Happy Thanksgiving week! So that you have them all in one place, I'm sharing all of the gift guides in one post for easy shopping. I love to curate gift guides because a) it's like shopping without shopping, and more importantly b) I hear from so many of you that the Pretty Real Gift Guides are helpful, realistic, and fun! And bonus- so much of it is on sale during Black Friday week! A few gifts I grabbed early are now on sale. Below you'll find gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, gift ideas for teen boys and girls, gift ideas for older boys/preteens, gift ideas for elementary age boys and girls (some of the gifts for girls are young elementary), family gift ideas, and gift ideas for senior age parents. phew! Check them all out here:
Are ya'll ready for a new Pretty Real gift guide? I've never curated gifts for parents before. But I kept thinking of ideas and wanted to share them- hopefully it's helpful! The one thing I forgot to include is this, but other ideas are in the collage below. Here are my ideas for parents ages 55+, but obviously for anyone because I wouldn't mind these gifts at all. Wait what does that say about me? ha. I digress...
Digital Picture Frame - I gifted this to my dad and stepmom a few years ago and why am I jealous of it? It's so easy to add photos to it from afar. If the kids have an event, I can upload pictures the same evening and it's a great way to include them!
Loop Switch Adjustable Ear Plugs - My mom uses these often. They're great for noise cancellation, whether it's a concert, church, a sporting event, etc. I use a different version to drown out noise and help me sleep and they are a GODSEND.
Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer - listen, I'm not saying all elderly people are forgetful but I am saying I'd feel better if my mom didn't have lit candles in her apartment. Side note- I need one too.
Suede Mule Slippers - IMHO, you can never have too many cozy slippers. And they're kind of like socks, so they need to be replaced every once in awhile. I like the idea of gifting a pair that's nicer than what they might buy for themselves.
Personal Portable Neck Fan- For your mom, dad, or perimenopausal girlfriend. You choose.
Monogrammed Plaid Italian Throw Blanket - monogrammed? Italian? Need I say more?
Weekly Pill Organizer- Another thing I need (are we noticing a trend?)- but love an attractive pillbox, Let's not accidentally double dose, mmmkay?
14K Gold Plated Claw Ring - so classy even your mother-in-law will like it.
Bird Feeder Camera Case - another thing we've gifted that's well loved! It has a camera so you can really see the birds up close and personal. Get ready for bird pic texts.
Striped Super Plush Robe - So soft, so plush!
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Vintage Wooden Bluetooth AM/FM Radio (or this one) | Leather Travel Tech Organizer | Men’s Ultrasoft Rugby Stripe Sweatshirt | Men’s Polarized Aviator Sunglasses (alternative) | ABC Men’s Khaki Joggers | Titleist Golf Balls | Men’s Quilted Lounge Shorts | 8-Piece Watch Box | Cloud23 Hot Sauce Variety Pack | Black Nike Slides | Crystal Beverage Serving Set | Insulated Cocktail Set | Simple Modern NFL 16oz Tumbler | Wood and Marble Valet Tray | Men’s Gola Sneakers
Joe's Bourbon obsession has calmed down (mostly because we don't have much room for it), but he'd still love this set. We also gifted him the Patriots mug (comes in all of the NFL teams) and it's come in handy. You know they like to rep their team. The slides were also a welcomed gift- I think his former pair were older than Dax. And I need to call out the joggers- I've seen men of various builds wearing them and noticed how they look more pulled together than gym shorts or sweats. Hence, they're on my list for Joe. ha. Men are hard to shop for imo, but if they really don't want anything, I look for items they have but are worn out or obsolete. I also look for items that can be used up (like the hot sauce). Happy shopping!
If you liked this guide, check out these:
2024 Gift Guides for Men and Women
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I shared the Gift Guide for Her over on Instagram but I love to share why I chose items for the guide and which items I have and can personally recommend. This is one of the easiest guides to curate because I'm all "what do I want?" ha. Like my other guides, this one is practical, but stylish and includes a lot of budget-friendly options! Here are my gift ideas for the women in your life (even if you're her), with notes!
