Can you BELIEVE it’s that time of year?
Wasn’t it JUST September like a second ago?
Although I feel like I never really embraced the Halloween spirit this year (aside from passing out tricks and treats- that’s ALWAYS a blast), I can FEEL the holiday cheer building up inside me; bubbling up like a glass of sparkling champagne on New Year’s eve.
And with Thanksgiving just a few days away, and temps getting cooler here in Florida, I am feeling festive and ready for a fun and memorable holiday season!
We’ll be spending Thanksgiving with family and friends at my cousin’s lake house (complete with a roaring fire to close out the evening). Just a short week later we’ll be packing our bags and heading north for a few days in the mountains! We’ve rented a cabin up in Blairsville, GA (my favorite spot in that area) and will be spending a few days relaxing with friends, building big campfires, drinking way too much wine, hiking up to beautiful waterfalls, shopping at all the fun local spots, and rounding off the trip by chopping down an evergreen to bring home for the holiday season.
I. Cannot. Wait. 🙂
Hopefully while we’re up there I’ll be able to start some of my holiday shopping too! I love gift giving, and finding something unique or interesting for my family and friends is always a blast. In addition, I’ve had my eye on a few things that seem like they would make great gifts! If you need a few ideas, check out my list of favorite things for this holiday season!
Owl Cookie Jar- I spotted this the other day and fell in love! Not into cookies? Fill this cutie with trinkets, caramels, or use it as a piggy bank!
$19.99 @ Target
FitBit flex- I LOVE my FitBit! I’ve had it for about a month now and love tracking my fitness progress and goals each day. I also love that it syncs with MyFitnessPal and my Humana Vitality account. The more I move, the more points I earn. Points= prizes! It’s a win win. 😉
$99 @ Fitbit.com or Target
Tervis Tumbler- I seem to always have a Tervis in my hand. I love these cups! They keep your cold beverages cold and your hot beverages hot! And who could pass up this adorable new Snoopy Christmas design for 2014! 🙂
$23.00 (24oz) with lid @ Tervis.com
The Pioneer Woman’s Year full of Holidays Cookbook- If you know me IRL, you know how utterly obsessed I am with Ree Drummond. We’re practically best friends, make that SISTERS even! (in my head). This book would be a fabulous gift for the foodie in your life.
$20.75 @ Amazon.com
Sports Team Pint Glass set- Baseball fan in your life? These awesome pint glasses can be customized with your favorite MLB team! Mine, of course, would be the Rays. 😉
$31.99 @ shop.mlb.com
Clothing and Accessories from Simple Addiction- I just recently discovered Simple Addiction (follow them on IG!) and have fallen head over heels for their cute and chic wardrobe additions. Their deals are a MUST see… like this adorable Serenity Spade necklace!
$9.95 @SimpleAddiction.com
TOMS- These comfortable and cute slip-on shoes come in a variety of colors and look adorable with shorts and a tee, or jeans and a blouse. For each pair you purchase you’re also paying it forward, because Tom’s has dedicated their brand to providing shoes for the less fortunate. And don’t just think they sell shoes. Check out their website for accessories, home decor and more! And can we go ahead and discuss just WHO will be buying me a pair of these Dave Matthews Band Firedancer TOMS? Women’s size 11, please and thank you!
Polar Bear Pajama Pants- Because everyone needs a pair of polar bear pajama pants.
$16.94 @ Old Navy
Seventh Avenue Apothecary Candles- I first laid eyes (and nose!) on these last year at an event at the beautiful Oxford Exchange in Tampa. These candles are SO unique; with original scent combinations, small batch and hand-poured production, and local heritage and inspiration packed inside each one (they are based out of my own Tampa, FL).
Starting at $15 @ tampasoy.com
Pilot G-2 Colored Pens- Need an idea for a stocking stuffer? I get ALL giddy over the sight of a good pen. (#teacherlife). These G-2 pens are hands down my favorite!
$10.99 @ Staples
Drew Estate Natural Cigars- Fun fact: I love cigars. I’ll enjoy one a few times a year, especially when around the campfire or strolling down the streets of Key West. In fact last year in the Keys I was introduced to “Dirt”, one of these Drew Estate cigars and was blown away by its sweet smooth flavor, with a hint of vanilla and coffee. Since then it has become one of my favorite line of cigars!
$33.68 (for a 6-pack flavor sampler) @ Cigarsinternational.com
Reusable Grocery Cart Bags- As a fan of all things food and grocery store shopping (yes, I know, it’s dorky), I have GOT to have these! Brilliant!
$19.95 each @ reuseit.com
Feetures! Running socks- Another awesome stocking stuffer: especially for the runner in your life! These socks come in cute colors (yes, there are manly options) and are so supportive. I love the double tabs too! Nobody likes socks that sink down into your shoes never to be found again!
@ feetures.com
Smartphone Projector- Have you ever tried to share a video with a group of friends and only 1 or 2 people can actually see it? They sit and watch as you hold the phone, laughing away at whatever it is that they’re watching, while the rest of the group tries to decipher what the hell is going on. Well, this projector solves those dilemmas by displaying your funny videos for the whole room to see!
$27.00 @ Uncommongoods.com
Cheese & Crackers serving board- Well isn’t that clever. 😉
$48.00 @ Uncommongoods.com
And don’t forget that handmade gifts (like boxes of homemade truffles, or hand-made crafts) make beautiful, thoughtful gifts as well!
What is on YOUR Christmas list this year? Do share! -Steph 🙂
