creative christmas gift ideas

Most of the people on my list already have everything, and I hate only buying them stuff on their lists (which probably annoys the heck out of them, but what’s the fun in that?). So I made a list of some of my favorite gifts I’ve given or received in the last few years that I thought I’d share here with you…

From top left to bottom right…

1. A verse, saying, or quote that reminds you of a specific person from Quiet Boy Studios. Our friend, Pat, is the artist behind Quiet Boy Studios, and he is so talented. We have bought several of these pieces over the years for the kids’ rooms, but I’ve got my eyes on this one for our room this year since I looove those Gungor lyrics. Also be sure to check out his custom prayer circle prints for the kids in your life.
2. A planting calendar for the gardener in your life. These are gorgeous! I would have trouble not displaying them from year-to-year, but I love the thought of having something pretty enough to display that would also get me to take better gardening/kitchen notes throughout the year. She creates them for each region of the U.S. based on that region’s planting calendar.
3. Giving keys. I’m obsessed with this idea. You buy a key with a word that reminds you of the recipient. Then they are charged with giving that key away at some point to someone they encounter who needs it. Just read the website for the amazing stories, but do it somewhere private where you can cry without worrying about your ugly cry face.
4. A silhouette necklace. How classy are these? I’m going to wait until Maeve gets a bit older to order these for myself, I think. Easy directions on how to create a silhouette out of your existing pictures here.
5. Custom record with lyrics. Another one from Pat, but I think this is such a fun, creative idea. It would make a great anniversary gift too with the lyrics from the first song you danced to at your wedding.
6. A vintage poster. We actually have this one in our kitchen, but there are tons of vintage posters in this shop. I think they’d make an especially great gift for a grandparent.
7. Home state goodies. I’m a sucker for anything Indiana like this necklace. Locally, my favorite spots for Hoosier stuff are Homespun and Silver in the City.
8. Longitude latitude bracelet or art. I love this idea for someone who really loves their home (hopefully most of us).
9. Foodie art. I love this saying and want it hanging in our kitchen. I’ve also decided I want this saying in my kitchen – and on my tombstone.

We’re giving some canvas prints of family photos this year, which always makes a great gift. We also like to take the kids to a pottery painting place in town to paint a few things together for gifts. It’s a fun memory together and a creative gift to give, so double whammy.

My favorite gift to give or receive is books. Here are a few of the books I’ll be giving this year or are on my wish list:

1. Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are: This is a short devotional type book, so I haven’t read through the whole thing, but I love what I have read thus far. It is excerpts from Niequist’s books (which would all make great gifts as well, especially this one). I’ll be buying this for many girlfriends this year.
2. How Dante Can Save Your Life: Chances are that, if we’ve even briefly chatted books this year, you’ve heard me rave about this one. If you do gift this to anyone, be sure to also purchase the quasi-precursor to the book, The Little Way of Ruthie Leming: A Southern Girl, a Small Town, and the Secret of a Good Life. I made Grant read Dante as soon as I had finished and, between the two of us, our copy is riddled with notes. One of my resolutions for 2016 is to read the entire poem for Lent (I read it in high school, but barely remember anything). Anybody care to join me?
3. My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life: I haven’t read this year, but so many people keep asking if I have yet that I feel compelled to and have it on my wish list. I haven’t read much great food stuff this year, so I think I’m due.
4. Peace Like a River: If you have fiction-lovers on your list, I’m betting this would be a good choice. The father character in this book is my favorite fictional father, so it would make an especially great choice for the fathers in your life.
5. The Broad Fork: This is another on my wish list, but it’s getting rave reviews. Plus the teaser says that the book, “narrates the four seasons of produce…” That sounds right up my alley! If you’re looking for a guaranteed winning cookbook, check out last year’s list.
6. The Third Plate: I read this last year and raved about it. I keep thinking about it and wanting to reread it, which is my sign that I need to buy the book. This would make a great purchase for the foodie or treehugger on your list.
7. Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World: Another one that I’ve either passed off to you or raved about if I’ve seen you in the past several weeks. I loved everything about this book and am thinking hard about how to incorporate what I’ve learned from it into our lives.
8. Angle of Repose: You can’t go wrong with a classic. I’ve been wanting to read Stegner for a long time, and this was my first of his. It won’t be my last, and this one will be one I’ll come back to often.
9. The Road to Character: I loved this book, but really it’s worth the price for the first and last chapters. Read this for a teaser and even if you won’t read the whole book. I’ve been reading Mindset and just watched this Elizabeth Gilbert speech on pursuing your creativity (watch it now) and all three of these together have been a powerful reminder of how much of our lives we do control and are responsible for.
10. Any Wendell Berry. You know I couldn’t have a booklist without some Wendell! I would start with Jayber Crow, but this poetry collection or this essay collection are great choices too.

*The Amazon links are affiliate links, meaning Sara by the Season will get a few pennies if you decide to purchase any of the items, helping me keep the lights on here. Thank you!