If you have a gardener on your holiday gift list you are a lucky person indeed. Not only do you probably share an interest, you also have an excellent starting point to give them a gift they will absolutely love. And then there’s the benefit of being able to do a little shopping for yourself at the same time.
This guide is an eclectic list of fun, beautiful and functional gifts that is sure to please your favorite gardener. If you’re looking for a really classic gift idea, check out my most tried and true tool recommendations gift guide.
This gift guide is not sponsored, but in the interest of transparency, items from companies I’ve partnered with in the past are marked with an asterisk. Some links are affiliate links, which means The Impatient Gardener may receive a commission if you purchase through them. Thank you for supporting The Impatient Gardener.
TOOLS AT THE READY
When I was at Chanticleer Garden in Pennsylvania in September a lovely young woman walked up to me and introduced herself. She was working at the amazingly inspirational garden as an intern (and that is a great, hard-to-land gig, by the way). Well it turns out that she also happens to sell a fabulous leather tool belt. With several nice “pockets” for pruners, knives, a phone and other in-the-garden necessities, it also has a wide nylon waist strap, which I find to be more comfortable than a leather one. And you can’t beat the price.
I can’t think of a piece of garden gear I’ve tried in the last five years that has revolutionized my gardening experience the way the Hoselink hose reel has. I was fully anti-hose reel for many years and resisted trying it. And when I did, I immediately bought reels for every spigot. Aut0-retracting, articulating and with a variety of mounting options, the Hoselink really is as good as you hope it will be.
Peter Jackson, the potter behind the Wakefield Handmade brand, creates gorgeous collector-worthy pots, that make beautiful gifts on their own or along with a little something to grow in them. He typically sells via pre-orders, but check the website for in-stock studio items. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, as is typical will something made with love. I’ve given these on multiple occasions to very happy recipients and it’s a joy to see them in use year after year.
By the holidays, lot of gardeners and would-be gardeners are chomping at the bit to start growing. But it’s too early to start almost anything for the next gardening season. Enter microgreens, which are fun and easy to grow, satisfy the gardening itch and quite popular with a wide range of recipients. (What I’m trying to say here is that you can buy these for your grandmother or your nephew, and they will both love them). I love this set from Park Seed which is the whole package—seeds, soil and the perfect tray—so your recipient can plant and get growing before the wrapping paper is cleaned up.
I’ve been recommending (and giving) Caste Glass’s hand-blown glass birds as a gifts for several years because I think they fill a hole in the “impossible to buy for” category of recipients. Garden art is very specific and should be approached cautiously. But these abstract birds are small enough to be tucked in to a special spot in the garden and manage to fit into any aesthetic. Each is unique, just like the person you’ll buy it for.
If you’re thinking traditional with a twist, an unusual amaryllis is the ticket. Instead of the typical big, red blooms, how about a Royal Dream Harlequin, a beautiful creamy double flower with a dark pink to red picotee edge, all planted and ready to go.
Fatshedera ‘Angyo Star’ rising above a shady container this summer.
Oh sure, we all know about some of the classic holiday plants, but what about giving a plant that’s a little bit more special? Fatshedera ‘Angyo Star’ (a cross between English ivy and Fatsia) from Southern Living Plant Collection is one of those plants that everyone asks about. I know this because I grew it in a container outside this winter and I’m pretty sure almost everyone who came to my house asked about it. That same plant is now inside, doing quite well as a houseplant. Reaching 5-6’ high by 4-5’ wide when mature, it’s shade tolerant and thrives outdoors year-round in Zones 7a-9b. Imagine all the oohs and ahs when someone opens up a stealthily wrapped ‘Angyo Star’.
A big, beautiful, high-quality pot is one of those things that a lucky recipient will have forever. They are classic and classy, and just about every gardener can use one. Seibert and Rice makes stunning, frostproof, Italian terracotta pots that will be used for decades to come. If you’re struggling to choose a style, I think you can’t go wrong with any of the rolled rim designs.
With the advent of the easy-to-assemble raised bed kit, you actually can give a garden as a gift. I’m partial to the round Corten steel variety (like I installed for my mom a couple years ago, and she loves it), but the Epic Gardening shop has a wide range of styles and colors of metal raised beds that come in a wrappable box.
After awhile, a lot of gardening stuff starts to look the same, so when something different comes along, it’s not only tantalizing (in the “try not to buy it for yourself” vein) but also a pretty good bet that even a longtime gardener won’t have something like it yet. These very classy willow cloches (honestly, I’d call it more of a mini obelisk) fall under that category.
I love a good combo gift. The next gift ideas are ones I envision being mixed and matched, but of course they all work on their own as well.
A GORGEOUS SEED BOX
I will admit my love of all things Sneeboer, but that’s because they are just that good. And this simple seed box—a collaboration with the great New York garden shop Gardener—is up to Sneeboer snuff. The box is made from light wood, but the heavy clasp has the most satisfying click. It’s the little things right? Fill this with your favorite seeds and this is a total winner of a gift.
This blog started with my struggles with water wands and I’ve been trying just about every one on the market since then. And I’m happy to report that I now have two I quite like. The first is Dramm’s Professional Watering Wand in the 36-inch length, which you think you don’t need but you do. It works better for me with the 170 water breaker (that’s the smaller one that provides better flow, in my opinion). Thumb “volume” control is where it’s at.
The other is Hoselink’s water wand. This one is a bit thicker and has a fixed head that puts out a nice, soft flow. It has a bend to it that is odd at first and then suddenly seems very natural and practical. It comes with the Hoselink quick connect fitting attached and I recommend this one if you don’t want a longer length wand and you use the Hoselink Hose Reel.
OK, so the color of twine isn’t that important, but I do love black twine, which disappears in the garden when used for propping up gravity-afflicted plants. Nutscene Tin o’ Twine also has nice packaging, which is how garden twine can become a gift. I like that it lasts all season but can go in the compost to break down.
If your recipient is all about practical, then it’s time to dispense with fancy and go fully functional. And that’s where this photo storage-turned seed storage system comes in. I’ve been using these (I have two) for years and they are the best for sheer practicality.
Niwaki’s Crean Mate is a little block of magic. I’ve been told it’s a pumic stone, but it seems more magical than that. A Crean Mate and a little water cleans rust, sap and whatever the goo that ends up on pruners and other blades is. The Crean Mate is the first step in cleaning or sharpening my tools and I’d be lost without it. In fact, I just bought three more to stick in drawers all over the place. There is a regular size and the new mini, which I prefer because it’s easier to get into nooks and crannies.
Gloves are one of those things I prefer to buy inexpensively. I lose them (only one of each pair, of course) far too often to spend a lot of money on them, and I’m not alone (all of our right-handed gloves are having a heck of a party somewhere). I like gloves that are thin but protective. These also have touch screen sensitive fingers so I can look up a weed on my phone without taking off my gloves.
Touch Screen Gardening Gloves, $12 for two pairs (I wear a size smaller in these gloves than I do in Atlas Nitrile Gloves)
HANDY CLIPS
Every year I find more use for these clips in the garden, and they are a lot quicker than any other method that I’m aware of.
Tub trugs should comes as standard issue with every garden because there are about a billion uses for them, from collecting weeds, to moving plants, washing vegetables and so much more. Fun colors help.
A garden journal makes an excellent gift for a gardener who is just starting to get serious, and Linda Vater’s beautiful take on it, offers the opportunity for a five-year record of the beautiful spaces a gardener is setting out to create.
If you’re looking to give a book that’s loaded with enough inspiration to get any gardener through winter, Claus Dalby’s new book on cottage gardens is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to achieve the look. Full of gorgeous photos and information to help achieve the look, this is a book that will certainly bring a great deal of joy.
A mini Grinch tree is quick and easy to make, and it will instantly fill your home with Christmas cheer. Exactly what the Grinch would hope for! Here’s how you can make your own tabletop Grinch tree, and perhaps a few extras to spread some more holiday joy.
While it’s lovely to have classic holiday decor, like elegant Christmas trees decked in traditional ornaments and holly-adorned wreaths, I also like to inject the Christmas season with a little quirkiness and whimsy.
Queue this little wonder! Not only is it adorable and brings back happy childhood memories of Dr. Seuss’s Beloved How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but this miniature Grinch tree is also a table-top reminder of the spirit of the holidays.
Learn how to make one and, more importantly, why you should!
I wrote about how a Grinch tree saved Christmas for me many years ago, and ever since, I have been making many different versions to celebrate the season (like this 9-foot Grinch tree!). This year, my Grinch trees are smaller, portable, and GIVEable.
So when I hear about someone feeling a bit blue and could use a little holiday warmth, a tabletop Grinch tree will show up at their door to put a smile on their face.
For this project, you can use any mini evergreen tree, but I used a lemon cypress. Lemon cypress trees are easy to find for sale around the holidays. They have a great scent and are a vibrant yellow-green colour.
They do need a lot of humidity, though, so if you choose a lemon cypress, be sure to water it often (twice a week or so) and spritz it with water regularly.
Want to make a mini Grinch tree or three for the people in your life? Here’s how!
How to Make a Tabletop Grinch Tree
I’ve seen quite a few variations of the mini Grinch tree. Notably, many grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, are now selling their own versions of them.
The Trader Joe’s Grinch tree is much skinnier and has a little less pizazz. I like making my own because I can customize the decorations and the type of plant I use.
But if there’s a part of the Trader Joe’s Grinch tree you don’t like, you could easily disassemble it and follow these instructions to customize the tree with their materials.
I’ve also seen other variations where the tree isn’t living and is instead constructed out of cedar boughs. I prefer this method of making a mini Grinch tree as it’s much simpler to do, and you get a living plant afterward!
With the right care, you can use the same plant next year to create another tabletop Grinch tree.
Floral wire helps to keep all the branches tight and in place.
Materials
Make It!
Take your evergreen out of its nursery pot and plant it in a colourful pot with good potting soil. Position the tree in the pot so it is closer to one side and sticking out at an angle.
Planting at an angle already gives the tree a Grinch like shape.
Add some decorative moss on top of the soil.
While technically optional, the moss makes it much more visually appealing.
If you want to add string lights, do that next. Starting at the bottom and working your way up, wind the string lights around the tree. If the string of lights is long enough, start winding back down to the bottom of the tree after you reach the top.
Add the ribbon and/or floral wire for a garland. Wind it around the tree like the lights, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. Tuck the loose ends in to keep it in place.
You can also use green wire if you want it to be more hidden.
Next, you will need some ornaments. There are many possibilities for what you could use to adorn this little tree, but for this one, I left it plain except for my wire garland and one large topper ornament.
If you want to add more to yours, try using glittery mini pom-poms. To make the pom-poms into ornaments, thread single pom-poms onto straight jewelry pins, then bend the pins into a hook shape and hang them all over the tree.
The big ornament ties it all together.
For the top, attach your large ornament to the top of the tree so that it bends down toward the center of the pot.
Add a festive bow around the pot, and you’re done!
The bow really makes a difference!
More DIY Holiday Decor Ideas
DIY Mini Grinch Tree
This mini Grinch tree can be made using your evergreen of choice, turning a living tree into a festive decoration for the holidays.
Plant your mini evergreen tree into a colourful pot with potting soil. When planting, position the tree to one side and slightly at an angle.
Top off the soil with decorative moss.
Optional. Add string lights by starting at the bottom and winding your way up and down.
Use ribbon or floral wire as a garland and to wrap the tree. Begin at the bottom and work your way up. Tuck in the loose ends and slowly bend the top of the tree into a curved shape as you wind.
Decorate with ornaments of choice. Add a large round ornament at the tree’s end for the signature Grinch look. This also helps your tree curve and hang.
Trying to find some practical gifts the kids will love? If your kids are like my kids, they not only already have plenty of toys, stuffed animals, and gadgets but they also have a whole family of grandparents, aunts, and uncles who eagerly shower them with cool gifts this time of year. In fact, usually the gifts from relatives way outshine the gifts that my husband and I buy for the kids ourselves. And, that’s fine.
