{4 gifts link-up: want}

Have you heard of the "4 gifts" idea of gift-giving? 

My friend Alyson introduced it to me, and I'm joining with her and some other bloggers to share a series for the next month based on this concept. 

Here are the "4 gifts" categories:

Something they want, something they need, something they'll wear, and something they'll read. 

I really like this approach to gift giving, especially for kids, because it takes some of the focus off of TOYS and adds in things they need and will still enjoy, like a book, sweater or craft supplies. 

Each week we'll be focusing on one of the 4 gifts, starting with wants this week. {Of course those are the most fun, right?}

Here are some fun wants for everyone in our family this year, and hopefully they'll give you a few ideas for your list...

Beyblades / Transformers / Magnetic Building Tiles / Telescope

My boys are OBSESSED right now with Beyblades, which are a fun spinning toy, like a top, that even Dan and I enjoy playing with them. They have a lot of fun with the Transformers Mashers, which have interchangeable parts. They also enjoy building all sorts of creations, and the magnetic tiles allow them to use their imagination. And finally, this telescope would be an entertaining and educational gift. 

Now for my husband Dan...

Podcast mixer / Whiskey Stones / Desk Chair

He is usually super tough to shop for but this year he's already given me some ideas. Yay! He's currently working on starting a podcast, so he wants a sound mixer. He's also started a hobby of whiskey tasting and I thought these whiskey stones would be a fun addition to his bar cart. And finally, this IKEA chair is a bit pricey but a fun dream item for his desk. 

And finally, a few of my wants...

Coffee sign / Pillow / Poncho / Keen shoes

I always have lots of handmade items on my wish list, and you know how much I love coffee, so this cute sign by my friend Emily is at the top of the list. And how cute is this granny square pillow and vintage colorful poncho? Yes, please! And to finish it off, I have been searching for some fun casual shoes, and these mary janes from Keen are perfect. 

So there are some of our wants this year...I hope they've given you some ideas as well!

What is on your "want" list? Link up with us below!

An InLinkz Link-up

XO,

{gift giving with UncommonGoods}

Now that November is here, I am in full-on-wanting-to-buy-everyone-a-Christmas-gift mode.

Gift-giving is one of my major love languages, so obviously Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. But I also hate rushing or having to settle on a less-than-stellar gift for a family member or friend, so I like to start early. And I also really love buying unique and if possible, handmade, gifts. One great place I like to go for gifts that match both those criteria is UncommonGoods. 

I've been a fan of their shop for years now, and am super excited to team up with them today to share some great gift finds for everyone on your list. 

Let's start with some super fun stocking stuffer ideas from their website, because that is my favorite part of Christmas.

Landon would go crazy over this stapleless stapler, and I wouldn't worry about him impaling his fingers...

My hubby has taken on a new hobby of whiskey tasting, so these whiskey stones would be a fun gift for his stocking...

And my Benny would love this robot stencil kit...

They also have a great under $25 gift guide here...

This idea is genius...bags that you can use to make grilled cheese in the toaster. Yes please!

This owl eyeglass holder is beyond adorable...

We love to play board games at the holidays, and this Awkward Family Photos game would surely be a hit...

And now for something a bit bigger, their under $50 gift guide which you can find here. I picked out a few things I think my family and friends would enjoy.

My friend Amy would adore this literary themed scarf...

After making grilled cheese in our toaster we could enjoy it with some tomato soup on these awesome plates...

And this upcycled Indonesian batik satchel is so stunning...

These are only a few of my favorite things you can buy on their site. And do you know what I love most about UncommonGoods products? Most are made in the USA, many are handmade, and lots of them are made from recycled or upcycled materials. 

This is from their mission statement: "At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way." How awesome is that?! 

So head on over to their site and get your Christmas shopping on! 

I was compensated by UncommonGoods for this post but all opinions are 100% my own. 

XO,