Let me just say, for those people who have never tried blogging: It can be SO GOOD when it comes to a) motivating yourself to DO SOMETHING and b) finding lovely people who understand and commiserate and support. Yesterday’s fretful post really helped get my rear into gear, and every comment that came in felt like a warm hug. Thank you. Let’s do some gift-fret-free bullets, shall we?
It’s Beginning to Look a Teeny Weeny Bit Like Christmas: After yesterday’s post, I very firmly told my husband that we needed to finalize the gifts now. And then I proved to him, using the UPS cost estimation feature, that it would cost us three times as much in shipping costs to wait for amazon to deliver some items vs me going to an actual store and buying them and shipping them now. That turned out to be highly persuasive. We ended up getting both my MIL and my SIL some cozy pajamas. (After so many comments in favor, I wanted – badly – to get them each a towel warmer, but it wasn’t going to work with shipping to me and then wrapping and shipping to them. Then I thought, if I can’t get a towel warmer for my MIL and SIL, perhaps I can get one for my husband and/or child?!?! But our bathroom is really, really not conducive to having a towel warmer in it, so I am going to postpone that idea for another day.) Despite my many misgivings – we Santa got Carla the Uggs that are apparently this year’s Stanley tumbler/Kendra Scott necklace/Lululemon belt bag. I was able to march right over to the mall yesterday morning and buy everything right there. I also marched right over to the bookstore and bought the books that we had been dithering on ordering for several other gift recipients; one of the books was out of stock locally, but I pushed right through that little obstacle and bought an alternative.
Mail Call: I also addressed, stuffed, stamped and MAILED my holiday cards. Did I think I had ordered twenty more cards than I actually did? Yes. But no matter. I think I got everyone on the list. I had to go to the post office to acquire more stamps, and then stood there and stamped the remaining sixty or so stampless cards. While I was stamping, an older-than-me-but-not-demonstrably-elderly man came in, mailed something, and then started chatting at me. He wanted to know what I was mailing – both he and the postal worker first assumed “wedding invitations” which strikes me as slightly odd given the timing and also my advanced age, not that a person has to be the picture of youth to plan a wedding – and then told me how he had mailed sixty holiday cards just days before, and how a long line had piled up behind him because you can only slide two or three cards at a time through the mail slot. I kept waiting for him to tell me the punch line – that someone behind him finally pointed out he could open the little door beneath the slot and put in the whole stack – but he didn’t. I debated telling him myself – for future reference – but he went on to chat at me about how many fewer cards he sends these days than in the past, and then enumerated the (all sad) reasons, so it felt as though the moment had passed. This story doesn’t have any sort of moral; I just love it when people talk to me and I can just smile and nod. (Is this what it feels like to be Nicole????)
Surprise and Suspicion at the Post Office: I had heard (perhaps from you???) that some mail carriers aren’t accepting any mail at all that’s headed to Canada. So I was prepared to be told “no” when I requested some stamps for my Canadian card recipients. Instead, the postal worker said she didn’t see why a couple of small letters wouldn’t get through. Packages, no; definitely not. But a little ol’ holiday card? That was sure to sneak by! Then she sold me some stamps and I left the post office feeling very confused. I am 100% sure I don’t understand Canada’s mail strike that well, but Wikipedia tells me that Canada Post has requested that other countries stop sending mail to Canada at all. “Mail at all” has got to include holiday cards, right? So… I’m reluctant to put my cards in the mail, is what I’m saying. I am tempted… but if I did… what would happen to them?!?!
Cookie Swap, Anyone?: I realize that I mentioned the idea of having a blogland cookie swap, and then even made cookies, and then got so caught up in gift panic that I forgot all about it. But I would still like to do it! So: if YOU are interested in doing a blogland cookie swap (even if you don’t have a blog!)!!!! Please send a link to your cookie post and/or photos of your cookies to lifeofadoctorswife [at] gmail by midnight Eastern time on 12/20, and I will add a link to your blog and/or your photos to a post I will post BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I am happy to include any information you care to share about your cookies. A deadline of 12/20 should give me time to make MORE cookies. In addition to human cookies, by the way, Carla and I are planning to also make cookies for dogs. So that will be… something.
