November 30, 2016

Rowing Gift Guide

November 30, 2016

Looking for gift ideas for rowers? Maybe I can help. It's no secret around here that I love gift guides and I love rowing, so why not combine two of my favorite things?

Below you'll find crew and rowing gift ideas, whether novice or master, Juniors or Masters. I'm by no means a rowing expert, but I can certainly give you some input based on my experience! From small gifts and stocking stuffers to medium-sized gifts for your rowing buddy's birthday, to big ticket dream items, you’ll find a little something for all the rowers on your list.

(None of these items are sponsored, but I use affiliate links, which means if you purchase from those links I get a small percentage of the sale. I also recommend shopping via Ebates for no-strings-attached cash back.)

Onward, to the rowing gift ideas!

1. Rowing wrenches. For coxswains, coaches, rowers, or anyone who has to rig boats. I like that that you can choose your team colors from these options. (Regular old metal ones ones available via Amazon, of course.)

2. Rowing patent prints. Etsy has all kinds of great choices.

Photo from wunderkammerstudio etsy shop.

3. Clip-on hat light. For those dark early mornings, these are non-negotiable.

4. And headlamps are also a good idea.

5. And of course you can never have too many hats. This lightweight, bright, reflective one would be a good choice for those dark mornings. This cold-weather one also comes in brights so the coach can see you in the dark.

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6. Rowboat salad bowl. Not a racing shell, but a girl's gotta eat.

7. Nuun hydration tablets. These are my favorite to use after a tough workout. Healthier than those sugary, Red Dye No. 5 sports drinks, and they take up far less space: just drop them in water, let fizz, and chug.

8. Bisweptual t-shirt. This will probably only be funny to you if you row. Variety of colors. Also available in port, starboard, bow, engineroom, etc.

9. JL Racing gel seat pad. To make that seat a little softer, or accommodate shorter rowers and/or those with shorter torsos. It floats!

10. Guide to rowing and coxing, from one of my favorite (funny) social media accounts. (Check out their Instagram account.)

11. Sport wash. Workout clothes can get stinky and this seems especially true with water sports. Maybe only give this to someone if you know they'd like to try this, lest it seem like a hint.

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12. Buffs! Patterns or solids. Wear 12 different ways, from keeping your neck and face warm to keeping hair back.

13. Pogies! For sweeping, sculling, or a combo. Keep those hands warm on that chilly, wet oar.

14. Rowing jewelry. I love this subtle necklace.

15. Collapsible water bottle. A necessity for any boat bag, and you can never have too many. I love the patterned ones.

16. Red Rose Crew. Did you know women weren’t allowed to row in the Olympics until 1976? And even then, they had to fight tooth and nail for it. Read all about those incredible women in this book. A must-read for any rower.

17. Nexcare waterproof tape. This is one of my favorite rowing items. It protects, pads, and covers blisters while standing up to sweat and salt water. Lightweight and I've always got a roll in my bag.

18. While we're taking care of those rowing paws, give 'em some extra love with my favorite hand cream. Not greasy, not smelly, soaks in, heals.

19. And sunscreen for the rest of your skin. Er, their skin.

20. If you really want to go for it, there's always a Concept2 erg.

21. And if you're going to do that, might as well throw in this cool device: the Ergstick streams your workout data to your phone via various apps and allows you to see data the erg won't show you. It also saves the data so you can dive into your workouts and dissect them. For the rowing geek or Olympian on your list, I guess.

22. iTunes gift card, so they can pump up their erging library.

23. While you're at it, a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop so they can fuel up after practice. Of course, if you aren't sure of their local place there's always Starbucks.

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24. A warm winter hat. Ibex makes great ones, and wool wicks and keeps you warm.

25. Sweatpants to throw on and warm up after practice. I need some myself. These US Rowing ones are also nice, and I'm sure your giftee's team has some with their logo as well. Check for their team on Sew Sporty.

26. If it's the holiday season and you're looking for an ornament, this is pretty delightful.

27. You can never have too much lip balm, but especially during cold weather.

28. Patagonia Nano Jacket. A friend who has one says "So warm, and water beads off it."

29. For a current, former, or future collegiate rower, a hoodie ornament from their alma mater!

30. These oar ornaments (oarnaments?) are cute, too. Best of all, the maker will match your team's design.

31. Coxswain's tool. Good for all rowers, coxswains or not.

32. Rowing socks.

33. Darn Tough makes warm, quality socks right here in the USA. Guaranteed for life. Your favorite rower probably needs a pair: they might wear them in the boat and they'll definitely want them to warm up after practice.

