What to get for the kid who seems to have everything? A subscription box full of new activities every month. Inspire learning, and play, create, or build something new together every month.
We’ve rounded up our favorite monthly subscription boxes for all different ages and interests, and give the full scoop on what to expect from your awesome gift (that keeps on giving and giving, month after month). Check them out… (more…)
Elf on the Shelf: A Goodbye Poem
Ever wish that you could send the little creep packing? Some nights I lay in bed dreaming that the freeloader will skip town, and then my alarm goes off at 11 pm because, well, you know what it’s time to do!
Inspired to send The Elf on the Shelf on his merry way? Here’s a PDF.
Camping and Outdoorsy Gifts for Everyone
Quinn and I spent last weekend in Girl Scouts Camping Training, which means that I am now certified to take a gang (troop, whatever) of girls out into the wilderness to survive using only our wits and toasted marshmallows. Are you scared yet? I did not think it possible but I feel inspired and ready. I LOVE CAMPING! And like most people who newly LOVE camping, what I love most about camping is the gear. Here is a guide to our favorite camping and outdoorsy gifts for every mountain woman, Lumber-sexual, and wild child on your gift-getting list.
Women’s Plaid Down Vest – This cozy number from Lands End saved me from the chilly temps on our wilderness training weekend and in plaid, which is smokin’ hot this year, it is just as fitting for all of the stops on your social calendar this season. It’s on sale today for $29.50!
Stanley Classic Flask – Another way to stay warm in the mountains or on the slopes is a lil sip of bourbon. $20
Lead the Way Headlamp – This cute kids version of the classic headlamp is great for the trail but even better for nighttime reading, all cozy in bed. (update: this version appears to be sold out, here are some other options)
Sriracha2Go Keychain – The perfect stocking stuffer to add some spice. $15 for 3/empty.
Glerups Outdoor Slippers – I’m wearing these luxe wool slippers as I sit here typing. I can not do their comfort and warmth justice. If you love a slipper connoisseur, you have found their gift. These toasty clouds come in indoor and outdoor sole options and a variety of styles and colors. They are amazing. $135
Black Diamond Moji Lantern – Camping seemed to be all about finding the perfect lantern. This glowing orb from REI can be carried/hung by it’s handle or set on it’s base to caste a powerful 100 lumen glow throughout the tent or cabin. $19
Plimsoll Plaid Bogs – My Bogs bring all the Lumbersexuals to the yard. No but really, Bogs’ boots look adorable enough to wear to the office or a museum but are awesome for actually being outdoorsy as well. I love my Bogs and so do the people who stop me on the street or trail. This Plimsoll Plaid model is comfort rated to -40F and is 100% waterproof. So basically your nose will freeze off before your feet get cold. $135
Sportsman’s Hatchet – I won’t name names but even a city boy will enjoy owning his own hatchet. He might just hang it on the wall and look at it longingly, waiting until some old furniture needs to be consolidated, but he will feel very outdoorsy doing it. $34
Portable Solar Chargers – It was amazing to see how long my phone battery lasted when I put my phone away and spent some time with nature, and real live humans. Over 3 days! But there will still come a time on your backpacking adventure that you may need a boost of juice and a portable solar panel will do the trick. If you see me with one hanging off of my purse while running errands, don’t judge. Options start at $20
Wool Plaid Trapper Hat – This GAP classic keeps their hunky bean cute and cozy. At home on the campsite or mountain trail, it’s also perfectly adorable when you drag him out for cocoa and caroling. $34.95. EVERYTHING AT GAP is 40% off with “DASH” at checkout TODAY!
Daneson Toothpicks – A refined gift that even the most rustic (or rustic-inspired) fellow will love. A selection of fancy, small-batch white birch toothpicks infused with essential oil and natural flavors like Bourbon, Cinamint, and Single Malt.
