holiday gift guide | for him

Jordan is the easiest guy to shop for.. but yet at the same time he is so difficult to shop for.  he wants big things.  expensive things.  and when he decides he wants these things, he straight up goes out and purchases them. well.. that leaves me with a whole lot of nothing for ideas when it comes to Christmas, birthday, and anniversary.

that being said- he's a pretty simple guy.  a simple guy that is happy with the little things, too - outside of clothing, he would rather spoil his wife and little girls and now future little man than allow me to buy him ANYthing.

I'm okay with that:)  this year we opted to skip really elaborate gifts and stick to the simple.  after all, we have three girls to buy for and a nursery to fill, so saving monies everywhere we can is most important, right now..

a man's mug // a couple months ago I got Jordan a campfire mug just for fun and he drinks his coffee every single morning out of it!  if your boy is a coffee lover this is a "manly" mug that he is sure to love.

quality leather goods // for father's day this year I had an old friend make my hubby a new wallet that he desperately needed.  he doesn't love a "big' wallet that makes his pocket bulky, especially when he's carrying his phone as well.  when she announced on FB that her hubby was starting a new biz, gunnar & co., making handmade quality leather goods I might have been first in line!  Jordan has carried it everyday since then and it still looks brand new- aside from the amazing look that leather takes on as its weathered with age.

just porter // I was recently introduced to Just Porter brand backpacks and bags and knew instantly that this would be something that Jordan could get some great use out of.  aside from toting a bag to and from the fire station, Jordan also works one shift/week as a medic in the ER of a hospital close to our house.  his ipad and snacks and even his lunch go in this bag- its like the best thing to ever happen to the "man purse" :)

a good pair of slippers //  about seven years ago I splurged and got Jordan a pair of double leather lined slippers and he still wears them to this day.  it is time for a new pair- the bottoms are looking rough (holes all over the place-ha!), but who can say they wore a pair of slippers for seven years?  every husband, father, brother could use a great pair of slippers, am I right?

tech finds for your guy // Jordan has a bose speaker from last Christmas and they have come out with a new one- that he probably needs, too.  while Jordan is a lifeproof case for life type of person, nothing like a good trendy case for his phone.

dollar shave club // if you haven't caught wind of my (our) love for the dollar shave club - it is the most perfect gift.  after deciding to get Jordan a membership for Father's Day three years ago, I finally got a membership for myself (we do the $9/mo).   the razors are legit..and so cheap in price, but not in quality!  they have since come out with hair products and body wash- Jordan loves the hair paste the best.  throw in some of their amazing shave butter and you're all set for the perfect gift set for your guy!

..and if you have never watched their marketing videos, they are hilarious!

holiday gift guide | toddler (1-4 years)

having kiddos during the holidays is literally the most fun everrr.  I have so much joy in spending this time with my girls and the magic of the season. I get a little hyped up about all the shopping and browsing and decorating.. 

and eating..

my girls have really changed their interests over the last 6 months. I feel like Baker doesn't care about all the age appropriate toys and activities, mainly because she just tags along with the big sisters all day and wants everything the two almost 4 year olds have.  and the twins are getting into things that I am completely clueless about.. obsessed with shopkins and after staring blankly in the Target toy aisle, and clearly looking lost, I had a polite mom school me on these tiny toys, which helped a lot, actually.

for my 16 month old, I kept her Christmas list simple.  I wasn't super worried about getting

her a ton of new toys- we still have so much from the twins, even after donating buckets and bags of toys.  we do have lots of Little People toys and the big girls still love to play with them! when I came across the farm house I thought it would be perfect for all three of my girls.

a couple weeks back at a birthday party the little girl got one of these beat belle toys and Baker basically confiscated the toy for the entire time- so I added it to her list!  this toy is apparently super popular this season, and I was excited to snag it on sale recently at Target.

there are always jammies on our Christmas List- and HOW ADORABLE is this pom beanie?!  baby Gap, you KILL me.

if you are looking for a couple of gender neutral gifts, you can never go wrong with the B. Blocks - I love this brand of toy, and the Tickle Monster book set is a giant hit in our house.  Auntie got the twins this set for Christmas when they turned a year old and we have never tired of this silly book.

for the big girls.

arts + crafts. building. coloring + painting..

you name it and my big girls are way interested.  I randomly grabbed a couple of new coloring books while picking up a few more sets of lights for the tree at Hobby Lobby and their day has started and ended with these coloring books for the last four days.

sticker books and an awesome mosaic activity book I saw on Amazon while browsing for artsy things are definitely going into their stockings this year.

