One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is how everyone makes it a point to be together. Whether it’s dinners with friends, work holiday parties, or special family traditions it seems as if the calendar is constantly full of fun plans. This act of being intentional about enjoying life together is, for me, what creates a lot of the magic of the season.
This special magic also creates a very full schedule and lots of extra to-do lists. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, it’s all fun stuff. But, to make it work there are cookie supplies to be bought, lights to hang, presents to be shopped for, and school parties to organize. So if you are like me, you may be finding yourself sprinting to the end of the gift shopping season to check off every last person on your list.
I’ve got a few ideas here to help you finish up that shopping list. I’ve included ideas for everyone – guys, ladies, kids, tweens, and teens!
However you celebrate, I hope you’re able to take some time to slow down at least a little and savor the season.
Last Minute Gift Ideas
Family Faceoff
We personally think our new game, Family Faceoff, would make the perfect gift for anyone on your list. We’ve had people sending us video clips playing the game, and it’s full of laughs and fun for any age. If you are getting together with family or friends over the next couple of weeks, be sure to add this to your cart to play during your party.
Temperature Controlled Mug
Perfect for a busy parent that never gets around to drinking a warm drink or for sipping on all morning at work, this mug keeps your coffee warm for 1.5 hours (or longer on the charging coaster). It’s a splurge, but they will remember you with every sip of warm coffee all year long. This smart mug pairs with your device so you can set your desired temperature and other options using the app.
Timex Men’s Expedition Watch
This classic style watch comes in a variety of colors. It has a light-up dial and is safe for recreational swimming. This would make a great watch for a teen or anyone who prefers a classic style durable enough for a bit of adventure. It has a scratch resistant face and a battery that lasts up to 5 years.
Men’s Quarter Zip Sweater
This sweater makes a great layering piece to keep warm during the winter months. It can be casual or dressed up with a collared shirt. It comes in a wide variety of colors. We love that you can get it in sizes from X-Small through 3X Tall and everything in between. It’s machine washable and 100% cotton. This would be great for any guy on your list from tween to adult.
Beats Studio Noise Canceling Earbuds
With great Beats sound, you can use these earbuds with either active noise canceling or with transparency mode. They are sweat and water resistant making them a great option for your workouts. Three different size silicone eartips are included so you can be sure to get a perfect fit. These would make a great gift for a college student that needs to tune out unwanted noise to study for exams.
Bose Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
For the adventurer on your list, this rugged bluetooth speaker would make a great addition to their gear. It’s waterproof, floats, and is resistant to UV light. The strap makes it easy to clip onto a bookbag, tent, or even a paddleboard. They can listen to their favorite tunes with high-quality sound anywhere they go.
Memory Foam Seat Cushion
A great gift for anyone who has to sit for extended periods of time, this seat cushion provides memory foam support. It has a cooling layer for comfort and a non-skid base to hold it in place. I love that it’s easy to move from chair to chair, and also has a machine washable cover. This would be perfect for anyone who works at home or in an office.
Travel Toiletry Bag
This toiletry bag holds all of your travel essentials including full sized products. I love that it has separate compartments for storing wet and dry products – it’s never fun if your shampoo leaks all over your favorite makeup. This bag has two water resistant compartments to keep the liquids separate. It also has a hanging hook and small outside pocket. This would be great for a teen to keep their products organized at home, or for anyone who is planning to travel.
Light Up Tracing Pad
I’m not going to lie, I kind of want this tracing pad for myself. It’s designed for ages 6+, so I fit into that category, right? The pad lights up for easy tracing of your favorite designs and comes in a variety of options including fashion, sports, and animals. This all-in-one art set would be a great item to bring on a car ride to keep the little ones entertained.
Phone Docking Station Organizer
Not sure what to get that hard-to-shop-for guy on your list? This bedside organizer is gorgeous and comes with spaces to store all of their essentials in one central spot. It is designed with cable cut outs so you can charge your phone or other devices. This product is beautifully handcrafted in Ukraine.
