...what a gift to be gifted...

 I know, I know...there are those of you who've had your holiday shopping done since early fall.  And to you I say...leave, leave here now...we can never be friends. (I kid, I kid!) But really, who are you and how are you? Because I can't even think about Christmas until Thanksgiving dishes have been washed, dried, and packed away 'til next year.  In fact, in our little family, the traditional response to requests for wishlists is "No thinking about what you want, until you've first expressed gratitude for what you have".  Read also: "You know the drill.  We don't make wishlists until Thanksgiving is over."

And sure enough, come Friday morning, we're all scrolling away at our screens, cornbread leftovers reimagined as breakfast, condensing our hearts' desires into lists of 10 or less.

So good for you if your shopping is done and already wrapped or in the mail. You've avoided the hustle and bustle...the chaos and crowds.  You're probably reading this with a hefty dose of self-satisfaction...and a planner all filled, in ink no less.
Good for you.

Enjoy the peace and quiet and self-adulation.

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This post? Is for the rest of us.

And it's chock full of great ideas...from my friends and acquaintances-some fabulously talented crafters. writers and artisans who have brought their passion projects to life!

From charming crafts and creations...to the best of baked goods...read on through to find some wonderful ideas to gift and to receive this year!

May all our holidays be as magical as Henri's first Christmas

Festive Food Gifts:

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream: a family favorite going all the way back to my single-mom days in Ohio. We regularly gift multi-pint deliveries to family and friends in need of a pick-me-up.  With local, quality ingredients and decadent flavors made-from-scratch, this is gift-worthy ice cream at its best.  The customer service has always been top notch, and shipments are packed for perfect delivery...even in summer...ask me how I know!

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For those more local, there's the Blue Sheep Bake Shop:  This bakery is a winner.  Just ask the Food Network!  With cases full of specialty cakes, cupcakes, cookies and macarons, you're sure to find something to hit the spot here.  Go for the cupcakes, stay for the gluten-free offerings, and don't forget to try the new house-made artisan ice cream.  One for them, two for you-this gift is sweet!

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Make every holiday morning a touch cozier by gifting stroopwafels from Stroopies. This is a real "gift good, do good".  This Lancaster, Pennsylvannia company was founded for and continues to provide meaningful employment to resettled refugee women. We stumbled across them years ago now, at a Christmas market and their fabulous, gluten-free options have become a year-round staple in our home.  My eldest son always always ALWAYS put these on his wishlist.

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For The Chef:

A many-years acquaintance of mine who runs the popular food blog Healthy Delicious is helping us all make magic in the kitchen with her fantastic line of cookbooks, available in both print and kindle editions.  Available here, or you can go one step further in spreading some holiday cheer, and order them through your own local bookstore...both your recipient and your small-business bookstore will be delighted!

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Gifts with he(ART) and soul:

No gift list is complete without uniquely crafted creations, and you needn't look any further than My Warriors Designs for all your custom needs. This small business is a true labor of love, for my dear friend Cassie.  When her twins were born, extremely premature at 25 weeks, she desperately needed an outlet for the anxiety and PTSD of that trauma,and found it by channeling that energy into her love of crafting.  My Warriors Designs honors her two youngest, one autistic and the other diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiloculated hydrocephalus and autonomic dysfunction. As she says "I create for them. I create for me."  Let her create for you, as well, and make your gifting this holiday part of a beautiful story of hope, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of motherhood.  You'll find all manner of customizable items in her shop and be sure to follow along socials as well, for shop updates and limited product offerings.

 

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The son of a former teacher of my son (how's that for a mouthful) can cover your gift and giftwrap needs in one with Shymask Studios woodcraft designs and treasure boxes.

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Speaking of former teachers...Amy Jensen's got a book, or two (or  three!) for you!  Her Chuckie the Chocolate Lab series is sure to please dog-lovers of every age, with a focus on social-emotional learning for youngsters.  A book and a friend to read it with?  Sounds like a win/win!

And while we're on the subject of kids and friends...I've a friend whose kid just opened up shop! Check out Morin's Clay Shop for some adorable, handcrafted jewelry just perfect for stocking stuffers or the little girls in your life. Inventory is running blissfully low, but there's more to come with the holiday break coming up!

No gift guide of mine would e'er be complete if I didn't include my own kid!  You've seen me raving about his creativity for years. So you just know I have to (no, really, it's in the contract!) plug for his business here.  Honestly, though, it's an easy shill!  My eldest son's passion project and the business he began in middle school, Terminus Industries, houses both his love of all things Transformers and his heart for advocating for inclusion and acceptance as an autistic.  Offered across multiple platforms, shop for custom-designed Transformers figures, buildable kits, as well as a variety of custom-requested designs.  Or, send him a direct message about creating your own custom 3D printed solution, what ever it may be.  Additionally, be sure to check out his direct-to-order December offering, custom snowflake ornaments for decorating or gift tagging!

Yep!  Being my child affords you special treatment,
like getting your product photo in my post!

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Dazzling Delights:

For those at the top of your "Nice List" this year, might I suggest going for the razzle-dazzle and gifting a future heirloom from another longtime acquaintance's Blue Piranha Jewelry.  Taking a bit of a departure here to drop my own wishlisted item from the Etsy Shop:

This stunning Pegasus pendant that literally embodies my story.

Jill has redefined 'everyday elegance' with stunning craftsmanship, attention to both detail and history, and an unmatched talent for highlighting the natural beauty of the gemstones and precious metals she works with.  A winning lotto ticket (I'd have to actually pay to play, though!) and I'd help myself to each of her sterling pendants! Truly, a piece (or two!) for every woman in your life!

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Other notables

A few final recommendations by way of some of our favorite things:

Bavarian-style roasted nuts (Bavarian-style roasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, and more. and butter toffee roasted nuts) make for a great hostess gift.  Order one to give, and one to snack from while wrapping.

Know a frustrated home-cook dealing with dietary restrictions?  The gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo cookbooks from Danielle Walker's Against All Grain are a family favorite with delectable twists on old standards and creative cuisine.