Parker somehow picked up the interest in building legos.. not the big blocks like I would expect, but the tiny little lego pieces that I have stepped on and bruised the bottom of my foot about a million times over the last month or so.  I grabbed a big box of lego juniors at Costco and have since seen it at Target for a great deal.  how awesome is it that there are legos for girls??  we did not have that option when I was a kid.

on that same note, floor puzzles are a big deal in our house, too!  Jordan has such a fun time putting these puzzles together with his big girls- and Jolie is remarkably good at them!

AND- baby gap.. once again.  do those slippers come in my size??

holiday gift guide | for her

I'm sitting here covered in glitter from head to toe after decorating my house over the last two days for the most wonderful time of the year!! (!!!) I fall into one of those categories of "uber fanatical" about the holiday season- party because of the pure magic of the season and also because I LOVE gift giving.  over the weekend I was out and about shopping with all the crazy people  for that perfect gift to give the people I love.  this weekend marked the start of the amazing sales and deals on a few of our favorite things and I'll be sharing them on the blog this week for my annual holiday wishlists..

starting with the lady in your life.. or yourself:)

nothing wrong with that.

here is a great start to your holiday shopping- and everything is $200 or less!

as I've gotten older, and keep adding numbers to the bunch, my wishlist gets shorter and shorter. this year Jordan and I even exchanged the idea of not getting anything for each other.  we have a nursery to plan and paint and fill with all the baby boy things, so focusing on that and on sharing this last holiday with our three little girls is all I want.  

that being said.. 

my newest obsession has become dry bar.  I used to have to drive into Dallas to get a blow out but they are popping up all over the place and I completely appreciate it!  my checkbook isn't super impressed, which is why this would be the best gift ever to the lucky gal in your life.  I find every reason to make a trip- and a great blow out will last me three or four days before a wash.  ohhh I'm telling you this is a great idea!

every year I always want a watch.  and I always want a new handbag.  mainly because I'm one to wear the crap out of those items until they are basically falling apart by the next Christmas after repeat wear and tear.  I do the same with my shoes.  I wear the same neutral pair over and over.  I saw the shearling TOMS sneakers on zulily last week and snagged myself a pair because the last time I bought myself a pair of casual sneakers (outside of my cross trainers) was probably before I had kids.  I was due for some shoes, I think.  

of course there is the most comfortable and affordable grandpa cardigan in the basically neutral olive color- I have a thing for oversized cardigans and even wear them around the house over my pajamas.  I have linked the one shown above and a couple more I love love love and have found them to be super cozy, too!  

you can also find my favorite lip gloss (Dolly is a great color to go with if you are unsure) and a staple pair of drop earrings from the one and only Kendra Scott.  rose gold errythaaang.

lastly.  for my fellow list making ladies, these are most most favorite notebooks.  I use them for everything from grocery lists, to reminders, to jotting down my daily thoughts or taking notes at a meeting. I got a set of three for my birthday a couple years ago from a co-worker and have bought several sets since! 

its cyber monday!  what are you shopping for??

