The Pop of Joy Official Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Not many things bring me as much joy as choosing the right gift for someone, and the Christmas season is the best time to get my gifting on.  In fact, picking the perfect gift for someone is way more rewarding than receiving gifts, and the receiver can see that you gave some thought and love their way.  Here are some of my favorite gift ideas this year, in case you are still looking to pick up a few items this season.

For Classy Ladies:

Copper monogram tray - Mark and Graham

This tray is so cute - Mark and Graham has awesome monogram gifts, and this is a versatile tray that can last a long time.  A bit high-end, so look for knockoffs if you can't spring for the real thing here.

Photo via MarkandGraham.com

Bite Beauty Best Bite Lip Crayon Set of 4 - Sephora

I bought these for myself during a moment of weakness in the "impulse purchase bins" while standing in line at Sephora last year, and I am so glad I did.  They have them this year as well, so march right in the store and just get in line to shop.

Photo via Popsugar.com

Baggu Dipped Tote Bag - West Elm

I often can't help but buy a few things for myself when I find cool gifts for others.  This was one of the "one for you, one for me" gifts of last year.  Very sturdy, good size and shape, great adjustable strap that can be worn cross body, and super cute colors.

Photo via Westelm.com

For People Who Like Fun:

Gnome Terrarium - CB2

I don't need to tell you why this is cute.  Plant sold separately.

Photo via CB2.com

Chicken Wine Stopper - Fred and Friends

This is the ultimate rubber chicken gift (that is, other than incessantly chickening people year round).  I hope my sister is ready for her wine to be super-chickened in a few days.

Photo via Fredandfriends.com

Boozers/Foodies:

Wine 2 Go Flask - Flask 2 Go

I know a lot of people whose problems would be solved with this wine container that holds an entire bottle of wine.  Poolside, picnics, shenanigans, you name it.

Photo via flask2go.com

City Tin - Milwaukee Edition

This is available for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but also for Madison.  The tin includes coaster gift cards for $10 off your $25 bill at 20 Milwaukee area restaurants.  I will note that the list of restaurants in the tin is legit, and a fine selection by the tin creators.

Photo via Citytins.com

Kids:

Less stuff - Want, Need, Wear, Read

This was a concept shared with me this year (Thanks, Kathryn!) and I think it is a great idea, especially for young children.  Buy only four items, one item for each category listed.  This helps you and your child prioritize what is really important and what they really want the most.

Experiences

Make a gift out of a family vacation, special day, or other experiences.  Or, buy something that the family can use to make memories or experiences.  One mom I know is picking up a "Go Pro" camera as a family gift, and think of all of the fun things that can come of that with the family!

Kiwi Crate

Okay, if you need more than those four items, check out the Kiwi Crate.  It is a box shipped to your child (age range is 3-8 years) once a month with fun activities in different themes.  You can buy a subscription, a single box activity, holiday boxes, or other smaller items.

Photo via kiwicrate.com

Handmade:

I think that handmade or "hand assembled" gifts are always a nice way to put a personal touch on a gift.  I love a good themed basket or kit for a gift, it is a great way to put together some smaller items and make it feel really thoughtful.  This list from the berry.com is one of my favorite lists of basket ideas for all year round.  The key is throughout the year when you see containers or baskets on sale or clearance, snatch them up so you have a few on hand to make a basket when you need it.  World Market is also a great source for cheap basket and wrap kits in a pinch.

Photo via theberry.com

There you have it!  Only 8 more shopping days before Christmas, so this is your last chance for online shopping without paying a ton for shipping.  Go get 'em, tiger.

Don't change who you are, but let's be real...this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon

Image Source

The concept of not being too weird to early is not foreign to me, I generally refer to this strategy as "time-releasing the crazy."  You don't want to go full Monty before people realize they can handle and enjoy your weirdness.  When I started dating my husband (and I knew that I would marry him very early on), I waited a whole month before I put a little statue of a sleeping gnome in the back of the fridge.  When he finally saw it, he stood there staring at it muttering, "What the...?" in front of an open refrigerator door.  That gnome has lived in our butter drawer ever since.  I knew the hubs appreciated me for being a little nuts when he made a straight-faced joke one day about how high the gnome's cholesterol must be (living by the butter and all).

When I started a new job last year, it took me almost two months to start hiding mini rubber chickens in peoples stuff.  And it took everyone else a few more weeks to figure out just what was going on.  Seeing as I have hidden over 500 chickens in the world, they have some catching up to do at work.

It's not that I advocate people being anything but themselves, because I don't.  But, as a curator of weird shit, I have learned that it is an art and a good strategy to not put all the weirdness out at once.  Hopefully by sharing a little at a time, I can help bring joy to my day and to others, and quietly convince people that it is okay to be funny, and carefree, and weird, and unique, and yourself.  I think that I learned it was okay to be a little weird by one person in my life, and I am glad I came to the realization that being myself would be enough.

If you are feeling unsure sometimes about being yourself and letting the weird out, just do a little bit at a time.  You can also surround yourself with at least one person who really is comfortable with being a little weird.  All the right people will appreciate you for you, not in spite of you.

Public safety announcement: Protecting yourself from a gnome attack

Via amazon.com

This may be the most critical piece of advice that anyone can give you, so pay attention.  If you haven't been protecting yourself from a possible gnome attack, you are behind the curve.  Everyone is prepared for the zombie apocalypse at this point, those are general public skills in this age.  If you want a sporting chance against the gnomes, read on.

Chuck Sampuchino has written a comprehensive manual for how to protect yourself from a gnome attack, and it is knowledge to live by.  Here are a few of my favorites tips that you can find in the book, How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack:

1. Know the risk factors: You live by the woods, or your routine leaving and returning to the house is predictable.
2. See the warning signs: Look for garage tools out of place or stones being moved making a signal to other gnomes.
3. Preventative measures: Learn how to add motion lighting, build a moat, or the proper way to reach into your mailbox as to not be attacked from the inside.
4. Crisis strategies: Practice exiting your house from a first floor window or attacking from a sleeping position.

Good night and good luck.

Via philcomer.blogspot.com