My Top 10 Favorite Gift Suggestions (& a Giveaway!)

Santa Carrying Shopping BagsI’m just going to confess it.  I’m a girl who loves to shop.

So when Christmas time rolls around, you can’t keep me out of the malls. What better excuse to shop, than Christmas?!  Yet as much as I love shopping, I’ll admit there are some people who are just so hard to buy for that my brain can’t come up with any good ideas – a case of ‘holiday brain’, you might say.

And that’s when shopping turns from fun to frustration. From fabulous to frazzling. Maybe you can relate.

So when someone gives me a new gift idea, especially something I hadn’t thought of before, I get excited! Thus in consideration of that, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things that I love to give and receive,  in case you might need some fresh ideas for the friends and family on your shopping list.

There’s only week left until Christmas Day (yikes!), so if you are suffering from holiday brain too and still need a few last minute gifts, I hope these suggestions help! You can thank me later. Smiles. 🙂

OPI Nail Polish Set – if there’s one thing a girl needs, it’s pretty toes. This set has some of my favorite colors, especially Big Apple Red, but also some colors I’ve never tried. So it’s a great deal without spending $8 a bottle on colors someone might not like!

Starbucks Gift Card – when someone gives me a Starbucks card, they instantly bring a smile to my face. The more cups of Grande Skinny Peppermint Mocha Latte’s, no whip, extra hot, that I can get, the better. If your loved one loves coffee, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s not a light bulb gift idea, but your loved one will think of you with each steaming sip.

Epicurian Pizza Cutter – Yes – this is totally random, and probably seems like a not-so-cool thing, but it really is. I bought one on a whim a couple months ago, and will never use a roller pizza cutter again.

Alex & Ani ‘Daughter’ Bracelet – I bought both of my daughters this precious bracelet for Christmas (shhhh). If you have a daughter, I bet she’d love one too.  (You can also get them for Moms and Grandmoms, and even hobbies, and each style has a special meaning attached to it).

Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young – this book changed my walk with God. It reads as if God is talking straight to me. If you’ve read it, you know what I mean. It’s a fresh, personal and amazing way to hear from God. If you haven’t ever read it, you might want to put it on your own Christmas list, and it’s a great gift idea to help others grow in their faith.

Moccasins – these might not make the best fashion statement, but I LOVE my moccasins. Literally wear them every day around the house. This is something someone might not run out and buy for themselves, but would appreciate it each night when their footsies are nice and warm.

Chronological Bible – this is my all time favorite bible for learning to understand God’s Word, especially if you or your loved one’s desire is to read the whole Bible in 2015. This Bible makes it simple and feasible. Love it.

Lighted Moravian Star Decoration – I have one of these hanging over my front door every Christmas (you can see a picture of it on my Facebook page), and I love the symbol of Jesus birth that it represents. It’s a beautiful faith based decoration, and a great conversation starter about the gospel. You don’t see them that often anymore, but it’s a thoughtful gift to buy for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member who shares your love for Christ.

P90X Workout Kit – I purchased this workout program from an infomercial over 5 years ago, and still use it every week (well, almost). It’s not easy, and it’s not cheap, but if you really want to lose weight and tone areas you never thought could be toned, then this is for you. I literally was in amazement at how my body changed after 90 days of doing the program. Honestly, it’s the first workout program that ever worked for me and brought real results, so I am a loyal a P90X fan!  I don’t mean to sound like a commercial for this product, but it’s one program that actually works if you stick to the food and exercise plan, and so I love to tell people about it. So many products are just rip-offs, but this is the real deal.

Sand by Brookstone – if you have kids, nieces, nephews or grandkids who seem to have everything and you want to get them something unique, check out this cool sand. I bought it for my nephews last year for Christmas and they are still playing with it a year later! That’s unheard of. It’s really fun and not messy at all, and hands out, beats any plastic toy that comes from the toy store. (you can also get this in the Brookstone stores just in case it won’t arrive before Christmas)

I want to share one bonus suggestion, that may or may not make your Christmas list, but it’s definitely worth looking into for the future. I received it as a gift at a conference a few years back, and was so thankful for it for so many reasons.

Logos Bible Software – this could be a gift for yourself, or for someone you love who is in ministry. This gift is a little pricier, but it is worth every penny to someone who loves to dig deep into God’s Word, research meanings and passages, different translations, commentaries, etc. It provides a wealth of information to help understand scripture and begin really applying it to your life.