34. Anti Monkey Butt powder. Chafing is real. The women's version doesn't have talc, which is supposed to be a better choice for female bodies.

35. A GoPro, if you're feeling extra generous. (One of my favorite rowing videos is this one.)

36. The Boys in the Boat. An instant classic. I devoured it.

37. My favorite boat bag. Drawstring, waterproof, roll-down top, adjustable chest clip, inside zippered pocket. Multiple colors.

38. My favorite boat socks. Soft cushion, adjustable velcro ankle closure.

39. My favorite leggings to row in.

40. Layering is essential, and I currently like these tops.

41. I just got this on sale, and it's great. It's warm, and the hood is proving so useful in the cold weather. I still wear a hat, but the hood helps cut the wind and occasional splash of water.

42. Waterproof dry bag. So they can keep their phone safe while they photograph the sunrise as their coach yells at them.

43. Justin's Nut Butter Squeeze Packs. Justin's makes outstanding products, and these are a nice alternative to the sugar-based energy gel packets your giftee may tuck into a race day or workout bag. Variety of flavors.

44. Foam roller. Necessary torture.

45. The CBreeze. How cool is this thing?! Pun intended. But seriously, make your own fan by directing the erg's air onto your face. Sign me UP.

46. And finally, this lovely 1927 New Yorker cover print. They have a few other rowing covers to choose from, and picking just one was difficult.

47. Arshay Cooper’s beautiful book, A Most Beautiful Thing. The true story of America’s first all-Black high school rowing team. An incredible and important true story.

48. Eucatape. Protect blisters and apparently make them heal faster? It’s well reviewed and comes in various colors.

49. Run Fast, Eat Slow. This fantastic cookbook was written by an Olympian and it’s chockfull of healthy and nutritious recipes and ideas for anyone who wants to eat delicious things and feel good. My husband and I both love the Superhero muffins.

And that's a wrap! Thanks for tuning in. Got more ideas? Feel free to add them in the comments!

Caitlin Hannah

November 1, 2016

Fun, Gift Guides, Food Lush, Family

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Caitlin Hannah

November 1, 2016

Fun, Gift Guides, Food Lush, Family

Hello! Welcome!

Every year I put together a holiday gift guide, with the aim of featuring quality, interesting items at all price points, for a variety of giftees. From stocking stuffers to big gifts, from grandparent to baby, I hope you'll find a gift idea (or two) for everyone on your list.

There are still lots of great ideas on my previous guides, so be sure to check them out: 2014, 2014 decor guide, 2015.

(A bit of housekeeping: I've never been paid or compensated for any of these products, I just really, really like doing this. While the latter is still true, I am including some affiliate links this time, which means if you purchase an item from those links, I get a small percentage of the sale. Know that I'm still only featuring items that I think are worth sharing. Where I've used a product personally, I'll let you know. I typically recommend shopping via Amazon, as well as Nordstrom, for their ease and exceptional customer service. If you've not yet signed up for Ebates, I recommend that as well. If you sign up via this link, I'll get a little bonus.)

Thank you to those of you who sent me recommendations and ideas (I've tried to give credit where credit is due, and if I've missed you I apologize) and moral support, and thank you all, as always, for tuning in. Enjoy!

1. Paint chip calendar. I bought this last year, and convinced others to do the same. I love it. I will be buying another one for the coming year, unless Santa brings me one. Each month is a different color scheme. It's pretty and you should get one.

2. Ginvent calendar! For the gin lover in your life (ME). There are lots of other whisk(e)y, scotch, and bourbon versions, too, for the people in your life who know the difference. You can taste it blind or use a cheat sheet. Friends of mine got one last year and had lots of fun trying to guess which were really expensive, which ones they knew, etc.

3. Tasting Whiskey. Also for the whiskey lover in your life. I got my husband this book last year, and he absolutely devoured it. His words: "Entertaining, anecdotal, informative, approachable. Great reference, has awesome recipes. It's a one-stop shop for everything you want to know about whiskey."