One of my favorite camping experiences is cooking and eating around an open fire. The camping gadget that I’m crushing on most is the Kelly Kettle, pictured above. One of the instructors on our camping weekend, a US Air Force engineer, had one and showed us how it worked. Basically you add some small pieces of fuel to the bottom and start your fire. The resulting flame heats the water in the surrounding canister for purifying, hot beverages, or warm washing water. When you purchase a Kelly Kettle Kit, it comes with tools to easily turn the kettle into a cook top and the kit all fits into a compact sack for travel. I have one of these on the way (Merry Christmas to me!) and can’t wait to bring it on my next adventure. This small company started by two brothers in Ireland has a cool story. Starting at $58 (more…)
Ohana Time on Oahu
Scarlet and I had the loveliest mother-daughter week in Oahu this past summer. I’d been wanting to share it, but I had a hard drive meltdown and was just able to recover my data, which is such a relief. All her baby pics! Gah! Back your stuff up in like 3 places ladies.
And plan a trip to Hawaii, because right about now doesn’t it sound like heaven? Here’s what we did in Honolulu, Waikiki, and the North Shore of Oahu. 
Come adventure with Scarlet and I after the jump… (more…)
The Easiest Garland Ever
Here’s a sweet, happy garland you can make in under five minutes. You’ll need some pom poms, a needle, and some thread. Watch the quick video above and have fun whipping up your garlands. Then maybe, since you’re so relaxed, you’ll feel like making The Easiest DIY Ornaments Ever.
Handmade Gift Labels
We cracked ourselves up making these little gift tags for your homemade holiday gifties. You can print them out on a lightly patterned paper or sheets of adhesive stock and then cut with a paper trimmer, blade or scissors. Do you have a Paper Trimmer? If not, you should totally ask for one for Christmas. They are awesome.
There are 10 different labels and there are downloadable PDF files for 8 different color versions after the jump.
8 Favorite Handmade Hanukkah DIY Projects
Who is ready for 8 days of love and light? I know I am! I love Hanukkah and am getting my craft on. Above is an easy DIY Tissue Paper sign you can make for your mantle or door. Get the tutorial here: DIY Tissue Paper Signs, or find an illustrated step-by-step in our book, Pretty Prudent Home (which also makes an excellent Hanukkah gift for any crafty jew in your life like moi.
Make a quick, simple, but so-cute Fleece Pom Pom Garland for Hanukkah.
This blogger made her wreath for Christmas, but the DIY totally applies to Hanukkah! Get the tutorial from Holly at Avenue Lifestyle.
See the rest of our 8 Favorite Handmade Hanukkah DIY projects after the jump… (more…)
Ten Totally Awesome Tutorials for Your Tree
Those glass ornaments above are filled with flowers! They are so fun and easy to make, and they m ake a big impact. Customize them for someone you love with their favorite flower. Get our DIY tricks so you don’t just shove a bunch of flowers in there with random results: DIY Glass Vase Ornaments.
Make Jacinda’s beautiful, simple DIY Ruffled Tree Skirt. 
Or go super-simple and make our almost no-sew DIY Felt Fringe Christmas Tree Skirt. 
Make our DIY Pinata Style Tissue Fringe Ornaments. These were so fun when Jacinda and I spent a weekend in Dallas making them together for our Michael’s Dream Tree Challenge: The Pine-ata. 
Get our your markers and make some DIY Sharpie Ornaments (so easy, and so fun): 
Make a 3-Minute Garland for your tree. This will blow your mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8fw1P3q1u8
Whip up some tinsel ornaments. These are easy-peasy and full of glittery goodness. 
Grab some paint and some glass orbs and make our DIY Paint Ornaments. Nothing could be simpler, and they are pretty pretty. 
The most fun for the littles is making up some dough and crafting your own Salt Dough Ornaments. It’s not as messy as it sounds, we promise. 
Make some stocking to hang by the tree! We have a whole round up of DIY Christmas Stockings, from easiest-stocking-ever to deep-sewing-mode. 
