I love buying people presents for Christmas, but when it comes to someone asking me what I would like for Christmas I come up short on ideas. I used to love the Oprah Show this time of year, because it was her “Favorite Things” episode, and color me green with envy when several of my friends were selected as military spouse recipients of Oprah’s Favorite Things two years ago. I decided to compile a list of not only my Favorite Things, but I asked some of my other writer friends to include a list of THEIR favorite things as well, because everyone knows that not everyone is a Marathon-Running-Star-Wars-Junkee-Author. If you are looking for last minute ideas for anyone on your list, look no further than Many Kind Regards: Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Slacker Shopper.
For the Homemaker:
Roomba:
Think of the Jetson’s maid combined with R2-D2 that vacuums, and you have a Roomba. This was Katie Foley’s pick for an in-home favorite last minute gift. Roomba’s and their sisters called Scooba’s assist busy people by vacuuming and scrubbing floors! I can schedule the Roomba to activate 7 days a week, and there are models designed to pick up dog hair. Roomba’s can retail between $350-700 depending on the features, strength of suction, capacity, and battery life.
Roombas can be purchased on-line on EBay; Walmart; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Amazon; Target; and Brick and Mortar stores as well.
Keurig K-Cup Coffee Maker:
I selected K-Cup by Keurig coffee maker as a favorite thing. Even though Keurig has now come out with a new coffee maker that gives you the option of making 4 cups of coffee. I feel that the K-Cup is a better deal! I’m not a “huge” coffee drinker, but appreciate the perfect cup of hot cocoa, and my husband loves coffee, but only makes 1 cup at a time. I purchased the one cup model versus the four cup model, because I can get much cheaper and higher quality 4-cup coffee makers. Right now, the Keurig K-Cup is $99.00 at most stores, and some of them (Walmart and Target) have added $10-20 gift cards with purchase. Throw in coffee as a stocking stuffer and you have a great new toy for the coffee lover in your house. The Keurig costs $99, and comes with 18 sample cups of coffee. The coffee itself is around $10-15 for a 12-pack of coffee, and coffee accessories range from $15-30 for K-Cup holders and cleaning modules.
I can get the Keurig at just about any store that sells housewares, and the coffees are available at most grocery stores.
Yankee Candles Scenterpiece:
I love candles, and I love Scentsy. I discovered these beauties a few months ago, and every time I go to the website or the store, they are sold out. Scenterpieces are just like Scentsy and other wax warmers, they have a built-in bulb that warms wax. The difference is, waxes are in plastic containers! This saves me the mess of melting wax, scraping it out of the warmer, and then putting another scented wax into the burner. The burners range in price from $19.99-34.99. The more expensive burners are larger, melt the wax faster, and many of them have timers that I can set for three, six, or nine hours. The scent cups run $4.99, and they last approximately 24 hours (burn time), but many of the stronger scents (cinnamon, spruce) last longer. One Scenterpiece makes my kitchen, living room, and dining room smell wonderful.
Available at: www.yankeecandle.com; Yankee Candle Stores (brick and mortar); and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Water Infuser:
The water infuser ball is the best invention since sliced bread, and it’s a cheap, easy stocking stuffer. It’s about the size of a tennis ball. Open it up, and put any fruits or vegetables inside the ball to “infuse” the water with flavor of your choice. Some of favorite flavors include limes, oranges, lemons, strawberries, and even cucumbers. It flavors up water without the added sugar or sugar replacements that sodas or juices contain. Also it can add vitamins to water making it more nutritious! The best part of it—it costs under $5.00!
These are available at most big box retailers.
Bath And Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Soaps:
I love these soaps. I usually pick them up in five for $15 deals during the holiday season. My son has autism and is immune-compromised, so I end up washing a LOT of hands. My hands don’t get dry, and the soaps smell wonderful. I love the seasonal smells, and they are perfect stocking stuffers along with soap sleeves or even candles.
Available at Bath and Body Works both brick and mortar stores, and on-line for around $3.00-5.00 per bottle, but watch for coupons.