(Pssst, and if you love online shopping like me, don’t miss Amazon’s 12 Days of Deals! I’ve gotten some great deals so far and I am ALL about getting a deal.)

In the spirit of Christmas giving, I’d love to give away an autographed copy of my new book Your Life Still Counts today! Leave a comment sharing which one (if any) of these gift suggestions might be great for someone you know, or share a fun gift idea that you thought of this year for that hard-to-buy-for-person!  

Happy shopping!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

 

46 Comments

  1. Sharon Hearn on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 9:19 am

    I love all these ideas, especially the sand idea. I was just thinking about that for my husband last night! Don’t laugh. He absolutely loves the stuff and is just like a little kid in a toy store when we see it at Brookstone. I can’t tear him away lol! I agree about “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I purchased it two years ago and it has been a daily life changer for me and has definitely opened my eyes from a totally new perspective when it comes to a daily devotional. All of your suggestions are awesome Tracie! I would love to win an autographed copy of your book “Your Life Still Counts” because I would love to give it to my niece who has been struggling for the last few years with so many things. She is a single mom with three children all under the age of 10 and I want her to know in her heart that her life still counts! She matters and she is valued and loved by God!!



    • Sue on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      I would like to see the exercise workout. I am bored of my regular routines, and lately I was working more hours and days, and saw I can’t eat Christmas goodies, subtracting the usual activity ( the scale moved). I also think that the Logos program is probably good.

      This is the time of the year, that I miss a particular family member the most, because they live so far away , and it our jobs and the amount of $ makes it challenging.



      • Sue on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 6:30 am

        P90X is a great program!! 🙂 Unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time so I did P90X3! It’s 30 minutes, still effective with workout schedule, diet plan and everything. 🙂
        I agree that P90X is very effective!



      • Marie on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 6:32 am

        OK, Why does my first comment say my name is Sue?? LOL



  2. Ashley - Embracing Homemaking on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 9:33 am

    You listed some of my favorite things! Good choices!



    • osi on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 7:10 am

      Hi tracie,just discovered your blog today,Thanks for your Lovely suggestions,the bible software is my favourite.i would really,really love to win your book.i really need it.I lost my dad early this year,he was my mom and dad,having lost my mom when I was four.and never lived away from so it’s been really hard.I look forward to more of your writings.GOD bless you.have a Merry Chrismas.



  3. Karen on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 9:34 am

    This sounds absolutely fabulous!! I could think of several things in this that my kids, friends, sisters would love! Merry Christmas!



  4. Judy Dickson on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 11:33 am

    These are ALL great suggestions Tracie! I have the Logos Software and LOVE it! I actually would LOVE most all the suggestions you made. Oops – but, this is Christmas, I’m supposed to be buying for others. Seriously, these are great suggestions. I have two grown daughters, two son in laws, a husband and four grandchildren. I could buy each of these gifts to give to family this year. Plus a gift for a total stranger, to express an act of kindness – the love of Jesus!



  5. Kris Konick on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 11:48 am

    I love the Chonological Bible for anyone on my list!



  6. Sheila on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    Good Afternoon, Tracie So enjoyed your gift ideas, now to find some of them. I really like Christmas shopping however, this year it’s alittle harder for me I have been in a wheel chair since Sept 2. I had major surgery on my foot 8-10 pins and fusions of two bones, so its been interesting. Love you writings!!
    Have a very Merry Christmas!!!!!
    Love, Sheila



  7. Amanda Evans on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    I would love, love, love to win a signed copy of the book! Starbucks gift cards are the best. And we love Jesus Calling. We also do a lot of homemade gifts and gifts-in-a-jar… including cookies, salt dough ornaments, homemade spices, homemade salt & sugar scrubs, etc. I also love to give local gifts… handmade things, local foods & wines, etc. Another good one is jewelry with a purpose. I particularly love Fashion & Compassion.



  8. Kay on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:30 am

    I crochet for relaxation & self-therapy. I have a pattern for place mats that are easy to make & great gifts. I am crocheting some for Christmas gifts.