So, what are some gifts for kids that aren’t toys?
Trying to figure out what to buy though that’s awesome but yet not just adding to the pile is a bit tricky, so I’ve come up with this list of ideas that I plan to use to ensure that my kids’ gifts are packed with essential and practical items without my kids even knowing it.
This post contains affiliate links including Amazon affiliate links.
Towels that Double As Costumes
Did you know that hooded towels are sold for “big kids”? And, they come in every type of character that you could imagine. I’m definitely stocking up on a new towel for both of my kids this Christmas. We already have this adorable rainbow unicorn towel as well as a superhero towel that I purchased from Kohl’s.
This Christmas I’m eyeing this Minion towel and this Elsa towel to round out our collection. Though I might just get this Yoda towel instead because it’s so cute.
And Pajamas that Double As Costumes
My little girl wears her Elsa nightgown that I purchased last year for her all the time, and I like that it’s sturdy enough to handle washing and wear-and-tear unlike most dress-up clothes. It’s also softer. This year’s version is a little different than the one I purchased and it’s even cuter!
I’m sure that it won’t ever be as popular as Elsa but I think I might get my kid this Anna nightgown this year to go with her Elsa one! Or I might just get her a long sleeve version of Elsa’s dress.
Books that Your Kids Won’t Put Down
We received two Activity Books (The Big Pink Activity Book & The Big Blue Activity Book) for review purposes earlier this year, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They literally entertained my kids for months, no small feat. The only change I would make is I would cut out the sticker pages in the back if I were to buy the books over to make accessing the stickers easier.
If your kid is an early reader, be sure to sneak some Elephant & Piggie Books into the mix. These books are so much fun that even reluctant readers enjoy giving them a try.
I also picked up The Book With No Pictures last year for Christmas and it’s still requested even now.
The Coolest Toothbrush on the Market
I received this Darth Vadar Firefly toothbrush that looks like a lightsaber at a recent blogging conference. I love that it has a timer (my kids really need that) and my kids love brushing their teeth with it. It’s not nearly as cool as the Darth Vadar toothbrush but there’s also a Hello Kitty toothbrush that I was given for my little girl. I have a feeling though that there are many little girls who would totally bypass the Hello Kitty to have a lightsaber toothbrush.
Experience Gifts
I absolutely love experience gift ideas. Not only does the gift not take up space (or collect dust) but also you can purchase an experience that encourages family time together. Some of my favorite choices for children are local memberships to museums, zoos, or science centers.
Another idea is purchasing tickets to a local event or sport. If you are on a tight budget this Christmas, don’t underestimate either the value of just promising to take your kids on an inexpensive adventure locally whether it’s park hopping on a Saturday or a low-budget outing like an ice-cream date.
While I’m definitely serious about limiting screen time, I do like having a couple of quality online programs that the kids can play on those crazy days and during school vacations. Two of my personal favorites are:
Starfall(perfect for preschoolers) – You can play the base level of Starfall for free, but the premium version is not very expensive and includes quite a bit more content.
Reading Eggs – This program is more expensive but it’s packed with developmentally appropriate lessons in both reading and math that are combined with incentives. My kids beg to play it!
Board Games
Board games are awesome and kids love them. I’ve purchased educational games for my kids to help them with specific skills but really almost every game has a component that will help your child educationally whether it’s logic, numbers, or language.
Richard Scarry’s Busy Town – This game is good for kids who like looking and searching for objects and don’t mind a slower pace. One great feature is that it’s a cooperative game that takes out the competitive edge for kids too small to understand winning and losing.
Cool Umbrellas
My kids both have cool umbrellas that we found at the Mast General Store. I found some similar items on Amazon:Shark Umbrella,
I think that rain boots are one of the most practical yet fun gifts that you can give your kids. My kids wear their rain boots for pretend play, snow days, to puddle stomp, and just for fun. We always get compliments on the fun designs.
I’m eyeing this set of Snap Circuits for my older kid who loves science.
More Practical Gift Ideas
Piggy bank: Teach them to save with a cute piggy bank. My son received a cute monkey bank when he was very young and it has remained a favorite (and useful) treasure.
Digital camera: If your kids don’t carry a cell phone in their pocket (and mine don’t either!) they might enjoy their own camera for documenting all their adventures.
Musical instruments: Learn a new skill! This can be as simple as a recorder and a book or as complicated as a trumpet and a promise of lessons in the new year.
Practical Stocking Stuffers: These are big in my house. We do fun socks, new hair ties, a hair brush, sometimes favorite snacks, chapstick, or even character-branded teas or mugs. Like these Star Wars cups from The Republic of Tea.
I would love to hear your suggestions for practical gifts this Christmas! Let me know in the comments.
Do you need gifts for teens this year? If you have a teen on your gift list this year, you know that teens are not the easiest to please. They aren’t quite adults, and they are no longer children. This makes gift-giving times extraordinarily difficult if you are trying to be creative. That’s why we set out to discover what teens wish for this holiday season. The result is this list full of teen-approved gift ideas so you’ll know exactly what to gift teens in your life this year!
This piece contains Amazon Affiliate links.
What To Buy For A Teenager?
When you think of gift ideas for teens, the first thing that probably pops into your mind is something like a gift card. Let them pick out what they want or need. And that’s all well and good. But, teens like opening presents, too. And what if you want to surprise them with a gift and not a card? What do you buy that a teen will love?
We went straight to the teens and asked for their Christmas wish lists. Then, we offered some suggestions for their approval to round out the list! The result is a teen-approved wish list for gift shopping, with items for a wide variety of budgets.
Sometimes an experience is a better gift than a “thing.” So, that leaves the question, “What do teens want to go do?” We asked and here’s what they said.
Take them to an Escape Room!
I’m sure at one time or another, we’ve thought about locking our kids up in a room and grabbing some peace while they navigated an escape route. So, a visit to an escape room near you could be the ultimate teen experience gift. These interactive escape rooms will challenge guests with their creative puzzles and talented actors.
In Greenville, SC try Escape Artist Greenville. You can read all about several of our experiences with the different rooms at Escape Artist.
Selfie Museum
A selfie museum, like The Pixel Experience in Greenville, is a unique spot to take selfie photos in a variety of themed rooms and walls. It will have your resident TikTok’r thinking you’re the best gift-giver ever! With 20+ backgrounds to take advantage of, the aspiring Instagram influencer in your family will have months of content to post!
Ax Throwing
We know what you are thinking. Handing an angst-ridden teen a hatchet or an ax and asking them to throw it at something might not be the first thing that comes to mind. It also probably doesn’t sound like the best idea. But trust me when I tell you, they will love it! Try Blue Ox Hatchet House in Greenville, SC.
Ziplining
Creating memories with your teenager while still being seen in public with you is a great gift to give them. But, sometimes, that needs to be disguised as an extreme activity, and you’ll need to step out of your comfort zone. Zip-lining is the perfect blend of that and safety. Plus, it won’t clutter up their bedroom.
Try The Gorge Zipline. If you feel even more adventurous, you can hop over to their sister site for some water-related adventures. Green River Adventures offers white water rafting, kayak, SUP, waterfall hikes, and rappelling.
Gifts for Music-Loving Teens
This section includes affiliate links.
Teenagers will always love music; this will never change. So giving them away to enjoy it quickly is a great gift that they can appreciate over and over! So here are some teen-approved ways to get those tunes to them.
Spotify Premium This popular music streaming service provides premium members with ad-free enjoyment of millions of songs. Plans range from $4.99 a month for college students to $14.99 for family plans that include six accounts.
Ad free music streaming, plus the ability to download your favorites to listen to when you’re offline. The first month is free and then $9.99 per month.
AirPods These slight wireless ear-bud-style headphones were super popular with the teens we polled. They work in companion with Apple brand products and can sense when they are in your ears! Prices range from $100-$200 depending on the model you select.
Bluetooth Beanie Hat I was shocked that the kids I spoke with had never heard of this! These knit beanie hats make a great gift not only for teens but for any age child (or adult). They look like your typical beanie hat, but tucked inside are wireless, Bluetooth headphones. They will work with any Bluetooth-enabled device and are great because there are no wires to damage younger kids! Prices range from $13 to $30.
iTunes Gift Cards I was surprised to find that my go-to teen gift idea was still trendy in this age range. Not only can they use the funds for music purchases but video games, movies, and more. Card values start at $25.
Jackson B. explained to me why he likes getting these as a gift – “iTunes gift cards because we use phones a lot and we can choose what we want to spend it on”
Apple Products If you have the budget for it, of the hundred or so teens I spoke to, nearly all of them mentioned some Apple brand devices – iPhones, iPods, Apple watches, Mac Books. It seems you can’t go wrong with a gift from the Apple store.
Concert Tickets A set of tickets to a concert for their favorite performer might be the perfect gift! Sporting event tickets also make a great gift, and there’s no shortage of sports teams locally to support!
Gift cards
Some of the more popular gift cards mentioned were for the following :
Coffee : Starbucks, Little River Coffee, Barista Alley, Bridge Coffee, and other local coffee shops
Makeup : Ulta, Sephora
Retailers : Target, American Eagle, Apple, Amazon
Shoes : Vans, Converse, Nike
Gaming Systems
Hefty price tag alert, but it probably comes as no surprise that gaming systems are popular among the teens also. Teens also said gaming chairs, curved gaming screens, gaming computers, desks, and headsets are also on their wishlists.
Subscription Box Gifts for Teens
Subscription services are a trend that offers everything from cooking to makeup, and teenagers want them! Some of the more popular mentioned were –
Fab Fit Fun these subscription boxes offer up to $300 worth of items for $54.99 quarterly. Items include room décor, health and beauty items, and more.
Sketch Box for $25-$35 a month, you will receive art supplies and a piece of art to inspire your creativity.
Escape The Crate If your teen likes escape room adventures, then this is the perfect gift! For $29.99 bi-monthly, they’ll receive a mystery along with challenges to decipher, tools to help, and exciting objects that serve as rewards as you advance through the puzzle.
Gifts For The Adventure Seeker
The most important item to a hydrated teen is a Hydroflask. They are a brand of insulated bottles, and they start at $30 for an 18oz bottle. Try Simple Modern brand bottles; they are less expensive, look the same, and have more color and accessory options. Plus, if a decal covers up that logo, no one will be the wiser—a 32oz Simple modern starts at $18.99.
Decal Stickers
Speaking of decals, they make a great gift! Check out locally owned shops for local decals, or look on for special interest decals on Etsy.
LadyBluByrd has decals with shoutouts to local places in Upstate, SC, famous characters, coffee, and more! These make an excellent stocking stuffer and are super easy to mail to a loved one.
Photo Credit: LadyBluByrd
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Depending on the teen you are shopping for, a sport-related gift might be perfect. Think about a gift for either a sport they play or a team they love! Think personalized collegiate flags, corn hole set with that same team décor, hoodies, even socks or slippers in their team’s colors.
Depending on the sport your child plays, new equipment is always a great idea. Skateboards and long-boards are still a popular thing, too.
Room Decor
Let teens dress up their space! These are a few room decor items teens asked for:
We are loving these room decor ideas because they are things teens will use all year long, and many of them are very budget-friendly. LED strips, fuzzy pillows, and lava lamps can all be found for under $25.
Teens Like to Eat: Food and Beverage gifts for teens
Growing teens seem to be able to eat and drink non-stop. The food doesn’t stay in the house long, the grocery list is endless, and bugging mom and dad for those special extra items is not always an option, which makes them a pretty perfect gift.
Soda Stream
A Soda Steam lets you make sodas and sparkling waters at home. While it’s one of the more expensive gifts for teens on this list, it’s definitely unique. And, it’ll let them make any flavors of sparkling beverages they’d like.
Do you know their favorite chips, cookies, or ice cream? If not, how about a care package-type box loaded with a huge variety of snacks?
