CHRIS + DANICA’S FAVORITE THINGS GIFT GUIDE

Normally I just do one gift guide a year and I already shared one last week, but I must have shopping on my mind because I’m bringing TWO more to you today! This time it’s all about the things Chris and I already have and love! Things we’ve purchased throughout the years that we still use to this day and our favorite tried and true items that would be genius gift ideas this Christmas!

1. Rain Boots – Funny enough, I wear rain boots ALL the time…rain or shine…and these chelsea style boots look great both dressed up or dressed down!

2. Neck + Shoulder Massager – It’s got three speeds, a heat setting, and gives the best massages after a long day. It’s one of my favorites things but Chris uses it just as much!

3. Splendus Art – I’m a huge fan of Splendus – an art shop that sells both digital and physical prints. I now have three prints from their shop and their tree etchings are my absolute favorite!

4. Codenames – This is a crowd pleaser when it comes to game night! It’s a strategy guessing game all about reading your teammates’ mind with word associations and hints!

5. Gold Hoop Earrings – They go with everything!

6. Calf-Length Wool Coat – I thrifted my absolute favorite wool coat several years ago and it’s the only coat I wear when I’m going for a professional, dressed up, or casual-but-cute look. It’s a compliment magnet and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t boost my confidence 1,000% when I wear it. I finally found several lookalikes here and here (hurry this one is almost out of stock) and they’re all on sale!!

7. GrandeLash Eyelash Growth Serum – I thought it was just a hoax, but this stuff actually works like magic!! It made my lashes grow like crazy and my mom even asked what I was doing to make my lashes so long!

8. Throw Blanket – The softest blanket to grace our home! Cute AND cozy for those chilly winter nights.

9. Red Aspen Press on Nails – These are all over Instagram and I needed to see what all the hype was about… YEP, these press on nails are just as good as what people are saying. Easy to apply, hella cheap, and last up to 2 weeks! I’m going on 1 week with my first set and they’re holding up incredibly well even with me woodworking, painting, etc. Marciamallow is my current favorite color!!

10. Flodesk – Flodesk is an email builder and design program for businesses, bloggers, influencers, or anyone who wants to send beautifully professional emails! I’ve been sending weekly blog emails through this program for over a year now and it’s been an absolute dream! Wouldn’t it be such a unique gift for the businesses person in your life? Purchase through this link to get 50% off their subscription FOR LIFE!

11. Beanie – AKA the beanie Chris bought for himself but I wear all the time.

12. Arlo Security Camera – Who knew that an unintentional purchase would become a daily necessity and the greatest thing for my nerves when we’re out of the house. With the day and night vision camera, 2 way audio, recording feature, and motion detection alerts, we can check in on our pup Teddy when we’re out of the house, get alerts on our phone if there’s motion detected while we’re gone or asleep, and speak through the camera if we need/want to get someone’s attention. Best thing for my peace of mind and currently almost half off!

And now for Chris’ favorite things. Chris, take it away!

1. Yeti Mug – Absolutely nothing beats a hot cup of good coffee. And what I particularly love about this Yeti mug is it keeps it hot FOREVER even outside on cold days.

2. Columbia Hiking Shoes – I did a lot of research for a good hiking shoe that’s lightweight and of course looks nice too. 🙂 These Columbia hiking shoes are literally the best looking and feeling hiking shoes I could find. And a bonus is that they are 100% waterproof, which I have tested and still cant figure out how.

3. Metabo Sliding Miter Saw – Our decade old chop saw finally gave out on us so we upgraded to a sliding miter saw! 100% worth it!

4. Base Layers – I love being outdoors. I hate being cold. Solution = Base Layers. I wear them outside, I wear them inside, I wear them under my clothes. I literally cant take them off because they are so warm and comfortable. Shop the top here + bottoms here.

5. MVMT Watch – I used to have a rule for myself – never buy a watch over $30. Mainly because I am quite possibly the roughest on watches from outdoor ventures and getting my hands dirty. This tends to lead to significant damage on the watches I wear and they typically only last for 6 months to a year. But I broke my $30 rule for this MVMT watch and after 4 years of heavy use, it still looks brand new!

6. Patagonia Coat – There are no words to describe how great this coat really is. I did lots of research before buying a coat for this winter and all signs pointed towards this Patagonia Nano Puff Hooded Jacket. I was skeptical because it’s super lightweight which I assumed wouldn’t hold up to our brutal midwest winters. But….IT DOES. No joke. It’s so warm, waterproof, windproof, perfect fitting, lightweight, and packs small. Best coat that I have ever worn. This one is identical (but without a hood) and is $50 cheaper!

7. Plano Storage Trunk – Nothing fancy here, but this trunk has come in handy so many times for storing my outdoor gear or throwing it in the back of the truck before a trip.

8. The Book of Hygge – I have read this book 4 times over the course of 2 years because it’s just that good. It’s a great reminder to take in the moment, simplify, and really find pleasure in the small things in life.

9. Prive Revaux Blue Light Glasses – Good looking and good for the eyes! Danica and I both use these on a daily basis!

10. French Press – Every method of brewing has its perks and pitfalls, but for me a simple french press has always been the best ways to enjoy my morning (and afternoon and evening) coffee. Simple to use and incredibly affordable!

11. GOWOD Mobility App – I really nerded out on mobility this past year and this GOWOD app was the string that tied it all together. It’s tailored to you and your bodies needs, gives you daily movements to do in a timeframe that works for you, and tracks all of it so that you can see your progress.

12. Osprey Travel Backpack – A solid, durable pack that is great for a quick hike, a carry on for the plane, or books/laptop for a coffee shop. I’ve had my Osprey pack for 11 years and it’s been overseas multiple times, countless hiking and kayak trips, and it’s as perfect as the day I got it.