Gift Ideas

Friday Favorites {#284}: Fave Gifts

Posted on December 12, 2025December 14, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF, am I right? I’m typing this on Thursday when there’s a good chance for snow and a possibility of a snow day on Friday. What could be better than that?

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites.

Today’s Friday Favorites post is a little bit different, but with less than two weeks until Christmas, I thought I’d share a few favorite gift purchases from the past and a few that are on current wish lists.

First of all, have you heard of the Giftful app? This is the second year Hadley has used it, and it sure has come in handy. She added some ideas for her birthday and Christmas, and they are linked with sizes. Then, you can “claim” the gift, so no one else purchases it. Also, you can follow people on Giftful which makes for easy shopping.

Her little captions are too funny…and she has a wish list for car accessories too. (FYI – the kids don’t have a car…yet) She’s a hoot!

So, let me start with her…

Teen Girls:

This sunrise alarm clock is on her list…and honestly, she needs some help waking up in the morning! haha

She loves hair tools, and this hair waver is something she has her eye on.

Are you even a teenage girl if you don’t ask for a portable speaker?

This compact vanity mirror was a hit a few years ago. She did get rid of it once we updated her room and got the bigger vanity, but this smaller one worked well too.

Teen Boys:

Well, Hayden is definitely harder to buy for, and certainly doesn’t give many ideas.

He didn’t ask for Ugg slippers, but I see so many boys wearing them. Of course, there are more budget friendly options too.

He hasn’t really entered the cologne world, so I thought this pack of solid colognes might be a good stocking stuffer.

I can’t remember a time when Hayden hasn’t had a mini basketball hoop. He had an over the door one forever, and then a couple of years ago he got one for the basement. Even though he doesn’t play basketball as much as he used to, he still will play on the mini hoop.

Are you even a teenage boy if you don’t ask for a Nike hooded sweatshirt?

I don’t even want to tell you how many water bottles I’ve purchased through the years, but this stainless steel one is very durable and has lasted him quite some time.

Husbands:

I bought Trav this “Battery Daddy” a few years ago, and it truly was a favorite. We keep it stocked and in the hall closet for whenever we need batteries.

I got Trav some “Goodr” sunglasses from a local running store a few years ago, and I see so many people wearing them. Some shops have quite the variety of colorways and styles. These seem popular too.

My brother had these joggers last year, and highly recommended them, so I bought them for Trav last year too. They are great! The fabric is smooth and stretchy perfect for jogging and working out. They have side and back pockets that zip as well. Trav wears them a ton.

Joggers (affiliate link)

These beer mugs are perfect for a frosty beverage. Trav loved this gift.

These grilling baskets seem popular.

A few other ideas:

Trav has horse sales in the winter, and these rechargeable hand warmers are something I got him a few years ago.

I gave a similar fleece wrapped shawl to my mom or Gma a couple of years ago. I love the pockets!

This electric tea kettle was something I asked for a few years ago, and then I got one for my mom. We use it quite a bit for things like Ramen and hot chocolate, and it’s perfect for tea drinkers.

A few other ideas: candles, pretty stationary, Story Worth subscriptions, and photo calendars are other favorite gifts I’ve given through the years.

These wireless earbuds are my current faves. I purchased them for myself last summer, and they have worked perfectly for my needs. They are wireless, waterproof and noise canceling. I love using them to listen to podcasts or my audio books.

Wireless Earbuds {affiliate link}

I feel pretty good about where I’m at with gifts, but I still need to purchase a few more. Mostly, now I’m just waiting for gifts to arrive. Then, it will be time to wrap everything…which isn’t really a favorite, but I did buy a couple of new rolls of wrapping paper….maybe that will put me in the spirit.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week…

Share Our Lives

Holiday Home Tour

Hodgepodge

I hope you have a great weekend!

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Gift Ideas, Not Just a Mom

Share Our Lives

Posted on November 11, 2024November 12, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday…and happy Veteran’s Day to those who serve or have served in the military.

I hope you had a great weekend. Did you catch my posts on Saturday and Sunday? The Gratitude Challenge has been fun to keep up with with month.