Board Games for Teens
Escape the Room: Murder in the Mafia
ThinkFun’s Escape the Room games are essentially escape rooms in a box. They come cleverly assembled in the box in such a way that you only have to follow a few simple instructions to pop the room up before you’re ready to start looking for clues and playing the game.
Throughout the game the story booklet guides you through each chapter as you solve the clues, and see if you can determine who is the murderer. And if you get stuck you can go online for additional clues and assistance..
ThinkFun Escape the Room titles include:
EXIT Games
Another fun version of an escape room board games are EXIT games. You can spread these materials out and a larger group can work to solve these games. Clues are on cards, in booklets, and hidden in the strangest places. The card and solution wheel systems help you get hints if you’re stuck and also guide you from clue to clue. These games can only be played once as solving them often requires cutting or marking up game pieces, but they are worth it for a fun afternoon with family and friends.
Download a free app and use it to scan the cards and listen to the audio hints. Put them together in the right sequence to unlock each chapter with additional story clues. Finally, use the clues to put the story into the right order. This one is a great family teamwork game. The sounds are a little creepy, and the clues require listening carefully. But don’t worry if you get lost, the app can give you clues if you’re stuck!
We hope this helps you navigate the gift-giving season a bit easier.
Needs more gift ideas? Don’t miss our Holiday Gift Guide to Greenville. It includes ideas for experience Gifts, local gifts, ideas for teacher gifts, and much more!
Not to toot my own horn, but I know how to give a good gift. I definitely hold the title of best gift giver in the family. This year, I’m planning to hold on to my title and really wow my family with the gifts I decided to give them this season. On my hunt for the perfect gifts for my siblings, parents, and grandparents, I was overwhelmed with how good the gifting options were. Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, ViaVia, and Shopbop were my gifting destinations, and they did not disappoint. From Loewe scarves and candles to cozy gifts from Ugg and Apparis, I found 30 chic gifts I know will be crowd-pleasers.
Keep scrolling to take a peek at my top 30 chic gifts.
We all want to give gifts that will actually impress the people we love. But with the trends changing rapidly, it can be difficult to decipher which sartorial gifts will impress—and which will be returned the next day. Luckily, Anthropologie is a brand you can rely on. The store has everything from popular buys to timeless classics to micro trends. To get you started, I’m sharing my top gifting picks for the fashion people in your life. But I wouldn’t blame you if you bought a few of these for yourself, too. Keep scrolling to see my winter Anthropologie edit.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
I don’t know about you, but experience gifts are my favorite kinds of presents to receive. They last longer than any candle, bottle of perfume, or pair of fuzzy socks ever could. And in my eyes, they’re oftentimes filled with much more intention and meaning. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or with loved ones, the best experience gifts create new, precious memories, and isn’t that all you can really ask for during the holidays?
Like I said, experience gifts typically require more thought than other presents. You have to consider how your recipient likes to spend their time, as well as which activities they told you they’ve always wanted to try. If they love sports, game tickets or an ESPN+ subscription make the most sense. If they like to seek out adventure, a hiking trip or winter cabin getaway is sure to please. And if they pride themselves on being a foodie, they’ll get a kick out of a baking or mixology class—or some sort of food gift like Goldbelly (a personal fave of mine).
See, there are plenty of experience gift ideas for anyone and everyone on your list—from Mom and Dad to your sibling, bestie, or bae. So keep scrolling to find classes, concerts, subscriptions, and more to treat your giftee to a meaningful experience they’ll never forget.
Classes
Milk Bar.
In addition to online classes, Milk Bar hosts in-person experiences where you can build one of the bakery’s signature cookies or cakes. I’ve been given this exact experience gift and can confirm that it’s so fun and tasty.
Amy K.
For the spirit-sipping friend in your life, let them learn how to make their own cocktails with this 90-minute mixology class from Uncommon Goods.
Addie Stunkard.
If their pet is the center of their life and all they ever talk about, then they’ll definitely have a blast painting their furry friend.
Subscriptions
MasterClass.
Your lucky recipient will get to learn from the best of the best when you gift them a Masterclass subscription. They’ll have access to over 180 classes—from Wolfgang Puck spilling all of his culinary tips and tricks to Coach K diving deep into what makes a great leader. Right now for Black Friday, you can secure two memberships for the price of one—that’s a gift for you and a gift for a loved one.
Photo: ESPN+.
There are a lot of streaming services to keep track of, and the costs certainly add up. If they’re missing ESPN+ but love all things sports, gift them an ESPN+ subscription so they can watch their fave teams compete.
Photo: Rent the Runway.
The fashionista on your shopping list will adore a Rent the Runway subscription. Why? Because they can handpick, borrow, and wear 5, 10, or 15 items a month to ensure their ‘fits are always on point. This subscription gift is the perfect choice for the sister who constantly says they have nothing in their closet or the social butterfly friend who’s always off to fancy events.
Concerts
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management.Marcelo Endelli/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Everyone knows a Swiftie that would sell their soul for Taylor Swift concert tickets. They’ll be forever grateful if you bless them with seats to The Eras Tour.
Metcalfe/Getty Images.Metcalfe/Getty Images
Everyone’s talking about the Sphere in Las Vegas, so why not get them tickets to U2’s residency there? This experience gift will be unlike any concert they’ve ever been to.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood.
From what I hear, the Renaissance World Tour is an out-of-body experience that your lucky recipient will hold close to their heart forever and ever.
Live Nation.
They’re sure to have the time of their life at Bad Bunny’s Most Wanted Tour, singing and dancing to all of his Latin trap bangers (mosquitos not included).
Sports
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images.Getty Images.
For the recipient who has football on the TV every Sunday, help them get off of the couch and into a stadium by scoring them tickets to an NFL game.
Harry How/Getty Images.Harry How/Getty Images
If basketball is their preferred sport, scoop up tickets to an NBA game. Our top pick would be a Denver Nuggets game to see the reigning champs (and of course, Nikola Jokić).
Photo by Michael Potts/BSR Agency/Getty Images.
For the die-hard F1 enthusiast, their life will be made when they find out you bought them Formula 1 tickets. Watching the race (and handsome drivers) up close in person can’t be beaten.
Food
Courtesy of Nancy’s Fancy.
Their mouth will water after they open their gift from Goldbelly, an online marketplace for regional and artisanal foods. Ship them a treat from a smaller local business or even from a world-renowned chef. My personal favorite is Nancy Silverton’s Favorite Gelato Gift Box. If you’re unsure what kinds of food they enjoy, a Goldbelly gift card is a great backup plan.
Photo: Omaha Steaks.
The meat lover on your list will be cooking up a storm once they open this box of delish goodies. Everything on the site is 50 percent off right now, so get to it!
Photo: Cometeer.
Hook your nearest and dearest up with their daily dose of caffeine. I’m a huge fan of Cometeer’s innovative frozen coffee capsules. They’re easy to use, taste so smooth, and cost way less than a $10 latte from Starbs. You can send a box as a one-time gift or sign them up for a subscription that keeps the coffee flowing. I suggest you choose the Mixed Roast Box so they can try a variety of light, medium, and dark roasts (pssst, 32 capsules = $2.62 per cup).
Travel
Photo: Rocky and Gianni/Airbnb.
Sometimes all they really need is a vacation. If they’re the type of person who would never book themselves a getaway, now’s your chance to swoop in. Since it’s almost wintertime, we’re thinking this cozy cabin in Park City, Utah would be the perfect destination.
Courtesy of host/Airbnb.
Did you know Airbnb offers online experiences like this virtual safari in South Africa? If a flight and hotel are out of your budget, an online travel experience is a great alternative that they can enjoy within the comfort of their own home.
REI.
ICYMI, REI offers classes and events for nature lovers near and far. From cycling and hiking to backcountry exploration and wilderness first aid certification, the options are endless for your high-stamina pal.
Personalized
Cameo.
Cameo lets you order a personalized video message starring your giftee’s favorite celeb. You’re bound to find an idea among all of the musicians, athletes, comedians, reality TV stars, and actors who are on this site.
StoryWorth.
This might look like any old photo book, but trust us, it’s much more. Storyworth strings together stories by asking your giftee one question a week that they have to reply to over email. At the end of the year, you’re left with a collection of meaningful anecdotes that you can pair with photos and put into a Storyworth book. They’ll adore being able to revisit such special memories whenever they’re feeling sentimental.
I’ve recommended some garden gear every single year since I discovered it. These are items that I think are so good, I assume they’ll be on my recommendation list forever. I can’t promise that something won’t come along that I think is better, but most of the items on this list have been by my side for years. And they’ve certainly shown up in my gift guides and recommendations before. But I think they are all amazing and I feel like you can’t go wrong giving any of them.
THE SPADE
When you read that subtitle you should read it as “THE” spade because as far as I’m concerned this is the end of the spade discussion. Another discussion is about how you should be using a spade and not a shovel for most of what you’re doing in the garden, but I’ll save that for another time.
I’ve written about it before, but the Sneeboer Ladies Spade is amazing. I’m short so it works for me. Taller people probably want to consider the Border Spade, which has a longer handle and an ever so slightly larger head. Exquisitely crafted and meant to last a lifetime and then some, this thing is the most practical and beautiful thing I own.
For as much as I love that spade, I probably use the Great Dixter Planting Spade even more. This is another Sneeboer tool and forgive me for raving about them, but they are just that good. These Dutch-made tools are hand-forged and meant to last. To know them is to love them. This little tool is like a mini spade, or maybe it’s a big trowel. It’s that in-between tool that turns out to be just right.
I’ve tried fancy watering cans. I want to be that person who has beautiful watering cans sitting around the garden, serving as much as art as practical tools. Here’s the bad news: None of them have really worked for me. I like a big watering can because if you’re carrying water somewhere, that means the hose won’t reach, and no one wants to take lots of trips with a watering can. Long story short, the French blue watering can from Gardener’s Supply holds three gallons and balances well. It probably won’t end up as art, but it gets the job done.
For gardeners who want to feel like a true badass in the garden, you can’t really beat a soil knife (aka hori hori). These are big blades that can do a lot: weed, plant, open bags, cut twine and fight of ninjas. I’ve tried a lot of hori horis and my favorite is the Deluxe Soil Knife. I find the plastic handle comfortable and the orange handle helpful for when you set it down and can’t find it. I think soil knives are much more useful than trowels, so to me this is a tool that should be one of the first in a new gardener’s kit.
Whether you’re spending big bucks on tools or you have hard-working, more budget friendly gear, it will last longer and work better if you take care of it. Sharp tools are a joy and it’s better for your plants to have ginsu-kinfe like blades. This little sharpening kit is my go-to and it gets extra gift points because it’s the kind of thing that every gardener should have but no one wants to buy for themselves.
I don’t recommend that people buy hand pruners aka secateurs as gifts unless the recipient has made a specific request. They are far too personal a tool to choose for someone else. They need to feel perfect in the hand, making an Edward Scissorhands-like extension of your fingers. But snips—lightweight pruners that are great for deadheading, pruning small branches, cutting a bouquet and about a million other everyday jobs in the garden—are far less specific. These are a few good ones that I have and love.
For as much as I love my wheelbarrow, it turns out that I end up using my collapsible cart all the time in the garden. It’s not meant for gardening, but don’t tell my cart, which seems quite at home there. I use this for going to plant sales, carting large quantities of plants around the garden, loading up oodles of pots, serving as a “fertilizer bar” that I can roll around the garden and give every plant what it needs and just generally cleaning up. When I’m not using it I fold it up and hang on the shed wall, where it takes up very little space.
Will you be looking for the best family games? We have gathered over 50 of the best family board games 2023 has to offer, so add these to your gift list! If you’ve exhausted your stash of family board or card games and need new ideas of things to do with your whole family, we’ve surveyed our readers for the best games for family game night. We discovered that our readers seem to be quite the board/card game experts! We took their advice and then added a few board game ideas of our own.
We looked specifically for games that everyone can play, including our little kids who can’t read yet. So here’s the massive list and short, product descriptions taken from the game itself. We also added our own thoughts on some games we really loved. Then, we added some tips on how to plan a family game night!