Let’s Wrap Things Up: In addition to finalizing my gift purchases and mailing the holiday cards, I have been wrapping gifts for the out-of-state relatives. I hate wrapping gifts. It is The Worst. I am not good at it – it requires an ability to cut straight lines, for one thing, and I do not have that ability. Unfortunately, my mother has inculcated in me the firm – no, the intense – belief that wrapping adds to the specialness of the gift receiving experience. As though the beauty of the gift wrap corresponds with the amount of love you feel for the person upon whom you are bestowing the gift. “I love you so much I will make bows out of flimsy paper.” Every time I wrap a gift, I try to do so with love in my heart. Love for the gift recipient, not for the scissors or the tape or the goddamn wrapping paper that never cuts straight. I try to make it as beautiful as I can because I feel like that helps add to the joy and anticipation of the gift portion of the holiday. And yet. When I am mailing so many gifts, I am well aware that the gift wrap is likely going to tear and the bows will get smushed and the whole effect is going to be less stunning than I want it to be and the people who receive these crumpled and ripped gifts are going to think I don’t love them at all. Anyway. I hate wrapping. It is stupid and wasteful and yet it is an essential facet of the gift exchange process and I CANNOT QUIT.
I have still not decorated anything at all! Perhaps that will change TODAY.
Well, Internet, I am only the barest squeak further along in my Christmas prep than I was on Friday. By which I mean I have finally ordered most of the presents I need to (but not all, oh no, not all), my holiday cards have arrived and the address labels have been printed (but not applied to the envelopes, which means the cards remain unsent), and I have contemplated what to order for Christmas dinner (but have not ordered it). Instead of oh, decorating or wrapping the gift that arrived and must go in the mail immediately, I am now thinking idly about stocking stuffers. It is much more pleasant to give into one’s mindless only shopping fixation rather than to give into panic about how far behind one is.
My husband and I have slightly differing views on stockings. I feel like they are an opportunity for whimsy and fun but one person’s “whimsy” can slide so easily off the cliff into a chasm of “junk.” Anyway, every year I try desperately to temper myself when it comes to stocking stuffers and then the closer we get to Christmas, the more sure I am that I’ve completely underdelivered on gifts and the more I succumb to Stocking Stuffer Syndrome. So: here’s what I would shove in ALL the stockings if I could.
Spa Headband: The sixth grade set are all into skincare, and my daughter has expressly requested one of these holds-your-hair-off-your-face headbands. If it encourages her to cleanse and moisturize, I’m all for it.
Aesthetic Highlighters: Here’s me not really understanding The Current Kid Lingo, but “aesthetic” seems to be one of the highest compliments you can pay a noun? Not sure what Carla would be highlighting with these, but why not.
Fabric Pens: After attending a free embroidery class at our library, Carla has gotten back into clothing arts, like sewing and embroidery. She loves these fabric pens because they are purportedly washable, which means she can decorate and redecorate a shirt as often as she likes.
Harry Potter Miniverse: My niece loves Harry Potter and it seems like all kids love these mini brands balls, so I really want to get this for her.
LaNeige Lip Balm: I love a good lip balm and this pack of three could so easily be distributed among three wonderful people in my life.
Scrapbook Tape: I am sure Carla could come up with endless applications for this roll-on glue.
Fidget Pen: What kid wouldn’t appreciate this fun (and practical!) fidget?
Hot Sauce Travel Packs: I usually end up filling my own stocking, and this is what I’d like to fill it with.
Eye Masks: I would also like to find these in my stocking. Anything and everything with the slightest potential to detract from how old and tired I look.
Silicone Whisks: I am IN NEED of more silicone whisks. We only have one and it’s kind of big and unwieldy but nonetheless I use it all the time.
Cooling Towel: I am not quite sure WHAT to put in my husband’s stocking. Maybe this cooling towel, which I think he’d make use of while he works out?
Chili Crisp: Speaking of my husband, he did mention this collection of chili crisp in passing. Every gift I’ve gotten him is something he specifically asked for, which makes me feel quite dull, but at least I know he’ll appreciate it?
Gilmore Girls Ornament: I would love to get this ornament for my GG-loving friend, but I’m not sure if it’s Gilmoreian enough???
Bombas Socks: Here’s a whimsy-free but semi-luxurious option for my husband’s stocking!
Croissant Throw Pillow Crochet Pattern: Some people in our home are opposed to croissant stuffies, so I am toying with getting Carla a croissant crochet pattern. My mom has been teaching her how to crochet, and this little throw pillow is SO CUTE.
Magnetic Shoelaces: This might be too practical a gift, even for a stocking stuffer, but boy would it be practical. My kid pretty much REFUSES to tie her shoes and it drives me bonkers. (Is this a My Kid Thing, or is it one of those Middle Schooler Things, like refusing to wear a coat when it’s 30 degrees outside?)
Swedish Dishcloths: I love my Swedish dishcloths – they are helping me ever-so-slowly wean off of my horrific paper towel habit – and it’s so fun to have them in cute patterns instead of plain solid colors.
