Dusti's Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide
*This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. Prices and discounts mentioned were accurate at time of posting and may change on Amazon at a later date.
The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to show our love through thoughtful gifts. But, some people are harder to shop for than others. Right? Our handpicked Christmas gift guide for 2023 is filled with treasures (and some laughs) that promise to delight and warm the hearts of your family and friends. From the latest trending stuff for Mom to creative toys for the young ones to the guy who has everything, discover the perfect presents for everyone on your list.
Gifts for Kids and Teens:
Gaga Ball Pit: Both G & T have begged for one this year. Gaga ball only seems to get more and more popular by the day. Apparently there’s even a Gaga Ball league… who knew? It’s already in Santa’s sleigh, though! It can’t hurt to encourage active play and friendly competition with a Gaga Ball Pit. It’s the gift that brings the excitement of the playground into your backyard, creating a hub for children to enjoy and engage in physical activity, laughter, and fun. And I don’t know about anyone else’s kids… but mine are obsessed. They are also outgrowing that swing set and fort we bought when they were 4. This seems like a good transition into the dreaded pre-teen/tween years.
Airplane Launcher Toys: This one is Tav’s pick. What little boys doesn’t like a good toy airplane, especially one that actually kind of flies? Take to the skies with this vibrant airplane launcher toy. Each launch is an adventure as kids watch their planes soar and glide, igniting their imaginations and fostering a love for aerodynamics and physics. If you have a little boy in your life that loves planes and launching stuff, this is the one. Picked by a kid himself.
Remote Control Stunt Car: Another Tav pick. Full disclosure: If you are my Sister-in-Law… don’t show my Nephew. When I asked Tav what he wanted to get his cousin for Christmas, he was adamant this was THE gift to get. I think he may have been hoping that mom would buy more than one and that one would magically find it’s way under our tree this year… but the jury is still out on that one. Unleash the thrill of the race with a remote control stunt car that flips, spins, and zips through any terrain. It’s a gift that will get hearts racing and showcase the excitement of engineering and control.
Kids Karaoke Microphone: This one came as a surprise, but it was also a favorite of Tav’s. As he tenderly told me, “I have wanted one of these for years!” I had to dig deeper, because he’s only 7 and I’d never heard him mention it. But he DOES love to sing… so long as no one acknowledges that he IS in fact singing. (Don’t ask me… I don’t get it, either.) Either way, he proceeded to tell me he has wanted one, “Ever since he saw the one “J” has” (my bestie’s daughter that he’s had a crush on since he was 4). That visit was over 2 years ago and he apparently is still pining over this thing. So if you have a little singer in your midst, this might be the one to get them. Give the gift of music and performance with a kids’ karaoke microphone. It’s a perfect way for little stars to shine, turning living rooms into stages for endless entertainment. Not a bad gift for less than $20.00. (Currently has a $2.00 coupon.)
Smart Game Watch for Kids: This smart game watch is an all-in-one wonder for tech-savvy kids. With games, a camera, and even a pedometer, it’s a wrist-worn gadget that keeps them engaged and learning. But if I am being really honest, it’s a stand in for the techy kid that you aren’t quite ready to let have access to the internet yet. It’s also a good way to teach them to take care of a real watch without breaking the bank. It has a touch screen, video camera, and a couple dozen games already on it as well as a few other really cool features. Comes in a variety of colors, too. It’s currently also got a 10% off coupon that is applied at check out.
Walkie Talkies for Kids: Adventure awaits with a set of durable walkie-talkies. They’re a playful way to encourage outdoor exploration and communication, making every backyard a new discovery land. And by “backyard” here in a lot of places in AZ, that means a lot of open desert or riding bikes through the neighborhood 9 months out of the year. This one is good for allowing them to communicate with you in the house or a friend or sibling they are playing with outside. I also like the paracord bracelets with the compass so they can learn how to use these things young. I am all about survival skills for everyone, kids included. And this is a good first skill set in my humble opinion.
Friendship Bracelet Making Kit: This one is for the kids who’ve always seemed to have a side hustle since day one. For the child who loves to create, this bracelet making kit is a treasure trove. It’s not just about crafting; it’s about creating connections, one woven bracelet at a time. But if we are being really honest here, have you ever known a kid who likes these to not eventually try to sell them? Last I looked, these were going fast at 48% off for less than $20.00. I’d try to snag one. They are a pretty good deal.
Kids Makeup Kit: Do you know a little girl who is 6 going on 16? This one is for the favorite little diva in your life. (You know… the one you are secretly afraid of? Yeah, that one.) This kids’ makeup kit is a dream for little ones who love to play dress-up. Safe, washable, and just plain fun, it offers a world of creativity at their fingertips. I think my mom would have preferred my play make-up as a kid have come with it’s own little tote to keep it from laying around loose all over with no real way to store it. I’m a boy mom, though. So I am just guessing here. But it’s pretty cool looking. I’ll give it that. And it’s not badly priced, either.
Don’t Do Stupid Sh*t Keychain: Sometimes, the best gifts are those that come with a smile… or a reminder. This keychain is a cheeky reminder from Mom to make wise choices, even when she’s not around. This one is great for both the teen that just got their license, the one going off to college, or even the one that you just feel needs the reminder more than others. (You know which one they are… And so do they).
