‘Tis the season for the proliferation of online gift guides, and I’ve found some pretty cool ones out there. But my absolute favorite – and I might be a little biased here – is the Cool Mom Picks Holiday Gift Guide.
Okay, so I’ve been part of Team Cool Mom Picks since mid-2006. I’m definitely biased.
The CMP Holiday Gift Guide includes over 100 unique and cool ideas for literally everyone on your list – from “The Future Rock Star” to “The Effortless Eco-Fashionista”, and from “The Nanny You Don’t Want Anyone to Steal” to a whole section of kids’ gifts under $12. Plus, we’ve ensured this year’s guide is especially recession-friendly – without sacrificing our signature CMP style.
Much as I love all of the picks (and I had no role in picking them – I’m the ad gal for CMP), there are several that I need to call out for being extra-spectacular.
– Personalized coloring books from Frecklebox: An awesome idea for your gaggle of young nieces and nephews. Personalization keeps the kids from fussing over whose coloring book is whose.
– Sprig Toys: These vehicles, figures, and playsets are made from a composite of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic. No paint, no batteries, and a yummy woodsy scent. Plus they’re made here in Colorado – Sprig Toys is located in Fort Collins.
– Angora gloves: from Nepal: Fair trade handmade gloves made from the wool of locally farmed Angora rabbits. Net proceeds benefit Himalayan medical and educational projects. Elegant gift giving and feel-good philanthropy, both for only $12.
– Foodzie: Like Etsy for foodies. We featured a set of three exotic jams, but click around and salivate. Better yet, search for “bacon” and marvel at the deliciousness.
– Boom Boom cards: A social experiment of intentional acts of kindness. Absolutely unbelievably cool, especially the Teen Edition. Seriously, I want to hand these out to all my friends – and that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do with them.
– Woven+Stainless earrings from Polli: On the more expensive end of the spectrum, but check out the other offerings at Polli too – an Australian shop featuring gorgeous designs and sustainable materials. Prices are in AUD, so knock about 10% off when figuring USD.
– Personalized stamps from Craft Pudding: Need a gift for the kid who has everything? With the enormous variety of customization options for eyes, hair, and face, you don’t even need to spring for personalization to make it utterly unique.
Finally, we included a section of worthy causes – gifts that give back. You won’t get to name your very own star, but you could do something even more significant, like set up an emergency temporary school (not cheap, but the impact is huge). Or check out DonorsChoose.org, where you can help a classroom in need with a special project.
I understand the temptation to pile up the presents beneath the tree (while simultaneously piling up the debt). But when we get the credit card statement in January, nobody wants to look back and not even remember everything we gave.
To me that’s the best part of the CMP Holiday Gift Guide. These are ideas that will hopefully get all of us excited about giving gifts that we’ll remember long after that balance is paid off.