For the Men:
Garmin 610 Watch:
My husband really wants this for Christmas. We both use our Garmin GPS watches to track pacing and distance with running. Unfortunately, the heart monitor version of the Garmin is quite large, and I didn’t really like the 410 or 610 watch. My husband says this is the perfect watch, and my male running friends agree. Garmin has a wonderful easy-to-use interactive website to journal your runs, and there are also accessories that allow you to run on a treadmill, and track the distance via a foot pod. Easy to use, lots of features, and great customer support make the Garmin a must have watch for any runner or active guy.
The Garmin is available at any sporting goods store, electronic store, Target, and Walmart. Retails for $200, but you can get it online for a little cheaper.
UnderArmor HeatGear Boot Socks (for the military guy):
These boot socks are the best! I wore them when I was active duty, as does my husband. They are breathable, and usually sold out at the BX. There are two varieties and thicknesses available for sale at clothing sales based on where you live—the thinner socks sell out the fastest. You can also get them online. The socks usually are on sale for $9.99 at AAFES or NEX, or online at UnderArmour.com.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase One: Avengers Assembled:
This collection is for the man in your life who loves comic books. This is the ultimate Marvel Comic Book movie collection. The collection includes “Thor,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Ironman 1 and 2,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and “The Avengers.” Individually the BluRays and DVDs retail for $19.99 to 24.99, the collection retails on Amazon.com for $119.00.
The movies are available at any big box retailer, or on as a set on Amazon.com.
Ken Follet Century Trilogy:
Ken Follet typically writes mysteries, spy adventures, and other similar genres. A few years ago he started writing several epic novels. Two of them were turned into award-winning miniseries on HBO. His latest epic novels were a trilogy of books called “The Century Trilogy.” The first book, “Fall of Giants,” begins at the turn of the century and during WWI. The second book, “Winter of The World,” follows the family lines of “Fall of Giants” into War World II. The final book, “Edge of Eternity,” starts near the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the beginning of the Cold War. These books are truly epic in nature. Both men and women will enjoy the books. My husband and I shared our set of them. The limited edition set retails for $119 on Amazon.com, but you can buy the hardcover editions for $25 per book.
Books are available for sale at any book seller, or online at Amazon.com, Barnesnoble.com, or they are available if you have a Book Nook, Kindle, or any personal reader.
Eddie Bauer Wool Lined Slippers
I bought these a few years ago for Christmas for my husband and he still has them. The bottoms are hardened, so you can wear them outside, or driving. My husband wore them on a road trip from Florida to MN. Though not waterproof, they are nice, warm, and durable.
Available online at Eddiebauer.com for $49.99 (pre-holiday sale)
Craftsman 3/8” Mach Drive Socket
I don’t know anything about tools, but my husband loves them. Every time Craftsman comes out with a new Drive Socket, or screw driver, it’s on his Christmas list. He begged for one for Christmas last year, and he uses it all the time. If you have a handy man husband that loves to have a collection of tools that he may, or may not need, this is the perfect tool for a gift. It retails normally for $49.99 at Sears, though it is on sale for $19.99
All Craftsman Tools are available at Sears or Sears.com.
For the Women:
FitBit Flex:
My mom and I both wanted one. I bought one for myself this summer to try it out and see if my mom would like it. Unlike the Garmin, FitBit Flex is a little more interactive with your friends. You can friend people from Facebook, Google Plus, or other social media, and compete throughout the week. You can set your step goal, and unlike the Garmin, FitBit will track ALL of your activity including the quality of sleep. The bands come in different colors, and it’s really easy to connect and set up an account. The online community includes menus, food lists, and an active forum for people of all activity levels. I love it so much I bought one for my daughter for Christmas.
Fitbit is available for $99.99 at various retailers (it was on Black Friday special for $69.99 at Walmart, so look for it come down in price after the New Year), accessories run between $15-25 for extra bands.