Holiday Wish List | the gent

Time to finish up the holiday wish lists- and last (but certainly not least!) are fun gift ideas for your guy!  I basically built this list around what Jordan wants/needs/and will be getting, as well as his requests:)  Homeboy had a loooonngg list this year, but here are the highlights!

j.crew flannel shirts // these are Jordan's all time favorite shirts.  He doesn't shop for himself very often- so once a year at Christmas and then sometimes on his birthday (March) I get him a couple of these.  They are a little on the pricey side, but when he wears them for years, I see that as a wardrobe investment piece.  Jordan doesn't care about that.. he likes the patterns:)

a good pair of slippers //  about six years ago I splurged and got Jordan a pair of these double leather lined slippers and he still wears them to this day.  It is time for a new pair- the bottoms are looking rough, but who can say they wore a pair of slippers for six years?  Every husband, father, brother could use a great pair of slippers. 

yeti low ball rambler // the sleekest of them all.. the lowball yeti rambler is not only for your tall beverages on the rocks, but you can use it for keeping your drinks hot or cold.  Jordan's first thought when he came upon this short glass version of his favorite drinking cup was to use it for coffee, not alcohol.  My guy has a thing for coffee- and if you could see the variety of coffee creamers we have in our refrigerator door, you would really be impressed. This cup doesn't come with a lid, but you can buy a rambler lid for $5 from yeticoolers.com

beats wireless earbuds // for my working man- he loves yard work, working out..and listening to music while he works (whistle while he works?).  If you happen the be our neighbor, you might just hear him belting a tune to Jeremy Camp or Randy Travis.  The wireless option is perfect for him to be able to move freely but still not lose sound.  He's tried the standard ear buds over and over and just cant get them to stay put, which is why he prefers the 'over the ear' bud the most.

dollar shave club // if you haven't caught wind of my (our) love for the dollar shave club - it is the most perfect gift.  After deciding to get Jordan a membership for Father's Day two years ago, I finally got a membership for myself (we do the $9/mo).   The razors are legit..and so cheap in price, but not in quality!  They recently came out with hair product and after trying a couple samples Jordan loves the hair paste the best.  Throw in some of their amazing shave butter and you're all set!

..and if you have never watched their marketing videos, they are hilarious!

Holiday Wishlist | The Lady

By the time the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and the twins' birthday rolls around AND shopping till I drop over the Black Friday sales for my babes, I forget to think about anything I want.  Jordan has asked me over and over this year what I want and I finally put something together.. SO whether this is for yourself or for a friend/sister/mother you cant forget about the ladies!

Minnetonka Slipper Booties // Not everyone is a slipper kind of person- but I am!  I started really wearing slippers when I was on bedrest with the twins.  Since then I've had my fair share of slipper options and love picking out a new pair every winter season.  I was flipping through the Nordstrom catalog and saw these super cozy looking ones and thought- I HAVE to get them!  They come in a couple different colors and I know my toes will be in comfy in and among all that fur lining. 

White Plum Giftcard // If you have read here for long, you know my love for White Plum.  The best leggings I've ever worn can be found here.  I have several items from their amazing boutique and have never been disappointed with my happy mail days.  If you missed it last week- I'm giving away 15 pairs of those amazing leggings HERE and in the meantime you can use PBJBABE30 for 30% off entire purchase until 12/7!  Start shopping ladies!

Rose Gold Oakley Sunglasses // It is about that time for me to upgrade my sunglasses.. I have been wearing the same ones for years and think these trendy aviators are the perfect switch.  Plus.. rose gold.  Give me all the rose gold.

Nena + Co Camera Strap // Most of the time my pictures are taken with my iPhone 6 (post about that coming next week!) but when I do pull my big girl camera out - I want to accessorize in style:)  Nena + Co have the most gorgeous patterns and prints, and with the added bonus of providing mamas in Guatemala a job to produce these gorgeous textiles. 

Viva la Juicy Gold // About three years ago my favorite perfume was discontinued so I was on the hunt for something just a good and one I would hope to love as much.  Jordan helped me out in finding a scent he liked as well. When I came across this one- I always envisioned 'JUICY' as a tween thing, but alas- I LOVE this perfume. A splurge, but lasts forever.

Zoku Iced Coffee Maker // Coffee lovers get your hands up!  When I was pregnant with Baker I fell in love and basically HAD TO HAVE an iced (decaf) coffee at least once a day.  Expecting this craving to cease once she had arrived was silly because I do have this desire still even almost 5 months.  A fun (and cheaper) way to fill my iced coffee void.

