Holiday Gift Guide Day 1 Gifts for Men

Day one of my Holiday Gift Guide features five gifts for men. Each day this week I'll feature five new items for different types of people. Next Monday it will culminate in a giveaway that you won't want to miss!

1. Hybrid Wall Clock from Delight.Com.

This wall clock is made from recycled computer and bike parts. It is not only eco-friendly...it's really neat. My husband is a professor of mechanical engineering and I'm sure this clock would look great on his office wall.

Price: $35.75

2. Gray Wool and Cotton Ribbed Sweater Sleeve Scarf from kundhicreative.





Full disclosure on this one. Julie is a friend. However, she did not ask me to include this item on my gift guide. I'm including it because I think this would make a great gift for anyone! This scarf is made from the felted sleeves of a recycled sweater and then hand sewn to some cotton fabric. It was designed to keep in mind those that enjoy the warmth of wool but aren't able to wear it against their skin. Another eco-friendly option for the holidays.

Price: $18.00

3. iPod Retro Mini Speakers from Delight.Com.
One of the best things about this little speaker is that it doesn't need batteries! It uses the power from your iPod and is just the right size to set on your desk. The Lego brick shape and variety of colors make this a gift that will please just about anyone with an iPod. And, for under $20, the price is right.

Price: $19.75

4. Steampunk Cufflinks from edmdesigns.

I found these cufflinks on etsy when I was just browsing around. These are made from vintage watch pieces and would truly make a unique gift. These make me wish my husband wears cufflinks. This particular etsy seller also has a variety of other items made from vintage watch pieces if this particular one isn't your style.

Price: $65.00



5. TomTom ONE Portable GPS Navigation System.

No need to stop and ask for directions (or drive around for hours denying that you're lost) with this handy gadget. I seem to remember that these were the "it" gift last season but if you held off (like we did), you might find that the prices have dropped and some of the models have been improved since then. This one is affordable and the reviews have been consistent.

Price: $133.88

Holiday Gift Guide Day 1 Gifts for Men

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-gift-guide-day-1-gifts-for-men.html

Holiday Gift Guide Day 3 Gifts for Baby

Today's Holiday Gift Guide is all about gifts for babies. I've included things that can be for newborn up to about 18 months. Of course, some of these things can be used beyond that age but it was my self imposed guideline for this category.

1. Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug
I saw this product in person last weekend at a craft show I attended. It caught my attention immediately and I was intrigued. Still, I didn't think how this could be any better than the plastic ride-on toys that my kids used. That was until I saw a 5 year old get on it and zoom around. It is on casters so it turns on a dime. It goes where you want it to. It is sturdy. Not only did it keep a 5 year old occupied, it is a great product for a pre-walker/walker to zoom around on. The handle makes it easy to use as a push toy as well. You might feel a little zing when you see the price but when you think about the quality and how your child can use this for years, the price seems a little more reasonable.

Price: $59.99

2. Stackable Wooden Sheep by Tactile Baby.
These cute stackable wooden animals come in a variety of shapes but this sheep was my personal favorite. Each piece is held together with industrial strength velcro. You can mix and match animals or just stack them in a wild array of configurations for fun.

Price: $22 (on sale now at Happy Chickadee)

3. Three Long Sleeve Onesie Wooden Gift Box Set from handmadejig on Etsy.


This set makes a fabulous customized gift--with no gift wrapping required! It is all ready to go in a wooden box that can later be used as a keepsake box or used for some other purpose. The onesies are 100% interlock cotton and the image is an iron-on.

Price: $40

4. Link-a-doos from Fisher Price.

This classic toy was a must-have for my babies. Link-a-doos are one of the first things that the little ones love to grasp onto and chew on. These will link to each other, on the car seat, on the stroller, on other toys, etc... You can keep a couple in your diaper bag or purse to have something handy in case of a fussy baby emergency. This is one of those things that I always recommend to new moms. Get some link-a-doos!

Price: $14.99 (for the 20 link pack)

5. Funky Striped Legwarmers by Knotty Baby
Knotty Baby legwarmers are made by a work at home mom and are a great addition to a young baby's wardrobe. If you live in a colder climate, this is an easy way to add a layer without having to fight with a pair tights. They come in a variety of styles and fit sizes 0-4 so they are economical and will grow with your baby!

Price: $9

Bonus product: Baby Games eBook

Angela England is a writer and blogger that has written a great little eBook called Baby Games for You to Play. You can find some sneak peeks of the content on her blog. But, at $.99 (if purchased before December 1st), this eBook is a great value to anyone that might have a little one in their home. It is full of great ideas and would make a great stocking stuffer or shower gift.

Price: $0.99 (before Dec. 1st)- $2.50 (regular price)

Holiday Gift Guide Day 3 Gifts for Baby

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-gift-guide-day-3-gifts-for-baby.html

Holiday Gift Guide Day 4 Gifts for the Home

1. Blue Sky Road 8X10 Glossy Print from PaintingPrints on Etsy.


I've been searching for some artwork to inspire a bedroom makeover and fell in love with a bunch of prints from PaintingPrints on Etsy. Prints are an excellent way to have artwork in your home when you are on a budget.

