Typically I am a procrastinator when it comes to Christmas gifts. For a few years we DIY’d all of our presents, but that was just way too much work and it ended up being just as expensive as buying in the end. Plus you can probably guess who did most of the DIYing…let’s just say it rhymes with tree. Anyway, I would totally procrastinate my DIY gifts until a few days before Christmas, which was fine before we had Fern because I could just pull a couple of all-nighters and all the presents would be made and wrapped. . This approach doesn’t work for me anymore because, 1) I so cannot pull all-nighters any more – I’m way too old for that, and 2) I would have a little toddler all up in my business while trying to DIY. Ummm…no.
Then, there is always the option of going out to shop for presents, but shopping at Christmas time can be kind of a nightmare. Shopping with a kid in general can be kind of a nightmare, but throw in overcrowded stores and nowhere to park and you have a recipe for disaster and there just aren’t enough distractions and snacks in the world to save you from a catastrophe like that.
Now here is the best option: online shopping. Glorious online shopping – the best invention since sliced bread! And Uncommon Goods is a great place to start. They are a retailer based out of Brooklyn, New York who feature unique designs and handmade gifts in a responsible way. Not only are the gifts super cool and design-y, but they also aren’t created in a sweat shops. They work hard to make sure they are respecting the environment, animals and people in the products they sell and the way they do business. Most products they carry are U.S. made and one-third of the products utilize recycled or upcycled materials, which I love. Wreaking havoc on the environment and paying people terrible wages isn’t a terribly Christmas-y thing to do after all.
Obviously I love all the social responsibility that Uncommon Goods employs, but let’s be real, my favorite part of the site is the brilliant gift guides that help take the guess work out of your holiday shopping. You can just search for the person you want to purchase a gift for. There are gift guides based on interest, gift guides based on gender, gift guides based on age. This makes it easy to buy items for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list like my father-in-law, he’s always the most difficult person to choose for on my list, so I will definitely be using this.
Here are just a few favorites I picked from some of the gift guide categories that Uncommon Goods offers: gifts for him, gifts for her and gifts for kids…
1. Driftwood iPhone Charging Dock by Lee Goodwin – Infinitely cooler than most iPhone docks I’ve seen and doubles as decor.
2. Past, Present, Future Watch by Daniel Will-Harris – Not gonna lie, I could never actually tell time with this thing, but it’s super cool.
3. Man Candles Original – Craig always complains about my candles, but perhaps if they came in simple cans in scents like sawdust and coffee he might get on board.
4. Whiskey Stones Gift Set – As much as he loves whiskey, my husband still doesn’t own whiskey stones! A great stocking stuffer.
5. Stoneware Growler – Coolest growler ever for the beer lover in your life.
1. Succulent Wall Planter Kit by Heather Auchter – This would take the guess work out of making a wall planter. Perfect for those who enjoy DIYs but could benefit from a little extra guidance (raises hand…).
2. Raw Pyrite Branch Ring by Nancy Nelson – I rarely wear silver anymore, but I like the combination of silver with the gold-toned pyrite and the organic quality of this is fantastic.
3. Raw Gemstone Earrings by Emilie Shapiro – I love that these earrings are ever-so-slightly dangly and totally feminine without being fussy. I love anything with a raw edge and the color is lovely.
4. DIY Cupcake Planter Kit – How fun is this DIY cupcake planter? A fun little project to display in your home.
5. Custom My Quotable Kid Book – I’ve wanted one of these kid quote books forever and I’d never seen one that could be personalized. I would love to receive a personalized “Fern” quote book for Christmas (*hint, hint* husband).
1. Lollacup – I realize that a sippy cup is probably not at the top of a kid’s Christmas list, but this one is seriously awesome. It has a weighted straw which will mean nothing to you unless your a parent, in which case you will think it’s awesome. And the cute little penguin design will be fun for a kiddo.
2. Mr. Food Face Plate – With all the mealtime struggles we deal with over here, maybe a fun plate like this would help make meals more fun.
3. Pull-Along Bobbers – If you know a little one who is smitten with pull-along toys like my girl is, then these would be perfect!
4. Dino Sounds T-Rex or Triceratops – These dinosaurs are hand-carved and make a cool sound when you blow into the little hole in back. Plus they blend seamlessly into decor – always a plus when you can find a toy that does that.
5. Baby Tube Socks – Ummm…how cute are these baby tube socks? Now all you need are the 70’s style running shorts to match!
And there you have it. Just a few favorites, though there are many more great gift ideas where these came from. Now to get ahead on holiday gifting. Maybe it’ll be the first year I don’t procrastinate!
Love and gift guides,
Lauren
Disclosure: I was asked to create a gift guide for Uncommon Goods and was compensated for this post, but I truly do love the site and thought you guys would too. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Roo loves her Lollacup!
I bought the growlers for my husband and he loves them. He gets so many compliments in them at the brewery.