In this family board game list you’ll find:
best family board games
favorite family card games
ideas for family game night
easy to learn games
strategy games for the family
games for families to play together, no matter the age range
board games for kids by age
If we missed your favorite board game to play with your family, let us know in the comments.
Some products from Think Fun and Ravensburger were provided for the Kidding Around Team to review. Opinions expressed are those of our team members. This list contains Amazon Affiliate links.
Top Tips for Establishing a Family Game Night
Be consistent. Having a specific day and time that works for everyone will help make it a routine.
Designate a family member to plan a game night. This can be for every game night or switch off each time.
Turn off the tech! Put the phones on silent, turn off the TV, and tune in to your family game night!
Always have a backup game (or two) available. Especially when trying out a new game. This will help you see what everyone is interested in for future gameplay.
Bring out the snacks! Craft a kid-friendly charcuterie, break out the hot cocoa, whatever will keep your kid’s tummies full and happy while you play.
Most importantly, relax and have fun! When everyone is having a good time, then everyone is more likely to want to engage again next time.
Best Family Games For Families With Young Kids
Babies and Toddlers
While babies and toddlers aren’t really ready for traditional board games, they can still get in on the fun with some help from older siblings, parents, and friends!
My First Railway Light Up Rainbow Set
This simple train set uses sound and light-up colors to teach simple sequencing. To play just watch the blinking lights and drive the train on the path that lit up. Do this for each color of the rainbow and then you get a song and lights reward. While this game is marked for children 18 months and up, younger kids may still enjoy the blinking lights and sounds when they use the set with a caregiver.
Your forest friends are hungry and they need your help. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn with your squirrel squeezer, and place it into your log. Be the first to fill your log with delicious acorns and you win. You could also spin “pick an acorn, ” “steal an acorn, ” or “lose an acorn, ” so be strategic, little squirrel.
Sneaky Snacky Squirrel
Sequence
It’s the classic game of Sequence made just for kids! Play an animal card from your hand, and place your chip on the corresponding animal on the board. Wild cards add excitement to the game – use a unicorn card to place your chip anywhere, or use a dragon card to remove an opponent’s chip. The first player with four chips in a row wins! This exciting strategy game helps develop logical thinking skills. Reading is not required to play
Crazy Eights
Classic card game. Easy to play for kids.
Candy Land
This adorable version of the classic Candy Land game features gingerbread men as movers, colored cards, and fun illustrations that kids love, with different destinations like Cookie Commons and the chunky Chocolate Mountain.
Chutes & Ladders
Climb up and slide down in the exciting game of ups and downs, Chutes and Ladders! The Chutes and Ladders board game for girls and boys has been around for over 60 years and has been enjoyed by families for generations. Players can see the square marked 100, but how will they get there? If a player lands their pawn on a good deed, they can shimmy up a ladder, but land on the wrong spot and they’ll shoot down a chute!
No reading is required to play this simple and easy game for preschoolers.
Family Treasure Hunt Game
GoTrovo is an action-packed pirate scavenger hunt board game for the whole family.
Hi Ho Cherry O
Preschoolers can have so much fun picking fruit to fill their baskets, that they don’t even realize they’re practicing math skills, such as counting, addition, and subtraction. Players choose from two different play options and take turns picking pretend cherries, blueberries, apples and oranges from their tree. If the spinner lands on a bird or a dog players will have to return cherries to their tree.
Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons
Pete the Cat is the coolest cat ever. Based on the best-selling book series, our Pete the Cat games introduce kids to simple learning concepts wrapped up in fun games. Kids learn color recognition, counting, and decision-making skills. Kids keep on movin’ and groovin’ with Pete the Cat.
Family Games for Kids Ages 4+
Hoot Owl Hoot
Hurry little owls: In this color-coordinated matching game, players cooperate to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun comes up. Help all the owls home before sunrise and everyone wins!
“A friend just got my 3 year old this game! Fun for the whole family to play together. Highly recommend this one!” ~Amanda
Zingo
Zingo is one of ThinkFun’s most popular and bestselling games, and is the winner of an Oppenheim Gold Award and Parents’ Choice Gold Award, among others. It’s a fun pre-reading game for ages 4 and up. Like all of ThinkFun’s games, Zingo is built to develop critical thinking skills. Playing will improve language skills through fun and fast-paced play.
Roll the die to see how many bananas you get to pick from the tree top. One of the bananas will make Banana Joe jump, but it’s a different banana every time. If the monkey jumps, all the players must try to catch him before he hits the ground. The player who catches Banana Joe gets a bonus!
Pop the Pig
Pop the Pig is an international preschool classic that is adored by millions of children. Kids roll the die, pop a hamburger into the pig’s mouth and pump his head. The more they pump, the more his belly grows (along with the suspense!) until – pop! The player who makes his belly burst wins the game.
Children can quickly reset the game with one pump of the pig’s head and experience consistent belly-busting gameplay each and every time.
Trouble
The excitement begins as soon as a player presses the Pop-O-Matic bubble to roll the die. In the Trouble board game, kids race to get all their game pieces around the board; but be careful! A player could get bumped and sent back to the beginning.
Hungry Hungry Hippos
You’ll have a chompin’ good time with Hungry Hippo and his pals! Be ready to join in the feeding frenzy when you release all the marbles onto the game base, because all the hippos will be chomping and your hippo will need to move fast! If he chomps the golden marble, you win!
Giggle Wiggle
Giggle Wiggle is a cute caterpillar with several hands to spare! Race to place your colored marbles from his bottom row of hands all the way to the top as he wiggles to the music. Watch out – this wiggly caterpillar will try to knock off your marbles. If he does, just pick them up and keep on racing. The first player to get all their marbles on in a row wins! This easy-to-learn, quick-to-play game is a fun, active challenge that will have kids laughing and dancing while they play.
Funny Bunny
Funny Bunny is an adorable game that is perfect for ages 4 and older. 2 to 4 players can race their bunnies up the hill to the giant carrot on top. Players are given four bunnies, and increasingly add them to the board as they draw cards to allow them a number of spaces to move. However, there are “click” cards that allow the player to turn the giant carrot clockwise, which opens pits, lifts bridges, or knocks your bunny off the board! As you move around the board, you can “hop” over other players. This game was highly enjoyed by my preschooler.
Welcome to the first Monopoly game for kids, where they can earn money the fun way! The Monopoly Junior game is just like the classic Monopoly game, but it’s accessible and exciting for younger players. It’s fast, simple, and full of surprises. Kids choose their favorite Junior token and learn how to pass Go, buy properties, and collect rent. Single banknotes keep transactions fast and easy.
Dragon’s Breath
Dragons and crystal collecting, who could ask for more? This collecting game is part of the wonderful line of board games by HABA. The game follows a family of dragons as they try to get the most gems out of the ice-filled rings by choosing a color gem. Then, Dad Dragon “melts” the ice by removing gems, allowing the gems to fall from the tower to be collected by the kids. The goal is to gather the most gems. The game is engaging and imaginative while lasting around 15 minutes per play, and is the perfect game for family night.
Pumbaa Pass
Any Lion King fan will love this new, exciting, and fun family game featuring a very hungry Pumbaa! Pumbaa’s ready for some tasty grub—icky bugs to you and me! Players take turns feeding him the colorful critters until, well, he tosses his cookies, loses his lunch—you know, pukes. Then it’s time to scramble to find the bugs you need to win! To win Be the first player to match all three bugs on three different leaf cards.
“Not a board game but got this for our 3yo for his birthday, great for colors, matching and early counting.” ~ Scott
Race to the Treasure
In this game, which has won multiple awards including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, players try to beat the Ogre to the treasure by creating a path from Start to End. Along the way they need to collect three keys to open the treasure. Players strategize, cooperate and build a path together. If they do it before the Ogre gets there, they all win!
Scrabble Jr.
What a great way for kids to play America’s favorite word game! Kid-sized words and colorful pictures make it fun to match letter tiles to words on the grid. Players move their funny tokens up the score track as they score points. When all of the tiles have been placed on the board, the player with the most points wins! Don’t worry, your little ones won’t outgrow this game; just turn the board over for the advanced level, where they come up with their own words. It’s going to be letter-matching fun for everyone with Scrabble Junior.
The Grape Escape
This Play-Doh-based game allows players to create their grape character with clay, and then try to make it through the board game and past the factory contraptions to the grape launcher without getting squished in the process. The key to the game is to get your grape to the launcher and fling it out of the factory first. This game is perfect for ages 5 and up and is quick-paced so it can be played multiple times during family game night.
Great Games for Kids Around Ages 6+
Connect 4
Challenge a friend to disc-dropping fun with the classic game of Connect 4! Drop your red or yellow discs in the grid and be the first to get 4 in a row to win. If your opponent is getting too close to 4 in a row, block them with your own disc! Whoever wins can pull out the slider bar to release all the discs and start the fun all over again!
Guess Who
Beloved 1980s version of the classic mystery face game is back! There’s a mystery person on your opponent’s card. Can you find the matching face in the crowd? Start with your game full of silly-looking characters. Then ask the right questions to eliminate the wrong faces! Does your person have blue eyes? Is your person wearing a hat? Once you’re down to a face or two – solve the mystery by guessing who! If you’re the first to identify your opponent’s mystery person, you win.
“It’s not a board game per say, but we play Guess Who a lot. We team up, since my 3 year old needs a little help, but she’s getting pretty good at it!” ~Jennifer
Sorry
Slide, collide and score to win the Sorry! Game. Kids draw cards to see how far they get to move one of the pawns on the board. If they land on a Slide they can zip to the end and bump their opponents’ pawns – or their own! Jump over pawns and hide in the Safety zone where opponents can’t go. Kids keep on moving and bumping until they get all three of their pawns from Start to Home.
Operation
In the Operation game, you get to be the doctor and make Cavity Sam better or get the buzzer! Cure him of all his wacky ailments like headphone headaches and gamer’s thumb by picking funny ailment pieces out of the game tray with a pair of tweezers. But watch out! If you touch the sides of the openings, you’ll get the buzzer and light up Cavity Sam’s nose! The player who removes the most ailments wins!
Spot It!
Test your observational skills and your reflexes with the award-winning gameplay of Spot It!, a game of lightning-fast choices for two to eight players. With dozens of awards and possible versions married to elegant gameplay, Spot It! has become a global phenomenon. Five distinct mini-games within a set of Spot It! ensure that the game will be different every time you play, and because it’s always your turn, there’s never any downtime.
Aggravation
Take a trip down memory lane with this retro 1989 edition of the fun family-favorite, the Aggravation Game! It’s The classic marble race game where 2 to 6 players compete. Opponents race around the board from base to home, disrupting each other’s marbles in the quest to be first.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey
Players of all ages can now venture across America by train in Alan R. Moon’s ticket to ride: first journey. With a brand new map and simplified rules, first journey is the perfect way to introduce new players to the game of cross-country travel. Just like in ticket to ride, players collect train cards, claim routes, and try to connect cities coast-to-coast. In first journey, though, routes are shorter, train cards are drawn straight from the deck, and the game ends when one player Completes six tickets, claiming the Golden ticket as their prize.
Munchkin Wonderland
One of the many versions of the Steven Jackson Games Munchkin, this version is simplified so that kids as young as 6 can play! This card game is based on Alice in Wonderland and is full of silly jokes, treasure hunting, monster bashing, and more. The game takes about an hour to play and is great for groups of 2 to 6 players.
Games for Families With Kids Ages 7+
Battleship
This Battleship board game is the classic game of naval combat that brings together competition, strategy, and excitement! In a head-to-head battle, 2 players search for the enemy’s fleet of ships and destroy them one by one. With convenient portable battle cases and realistic-looking naval crafts, the Battleship game puts players right in the middle of the action. Players command a powerful fleet that includes an aircraft carrier, a destroyer, a submarine, a patrol boat, and a battleship. Each player announces the coordinates of each strike and sees if it hits.
