***Originally posted on cregarstyle on December 18, 2014***
With only a week until Christmas it is officially "crunch time" for those last minute holiday shoppers! This is usually the category I fall into each year, but this year, as I mentioned in my Christmas Present Craziness post, I started early and I'm just about done. That means that nearly all of the presents that Aaron and I are giving as a couple are done. Thankfully, the only person that Aaron is responsible for shopping for on his own is me. I don't want this to sound like he has been slacking off and not doing any Christmas shopping. I don't know. However, I do know that he works long hours and he has not yet wrapped anything for me. In an effort to help him out, and any other husbands, boyfriends, fiances, etc out there, I am creating this gift guide of things I would like and some of the best gifts I've gotten in the past.
Guys: Please note that these gifts are things that I like, so I would like to think most girls would be happy with them. However, I am not every girl on the planet. Please use your best judgement when shopping for your significant other or friend because you know them, I do not. That being said, this should give you at least an idea of where to start.
To start off my Christmas list I am heading to my pinterest boards. Some of my wish list is made up of tangible gifts, some are single events, and others are on-going experiences. These gift ideas are in no particular order and will not necessarily work for every couple.
1. 12 Pre-Planned Date Ideas (Photo and concept from Babble):
This gift is pretty self explanatory. It is a year's worth of pre-planned dates. I think the draw for me is that these aren't promises of dates, they are already thought out so when date night comes around we aren't staring at each other thinking "I wish we had a plan" because he will have already planned it. Bonus points to the man who sets dates for things or allocates money for the dates ahead of time. Some of these dates listed below may not work for every couple, but it is a good start. This gift is perfect because you can start fresh in the new year! It could even be a great reoccurring gift. Maybe each year you and your spouse can trade off who does the planning?
2. A Couples (or family) Photo Shoot:
If your wife is anything like me she likes to have family photos but always forgets to take pictures when dressed up. I am the absolute worst at remembering! I know getting pictures taken is not usually a guy's favorite thing to do on a weekend, but it will mean soooooo much to her if you do it. Aaron is typically a great sport about taking couples pictures with me, but I am the one who suggests it, finds a photographer, schedules it, plans the outfits, and searches for the locations. I do not expect Aaron to go through my closet and pick out which outfits I should wear for pictures, but it would be so great if he were the one to plan it all and I just had to pick out outfits and show up!
Sidenote: Photography can get pricey these days, and it is WAY more than just point and click. However, if you are on a more fixed income this gift can still work for you. I would recommend asking around friends and family to see if anyone is just starting out with photography and would take your photos for the experience or tips. Another, even less expensive, idea is for 2 couples to do it together and take turns taking pictures of each other. With this option everything is virtually free as long as you have a camera of decent quality. Just be sure to remember that professional work will usually have a different look than DIY photography, but if you aren't concerned it can be even more fun double dating with another couple and taking photos while you're at it!
3. Hardback Journaling Bible:
This is a new desire of mine. A friend of mine at church has a journaling Bible and I think its fantastic. Currently I use a Bible I got for free at church and I love it, but it doesn't have any room in the margins for notes. I typically underline in my Bible, but I've stopped doing that because I don't have any room to make comments on what I'm marking.
4. Monogrammed Mug:
You know me, I LOVE monograms! If I could afford to I would monogram everything I own! Really the word "mug" could be replaced with the word "anything" and it would still be accurate. Monogrammed coffee mugs are a sweet way to show her you understand her completely insane love of all things monogrammed. Want even better news? You could get her a travel mug or a mug for at home coffee! Oh the choices :) For me, I think it is probably best that Aaron not buy me any more mugs because we own a lot of at home mugs, and if I get one more tumbler I think I am going to be on an episode of Hoarders. But definitely consider them for your friends and family because girls go crazy over things like this!
5. Love Knot Stud Earrings:
I think these earrings are so cute and elegantly understated. You can find them in silver or gold.
6. KitchenAid Stand Mixer:
Last year my sweet, sweet husband (then fiancé) got me the present every girl dreams of...A KITCHENAID MIXER!!!!!!! It is the most glorious present ever. This links to the model I have, but there are several different options out there so check out the links below. Mine is white and I put a hot pink monogram sticker on it after the wedding...are you surprised?
7. Lace Knitted Boot Cuffs:
Boot cuffs are a new trend in the last few years. With boots becoming a staple in almost every girl's wardrobe, boot cuffs have quickly become a simple, sought after item. They are basically legwarmers with cute, usually lace, patterns at the top that stick out of the top of boots. Some girls prefer full boot socks that cover from toe to knee, but I would rather wear a simple sock and boot cuffs because you don't want to have too much bulk in the boot.
8. Cashmere Winter Scarf:
I am addicted to cashmere! Who isn't? Although I live in Texas and rarely need to use my cashmere scarves, they do come in handy when the wind gets going. I definitely put them to good use when I lived in other parts of the country. What I love most about my cashmere scarves is that they can be worn in all kinds of cooler weather from the first bit of fall through spring. Often times I get larger scarves (18-24" wide) so I can use them as blankets if I need to when traveling. I think my family has figured out I have a love of scarves because every year my mother in law gives me one for Christmas :)
9. Kate Spade New York Women's Rose Gold-Tone Watch:
It is hard not to fall in love with everything that Kate Spade New York puts out there. This watch is the epitome of elegance and class. I love that it rose gold so it is not so "in your face" gold. The small touches of pink are probably my favorite parts of the whole thing. When girls grow into women they don't stop loving pink (or most don't), but unless they are Elle Woods, they don't get to dress head-to-toe in pink anymore. This watch is a perfect balance between the youthful pink and grown elegance.
Finally number 10....Drumroll please......
10. Making Sweet Memories with the Ones She Loves Most:
The holiday season is not about the presents, the food, or the music. It is about spending time with the ones you love most and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are close together or far apart this season, do your best to share something with the ones you love, even if its just a short phone call or email, because the time you spend together is what is most important.
Thank y'all for reading this! I hope this gift guide helps you find something special for the ones you love most in this world. Merry Christmas! Until then...
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