son has an accident, I can mop and sanitize my whole kitchen in less than ten minutes without having to get on my hands and knees. By far the most rewarding, time-saving, sanity-giving, peace of mind (yes, the pee germs are GONE!) gift I’ve been given. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. One great thing about this one in particular is it has two heat settings, the lower heat setting being safe for hardwood floors (someday I hope to use that setting!) The swivel head can truly fit in the nooks and crannies. Great for cleaning tile and steaming carpet too, which loosens particles for a better vacuuming, and helps neutralize odors as well!
Good luck compiling all these wonderful ideas!
My mom asked me to start a Wish List when I went to college and I’ve kept one ever since. And added husband and daughter when the times came. I keep it on a word document and send her a copy in October sometime. That way, when others want to know what we like, what sizes we need, she’s prepared with answers. I have to be even more direct with my husband- there have been duplicate gifts for me over the years, so I deliberately keep several things I want off the main list and send him hints from websites. What’s on the list this year? I need an dock for my smart phone, restaurant gift cards for date nights, movie gift cards or massage gift certificates for some time away for me.
Last year for Christmas my Mom bought my husband and I a Tassimo – which is the best thing since sliced bread (so much more convenient than brewing coffee each morning for one cup). So I would love to receive a collection of the more expensive Tassimo pods (the ones that are in the $10.99 range that I just can’t justify buying myself).
After my first daughter was born in late November 2008, my husband got me a pair of fleece pajamas for Christmas. I’m always cold and it was so hard to crawl out of the warm bed for those middle of the night nursings. I thought it was so sweet of him to think about ways for me to be more comfortable.
My husband needs a lot of, shall we say, “guidance” when it comes to gifts. Last year, I may or may not have purchased two gifts for myself, wrapped them, and put them under the tree. Ahem.
I love receiving thoughtful gifts from handmade / indie sellers. I would jut about die of glee if my husband snuck an peak at my bookmarks, or my Pinterest board and got inspiration there. Right now I’m coveting a mousepad from Freshly Picked; a handbag from BaliELF; a hex pendant from Paper and Chain. You know, husbands of the world, browser bookmarks are a goldmine!!
Now, this might not be kosher, as I work for this company, so I apologize in advance….but I have to toot our own horn – because I LOVE giving our stuff as gifts and the recipients LOVE getting our stuff as gifts. Oh, and I love your blog so it seemed like the perfect moment to bring the party together. Blue Q is the name and bags are what everyone loves. I just gave this to my friend who’s a new mom for a “diaper bag” (this is what I use too) and she asked for….3 more. http://www.blueq.com/shoulder-totes/ Oh, and we just came out with these super funny and gifty Lavatory Mists http://www.blueq.com/lavatorymists/. They’re gorgeous and very funny…and my baby’s is featured on the Baby’s Head one. We just also have a ton of great stuff. And we give money to The Nature Conservancy for all bags and paper lanterns bought. And then…there’s this (I’m very proud of this): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JPl4Q4g0sk&feature=youtu.be
I am going to second Alicia: a steam mop is at the top of my list for Christmas this year. My husband thinks I’m crazy and says it’s “not at all romantic,” but it would be lovely!
I’ve pinned this essential oils set (http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/05/aromatherapy-for-mama.html) as an example for one I’m suggesting the hubs could make for me.
I also want a new pillow. A really nice one with a foam core.
One thing I think might be an excellent gift for a new mother is a photo printer or a giftcard for someplace like snapfish. Everyone always wants to see new pictures of the baby, and while electronic photos are great, my older family members aren’t all internet-proficient, and we send them hard copies on occasion to keep them in the loop.
My favorite past Christmas gifts have been:
A really good professional chef knife (saves me so much time cooking!)
A stick blender
A nice set of pearls that I wear at least once a week
My husband has strict instructions to take my kids to Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade boutique down the street, and each girl is to pick out a necklace for me. I generally like all the jewelry there and the prices are all very reasonable. I figure I’ll end up with something pretty, and maybe a bit different than I normally choose for myself.
Great post, we deserve thoughtful gifts too, especially as us mums are usually the ones behind most thoughtful gifts
For me I would love a copy of Amber Dusicks crappy pictures book, I know it doesn’t come out til next year but I’ll be hinting at that for my birthday.
I just got another pair of Bearpaw boots and I totally recommend them for moms. They aren’t even close to as expensive as Uggs, but they feel soft and luxurious like them, are made with real materials instead of synthetic, and are super durable (my previous pair is from Oct 2008 and is still totally cute and comfy after wearing daily for 4 Midwest winters). And the soles are thicker than all the cheaper brands, which helps them stay dry and looking nice even on slushy days. I got the “Abigail” and I think the little triangle buttons make them look stylish without being too trendy or like I think I’m still in high school.
Also, I would LOVE an infinity scarf. How amazing is this one from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/104450820/horizon-infinity-lotus-lupe-scarf?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=infinity+scarf&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_order=price_desc&ga_page=149&ga_search_type=all