  9. Andria on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:32 am

    Love them all! While my first item to wish for would be the book (I have one for myself, but have the perfect person to share another with), my favorite from your list would be the OPI nail set, followed by the Daughter bracelet as I have a sweet momma in mind who lost her daughter and I know she’d cherish it. Thanks for all of your great posts!



  10. Elaine Segstro on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:35 am

    This was a lot of fun to read, and check into! Thanks. The Epicurean pizza cutter looks great because I make pizza every Saturday. “Jesus Calling” interests me a lot, because of where I am in my walk with Jesus. A blessed Christmas to you!



  11. Tammy Placr on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:37 am

    Great suggestions. We scaled down quite a bit this year, but the gifts were well thought out. Thanks for the giveaway



  12. Jenny.U on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:44 am

    They all look great but Starbucks sounds great!



  13. Penny on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 8:55 am

    I LOVE your ideas and must admit, I shop Amazon deals all the time! And you and I have the same coffee drink love – though I must say I indulge with the whip creme! You must try White Raspberry Mocha sometime – total dessert!!! I hope you and yours has a very Merry & Blessed Christmas!
    Penny



  14. Shelley K on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9:00 am

    I love the chronological bible and have heard great things about p90x too. I did give my dad a chronological bilble a couple years ago.



  15. Linda Chandler on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9:29 am

    I am giving my sister your book. She is going through a really rough time and I hope that it will help encourage her and bring her closer to Jesus. Please pray for her, and for me to hear from the Lord how I can help. Thank you.



  16. Karolina on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I really liked your idea of the workout dvd gift. I think it’s particularly good for people who are health conscious. I did hear of it before and looked into it, but X90 looks insanely hard! 🙂 I could totally use a gift like that myself too.
    Thank you for putting this list together!



  17. Alicia F on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:09 am

    I like the idea of the OPI set….. I’ve given way too many Starbucks cards….



  18. Angela Thornton on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I love love love the Opinion Nail set idea and I would love to couple that with the Chronological Bible for a girlfriend.
    I bought several of the “Prayer Circle” books and gave those as gifts.



  19. Kathy on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Thanks for the ideas. You are so right when it comes to brain gifting overload. I love the simplicity of the moccasins and the Chronological Bible. I am going to purchase the Jesus Calling kindle book for myself!! One EARLY gift that I give to my youngsters is a chocolate advent calendar. They look forward to them every year. Merry CHRISTmas!



  20. Sonia Mayoral on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:19 am

    I have been a missionary for 15 years in Mexico and I am always finding things to minister and share Jesus with the people. I would totally give away the book “Jesus calling” by Sarah Young. I probably could use some of her thoughts sharing and then even give it away to another missionary or someone who spoke English. Also love your devotional and keeping it real. Keep up the labor of love you have for the Lord.



  21. Evalyn Elliott on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:29 am

    I would love to give 2 of the Alex and Ani “Daughter” bracelets to my two daughters. We’ve been through a lot this last year, including enduring my divorce after 29 years of marriage, my unemployment and job search, my mother in law’s stroke and her being in an out of assisted living, resulting in my ex-husband being forced to seek guardianship. Through all of it, they have remained in support of me and I’d love to do something like that for them.



  22. Lori+A. on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:40 am

    You are right – every girl (woman) needs nail polish!



  23. Jane on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 11:03 am

    The exercise video for myself would be my choice.



  24. Lisa Rettig on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 11:16 am

    I have been wanting to get the book Jesus Calling for a while now. I believe it would also be a good gift for my sister.



  25. Kellie M on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    OMG my daughter would love Alex & Ani ‘Daughter’ Bracelet !!!
    Actually all of your gift ideas are amazing.
    Your book would be for me 🙂
    Merry Christmas



  26. Ellen Cole on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    I just have to agree wholeheartedly on a few of these. I gave Jesus Calling to two of my friends a couple of years ago and they still tell me it’s one of the best things they’ve ever received. I have to agree because I bought one for myself while I was at it! I just bought a Moravian star a few weeks ago, while visiting Berthlehem, PA (AWESOME place to visit, by the way…we will go back!). We attended church at Central Moravian Church on the First Sunday in Advent….and then visited the mind blowing Moravian Book Store afterwards. Both were experiences I will not soon forget. I would love to receive a Chronological Bible for Christmas. I’ve wanted one for a long time, but have not purchased one.