Kendra Scott "Taylor" Stud Earrings // I have become accustomed to being a minimalist when it comes to jewelry these days.  Earrings complete an outfit in my book- so my stud earrings have to make a statement.  These glittery Kendra Scott studs do the trick for me!

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxi Lip Gloss // FAVorite lip gloss of all time.  I got a sample pack of several of these lip gloss tubes- all in different shades - for my birthday and have scraped them dry.  You better believe I'm acting for these in my stocking this year!

William Sonoma Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate  // If you have ever had William Sonoma's hot chocolate- it is awesome!  Rich and creamy.. I actually add a little of the cocoa power to my coffee for a twist on a classes mocha- so trendy and fancy while still in my pajamas and I didn't even have to leave my house!  Pair it with this coffee mug and your coffee or hot chocolate lover will be in heaven!
SHINElife bar necklace // I got this bar necklace engraved right before Baker was born to wear in the hospital after delivery- representing my three girls.  I have each of their initials (jg + pj + bb) engraved and I wear it ALL the time- I cant remember the last time I took it off.  I chose the 14" length so that I can layer it with other jewelry and it doesn't get tangled.  It is my most favorite piece of jewelry.

Christmas Wishlist | The Lady

Last but not least.. because really.. its THE BEST and most important wish list of the year. 

kidding.

But you know, I sent this to the hubs via email (links and sizes included) - because he asks every year for a list of some kind, and just short of sending him this vision board, I deliver.

And there on Christmas morning he gets the swoons and 'good jobs' from this wifey, no doubt.

This year I had a hard time coming up with things I wanted due to the simple nature of having toddlers that will actually understand some of what we do as far as Christmas and presents go.  But - once I really sat and thought hard, I came up with a few things.. and a few more - and then my list was overflowing and I had to bring myself to a stopping point.

Here we are:)

1 // Katie Spade Boxed Glitter Stud Earrings
Jordan is not a jewelry giver. I think outside my engagement and wedding band, I can count on one hand the amount of times he has gotten me jewelry in our 13 year relationship.  That is OK.. but there is something about glittery jewels + Kate Spade that make a girl happy.  I am a jewelry feign and cheap bangles are perfectly fine with me.  These aren't too pricey, and the pink box (versus the blue) is still just as special.  I have a few pairs and have never been disappointed.
2 // TOMS Desert Herringbone Wedge Bootie
Does this even need a write up?  While I love a good riding boot, the wedge bootie shoe is where its at.  I have terrible bird legs and I find it hard to find boots that fit my calf, but the booties are a one-size-fits-all kinda thing for a girl like me.  I read randomly last year that the wedge was OUT.  what.  Broke my little heart.  So, I suppose I'll be unpopularly wearing these for years to come.  Whatev.
3 // Gold Monogram Mug
While I drink my morning Jo faithfully from my Twin Mom mug (click) or my Just Enough Grace mug (click), I cant help but fall for this gold monogrammed mug from William Sonoma.  Three things drew me in to confidence about it's purchase (or request for purchase, should I say..) Gold // Monogram // William Sonoma.   These are a few of my favorite things!
4 // H+M Knit Vest
Vests.  Definitely my go-to fashion piece this year.  I have found myself wishing for more..and I stumbled upon this one at H&M.  Its longer length makes for comfortable wear with my FAVORITE leggings (click) (<< more on those tomorrow!) and (faux) fur everyyyything, don't you know?
5 // Viva La Juicy GOLD Perfume
LOVE - but I must be careful not to jinx it.  It never fails that once I find myself a perfume that smells wonderfully and is exactly what I want and love, it goes away, disappears, discontinued, falls off the face of the planet.  So then I run out and get overwhelmed with the decisions and choices that fall in line with picking out something new.  Jordan got me this for my birthday this year, and it is ah-mazing.  So.. never hurts to stock up, right?
6 // Leather Handbag
A gal in my office was carrying this absolutely beautiful bag and I basically bulldozed over three other people to get to her - just to feel it.  Super soft and pure leather.  High quality for an excellent price tag?  Exactly.  Plus.. I'm still in the searches for a great 'Mom Bag'.  This one seems perfecto.
7 // VS The Boyfriend Pant