Price: $22


2. Digital Coin Counting Money Jar
I don't know what it is about this product that makes me want it so desperately. Every time I see one I wish I had one. Am I silly for really wanting one of these? Even sillier for recommending it as a gift for others? I just think that if I could see exactly how much change I'm accumulating over the year, it will motivate me to put the change in there instead of spend it. Yeah, that's the ticket.
Price: $19.99

3. Wool Felt Christmas Owl Ornaments


I was browsing Etsy the other day and came across a listing for these super cute ornaments. I knew I wanted to feature them on my holiday gift guide. I don't know exactly what it is about them but I can't help but think that they would look great in anyone's home or on anyone's Christmas tree. I had originally picked a listing with just two ornaments but they sold quickly. If you're interested in these, I'd suggest acting now!

Price: $20

4. KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer

If you don't have a stand mixer yet in your home and you do any sort of baking. GET ONE NOW! This is one of my favorite kitchen products. I have the Classic mixer but this Artisan series is on sale for just $10 more so it is certainly a better bargain right now. This is a real work horse of a mixer and comes in so many great colors.

Price: $209.99

5. Le Creuset Stoneware Petite Blueberry Casserole
This is an individual sized casserole dish that measures approximately 5" X 5". It looked too cute not to include. I don't like blueberries much but I sure love the look of this stoneware. They also make a petite pear and a petite artichoke. Even if you can't think of a use for these in your cooking, they would make fun storage containers.

Price: $22.45

Holiday Gift Guide Day 4 Gifts for the Home

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-gift-guide-day-4-gifts-for-home.html

Holiday Gift Guide Coming Soon!

I'm working on a Holiday Gift Guide to run here on my blog while I'm on vacation over Thanksgiving. I've been collecting all sorts of goodies in these categories:

For Moms
For Dads
For Kids
For Babies
For the Home/Family
Handmade

Do you have a product you absolutely love that you think I should include? Do you have something special you hope you will receive this year? Let me know!

*If you represent or make a product that you would like reviewed and/or considered for this gift guide, email me at sra_nelson AT yahoo DOT com or twitter sra_nelson

Holiday Gift Guide Coming Soon!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-gift-guide-coming-soon.html

Gift Guide: Gifts for Foodies

This week I'm posting some gift guides. They'll also be cross posted on ChristyNelson.net. There will be at least one homemade item per list.

Today we've got gifts for foodies. Enjoy!

1. Taste of Italy gift set from Vervacious: Voyage Inspired Fancy Foods

At $50 this is a little out of range for a hostess gift (at least for me!) but if you're shopping for an adventurous chef wanna-be, this could be a great option. Vervacious has so many different blends and gift sets (another great one is theSpanish Favorites for only $25). They also offer subscriptions where they send out something amazing once a month.

2. Homemade Spice Rubs from ChristyNelson.net

Okay, I'm adding something I've featured on my other site. It makes such a great gift and is so quick and easy that I couldn't leave it off the list.

3. Kuhn Rikon Paring Knife

At $10, this knife could easily fit the hostess gift bill or be a great add-on to a fun food related gift. There are many colors to choose from and did I mention that it's NON STICK? I'm putting this on my Christmas wishlist.

4. The Man Who Ate Everything by Jeffrey Steingarten

Is this book really over 10 years old? I love it. Jeffrey Steingarten is now very well known, having been a judge on Iron Chef America since it premiered. This book is full of short articles so it is a great read over a period of time. I own this book and find myself grabbing it when I have a few moments and just want to read a chapter or two. I'll warn you, though. You might want to put his second book in your shopping cart as well.

5. Omaha Steaks Tasteful Gift Combo

I do live in Nebraska, you know. This isn't just a gift for foodies. This is a gift for anyone that eats. Well, anyone that eats meat. At under $70 and free shipping, the recipient (and their family) will be enjoying this gift for months. It is full of great food!

Gift Guide: Gifts for Foodies

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-guide-gifts-for-foodies.html

Holiday Gift Guide Day 5 Gifts for Women

Day 1--Gifts for Men

Day 2-- Gifts for Boys & Girls

Day 3-- Gifts for Baby

Day 4-- Gifts for the Home

Day 5--Gifts for Women

This category could also be called things that I love. I would be happy with any one of these items and I bet a lot of you could be, too!

1. From the Kitchen of... Custom Rubber Stamp from SweetPaperie on Etsy.

This would make a great gift for any friend or hostess that loves to cook and share her goodies with others. Bonus--this stamp is on sale right now!

Price: $19.16

2. Custom Bangerang Cupcakes from FatDaddyBakeShop on Etsy.

This is THE cupcake shop on etsy and this particular listing is for 6 cupcakes that come in individual 8 oz. jars. There are also single cupcakes available in her shop as well. You get to pick and choose your flavors with this set. I'd have a hard time picking but I'd definitely include a Banana Butterscotch Bad Boy, The New Nut Job, and The Classic Fat Daddy.