How is this our second to last Share Our Lives link up for 2024? I’m co-hosting with some of my favorite bloggers.

So far this year we’ve discussed…

Introductions and jobs you’ve had in January
How we met our significant others in February
5 items you can’t live without in March
Favorite makeup and hair products in April
5 favorite and least favorite foods in May
Foods you make for someone else in June
Day in the life: summer edition in July
Least favorite activities in August
Finding peace in your day in September
Sweet tooth cravings in October

This month’s topic is…where you shop.

I’m guessing we scheduled this as the topic since many of us are starting to shop for the holiday season. That being said, my brain automatically thought of categories…Why am I like this?

Groceries:

I get 70-80% of my groceries at Kroger. You know I love Trader Joe’s, and I go there once a week or every other week. Aldi’s is another spot I like to check out from time to time.

Beauty:

I shop for makeup/beauty products mostly on Amazon or Target. Ulta is where I get my shampoo and conditioner, and then I always end up finding another thing or two. I love my Tarte shape tape, and Ulta has it now. I still use Dime for my skincare. I just went to Sephora the other day to pick up a gift for Hadley, and that place overwhelms me!

Clothes:

Y’all know I love SSYS, and I truly have so many things in my wardrobe I love from that shop. I buy a lot from Amazon, as you know. I like Target and Old Navy, but I really don’t buy as many clothes at either of those anymore.

Candles:

Bath and Body Works is where I usually get candles since there’s always a sale, and there are a couple stores in town. I love Antique Candle Co. candles too, and usually buy one each season. Jen Reed has some great scents with her Life in Lilac brand, and the jars are beautiful. I usually buy those candles a couple of times a year.

Home Decor:

For me, Homegoods is my fave place to find home and holiday decor. Target and TJ Maxx are also good as well. I just love strolling through Homegoods and taking my time while looking at all the decor.

Gifts:

Obviously, it depends on who I’m buying for, but I shop Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Target quite a bit. I always have luck at Aerie for Hadley. I do love supporting local shops and buying gifts from Etsy too. Truly, I’ve purchased quite a few gifts from Etsy shops, and I’m never disappointed.

While holiday shopping is still sometimes overwhelming to me, I am lucky that online shopping and curbside service are so convenient!

Next month, our topic is “favorite scents,” and we’d love to have you join us in the link up.

I need to get shopping for the kids’ birthday …which is next week! Where’s your favorite place to shop?

Amazon, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on November 8, 2023November 7, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I hope you are having a great week. The day off yesterday was just what I needed to have a bit of downtime mixed in with productivity. Now we’re on the downhill slide to the weekend.

I had to double check my calendar. I can’t believe it’s the second Wednesday of the month! That means I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let‘s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at:

Scheduling/organizing a busy family in January
What’s in your medicine cabinet in February
Favorite Amazon finds in March
I skipped April because we had pet peeves as a topic for May’s Not Just a Mom post, so I saved those ideas for that post.
Around May’s link up, I shared a “Day in the Life” post, so that ended up including most of my morning routine.
Best travel tips in June
No post for me in July.
In August, I discussed worst habits in a blog challenge post.
Our evening routine in September
I skipped October because I’d already shared a post about fears for the blog challenge.

This month we are looking at…stocking stuffers.

Tis the season, y’all!

I looked back at my Amazon history, and today I’m sharing a few favorite stocking stuffers.

I know it seems random but this tissue box cover “elevates” an eyesore on the counter. There are a variety of colors, and it’s less than $8! I have this “pastel gray” one and have gifted it to others as well.

I stuck this razor kit in Hayden’s stocking last year. While he doesn’t need it often ☺️, it has definitely come in handy.

This heatless curl set is Hadley approved. It comes in a few different designs…including “candy cane!”

Both Travis and Hayden have these stocking caps with a light for running. It’s the perfect gift for a runner during the winter months.

I hate to exaggerate, but this ground meat chopper is a game changer for cooking! I use it every time I cook ground meat.

I have this watch band, and I love the scallop detail. It comes in so many cute colors; maybe I should grab another one.

These rose gold earrings are my favorite, and I wear them almost every single day. They are less than $10, and have a $1 off coupon.

