Holiday Gift Giving Guide
Often holiday shopping is just one more task that falls on a mom's shoulders. In some cases, holiday shopping easy for those who have a specific hobby or interest. Then there are the rare cases when they tell you exactly what they want. Other times, you have to figure it out and it's not always easy to find the perfect present.
TBMG has been hard at work gathering ideas and even testing products to add to our Holiday Gift Giving Guide in the hopes that we will have taken some of the guess and leg work out of your holiday hunting.
We aimed to find things from local companies, business owners, or companies that really stood out and were unique. These are not items you'll find on the shelves of your local Target. Our goal was to share with you great gifts that will make you as excited to give as the recipient will be to receive. We hope this list helps with your holiday shopping and we also hope you take advantage of the giveaways that go with each during our Holiday Giveaway!
For the Kids
It was difficult to choose one gift from Crazy Bugg Creations so we chose two! They have so many unique items for everyone on your list!
Be sure to check out the shop here and browse tutus, super hero goodies, dresses, key chains, baby bibs, aprons, onsies, kid neck ties and more. Plus she can customize just about anything!
For the super kid!
First we have a Super Hero Set. Value $35 It's handmade and includes a cape, mask and bag. You can have one customized with your favorite hero or, as the one pictured, allow your little hero to use their imagination to create their own hero identity.
Why do we love it? For starters, it's handmade, so it's unique. Personalize it too! It encourages creative and imaginative play! Kids love to dress up and this give both boys and girls a chance to role play. It's high quality, durable, and will hold up through all your child's heroics and acrobatics!
For the creative kid or one who is always on the go!
Next we have a Travel Chalkboard Value $15. Travel chalkboards are handmade using cotton fabric and chalkboard fabric. They can be spot washed and come with three pieces of chalk (it can hold more) and an eraser that can be machine washed. Kids can play games on it and draw on it. Anything you can think of!
Why do we love it? Kids love chalk and this is a way for them to be creative and have fun on the go. This portable chalk board keeps their imaginations engaged and off of the video games! It can be used over and over for endless fun! Keep one in the car, take it to restaurants, appointments or anywhere your little one may need some extra entertainment!
For a teen (or any gal) who likes to accessorize.
"To BEAM or not to BEAM" in pink. $5
Why do we love it? This was a difficult gift to put into one category. I loved so many of the accessories and they make perfect gifts for moms, sisters, aunts, friends or yourself! These are great for any lady and with a price tag of just $5 per item, it makes a great item for younger girls and teens! Since all of their items are just $5, they make great gifts, stocking stuffers, or even get a gift card. A little goes a long way and it gives the recipient a chance to pick out exactly what suits their style best. Paprazzi items are versatile with something for every style from trendy and classic to preppy and punk. I really just can't get enough and I know my girls won't be able to either.
This is yet another that was REALLY hard to put into a category because there are just so many items and options but we decided to go with...
For Babies (and even fur babies!)
Knee-High by July Bib-3 pack $35 These stylish bibs look like tiny neckerchiefs. The pack includes 3 reversible bibs for a total of 6 looks.
Why we love it? They are adorable and it's like 6 gifts in one! These bibs are also not just a gift to the baby... but also the fashionable mom who loves to dress up her little one.
Matilda Jane Clothing is a lot more than just clothes. They have dresses and outfits for little girls up to adults and more! These bibs embrace the beautiful style and patterns that makes Matilda Jane Clothing so sought after.
For the aspiring artist.
With Young Rembrandts, children gain the following skills:
-Fine motor skills (handwriting) -Attention to detail and focus -Process, order and completion -Visual discrimination -Time on task -Visual-spatial organization skills -Sequencing -Expanded image vocabulary -Persistence and follow through -Patience, discipline, and manners -Increased self esteem and confidence
Each week the young artist will be guided through a step by step drawing. They will finish the drawing using dry media (pencil, color pencil, sharpie, marker, crayon for the preschoolers). A new and different kid-tested masterpiece will be created each week and mounted for the student to keep.
Why we love it? This gift is educational and unique. You are giving a young artist a chance to learn or a child an opportunity to find a new passion. As a program designed for kids, this is a gift they will love!
For your budding Actor, drama queen, theater buff or any kid who could use a little confidence.
Classes at Drama Kids International of Hillsborough County Drama Kids International (Ages K-12) Around $55 Each class or each age varies and there are multiple locations to choose from. Drama Kids International are committed to making sure your student receives an excellent experience in developing their speaking skills, confidence, and acting abilities through the exciting experience of a fast paced program. They thrive on giving children the best gift ever: the gift of CONFIDENCE!
Why we love it? Giving a child a chance to learn is always a HUGE plus and since this is a gift for such a wide age range, it makes gift giving easy. Whether the child you are shopping for is 5 or 18, has a love of performing, or just wants to have fun and break out of their shell, this is a gift that will work on many levels!
For the Men in your Life
For the Gadget and Tech Guy
Echo Dot (2nd Generation) is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms, and more. It connects to speakers or headphones through Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable to play music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn You can also control lights, fans, switches, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and more with compatible connected devices from WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, ecobee, and others. Yes, these are separate options but you can still enjoy Echo without those extras. It also picks up your voice from across a large room even with background noise. It can be used as a speaker, alarm and more!