I ask for these every.single.year.  And every year I get them.  And about the time Christmas rolls around, I desperately need a new pair.  I wear these every night (nearly) and dread when they absolutely must go into the wash.. because that means I HAVE to wear something else.  Stop it, Amber.  But, really these are the softest and most comfortable lounge pants you will ever wear.  Somewhere between fleece and silk.  The most famous lingerie brand makes them.  So hello, they've got to make sweatpants sexy.  And they do.  Jordan agrees.
8 // Clarisonic Mia Skin Care System
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.. I was not blessed with 'good' skin.  I have a mixture of oily and severely dry skin, and due to my history of PCOS, acne - still through my adult life I battle it.  I have heard amazing things about this product, so I'm adding it to my list of things to try, and hoping it doesn't go into the 'fail' pile of facial experiments.

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What you didn't see on this list are a few more of my wish list items, but that's because I'm saving them for something BIG coming at ya tomorrow.  A giveaway and a discount code - just in time for Christmas! See you soon!

Christmas Wishlist | The Gent

My Gent is the easiest guy to shop for.. but yet at the same time he is so difficult to shop for.  He wants big things.  Expensive things.  And when he decides he wants these things, he straight up goes out and purchases them. Well.. that leaves me with a whole lot of nothing for ideas when it comes to Christmas, birthday, and anniversary. 

My gent never shops for himself on the clothing front. He leaves that for the holidays listed above and expected everyone to purchase his wardrobe for him.  So.. of course I obliged.  But that means he wears what I want him to wear. 

holla.

He's a simple guy.  A simple guy that is happy with the little things - outside of clothing, he would rather spoil his wife and little girls than allow me to buy him ANYthing.

I'm okay with that:)

1 // Dollar Shave Club - For Father's Day this year and gifted Jordan with a DSC subscription, and you would have thought I handed him a million dollars.  I learned about this through a random email and a link to the most hilarious video, ever.  So, I thought.. what the heck.  Lets try this out and see what he thinks.  I was nervous because he is overtly picky about his shaving products.  I was the hero of the holiday, don't you know?  So - Although he already gets his razors in the mail every six weeks (I chose the $9/month option), I had to tell you all about this so you could be an amazing wife or girlfriend, too!  Oh.  Get the Shave Butter.  You will thank me later.  
2 // Magazine Subscriptions - A simple man, but loves his magazine subscriptions.  Most of which are in my name because I pick them out for him:)  Because he has a bad habit of letting multiple months go by without reading, and allowing stacks of his magazines pile up - I have limited him to just a couple.  Still a decent gift.

Three, Four, and Five are all to feed his clothing need for this Christmas. I plan to grab him up another pair of his all time favorite jeans, too!

 3. Half-zip Pullover  // 4. Casual Polo  // 5. Cashmere Blend Sweater

I grabbed these on sale (and its still going! Use code GIVETHIS for 30% off).  I usually always buy on sale at places like Gap and JCrew because full price is just too expensive for my taste.. and there always seems to be a sale!  My man looks really good - like amazing - in pink hues.. so I couldn't pass the cashmere blend sweater and comfy cotton polo up.  I will get an eye roll when he opens them, but really, the first time he pulls them on, he'll make a comment about how good he looks or something or other.  The half-zip, well, my hubby doesn't like coats/jackets or anything of the like.  Last year I got him something similar and he wore it out so much that he needs another.  

6 // iTunes Giftcards - He saves these all year.  He has an obsession with apple and all their new products (he watches hours upon hours of press release when new software comes out.  Really.) so apps sing to his heart.  Always an awesome stocking stuffer.
7 // REVO Sunglasses - After playing hard with the sister girls in the car one Sunday morning before church - he sat on his Revos and snapped them in half.  They were his favorite, and I'm hoping these will do justice of his former pair.
8 // Date Night - Gift card to our favorite restaurant, movie times picked out, and a babysitter lined up.. nothing better when he doesnt have to do any of the work for planning a date night out with his wifey.  I get the benefit of this gift, too:)

Whats on your list for your sweet love this year?  I'm always open for more ideas for  last minute gifts!  Next up - The Lady's Wishlist and a giveaway to boot!  See you tomorrow! 

