It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping, especially if you like to plan ahead and avoid the holiday rush. The holidays are a time for showing love and appreciation, and one of the best ways to do that is by giving thoughtful and memorable gifts. That’s why we’ve put together our 2023 holiday gift guide to help you find something for everyone on your list, from kids to adventurers to bookworms and outdoor enthusiasts.
Get your shopping list ready, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and dive into some gift ideas that will make this holiday season one to remember!
Some of the items our Holiday gift guide were gifted to me for inclusion in this post. All opinions and reviews are unbiased and completely mine.
For Him:
Shopping for men can be challenging, but there are plenty of gift ideas that are sure to impress. For the tech-savvy guy, consider a new camera or smartwatch. If he’s into fitness, a gym bag or workout gear might be a great choice.
We are branching out this year and giving my husband something he has never owned — toasty wool slippers. The lightweight and super comfortable Baabushka men’s slippers are sustainably handmade by women artisans in Nepal, empowering them to improve their living conditions and their children’s education. I love a brand that gives back, and this is definitely one I’m happy to endorse.
One of the descriptive words for these cozy slippers is breathable, something my husband noticed and likes.
For Her:
I love getting and using high-end skincare products, namely moisturizers, night creams, and eye creams. A brand I’m trying for the first time this holiday season is Zion Health Ultimate Renew Multi-peptide Restoring Cream, the day and night versions. Now that I live in the desert, I feel my long-time skincare lines need a shake-up, so I’m doing that. And I’m curious about this brand because they focus on using clay.
So far, I’m impressed with the creaminess and intense hydration abilities of the Zion Health creams. Per their info, this anti-aging cream is “formulated with clinically proven ingredients including a unique blend of peptides, squalene, and borage seed oil.”
For one of my daughters, who expressed a need for outdoor clothing for her hikes and long road trips, we settled on KÜHL women’s pants. She chose Freeflex Dash and Move styles, which come in various earth tones, stretches, and rebounds with each stride and is quick dry. The brand features FREEFLEX™, which maintains its form and fit through extended wear.
It is her first time wearing this brand, but she is super excited to try them out. KÜHL, a Salt Lake City, Utah brand, carries women’s and men’s clothing, bags, hats, and other accessories. The items run the gamut from technical outdoor to rugged workwear and lightweight hiking pants.
For the Kids:
The holidays are a magical time for kids, and there’s no shortage of gift options that will bring a smile to their faces. Consider getting them a fun and educational toy, like a STEM-based building set, puzzle, or game. If you’re looking for something simple and timeless, a stuffed animal, Barbie or Ken doll, or classic board game is always a hit.
Her other love, besides her tablet, is her own set of headphones. We recommend Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus Volume, made especially for kids. This brand’s mission is to protect consumers’ hearing, staring them young, by limiting the volume to 85 dB, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
The headphones come in a variety of colors, but we went with basic black. Scarlett uses them all the time — on plane rides, in the car, and often at home if she is partaking in quiet time.
Geomag offers a wide range of magnetic construction sets that spark creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills in kids. As the original magnetic construction toy, children of all ages have been playing with Geomag since 1998. Their products arenot only educational, but also tons of fun.
The super stylish Geomag Glitter 60-Piece Set is perfect for those who adore sparkly colors, while the Geomag Glow 60-Piece set will make your child’s models light up in the dark.
Both Geomag sets include practical storage boxes made of recycled plastic, making them a sustainable purchase, too.
Scarlett has just started playing with dolls, which pleases her Barbie collecting grandmother to pieces. I’ve also toted around American Girl dolls for 20+ years that belonged to my two daughters, and there is finally someone to show them some love again.
If you are considering an American Girl doll for one of your loved ones, here is our review of Claudie, which made our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
Claudie Wells is a newer historical character from American Girl, who takes you back to the vibrant Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. This 18-inch doll, complete with shoulder-length hair, comes dressed in her iconic outfit.
As you delve into Claudie’s story, you’ll also uncover her stylish accessories, including a fashionable cloche felt hat, an engraved silver pendant, and even an authentic Baby Ruth candy bar.
She’s so adorable!
For the Family:
We gather from around the country (FL, NV, and MS) to be together during the holidays and have a set schedule to keep things running smoothly. We love playing board games at night, doing crafty things, cooking meals, etc.