Running Skirts By Runningskirts.com:
These skirts come in every color imaginable, and every style imaginable! I love them. They do run small, so please be aware when you order one. The styles include briefs, dresses, golf skirts, and even maternity wear. They are perfect for Cross Fit, running, or just a sporty look around the town. I have a few that I wear for various races—including the Breast Cancer Marathon, Disney Marathon, and NYC marathon. The skirts are normally for sale at specialty running stores, online (fast shipping), or at race expos. They retail between $20 (clearance) and $73.
Athleta City Jogger Pants:
The non-yoga pants, yoga pants. I have two pairs of these pants from Athleta (a Gap Clothing subsidiary). They are elastic waist for when you eat too much Christmas cookies. Easy and comfortable to slip into while you are writing, my husband actually calls these pants my working pants. I feel comfortable enough to wear them out and about, or laying on the couch with the flu. These pants are fun to wear, comfortable, and a great gift. There are other brands, but Athleta is by far my favorite brand.
Athleta Jogger Pants retail at both Athleta.com or Athleta Brick and Mortar for $79.99 (online order ship QUICKLY).
Infinity Scarfs:
Available at just about every store that sells women’s clothing, infinity scarves are fun stylish and a great gift for women you have no clue on what to buy for them. They can range in price from $24.99 all the way up $100s of dollars depending on the brand and where you buy them (Nordstrom’s carries Juicy Couture infinity scarves for $80).
Scarves are available at stores where women’s clothing is sold, available in all colors and various thicknesses and materials. You can also purchase hand knitted ones on Etsy and other artisan retailers.
The New Black Ombre Nail Color Collection:
I am a nail polish girl. I paint my nails before every marathon. It is my special tradition. The New Black Ombre Nail Color Collection is WONDERFUL stocking stuffer. They are a sample size of a variety of related colors. You can paint one color, or a spectrum of colors. I have the “Rainbow” collection and “New Black Collection.” These nail polishes are available at Sephora and Sephora.com for $13.00.
Pandora Bracelet:
This bracelet is on my wish list for next Christmas. I purchased one for my niece with one charm on it, and now we can buy charms for her for each milestone she reaches as she gets into adulthood. The bracelets come in various materials, lengths, and price points. A sterling silver bracelet is around $50.00 for the bracelet, and gold bracelets can cost upwards of $200. The charms range in price from $25 to $200. There are other charm companies that have charms that are compatible with Pandora. You can get Pandora bracelets and charms at Pandora stores, Jared Jewelers, Nordstroms, and other retail jewelry stores.
Roomba:
Think of the Jetson’s maid combined with R2-D2 that vacuums, and you have a Roomba. This was Katie Foley’s pick for an in-home favorite last minute gift. Roomba’s and their sisters called Scooba’s assist busy people by vacuuming and scrubbing floors! I can schedule the Roomba to activate 7 days a week, and there are models designed to pick up dog hair. Roomba’s can retail between $350-700 depending on the features, strength of suction, capacity, and battery life.
Roombas can be purchased on-line on EBay; Walmart; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Amazon; Target; and Brick and Mortar stores as well.
Keurig K-Cup Coffee Maker:
I selected K-Cup by Keurig coffee maker as a favorite thing. Even though Keurig has now come out with a new coffee maker that gives you the option of making 4 cups of coffee. I feel that the K-Cup is a better deal! I’m not a “huge” coffee drinker, but appreciate the perfect cup of hot cocoa, and my husband loves coffee, but only makes 1 cup at a time. I purchased the one cup model versus the four cup model, because I can get much cheaper and higher quality 4-cup coffee makers. Right now, the Keurig K-Cup is $99.00 at most stores, and some of them (Walmart and Target) have added $10-20 gift cards with purchase. Throw in coffee as a stocking stuffer and you have a great new toy for the coffee lover in your house. The Keurig costs $99, and comes with 18 sample cups of coffee. The coffee itself is around $10-15 for a 12-pack of coffee, and coffee accessories range from $15-30 for K-Cup holders and cleaning modules.
I can get the Keurig at just about any store that sells housewares, and the coffees are available at most grocery stores.