For the Adults Who Appreciate Practicality and Humor:
Bug-A-Salt Shooter: This is Mom’s pick. (Yes, that’s me). Perfect for the person with a quirky sense of humor, the Bug-A-Salt Shooter turns annoying pests into a chance for target practice. It’s a fun and eccentric way to deal with flies with a pinch of salt and a blast of fun. What can I say? I live in Arizona and a lot of our bugs are totally willing to try to unalive me. And quite frankly, I just have been bitten a time too many to want to allow certain things to live rent-free in my home. And since burning my house down would be frowned upon, I find this a reasonable compromise. I also don’t have anything to worry about if my kids get a hold of it. It’s a win-win. Five stars. Highly recommend.
Insulated Stanley Tumbler: This is another Mom’s pick, obviously. For those who are always on the move, this insulated Stanley tumbler is a stylish and practical gift that just so happens to have become incredibly popular after going viral earlier this year. It keeps drinks at the ideal temperature, whether it’s a steamy coffee or a cool iced tea, making it a must-have accessory for any season. My favorite part is the handle and the fact that it fits in the cup holder in my car. I know, I know… Realtor problems. But I could totally see the soccer and other sports moms who are constantly rocking the carpool vibes getting a lot of use out of it as well. It comes in a ton of colors so you can get her something that is both useful and pretty. And let’s face it… it’s AZ. It’s kind of important to not leave the house without some water most of the year.
Car Trunk Organizer: Do you have a Realtor in your life that constantly has crap rolling around all over the back of their car? *cough, cough – me – cough* Help your friends tackle the chaos of a cluttered car with a trunk organizer. It’s a thoughtful gift for the busy bees in your life, turning their trunk into a haven of organization and calm. Or at the very least not a driving safety hazard. This one has a 10% off coupon right now if you buy 2 or more.
Chaos Coordinator Mug: Let’s face it. Our kids are likely the reason most teachers drink. Unfortunately, sending Mrs. Stevens a bottle of wine on the last day before Christmas break is frowned upon in most schools. Celebrate the teachers’ daily triumphs with a mug that’s as witty as it is useful. It’s a daily reminder of their incredible ability to manage the beautiful chaos of teaching. As a former teacher, I can tell you most teachers who have been at it for 3 yrs or more are already starting to gain a rather random and boring mug collection. I like this one because of the lid and insulated feature to keep hot things hot and cold things cold. As a bonus, I would include a gift card to your teacher’s favorite coffee shop, Amazon, or a plain old Visa gift card. Teachers are tired of fighting with the admin to get more dry erase markers. A little gift card to buy more without having to do paperwork or being rationed is a leisure for some. But also, what your favorite teacher puts in the mug at home is none of our business. [As of this post, the mug is 10% off… score!]
Mom’s Last Nerve Candle: This candle is a little wink to the superhero moms, acknowledging the daily juggling act they perform. It’s a humorous nod to the patience they show, promising a well-deserved break and a scent that soothes the soul. It also let’s you set Mom’s last nerve ablaze… you know… in case you are feeling lucky. This one actually has several different options for each woman in your life. Go ahead… make someone’s day. (WARNING: Do NOT make this Mom’s one and only gift. It should really just be one of a few nice gifts that actually show her you care. Or better yet, just a stocking stuffer. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
For the Guys & Dads with “Refined” Tastes:
Jerky Gift Basket: For the guy who likes snacks. You know… the one you’re obligated to get a stocking stuffer for, but who won’t eat the chocolate Santas? Yeah, that guy. For the snack lovers, a jerky gift basket is a savory delight. High in protein and packed with flavor, it’s a snack that’s both satisfying and delicious. And let’s face it: what guy doesn’t love getting a bunch of snacks? I think this one makes a pretty nice stocking stuffer, if I may say so myself. Also, know someone on a high protein/low carb diet? They’ll appreciate this one, too.
Grilling Spice Set: Mom’s pick… for Dad. Do you have a guy who loves to grill… but equally loves to try new recipes? This one is for that guy. Transform any dad into a grill master with a set of 20 different gourmet spices. It’s a gift that spices up life beyond the kitchen, turning every BBQ into a feast of flavors. And by that I mean you’ll cut down on the questionable concoctions he comes up with that haven’t been tried before and cut down on inedible mistakes.
Multi-Tool Hammer: For the Dad who lost the last multi-tool you got him. This isn’t just any tool; it’s the swiss army knife of hammers for the dad who can fix anything. (Or at least the guy who thinks he can.) It’s a gadget that tells him you recognize and appreciate his handiness and resourcefulness. But if we are being really honest, he probably really did lose the first one you got him. So I found you this one, that as of the writing of this blog, has a pretty good deal going. My favorite aspect of this one is the hammer. It’s not something you see on a lot of multi-tools… yet seems to be the one thing I wind up needing more than anything else.
Survival Gear Kit: For the adventurous guy, a survival gear kit is the ultimate companion. Whether he’s camping, hiking, or simply being the family’s hero, this kit ensures he’s always prepared. But if we are being really honest, this is something everyone probably should be keeping in their car in case they break down on the side of the road with no service or no phone battery left. I also highly recommend this one for avid hikers and outdoorsmen and women. Getting stuck with no way to call for help would not be a first in human existence. And being able to free yourself or create a basic shelter in an emergency is invaluable. I personally love the fact that it has it’s own case so you can keep all of this from rolling around loose and lost in the bottom your car’s console. This currently has a 20% off coupon making it just shy of $30.00. If you are buying 2 or more, you can currently get an additional 5% of by entering the code on the Amazon check out page.
Each present in our guide is selected with love and a desire to bring happiness to those who receive them (and maybe even those who give them). This Christmas, let’s spread joy with gifts that don’t break the bank, tell a story, and bring us closer to the ones we cherish. Merry Christmas and happy gifting!
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