It’s that time of year when every influencer seems to be posting 5 gift guides every day! In the past, I’ve created a number of different gift guides based on interest. I still think they’re great (check them out here!) – but realized that I wanted to treat the whole gift guide thing a little differently this year.

Part of my goal here on this blog is to make your lives easier, simpler, and better – and I’m not sure that I could accomplish that by giving you 100 gift ideas! Instead, this year, I’m focusing on high quality gift ideas that I’ve personally bought or received and can wholeheartedly recommend. Every single item on this gift guide is one that I can stand behind. I’ve also narrowed down the list of ideas to only those gifts that can work for a range of different people. I’m really excited about the Christmas gift ideas I’m sharing this year. So, without further ado, here are my top gift recommendations for this year!

Note: this post may contain affiliate links (i.e., if you click my link and make a purchase, I’ll make a small commission at no additional cost to you). Read my full disclosure policy here.

The Simplified Gift Guide: Tried and Tested Christmas Gift Ideas

(1) Yeti Rambler Mug: I have the 20-oz travel mug size, and use it every single day for my coffee. I can’t even tell you how many trips to the microwave this cup has saved me. Bonus: it’s dishwasher friendly, and won’t smell terrible if you leave it in the car for a day or two (I’m looking at you, vaccum-sealed mugs). Also comes in a great 14-oz mug size.

(2) GLDN Jewelry: I love pretty much every single piece this company makes (I have the yue disk necklace and wear it almost every day). Each piece is handmade to order in the USA, and most items can be customized and personalized! Jewelry comes in beautiful gift-ready packages for easy giving. I’m not a big jewelry person, but am always tempted to buy more of these beautiful, minimalist pieces. (The link above will give you $10 off your first order!)

(3) Chemex (or Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker): I own both of these, and would highly recommend them both! The Chemex is what I use for my everyday cup of coffee. Since I have the 8-cup model, it’s also big enough for a small group of people. It looks great sitting out on a counter and makes a rich, smooth cup of coffee as fast as a Keurig. The espresso maker is the best one you can get for under $100 (in my opinion). I use it often to make lattes and cappuccinos at home!

(4) HP Sprocket Printer: I love this little photo printer that connects to my phone, because it’s encouraged me to print more photos. While the prints won’t be very high quality, they’re a great way to quickly capture a memory! I use these prints in Jamie’s baby book, to give to family members, and to stick on our fridge. I have an old version, but there is a newer model available here.

(5) Record Player: I bought Scott this record player for his birthday this year, and we’ve really enjoyed having it! I chose this one from Target for a few reasons – it was a good price, has an adjustable tone arm and replaceable needle, can connect to Bluetooth speakers, and looks good enough to keep in our living room. We love choosing a record in the evening, and have gone on a few dates to our local Half Price Books to build our collection.

(6) Thermopop Instant Read Thermometer: Our first food thermometer was slow and broke after about 2 uses. And then our second one broke after a year. And then our third one was so slow that Scott was burning himself when checking our grilled chicken. I recently ordered this one after seeing it recommended on the Smitten Kitchen blog, and it’s 1000% better than our old ones! At $34, it’s a bit pricier than some food thermometers, but it’s fast, accurate, and worth every penny. I love that I can be sure that meat is cooked enough to be safe without risking overcooking.

(7) Mous Phone Case: Scott and I both have this phone case, and I don’t think we’ll ever get a different one! (Scott previously used Lifeproof cases, but is a Mous convert.) I credit this phone case for the still-pristine condition of my iPhone 7 – which I drop at least once per day. Also available on Amazon!

(8) Lovevery Play Gym: This play mat was a splurge for us, but we were impressed by the quality and versatility of this play mat compared to others. The included play guide gives developmentally appropriate play ideas from birth to 12 months, and the mat can be converted into a tent for older kids! Jamie loves it, and it would make a great gift for any tiny human. (If you’re looking for more gift ideas for babies, stay tuned for my stocking stuffer gift guide!)

(9) Rhodia Dot Grid Webnotebook: I did some fairly extensive research when I first started looking for a notebook to use for bullet journaling, and this was my hands-down favorite. It’s a great size, the paper is thick, it has a ribbon bookmark and pocket, and it holds up well. I’ve filled up about 5 of them and can attest to their quality.

(10) iPad (+ Procreate App + Apple Pencil): I love my tablet and use it every day. It’s replaced my computer for most things, but my absolute favorite feature is that it’s compatible with the Apple Pencil. The Procreate app is great for digital lettering or art, and is good for hours and hours of fun for the creatives in your life. (Pro tip: you can buy refurbished from Apple and save some money!)

Experience Gifts: For the Person Who Has Everything

I want to finish this gift guide with a list of experiential gift ideas. These make great gifts because they provide an opportunity for time together without adding clutter!

• Family Photos: I can 100% guarantee that your parents or in-laws would love this.
• Take a Class Together: Pasta-making, pottery, glass-blowing… the options are endless!
• Fancy Meal: Come up with a menu, light some candles, and serve a few courses. No one will care if you buy a salad kit, pre-marinated pork, and dessert from the store.
• Visit a Museum: I promise that you can find a museum well-suited to anyone’s interests if you do enough digging.
• Concert Tickets: Especially great for teenagers.
• Visit the Zoo: Cooler weather is usually a great time to visit the zoo. Fewer people, less sweat, and more fun!
• Attend a Play: Treat your favorite thespian to a night at the theater! Make a night of it by stopping for dinner beforehand.

I do find that sometimes it’s harder to “follow through” with experience gifts, so buy the tickets, book the photographer, or schedule the classes ahead of time if possible. If not, make plans as soon as you can!

As I’ve said, one of my goals here is to make your life simpler – and my aim with this gift guide was to do just that! Gift-giving is one of my favorite parts of this season, and I hope I’ve made it easier and more fun for you!

Looking for More?

For more holiday inspiration, check out some more of my favorite Christmas posts:

• How to Give the Best Gifts Ever
• Your Guide to Christmas Sweaters
• The Best Free Christmas Prints
• 12 (More!) Free Christmas Printables
• A Fun Christmas Tradition: The Christmas Eve Box

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