Christmas Wishlist | Little Ladies + Gents

I cannot believe we are nearly in the single digit days away from Christmas. Is it just me, or did this season fly?  It seems like literally yesterday I was harassing Jordan to pull down the Christmas decor from the attic space and he was 'kindly declining' because it was the first week of November.  Last year we kept it very simple for Parker and Jolie on the wishlist front.  They had just turned 1 year and still hadn't grasped the idea yet.. and with a birthday just a couple weeks before that, it made it hard to want to buy anything else for them.  This year is different.  They seem to understand the present thing.  Understanding a little more about what this season seems to bring.  And having a lot of fun talking all about it!  With all that being said - I decided to beef up their holiday wish list this year,  and it has been SO much fun!! I am beside myself to give them all these fun things I know they will love, love, love!

l i t t l e l a d i e s

1 // Hair Bows and Wraps

You knew this was on the list.  While we get a hair bow in the mail about 3 times a week, these are always awesome for stocking stuffers.  I get questioned all the time about how I get my girls to keep the bands on, and really I have no secret.  They love them - I mean really.  I have to make sure their closest door is closed or else the basket(s) of (unorganized) bows would be dumped everywhere just so they could find the one they want.  Really!  Ruby Blue, Shelby Chic, and Jameson Monroe will all be there on Christmas Morning this year.

2 // Little People Happy Sounds Home

We have really been into imaginary play.  I mean, really into it.  Little People have always been a favorite of mine, and so I've been waiting for the girls to be old enough and have interest enough to get some for them.  This little house is the perfect size for them, and the perfect play place for their favorite toys + Little People.     

3 // Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Mollie Flashlight

Always carrying around their daddy's big, heavy flashlights, I thought it was time for a couple of their very own. They really love to be included and 'help' when needed, so having something like this is their size will be so fun for them! 

4 // Mega Bloks Play'n Go Table

We got a plethora of Mega Bloks for their birthday - and they are LOVING them!  But.. the only problem (or two) I'm running into is that they have no place to 'put' them, and nothing to build them on.  Do you know what that means?  It means that mom is sitting and holding those blocks steady while they build and stack to the ceiling.  Enter this Play'n Go table.  Thank you for relieving me of my duties.

5 // Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Wobble Bobble Choo Choo

Cars.  Trucks.  Trains.  You name it - we love it.  Motor vehicles (the bigger the better) in general fascinate these two little girly girls of mine.   So, when I was looking for something of the like to gift them with, I was having a hard time not throwing a couple of Tonka Trucks into my basket and calling it a day.  But then I remembered this little Choo Choo I saw in passing.  And it has Mickey Mouse as the Conductor. Perfecto - for a little boy or girl :)

6 // Skip Hop Zoo Packs

This year we plan to enroll Parker and Jolie into preschool (Mothers Day Out) a couple times a week, and these sweet little backpacks have gotten me all kinds of excited about it!  For now, I plan to stuff them with books and toys, but when the time comes, we will have our 'lunch', and panties, and school supplies- all the necessities for my little book worms.

7 // Fun with Mouse and Friends Book Set

A little more for me than them, maybe?  Maybe.  I have been slowly collecting these books over the last year or so.. we have all the party and holiday ones.. I just need the classics.  I really love these for some reason.  Their 2nd birthday was even loosely themed after "If You Give a Pig a Pancake.."When I wrap these - I plan to stuff them into their new backpacks as a surprise for when they open their packs.

8 // Melissa & Doug Doll Accessories Bundle

In addition to the Mega Bloks, we received about 11 new dolls for our birthday, too!  Which is totally fine.  They have been carrying them around non-stop since that day.  So.. since we have the dolls, we need something to feed, diaper, wipe and carry them with, right?  Perfect little mamas they will be.

