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gift ideas

Gift Ideas Galore

December 7, 2017 by 35 Comments

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but finding gifts for all the folks on your list can be a challenge. To make it easier on myself, I keep a running list on my phone of gift ideas for family and friends. As I think of things throughout the year that a particular person would need or want, or as people mention items they would like to have, I write them down. It makes holiday gift giving so much easier! Here are a few of my best suggestions:

Something Homemade

Every year, Mr. Handsome and I make small, homemade gifts for our family members and close friends, often in addition to larger presents. Ideas that we have done in the past include: homemade BBQ sauce (from my Buffalo Wild Wings Style Wings recipe), jars of apple butter–using our recipe, homemade scarves, paintings, and Christmas wreaths (tutorial coming soon).

Something Practical

One way to come up with winning gift ideas is to think of what the people in your life really need. Maybe it’s a digital compass because they recently bought a car that doesn’t have one and have discovered they can’t live without it (my mother-in-law). Or perhaps all the fry pans in their kitchen are hand-me-downs from your husband’s bachelor days, and every time you visit their house, you feel bad for passing down peeling Teflon pans (my brother-in-law). And how about that person who is missing half their measuring cups, or doesn’t have a non-rusted cheese grater, or minces garlic by hand because they haven’t yet discovered a garlic press? The possibilities are endless, but if you can think of something that someone desperately needs, you’ll be a gift-giving hero!

Give the Gift of Safety

Last year, my brother and his wife gave everyone vehicle emergency kits. What a great idea! You can purchase them at your local auto parts store. Some of the must-have items include a first-aid kit, a tire gauge, jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries, and a combo seatbelt cutter and window breaker–which should be kept within reach of the driver’s seat.

Coffee

Any coffee lovers out there? Several weeks ago, I was perusing the home goods aisles at TJ Maxx and came across a section of coffee. The smell was divine! It just so happens that Mr. Handsome’s grandmother is a huge coffee drinker. Her favorite quote is, “Why drink water when you can drink coffee?” So I chose a bag of beans for her Christmas gift. One thing to remember is that some people don’t have a coffee grinder. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, and buy pre-ground coffee.

Can you think of any gift ideas that I haven’t mentioned? Go ahead and share them as a comment, as I’m sure we could all use more suggestions.

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: apple butter, BBQ sauce, Christmas, Christmas wreaths, coffee, garlic press, gift ideas, homemade gifts, TJ Maxx, vehicle emergency kit

Gift Ideas for Musicians

December 18, 2016 by 12 Comments

 Mr. Handsome and me in 2013 (scroll down to find out where this photo was taken)

What did you think of Mr. Handsome’s “Gift Ideas for Your Outdoorsman” guest post? (Click here to read.) Well he has one more to share with y’all.

As you have seen from his YouTube videos (“Silent Night” on guitar, “Away in a Manger” on guitar, “Flash Flood” on banjo, “Come Thou Fount” on guitar, and “Amazing Grace” on an antique violin from the 1700s) he is quite musical. So that’s how he came up with the idea for this post:

Gift Ideas for the Musician in Your Life

Do you know anyone who enjoys playing music? Does a list of quick and easy gift ideas for musicians sound like music to your ears? These ideas are sure to speed up the tempo of your holiday shopping.

Tuner:
Every musician I have ever known (including myself) has trouble keeping track of tuners. You can buy a simple one that just does tuning or a complex one that has a metronome and different settings for tuning different instruments. If he’s technologically savvy, purchase a tuning app for his smart phone.

Engraved guitar strap (or other instrument strap):
A local leather worker should be able to make an awesome leather instrument strap with your musician’s name engraved in it, or you can order one online. A personalized instrument strap is something she will cherish every time she sits down to practice.

Band merch:
Does your music enthusiast have a favorite band? (I can probably guess the answer to that question…) Most bands have shirts, hats, scarves, and other merchandise that any fan will love.

Music lessons:
If your musician is a beginner or intermediate, she will appreciate a gift that helps her improve her craft. In-person music lessons from a local musician are always great, but in the age of the internet, students can also earn from the comfort of their home. For example, a subscription to artistworks.com would make a great gift. For $30 a month, she can watch videos of some of the greatest musicians in the world and learn their tricks of the trade.

Concert tickets:
Concerts can be quite expensive, but if your musician’s favorite band is coming to town and tickets are within your budget, it is sure to be a night he will always remember.

Speakers/headphones:
Musicians like good music, but they like to listen to their music through good speakers. Speakers come in all levels of quality and price. (Visit your local music shop or electronics store for more information.)

Studio monitors give the best quality sound and truest representation of what the artist recorded. (KRK speakers are a great option.) You have to be decently tech savvy to set them up, but with a little patience and research, you’ll be able to figure it out. If your musician enjoys listening to music through an iPod or mp3 player, high quality studio headphones would also make a great gift.

Music:
You have probably already thought of this, but a CD of your musician’s favorite band is always a great option. If you don’t know what bands she likes, just purchase a gift card to iTunes or Spotify.

Food:
If your musician is an aspiring professional musician in Nashville, he is probably struggling just to get by. So buy him some food, or treat him to dinner. (Okay, that’s a joke, but honestly, anyone would enjoy a nice meal at their favorite restaurant.)

Do you have other great gift ideas for musicians? Let us know in the comment section below.

If you’re wondering where the above photo came from, it’s a throwback to 2013 (before we were engaged). Through mutual friends, we were able to visit the Lucas Mansion, an estate located in Carmel, Indiana, and owned by Forrest Lucas (Lucas Oil products, Inc., founder and owner of the naming rights to the Indiana Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium). We took the opportunity to snap a few pictures.

Filed Under: Money Saving Tips Tagged With: antique violin, Away in a Manger, concert tickets, engraved guitar strap, Forrest Lucas, gift ideas, Indiana Colts, leather instrument strap, Lucas Mansion, Lucas Oil Products, Lucas Oil Stadium, music lessons

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Meet Ellie

Mr. Handsome and I married six years ago and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Between recipes, photos from our travels, money saving tips, DIY suggestions, post about our daily life with our son, and more, our lifestyle blog features a little bit of everything. Read More…

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