These socks are fun for any gamer or teen in your life. For only $6, they’d be a perfect stocking gift. I got them for Hayden a couple of years ago.

Bananagrams is a fun game for all ages. It’s the perfect size to take for family fun when you travel.

I’ve shared these portable chargers before, and they’ve worked great for us through the years. They got us through the five day power outage last spring. I have my eye on this one because it’s slimmer, and we could use one or two more.

Honestly, stockings have always been my favorite part of Christmas morning.

Happy shopping!

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Enneagram, Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day Gifts: Enneagram Edition

Posted on May 10, 2023May 9, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Wednesday!

I was scrolling Instagram, and one of my favorite accounts popped up with Mother’s Day guides for Enneagram types. I’ve shared @the.enneagram.mom before, and I love when she shares gift ideas.

I always think these are fun to look at, and I’m a 5w6. Here are the gift ideas for 5’s and 6’s…

Enneagram 5:

Blue blocker glasses – I still occasionally wear a couple of the pairs that I ordered during online learning days.

Collectors Book Set – Gimme all the books!

Comfy Sweaters –I love a sweater, but will never say no to a comfy sweatshirt – I feel like I need a “Homebody” one.

Book Marks – I miss the days of homemade bookmarks from the kids. I’ve seen an ad for a cute felt corner bookmark that I’ve been tempted to buy.

Add to their coffee station –You can never have too many mugs in my opinion.

Home Thermostat – Cozy vibes!

Reading chair – Oh I’ve always dreamed of having a reading nook with a comfy chair in our bedroom. There’s no space though…maybe someday.

Enneagram 6:

Comfy sweaters – Same as above!

Personalized jewelry – I’ve received some meaningful jewelry through the years, and I always love that idea.

Cute storage – I can always appreciate storage. We have one of those cute IKEA carts, and it’s in my favorite teal color.

Water bottle – While we don’t need any more water bottles, I am tempted to get a Stanley cup for the summer.

New vacuum – haha – No thank you!

Home security – I feel like this is more of a Father’s Day gift 😉

Purse organization – How about a new purse? Haha

A few other ideas:

I shared this post a couple of weeks ago (some Amazon options too) but if you are on a time crunch, here are some additional ideas…(forward this post to your husbands if needed😆)

Travis had these flower planters made, and then planted flowers in them. I was so surprised!

I’ve shared these cute flower pots from Etsy before, but kids could paint ones for their mom and plant some flowers. Travis had the kids paint a flower box for me when they were three or four. I loved it and uses it for a few years.

I LOVE the Birks I bought last summer from Nordstrom. They would be the perfect gift with a gift card for a pedicure.

These Amazon sandals are cute options too:

(FYI: I sized up from my regular 9 to a 10 on both)

So many boutiques (& even Amazon) have these crossbody hobo purses. I love mine that I got a couple of years ago from a local boutique. I change out the straps, and a couple of the straps are from Amazon.

Target pj’s and a gift card for a massage would be perfect too!

*some of these ideas could work for teacher gifts, birthday gifts, or even a “treat yo self” gift.

I’ve always loved just a low-key day whenever possible for Mother’s Day. We usually go to church and then brunch or a late lunch. We typically go pick out hanging ferns for the front porch, and I always appreciate a card and a day with minimal bickering from the kids.

I know Mother’s Day is difficult for some. Mother’s Day 2013 was a painful one for me. I do think others now do a good job of remembering that Mother’s Day can be a sad day for some.

This year, Hadley has a dance competition on Sunday, so I’m not sure what all we will do, but I’m sure I’ll feel the love 😉

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Books and Shows, Gift Ideas

Bookstore Love

Posted on May 3, 2023May 2, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Speaking of “happy,” besides a library, a bookstore is one of my “happy places.” We are so lucky to have an awesome bookstore in town…Joseph Beth. Besides Lexington, there is a location in Cincinnati as well.

At Joseph Beth, you can get coffee, sit in a cozy chair and read, and enjoy the food at Bronte Bistro. Of course, they have books, but you can also find various things like clothes, purses, seasonal items (like Derby decorations), bath/body items, candles, sweets, and more.