Warmies Eye Mask: I think Carla would love this warm-up-able fuzzy eye mask. (I promise it is not invisible.)
Personalized Notepad: My husband got me some personalized stationery earlier this year and I love it. How fun would it be to get personalized notepads for everyone on my list?
Herb Scissors: Not sure how often I would actually USE these, but I still want them.
Zebra Hilighters: Again with the highlighters! But they are fun and the perfect size for a stocking.
Cat Post-It Note Dispenser: Carla asked for this little guy specifically, and how can I not buy it for her? (And one for me as well.)
Clean/Dirty Dishwasher Sign: Our dishwasher is not magnetic, and it’s nearly impossible to tell if the dishes inside it are clean or dirty, so I got a little sign you can hang inside the dishwasher to make it clear what’s going on. I have at least one person on my list who has explicitly requested one of these for her own house.
Emotional Support Pickle: I don’t know exactly why I have the urge to give one of these to every person I know, but the urge is strong.
Sparkle Freckles: Is there any reason that my child needs sparkle freckle tattoos? No. But I cannot think of a reason that she does not need them, either.
Farting Pen: Even though this makes me groan, I can think of at least two people in my three-person household who would get a kick out of this. See? I believe in whimsy even at my own expense!
Screaming Christmas Goat: Last but not least, I sent this to a friend who loves goats and it was a HUGE hit. Someone in your life needs this goat.
It feels panic-inducingly late to be Just Now Thinking of What to Buy People for Christmas, and yet that’s where I am. I have not yet received a single holiday card this year, so I’m kind of hopeful that everyone else is similarly… slow to get into the holiday swing of things. If you, like me, are still scrambling to buy gifts, I’ve made a list of some of the things I’ve been considering for the people on my list. (Here’s where, if you normally exchange gifts with me, I recommend you consider bailing out unless you want me to ruin any semblance of surprise.) This list is meandering and haphazard, but I hope you find something that appeals to you or one of the people you need gifts for.
Cute Earrings: Carla got her ears pierced this past summer and so I of course want to give her ALL the adorable earrings. She expressly asked for “seasonal” earrings, so perhaps something like this would work well. But I love super cute and unique earrings, so I am leaning toward something like this or this (she loves pickles and croissants).
Something French Adjacent: Carla is taking French in school and we plan to visit Paris sometime in 2025, so I’d like to get her something French-ish to wear. Perhaps something like this or this or this?
A Sign for Carla’s Craft Room: I think she’d love something in neon but she might also appreciate this one.
Mason Jar Herb Kit: I cannot for the life of me grow herbs indoors, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. I wonder if my green-thumb friend would like this?
Personalized Planter: This same friend has a gorgeous flower garden. I wonder if she would make use of a personalized planter?
Custom Garden Sign: Or I could do a personalized garden sign. She might really love that!
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner: A BUNCH of people on my list usually get books from me/us. Although I’ve read more books this year than ever before, I can’t think of many that I’d consider gift-worthy: really compelling, good writing, long-ish, and ideally published in the current year. The one that stands out to me is Long Island Compromise, but it’s so raunchy that I don’t know if I could really give it to anyone? Maybe there’s one person who would appreciate it; the others might find it shocking and distasteful. (It IS shocking and distasteful; it is also hilarious and well written and profound in its way.)
Burrito Blanket: This was kind of inexplicably on Carla’s wish list; she does not eat burritos.
Office Supplies: My sweet little big kid seems to have jumped right from All Toys All the Time into Office Supplies? I mean, I get it, who doesn’t love office supplies? But I’m not sure gel pens or even a pretty pink desk organizer will result in the exciting fun-filled Christmas of her imagination, you know?
Dog Lamp: Come on. This is adorable. Maybe it bridges the gap between “office supplies” and “toys”?
Sherpa Jacket: Another Carla wish list item. Maybe my niece needs one too?
Flannel Pajamas: Carla has a pair of jammies from Abercrombie kids and she LOVES them. She could definitely do with another pair.
Sweaters: Like the request for Office Supplies, I have a feeling that Carla’s enthusiastic list of clothing items – like this and this – may result in disappointment rather than elation. Although that dino sweater is pretty amazing.
Sweatshirt: Speaking of clothing, one of the only things my husband requested for Christmas is – wait for it – a sweatshirt. Since there were so few things he asked for, I kind of feel locked in to buying him one, so I have been googling “best men’s sweatshirt” trying to get a hot tip. Anyway, GQ rated this sweatshirt as its Best Overall Hoodie, and it’s a decent price, so: sold.