Yankee Candles Scenterpiece:
I love candles, and I love Scentsy. I discovered these beauties a few months ago, and every time I go to the website or the store, they are sold out. Scenterpieces are just like Scentsy and other wax warmers, they have a built-in bulb that warms wax. The difference is, waxes are in plastic containers! This saves me the mess of melting wax, scraping it out of the warmer, and then putting another scented wax into the burner. The burners range in price from $19.99-34.99. The more expensive burners are larger, melt the wax faster, and many of them have timers that I can set for three, six, or nine hours. The scent cups run $4.99, and they last approximately 24 hours (burn time), but many of the stronger scents (cinnamon, spruce) last longer. One Scenterpiece makes my kitchen, living room, and dining room smell wonderful.
Available at: www.yankeecandle.com; Yankee Candle Stores (brick and mortar); and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Water Infuser:
The water infuser ball is the best invention since sliced bread, and it’s a cheap, easy stocking stuffer. It’s about the size of a tennis ball. Open it up, and put any fruits or vegetables inside the ball to “infuse” the water with flavor of your choice. Some of favorite flavors include limes, oranges, lemons, strawberries, and even cucumbers. It flavors up water without the added sugar or sugar replacements that sodas or juices contain. Also it can add vitamins to water making it more nutritious! The best part of it—it costs under $5.00!
These are available at most big box retailers.
Bath And Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Soaps:
I love these soaps. I usually pick them up in five for $15 deals during the holiday season. My son has autism and is immune-compromised, so I end up washing a LOT of hands. My hands don’t get dry, and the soaps smell wonderful. I love the seasonal smells, and they are perfect stocking stuffers along with soap sleeves or even candles.
Available at Bath and Body Works both brick and mortar stores, and on-line for around $3.00-5.00 per bottle, but watch for coupons.
For the Men:
Garmin 610 Watch:
My husband really wants this for Christmas. We both use our Garmin GPS watches to track pacing and distance with running. Unfortunately, the heart monitor version of the Garmin is quite large, and I didn’t really like the 410 or 610 watch. My husband says this is the perfect watch, and my male running friends agree. Garmin has a wonderful easy-to-use interactive website to journal your runs, and there are also accessories that allow you to run on a treadmill, and track the distance via a foot pod. Easy to use, lots of features, and great customer support make the Garmin a must have watch for any runner or active guy.
The Garmin is available at any sporting goods store, electronic store, Target, and Walmart. Retails for $200, but you can get it online for a little cheaper.
UnderArmor HeatGear Boot Socks (for the military guy):
These boot socks are the best! I wore them when I was active duty, as does my husband. They are breathable, and usually sold out at the BX. There are two varieties and thicknesses available for sale at clothing sales based on where you live—the thinner socks sell out the fastest. You can also get them online. The socks usually are on sale for $9.99 at AAFES or NEX, or online at UnderArmour.com.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase One: Avengers Assembled:
This collection is for the man in your life who loves comic books. This is the ultimate Marvel Comic Book movie collection. The collection includes “Thor,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Ironman 1 and 2,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and “The Avengers.” Individually the BluRays and DVDs retail for $19.99 to 24.99, the collection retails on Amazon.com for $119.00.
The movies are available at any big box retailer, or on as a set on Amazon.com.
Ken Follet Century Trilogy:
Ken Follet typically writes mysteries, spy adventures, and other similar genres. A few years ago he started writing several epic novels. Two of them were turned into award-winning miniseries on HBO. His latest epic novels were a trilogy of books called “The Century Trilogy.” The first book, “Fall of Giants,” begins at the turn of the century and during WWI. The second book, “Winter of The World,” follows the family lines of “Fall of Giants” into War World II. The final book, “Edge of Eternity,” starts near the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the beginning of the Cold War. These books are truly epic in nature. Both men and women will enjoy the books. My husband and I shared our set of them. The limited edition set retails for $119 on Amazon.com, but you can buy the hardcover editions for $25 per book.
Books are available for sale at any book seller, or online at Amazon.com, Barnesnoble.com, or they are available if you have a Book Nook, Kindle, or any personal reader.
