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Lifestyle, Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle, Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids

Christmas is almost here, and if you haven’t started shopping, it is time to get going. Kids are probably the easiest to shop for for Christmas presents. They are usually pretty decisive in what they want, and are not hard to please. And if all else fails, go for Play-Doh, Legos, slime, or Hot Wheels. Target, Wal-Mart, and of course Amazon are the best go to places for toys for kids.

Just like adults, I still recommend that you get a Christmas list from the children in your life. If they can talk and walk, they know what they want. Now, if you are not using a list, you need to take the child's age into consideration. But just know that a gift card can ultimately still be a great gift at any age, because they will get to go to the store, and pick out a toy, or game of their choosing. Score!

For young girls, baby dolls and Barbies are still top choices. But also don't forget about Lalaloopsies, American Girl dolls, and Shopkins. Shopkins are traded on the school yard, and can be very hard to come by. My daughter has over a hundred, and carrying cases for them.

For young boys I recommend Star Wars toys, action figures, Legos, Nerf guns, and Pokemon cards. The boys love to trade these cards at school as well. Is your little guy a gamer yet? If you are feeling very generous you can spring for an XBOX One X for around $500, or for half the cost go for a Playstation Pro.

Both boys and girls will likely want bikes, skateboards, scooters, and sports gear. I also recommend board and card games for those rainy days, and forced family fun. The classics such as Monopoly, Uno, Yahtzee, and cards are still a hit with my family on game nights. 

Those are my suggestions for kids. I hope you found this helpful. Let me know if you have any additional ideas. Please share!

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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

Christmas Gift Ideas For Her

Oh the joys of Christmas, and gift buying. Well if you read my blog about "Christmas Gift Ideas For Him", then you already know a few things. First, you know nothing beats gift cards for the difficult to shop for. Second, always ask for Christmas lists. Third, have a gift theme for an added surprise.

Pampering will usually be a winner. When I suggest the gift of pampering, I mean a massage, manicure, pedicure, or a nice facial. A spa day would be a nice choice for the wife.

For the lady in your life who loves to cook I recommend Le Creuset cookware. Le Creuset is pricey but it is by far my favorite cookware. The skillets and pots are cast iron, sturdy, and of the highest quality.

Maybe your lady love loves to curl up with a good book. Get her a tablet for reading, a collector’s edition of her favorite book, or a journal to log all of the books she has read.

Last, but not least is scents. If your girl is anything like me she has a signature scent, that go-to perfume. Snoop around if you have to, but think about her smell. Is it citrusy or flowery? Does it remind you of fresh laundry, or the ocean? With that thought in mind head to Sephora, or Macy’s, and find the scent that you would love to smell on her. 

So those are my ideas on gifts for her. Get to shopping boys. Time is running out. Christmas is almost here!

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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

Christmas Gift Ideas For Him

It’s that time of year again, and Christmas shopping for family and friends can be stressful, and nerve racking to say the least. While this blog will be full of gift suggestions for your man, your dad, and even your brother, I always think the best way to go is to request a gift list from your loved ones. This is common practice in my family, for adults and kids alike. This ensures gift satisfaction since they are getting exactly what they asked for. The below recommendations are just to add an element of surprise, and wow factor to your special one’s day.

The key to great gift giving is knowing your loved one well, but let’s be honest, some people are just difficult to shop for. For the guy who doesn’t know what he wants, or does not “need” anything, go the gift card route. Get him a gift card to his favorite store, and call it a day.

If your fella has hobbies then I suggest a bundle of gifts with that theme. If he loves to golf, I recommend golf balls, tees, gloves, hat, and a nice trunk locker bag for him to organize his stuff. If he is a hiker or camper I suggest you hit up REI and go crazy, no seriously. For the hiking/camping bundle I suggest hat, sunblock, ready to eat meals, warm socks, sleeping bag, and tent night lights.

For the "manly man" go for grill stuff or liquor. ManCrates.com has some of cutest gift ideas around for men. A ManCrate is basically a gift basket of meats, nuts, grill stuff and many other themes, but the cool factor is that it comes in a small crate and crowbar to pry it open with. Now if your guy is a scotch drinker, a good gift bundle idea would be a nice bottle of scotch, a decanter for it, and two scotch glasses that are customized with his initials.

Lastly, let’s not forget the sports lover. I would recommend ball caps, tee shirts, and jerseys of his favorite team. If you could get your hands on some sports memorabilia, or playoff tickets that would make his year.

I am really big on Christmas, and giving in general. It makes me happy to try to find new and exciting ways to surprise my loved ones, and show them how much they mean to me. How do you do it with your family and friends? Do you wing it, asks for lists, or just do gift cards? Please share your advice and experience!

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