Porch #120 🎄 Merry Christmas from your very own personal shopper!

winsome stocking stuffers, 10 exceptional books, and a bunch of out-of-the-box suggestions

Nov 30, 2023

personal shopper

noun
someone whose job is to find things for someone else to buy
(Cambridge Dictionary)

Remember the good ol’ days when we headed off to the mall, Christmas lists scrawled on pieces of paper jammed in our bags? We jostled the crowds, ran in and out of dozens of glitz-illy decorated stores, pawed over toppling stacks of merchandise, tried to tune out obnoxiously jolly music, and checked out the sale racks tucked in the back corners. Juggling our purchases, we said a quick hello to Santa, and hauled the rapidly ripping bags outside only to find that our cars were almost impossible to find.

We’d hit another store or two and then head home, exhausted beyond belief, our wallets quite a bit lighter than a few hours earlier, relieved that another frantic retail escapade was over.

We did this in real time, repeatedly, often in the company of others. No more. If you’re like me, you’ve been shopping online in your robe and slippers. For years. Yes, I’ll support local merchants when I can, but when you live in a retail desert or you don’t have the energy or time or gas money to run all over creation, online retail excursions work very well.

I’m a fan. I start the search for Christmas gifts in October and try to wrap it up by Thanksgiving weekend. All purchases stay stashed in the back bedroom with the door closed tight ‘til I’m ready to indulge in a few days of leisurely wrapping closer to December 25th.

I’m not getting all bossy on you. If your life is busy and you operate best in the holiday rush and bustle and last minute hustle, I absolutely respect where you’re coming from. But I also honor the reality that frantic and stressed and running around like a crazy person is not who I am or where I want to be.

Meanwhile, I do love helping people shop no matter what the season. I get a huge kick out of getting good stuff cheap. I love rummaging for the hidden gems. I’m happy to give my opinion when asked, I’ll carry your bags so your hands are free to handle the merchandise, and assure you that’s ok to spend your hard earned money.

So let’s shop! And thanks for supporting my work when you click these Amazon links and then do whatever shopping you need take care of. No hidden fees, no long waiting lines, no frazzled nerves. You’re happy, I’m happy. It’s a win-win.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Pilot V5 Assorted Pens
love matching ink to notecards

Lash Princess Mascara
if I cry my tears aren't black

Apple EarPods Headphones
ssshhh

100 Mini Scripture Prayer Cards
i tuck one in every envelope

Lip Smackers
must-haves for girls of all ages

3 Pack Multipurpose 8” Scissors
1 pair is never enough

Hermit Crabs Wheel Toy
for a college freshman (really)

Cell Phone Card Holders
brilliant idea for traveling light

Naked Bee Grapefruit Blossom Honey Lotion
refreshingly zingy

8 Pack Bright Color Sticky Notes
you won’t forget a thing

Keychain Flashlight
don’t drain your phone

Glitter Gel Pens
go-to coloring book companions

Hydro Flask Water Bottle
for a grandchild

Fuzzy Socks (with grips)
old hoofs love 'em

Pack This! Notepad
sheer genius

KitchenAid Measuring Cups & Spoons
it’s time to replace the old stuff

Watercolor Paint Set
paint & brushes for the whole gang

Balsam & Cedar Yankee Candle
smells like Christmas

Magnetic Pen/Marker Holders for Fridge
get organized

High Energy Trail Mix
yummy

Password Journal
keep them all in one place

Window Candles
you told me you loved these

EXCEPTIONAL BOOKS TO CALM + HEAL + INSPIRE

I've purposefully chosen these ten books for Christmas giving. I've gained renewed life and fresh energy from their pages. My thirsty soul, over-stimulated brain, jangled emotions, tired daily routines, untended relationships and/or blah living spaces have been enriched in one way or another. Click here to explore these treasured bookish companions.

& MORE …

Ornaments
Those sweet little hangings last forever (until one falls off the tree and comes crashing onto the hardwood floor). Unpacking them each December does nothing but bring a flood of warm thoughts and fond memories. Especially those fragile oh-so-imperfect ones made long ago by eager little hands.

Edibles
Fragrant cinnamon bread ... warm from the oven cheese danish ... crunchy homemade granola ... a plate of lusciously decorated cookies ... a box of decadent homemade fudge ... nutritious soup still hot in the pot. Whatever your specialty, it’ll be well-received.

Experiences
Think tickets to a play, dinner theatre, spa, or restaurant. How 'bout handcrafted gift certificates for free babysitting or snow shoveling, errand running or a relaxing massage. Maybe a hot air balloon ride, a couple of house cleaning sessions, a bunch of car washes, or a few axe-throwing sessions.

Grandparents - splurge on lessons in ballet or karate, swimming or horseback riding or snowboarding. (Forget the axe-throwing.) The parents will rise up and call you blessed.

Photographs
Matted and framed ... etched onto a mouse pad, pillow, mug, or tote ... worked into a scrapbook ... printed on a calendar, loaded onto a digital picture frame. Photos are always a surefire winner for any grandparent or a far away loved one. Sure beats letting all those snapshots pile up unappreciated in your phone.

Heirlooms
Few things are more pitifully obnoxious than family members pawing through your belongings like vultures after you've left this world, arguing over who gets what. How much more meaningful to give those family heirlooms now with your love, hugs, and the opportunity to share the story behind the chosen gift.

You receive the huge rush of joy that comes with giving these carefully selected, priceless treasures in person, sooner rather than later. And your shelves will say 'thank you' for letting them breathe again.

Heirlooms for Kiddos
For generations, Radio Flyer has been crafting the most beautiful investment toys for tots. These gifts will be around for awhile, I promise you. Along the way, we've purchased a couple of impressive horses, a very fun little scoot-about, and at least one classic red wagon.

Sooner or later, they can be polished up and passed to a new home for a second cousin or friend to enjoy. I just love this!

Livestock
Who needs yet another pair of socks or a boring old tie that will hang there unused forever? You can choose to honor the recipient by gifting to those in need.

Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog is a longtime favorite ... your donation purchases livestock, chicks, blankets, hot meals, fruit trees, medical care, honeybees, you name it. You can even feed a baby for a week. It just doesn't get better than this.

Your Presence
Get the ready to print holiday gift exception certificate right here.