Something we are incorporating into our family time this holiday is the LEGO Harry Potter Magical Year at Hogwarts Play kit, which retails for under $25 and would make an excellent gift swap item for a neighborhood shindig or office party.
The kit includes three mini figures (Harry, Ron, and Hermione), mini builds, and a play diorama of the Gryffindor Common Room, plus lots more. There is also a book with fun facts and anecdotes.
Another thing my family will enjoy this holiday season is the 3-book set of “Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks,” complete with a cute little holder. Enjoy the magic of Disney cooking with the recipes and color photos from The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, and The Unofficial Disney Parks Restaurants Cookbook from bestselling author Ashley Craft.
For example, the Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook has around 100 recipes from each Disney park in Florida and California featuring beloved recipes like Mickey Pretzels and Dole Whip.
For the Outdoorsman:
For the outdoorsman, a new hiking backpack, camping gear, or an activity tracker could be just what they need.
Or, maybe a pair of hiking shoes are just what the doctor ordered. Literally, in my case, after two major ankle issues this year, I landed my first pair of hiking shoes ever. Pedroc Air Hiking shoes from Salewa (a company in the Dolomites, Italy) are sporty and versatile for various sceneries. Good thing, since I’m right smack dab in Nevada’s Mojave Desert.
They even have an ankle protection system, hence what the doctor ordered.
I’m also getting ready to dive into pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America. So, of course, I need my own Rev Aria Pro pickleball paddle. I am so excited at the possibility of learning the game and having this super cool and stylish paddle to take with me. I’m starting with the Mac Daddy of paddles, designed for high-level/pro play.
According to the claims, The Aria Pro delivers the perfect combination of control and power. Let’s see if I can do it justice. I have several friends who back up the claims and agree that this is the best brand.
For the Bibliophile:
For the avid reader, there’s no better gift than a good book. Consider getting them a new release from their favorite author or a classic novel that they’ve been meaning to read. You could also opt for something more unique, like a book-themed candle or a literary-themed piece of jewelry.
As for me, getting a book for Christmas takes me back to the first ten or so years I was married, when my husband would give me a hardback book, often signed edition, each year. Great memories.
I have already met my Goodreads goal for the year, but I’m still invested in finding some great reads to share with others. A few I have on my holiday gift guide list that I’m anxious to start on are and ones for Miss Scarlett’s stocking are:
- The Wellness Trap by Christy Harrison
- Eat Smarter Family Cookbook by Shawn Stevenson
- Super Shortcut Instant Pot by Jeffrey Eisner
- Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King by Alice Faye Duncan
For the Adventurer:
If you know someone who loves to travel and explore, there are plenty of gift ideas that will help fuel their sense of adventure. Consider getting them a new piece of travel gear, like a sturdy backpack or a compact camera. For the road tripper, a new GPS or car mount could come in handy. If they’re into the outdoors, nothing beats an America the Beautiful National Park annual pass.
For this adventurer, I’m thrilled with my uber-cool Atomi Alpha Electric Scooter. I’ve seen electric scooters around cities during my travels and always wanted to try one. But then, you have to scan, pay, and follow through many different directions, which can change from city to city; that’s not for this 54-year-old gal.
Now I have my own portable electric scooter with all the bells and whistles! My Atomi Alpha 650W Electric Scooter features colorful ambient lights, a combination lock, and a Smart App. It can easily fold for portability. The scooter’s range on one charge is around 25 miles. It can reach 19 mph and has three cruising speeds with a dual braking system.
I honestly can’t get over how easy it is to ride and how much fun it is. My scooter has a bell, an easy-to-use hand brake, plus lights (on the front and underneath) to display a variety of cool colors. For those who are curious, the step bar, what you stand on, is much wider than my foot. It is very secure and stable.
Another astonishing mention is that the scooter has 9″ puncture-proof tubeless tires. The Atomi Alpha 650W Electric Scooter is a splurge holiday gift but a fantastic gift that will win you brownie points and then some.
Another holiday gift guide item is The Original Muck Boot Company chicken boots. I got matching ones for me and my granddaughter. Now, we can roam through any kind of weather (snow, dust, mud, you name it) on our hikes and spray them off when we are done. They are the cutest and super comfortable. Muck Boot Company has an incredible line of shoes and boots.