4. Pair it with his favorite double old fashioneds and a bottle of whisk(e)y.

5. Or better yet, his favorite tasting glasses.

6. Throw in some droppers. These are used to add water to whiskey one drop at a time, as part of the tasting process.

7. Hape Playfully Delicious wooden coffee maker. I have it on good authority that this toy is a lasting hit. I hear the same about their toaster set.

8. Bluetooth shower speaker.

9. The Oldest Living Things in the World. I'm so intrigued by this book.

10. Color spectrum umbrella. Gorgeous! Sold via Amazon on behalf of MOMA; benefits MOMA. There's a child's version too, which is delightful.

11. Double down on your theme with a Rainbow Brite ornament. Good for a current child or a child of the 80s.

12. Speaking of ornaments, get ready for them to be sprinkled liberally throughout the guide! How about a clip-on red cardinal ornament to start? I'm a sucker for a red cardinal, and ornaments that clip to branches make for a nice change.

13. Braided iPhone charger. Hands down, the most popular item from last year's gift guide. I still get comments from people who are buying them! Six feet long and sturdy. Available in black/green, green/blue, and pink/black.

14. Wikki Stix. This unique, patented, wax and string combo makes these reusable sticks a winner. They stick to each other or to paper with fingertip pressure, providing hours of no-mess entertainment.

15. I've recommended Thirstystone products before, but their stuff sure has taken a turn for the beautiful recently. Take a gander at this beauty.

16. I love their coasters. Coasters!

Coasters!

17. L.L. Bean camp chairs. Lots to choose from at a variety of price points. I'd have to go with this one so I could lounge like a boss. (REI has some great kid's camp chairs, too.)

18. Essie foot cream. A friend sent me this, and I love it. Moisturizing, soaks in well, not greasy.

19. Sprout bookmarks. Come ON. (I understand that these are best for gentle book storage, like moving a book from a lap to a nightstand. They may not stay in as tightly when chucked into a bag or backpack. Your mileage may vary.)

20. Scrubby man soap. This is a splurge, but a great one. I put it in my husband's stocking one year then proceeded to hoard it and hope he'd forget about it. Refreshing, scrubby, not a man-specific scent.

21. Leather goods that my husband makes. As I said last year, this is my website and I can say anything I want, but the truth is that my husband is the most meticulous, driven person I know, and his products are absolutely stunning and will last a lifetime.

To guarantee delivery by Christmas 2016, orders must be placed on or before November 15, 2016.

Photo credit: the person who is legally bound to me.

22. Solar waving QE2. Someone buy me this.

23. To Kill a Mockingbird. Or any other book you've loved. Books and candy in my stocking are some of my favorite things about Christmas.

24. And for your favorite word nerd (ME!), Merriam-Webster's 365 New Words-A-Year calendar:

25. Speaking of candy: an outrageous amount of Haribo. Listen, I'm probably just going to recommend this every year, in various forms, but I'm especially doing it this year because I'm still celebrating the end of three years of adult braces. (Yes, I had them as a kid, too.)

Go for a variety pack (which I was lucky enough to receive as a Hooray No More Braces gift).

Or go buck wild with a 5 lb. bag of the classics.

26. El Deafo. 2015 Newbery Honor Book, and I have it on good authority that it's a hit. (Thanks, Natalie and Ali!)

27. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World. Recommended by my friend Ashley, whose girls are "REALLY into it. Sitting in their rooms for HOURS reading it."

28. Saucy plaid Santa.

29. Sonos. Wirelessly stream all your music to this excellent speaker; control it from your phone. I have one and it is fantastic.

30. Horrible Fortune Cookies. From the creators of Cards Against Humanity.

31. Millenium Falcon Sunshade. Someone on your list definitely wants this.

32. For the Star Wars fan in your life who can't yet drive, BB8 socks. (Fear not, they make them for adults, too.)

33. Gallery Leather Guestbook. I have one, and I've given them as gifts. They are always a hit, and recipients often comment that they wish they'd started one sooner. Put it in the guest room or on a hall table. Buy it directly from Gallery Leather if you want to monogram it with their last name or a jokey name for their home (The Hannah Hotel, The Don't Drop Inn), include a nice pen, and write the first note for them!

34. I'm also a long-time fan of Gallery Leather planners. My Mom got me one in college, and the years I've used a different one I've always regretted it. The pocket planners are my go-to, but this year I've upgraded to a weekly. Check out the Key West collection for fresh, modern colors. Get it monogrammed for an extra special touch.

