The Hard to Buy Gifts

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pre-advent-gifts

We try to have as much of our gift buying as possible done before Advent starts.  I love gift guides that come out early so I can get all our November prepping done!   Here’s a list of ideas for those hard-to-buy-for people.

1. The Big Family

Swirlio

The Big Boss Swirlio

This bad boy big boss takes frozen (but slightly thawed) fruit and turns it into ice cream!  I talked more about it here.

We’ve had it for almost a year, it washes up well, and it doesn’t contain any dangerous sharp pieces.  Win-win!

This would be a great family-style gift, especially for those who are health-conscious.  Throw in some stainless steel straws (we love these!) and adorable bowls like these if you want to jazz it up.

Bonus ideas: family movie or board game

2.  The Couple

Date Night In Basket

Return to Me is basket worthy.  It’s interesting, touching, and has a bunch of old man humor.  An Italian-Irish restaurant is central to the story, so add some wine or some Italian treats from World Market.

Bonus ideas:  subscription to Blue Apron, dance lessons, Melt Couples Massage class

3.  The Mom/Wife/Grandma

catholic-womans-companion2

The Catholic Woman’s Companion

You can read my review here.  Add in some fun pens and a few of her personal favorites (tea, chocolate, coffee, a mug) to make it special.

Bonus ideas:  Dia &  Co or Stitch Fix  gift card, jewelry

4.  The Dad/Husband/Guy

media03-72dpiMantry Subscription

Single boxes of these curated artisanal gourmet items are available as well as actual subscriptions.  This would be perfect for the guy like David who enjoys trying new and interesting things from around the country.

Bonus ideas:  Drinking With the Saints book and assortment of liquors, car wash mitt,  or pilot lessons (A place nearby offers a short flying lesson at a reasonable price.  So cool!)

5.  The Godchild/Grandchild

Single-Premium Youth Term Life Insurance Policy

Cee is no longer insurable because of her diagnosis.  We’re so grateful that when she was younger, we purchased life insurance for her so that she has the option when she’s older.  This isn’t the most exciting of Christmas gift options, but it might just be the most important one.

CUF offers an awesome scholarship program to members.  It’s not that they give out a handful of scholarships.  They give out a truckload of scholarships.  Everyone who qualifies and applies receives one.  That makes this a practical gift now as well as when the recipient goes to college.

Bonus ideas:  DIY nativity set, stack of Christmas books

6.  The tween


Academy da Vinci Clock

The best part from the description:  “no batteries, paint, or glue required.”  The directions look challenging enough to make a tween feel grown-up, but everything snaps together so it doesn’t look overly complicated.

Bonus ideas: Snap Circuits SetMacrame Bag Kit, Sew Your Own Woodland Animals Kit

7.  The Person Who Defies Being Categorized

(or The Random $20 Gift Exchange Gift)


The Bug Zapper Racket

It’s as cool as it sounds.  Who wouldn’t want one of these to chase flies with?!?!  If David made a Christmas list, this would be on it.

or


 Decorate-It-Yourself Butterfly Wings

Whether the recipient is 2 or 102, these wings are adorable.  If you disagree, then we can’t be friends.  If I make a Christmas list for myself, these would be on it.

Linking up with Kelly for Seven Quick Takes!

PS– This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using some of these links, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting our family!  🙂

12 Comments


  1. // Reply

    So many great ideas! I actually bought the Drinking with the Saints book for my mom, it’s awesome and I can’t wait to give it to her! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas!


    1. // Reply

      It is fun! Hope your mom enjoys it. 🙂


  2. // Reply

    I saw something similar to the swirlio in Oprah’s holiday gift guide and thought it was such a fabulous idea! And I love your tip of gifting it with cute sundae bowls. Party napkins would make a fun addition, too! I’m not familiar with Mantry, but I often customize those sorts of gourmet food baskets myself. This seems a whole lot easier! I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for the tips!

    <3 Liz
    http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com


    1. // Reply

      Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad I found your blog a couple days ago. So beautiful! 🙂


  3. // Reply

    Great gift ideas! The clock might be a good gift for my Lego-crazed son! And that dessert maker looks really fun for a big family to enjoy! I’m going to look through your other links, too … Thanks for the inspiration! It’s time to get shopping 🙂


  4. // Reply

    I bet the Bug Zapper Racket would be a HIT with my four year old – and, perhaps my husband, too! This is a great, comprehensive list, and love the way it’s set out for specific individuals. I’m actually now wondering about the Catholic Woman’s Companion for the Godmothers of my children…!

    Thanks!


  5. // Reply

    What great ideas! I want to see the David Duchovny movie.


  6. // Reply

    Return to Me is one of my favorite movies! So good. And that swirlio seems like the perfect gift for the family…definitely gonna add that to my idea list.


    1. // Reply

      I feel like one of my goals in life is to make sure people appreciate Return to Me. It’s pretty much the only rom-com that David will willingly watch with me. 🙂


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