Blink
Blink is a lightning-fast game where two players race head-to-head to be the first to play all of their cards! Using sharp eyes and fast hands, players quickly try to match the shape, count or color on the cards. For instance, a card with four yellow stars could be played on any card with yellow (color), or on a card with stars (shape), or on a card with four symbols (count). Don’t be fooled by the games’ simplicity—your hand and eye coordination will be put to the test! The first player who can rid themselves of all their cards wins.
Blokus
Stake your claim and protect your territory with the Blokus game! It takes less than a minute to learn, but offers endless strategy and fun challenges for the whole family. Each player gets a set of 21 pieces – in red, blue, green, or yellow – then takes turns placing them on the board. There’s just one rule: each piece you play must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners! The goal is to fit the most pieces on the board. The game ends when no more pieces can be placed down, and the player with the lowest number remaining wins!
Labyrinth
Search for treasure deep within the twisting maze! The playing board constantly changes so no two games are ever the same! The cards will determine your quest. Looking for the Dragon? How many routes can you take and also foil your opponents? Try to gain the advantage by inserting the extra tile to move walls and open passages of the labyrinth. Block and advance is the strategy! The first play to reach all of their treasure wins!
“We love labyrinth. Our 5-year-old can play but needs help occasionally. My 10 and 8-year-olds really enjoy trying to beat Mom and Dad.” ~Kristen
Disney Villian Labyrinth
Labyrinth is my family’s absolute favorite board game. This version replaces the original Labyrinth characters and objects with all of your favorite Disney villains. You use the tile pieces to create a random maze on the game board. Each player has a set of cards with characters that they need to collect on their journey through the maze. The maze changes as each player takes their turn, keeping everyone on their toes.
Disney Villains Labyrinth is a 2-4 player game recommended for ages 7-99.
Taco vs. Burrito
TACO vs. BURRITO is a deliciously unpredictable card game where players compete to create the weirdest, wildest meal. Created by Alex Butler, age 7, this game is easy to learn – and not so easy to win. Fun for (and play-tested by) all ages, TACO vs. BURRITO is the ultimate Game Night Food Fight!
Sequence Dice
Roll the dice and place a chip on a corresponding number on the game board. Roll a 2 or 12 ….get another turn. Roll a 10…remove an opponent’s chip. Roll an 11…place your chip on any number. Get 5 chips in a row and YOU WIN!
Skip-Bo
Skip-Bo is the ultimate sequencing card game from the makers of UNO! Players use skill and strategy to create stacks of sequentially numbered, ascending cards (2,3,4…) until they have no more left to play. Once everyone is dealt their own personal stockpile of cards, play begins by drawing from a central pile and building up to four “build” piles. The Skip-Bo “wild” cards break up static situations and may be played as any number. Use these cards wisely, for they can really help you beat your opponents! The first player to deplete all of his or her Skip-Bo stockpile cards is the winner!.
UNO
UNO is the classic family card game that’s easy to pick up and impossible to put down! Players take turns matching a card in their hand with the current card shown on top of the deck either by color or number. Special action cards, like Skips, Reverses, Draw Twos, color-changing Wild and Draw Four Wild cards, deliver game-changing moments as they each perform a function to help you defeat your opponents. If you can’t make a match, you must draw from the center pile. And when you’re down to one card, don’t forget to shout “UNO!” The first player to get rid of all the cards in their hand wins.
UNO DOS We at UNO have long believed that two is better than one, and now we’re making it official! If you like UNO, you’ll love UNO DOS! In the beloved card game UNO, you (or your team) are trying to be the first to score 500 points. You score points by being the first to get rid of all the cards in your hand, and action cards let you make things more difficult for your opponents. In this twist on the family favorite game, now when you’re down to two cards, don’t forget to yell “Dos!” See why this color-coded card game has been a hit for so many years.
Best Family Games: Best for Ages 8+
Life
In The Game of Life game players choose a path and move their car tokens around the gameboard from Start to Retirement. Who is headed for wealth and fortune? Pick a path for a life of action, unexpected surprises, and dream vacations, but spend cash wisely because the wealthiest player at the end wins the game.
Rack-O
Rack-o was originally released in 1956, and since then families have enjoyed this Rack’Em & score fun-filled card game. This new addition, featuring fine-quality cards with bold numbers, will delight players young and old. Rack-o is timeless fun. Players randomly slot 10 cards on their rack. The race then begins to draw and discard until one player positions 10 cards in numerical sequence from low to high.
Quixx
This quick-playing dice game will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! Qwixx is simple to play but each decision is crucial – the more numbers you cross off, the more points you score. With no downtime between turns you’ll have a chance to gain from each and every roll. Just one round of this thrilling game and you will be caught up in Qwixx-fever!
SKYJO
The goal is to collect as few points as possible over the course of several turns as after every round every player’s points are counted and added to his score. As soon as a player reaches 100 points or more the player with the fewest points wins. Collecting the fewest points means to look for low or even negative numbers.
Rummikub
With more than 55 million units sold, Rummikub is one of the world’s best-selling and most-played games! It’s really no surprise that Rummikub is so popular – it has all the elements that make a great game: it’s easy to learn and fast moving, it’s different every time it’s played, it combines luck and strategy, and it changes quickly so every player has a chance to win until the very end.
Think Fun Rush Hour
My family went on a lot of road trips when I was a kid, and my brothers and I loved playing this game to keep ourselves entertained. Rush Hour is a logic game that uses cars and trucks on a grid to create a puzzle. Challenge cards are included to show you how to set up the puzzle. The goal of the game is to free the red car from the traffic jam.
Rush Hour is a 1 person game recommended for ages 8+.
Geologic is a one-person world-changing puzzle game. With 60 challenges from beginner to expert, this game is fun for the whole family. The game is recommended for ages 8+ but my 7 year old was able to complete the beginner challenges.
Geologic includes a 30 sided Planet Core and 14 biome tiles. The challenge cards show a picture of how to set up the Planet Core to begin and has a list of which tiles are needed to complete the puzzle. The back of the cards show the answer to the puzzle.
If you’re a fan of logic puzzles, this game is for you!
This game is just for one person and has three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The player has to arrange towers of holes and slides to get the marble to the target square. It comes with a gray board and three marbles in case you lose some of your marbles. Don’t do that.
So how it works is that you choose what level you want to complete and take a card the game provides. On the front of the card is the gray board and it has the colors and placement of the red target block and one other color block that is used in the puzzle. On the bottom are the colors of the other blocks used in that particular puzzle – the trick is that you need to figure out where to place the other blocks in order that the marble slides to the target, red block successfully. If you Google how to play the game, ThinkFun has a YouTube video that explains it better than I am.
We played this with kids ages 8, 9, and 11 years old and they all loved it. I tried it also as an adult and it’s fantastic because it’s one of those games where you have to focus on the puzzle and nothing else. Gravity Maze is especially great for kids who like to play by themselves, for kids who love problem-solving, and for kids who are probably future engineers.
Do a Puzzle Together! Family Puzzles Kids Love
Puzzles are great for kids, teens, and adults because everyone can work on them together. So, these puzzles are getting their own category.
Ravensburger Star Wars The Madalorian Puzzle
This Ravensburger Mandalorian Star Wars Puzzle is great for any Star Wars fan, even the hard-to-buy for teens. The high-quality pieces fit together easily. The whole family can enjoy putting this one together!
Minecraft Ravensburger Puzzle
The puzzle has 300 XL puzzle pieces and will create a picture of a Minecraft scene. It says that the puzzle is for ages 9+ but younger kids who are good at puzzles will have no problems putting the puzzle together. The puzzle pieces are pretty large and fit together perfectly. They are also smooth and easy to handle – I don’t know why I like this but I do.
If you enjoy both puzzles and Minecraft, you’ll love this one.
Games for Teens: Family Games Teens Will Love
Escape the Room: Murder in the Mafia
ThinkFun’s Escape the Room games are essentially escape rooms in a box. They come cleverly assembled in the box in such a way that you only have to follow a few simple instructions to pop the room up before you’re ready to start looking for clues and playing the game.
Murder in the Mafia is ThinkFun’s newest Escape the Room game, and it’s designed for ages 14 and up, and 1 to 3 players. Solve the office crime scene clues to find the murderer before they find you. This is a cooperative game and there really is no limit on the number of players. But more than 3 people may have some difficulty crowding around the room to find evidence and solve clues. My kids ages 9-14 all participated with my husband and I and we all enjoyed this one.
Throughout the game the story booklet guides you through each chapter as you solve the clues, and see if you can determine who is the murderer. And if you get stuck you can go online for additional clues and assistance.
While other escape room games require you to mark up or cut up game materials, ThinkFun Escape the Room games can be reset to be played again. While you might not want to play it again as you already will know the solution, the game can be passed on for someone else to enjoy.
Additional ThinkFun Escape the Room titles include:
EXIT Games
Another fun version of an escape room board game are EXIT games. You can spread these materials out and a larger group can work to solve these games. Clues are on cards, in booklets, and hidden in the strangest places. The card and solution wheel systems help you get hints if you’re stuck and also guide you from clue to clue. These games can only be played once as solving them often requires cutting or marking up game pieces, but they are worth it for a fun afternoon with family and friends.
Download a free app for Echoes: Audio Mystery Game and use it to scan the cards and listen to the audio hints. Put them together in the right sequence to unlock each chapter with additional story clues. Finally, use the clues to put the story into the right order. This one is a great family teamwork game. The sounds are a little creepy, and the clues require listening carefully. But don’t worry if you get lost, the app can give you clues if you’re stuck!
Wingspan
Wingspan is such a fun game to play if you have a nature lover or even just a teenager who loves strategy as they build their flock of birds. We played the original game, which came with North American birds, each with a quick fact on the bottom of the card that had me geeking out a little. If you like the game, you can buy different expansion packs for birds around the world.
The game has you focus on your own flock of birds, so there is less of a direct competition between players, though, of course, you want to have the most points. The ultimate goal of the game is to have the most points, and you can gain those points by laying eggs, drawing new birds, and gathering food. Plus, you get to roll the dice through an awesome cardboard-built birdhouse that is provided.
Munchkin
A classic deck card game in our home that has been played at least 100 times over the years is Munchkin. It’s an awesome game with silly classes, monsters you’re trying to defeat, and a lot of strategy against your opponents. With curses, combats against monsters, and the opportunity to take your opponent down, there is a lot going on as you try to reach your 10 points.
The cards are the absolute best because they are hilarious and weird. With item cards like “Boots of running really fast” and “pointy hat of power”, your kids will love the silliness. There are some pretty great pictures too. Plus, they get to defeat monsters (or be killed by one if they can not defeat it, but that’s where you can come in to help save their character).
The game is recommended for ages 10 and up and can accommodate 3-6 players, with an average playtime of 1.5 hours. Munchkin has tons of additions, expansion packs, and options to make it creative and more fun over time, so you will never get bored!
What’s your family’s favorite board or card game to play together?
Canadians are already planning to spend less, according to Deloitte Canada’s 2023 Holiday Retail Outlook. This is an annual forecast for retail businesses—but this year, there’s little for them to feel jolly about. According to a survey of 1,000 Canadians, we plan to spend an average of $1,347 over the 2023 holiday season. That’s down 11% from 2022’s forecast of $1,520 and nearly 27% from 2021’s forecast of $1,841. What are we cutting back on this year? Charitable donations (-40%), gifts (-18%) and gift cards (-14%).
Canadians are looking for the best holiday deals—and we’ll switch brands if necessary
Canadians always love getting deals, but we’re going to spend carefully this year and focus even harder on value, says Marty Weintraub, national retail leader at Deloitte Canada. “We’re seeing the money shift to what we call ‘extreme value.’ The top reasons for picking a retailer are: number one, reasonable prices, and number two, value for money,” he says, adding that shoppers plan to spend more at mass merchant retailers and warehouse membership clubs this year.
Other notable findings from the survey, conducted in September:
One in three Canadians are worried about how they will pay for gifts.