35. Speaking of lovely pens, Kara's Kustoms makes some beauties. I like these mix-n-match hand-machined ones.

36. Pineapple ornament. Pineapples are a traditional symbol of welcome and would be a lovely addition to the gift of a guest book.

37. Recover wood phone cases. I have this one, and I get lots of compliments on it. If you need a case to keep you from constantly breaking your phone, this isn't for you. If you need basic protection and want something pretty, this is.

38. Or! The perfect phone case for taking selfies: a LuMee. Comes in a variety of colors.

39. The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World's Great Drinks.

40. While you're at it, my favorite gin and tonic glasses.

41. Throw in my favorite straws. I use these daily in coffee, and they're also great in cocktails. Reusable, glass, beautiful, warrantied (I've had a couple break and they replace them no questions asked). The colored glass dots help keep everyone's drink straight and also keep straws from rolling off the counter.

42. Splurge-y hand soap. It would be hard to justify this for myself, but I love Molton Brown. Fancy every day items or things people otherwise wouldn't buy for themselves make great gifts.

Jo Malone makes some of my favorite scents, too. Slap a bow on it and thank that one friend of yours for always being the one to host.

43. In the same vein: fancy candles. Diptyque makes gorgeous natural scents. Fig and Baies are two of their most popular scents. I also am fond of Wood Fire.

44. Beautiful wood toys from Manzanita Kids. Handmade, durable, sustainable, made in America by a couple in their home. What's not to like? Their stuff is so beautiful and charming, it was hard to choose which items to feature.

These gorgeous blocks.

Rockin' rattle. Personalize it with baby's name.

45. Funko POP! Action figures, sports figures, and any manner of pop culture icon in a fun, giant-headed package.

46. Scribbly tree ornament.

47. Rifle Paper Co. note cards. I adore Rifle Paper Co., and I have these note cards. The images are gorgeous and the cards are thick and luxurious. For me, these are a true treat.

48. My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals/Portraits, Interviews, and Recipes. For your favorite foodie.

49. Bamboo spatula. We have one in my house, and love it. Use for everything from rice to eggs to sauces to stir fry. Nice kitchen tools make great gifts—tie one onto a copy of your favorite cookbook!

50. Rösle fine tongs. Rösle makes fantastic products, but I was skeptical of these until I used them. I was wrong. They make precise grabbing easier than any tongs I've ever used. And is it any wonder? They're basically huge tweezers.

51. Finex cast iron pans. Heirloom quality, made in the USA. Born of an obsession with vintage cast iron pans, these are polished on the inside so they're naturally nonstick, as cast iron used to be. Heatproof handles and no other detail overlooked. We have a couple as we've upgraded our cast iron over time and I cannot say enough good things about them. Plus, look how beautiful they are.

52. Toaster tongs! The magnet keeps them right on the side (or back) of your toaster. Very lightweight and easy to use. My husband bought these because he was tired of watching me stick a butter knife in the toaster.

53. Sriracha To Go. For the Sriracha lover on your list who simply can't be without their spicy sweetheart. These are just the bottles, so be sure to include a full container of the red stuff so they can load them up and be on their way. BPA free and TSA approved!

54. Wait. I have more things for sriracha lovers. Like this shirt.

55. Or these socks.

56. Or this fancy small-batch sriracha with a maple twist.

57. Picture This turns kids' art into clothes. Surprise them by using a drawing they've already done, or buy a certificate and let them create.

58. Touch screen stylus. For use on all kinds of devices including iPhones and tablets. For those with big, clumsy fingers, or for your favorite Snapchatter. A 5-pack goes for about six bucks, so you can stick one in every stocking, tie one on every tech gift, or give them all to someone who will lose 'em.

59. Makeup eraser. I don't understand what this is but I need it.

Low-key TV fandom!

60. Parks & Rec. I bought this mug for a friend a few years ago and it was a hit. If the quality hasn't changed since then, expect the quality to be better than expected.

61. Friday Night Lights. (I need this.)

62. Mad Men. (I NEED THIS.)

63. A can of cheap shaving cream. Stick it in your kid's stocking and tell 'em they can use it to play in the tub. A whole can of shaving cream to waste is a silly indulgence I would have loved as a kid. Worst idea or best idea?

64. And for the adult on your list, a tube of the good stuff. My husband has sensitive skin, and this is one of his favorites.