Price: $39.00

3. Camera Strap Slip Cover from Shealynn on Etsy

This picture is of the black/white damask that is sadly, no longer available at the time of posting. I believe she would be able to do it custom, but I'm not certain. The link above takes you to another listing of the same item in brown/white. Now that I have my fancy new camera, I'd love to have a comfy camera strap. I thought I might make one myself but it might be worth the money to just buy one already done for me!

Price: $18.50

4. Colby Bag from PursesbyAshley on Etsy


Before I even met Ashley from Purses by Ashley, I loved her purses. I had seen them at the local farmer's market and on etsy. I was thrilled when she decided to be a part of the local Lincoln Handmade team. Her bags are so well made and her fabric choices are spot on. This is one of my very favorites but she is more than willing to do custom work if this isn't your cup of tea.

Price: $70


5. Pretty Little Things Club from JordanFerney on Etsy

If you follow Oh Happy Day you'll have no doubt that this club will introduce you to some fantastic finds. Every month you will receive some "pretty little thing" in the mail from Jordan. There's not much I like more than getting sweet surprises in the mail!

Price: $100

Holiday Gift Guide Day 5 Gifts for Women

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-gift-guide-day-5-gifts-for.html

Holiday Gift Guide Day 2 Gifts for Boys and Girls

In honor of me becoming one of the Indie experts over at Wishpot, today's picks are all handmade!

Because some of these items are made custom and made by hand, if you see something you like---act on it! They might not be available for long.

1. Superhero Capes on Etsy.

This is a great example of something that is not available for long. This particular cape is (sometimes) available at superflykidz on etsy. Here is a link to another shop with capes.

Price: $8 (plain) and higher

2. Four Little Girl dolls from toocute on Etsy.

I fell in love with these little dolls. They are just 2 inches tall, made of wood, and come with a little pouch. What little girl wouldn't love to have some of these to play with? Bonus: They don't use batteries and they are quiet! Also available are family doll sets and even sets with pets.

Price: $26

3. Euro Wrap Tunic by Refibered on Etsy.

Another full disclosure here. This is made by Kelly, a friend from our local Lincoln Handmade team on Etsy. I've seen this top in person and on a little girl and I'm absolutely in love with it. It is a wrap top that is totally reversible and with four different coordinating fabrics, it can be worn four different ways! Four tops in one! It is great because it can be worn over alone or over a shirt so it is truly a year round top. She has dresses available, too that can become tunics as the child grows. She does custom orders.

Price: $29

4. Black Dots and Yellow Coloring Tote from cuddlebuddies4kids at Etsy.

Have you seen all those crayon rolls around? They are really cute and a good idea. This takes it to the next level. You can tote around your crayons and a coloring book at the same time! This tote is made with great colors for a boy or a girl. This particular etsy seller has a lot of different fabrics to choose from.

Price: $10

5. Bookplate Variety Pack Set of 12 from ModernClassicKids on Etsy.

This is a great gift for any book-loving kid. This particular seller has a great variety. They are printed and have an adhesive backing so they are ready to peel and stick! I'm planning on ordering some of these for my book-loving brothers.

Price: $6

Holiday Gift Guide Day 2 Gifts for Boys and Girls

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-gift-guide-day-2-gifts-for-boys.html

Gift Guide: Gifts for Techies

Day 2 of gift guides include stuff for the techies in your life. I most certainly consider myself a member of this crowd. I'm a computer nerd that loves crafts.

photo copyright Craftsquatch

1. Twitter Pillow from Craftsquatch.etsy.com

This first item is perfect for any crafty geek in your life. You can purchase one of these on Etsy for $20 but I'm sure most of my readers (at least at ChristyNelson.net) could make their own version for less.

2. Wi-Fi Detector Shirt from ThinkGeek

Words can not describe how badly I want this shirt. Actually, I want the technology on this shirt to put on one of my own. It totally detects the wi-fi and lights up accordingly! It's only $20. What a bargain!

3. A Netbook

Any little netbook would probably do! I've linked to this one pictured that I might purchase if I was shopping for myself. My laptop is my primary computer but can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to lug around for meetings and conferences. A netbook is a good bridge between my iPod Touch and laptop. I think it would make a terrific gift for me any techie.

4. Flip Video Camera

This has been one of my favorite tech purchases ever. It is so easy to use and so versatile. This is not only a great gift for a techie (although, they probably already have one!) but it is a great overall gift for anyone...a new parent, a teenager, a blogger, a grandparent. You don't have to be very computer savvy to use it, either. It's got a flip out usb and built in software. Easy peasy.

5. Notebook Cooling Pad

Sometimes you just need to use your laptop on the couch or in your bed. Instead of burning up your legs and your computer, a cooling pad is the way to go. This isn't the one I have, but it looks pretty darn good and got some great reviews on Amazon. The one I have is a bit bulky. This one is lighter and slimmer. That's important.

Gift Guide: Gifts for Techies

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-guide-gifts-for-techies.html