Bamboo Jogger Pant: The “googling it” option is how I landed on these jogger pants which I got him for his birthday and which he loves. They are SO soft.
Fish Trivet: Has anyone in my life asked for a fish trivet? Does anyone need a fish trivet? Doesn’t matter; I want to buy (or own) this fish trivet.
Stars Hollow Long-Sleeved Tee: One of my friends is a TV aficionado and I always peruse the merch from her faves to see if I can find anything she needs to have. She might need this.
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop: I did already get her this memoir by the inimitable Emily Gilmore, but maybe you or the GG fan in your life needs a copy?
Arconia Mug: I am really leaning toward this Only Murders in the Building mug. Simple! Classic! Useful! And I like that you have to have watched the show to recognize what the Arconia is.
Tree Kit: How fun would it be to give (or receive) a tree?
Freezable Pint Glasses: My husband got me a set of these glasses last year for some holiday or other and I love them. They are perfect for summer nights. My brother needs these, I think.
Freezable Wine Glasses: I also have a set of these and love them as well. I have a friend who enjoys sitting outside on a summer night and she may find these under her tree.
LaNeige Icons: All the ladies on my list would love this. I would love it, myself.
Joke Writing Book: I think I have considered this for Carla before. I’m sure she would get a kick out of it.
Monster Mat: After many years, our original monster mat finally bit the dust, and we recently replaced it. How were we living without it?! This is THE BEST craft mat.
Bean Bag Chair: Carla has one in her room and I keep promising (threatening?) to get her another one. I think my niece would love this too.
Low Light Duo: Houseplants are a perennial item on my wish list. Our house, however, has kind of a light problem. We get very little direct light. But this low-light duo would be perfect.
Bookends: My husband and I just got a new book shelf with open edges, so we are now on the hunt for great bookends. I want them to be minimalist and/or beautiful. These are good on the minimalist end of things.
Plant Stand: Most of my plants are just crowded together on the floor. They can barely see out the window! A plant stand would fix that problem.
Sous Vide: Jen raved about this sous vide a long, long time ago and I have had it in my Amazon cart ever since… and yet even on sale ($119 down from $199!), it feels like too extravagant a gift to buy for myself. But it would be a PERFECT gift for someone to buy for me.
Coffee Subscription: It’s been a long time since I’ve gifted my husband a coffee subscription and maybe it’s time to do it again.
Croissant Stuffie: Carla loves croissants, she loves stuffed animals; why not join these two loves into one adorable gift?
Croissant Stuffie with Moustache: Or what about a croissant stuffie that’s also demonstrably French? (His name is Monsieur Croissant, omg.)
Croissant Throw Pillow: This throw pillow is not quite as cute as the anthropomorphic stuffies, but it is a much better price range AND it’s enormous.
Fancy Teaspoons: For those of us experiencing Spoon Drift, perhaps these would be a wonderful addition to the cutlery drawer.
Kindle Remote Page Turner: This feels like kind of a silly/lazy thing to want, and yet I would LOVE it. I love my kindle, but I prefer to snuggle up with my hands under the covers and it’s a (teeny tiny) pain to uncover one hand to turn the page.
Fancy Jams: My husband loves jam and he loves food gifts. Bonne Maman does a gift box of little jars which would be super fun. Oooh I like the different flavors in this one. Apricot with jalapeno! Persimmon! Olallieberry! I have never even heard of an olallieberry. (Ah. I see. It is a kind of blackberry.)
Hamster Warmies: Carla recently made herself a little pillow filled with rice that she microwaves and snuggles with. I bet she would love a stuffed animal that she can warm and snuggle. The only question is, which critter would she like best?!
Fancy Chocolate: Sometimes, the best gift is edible and these truffles sound amazing. Hanukkah begins on Christmas evening, which means we’ll have one night of gift overlap. These menorah-printed chocolates would be so fun to give (or receive).
Chocolate Cake: I read rave reviews of Dandelion’s Tokyo gateau; this chocolate gateau Basque looks just as decadent.
Quiddler: We usually get my parents a new game, and – considering they are huge Scrabble fans – this one sounds RIGHT up their alley. (Thanks to Allison for describing and recommending it!)
Cloud Eau de Parfum: I am a little reluctant to spend $70 on a perfume that my kid may not like, or may love, in which case it will become our home’s signature scent for the foreseeable future. But I think she would love a perfume by Ariana Grande, and it’s a kind of fancy and mature gift for a kid who’s not really that into toys anymore…
Perfume Sampler: An alternative my husband and I discussed as an option for Carla is this perfume sampler, with a voucher to buy the one you like the most. We decided it could be very fun or very stinky. Maybe one of my sisters-in-law would like it instead?