65. Ibex makes great hats for men, women, and children. Soft, strong, sustainable merino wool, organic cotton, etc. This unisex one is nice and comes in several colors.

I am fond of this fairisle earflap one as well. (Pompoms!)

66. Dreidel dish towels.

67. I've had my eye on this initial necklace for ages. Give your giftee their initial, or that of their child or loved one.

68. Some solid quality headphones. For the gamer, traveler, student, or parent on your list. Not noise-canceling, but close enough at half the price point. Customize them! (Thank you, Jess!)

69. Everyone needs Post-its, and we've got to fill up those stockings.

70. Throw in a 4-pack of highlighters too, for your favorite college student. Do college students still use highlighters? No matter! These highlighters come in at exactly one American dollar, thus winning this year's coveted Cheapest Item on the Gift Guide award! Maybe your 5 year old would like them?

71. New York Public Library lion ornament. I never tire of browsing their online store for fun items, and all sales benefit the library.

72. Snag one of their great mugs for your favorite reader. I am fond of this one.

73. Throw in the best book you've read this year. This is one of mine.

74. And some fancy tea that won't keep them up at night.

75. And this stack-o-books ornament, too, while you're at it. (Also via Amazon if you can't swing shipping.)

76. For your favorite tea lover, an electric kettle. This one is pretty, glass, affordable, and has an auto shut-off feature that I recommend.

77. Wait! Add these library card socks! Multiple colors.

78. Back to tea. I hear Brown Betty Teapots are the cadillac of teapots.

79. A beautiful blanket for snuggling while reading, drinking tea, or watching TV. Pendleton blankets are great quality and made in the USA. There are plenty of less pricey options out there, too. Macy's, Nordstrom, and Target all have a range of choices.

80. Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto. From the iconic Austin BBQ joint. My husband (chef, smoked meat fan) loves this book. Throw in a bottle or two of your favorite sauces, and a gift certificate to a local butcher.

81. Grovemade has a gorgeous range of wood products, from lamps to watches to desk accessories. Made in the States by a small company.

Maple succulent planter.

Stunning speakers.

82. Come ON with these balloon animal ornaments.

83. Jumbo box of sidewalk chalk.

84. And/or a big, beautiful, enormous, fresh box of crayons.

85. Throw in a big drawing pad.

86. For the Springsteen fan, his new autobiography.

87. First Aid Kit. For new parents, 20-somethings who won't appreciate it until they need it, people who camp or take long road trips, or one for every car.

88. In a similar vein, this personal water filter is pretty cool. For the runner, hiker, camper, explorer, or outdoorsperson on your list.

89. While we're at it, headlamps. You can never have too many headlamps. For kids, campers, hikers, or gearheads.

90. Old-school kicks. For adults, and kids of all ages.

91. Salsa Grow Kit.

92. Include a salsa bowl...

93. ...and a spicy towel to round it out.

94. Boot trees. I have some like this, and they're aces. The handle allows them to squeeze together when putting them in or taking them out: they expand once in the boot and maintain the boot's shape. Great on their own or in addition to a gift of boots.

95. Giant Jenga. For your yard or basement or bar or patio or playroom.

96. A set of 12 gorgeous copper-and-white ornaments. A classic silhouette in modern colors.

97. Orange champagne marmalade. I love marmalade, and I love champagne. This has great reviews.

I'm of the opinion that humans of all sizes can never have enough books. Every year I give my niece a Christmas book, and may I suggest you start this tradition with a small person in your life? Of course, you can start it with a large person in your life, too. My Mom usually gets me a holiday book every year, and as I mentioned earlier, I love getting books for Christmas.

98. The Polar Express is always a hit and is one of my personal faves.

99. The Snowman's Story. I love the idea for this book so much. There are no words, only beautiful pictures: just add imagination. I would have been busy with this book for hours as a kid.

100. Blizzard! Based on someone's childhood memories of the famous Blizzard of '78. As a kid in New England I grew up hearing about this blizzard, and I so was delighted to come across this book.

101. Bear Stays Up for Christmas. More than 400 reviews, 5 stars. Definitely check this one out.

102. There are a bunch of paperback books on Amazon that would bend nicely around the inside top of a stocking. The Littlest Christmas Tree is one. I bought it last year for my niece, and it's a sweet, lovely story. The Littlest Elf looks equally lovely.

