Christmas Ideas Gift Series #5 - Fun Ideas for Everyone

This is the last in my mini series of posts on Christmas gift ideas.  I had fun looking back through Christmases   Past, and remembering some of our families favorites.  This year I am purchasing gifts mostly for teenagers and adults.  Some of the best gifts are handmade, my sister once surprised me with the most lovely hand crocheted afghan, that was a treat!  I also enjoy practical gifts, like new items for my kitchen or a new specialty pan.  Today I thought I would share some fun ideas for everyone.  You can follow my Amazon affiliate links for more information.

What's Under the Tree?

#1- Books- This is one of my favorite categories, I love giving and receiving books.  This is a fun time to gift a beautiful boxed set, or a beautiful coffee table book.

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen: Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Lady Susan (The Heirloom Collection)

Just in time for the movie release of The Hobbit!

J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (Movie Tie-in): The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King

I loved this book! Full of wonderful inspirations and even some yummy recipes.

Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Style

#2- Movies- DVDs can be a nice treat, classic action movies beautiful nature videos, and of course you might have to do a bit of scouting to see if they already own the DVD, or to find out a new favorite to surprise them with.

Here are some of our favorites.

Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series

I love a good Poirot or Miss Marple Mystery!

Agatha Christie Poirot: Definitive Collection

Turner Classic Movies has a nice selection of classics on DVD, plenty to pick from!

TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Comedy (Arsenic and Old Lace / A Night at the Opera / The Long Long Trailer / Father of the Bride 1950)

#3- First Aid Kits and Flashlights- I love practical gifts, you can never have too many flashlights and it is always nice to have an extra first aid kit for on the go.  The fun little LED flashlights make wonderful stocking stuffers as well.

Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit

MAGLITE GX01016 Lite Pack 3-Cell D Flashlight and 2-Cell AA Mini Flashlight

#4- Cookies- If you are a baker, a nice gift is a tray of cookies, my mother and grandmother used to send out the most beautiful boxes and trays of cookies to their family and friends, I love making up a few boxes and trays every year my self.  You can line Christmas gift boxes with wax paper for an inexpensive way to deliver your cookies or you can find pretty tin trays in the store.  Here are my Christmas Cookie posts from last year. Part 1  and  Part 2.

Here is a cute tray from Amazon that would be fun to put cookies on.

Dr. Seuss The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Tin Serving Tray New Gift

#5- Tools- Another practical selection, tools are always nice to give, especially for younger families who need to build their tool supply.

Stanley 94-248  65-Piece General Homeowner's Tool Set

#6- Blankets  I love giving nice cozy blankets as gifts and often pair them up with hot cocoa and a book.

Northpoint Cuddly Regal Microsherpa Throw, Chocolate

#7 - Gift Baskets- I love making gift baskets, you can make them themed, like Italian Dinner, or Movie Night, or Relaxing Spa, etc.  It is fun to gather up a bunch of goodies and arrange them in a basket.

Oval Willow Basket with Fabric Lining and Double Drop-down Handles

#8- Gift Certificates and Gift Cards- I think Gift Cards are fun, there are choices for every age and interest, and it can be very fun to pick out your own gift.  I do like to personalize them a bit though, wrap them with a special candy or other small gift so they still have something to enjoy right away.

Amazon.com Gift Cards - In a Greeting Card - Free One-Day Shipping

#9- Hand made or locally made items- there are some amazing crafters out there, making all sorts of wonderful items that might make the perfect gift.  I love to visit local craft fairs as well as Etsy.com.  There are always such beautiful ornaments and other goodies.

#10- Lastly- I cannot forget our four legged friends- our two labs provide up with so much love and entertainment- we all enjoy buying them goodies for under the tree and their stocking.  We always include their favorite treats as well as a new toy or two.

This Nylabone stick is something I am considering.

Nylabone DuraChew Hollow Stick Bacon, Wolf

Back before we realized my son was allergic to cats, the cats we had loved these play mice, and would play with them for hours.

20 x Cat Toy Realistic Fur Mice

These are out dogs favorite treats, they have never grown tired of these goodies, perfect sized little treat.  They would love finding this under the tree!

Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats, 40 oz.

I am looking forward to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I am eager to start watching Christmas Specials and singing carols with the family, as well as finish up my gift purchasing.  When do you begin your Christmas shopping and decorating?