A Dozen Ideas...

Hmmmm... how to mark this historic date??? How about a list of 12 of my favorite websites/catalogs for finding unique gifts for everyone on your list? That is for the few gifts you are buying this year. Remember we are paring back!

Our family makes a real effort to shop locally, and we are certainly blessed with a downtown full of quaint shops; but, if I am being totally honest, I can't resist the unique things you can find online either, or the convenience of having them delivered right to my front porch. So here's my list... maybe you're familiar with all of them; but, if not, I'm hoping you discover a new favorite today or at least that perfect item for someone left on your shopping list.

Pretty much clockwise, from top left:

1. party-lovers -- bhldn

2. children's clothing -- Olive Juice Kids

3. artsy types -- anthropologie

4. girls/womens clothing/home -- Garnet Hill

5. gourmet kitchen -- Sur la Table

6. stocking stuffers -- Restoration Hardware

7. toys -- Nova Natural Toys + Crafts

8. foodies -- Stonewall Kitchen

9. business gifts -- Red Envelope

10. outdoor enthusiast -- Sierra Trading Post

11. earthy types -- Viva Terra

12. kid stuff -- Land of Nod

Now, I purposely didn't mention the ever-popular Pottery Barn; Williams Sonoma; JCrew; Crate & Barrel; Ballard Designs; etc. because, if your mailbox is anything like mine, this time of year you've already thought about them.

This list doesn't even touch the myriad of handmade and vintage items you can find on another addiction of mine... etsy. That may be a post for another day ;)

p.s. Another advent book reading after school. This has been one of the best things I've done with Shimmer and Shine. We read everyday and they are excited about it. Today Shimmer read Shine a sweet story called You Can Do It Sam.

One of Shine's beloved preschool teachers gave him this book at Christmas time a few years ago. It encourages generosity all while overcoming shyness... a keeper.