103. Throw in a sweet stuffie they can cuddle while reading. Jellycat's collection is both beautifully made and ultra soft. This penguin is seasonally appropriate, but works year-round, too.

104. After all that reading, you might need a refreshment. Pick up a bottle of your favorite wine or bubbly, and tie on one of these with a ribbon. If there's anything left in the bottle at the end of the night, your giftee can use it.

105. Measuring spoons that fit inside spice bottles. I got these last year and they are a game-changer.

106. If you're shopping for your favorite baker, maybe include some nice vanilla.

107. And an upgraded baking basic.

108. And top it off with one of these adorable baking mice ornaments.

109. Speaking of baking, Silpat are wonderful tools but I've also recently discovered this reusable parchment. Some friends gave it to me and my husband, and it has proven wonderful for places Silpat won't work, like sliding a pizza onto a piping hot pizza stone.

110. I have a different, discontinued version of this mixing bowl, and it if ever breaks my heart will, too.

111. If you're very generous, this cream whipper would really be the icing on the cake. My chef husband has one, and it's wonderful. It does more than just whip cream: you can use it to inject marinades and make soups or espumas. Don't forget the cartridges.

112. Owl eyeglass holder. For the person on your list who's always losing their specs.

113. Scream jar. A jar to muffle your screams. This is not a drill. Frustrated coworker? Parents of small children? You've got them covered.

114. Maybe pair that with a soothing MantraBand, so your giftee can steel themselves and move on.

115. For further coping skills, maybe you know someone who could use this hairbrush flask. I can't decide if I'm sorry about including this.

116. Travel jewelry case. Variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. It has great reviews, and looks like it would be a lot more organized than my current system of shoving a bunch of tiny bags into a bigger bag and hoping for the best.

117. Menorah platter. Load it up with your favorite cookies, tuck in the recipe, and tie it up with some pretty ribbon or stick on a big bow.

118. Whirley-Pop. I've been looking for Jiffy Pop everywhere, as I want to take it camping, but I can't find it. Maybe this would be a good substitute.

119. Include some fancy popcorn to take it to the next level.

120. If you're feeling extra generous, add in the greatest movie of all time. It's seasonal!

121. My Paris Kitchen. I want to come back in my next life as David Lebovitz. His Snapchat is great, if you're into that sort of thing.

122. Balsa wood planes. A fun stocking stuffer for budding engineers and aging tinkerers alike.

123. Cream lip stain sampler. I hear good things about this product, and this set has four of the best-selling shades so your recipient can try them all. A pretty great deal for $12, and makeup is such a fun stocking stuffer.

124. The Beautyblender is one of my favorite makeup tools. For $5 more than the original, you get the original and the cleanser, which is a nice bonus.

125. Sheet masks are also a perfect stocking stuffer, and places like Ulta and Sephora are great for selecting a sampling, as they're often sold individually (Tony Moly is a good brand for this). This variety pack from BioBELLE has excellent reviews as well, and is going on my list.

126. Adorable baby bows.

127. Pizza ornament. We all know someone who needs this.

128. Listen, it might get awkward here for a second, but everyone poops. Everyone should also have a Squatty Potty. 5,000 reviews can't be wrong. Someone on your list is the perfect recipient for this, and you have just the right relationship with them to be the one to give it. (Their marketing is great.)

129. A not-too-easy, not-too-hard collection of crossword puzzles. My husband got this for me recently and I am really enjoying it. Bonus: it's got a Christmas-colored cover.

130. If you've got a tough giftee on your list–maybe someone who has everything, maybe a grandparent–I suggest pairing the above book with my crossword-loving grandmother's favorite erasable pens.

131. Throw in my favorite hand cream (non-greasy, survives hand washing, is my works-with-his-hands husband's favorite, too) and you've got a well-rounded gift.

132. A good solid pair of tweezers makes a great unisex stocking stuffer, and I firmly believe a household can never have too many. If you've already got some in your medicine cabinet, what about your travel kits, purses, car? You never know where a tweezing emergency will strike. Tweezerman are the best, and they come in a variety of colors.

133. A personalized cribbage board. This Etsy shop has some beautiful ones.

Photo from CountrySignDesignsCA Etsy shop.

134. This hard hat is pretty affordable at around $10 and comes in a huge variety of colors. While I believe it's for adults, I bet you've got a kid on your list who'd love it in their favorite color.

