Archive for stocking stuffers

Stocking Stuffers: Culinary Queen Edition

Let me start off by saying I definitely DO NOT consider myself a “Culinary Queen.”  Far from it, actually.  But, as a woman who loves to cook and entertain, this list is chock full of things I would love to find in my stocking.

Most of the items are a bit pricier than some of my previous suggestions, but would make great additions to some of the less expensive things on the girlie-girl list.

Placecard Holders – How stinkin’ adorable are these, although I probably wouldn’t actually use them as placecard holders.  I just don’t throw dinner parties fancy enough for such a novelty.  Instead, I would use them to identify dishes at a party.  That way, guests won’t have to constantly ask, “What’s this”?  How cute would these have been at the shower my friends and I hosted a few weeks ago???

Strainer-Sifter – There have been many moments in the kitchen when I’ve wished I had one of these little guys.

Taste-Test Recipe Book – I discovered this beauty (and fell head-over-heels-in-love) while reading one of Jami’s entries, (an absolutely hilarious list of gifts for men to buy their ladies).  This has to be the cutest recipe book EVER.  It’s a bit pricey at $28, so it would probably not fall into the stocking stuffer category, but I couldn’t resist putting it on the list.

Flat Whisk – Something I definitely want in my utensil drawer to make sure I get all those yummy bits off the bottom of my pans when making sauces and such.  I’m just sure it would make my food taste better.  Plus, it seems like it would be easier to clean than my other whisks.

Baker’s Bliss Measuring Spoons – I. Must.  Have.  These.

Herb Keeper – This thing is a bit pricey, but seems like it would be worth it.  I’ve wasted many a fresh herb in my day and this looks like the answer to all my mushy-brown-herb-troubles.  Here’s a version that’s $5 less expensive, but I can’t seem to get the pic downloaded.

Stainless-Steel Pastry Blender – I love, love, love baking and would love, love, love to have a pastry blender that actually gets the job done.  My current one stinks.

Welp, that’s that.  Still working on the list for kiddos.  Hopefully will have it ready tomorrow.

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Stuff Those Stockings: Guys’ Edition

I know I said I would be posting these weekly, but then I decided it would make more sense to just get it all out of the way, so you can make your shopping lists now.  So, my goal is to flood your brains with all sorts of ideas for all sorts of peeps.

I feel the need to preface this post by saying that when I’m thinking about stocking stuffers for guys, I’m usually thinking of what Trav would like.  But here’s the thing, Trav is pretty much an 11 year old boy, stuck in the body of a 31 year old man.  Think of the movie, “Big,” and you can see what I’m dealing with here.

I tried my best to come up with ideas that don’t involve some sort of toy.  Although, I am in fact going to start off with a toy.

Rubik’s Cube – I put one of these in Trav’s stocking a few years back and he loved it.  It sits on his desk in his office and causes him much grief…in a good way.  It’s a way for him to break away from work every now and then and is pretty much the closest thing to exercise that man’s gotten in years.

Sneaky Uses For Everday Things – This seems like one of those things that guys would find interesting.  Me…not so much, but whatever.

Double Coffee Measure – I put this in Trav’s stocking last year and he thought it was great.  It’s his way of contributing in the kitchen. 

The Art Of Shaving Travel Kit - Trav isn’t one to spend a whole lotta dough on “beauty” products, but this is one thing he’s willing to splurge on.  He has pretty sensitive skin when it comes to shaving and this was his saving grace.  We were introduced to the line while we were in NYC a couple of years ago.  We were strolling through Barney’s looking at lots of things we couldn’t afford, when we stumbled upon this stuff.  We bought him the full-sized starter kit and he was instantly hooked.  The only thing was, that he wasn’t able to lug all of it with him when he traveled.  I put this in his stocking the following Christmas and it’s been in his travel bag ever since.  If your man hasn’t ever tried it, the travel kit would be the way to go so he can give it a trial run.  And, although it’s pricey stuff, the regular sized products last him almost 11 months.  So, we’re probably not spending much more than when he was going through a can of drugstore shaving cream each month.  If you don’t want to invest in the whole shibang, just go for the shaving cream and a basic brush.

