It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that means ’tis the season for gift giving! If you’re like the majority of folks that means you’re suddenly in a panic and need to start snagging gifts for those special people in your life. 😳 Well, here to save the day are a few of my favorites this year! Hope you enjoy this 2021 holiday gift guide!

Let’s start with something fun and silly…

A Family Gift: Since I have an almost-5-year-old that collapses into a fit of giggles at all things poop 💩 I knew I needed this as soon as I saw it! Just imagine her delight when she gets to yell “Poooop!” Instead of ‘Bingo.’ *Bonus*, it’s actually educational – you learn a little too! (Don’t tell the kids lol.)

A Cozy Throw for Almost Anyone: I just adore these cozy, playful throws and I bet there is someone in your life that will too! They just make me smile! There is one lucky recipient this year that will be receiving one of these from me and the hardest part was choosing a color!

 

Stocking Stuffer: Nothing says “Oh What Fun!” better than a pair of glow-in-the-dark socks! In fact, socks of all kinds are great gifts! They can mark a milestone, reflect the wearers’ personality, be cheeky, or just be a beautiful, colorful addition to someone’s wardrobe (those last ones are locally made in Bellingham!)!

 

The Gift of Relaxation: I could not pass up these beautifully packaged bath fizzers, they just make me so happy! It’s the perfect small gift for someone that enjoys soaking in the bathtub (especially if they completed a beautiful bathroom remodel in 2021!). Partner it with a babysitting gift certificate for that any busy mom or dad in your life and they’ll *definitely* put you on Santa’s “nice” list!

Speaking of New Parents: Know anyone that welcomed a baby in 2021? They’ll already be inundated with lots of adorable baby clothes and toys so instead of adding to the chaos, why not lighten the load with service-based gifts? Here are a few ideas that would be greatly appreciated by new parents:

• Offer to babysit so parents can escape for a night of adulting. They may not be ready to leave their precious cargo with a stranger, but they *will* need a break so having a trusted friend or family member offer to babysit can be the greatest gift!
• Give them a gift certificate for a house cleaning service. Most new parents are surviving on minimal sleep, and the last thing they have the energy to do is clean the house!
• Get them a Grub Hub or Door Dash gift certificate. New parents are so focused on feeding the baby they forget to feed themselves! A gift like this means that at the push of a button, mom and dad can have a hot meal delivered to the door. So easy!

Quality Time with Your Bestie: This one’s a gift for YOU and your best friend! Travel down the rabbit hole with your favorite pal with “The Alice – An Immersive Cocktail Experience!” You get to enjoy an interactive show, sip a few craft cocktails, and solve some riddles. Snow much fun!

 

Quality Time for Everyone! This makes the list every single year because there is nothing more special than spending time with loved ones! Here are a few festivities that would make for some special memories:

Wild Lanterns: Last year Woodland Park Zoo introduced “WildLanterns,” a lantern festival that took the place of their normal light display. I took my nephew and nieces as their 2020 Christmas gift… and they loved it! It’s no surprise that the zoo is bringing back this impressive event again this year!

Jurassic Quest: I did this one a few years back and it was pretty amazing! Experience the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic Periods at this interactive dinosaur event. The small people in your life will be sure to love it!

Santa Train: Join Santa and his elves on a 2-hour holiday excursion on antique coaches. The train ride not only goes past Snoqualmie Falls, you also get to visit a seasonally decorated Train Shed Exhibit Hall, explore exhibits, visit Santa in the restored Chapel Car, tour a Weyerhaeuser Caboose, and participate in seasonal children’s craft. It sells out quickly but they also have a shorter 25 minute Yuletide Express in case you miss the window this year.

Snowflake Lane: Knock out some shopping in Bellevue Square and take a break for this *free* parade! After taking a break last year (dumb Covid) they are bringing it back – yea!! Falling snow, floats, twinkling lights, and festive music are sure to lift the spirits of ALL that attend. Side note: It does get crowded, so to ensure the best seats (standing room!) arrive early for the best views of the parade!

A Candlelight Concert: Immerse yourself in the ambiance of an intimate candlelight concert with a string quartet and vocalist performing Holiday classics (and other options if holiday music isn’t your jam.) There are many options to choose from for a special night out – I went to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons a few months back and it was beautiful!

 

For Someone Special: I had one of these made earlier in the year as a Fathers Day gift for my husband and he loved it! Engraved with a special message and a special photo, your loved one will carry this with them for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still Stuck? There’s always the Thinking-Of-You gift for any coffee/cocoa/tea drinker: I have a slight addiction to holiday coffee mugs (or any mug for that matter) and I know I am not alone. I’ve rounded up a few mugs that you could easily fill with the recipient’s favorite candy to give a cup of cheer to someone special. It’s a perfect way to say “I’m thinking of you” without committing to a big investment or taking up a lot of space in someone’s home!

 

Where to find each adorable mug: Bake the World A Better Place, Santa, Joy To The World, Cup Of Cheer

 

I just love the gift-giving season! I hope this 2021 holiday gift guide has inspired you to find something for those special people on your list!

 

May your days be merry and bright!