A few runner ups for the little ladies

9 // My Doll Playset

I was throughly torn between this playset and the doll accessories.  Our cousin Kendall has the doll carrier and seems to totally adore it for her baby dolls.  We have a shopping cart, and the girls really love to play with it.. and so the stroller would be great to have another option for toting their dolls around. 

10 // You & Me Check Up Bag

Another interactive toy for toddlers.  Parker is really into this kind of play (she plays in the kitchen all the time), so she would get a kick out of  playing check up with Jolie, Mom, or Dad!

11 // My Little Pony

I had about a bazillion My Little Pony figurines growing up, and I have been waiting patently for the day to be able to give my little girls their own.  I did have Barbies, but MLP seemed to hold the majority in the toy box.

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My twin mom bestie, Kristina (@lifeaskristinab) has a set of boy twins that are just a few months younger than Parker and Jolie.  Since I am ALL girl, I asked her to share her boys' Christmas Wishlist, because for all those boy moms reading.. I couldn't leave you out!  And this list is totally boy - boy - boy!

l i t t l e g e n t s 

1 // Fold-Up Trampoline

If I could I would buy an indoor blow up trampoline, but I would in return have to charge for playdates at my house. So I found the next best thing- a toddler mini trampoline. It folds (easy storage) and is a great way to release some of that cabin fever excess energy. 

2 // Melissa and Doug Car Carrier 

You can't go wrong with Melissa and Doug....ever. The versatility of this car carrier was a no brainer. Kids can roll the individual cars, stack them on the carrier, name the colors, the possibilities are endless. Going out in public?  Pack those mini cars in your diaper bag for emergency entertainment!

3 // Tickle Monster Laughing Kit Book

Such a fun gift (for boy or girl). You open the box to find a book and 2 furry hand mitts. Read the book with your little and when prompted you tickle your child with the mitts (there's finger holes). Interactive entertainment with parent and child that is guaranteed to involve laughter-MUST have!

4 // Fuzzy Slippers

I'm a sucker for all things faux fur from Restoration Hardware and having boys does not hold me back (regardless of my husbands eye rolling). Faux fur + animals + toddler slippers- sign me up! I wouldn't hold it against you if you paired these slippers with their toddler robes.

5 // Little Tikes Cozy Truck

A little bit more manly than it's counterpart "the cozy coup". A tailgating back that opens and closes, a hilarious semi-truck sounding horn, and a handle on top for adult assistance-perfect for a boys-boy. 

6 // Skip Hop Backpack

I mean c'mon! I've have been crushing on these backpacks since the day I saw them. We have finally reached an age that they can actually use them. I'm a little too excited to fill them up with board books and small toys for my boys to open and find. I'm a little less excited about the thought of them going to pre-school with these (instant tears). 

7 // Fisher Price Truck

This one is a cheat because we already own it. A must have for any boy who loves trucks. The front bucket lifts and lowers manually and the seat lifts for extra (random) toys to "hide". My boys have spent endless amounts of time filling up the bucket, emptying the bucket...over and over.

8 // Peg Perego Choo Choo Express Train

Ok ok, BIG splurge. I'm having a hard time resisting this...honestly the cost is the ONLY thing holding me back.  A Motorized train that works on and off the track. You can set up the track in a designated area or let your child have free reign to cruise around your house. 

A few runner ups for the little gents

9 // Hape Tool Box

Because what little boy(s) don't want to play with tools? Great for hand-eye coordination and utilizing their imagination.  Pack it up, carry it around, and make believe you're Mr. Fix it. 

10 // Green Toys Ferry Boat & Cars

Cars and a boat...in the tub-I can feel the excitement. In between the splashing and blowing bubbles let your little one focus on gentile movements (don't sink the ferry!) while loading and unloading the cars from the ferry. 

11 // Wooden Magnet Letters

An upgrade modern twist to the old school plastic letters we used to stick on the refrigerator as kids. How cute are these? Possibly another distraction for when you're cooking dinner-possibilities are endless.

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Tomorrow I've got a wish-list for my favorite Gent that I can't wait to share!  

I just hope he doesn't read it or else his Christmas will totally be given away:)