My mom’s birthday is coming up. Since she was visiting, we had a birthday dinner and dessert over the weekend. We decided to get her a gift card to Joseph Beth for her birthday, and she could use it before she left town.

Whenever I go, I love to walk around and see what they have on display.

Here’s a peek at a few of the favorite things I saw:

Banned book puzzle
The Bookstore Lover’s Birthday Book -This seems to be a “diary” of sorts where you can write each day, but also make note of what you’ve read.

Wristlet purse – super cute!!
Bogg bags -perfect for the pool
Book bag

Tea mug (and various teas): I actually got my mom this mug to put the gift card in. She likes tea, and I thought this mug was cute because it has a little holder on the side for the tea bag.
CUTE! colander and shaker
Recipe box and cards
Sweets!

Volcano candle -so good!
Journals
Herb garden markers: I thought these were super cute!

My mom ended up picking up some books on Ireland because she’s going there with friends later this year.

While she probably would have liked any of the above, I did want her to choose something she would really want and use.

Do you love a bookstore as much as I do?

Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted on April 20, 2023April 19, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

It’s almost the weekend, and I’m ready for it!

In only a few weeks, it will be Mother’s Day, so I’m sharing some gift ideas. While I have most of these items, I also have thrown in a few that I know I’d love to receive.

Jewelry:

I’m a bracelet girl. I typically wear the same three pairs of earrings, and rarely change out my necklace. That being said, I will change up the bracelets I wear while also wearing some of the same ones every day.

I still love my three bracelets from Daily Gold Co. I’ve had them since September and I’ve never taken them off.
I’m still loving the two bangle style bracelets I have from Amazon. I have one silver and one rose gold. You can’t beat the price.
Shop Style Your Senses has so many pretty accessories…bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings!

Amazon:

It’s no secret how much I love my Kindle. I think I’ve had mine for four years now, and it’s one of my favorite things. My mom got one recently and really likes it.
I purchased these slippers after Christmas, and they are another favorite. I put them on my feet as soon as I wake up and as soon as I get home from school. It looks like they are an Amazon deal right now.
While I don’t own this robe, I want to! I have a favorite fuzzy robe from Target, but this one looks perfect for warmer months!

Other ideas:

For Christmas, I asked for perfume. I’m not super picky, and I told Travis what I’d previously used but to choose something he likes. Well, insert Hadley into the equation —she took him to Sephora. They gave me three scents: Perfect and Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs and Juliette Has a Gun. I love all three!
I’ve seen others share these this Barefoot Dreams dupe blanket that’s at Walmart. My sister-in-law has one, and it’s so cozy. I’ve been meaning to pick up one or two.
I love Antique Candle Co. candles. Besides smelling amazing, they even have so many cute options. The “vintage white teacup” is too cute! They have other options too like a vintage white goblet, wire closure candles, and stoneware crocks.

One more idea:

We gave my mom Storyworth subscription a couple of years ago, and she did such a great job answering the prompts.

This year for Christmas, she gave me a copy of the book. It’s a great keepsake.

I say it every year, but for Mother’s Day, I’m happy with a card and going out to brunch. We always get two hanging ferns for the front porch, and Travis will plant flowers in our planters that weekend. Basically, for Mother’s Day, I want one of my favorite spots at our house looking pretty…the front porch.

Hadley has a dance competition Mother’s Day weekend this year. We don’t know the exact times yet, so I’m not sure what we can expect yet on that day. Lucky for them, I don’t mind being celebrated 365 days a year! 😆

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Gift Ideas, Holidays

Easter Baskets

Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

**I set this post to publish before hearing about the tragic news in Nashville.

The unthinkable happened yet again yesterday. While I know this stopped everyone in their tracks, as a mom and as a teacher, I know it hits me particularly hard every time a tragedy like this one is happens. Why is this becoming the norm?

It’s not my story to share, so I haven’t, but Trav comes from an exceptional family who have first hand experience with losing a loved one this way. While no one takes these events lightly, they certainly hit our family in a different way.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Covenant community. We need more than prayers to stop another tragic event like this from happening again.