48% of Canadians intend to buy only what their family needs this season—up from 41% in 2022 and 35% in 2021.
76% of us expect prices to be higher this year, and 73% of us think retailers are raising prices unfairly.
We’ve become a nation of bargain hunters: 77% of us plan to shop around for the best deals, and 71% of us will switch brands if our preferred one is too pricey.
We don’t mind putting in the legwork—45% of us will visit multiple stores in the same area to get what we’re looking for. Overall, we’ll visit an average of 16.5 stores and websites (up 37% from 2022).
To afford holiday purchases, 24% of us will postpone travel plans, and 23% will cut back on our grocery budgets.
On the brighter side, some Canadians are still finding room in their budgets to indulge a little and to spend according to their values. According to the survey findings:
26% of us will treat ourselves to an experience such as a concert, sports event, trip or spa day.
More than half of us (55%), especially younger adults and women, are willing to spend more for products and services that are sustainable.
We’re planning to spend 11% more money on travel this holiday season than in 2022.
Despite tighter budgets this holiday season, we’re spending more on travel
How is travel spending rising when we’re cutting costs elsewhere? “Post-pandemic, we still have some revenge travel happening this holiday season,” says Weintraub. “Last December, if you went away, it was a gong show at the airport and with the airlines. As a result, some people said, ‘Not for me, I’ll do it later.’ Some of that’s coming back this year, but in the context of inflation hitting travel as well.”
Weintraub himself is taking his family on a trip over the holidays, and he expects to spend more than he would have last year. “I want to provide an experience for my family rather than buy things, and I want to go because I didn’t get to do it in the past couple of years,” he says. “I’m going to borrow from Peter to pay Pauline—take it out of one pocket and put [it] in another—and I’m willing to pay for more it.”
Canadians are worried about debt, high interest and job loss
Deloitte’s findings echo the results of other surveys. In mid-October, the MNP Consumer Debt Index shared that more Canadians are struggling with debt, high interest rates and concerns about job loss. Half of respondents reported that they are $200 or less from being unable to meet their financial obligations.
“There is no mystery as to what is causing Canadians’ bleak debt outlook: it’s getting increasingly difficult to make ends meet,” Grant Bazian, MNP’s president, said in a press release. “Facing a combination of rising debt-carrying costs, living expenses and concern over the potential for continued interest rate and price hikes, many Canadians are stretched uncomfortably close to broke.”
You have found our giant list of experience gifts! Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC offer a lot of ideas. If your closet, toy boxes, and toy shelves are a little full, we get it. So, we’ve created a list of experience gifts available in Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas that families will love. You’ll make memories, learn new things, and they won’t take up any space in the toy box, either!
Being a mom, I hang out with lots of moms and one topic of conversation comes up pretty frequently, the massive amounts of “stuff” that our kids accumulate. Over Christmas, there is one solution that I think is brilliant: buy a gift that doesn’t take up space. Creating a memory is priceless. Spending time as a family is essential. These are experiences that will bring smiles, build up families, and won’t end up in a donation bin. You’ll also find some great ideas (Culinary Tour, anyone?) for the grown-ups in your life too!
Roper Mountain Science Center
Disclaimer: This list does include advertisers, partners, in addition to other businesses that we recommend. This list contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Membership Gifts
We have some pretty amazing membership options in the Upstate. Many memberships provide unlimited visits during the year. Trust me. Parents love these as gifts for their kids! Remember, this list is just for informational purposes, and we can’t guarantee pricing. We have provided links to the original sources where you can find the most current information.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – TCMU is a favorite among many Upstate families and offers so many kid and family activities throughout the year that a membership would be a great gift. Also, don’t forget that in addition to their Greenville campus, they also have a campus in Spartanburg that is designed for children aged 5 and under!
Greenville Zoo – Greenville Zoo memberships include extra perks such as guest tickets and it’s a reciprocal membership which means that you can use your membership to get into other participating zoos at a discounted or free price.
Roper Mountain Science Center – RMSC memberships include admission to weekly planetarium shows, Summer Adventure, Afternoon Explorations, and discounts on other services. Memberships for a family are $95 (homeschool families can take advantage of the teacher price of $90). This membership is also reciprocal. You can read about how my family saved over $100 on vacation one year by using ours.
Greenville Water Parks Season Passes – These memberships include Greenville’s water parks. Individual memberships for parks start at $62 and go up to $95 per person. The Rec ‘N Crew pass, priced at $155, gets the pass holder admission to all three water parks plus year-round admission to The Pavilion’s Ice Rink and Bounce House.
Flying Rabbit Adventures Annual Pass– You can get an annual pass ($395) and play on the big aerial course for 2.5 hours a day when the adventure course is open. Super fun!
Family memberships to local gyms and recreational facilities offer not just access to exercise equipment and swimming pools but also discounted prices on classes, sports, and more. Joining fees and monthly fees vary on the specific facility in Greenville.
Upcountry History Museum – A membership at the Upcountry History Museum not only includes unlimited visits but also access to their Family Fun Days, UHM Kids Book Club, and more! A family membership is $105 for the year.
If you live in Spartanburg or don’t mind driving 30 minutes from Greenville, Hub City has plenty of family fun to offer!
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – While this museum’s Spartanburg location is geared for younger children (5 years and under), the membership is reciprocal and can be used at both the Greenville museum and the Spartanburg museum.
The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg – Any kid and their parents will be thrilled with a YMCA membership because it means they have access to all the YMCA fun!
Big Air Trampoline Park – The indoor trampoline park in Greenville and Spartanburg is a super fun place to visit, but it can add up quickly. That’s why families love the monthly membership packages that include daily two-hour jump sessions.
Shipwreck Cove – Go ahead and purchase a season pass to Shipwreck Cove waterpark in Duncan and parents and kids will be thanking you for making summer wet and wild.
Event Tickets as Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
I don’t know about you but my kids absolutely love being spectators. Sometimes I catch them in a state of wonder or amazement when I take them to sporting events, plays, music performances, and even monster truck rallies. Not only do event tickets make a great gift for children but they can also be a great way to treat a whole family or plan for a special date for the grandparents and kids.
Ticket Gifts in Greenville
Swamp Rabbits Hockey – My kids absolutely love hockey. It’s a fun, family-friendly environment. Check the schedule for fun promotional night events.
Clemson Tigers – Clemson football fans would love tickets to a home game.
Greenville Theatre – The Greenville Theatre features musicals, dramas, comedies, and more throughout the year.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre – The SCCT has performances for everyone. They also offer programming for younger audiences via their Tell-Me-A-Story Theatre. During the summer months, kids can take advantage of their classes and summer camps. And it all takes part in their bright and shiny theatre on Augusta Street!
Greer Cultural Arts Council – In addition to productions by the Greer Children’s Theatre, the Greer Cultural Arts Council also offers courses in the arts, dance, drama, literature, and music.
Peace Center – The Peace Center has many offerings including Broadway shows and music performances.
The Well also has a fun round-up of family-friendly events. (Tip: The Well is home to Monster Jam!)
Monster Jam at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Greenville Drive – Baseball games are always fun, especially at the family-friendly Fluor Field, where they even have a playground on site.
Ballet Spartanburg – Performs beautiful ballet at Chapman Cultural Center
Greer Cultural Center – Venue for music concerts and Greer Children’s Theatre performances. It also hosts classes in a range of arts, dance, drama, literature, and music.
College Sports Tickets – Cheer on a hometown team with tickets to a local college’s sporting events. Local schools include Clemson, USC Upstate, Wofford, and Converse.
Local Classes as Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Purchasing a class is a great way to have fun learning. While this list is not comprehensive it includes several of our favorite options.
Class Gifts in Greenville
Dance Without Limits– Dance Without Limits offers dance classes beginning as young as 18 months in their Mommy and Me Dance Class all the way through advanced dance classes. Ballet, tap, lyrical, and tumbling classes are available as well as summer camps. Dance is for everyone at Dance Without Limits.
Color Clay Cafe – This pottery studio offers painting and other art designs for both adults and children. You can also enjoy Open Studio times outside of classes.
I9 Sports – This youth sports league offers a range of different sports options for children.
Sylvan Learning– For kids who enjoy an extra challenge, Sylvan Learning provides a full range of interesting classes including classes on robotics and coding.
The Little Gym – This local children’s gym is a favorite of our readers!
Roller Time Skating Academyoffers roller skating lessons and summer camps for beginners through advanced skaters.
Goldfish Swim School offers a holiday package deal for a gift of swim! They have gift bundles with 3 months of lessons, 2 months of lessons, or $100 gift cards.
Climb @ Blue Ridge has gift cards in just about any amount, so the climber in your family can learn how to excel at the sport.
Vino & Van Gogh has gift cards available for 2-hour classes (adult and children), summer camp, after-school camps, couples painting classes, and parent/child painting classes!
Local Experience Gifts: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Making memories through shared experiences and new adventures is always a win! Whether for yourself, you and your significant other, or the whole family, the Upstate has plenty of neat experiences to explore. Nothing is easier than handing over a gift voucher to something exciting!
Experience Gifts in Greenville
Greenville Culinary Tours – I was invited to experience the Greenville Culinary Tour myself and hands down, it’s an absolutely awesome gift idea. The price is an excellent value and I would definitely do it again. Tickets include food and a drink at each location.
Escape Artist Greenville – Our team here at Kidding Around has done three of the escape rooms and had a blast. This is a perfect date night activity or just for fun with friends.
Wine & Design – This art studio offers canvas painting classes for adults and even has an Art Buzz kids line of classes for children.
Trapped in the Upstate – This escape room in Greer will test your problem-solving skills while delivering a fun night of entertainment.
Ice on Main – Ice skating on Main Street would make the perfect treat for the kids (or a special someone).
Topgolf Greenville – Take a few swings and have a great meal together. Fun for the whole family (they even have kid clubs available).
Mad Smash Rage Room – Get out your frustrations by smashing a whole bunch of stuff in a smash room. Kids ages 8+ can participate.
Moo Cow Farm – Enjoy cuddles with cows at this farm in Simpsonville. It’s a great gift for the animal lover.
Flying Rabbit Adventures – They’ve got two huge ropes and obstacle courses with zip lines plus a pump track. This is a really fun experience for the whole family.
Denver Downs Farm – Get your family Denver Downs tickets for an awesome fall experience!
The Pavilion– You can get a 10-visit pass for the bounce house at The Pavilion in Taylors, SC for just $85. You can also get a youth ice skating 10-visit pass for only $65 and an adult one for $85!
Speed Factory Indoor Karting– With locations in Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC, this indoor karting place offers gift cards starting at $5.
Big E Gaffney – Movies, putt-putt, bowling, ropes course, and more
East Main Arts – Offers a variety of adult paint and wine parties, as well as family arts and costumed character appearances
Hearts of Clay – A Spartanburg local favorite. This is a spot to make personalized art and pottery.
Spartanburg County Historical Association – Support your local historical association by purchasing a membership, which will provide you with free or discounted admission to properties and special events
While the Upstate has plenty to offer, there are plenty of good clutter-busting and memory-making gifts to be found in almost any community.
South Carolina State Park Passport– State Park Passports are great for families who love the outdoors. The All Park Passport is $99 and gives you access to all 47 state parks, including some lighthouses. And if you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t live in South Carolina, there is surely a similar program for their home state’s park system!
Nail or Spa Gift Certificates – A spa gift certificate is another excellent choice – especially for busy moms. One of our local favorites is Drift Float! Buy a float for someone in your life who needs to relax (or yourself, no judgment here). We did it and it was awesome.
Drift Spa
Pool Memberships – Even though it is too cold to swim right now, you can always plan ahead. Purchase a family pool membership so the kids can enjoy the pool all summer long.
Photography – Book a local photographer to capture photographs of your family – and don’t forget to print them out to give to the gift recipient!
Indoor Play Ideas (check our rainy day guide for a massive list of places that offer bouncing or play during the day)
Meal Delivery Services / Grocery Delivery– Help out a busy family by paying the fee for a meal delivery or grocery delivery service such as Shipt (for groceries) or Hello Fresh (for meals). Need inspiration? See how you canGet Those Groceries Delivered in Upstate, SC!
