Putting the HAHAHA in the HOHOHO

Image courtesy of Flickr

It’s December (very much so) and my tree’s up but there’s nothing under it. Unless you count the tree skirt … does that count? And yes, you read that right: nothing under it! I always put a lot of thought into what I get every one. I want them to go “wow, just what I needed” or “I love it” so I do a lot of looking and window shopping [procrastinating]. What happens each and every year and seems to get later and later (pretty soon I’ll be out with all the men on Christmas Eve scurrying … oh who am I fooling I usually am out *lol*). This year will be no exception; however, all those in my life pretty much have everything they want or need. Or others are getting for them or they’re buying or have bought for themselves. Except my kids. That’s totally different with a completely different set of rules and lots of other things too. Back to my family and friends or I’ll get side-tracked (like usual) and before I know it I’ll blink and it will be 2015 on day three … or four, and I’ll try to figure out where December went and if I even got around to putting anything under the tree *tsk.tsk* (even for my kids) haha!

So with all that in mind enjoy a little bit of what I find amusing and unusual gifts for those on your nice list that may be hard to buy for or just have too many pairs of socks and underwear already.  Some of these will be great or are intended as stocking stuffers, white/pink elephant gifts … more whimsical or add-on’s not large purchases as I wanted to do something a little different: more HAHAHA than HOHOHO *cha.ching* or sentimental – a nice fun variety, if I do say so myself (you’ll want to be on my list next year I’m sure … okay, maybe not).

 

Remember ‘pet rocks’ growing up? I sure do and I even watered mine and named it and took care of it! Well, they’re back and upgraded/updated! You won’t be able to water it though! USB Pet Rock is $7.99 and currently in stock! Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux and they draw NO electricity and no drivers to install (although with the original ones you can say they’re wireless *lol*). Have fun confusing your friends/family or co-workers and smile knowing they’ll love you always! Purchase from ThinkGeek‘s website.

 

 

A different take on the stylus/pen set for those fidgety friends or family members that tear up paperclips or constantly click their pens open and close. The Polar Pen is comprised of magnets around a refillable ink cartridge that works with the Pilot Hi-Tec-C, Pilot G-Tec-C4; and the Uni-Ball Singno UM-151 available at most office supply stores. The magnets are neodymium (N35) coated in nickel then gold, silver or gunmetal (prices start at $40 single, $70 for two or $75 for a gold/silver set). I find this much more inspiring and no way as aggravating for my friends that take their pens apart or drive me cuukoo with their tick.tick hyper-overload (sorry I think “I” drive them that way *lol*). My son who is on the autism spectrum thinks these are super cool pens and wishes they were available as a mechanical pencil+stylus so he could use at school/home. *Please remember these are small magnets which could pose a safety risk to small children as this is NOT a toy.*

Find Polar Pen+Stylus on their website to order

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The new/upcoming safety with style CUFF is a gift I wish were available now. I would love to give this to someone really close to me as I worry about her and I like the idea/concept. You can pre-order it now and let your loved one know it will be a late Christmas/Valentine’s Day/Birthday present as it won’t ship until March 2015 (but you heard it here first *lol*). Besides if you order now you’re saving in most cases a whopping 50% off!!! You can order the jewelry as single items (cuffs/pendants) and a charger or even lovely mirrored charging jewelry box or pick one of the three packages. Prices start at $29 (regularly $59) and go up depending on jewelry item or package – again this reflects the SALE price so lock those amounts in and save yourself some moula and piece of mind when your wife, mother, daughter, sister and so forth wear one or more of these charming and in-style jewelry pieces. They’ll be able to designate their “first responders” from one person to everyone on their Facebook by setting up their choice of: one press, double press, or triple press. Then CUFF will alert/SOS those designated until someone responds. Those that receive the SOS from the list chosen will receive: location, live audio, and other relevant information until you or your loved one/friend gets help!