135. Maybe pair it with their very own toolkit.

136. For the water person, camper, or beachgoer on your list, there is this waterproof bag. I use one for rowing (as do many of my teammates) and I like it. Range of colors, inside zipper pocket, chest clip, roll-down top.

137. These water socks are also popular around the boathouse. They velcro snugly around your ankle and have a thinly padded bottom. I understand they're also good inside fins and other gear. A nice barrier between you and a mucky pond bottom, too.

138. Sunscreen stocking stuffer or gift rounder-outer for the four season adventurer or athlete.

139. Speaking of adventure: a GoPro.

140. Ooh, or a Jetboil. They're fantastic for getting hot water fast when you're away from a stove.

141. The beloved Hamiltome! For the Hamilton-obsessed giftee on your list. There's also a wall calendar, a coloring book, a book of piano music, The Hamilton Affair: A Novel (!), and of course the Hamilton biography by Chernow which inspired the Broadway musical. Oh! And Leslie Odom Jr. has a Christmas album dropping November 11!

142. Pins seem to be making a comeback. These Everyday Bravery pins are delightful. Use them to stuff a stocking, round out a gift, or tuck in a card as a nod to an inside joke. Emily McDowell, who makes these pins, also has a book coming out called There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life is Scary, Awful, and Unfair, to People You Love.

143. The gift of college, with Gift of College. Give electronic or physical gift cards that can be put toward a child's 529 college fund or, and this is so cool, an existing student loan. There are small fees for the gift-giver so the giftee gets the full value of the gift. (You should know that I was approached by Gift of College to include their product in my guide, and I chose to because I think it's an awesome gift. I'm not being compensated, except in whatever promotion they may do of my guide, and opinions are my own.)

144. For the pet-adorers on your list, these engraveable cat and dog ornaments. Perfect to honor a pet you currently have or one you'll always love.

145. And for my pug-loving friend Tracy (Hi, Tracy!), I can't resist including this adorable fella. You need it for the Pug Person on your list.

146. DID YOU KNOW THEY STILL MAKE MR. SKETCH MARKERS? The 12-pack is only $5!

147. The UK's Historic Royal Palaces and Buckingham Palace shops have a wonderful selection of endlessly delightful things. I bought this ornament at the Tower of London a few years ago on a family trip, and it's beautiful and well-made. Pictures don't do it justice. These London icons ornaments are fun, but I really need someone to buy me Henry VIII and his wives:

148. I'll close with my annual commentary. When thinking of gifts, I love the old adage 'something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read'. I think 'need' is the only category I haven't truly covered here. Of course you can do your own research, but causes close to my heart include whatever local charity gives to kids who otherwise might not have a Christmas morning (like your local angel/giving tree), Toys for Tots, Feeding America, your local food bank, and your local blood & plasma bank. Maybe schedule an appointment to donate blood or plasma in January, if you want to give to someone not on your list. If you want to give in someone's name as a gift, you could certainly do that too.

***

Thanks for joining me and humoring me. I hope you've found some inspiration, and even if you haven't, this was a lot of fun for me to put together and I hope you enjoyed the ride as well! Wishing you and yours a truly happy, healthy, fun, delicious, and festive holiday season!

Caitlin Hannah

October 31, 2016

Marketing Monday: BOO!

Caitlin Hannah

October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween!

If you're at all familiar with The Ellen Show, you likely know about her penchant for scaring her guests. Occasionally a video will provide a particularly satisfying response and and make the rounds online (my perennial favorite is Taylor Swift in the bathroom). It's the kind of brand-building, go-to schtick that works perfectly: it's silly, fun, and disarms guests. It's an easy way for an audience to feel connected with celebrity guests–we all understand being startled! I personally hate being scared, but I do find this mostly charming. It's not terribly controversial. It's a little mean, but it's also in good fun and generally goes over well: getting scared by Ellen seems to be a badge of honor. And the reactions rarely disappoint. Today, on the spookiest day of the year, let's take a look at some of Ellen's best Boos.

Wishing you a fun, safe, creative, happy, candy-filled Halloween with the exact level of scariness that suits you. And if you don't want your Milky Ways, pass 'em over to me.

Rowing Gift Guide

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Marketing Monday: BOO!

Caitlin's currently-reading book montage

2022 Reading Challenge