Gift cards to local restaurants – My family always loves receiving gift cards to local restaurants since we don’t eat out often. In addition to the many chain restaurant gift card options, most local Spartanburg restaurants offer gift cards as well.
Subscription Boxes – Subscription boxes are all the rage and there are a ton to choose from! Most subscription boxes allow you to choose the increment (monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly). Plus, they offer them for kids (i.e., books, arts & crafts) and adults (i.e., coffee, adult beverages, to name a few). While I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard other parents say that they love Kiwi Crate and try Tinker Crate for older children. There are also local subscription boxes you can pick up directly, like Big Play in a Box.
Streaming Services Subscriptions (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sling) – Help a family cut the cord by paying for a subscription to a streaming TV service.
Summer Camp – Summer camp is an amazing gift. Many places will soon open their registrations. My child had a blast last summer at Conestee Camp with Greenville Rec and Space Camp at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. If you need inspiration, check out our massive Summer Camp Guide!
Attractions Dining & Value Guide – One of my absolute favorite ideas is the Attractions Book. You can purchase them online and they are offered for Greenville, Spartanburg, and several other parts of South Carolina. It supports local businesses and the coupons are quite good. It would make an excellent stocking stuffer! Ask around as many schools and non-profits sell this book as a fundraiser.
One of the benefits of living in the Upstate is that we’re sandwiched in between several cities that offer plenty of family fun activities–many of which are easily worth an hour or so of driving!
The Georgia Aquarium – We took our child to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta several years ago for his birthday and he still talks about it!
The Biltmore – An annual pass at the Biltmore includes not only admission to the house but also to the farm where kids can pet chickens and goats, the winery, and discounts on tickets to Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
The Biltmore
Dollywood – The beloved theme park is only three hours from Greenville and is fun for the whole family, especially during special holiday events like the nightly Christmas parade or the fall Pumpkinfest. Dollywood’s Splash Country is also amazing in the summer. Plus, preschoolers can get a free season pass! (Read our review!)
Anakeesta – Also in East Tennessee, this mountaintop village is just magical. The views are stunning and you can eat dinner or watch an outdoor movie overlooking the Smoky Mountains. They have seasonal events and offer year-round passes.
WNC Nature Center – Located in Asheville, the WNC Nature Center focuses on animals and plants in the southern Appalachian mountains. The center includes lots of shade, walkways, and natural playgrounds and is perfect for a day trip with little children.
Discovery Place – A hands-on science museum located in Charlotte
Ellaberry Llama Farm – This farm in Hendersonville is amazing. You can play with llamas!
Carowinds – A theme park located in Concord (Charlotte area) with tons of rides designed for their littlest visitors!
Hands On! Children’s Museum – A children’s museum located directly on Hendersonville’s charming Main Street, the Hands On! Children’s Museum has a target audience of children aged ten and under.
Mountain Play Lodge – An indoor play space for children in Arden that features two large climbing areas, complete with steps, multiple slides, and overhead tunnels with obstacles to climb over, around, and through.
Put down the bows and the gift wrap because there’s a new, prettier and more eco-friendly way to wrap your presents. Fresh greenery is the perfect gift accessory, and I’d like to see more of it! Here are some of the best greenery for gift wrapping and how you can use it to top off your presents.
As much as I love the holidays, I hate the wastefulness that can come from it. From faux Christmas trees and presents galore, Christmas has taken on a reputation for overconsumption and the idea that we always need more.
This is a major reason why I make almost all of my own gifts.Homemade gifts don’t have to look like they were made in your kitchen and be an impractical item that will just sit on display. No, they can look artisan-made and become a household essential!
When I make my homemade gifts, I also keep up with the theme by adding eco-friendly gift wrapping. Of course, being the crazy plant lady that I am, I often turn to my own garden for natural gift wrap. It’s one of the easiest, cheapest, and prettiest ways to dress up a present.
Let me tell you all my secrets about using greenery for gift wrapping.
One small clipping is all you need for big impact.
What Can I Use Instead of a Bow on a Present?
Clippings of greenery make for the ideal (and plastic-free) bow replacement. You can take clippings from the plants in your yard and tuck them into your gifts to instantly make them look good.
Yes, it really is that simple. It can save you a ton of time, especially for those last-minute wrappers or those who don’t have any gift wrapping supplies.
It can be as easy as clipping on a leaf to the present to tucking it in, or more complicated as creating mini wreaths, garlands, and posies to place on top.
Greenery is also a great way to wrap oddly shaped items. You can forgo the paper and tape and just add some greenery secured with jute twine to “wrap” your present.
High contrast against neutral backdrops creates the wow factor.
How to Use Greenery for Gift Wrapping
Wrap your gift in paper or a bag. Plain kraft paper and paper bags are great natural options and create a blank canvas for your greenery.
Select a neutral background.
Choose your stems or make posies. If you’re making small posie bouquets, choose a sturdy and large stem as the back and work your way up to the most delicate and small stems on top.
Play around with your clippings. Don’t be scared to trim and layer as needed.
Use string, jute twine, or ribbon to wrap around your gift at least once.
Tuck in the greenery in the center. The leaves should hold themselves around the ribbon just fine without the need for glue or tape.
No tape necessary!
Best Greenery for Gift Wrapping
While you may think of pine and spruce and all things evergreen for Christmas greenery, it can include a lot of other plants. Think beyond evergreens to also include broadleaf evergreens, herbs, flowers (dried and fresh), and other branches for your gift decorations.
When it comes to plant gift wrapping ideas, these are some of my go-to foliage for decorating:
Eucalyptus (silver dollar, seeded, and spiral eucalyptus are all good)
Ruscus
Olive branches
Cedar (an absolute favourite of mine for its longevity)
Holly (burford holly is less prickly than English holly)
Mistletoe
Euonymus
I have a complete list of all the greenery I use for decorating over on this post. This greenery can be used for wreaths, garlands, candle wreaths, and more décor beyond greenery for gift wrapping.
A single cedar leaf and a single bay leaf.
Using Berries as Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Berries are also some of the best natural gift wrap. Their vibrance alone is all you need to decorate a present, and you don’t need to combine it with anything else to get a pop of colour.
The contrast of white with these red wintergreen berries is stunning.
Here are some of my favourite berries to use as eco-friendly gift wrapping:
For your gift decorations, you want to avoid using anything that wilts instantly, so it’s best to stick to any of the greenery I list in this article. Avoid any fern, yew, and juniper for this reason.
I also avoid short-needled evergreenslike spruce or hemlock as greenery for gift wrapping since they lose needles quickly. Avoiding sharp needles, like blue spruce, is also a good idea since people will touch it when they unwrap the gift.
Boxwood is a popular decorative greenery, but I avoid it since it can have a stinky smell similar to cat urine, which is the opposite effect I’m going for with my gift wrapping. The variegated varieties tend to be less potent in smell.
Speaking of cats, also be considerate of your pets. If yours are anything like mine, they like to investigate the tree and the presents beneath it. It’s best to keep any greenery away from pets, especially those considered poisonous to them.
You can always try taking a few test clippings from your yard and seeing how they fare outside of water.
How to Make Your Greenery Last Longer
When you’re using greenery for gift wrapping, it’s best to do it last minute or a day or two beforehand to look fresh.
However, if you’re too busy and want it all done now, you can try to keep your greenery as fresh as possible.
Keep your plants in water until you’re ready to add them to your gift wrap.
After pruning or buying your greenery, you will want to condition the greenery before you use it. This means you’ll cut off ½-1 inch off the bottom with sharp clean pruners and place it in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows the whole stem to rehydrate and be in the best condition possible before you start taking smaller clippings to use as natural gift wrap.
You can also spray your clippings with anti-descant, like Crowning Glory. This spray will seal the pores in the needles and the bark, helping them to retain the moisture inside the boughs for longer.
Some greenery, like cedar, will last for weeks before it begins to dry out.
You might ask yourself, “Isn’t November 5 too early to be thinking about holiday shopping?” It’s a fair question, but when your job is to forecast beauty trends for all seasons, it’s never too early. That’s why I’m already thinking all about which beauty products should be at the top of your wish list this holiday season.
Below, I’ve curated the ultimate holiday gift guide for every beauty lover in your life. The picks range from luxe to extremely affordable, and they’re all from brands that are worth their salt. There’s something for everyone, spanning fragrance, haircare, skincare, and makeup. The best part? Everything is available on Amazon. Bookmark this page for all of your upcoming Black Friday shopping (we all know Amazon has the best Black Friday deals), and let the sale shopping begin. Many of these items already have great deals attached if you’re hoping to start your shopping a bit early, too.
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Sometimes, no matter how organized you are or how detailed your shopping plan is, you need a last-minute gift. You might have spaced on that one person. Or maybe you’ve been invited to a soiree or Secret Santa gift exchange on short notice. You may feel like those stockings need to be just a liiittle more stuffed. (There’s always room for one more thing!) Whatever the reason, there’s a quick and easy solution: gifts from Old Navy.
With presents at every price point, the reliable retailer is still chock-full of amazing finds, no matter if you’re shopping for kids, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or friends. Think plush crew socks they’ll love wearing with their festive jammies, classic cold-weather accessories in Fair Isle and plaid, and the coziest sherpa pieces, from cozy slippers to holiday PJs.
Trust, no one will be the wiser that these 20 gifts were last-minute buys. Grab ’em all, or just a few, and breathe a little easier knowing you’re still an A+ gift giver.
Now that the holidays are right around the corner (how did that happen?), I’ve been adamant about bookmarking, taking screenshots, and adding to cart every viable gift idea I come across in case it happens to work for one of the many friends, family, and coworkers on my list to shop for. So you can imagine that I’ve racked up a pretty impressive roster of the coolest gift ideas out there (I have pretty good taste if I must say).
If you’re also the type of shopper who says “I’ll buy one for myself, too” then I think you’ll appreciate this edit because I made it specifically with a little self-gifting in mind. If you ask me, you never need an occasion to treat yourself to something nice, but I’d say that the holidays and the end of another year are reasons enough. So as the cast of Parks and Rec would say, go ahead and treat yo’ self to one (or multiple) of the below 33 gift ideas in my cart. Because you deserve it.
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Can you believe November is already here? We sure can’t, but this brisk autumn month can only mean one thing: It’s time to start our search for the best advent calendars. From the outside, these boxes might look like, well, just boxes. But open them up and you’ll find a bunch of numbered compartments you can unlock each day leading up to Christmas. Some kick off at the beginning of December, while others start in the middle of the month. So whether you’ve been doing advent calendars since you were little or you’re a complete newbie, add a touch more joy and excitement to the holiday season with any of our top picks.
The options are truly endless when it comes to advent calendars these days. In fact, the selection seems to keep getting better and more innovative each year. This time around, there are plenty of classics, like cals from LEGO, Bonne Maman, and Godiva. Just make sure you don’t overlook the more unique options, like jewelry advent calendars and even a Japanese snack one. In terms of pricing, beauty and home advent calendars are definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum, while food and LEGO ones tend to be more affordable.
If they’re a fan of Jo Malone’s luxurious fragrances, this advent calendar contains mini and full-sized beauty essentials in a multitude of scents—from Ginger Biscuit to English Pear and Freesia.
Saks Fifth Avenue.
Saks Fifth Avenue is back with another beauty advent cal, and the only thing you need to hear is that it’s valued at $560 but costs $225 (!!).
La Mer.
Twelve days of La Mer sounds like a dream, so let the brand’s hydrating and nourishing formulas come to your skin’s rescue this winter.
Bobbi Brown.
Bobbi Brown is a household name in beauty, and this stunning ornament-shaped box holds a ton of the brand’s trusty makeup products.
Revolve.
Revolve’s beauty advent calendar is valued at $481, but you can order it now for just $150. Dr. Barbara Sturm, Charlotte Tilbury, and Peter Thomas Roth for that price tag? Snatch it up ASAP!