CUFF will work with both iOS and Android and has a myriad of options to customize features to your/their liking and what’s important to you/them. Pretty clever … I sure think so and cannot wait until March 2015 when it starts shipping. Having a snazzy piece of jewelry that also is my own safety net in a way that nobody will realize is extremely brilliant (in my opinion)! *Compatible with Bluetooth 4/will stay charged for seven (7) days; works with iPhones 4s up and iOS 7 up, iPad 3-4/mini’s, iPod Touch 5, and all Androids 4.3 or later* Now that’s fashionable safety!!!

Purchase/Pre-Order CUFF on their website

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Sriracha sauce has been around for a long time and in recent years has been all over the place; it’s the new ketchup/catsup and anyone that’s everyone is putting it on their breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between. So for all of your family/friends that love Sriracha these small bottles (1.25 ounce) ship empty and you’re able to clip them on a key chain, toss them in your purse, or even slide them in your pocket. When they arrive just fill them with your favorite Sriracha sauce and refill when necessary. Sriracha2Go (S2G) can be ordered as a single bottle ($7), three bottles ($15) or a 10-pack ($35) all with free shipping within the United States. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

Order directly from SG2: https://bit.ly/10zoCnh

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 If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: CHOCOLATE *drool* I just *LOVE* chocolate!

Chuao Chocolatier has actually blown.my.mind on the many pairings and offerings that they have for those in your life that can’t choose between sweet or salty (and spicy plus more more more) and think that maple bacon or peppermint with chocolate is golden! Those are just a couple of varieties that they have available. I’m actually giggling with anticipation and excitement over the potato chip bar … I mean SERIOUSLY oh.em.gee … AND it’s MILK CHOCOLATE

*wow* how soon can it get here!!! Their site is easily laid out and easy to use: just hover your mouse over the item you’re interested in and it will tell you if it’s dark or milk then click to order ($6 or special offer: order 4 for $20). On the left side you can choose chocolate bars, chocolate sets, or chocopod (mini bars). At the top you have options for their gift guide, holiday, bonbons, bars, specialty, and drinking. Again, just hover your mouse over and a listing pops up to choose or just click to see the varieties listed for that section and peruse away. I personally think if you have a chocolate lover in your midst they’ll be delighted to try (just make sure you know their leaning: milk or dark … I prefer milk *hint.hint*)

What did the FOX say? I honestly don’t know but I like it *lol* and he has friends! Head over to Hazel Village and get your loved one (big or small) a hand-stitched organic lovey! Each *doll* has their own story and they’re as cute and adorable as the names: Flora, Owen, Reginald and Winter Water Factory Flora *FOX*; Nicholas, and Winter Water Factory Nicholas *BEAR* cub; Gwendolyn, Max, and Winter Water Factory Max *RACCOON*; Zoe, Emma, Penelope, and Lucas *RABBIT*; Catalina, Oliver, and Annicke *MOUSE*; Ella and Lewis *TOAD*; and Gracie *CAT*

(prices start at $39 and they even have dress-up box(es) starting at $72; or order individual outfits and even socks/shirts/other items starting $2 and up ~ along with other animals like Lucy *OWL*; Hazel Village offers specialty baby clothing, toys and workshop items ranging in price): https://hazelvillage.com/

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 Okay, so you have a man in your life and whether he’s your boyfriend, father, husband, son, or just a friend you’re stumped on what to get him. Maybe he hunts? Maybe he likes to hike and/or explore? Or then again you could even apply this to your daughter that loves to doodle or journal or even a girl friend that hikes … and so the list grows. I have run across not one but two small notebooks that have waterproof pages! Yes, waterproof paper/pages! I know! Maybe I’m just living under my pet rock (haha) but that is news to me! My daughter gets so upset if a drink spills a little or the condensation buildup (or on her hands) drips on her page … thus dissolving/making a mess of what she wrote or drew – this makes that obsolete (plus a ton of other scenarios). I’m going to list the links below along with a pencil from one of the companies too:

1. Rite in the Rain journal polydura (4 5/8 x 7; $9.95; it is synthetic for extreme conditions and can actually be used under water): https://bit.ly/1ylol4Z
2. ITS Embossed Field Notes (set of 3) waterproof expedition edition (3.5 x 5.5; $9.99 in stock; comes with golf pencil): https://bit.ly/1zjWmRK
3. Rite in the Rain mechanical pencil (1.1mm; $10.95): https://bit.ly/1yloQMF

 

I’m getting a little carried away you say? Okay then. I’ll stop. KIDDING. I can’t. Stop that is. I’m enjoying this (too much). Here’s even more items for men/women/kids that are in the same frame of mind (from no reason to off the wall to nobody has that and so forth) for the hard-to-please to they already have everything to just plain “I knew you would love it can I have it/use it too” items. Seriously … are you not enjoying this as much as I am?!

 
 

Daneson Every Blend Flavored Toothpicks 6-Pack ($37.99; one bottle each of: Cinnamint No. 7, Mint No. 9, Salted Birch No. 8, Lemon No. 11, Single Malt No. 16, and Bourbon No. 22): https://bit.ly/1vNTIDb

Daneson website: https://daneson.com/

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Tälja/Tälja Jr Woodcarving Kits (the original is currently sold out although you can find them on other sites not just directly from Tälja in Sweden/same for Jr; Jr kit: 499kr = $66.29usd) these woodcarving kits are just awesome!

They come with two pieces of wood (and what you can make with each along with instructions), knife/case, oil, sandpaper, first aid (a band-aid just in case) along with the box to keep it all in. The Jr knife has double finger protection and is suitable for ages 6 to 14. Hopefully the original Tälja will be back in stock soon too. If you want to give someone you love something different this holiday season and that they can use all year-round to help relax and possibly unwind this may just be it! I’ve done my best with adjusting the price from krona to US dollars.

Order directly from Tälja: https://www.hellotalja.com/

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I’m not going to lie. I watched the videos for Campfire Cologne and wanted their products just.for.that.alone – S.E.R.I.O.U.S.L.Y they are hysterical! If my dad was not deceased I could see myself getting this/these for him and he would *LOVE* them! Then again our sense of humor was (or is in my case) a little different than most. And don’t get me started on that vacation at the beach when I was … oh where was I! This would have been one of those “tongue-in-cheek” or “inside joke” gifts – for my dad *lol*. So just for him I had to list and because you may find it appealing, useful, and a great stocking stuffer (or actual gift – one of those elephant kind) for someone that just may need a cleansing *giggle* or you really know someone that does it regularly and so sage is ideal … for them.

Campfire Cologne of course takes you back to your best.summer.ever and is an ode to your youth, cooking over a fire, swimming holes, and other summer activities that you may be nostalgic for. It comes with a box of matches (where allowed): https://bit.ly/1tO8BBd ($12.95 per box)

Clear your mind with “Sacred Sage“. It gives you easy access to find your zen and if used frequently may keep you in a state of calmness (#needit) *lol* Seriously, who doesn’t want that! “Experience olfactory magic” … namaste!!!

Order your Sacred Sage for $14.95 per box: https://bit.ly/1ygzCVq

You can check out the same videos I did here:

Campfire Cologne: https://vimeo.com/47002031

Sacred Sage: https://vimeo.com/80337361

There are other videos on their website *fun* To order just click BUY NOW over/on the product you’re looking to purchase and voila add how many boxes then checkout: https://campfire-cologne.com/

 
 

Is there someone in your life that collects things? You know odds and ends or bottle caps? Maybe rocks? Who knows what. It could be little things or random things but they need something to hold them and secure them. My son falls into this category. He wants something different that will hold his special stuff (to him) in order for him to feel that if a huge storm hits all of those items will be safe. You have that in spades with The Strongbox “a safe place for small things” from Best Made Co.

