I am going to start out with some books. Some people may hate receiving books, but I enjoy them and these are more "fun" type books than serious fiction or, even worse, a text book (although I actually love reading text books on subjects I like...I know, I'm weird)! I have listed the retail prices of each book, but they can often be found for less elsewhere - all the links take you to the item on Amazon where the price is much lower. So let's get started!
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats is a silly little book of poems that I’m sure my cat could write! This is just a fun little book that’s great for giving that special cat-lover in your life a tiny chuckle. The retail price is $12.95 and it could be a fun, goofy gift.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You is another silly cat book, though I suspect there may be a lot of truth hidden in these silly little cat quirks! If you know someone who hates cats and is trying to prove to you the inner demon that lives within Fluffy, they’ll constantly break this out to show you what a vicious little beast you sweet little feline really is! The retail price is $14.99.
We can’t leave out the canine crowd, so for that dog lover who is looking for more than a laugh, check out What's a Dog For?: The Surprising History, Science, Philosophy, and Politics of Man's Best Friend. Retailing for $25.95, this book takes a look at how dogs have evolved into true family members…with a price tag to match. This book looks like a fascinating intellectual study of dogs and their place in our world.
Let's Bring Back: The Cocktail Edition: A Compendium of Impish, Romantic, Amusing, and Occasionally Appalling Potations from Bygone Eras would be great for the avid drinker, history lover or aspiring bartender in your life! A gem of now-forgotten drinks that imbibing mates will relish the opportunity to revive. Some drinks are silly, others are wicked, while others are simply sentimental. An excuse to be drunk for any occasion! This book retails for $18.95.
This would be a great gift for the sentimental music lover or sports fan in your life. The Just the Ticket: Ticket Stub Organizer provides a place to store all of your ticket stubs with room to jot down a few memories. The nice thing about this particular “organizer” is that it is actually a 2-ring binder that holds standard 8x8 refill pages so it can be expanded or customized to your heart’s content. There is also a pocket for larger items like Playbills, programs and other memorabilia. It retails for $15.99, but who can put a price on memories?
What better way to enjoy a book than to do it curled up in bed? This next mini section is all about gifts that would be great for lounging around the house.
Everyone loves a pair of slippers around the holidays. What better choice than these adorable Lambie Slippers from Bath & Body Works! The picture speaks for itself! The bottom has “grippies” that spell out “Count” on one foot and “Sheep” on the other. So adorable! They retail for $15.00 and come in two sizes: S/M & L. If in doubt on the size, I would go with a Large - better too big than not big enough!
Not a slipper girl? These fuzzy socks are not only warm and cuddly, but adorable! They are so amazing in the cold because they keep your feet nice a toasty - don't worry, no sweating! They're great under the tree, or roll a pair up and shove 'um in that special someone's stocking. Anyone would be thrilled to find a pair of Bath & Body Works Penguin Shea Infused Socks in their stocking! These come in a number of different style, but this one’s my favorite. For $8.50 a pair, why not pick up a pair for a friend and treat yourself to one as well?
Another great gift for the girl who likes to cuddle up in something comfy this time of year is a pair of Aerie’s Perfect PJ Pants. They are made of soft and comfy flannel and have a nice fit that is comfortable without being too baggy. The patterns available are fairly classic with a wonderful choice of female-friendly colors. They have a contrast polka-dot waist tie and matching contrast cuff at the leg. The best thing of all, at least for me and my too-long-for-normal-pants-legs, is that these PJ bottoms come in 3 different lengths – Short, Regular and Long! They retail for $29.95, but can often be purchased on sale or with coupons.
A great gift for anyone is a 3-Wick Candle from Bath & Body Works. They retail for about $20.00, but are frequently offered with a buy 2 for $20.00 promo (look for it around Black Friday). Once you’ve purchased two, each additional candle is still only $10.00! If you can find a $10.00 Off coupon either from a prior BBW survey, or on RetailMeNot, you can buy three candles for the price of one!!!
There's nothing like curling with a nice warm mug of hot chocolate, coffee or tea. The Starbucks Create Your Own Mug is a really cool way to do just that! For $14.95, you get a 16oz tall mug that is white on the inside and black on the outside. It includes a special pen for adding your own custom message or drawing! Perfect for adding a special message, preserving a child’s artwork or customizing with a name – no more searching for your own mug! Unfortunately, this is kind of a one-time deal in terms of writing a message…I originally thought this was a chalkboard covered mug. To customize this mug, you use the special pen that is included, let it dry and then bake it and cool. The message is now permanent. A great gift nonetheless, but I would like it even more if you could change the message!
For a stylish coffee loving traveler, why not get them an insulated reusable travel mug for all of their hot beverages? The Starbucks Double Wall Ceramic Traveler – Quilt is functional and attractive! It is a ceramic travel mug complete with lid and holds 12oz of liquid. The ceramic lid helps hold in the heat and has a spill-resistant seal. A rubber pad on the bottom keeps the mug from slipping. This quilted power house retails for $14.95. Perfect for shoving into a stocking or throwing into a gift bag and putting under the tree!
Who doesn’t need an extra pair of earbuds these days? The Gummy Bears Earbuds Headphones from Urban Outfitters are an adorable option that would make a great stocking stuffer for $12.00.
Hiding inside this little babushka nesting doll-shaped pouch you’ll find nail scissors, nail clippers, tweezers and an emery board. The Babushka Manicure Set is available in Black, Purple and Red. Very cute for the nail-conscious on your list!
What better place to store rings than on a bunny’s ear? Well this Love Bunnies Ring Holder ups the antie by giving the ring-happy girl not one, but three bunny ears to hold her treasures! It retails for $12.00 and is available in turquoise or white. Cute AND functional!
This is probably the only real guy-oriented item I included. Guys are tough! But the Star Wars tech-lover will love you for finding the Store Trooper USB Flash Drive in R2-D2. With an 8GB capacity, this little cutie will be sure to please for $24.99. Also available in C-3PO and Darth Vader.
And finally, I have included one beauty item because it would make an excellent stocking stuffer for the lipstick lover in your life! Made for mixing, or great on their own, OCC Lip Tars are incredible vegan lip colors that can now be purchased with a mini brush included! This little package would neatly slip into a stocking and make any lipstick loving girl happy! For $16.00, you can pick a shade from subtle peach to neon pink to even blue or purple! I love "Stalker" for the perfect Holiday red lip!
I guess that does it for my odds and ends. It's a big ole mish-mash of stuff and hopefully you found at least something useful here. Maybe if nothing else, it got you thinking...or if you're like me, you have been jolted awake and realized the Holidays are here and you better get crackin' on some shopping!!!
Tomorrow, just in time for Cyber Monday, I will have a list of some of my favorite websites to browse for gifts.
For some of my favorite Makeup Palettes & Sets OVER $15, check out my post here.
For some of my favorite Beauty Gifts UNDER $15, check out my post here.
For Bath, Body, Hair, Nail & Makeup Brush Ideas, check out my post here.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post, nor have I been compensated in any way. This post does contain some referral links.