Peter Thomas Roth.
If there’s anything to splurge on for the holidays, it’s TikTok-viral skincare. Peter Thomas Roth has numerous notable formulas that are included in this advent cal.
Glasshouse Fragrances.
Candles, hand creams, shower gels, and body lotions, oh my! Glasshouse Fragrance’s 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar truly has it all. Let’s not forget its adorable packaging and illustrations, too!
Lancer Skincare.
If Sofia Richie loves a brand, so do we. The celeb has used Lancer Skincare products before, which can only mean it’s time to try it out for yourself with this 12-day cal.
Charlotte Tilbury.
Charlotte Tilbury has been one of the buzziest brands on TikTok and social media this year, so it’s only fitting that the MUA put together another beauty advent calendar this year. From the viral blush wand to the celeb-adored Magic Cream, your bathroom cabinet is about to be seriously stocked.
Best Food & Drink Advent Calendars
Bonne Maman.
Each year, shoppers seem to flock to Bonne Maman’s advent calendar, and with this good of a product lineup, the hype is understood. It comes with 23 fruit spread flavors and one honey, with new offerings such as Caramel with Cinnamon, Raspberry Chocolate, Pineapple with Ginger, and more.
Venchi.
You can’t go wrong with a chocolate-filled advent calendar, especially if you have a friend with a sweet tooth on your shopping list.
Neuhaus.
Make their countdown to Christmas that much richer with this Neuhaus cal. It houses 25 white, dark, and milk chocolate treats.
Godiva.
Give your chocolate-obsessed friend this Godiva advent calendar and they’ll be in sugar heaven this holiday season. I’ve got my eyes on the Mint Medallion.
Harry & David.
Harry & David is a classic site to order from during the holidays. This calendar’s packaging is so cute, but it’s what’s inside that really counts. Find truffles upon truffles, as well as mints, in this adorable box.
Vinebox.
For the friend or family member who’s always sipping something new, get them this wine advent calendar from Vinebox. They’ll get to taste selections from Italy, France, Spain, and California.
Bokksu.
We’ve called this one of the more unique options on this list because, quite frankly, it is! Have you ever seen an advent cal filled to the brim with Japanese snacks? We sure haven’t. They’ll have a blast unwrapping 20 different treats and four collectible holiday items, while also reading the culture guide that sheds light on each bite.
DAVIDsTEA.
Who doesn’t love a warm cup of tea during the winter? This DAVIDsTEA cal will introduce your giftee to so many yummy flavors, including festive ones like Candy Cane Crush, Sugar Pear Fairy, and Tinsel Toddy.
Bean Box.
Alternatively, if they’re more of a coffee enthusiast, give them their caffeine fix with this advent calendar from Bean Box. It features 12 curated holiday coffee blends that are sure to make this season merry and bright.
Best LEGO Advent Calendars
LEGO.
It doesn’t matter what age you are, LEGOs will always be fun to build and display. If they’re a total Star Wars guru, this 24-day advent cal is the perfect choice.
LEGO.
Visit the wizarding world with this Harry Potter LEGO advent calendar. They’ll get to play with their favorite characters, Harry, Hermoine, and Ron, plus a few others.
LEGO.
Calling all Marvel fans, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Captain America await you in this action-packed cal.
Best Home Advent Calendars
Voluspa.
If you have a friend who goes through candles like there’s no tomorrow, they’ll definitely appreciate this Voluspa advent calendar that houses 12 fragrances from the Japonica collection (think Spiced Pumpkin Latte and Santal Vanille). It even comes with a wick trimmer!
Diptyque.
Now we know $510 is a lot to spend on an advent cal, but hear us out. You get so many iconic fragrances from the brand, including Baies, Figuier, and Roses.
Galison.
If you want to get them an advent calendar that goes beyond chocolate goodies and skincare products, check out this puzzle cal. It lets them put together one puzzle a day for the 12 days of Christmas.
Happy Socks.
This Happy Socks advent calendar has your dad’s name written all over it. He shouldn’t be running low on socks after unwrapping 24 pairs from this playful cal.
The New Yorker.
This fun option will certainly keep them busy in the month leading up to Christmas thanks to 24 mini puzzles that are 100 (!!) pieces each.
Best Jewelry Advent Calendars
Swarovski.
You’re bound to know a Disney fanatic who will absolutely adore this Swarovski and Disney crossover. Now there aren’t a bunch of diamonds hidden in each compartment, but there are 22 ornaments, two necklaces, and a set of stickers.
Abbott Lyon.
Your giftee’s holiday ‘fits are about to seriously level up with the help of this jewelry advent calendar. They’ll enjoy getting blinged out with gold necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets that are valued at $605 (but only cost you $330).
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Every fashion-lover knows the importance of crafting the perfect ensemble. Oftentimes we look to our favorite street-style stars for a dose of inspiration when we’re lacking ideas. But if you’re feeling a little underwhelmed by your closet, fear not, because the holiday season (aka our favorite time of the year to shop!) is already inspiring our style-obsessed hearts to take our wardrobe game up a notch. While it’s still fairly early in the season, we’re eager to get a head start on all of our holiday shopping duties — and score on some seriously cool fashion gifts, of course.
In the spirit of the new season, we went ahead and did all of the hard work for you — aimlessly browsing through our favorite retailer’s sites and analyzing the season’s biggest fashion trends (basically not hard work at all) — and curated a guide for the absolute best fashion gifts to shop for the holidays. Whether you’re searching for gifts for someone who is into fashion or just scoping out some styling inspiration for your own wardrobe, we’ve crafted a list of the most splurge-worthy holiday gifts for fashion-lovers, with ideas that will have any fashionista channeling their inner street-style icon in no time.
Etsy shop “Science & Snark” takes gifting to the next level for science enthusiasts, scientists and science teachers.
SALEM, N.H., October 29, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– Science & Snark is the go-to Etsy shop destination for unique gifts tailored specifically for science lovers of all kinds—from casual enthusiasts to Ph.D. science professors. With a collection of handcrafted items that “drop some science knowledge” with an edgy twist, Science & Snark is changing the game in science-themed gift-giving.
Science enthusiasts and educators alike are often on the lookout for distinctive and meaningful gifts that reflect their passion for all things scientific. Science & Snark has answered this call with a wide range of creative products that cater to a diverse audience, from chemistry aficionados to biology buffs and physics enthusiasts but with a side of snark.
Founder and owner Becky Gallant, a retired elementary science enrichment teacher, started the unique Etsy shop because she “wished to raise awareness of the importance of scientific literacy while also having a little fun.” In addition, Gallant utilizes her shop’s unique offerings to stand up to social injustice with a science twist. “I feel it’s important to fight for and preserve the basic values that all humans deserve.”
Science & Snark offers an array of products designed to captivate and educate, including apparel, mugs, stickers, ornaments, blankets, and so much more. Currently, Gallant’s top-selling items are:
Dihydrogen Monoxide Warning Label
Data Science Holographic Sticker
The Elements of Inclusion T-shirt
As the holiday season approaches, Science & Snark is poised to become a destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind gifts for their loved ones who are passionate about science or for the dedicated science educators who shape young minds.
Discover the world of Science & Snark and browse their collection of unique science-inspired gifts on their Etsy shop at scienceandsnark.etsy.com.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Want to give a loved one a skillset this holiday season? As an entrepreneur, it’s tough to carve out time for super thoughtful gifts when working an average of 52 hours a week (per TeamStage) — so when one comes across your desk, it’s important to take notice.
If you’d give a thoughtful gift to a friend or family member with a green thumb, there’s now an app for that. And lucky for you, a lifetime subscription to the premium plan of Plantum AI Plant Identifier App can be yours for $14.97 (reg. $59), with no coupon code required, now through October 31.
Plantum lets anyone become a plant expert. This handy iOS app can be installed on a device and serve as your giftee’s very own digital botanist in their pocket. It embraces the power of AI to help you or a loved one identify more than 15,000 plant species.
And it goes way beyond naming plants; it also offers specific care advice as well. Enjoy timely reminders for specific care plans, watering schedules, soil selection and fertilizing help, and even temperature conditions. There’s even a light meter to measure sunlight so you can help find the perfect spot.
Ideal for total newbies to the plant world or more experienced gardeners who want to better understand their gardens, Plantum serves as a plant doctor and can help get to the bottom of plant diseases and recommend treatments to help save them. A plant care guide, a plant journal, and a plant encyclopedia are also fun perks that are included.
Give the gift of a green thumb with this lifetime subscription to Plantum AI Plant Identifier App for iOS for just $14.97 (reg. $59) now through October 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with no coupon code required.
When I was at Chanticleer Garden in Pennsylvania in September a lovely young woman walked up to me and introduced herself. She was working at the amazingly inspirational garden as an intern (and that is a great, hard-to-land gig, by the way). Well it turns out that she also happens to sell a fabulous leather tool belt. With several nice “pockets” for pruners, knives, a phone and other in-the-garden necessities, it also has a wide nylon waist strap, which I find to be more comfortable than a leather one. And you can’t beat the price.
A big, beautiful, high-quality pot is one of those things that a lucky recipient will have forever. They are classic and classy, and just about every gardener can use one. Seibert and Rice makes stunning, frostproof, Italian terracotta pots that will be used for decades to come. If you’re struggling to choose a style, I think you can’t go wrong with any of the rolled rim designs.
This blog started with my struggles with water wands and I’ve been trying just about every one on the market since then. And I’m happy to report that I now have two I quite like. The first is Dramm’s Professional Watering Wand in the 36-inch length, which you think you don’t need but you do. It works better for me with the 170 water breaker (that’s the smaller one that provides better flow, in my opinion). Thumb “volume” control is where it’s at.
The other is Hoselink’s water wand. This one is a bit thicker and has a fixed head that puts out a nice, soft flow. It has a bend to it that is odd at first and then suddenly seems very natural and practical. It comes with the Hoselink quick connect fitting attached and I recommend this one if you don’t want a longer length wand and you use the Hoselink Hose Reel.
OK, so the color of twine isn’t that important, but I do love black twine, which disappears in the garden when used for propping up gravity-afflicted plants. Nutscene Tin o’ Twine also has nice packaging, which is how garden twine can become a gift. I like that it lasts all season but can go in the compost to break down. 
If your recipient is all about practical, then it’s time to dispense with fancy and go fully functional. And that’s where this photo storage-turned seed storage system comes in. I’ve been using these (I have two) for years and they are the best for sheer practicality. 
Niwaki’s Crean Mate is a little block of magic. I’ve been told it’s a pumic stone, but it seems more magical than that. A Crean Mate and a little water cleans rust, sap and whatever the goo that ends up on pruners and other blades is. The Crean Mate is the first step in cleaning or sharpening my tools and I’d be lost without it. In fact, I just bought three more to stick in drawers all over the place. There is a regular size and the new mini, which I prefer because it’s easier to get into nooks and crannies.
When you read that subtitle you should read it as “THE” spade because as far as I’m concerned this is the end of the spade discussion. Another discussion is about how you should be using a spade and not a shovel for most of what you’re doing in the garden, but I’ll save that for another time. 
For as much as I love that spade, I probably use the Great Dixter Planting Spade even more. This is another Sneeboer tool and forgive me for raving about them, but they are just that good. These Dutch-made tools are hand-forged and meant to last. To know them is to love them. This little tool is like a mini spade, or maybe it’s a big trowel. It’s that in-between tool that turns out to be just right.
For gardeners who want to feel like a true badass in the garden, you can’t really beat a soil knife (aka hori hori). These are big blades that can do a lot: weed, plant, open bags, cut twine and fight of ninjas. I’ve tried a lot of hori horis and my favorite is the Deluxe Soil Knife. I find the plastic handle comfortable and the orange handle helpful for when you set it down and can’t find it. I think soil knives are much more useful than trowels, so to me this is a tool that should be one of the first in a new gardener’s kit.
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