By-the-way they make all sorts of neat things (my son was having a fit over some of their badges) – so make sure you poke around (because I wanted to list a LOT more than this). It’s the same specs as their best made front-loading toolbox and is more durable than most storage boxes of its kind. You can order it in their Famous Red or blue; both are made in the USA and emblazoned with their data plate (6″ for $28 and 9″ $36): https://bit.ly/1tFPyKr

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I’m in love with the Cable Bag from Saddleback Leather Co. It comes in your choice of: Carbon; Chestnut, Dark Coffee Brown; and Tobacco. You can hold all sorts of gadgets in this awesome leather bag and then whatever you choose to put in it, or store several in luggage for a trip, maybe just sit it out in all its glory … you decide (I would want everyone to see mine); have a friend that’s into or is a photographer? It would be a nifty and really nice gift for them and a ton of other uses too (a few are mentioned and maybe you have an idea but read the reviews and you’ll see that it’s used for things I didn’t even think of and trust me I want it so bad I need more than one as my mind had a ton of possibilities). The leather closure strip is removable and may or may not match the color choice. Dimensions are listed on the page and the best part as Saddleback Leather Co states: “…no longer discriminates against any cow on the basis of age, appearance, lactose intolerance…” *hahaha* I want a little piece of paper to come inside the Cable Bag with that on it! It just makes it more appealing to me and my humor…again (call.me) *lol* Order directly from Saddleback Leather Co. for $53 (free UPS ground domestic shipping on orders of $75+): https://bit.ly/1yR2YZx

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Every time I talk about gift giving this one always comes up. I am a fan of Harry’s (razors). I like what they stand for

and the creators themselves (Warby Parker ~ eyewear). I won’t give you all the background this time around though. They have holiday gift sets starting at $15 (Truman) up to $30 (Winston) and you can get singles as well (if you don’t want a set) or if you have purchased previously and *oops* forgot about it then reorder some blades as a stocking stuffer or even get a winter essentials kit ($20). I admit it … I have a Winston and love it. I think the blades are amazing and I try to get a set for the men in my life on certain holidays. Which reminds me: I’m due to order my refills! Purchase directly from Harry’s (free US shipping on orders over $10; available US/Canada): https://www.harrys.com/

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So you have some mini-me Minecraft fans running around the house?!?! Head over to ThinkGeek and see what they have: from t-shirts to jewelry to swords – even wrapping paper! And oh so much more … just too much to list; so I made it easy for you: https://bit.ly/11VYe84

 
 Another fun and great stocking stuffer (for the kid in all of us) are the Mini Bendable Q-Man Magnets. There are a lot of different versions available online at Amazon; however, I’m listing the main link here as it has prime (a set of 4 $19.50 and set of 8 $30.50; colors may not be assorted based on two reviews). You can use them on filing cabinets, your fridge, or you may just end up playing with them (I mean your kids might *lol*): https://amzn.to/12wbnWj

Here’s an Amazon link that shows other sellers and varieties: https://amzn.to/1zSelys

 
Let me just say that it’s really hard for my son to tie his shoes. So if you’re not aware of Hickies you are now. They are an innovative way to NOT tie your shoes (adults and children) from regular to tight then loose and all sorts of colors (get different ones and mix and match). They have lacing techniques on their site and you can currently order some (as several are out-of-stock) for a sale price of $11.99/regularly $14.99 (they’re also available through Nordstrom and I’ve found them on Amazon too) but I’m directing you to their website so you can read about them, look at them, and then let them direct you to retailers or you can google if you’d prefer. Pricing does vary depending on where you purchase. Have fun with your kids experimenting and mixing Hickies together for you/other adults and same for Doohookies that your kids/or other children you may know – what ever will they think of next!