Why we love it? It's the latest techy gadget and it won't break the bank! Coming in under $50 this little stand-alone gizmo makes life easier and is fun. PLUS your guy can add to it other items (to make electronics and such work hands free!). It also has new features being added so it will keep getting better and better! Because he may want one everywhere he goes if he gets more than one, he won't have to return it.
For your troop, class or active guys who likes to play games!
Tom's Outdoor Laser Tag 1 hour Laser Tag Party $185 (ages 8 and up) A chaperoned laser tag session is customized for your needs. They typically come to your location with 20+ laser tag guns and other supplies so that they can provide multiple laser tag games for your party or group. They remain at the event to provide direction for the laser tag games.
Why we love it? You could go with a boring video game they can play for a few hours or you can give them an experience that will get them off the couch and make memories! This gift has a higher price tag but if you are looking for a great gift for the guys in your life, or even a group, this is it. Best of all, they come to you, so it's super easy and an experience they won't forget any time soon! Oh, and girls LOVE it too!
For The Health Nut
Whole Foods Market is Tampa Bay's premier health store. From food and deli items to vitamins and personal care, Whole Foods is the health-conscious shopper's paradise.
Why we love it? I realize that a gift to the grocery store may seem odd but if your guy likes to work out, is planning on making healthy living as a part of his New Year resolution, or just likes delicious food, this is actually an amazing gift idea! Mine loves it!
For the Women in your Life (Or yourself!)
For the Mom on the Go
Lunch Break Thermal - Price $26.88
The pattern is the Navy Dancing Dot -
Zipper closure, exterior pocket, and extended handles for easy transport. Approx 8.5"H x 9"L x 6"D (15"L at top opening)
Why we love it? It makes taking lunch and snacks with you easy and cute! It's big enough for a grown up lunch, it keeps things cool and it is versatile enough to use for kid's snacks on the road. Anything that makes life easier and prettier is a win in our book. There are other colors and patterns available too!
We also could have easily added many other Thirty-One products. Their bags are great and we love their totes and organizational items. The patterns allow you to express your style and all are durable and functional.
You can order a tote from Daisy Cimo at bagladydaisy@gmail.com or shop her entire line here!
For the Fashionista
Lumiere Post Drop Earrings - $45.15
Cascades of navette crystal drops sparkle for a look both sweet and sleek with these Chloe + Isabel earrings. Elevate and illuminate your wardrobe with these beauties day and night!
antique rhodium-plated,
nickel-free plating
0.5" approx. width, 2.25" approx. drop length
stainless steel post
clear crystal
Why do we love it? Who doesn't love some extra sparkle? These gorgeous earrings give sparkle to the wearer and don't break the bank. They are as versatile as they are beautiful.
Order a pair from Daisy Cimo at dstarzglam@gmail.com or browse her online store for other beautiful accessories for the ladies on your list!
For the Makeup Maven
LipSense lasts up to 18 hours, is smudge proof, waterproof, and transfer proof! It is also vegan, wax free, lead free, not tested on animals, and made in the USA!!
Why do we love it? If you are going to give makeup, make it awesome. This is great and it lasts all day! No reapplying, no smudging. If you are shopping for a makeup lover, this is your best bet.
Shop Here!
For the gal that needs some pampering
Chateau Blanc Lash & Beauty Lounge is a luxury beauty lounge located in South Tampa, Florida. They specialize in a range of skin and body services such as Full Body Treatments, Signature Facials, Lavish Eyelash Extensions, and Glowing Vegan Spray Tans. Your little piece of Paris awaits.
Why do we love it? It's pampering and me time. Enough said!
For Couples
Any couple (or person) who needs a date night, likes trying new things!
Pinot's Palett Gift Card (Varies but classes are $35) This is a go-to spot to relax, unwind, and let loose. From date nights to birthdays and bachelorette parties, their paint parties are a unique way to celebrate all of life's special moments - even if the occasion is just called "Friday."
Instructors guide guests through the process of making their own one of a kind works of art as they enjoy a beverage from a fully stocked bar.
Why do we love it? I admit that often these paint class places tend to target guests of the female persuasion and the occasional couple. It's when those couples go that men realize just how fun this is. The bonus at this particular place... they have their own bar (most venues have you bring your alcohol there). Not a drinker? No problem! Soda and water are available, too. This gift is most surely one that the men in your life haven't been given before and it's a memorable experience for you both. Plus you get to take home your own hand-made works of art when you're done!
For Families
For movie goers and music lovers!
Why do we love it? A gift of tickets to the Straz is a gift of theater, of theatrics, of culture, and fun.
The Mahaffey Theater is another amazing venue for a crew who wants to change up their entertainment routine. Shows and performances for adults and kids alike will open a new world of entertainment! This show is great for all ages and gives couples or families a chance to see the amazing illusions!
Why we love it? Another unique gift! It's better than a gift card to the movies because it brings a little culture and life to the recipients. And there is a huge variety of shows to chose from so it's worth checking out!
Gamers!
Give the family the gift of some time together with games, food, and fun!
This gift offers family entertainment and a delicious meal all in one.
Why we love it? As a mom with kids ranging from baby to 17, it's hard to find fun for us all and it's also hard to pull them away from their video games so this tackles all those problems. 1 hour of game time, food and drink, and lots of fun. I know my crew would be super excited to get this for the holiday season.
And Remember that each of the above great gift ideas will have a giveaway this month for our annual Holiday Giveaway! Check out site and Facebook page daily so you don't miss one!