Tomato Leaves Soap: Listen, in my opinion, this is a completely bonkers gift. It’s hand soap, for Pete’s sake, and it’s EIGHTY DOLLARS. I prefer my soaps on sale at Target, you know? And yet, ever since I read about this in one of the seven million gift guides I peruse this time of year, I cannot stop thinking about it. What if it is magical???
Wood Penguins: I am utterly enchanted by these penguins.
Avocado Vase: Carla asks me if we can try to grow an avocado every time one of us eats one. This pretty vase might inspire me to endure the rooting phase.
Book About Art:This book may be slightly on the young side for Carla, but it looks SO neat I might get it for her anyway. Maybe this How to Think and Draw Like an Artist Book would be more on Carla’s level?
Ugg Boots: Ah yes. Everything old is new again, and Carla has been begging for her own pair of Uggs. I am always hesitant about spending money on trendy things, especially when she is sure to grow out of them in a year… so this might remain a wish.
Hanes Comfywear: Who doesn’t need a set of super comfy loungewear?
Squishmallows Mystery Pack: I don’t think Squismallows have remotely lost their allure for my tween. Maybe this would be a good “toy” to include alongside the clothes and makeup and books and other tween gifts?
Temporary Tattoo Markers: Carla is always drawing on her arms. It kind of drives me nuts, to be honest, but it’s not a battle I’m willing to wage. Maybe I should lean into the (temporary) body art craze?
Golden Girls Coasters: One of my best friends and I do a bit wherein she’s Blanche and I’m Dorothy and I really want to get her these coasters.
Mini Karaoke Machine: I love that this karaoke machine has TWO microphones. Sounds like it will be a hit at sleepovers.
Dog Walking Bag: Carla is desperate to have gear for her dog walking business. (A couple of neighbors have hired her to walk their dogs over the past several months.) Not sure if she would get a ton of use out of it, but she would LOVE to own one.
Balloon Animal Kit: Not that Carla needs a second business on top of her first (which already conflicts with the things *I* want her to do, like homework and chores and instrument practice), but this is such a cute and fun idea. I could see her making balloon animals for the birthday parties of the little kids on our street.
Pottery Kit: Oh my goodness would Carla love this. I don’t know if her craft room would survive, though, but perhaps that’s exactly what a craft room is for.
Sherpa Lined Gripper Booties: One of my family members has very cold feet and these seem like the exact kind of thing she’d use all the time.
Blanket / Throw: One of my gift recipients recently moved and I think this throw would go really well in the house. Or perhaps this plush blanket would work even better? It looks so soft! Oooooh… maybe I like this monogrammed throw best of all. If only this particular gift recipient were a Mariah Carey fan, because this blanket is fire.
Red String of Fate: Carla is considering this for some of her friends which I think is so sweet.
LaNeige Midnight Minis: I think this would be a great gift for Carla to get and divide up among her friends.
Marine Layer Saturday Pants: Not quite sure where I read about these pants, but I am eyeing them for my husband.
Smoothie Cup: One of the only things I could come up with for my own wish list was a cup from which I can drink smoothies. I have very specific criteria though. Must not be plastic, (I hate drinking from plastic), must be dishwasher safe, must have a lid, must not have a straw. I like this one because it’s ceramic, but it’s a little utilitarian. I like the look of this Stanley Pint Glass a lot (and maybe I have a teeny bit of Stanley FOMO?), but there’s no lid and I really only need a smoothie cup when I’m driving somewhere and can’t drink it out of a regular glass. Now this Kate Spade Tumbler is more like it! Super cute color options, lid, insulation. Hmmm. It’s hand-wash only, though… but maybe I could deal with that since I probably won’t use it all that often.
Ember Smart Mug: Because we are apparently both lacking in drinkware, one of the only things my husband requested for Christmas was the larger size Ember smart mug. He already has the 10-ounce version, which has lasted for years… but he needs a bigger cup of coffee, people. Can you blame him?
Paris Hilton Mug Warmer: I really wish I had someone to give this to. Somehow I don’t think my husband would appreciate it, but I feel like SOMEONE will.
Lay’s Ornament: Carla spotted this ornament in a store somewhere and fell in love with it; Lay’s are her favorite chips. Alas, I failed to buy it. But I can buy it for $28 on Etsy and I just may do so!
That’s all I have for you this year, Internet! As usual, making this list was super fun and wasted a ton of time that I could have spent DECIDING rather than DITHERING. But if you are still in the dither boat with me, hopefully this gave you a thing or two to add to your own cart.
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