  27. Kathy on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 5:50 pm

    The suggestion of a Starbucks gift card is a sure winner for the person who’s hard to please. I also thought the Pizza slicer was a practical gift for a person who loves to eat pizza. Of course, moccasins are a nice gift to a friend who needs something to warm their tootsies. The best gift of all is the time you spend with friends and family.



  28. LRF on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    The ideas you had were neat. I have used coffee cards in the past, and they were well received. Sometimes, someone would love to stop for a fun drink but it cam be costly, so with a gift card, now they can:) I really liked several of your ideas. I have never heard of that type of pizza cutter or sand before. One of my boys has a birthday in January, I may check this sand out, especially if it’s not messy:) Thanks for the ideas and giveaway.



  29. Amber M. on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 11:03 pm

    Great gift ideas. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!



  30. Shirley Davidson on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 5:10 am

    I’ve been working on a couple of photo projects this year. One is rather detailed and involved but the other one is a photo book made of pictures taken during a family gathering we had this year. My brother and his family and their families all live in another state. He makes it up every year and sometimes one or two of his three daughters with their children make the trip with him. This year, they ALL made it AND with their husbands! I was so excited to have everyone here. I hosted the gathering and it was an amazing day! I’m making the book online and once finished, will (purchase it of course) send it to my brother. It will be a little late for Christmas as I was missing some photos but I think he’ll love it no matter when he gets it. Merry Christmas Tracie!



  31. Elaine Stewman on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 5:25 am

    All of the gift ideas are great, but I absolutely LOVE the daughter bracelet. I will be purchasing them for my 2 teenage daughters. Thank you.



  32. Lori Howard on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 5:54 am

    Traci, thanks for your blog…I just discovered it today. I signed up for it so that I can read some wisdom every morning. My husband is a Pastor, so I’m going to check into the software, it might have to be a combined gift since it is a little pricey. And I also like the workout idea. Thanks!



  33. Kathy on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 6:29 am

    Love the bracelet! The company’s mission is also great!



  34. Marie on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 6:39 am

    I love all of these things on your list. Except the Sand… Remember moon sand from a few years ago? My sister bought it for my kids and I could kill her. My kids are older now so I won’t be getting the sand. But does it really clean up easily? Moon Sand claimed to be that and it didn’t.

    My 1st favorite of your favorite things: Chronological Bible. I completely forgot all about that! I was thinking of what to give my sisters for Christmas. I always try to give them a devo book as one of their presents. I should’ve put that on my birthday/Christmas wish list too!!!

    My 2nd favorite of your favorite things: P90X! I did NOT know you are an advocate! LOL LOL. I love the program but I don’t have the time to commit to it. If you buy it from a coach, though you get TONS of freebies. I got a whole mini program with my purchase. (6 more DVDs). And for those who want to do P90X but are strapped for time, they recently (a year ago) came up with P90X3- it’s 30 minutes long!

    Merry Christmas, Tracie!!!!!! I loved Your Life Still Counts. I gave it to a few friends already. 🙂 XOXO



  35. Rita on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 8:59 am

    I love the Jesus calling book, I would like to give it to my niece Marion. Merry Christmas.



  36. Janice on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Great ideas, thank you…I love the bracelet , P()X and the sand…
    Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas



  37. Linda N on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 10:36 am

    Thanks for the ideas. Really like the sand and bracelet. I just got a chronological Bible from one of my sons for my birthday and looking forward to reading God’s Word in a fresh way.



  38. Deb on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 11:29 pm

    Love your ideas! Have been trying to come up with an idea for my brother and I think the pizza cutter is just the thing! Thanks! I think I will also look into the 30 minute version of P90X for my husband who doesn’t have that much time these days. Would love to give your book to a friend, so I’ll set a reminder about it for her birthday. 🙂



  39. Sara on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 8:40 am

    I like the daughter bracelet – I have an amazing stepdaughter who would love this. How she and her dad came into my life at just the right time and I into theirs is God’s handiwork at it’s best!



  40. Brandy Martinez on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 3:21 am

    You have some great gift ideas & would love to get the bracelets for my daughter & mother :)! And the Starbucks Will be a great gift for my nieces & Aunt. Would love to read your book & love reading all of your devotionals & blogs they bring peace & love to my heart daily & bring me closer to Jesus on my walk with Him)!!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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