If you need to familiarize yourself with Muck Boots, here are a few fun facts. They are 100% waterproof, have self-cleaning outsoles, a breathable mesh sandwich lining (which also improves air circulation), and double heel/toe reinforcement. Their collections include garden, hunting, farm, and winter boots.
I feel like someone read my mind when they designed this gift. The Armbie is a super simple fabric piece that easily slips over your head and supports your arms. First, it is great for flying when you want to sleep and your arms are just dangling and there is nothing to do with them. Problem solved — arms supported and you can sleep with ease.
Any readers out there? Again, Armbie supports your arms, allowing your hands free to hold your book or Kindle with no problem and no fatigue. There are several uses for it, and this perfect stocking stuffer is less than $30.
Please note: The fabric is supportive but not tight. It breathes and is comfortable, allowing air flow so you don’t get hot. Armbie offers a 30-day risk-free return policy.
For the Gourmet Cook:
The Turpone Portable Rotating Stone Pizza Oven will be my family’s favorite holiday gift this season, I feel pretty sure. The outdoor propane oven, with an adjustable heat control dial, features a burner and rotating ceramic stone, cooking 12″ pizza up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit in 90 seconds.
We will start practicing on it this weekend and use it to dazzle our Christmas Open House guests with its speed and ease of use. Besides foodies, this gift is perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Oven colors are black, blue, stainless steel, and red.
I’m also on the air fryer bandwagon this year. My Fritaire Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer is the prettiest, stylish, and most advanced brand out there. Orange perfectly matches our Southwestern NV home decor, but it also comes in sage green, black, and lily white.
The Fritaire Air Fryer uses no teflon or plastic (kudos for being BPA-free!), includes a French tumbler and rotisserie, and has preprogrammed buttons for fries, meat, fish, chicken, cake, and fruits. I like that you can see what you are cooking through the glass bowl.
For the Foodie:
Three of my family members are crazy for hot stuff, namely sauces, peppers, and spices. I’m glad to be adding Small Batch Kitchen condiments to my stocking stuffers this year. Small Batch Kitchen is a Pennsylvania company using farm-fresh ingredients from 50 farmers, creating infused Atlantic sea salts, hot sauces, and spreads.
We are sampling the jalapeño pepper, ghost pepper, and hot pepper spreads. I can’t wait to slather them on anything and everything! Small Batch Kitchen spreads, a woman-owned business, are available in sweet, savory, and spicy; they even create beer spreads! I will add that the packing for these three items was one of the most efficient I’ve ever seen, and it’s all carbon-neutral shipping.
Prepare to be amazed by the rich and indulgent flavors of Chocolate Moonshine, a craft fudgery in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Their handcrafted treats surpass even my own homemade creations in freshness and quality. While traditional favorites like Belgian Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter delight customers, the standout flavors for me were the irresistibly delicious Black Cherry Bourbon and Penuche (Dulce de Leche).
I couldn’t help but savor my fudge by cutting it into four delectable servings. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, I recommend the two-pound Nut Lovers Fudge Sampler from Chocolate Moonshine. It’s not only a delicious treat but also a great option for a stocking stuffer.
Ever wanted to make Shrimp & Grits but were too intimidated? No worries, Sarge’s has created a Low Country sauce that only requires adding shrimp and chicken broth for the quintessential southern meal. For the complete meal, try Sarge’s Trio, which comes with seafood seasoning and yellow stone ground grits.
This is the perfect gift for the foodie on the go or someone who wants to try Shrimp & Grits and doesn’t want to invest the time or money for the traditional recipe. It is restaurant quality and ready within minutes.
If you are near a Mast General Store, you can pick it up there or order online.
For the Nostalgic Type:
Coton Colors ornaments are absolutely delightful. My daughter, Taylor, has adored and collected them for over a decade. It’s always a joy to be at her home during the decorating season; unwrapping each unique piece from its beautiful box and finding the perfect spot on her tree is a delightful experience.
If you aren’t familiar with Coton Colors, their ornaments make fabulous gifts for everyone. They have an ornament for every person in your life, including moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, hairdressers, teachers, friends, and even pets! A coordinating ribbon complements each glass ornament and comes in a matching gift box, so there’s no need for wrapping.