Eddie Bauer Wool Lined Slippers
I bought these a few years ago for Christmas for my husband and he still has them. The bottoms are hardened, so you can wear them outside, or driving. My husband wore them on a road trip from Florida to MN. Though not waterproof, they are nice, warm, and durable.
Available online at Eddiebauer.com for $49.99 (pre-holiday sale)
Craftsman 3/8” Mach Drive Socket
I don’t know anything about tools, but my husband loves them. Every time Craftsman comes out with a new Drive Socket, or screw driver, it’s on his Christmas list. He begged for one for Christmas last year, and he uses it all the time. If you have a handy man husband that loves to have a collection of tools that he may, or may not need, this is the perfect tool for a gift. It retails normally for $49.99 at Sears, though it is on sale for $19.99
All Craftsman Tools are available at Sears or Sears.com.
For the Women:
FitBit Flex:
My mom and I both wanted one. I bought one for myself this summer to try it out and see if my mom would like it. Unlike the Garmin, FitBit Flex is a little more interactive with your friends. You can friend people from Facebook, Google Plus, or other social media, and compete throughout the week. You can set your step goal, and unlike the Garmin, FitBit will track ALL of your activity including the quality of sleep. The bands come in different colors, and it’s really easy to connect and set up an account. The online community includes menus, food lists, and an active forum for people of all activity levels. I love it so much I bought one for my daughter for Christmas.
Fitbit is available for $99.99 at various retailers (it was on Black Friday special for $69.99 at Walmart, so look for it come down in price after the New Year), accessories run between $15-25 for extra bands.
Running Skirts By Runningskirts.com:
These skirts come in every color imaginable, and every style imaginable! I love them. They do run small, so please be aware when you order one. The styles include briefs, dresses, golf skirts, and even maternity wear. They are perfect for Cross Fit, running, or just a sporty look around the town. I have a few that I wear for various races—including the Breast Cancer Marathon, Disney Marathon, and NYC marathon. The skirts are normally for sale at specialty running stores, online (fast shipping), or at race expos. They retail between $20 (clearance) and $73.
Athleta City Jogger Pants:
The non-yoga pants, yoga pants. I have two pairs of these pants from Athleta (a Gap Clothing subsidiary). They are elastic waist for when you eat too much Christmas cookies. Easy and comfortable to slip into while you are writing, my husband actually calls these pants my working pants. I feel comfortable enough to wear them out and about, or laying on the couch with the flu. These pants are fun to wear, comfortable, and a great gift. There are other brands, but Athleta is by far my favorite brand.
Athleta Jogger Pants retail at both Athleta.com or Athleta Brick and Mortar for $79.99 (online order ship QUICKLY).
Infinity Scarfs:
Available at just about every store that sells women’s clothing, infinity scarves are fun stylish and a great gift for women you have no clue on what to buy for them. They can range in price from $24.99 all the way up $100s of dollars depending on the brand and where you buy them (Nordstrom’s carries Juicy Couture infinity scarves for $80).
Scarves are available at stores where women’s clothing is sold, available in all colors and various thicknesses and materials. You can also purchase hand knitted ones on Etsy and other artisan retailers.
The New Black Ombre Nail Color Collection:
I am a nail polish girl. I paint my nails before every marathon. It is my special tradition. The New Black Ombre Nail Color Collection is WONDERFUL stocking stuffer. They are a sample size of a variety of related colors. You can paint one color, or a spectrum of colors. I have the “Rainbow” collection and “New Black Collection.” These nail polishes are available at Sephora and Sephora.com for $13.00.
Pandora Bracelet:
This bracelet is on my wish list for next Christmas. I purchased one for my niece with one charm on it, and now we can buy charms for her for each milestone she reaches as she gets into adulthood. The bracelets come in various materials, lengths, and price points. A sterling silver bracelet is around $50.00 for the bracelet, and gold bracelets can cost upwards of $200. The charms range in price from $25 to $200. There are other charm companies that have charms that are compatible with Pandora. You can get Pandora bracelets and charms at Pandora stores, Jared Jewelers, Nordstroms, and other retail jewelry stores.
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