National Geographic Stunning Science Chemistry Set
For the budding scientist in your life, this chemistry set comes with kid-friendly instructions for creating your own science experiments. It’s designed for ages 8+ to create as many as 45 different experiments. There are several options to choose from, including one with “super gross” science experiments. There’s nothing better than seeing a kid learn while having fun!
LED Remote Control Car
This remote control stunt car can do all sorts of tricks! It can drive upside down, off road, or spin around in tornado mode. The fun LED lights mean you can enjoy this toy anytime of day. I can definitely see Penn and PC racing these cars up and down the driveway at night. Batteries are included.
Facial Steamer
Bring the pampering of the spa right to her with this facial steamer. This is especially great for dry skin during the cold winter months. The warm mist sprays on your face to hydrate skin and purify pores for cleaner and brighter skin. It is recommended to use distilled water in your steamer.
Wristlet Keychain & Wallet
I first found this product and thought it would be so cute for Lola now that she is starting to drive, but, now, I’ve added it to my own wish list as well! The wristlet keychain makes it easy to carry your keys on the go and the attached card holder makes it convenient to keep your license handy as well. I like that the card holder includes a snap closure to ensure your cards stay secured. It comes in a variety of colors to match any style.
Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop
This is probably one of PC’s most played with toys ever. I hear him upstairs in our playroom all the time shooting hoops behind the door. It’s great for active kids especially if they are stuck inside on a rainy day or if they just need to get a bit of extra energy out before bed. It slips easily over a door frame and includes four balls and an air pump.
Unicorn Slime Kit
Don’t panic because this kit looks messy, but trust me when I say Lola and her friends stayed occupied making slime for HOURS when they were younger. This kit comes with everything you need, including instructions, on how to make your own slime. It comes with lots of add-ins so you can customize your slim, and I love that it also comes in its own carrying case for easy storage. This would be great for an older kid or tween who likes to craft.
Layered Necklace Set
I’m drooling over this pretty necklace set that comes with three chains. You can wear them individually or together for a layered look. The set is available in either silver or gold, and you select which letter you want. At under $20 this would make a great secret santa gift for your friend or even a stocking stuffer.
Mini Soccer Set
This adorable mini soccer set folds up easily for storage or to transport. You could keep this in the trunk of your car for impromptu play at the park, put it in your backyard, or even play with it inside. At just two feet wide, this small net is great for the little active one in your life. The set includes a small soccer ball and an air pump.
Moon and Star Projector Night Light
What is it about gazing at the stars that is so relaxing? You can bring the stars into their room with this projector night light. It comes with a removable cover so you can use it simply as a night light, or take the cover off to project the moon and stars. It has a rotation setting and 9 different lighting options. The night light can operate on a USB plug or with batteries.
Phone Stand
This phone stand would make a great addition to a desk or bedside table. You can angle the stand to get the perfect view, and it accommodates both vertical and horizontal positioning of your phone or tablet. I’m asking for this for Christmas so I can easily look at recipes from my phone while I’m in the kitchen cooking!
Build A Solar Robot
For the young engineer in your life, this solar powered robot puts their STEM skills to work. (I think I also love it because it reminds me of that cute robot from the Short Circuit movie in the 80’s.) The robot can be assembled 12 different ways from simple to more complex using the included instructions. It’s designed for ages 8+, but would be a great project to work on together with your child.
US States and Capitals Puzzle
I don’t know what it is about this time of year that always puts me in the mood to work a puzzle. If you find your family feeling the same, this US States and Capitals puzzle is not only a fun project, but a great learning tool at the same time. I love the bright colors and the picture images representing each of the States. With just 70 pieces, it’s simple enough for kids to put together themselves if you’d rather work on one for yourself!