Kobayashi Liquid Deodorizer -  For the man in your life that has a great sense of humor, this would be HILARIOUS to throw into a stocking.  I laughed out loud when I read the description on x-tremegeek.com for this stuff.

“Plain and simple… this stuff works! We don’t know how, but it works. Just put one tiny drop of this amazing deodorizer in the toilet before you sit and take, uh… care of business, and it miraculously prevents offensive odors from reaching deadly levels. It’s a clear colorless liquid with just a slight hint of fragrance that doesn’t cover up” or “do battle” with odors like those flowery overpowering sprays. It’s as if offensive odors simply can’t escape the toilet! It’s amazing!”

  • Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory–don’t leave a bad impression
  • Great for when you go to dinner at the in-laws
  • Keep a bottle in your pocket or purse
  • Discreetly leave them for office-mates and roommates
  • Jack’snak – Guys like to eat, right?  This is great for stockings, because it takes up room when a guys’ stocking is often filled with small stuff like gift cards.  Plus, it’s delicious.  And made right here in KC.

    The Dangerous Book for Boys – For any of the men in your life that are daddies to boys, this would be cute to give.  It’s full of ideas of activities to do with their lil’ men.  Mighty Goods says, “If he’s gonna teach the kid how to make a go-cart, first he’ll need to know how.”

    Here are a few more random (and obvious) things guys usually like:  books, beef jerky, DVDs, and gift cards.

    That’s all I’ve got for ya.  Now, I’m off to research fun items for the kiddos.

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    Stuff Those Stockings: Girlie-Girl Edition

    One of my favorite parts about Christmas morning is ripping through my stocking and finding all sorts of fun stuff.

    I still remember the first year I found something other than the norm in my stocking.  What was the norm, you ask?  Candy, an orange, and random nuts that surely no kid ever actually eats (Mother Santa, why exactly DID you put nuts in our stockings?).

    The stocking stuffers were a hit with all and quickly became a tradition.

    I even enjoy shopping for stocking stuffers more than regular gifts.  There’s an art to finding a variety of things that actually fill the stocking, aren’t too expensive, and that the recipient will love.

    So, each week up until Christmas, I’m going to share some of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas with you.

    Here are some ideas for the girlie-girl on your list:

    First up is from my list of all-time favorite beauty productsRosebud Strawberry Lip Balm is the best thing you can ever do for your lips.  One container of it should last the recipient until next Christmas when you throw another tub in their stocking.

    Ms. Manicure Matchbox Emery Boards are great.  They’re perfect for carrying in your purse or travel bag.  For the new mom they’re a life-saver.  When Arle was a newborn, I cut her poor little fingers the first two times I attempted to cut her nails.  I cried.  She cried.  I immediately swore off nail clippers and instead, I started filing her nails while she was sleeping with these mini wonders.  They are the perfect size for itty-bitty fingers.  They can usually be found at Target, Wal-Mart, Sally’s Beauty Supply, Beauty Brands, etc.

    I love magazine subscriptions and People Style Watch is a great one to give to all of your shopaholic family members.  It’s not loaded with dumb ads, and actually highlights a great mix of clothes and accessories you can actually afford and those you can only dream of buying.

    The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is always a treat to find swimming around in my stocking.  It comes with an extra pad that you switch out after using it for six months.  It seriously is worth every penny because it makes such a difference on your lashes.  Definitely provides an ooh-la-la effect.

    Every girlie-girl wants her home to smell nice, right?  This Capri Blue candle in the Volcano scent is fantastic.  This small version lasts 40 hrs., but there are bigger (and pricier) versions that will obviously last much longer.

    Fun nail polish is always a good stuffer.  I mean, what girlie-girl isn’t always looking to add some pizazz to her polish wardrobe?  I love Essie polish.  It’s just plain good.  If I’m going to take the time to actually paint my nails, it better last more than a day without going all white-trash on me.

    Alrighty, then.  Hopefully this will make your shopping a lil’ bit merrier and your stockings a lot more fun.  Feel free to add your own girlie-girl stuffer suggestions down in the comments.  I would love to hear your ideas!

    Tah tah for now.

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