Hickies on their site: some are currently $9.99 (kids) or $11.99 (adults)/reg. $14.99 or try Amazon $14.99 prime-free shipping (there are other sellers you can see/search for): https://amzn.to/1yVrwjO

Doohickies sold exclusively at Nordstrom ($9.99): https://bit.ly/1AlDXEO

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Ever opened a fortune cookie and wanted to keep it to share and read over and over or even a favorite quote, goal, prayer or something else that was important to you? Now you can! This is ingenious and unique: FortuneKeeper has bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and more that you’re able to store/save whatever motto, fortune, or something that’s inspirational/sentimental to you rather than sticking it on your PC monitor or in your pocket *lol* The story of how it became is rather interesting in itself and makes one go: why didn’t I think of that! You’re even able to order as party favors for a wedding or corporate event (minimum 300) with a custom fortune. If you want a fortune that has meaning to you or between a loved one you can use the blank fortune that is downloadable (as their jewelry comes with various ones just go through and find what you like) and each item comes with a fortune set and art card description and a reusable chic tin to keep it in. FortuneKeeper is proudly made in Brooklyn, NY and a great gift any time of the year! Prices vary depending on item: https://fortunekeeper.com/

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Oh my bacon *rofl* They actually make bacon bandages! That’s right. You did read it correctly! Cover those boo-boo’s with a slice of bacon or crime scene (various novelty band-aids) on the silly kid or adult in your life! What a funny stocking stuffer that will get some *squeals* of delight at my house (my kids are obsessed with band-aids *haha*)! So go on and have some fun (prices vary depending on what style you choose but the bacon bandages are $7.77 on Amazon with Prime shipping): https://amzn.to/11ZXRte

 
 
Laughter really is the best medicine. So, from now on instead of telling my kids to ‘pipe down’ I’ll just say: don’t make me do it … I will … the clown nose is coming out! An emergency clown nose will stop everyone in their tracks and is sure to produce lots of laughter in most situations. For $7.78 plus free shipping it can be yours or a stocking stuffer (or you know: ‘one.a.dem.dare’ elephant gifts) again, found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/1vQBKjm

 
 
 

I’ve put a lot in here and I’m going to wind it down as I could go on forever (as I still have a ton of items that I could list for women, men, boys and girls – all ages and some for everyone) … so, if you’re still in a pickle feel free to ask and I’ll be happy to help you out. On that note I’m going to leave you with something that is a tradition with me and my kids. It’s the German Christmas Pickle and my kids adore doing this. If you’re not familiar: “…as legend says, a pickle, a symbol of good luck, is to be the last ornament placed on your decorated Christmas tree. The first child to find on Christmas morning receives an extra gift from Santa…” There’s more to the legend and it comes included with your pickle ornament. We do it a little different as I allow my kids to take turns hiding it every three days. Then, on Christmas Eve, I hide it. I let my kids look for it but they both actually get something as unbeknownst to them I have two *lol* and really, it’s hard because my daughter basically tries to tackle the tree and she’s honed in on that pickle while my son is still trying to stand up. Seriously! She’s like a panther or something – that fast. It’s fun and hilarious and they each love taking turns hiding it. I know it’s about teaching kids and all that but to us it’s funny and different and a tradition all our own; one that we’ve been doing for the last several years. That’s what holiday’s are for, right? To make and establish traditions or keep ones and blend some but most of all to enjoy ~ together with your family, friends, those that you love and hold dear. Order online from Amazon through Knextion (fulfilled/shipped by Amazon with Prime) a well-respected online seller (they also sell under the Trendy Turtle, The Cookie Cutter Company and have fundraising items at Palmetto Fundraising) and I know them personally, so I can vouch for their credibility ($4.92 ships free/Prime) and yes, there are other sellers on Amazon and other sites too; I am just sharing with you where I purchased and a little tradition from my family to yours: https://amzn.to/1I4z5sX

Knextion German Christmas Pickle: https://amzn.to/1I4z5sX

Learn about Knextion and their products (you can also click on names and go directly to their websites): https://www.knextion.com/