L’Ange Two-In-One Straightener and Curling Wand
My friend recently got this hair straightener-curling wand combo tool and it immediately went on my wish list. It smooths out hair while curling at the same time making it super easy to get that ‘just gone to the salon’ look. It comes in a regular size and a longer size. If you have long hair you’ll want to be sure to get the one with the longer wand.
Lighted Makeup Mirror
The older I get, the more I appreciate my lighted make-up mirror. This one comes with magnification in 1x, 2x, and 3x. The LED lights can be set to different tones, and the brightness is adjustable. It folds for easy storage and has a rotating base so you can set it at just the right position. The mirror is rechargeable so it doesn’t need to be used near an outlet which is great for traveling also.
Breville Nespresso Machine
This might be the most used appliance in our house. We love the espresso from this machine, and the variety of settings to make different size drinks. It’s even great for making iced coffee or lattes. If you have a coffee lover on your shopping list, they will love this gift! As a bonus, get them a variety set of pods to go with it.
Beginner Pickleball Set
It’s no secret around here that we have joined the craze of playing pickleball. One thing I really love about the game is that we can all play together. Even the kids will play with us, and it’s something we can all enjoy even if we are at different skill levels. We always bring our paddles when we travel to the beach for vacation as a family fun activity. For anyone on your list who hasn’t tried it yet, this beginner set for four is a great way to get them to join you on the courts. As a bonus, get them this Pickleball For Dummies book so they can learn how to play by the rules.
Reversible Octopus Plushie
I think this octopus plushie may have started as a TikTok trend some time back and quickly became a ‘must have’ item. This would make a cute little present topper, stocking stuffer, or secret santa gift for any tween or teen girl on your list. It’s reversible to show a happy face on one side and a sad face on the other.
Pedal Go Kart
For outside fun, these pedal karts were a hit when my kids were younger. It’s the combination of pedaling like a bike with the feel of driving a go kart that makes this toy a winner. We always liked to draw ‘driving courses’ on the pavement with sidewalk chalk and let the kids race around the track. It’s a great way to get them outside and moving!
The Complete Cookbook For Young Chefs
For the budding chef on your list, this cookbook for kids will tell them everything they need to know. It covers kitchen basics, tools, safety, and even how to plate your food. It includes recipes for breakfast, dinner, snacks, desserts, and beverages. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get a few nights off from cooking while your little chef whips up dinner for everyone. Complete the gift with a new kitchen accessory or an apron.
Kindle Paperwhite for Kids
This kids’ version of the Kindle is a great gift for the little reader in your life. It comes with a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ which gives them access to 1000s of books. Most libraries also have digital book options you can access as well. I love that these are easy to carry so they are a great option for bringing lots of books to read for travel or while sitting at their siblings’ sports practice.
Gem Art Diamond Painting Kit
This cute little crafting set is a great indoor activity for a rainy day. The projects are easy for kids to do, and I love that you can use the final product as stickers, keychains, or hang it up as a suncatcher. Made for ages 6+, I especially like that there’s no messy glue or glitter involved. Your purchase of this product also supports a small business brand.
LED Basketball
During these months when it gets dark so early outside, PC barely has time to play basketball after school before the sun goes down. With this super fun LED basketball, it makes playing after dark something to look forward to! The lights automatically shut off when its not in use so you don’t need to worry about running out the batteries. Note: the ball will need to be inflated, so be sure you have access to an air pump.
Portable Power Bank
For anyone who has a phone, a portable power charger is always a handy gadget to have. This power bank can be used with a variety of devices including iPhones, Androids, Apple Watches, tablets, headphones, and more. It’s great for traveling, and it can charge two devices at once so no more fighting over who gets to charge up their phone next.
Build Your Own Robotic Hand
This super cool robotic hand kit is great for any kid ages 8+. I have a feeling even the teens would have fun working on this project! Once assembled, you can pull the cord on the fingers to make them move and grip. This is another great gift option for any kid interested in STEM or robotics learning.
Happy shopping and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
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