The Gifts I’m Actually Gifting This Year
I love following gift guides each season, collecting ideas, and seeing what people recommend—but what I really want to know is what they’re actually gifting for the holidays. So this year, I’m sharing ours!
Ps: If you’re still looking for ideas these 2 lists were made to help you! My 2025 Gift Guide List & over 100 Kids Stocking Stuffers
One of my goals every year is to finish holiday shopping before December 1. Over the past few years I’ve learned that checking it off early makes the whole month feel so much more enjoyable. I get to be in December instead of prepping for it.
And if you're a friend or family member… stop reading now. Yes, you, Grandma 😉 No spoilers! Half the fun of Christmas morning is the surprise.
How We Do Gifts for Our Kids
Each of our kids gets four gifts on Christmas morning. We originally followed the “want, need, wear, read” method, but over time it’s evolved into simply four thoughtful presents—usually one or two wishlist items and a couple things we handpick.
It’s made gifting so much more manageable and meaningful. Between extended family and stuffed stockings, they’re plenty spoiled. Keeping our focus on four gifts helps us be intentional.
Brody (Age 10)
Rebounce Game
A wishlist item he spotted in the Amazon catalog. It looks like such a fun family game.
Candy Pen
He’s been really into 3D printing (this 3D printer we got a few years ago is still going strong), so a 3D printing pen that uses actual candy feels like the perfect twist.
Kids Golf Clubs + Sports Backpack
A practical pick—youth sports are expensiveee. He wanted the team backpack for basketball, so we agreed it would be a Christmas gift. He also wants to try out for the golf team at school this Spring, so clubs felt like a useful and exciting addition.
iPad Mini
Another practical “big” gift. Our travel iPad is on its last leg, so we’re replacing it with the mini version. It’ll save so much space in carry-ons.
Isla (Age 8)
Scooter
She’s definitely outgrown her preschool scooter. This pink one has amazing reviews and is great for bigger kids.
Bitzee
A top wishlist item. I’m still not entirely sure what it is—it gives Tamagotchi vibes—but a friend had one and she hasn’t stopped talking about it.
Doll + Outfit
We’re soaking up the doll-playing days as long as possible. She loves American Girl and Our Generation dolls. I grabbed this new one and a cute cheer outfit to go with it.
Gymnastics Bar
Her #1 wishlist item. I ordered a folding version that we’ll keep in the basement during the winter so the kids can get some energy out.
Luca (Age 5)
ZipString Aracna
We backed this on Kickstarter earlier this fall. It’s like a Spiderman-style web-shooter toy and it is very satisfying. My husband tested it immediately.
Drum Set
His top wishlist item. He had very specific requirements, so we went with an electric drum set with headphones because… our house is loud enough already. 😂
Scooter
Also upgrading his preschool scooter. The blue color is perfect.
Chompsaw
They have one at our children’s museum and it’s such a cool concept—a kid-safe power tool for cutting cardboard and building creations.
Luca’s Birthday Gifts (Christmas Eve Baby!)
Five-year-old gifts are in full swing around here.
Coloring Robot
This little robot draws pictures for you to color in. Very cool—and mesmerizing to watch.
Doll
He loves playing dolls with Isla. I found a sweet boy doll that comes with a puppy.
Stuffed Animal Snake
He checked out every snake in every shop at the Grand Canyon. He is bug/critter/snake obsessed, so I grabbed a fun blue one for him.
Little Tikes Tools
This set looks like a blast. The tools actually work with the foam “wood.”
Group Gift for the Kids
TinCan Phone + Custom Mini Phone Books
I’m so excited about this. Their friends ordered them too, so we’re bringing back the magic of calling a friend on a “home phone.” And yes—they can even call 911 if they ever truly need to.
Gifts for Extended Family
My Grandma
A pretty floral scarf + these viral house slippers. She’s 92 but has the excitement of a 5-year-old on Christmas morning.
My Aunt
A Birdie safety whistle and my favorite cozy cottage-themed adult coloring book.
Sister-in-Law
The same Lifelines coloring book. These have been one of my favorite mindless relaxation activities this year and make such an easy under-$30 gift.
Gift Exchanges
We draw names on one side of the family and do a themed exchange with a dollar limit on the other. Here’s what I’m gifting:
Brother #1 (30s) – Kanga Cooler
A South Carolina brand designed to hold a full pack of beer. It’s basically a man-purse for your beer. Filling it with goodies.
Brother #2 (30s) – Bug-A-Salt Gun
One of my husband’s absolute favorite things. I’ll never understand the hype but it brings him such joy.
My Mom – Babs Cookbooks, a new doormat, and my favorite cozy travel-day outfit.
My Dad – Heated vest (he’s always tinkering outside). They’re going on an Alaska cruise soon, so the vest will be clutch.
SIL & MIL – We exchange detailed wish lists and buy directly from those.
Gifts for Teachers, Neighbors & Others
Teachers
Custom name notepads from Amazon tied with a big satin ribbon + a gift card.
Neighbors
Brody has become known for his PB cookies. We’ll bake a big batch in early December (before everyone is sick of sweets), wrap them up pretty, and drop them on doorsteps.
Mailman
Cash.
Friend Gift Exchange
Our fancy annual gift exchange is always so much fun. $100 limit—and I’m still stuck. If you have ideas, tell me everything!