Today’s post:

Well, I’m feeling better, but I’m still needing my voice to return to normal. It’s getting there.

It’s been funny because as I try to talk at home and use motions, the kids reply back the same way. I’m like…”You can talk!” haha

Anyway, I did take a moment to get my Easter ducks in a row and figure out what I’m going to get the kids. So, today, I’m sharing those ideas.

As I started this post, I did get to thinking…when I was a kid, we didn’t get all of these things. That being said, we always got candy and usually a stuffed animal or a few other odds and ends.

I guess it’s another thing (like birthdays) that I go “over the top” about, but I really do try to buy things they will use/wear in the spring and summer months and that I probably would be purchasing at some point anyway. So, most of their Easter basket items have always been new spring pjs, a pool toy, goggles, flip flops, etc.

Now that they are older and seem to have more expensive taste, I do try to keep that in mind and buy less.

Of course, they will get Easter candy in their baskets, but I like to buy a few other things too.

Hayden:

Hayden has a few polos, and recently he tried them on and most don’t fit. He just needs to go up a size in whichever brands he wants. He has a couple Vineyard Vines, but he loves his Under Armour polos that he’s had a for a couple of years. We donated the ones he’s outgrown to our neighbor. So, I’m going to get Hayden one or two more UA ones that I know he’ll wear them this spring and summer anytime I tell him to “look nice!”
I’d say the thing Hayden is the pickiest about is his swim trunks. Now, I’m not saying he has to have Vineyard Vines, but he won’t wear Target Cat and Jack anymore. 😆Since, even with a growth spurt, he tends to get at least two years out of swim trunks, I’ve started buying him a good brand, like Vineyard Vines, that I know will last and he will like them. That being said, that’s about the only VV he will wear now.
When I was at Walmart the other day, I picked the kids up each a new “cabana” style towel. I just saw them when I went to Walmart for some other things, and figured they’d be a good addition to their Easter baskets. Will they be excited about these? No. Do we need more towels? Yes.
This massage roller ball is something I know Hayden will use after a run. He’s good about taking care of himself with stretching and using the massage gun after his workouts.
These skip balls look like a fun addition to the pool bag!

Hadley:

This heatless curling set looks like something Hadley would love. She has the prettiest, thickest hair…I’m so jealous. She likes to straighten it sometimes and curl it other times too.
I bought Hadley her white Cushionaire Birk dupes in the summer of 2020. She still wears them all the time even though they are now at least a size too small. I decided to go ahead and get her another pair.
Hadley loves pjs as much as I do. She’s not really into matching sets anymore, but I thought these pj shorts look cute.
I got her the pink striped version of the Walmart cabana towel.
Then, I think I am just going to get her a Target gift card to go towards a new swimsuit or sunglasses. She’s to the age where she’s a bit more picky, and it’s probably just easier if I let her choose!

Easter will be here before we know it, and I’m glad it’s finally feeling like spring.

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Blog challenge, Gift Ideas

Bloganuary 1.15.23

Posted on January 15, 2023January 15, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I hope you had a great Saturday. I sure did. It was a pretty lowkey regular Saturday with some birthday fun last night. More on that later this week.

Yesterday, I wrote about books that have changed my life…

One of this week’s Bloganuary prompts asked about memorable gifts.

Here are a few:

First of all, I’m spoiled because Travis is a great gift giver. I give him gloves and handwarmers for when he works outside. He gets me photos of the kids. *sigh*

The first thing that popped into my mind was for our first Christmas as a married couple, I opened a little blue box from Tiffanys —he’d gotten me silver heart earrings. I still wear them and love them.

While I was pregnant with the kids, I remember feeling miserable and sitting in the chair with my feet propped up on the ottoman. He came in with a gift bag. I opened it, and it was a David Yurman bracelet. I swear I’m not fussy about jewelry, but I appreciate that he’s given me things that are timeless and I wear often.

The first Christmas we lived in this house, he gave me this sign that now hangs by our front door. It has our last name (obviously) and our address with Est. 20014 because that’s when we moved in.

When the kids were in 3rd grade, I opened up the sweetest pic of them (and a few others). This one sits on our mantel. I had no clue that he’d has these photos taken.

We are lucky because Trav’s brother is an exceptional photographer! I cried when I saw these. (And then laughed as Hadley recounted Travis taking them to Target for shirts —which I had seen in their closets and thought was odd…haha and keeping the photos a secret.)

Before Homer, we had two Boxers, Shiloh and Scout. Shiloh was older by about a year and a half. When Scout was 10, he passed away unexpectedly, and then we still had Shiloh. For Christmas, I opened up a box with this sweet bracelet. It has our anniversary, the kids’ names, and Shiloh and Scout engraved. I cried.

This Christmas was no different. He had this photo made/framed from Smallwoods.

While these were for the kids, I had no idea he was getting them. When they opened them and I saw them, I cried. #cryingisaChristmastheme

I love them so much.

This Christmas, I asked for perfume because I was running low. I’m not really picky about perfume, so I suggested Travis choose one that he liked (and still told him a couple of suggestions as ideas). Anyway, on Christmas, I opened up not one, but three perfumes. I love them all, but what makes them more special is that he took Hadley with them, and she helped him pick them out.

I got: Juliette has a Gun, Daisy Dream, and Perfect by Marc Jacobs. I love them all and just rotate day to day.

Last night, after dinner, the kids and Travis gave me their gifts. I wasn’t expecting it, but Travis gave me some new earrings while the kids gave me this jar with slips of paper to use throughout the year. Hadley led this charge, I’m sure, but I appreciate that they all gave ideas like “cup of coffee, watch a tv show as a family, and my choice of takeout.” Both gifts were so thoughtful…and unexpected.

What’s the most memorable gift you’ve received?

Have a great Sunday,

Books and Shows, Gift Ideas

Fave Gifts: Book Edition

Posted on January 10, 2023January 9, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I received quite a few gifts that I love for Christmas, but today I’m sharing some of my favorite books that I received. It’s no secret that I love a good book, but I typically don’t buy books thanks to the library. I keep a list on Amazon to share as Christmas and birthday ideas when December rolls around.

Here are the books I received:

Brunch with Babs:

I follow Babs on Instagram, and I love all her tips and tricks. My mom bought me the Celebrate with Babs cookbook (per my suggestion), and I think I will use it quite a bit. It’s organized with recipes and tips through the year. From NYE to Easter to birthdays, Babs has you covered. (Plus, I think it will look pretty on the built in bookcase in my kitchen.)

Betty White:

This book was a pleasant surprise! My mom’s friend saw this at a yard sale, and thought of me. You know I love the Golden Girls and Betty White! This sweet little book tells about Betty’s life. I have some favorite books on my basement bookshelves, and I think this one will go there as a keepsake.

Story Worth:

For Mother’s Day 2021, my brother and I gifted my mom Storyworth. For a whole year, my mom answered the weekly prompts and was really good about adding pictures too. At the end of the year, she proofread it and received her copy. She got me an extra copy which I appreciate so much. I wish all my family members would do Storyworth.

The Queen:

This was another book suggestion I had as a gift idea. After Sarah shared about meeting Andrew Morton at an event for his new book, I knew I wanted to read this book. My aunt gave it to me along with the most regal bookmark that she made. I can’t wait to read this one. I’m already using the bookmark for my current book.

Recipe book:

This recipe book was such a pleasant surprise. My Gma gave it to me.

It’s filled with lots of recipes from the recipe.stamping club that my aunt hosted. She’s a Stampin’ Up demonstrator and has many classes throughout the year. I guess, over a period of time, different clients shared recipes, and they created these recipe books. So, my book has a variety of recipes, but it also includes some family recipes as well as a few family cooking/baking pics through the years.

It’s the perfect addition to my kitchen!

Kelly Ripa:

I used some of an Amazon gift card to purchase Kelly Ripa’s new book, Live Wire. I started it over the weekend. So far, it’s ok…which is what I’ve heard about it. That being said, I wanted to see (read) for myself. haha

I think I will go from the “Queen of Daytime” to the OG Queen’s book next.

Have you received any books as gifts recently? I’ve been spoiled!

Amazon, Enneagram, Gift Ideas

Gift Guides (ish)

Posted on December 5, 2022January 6, 2023 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We spent some of our weekend in Knoxville because Hayden ran in the AAU National Championship race. Then, we spent Sunday doing all the things like church, grocery pick up, shopped for Angel Tree gifts, chores around the house, and then watched the Chiefs game.

Anyway, I know that many Instagrammers and bloggers share gift guides this time of the year which can be both helpful and and sometimes overwhelming.

In my own little twist on “gift guides,” I’m sharing Enneagram gift guides because I love the ones that @ashton.creates shares on her page.

Again, I don’t live or die by Enneagrams, but I do think it’s interesting. I’m a 5w6 and here are the gift guides for both of those:

5 (Investigator)

Camera: Well, I haven’t owned a camera in ages thanks to my iPhone, but I do love taking pictures.
Candle: Yes! I love candles. I used to pretty much only buy my candles at Bath and Body Works, but this past year, I’ve ordered quite a few from Antique Candle Co., and I’ve loved them all.
New mug: I love coffee mugs. While I switch them up season to season, I pretty much stick with my fave most mornings.

6 (Loyalist)

Weighted blanket: I cannot live without my weighted blanket. I’ve had one for a couple of years, and it’s hard to sleep without it!
Membership: Memberships are a great idea. We always gift Netflix to my dad every year.
Letter board: Crafty things are so fun.
Slippers: I have a couple of pairs of favorites slippers, but these are my fave.

Another favorite Instagram account I follow is @the.enneagram.mom. Her gift guides are fun too!

5

Blue light blocker glasses: When we were online for school, I snagged a few pairs of glasses; they were fun to wear.
Collectors book set: I always ask for a couple of books every year. Since I rarely buy books, I usually keep a list on Amazon that I share with family as gift ideas for me.
Comfy sweaters: Yes to a sweater! The best part about winter is sweater weather. This is my favorite Amazon sweater (I have it in three colors), and this one is a recent purchase that I love.
Book marks: I love a good book mark!
Add to their coffee station: K-cups in my stocking, please.
Home thermostat: This is a practical idea.
Reading chair: I dream of having a big enough bedroom one day to have a reading corner.

6

Comfy sweaters: See above!
Personalized jewelry: Etsy always has so many cute options. I’ve gifted and received so many good and thoughtful pieces through the years.
Cute storage: Organizing is always a great idea!
Water bottle: Besides a water bottle (which we don’t need ANY more!), I love personalized tumblers and skinny can coolers.
New vacuum: This I do not need 🙂
Home security: Again, practical!
Purse organization: see “cute storage” above

What’s on your “wish list” this year? If you know your Enneagram number, you should check out their posts!

Teens (and others!)

Now, these aren’t Earth shattering ideas, but I never shared what I got the kids for their birthday.

I try to do “want, need, wear, read” to keep it a somewhat simple shopping list.

Both:

This book caught my eye and I knew they’d love the Homer socks!

Hayden:

I hope they’ll let me buy them Christmas pjs until they are 18. I don’t buy the cute little kid ones anymore, but bottom line is in the winter months, they need warmer pjs…so why not buy for birthday?

Hayden prefers the jogger style for sweatpants and pajama pants, so I turned to Old Navy to get both of their pjs. Both of my kids now fit in adults sizes (what the what?!), so that’s what they got. Travis ordered this set of football cards for Hayden, and he was excited.

We also got Hayden a Nike UK hooded sweatshirt, jogger sweatpants, and basketball shorts.

Hadley:

I wanted to get Hadley something special for her 13th birthday, and picked out the Elisa pendant necklace at Kendra Scott. I wasn’t sure what stone she’d want, and I ended up choosing her birthstone.

Besides flannel pj bottoms (and t-shirt), I got her a Kentucky sweatshirt, leggings, and this sweater.

Honestly, I feel more behind than ever on my shopping. As the kids have gotten older, they understand that money and gift cards go a long way, but of course, I want to pick up them up other things as well. In some ways it was easier when they loved Legos and Barbies!

I’d love to hear any ideas you have for my teens! Bonus points if I can order on Amazon. haha

I hope you have a great start to your week.

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