Today's guide is for elementary age boys and girls and it's full of fun, active, and imaginative play. I don't have kids this age anymore but I sure miss it! We made sure to include items our kids loved, trending toys, and classic finds. Check out the 2025 gift ideas for elementary age boys and girls, with notes!
Paint by Sticker Kids: Unicorns & Magic | Block Print Travel Pouch | LEGO Bluey: Bluey’s Family House | Sorel Children's Explorer lll Lace Boot | mibasies Kids Purse | Pegasus Weighted Plush Kids' Throw Pillow Pink | Hello Kitty Mini Kids Digital Camera & Video Camcorder | Ivy and Bean's Treasure Box: Beginning Chapter Books | Cute Animals: Coquette Inspired Bold and Easy Coloring Book | Jellycat Jolly Gingerbread Ruby Stuffed Toy (pay attention to dimensions) | Washable Markers | Farmhouse Play Kitchen Toy for Kids w/ Chalkboard, Storage Shelves, 5 Accessories (51% off!)
Calling out the paint by sticker book which my kids loved and side note- is perfect for road trips. We missed the Bluey phase but you'd have to live under a rock to not notice its popularity. This could be a great gift to get your kids into Lego which we've always loved. If she's a little fashionista, the boots, purse, and pouch are the CUTEST. The pouch is a bit splurgy but that block print is to die for (comes in several patterns). A hobby gift is always on the list- love this little camera that's well reviewed. If you're into a "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" Christmas- Ivy and Bean is a great series to gift! The weighted plush is on my teens' lists. My kids love a plushie, still! Speaking of a plush, the Jellycat brand is doing something right- but check the dimensions. If you want something bigger, this one is cute! Dax's friend Charley had the cutest birthday wish list and I stole that cute coloring book from it. And lastly I'm always a sucker for an aesthetic play kitchen- this one is on serious sale and comes in a bunch of colors.
Handheld Retro Game for Kids, Preloaded | LL Bean Sonic Snow Saucer Sled | Instant Print Camera for Kids | Sweater Fleece Slippers | LEGO Winter Time Polar Bears | Mattel Novelty Magic 8 Ball | Indoor Quiet Basketball | Kids Cozy Stripe Socks | Don’t Rock the Boat Board Game | Kids Camo Trucker Hat | Stomp Rocket Launcher for Kids
I love a retro game- let's let them be kids for as long as possible (from a mom of a kid who'd love a massive computer system for online gaming). The stomp rocket is one of those gifts we bought for every birthday party once we discovered it. It's so fun, easy, and affordable. Indoor quiet basketballs are trending! Of course we included Lego on the boys' guide too (If that one is sold out, check out this one). I love a gift they can work on, on Christmas day! Why are magic 8 balls so intriguing? Literally hours of analog style fun. If he's into style, the hat and slippers are so cute! And if he's an active kid, the sled won't disappoint! Happy Shopping!
After teen girls, gift ideas for families is my favorite gift guide! Nothing makes me happier than fun family time, bonding, experiences, and just being together (I've become my mom and I'm ok with it. ha) so the ideas here will contribute to those experiences! And if you get cash from your parents for Christmas and want to keep it out of the everyday budget (that's no fun!) this can serve as a thought starter for you. ;) Check out our 2025 Gift Ideas for Families!
I love curating gifts for teens- it's a fun challenge to find the perfect gift for Mr. All-I-Want-Is-Cash. Listen, I'm all for giving them cash for Christmas, but I can't bring myself to skip gifts all together. Um, that's not fun! I don't have a teenage son yet, but I poll friends and I pay attention. All that to say you'll find some great ideas for your teenage boy. As for the girls, the ideas are endless. I always include beauty (I love that one of my girls is into makeup and the other into skincare), hobby (hello fancy camera), and cozy ($11 fleece pullover? Say less). While there are some "big" gifts on the list, I make sure to include mostly budget-friendly finds and be sure to check the notes for a lower cost version of a few items. Ok enough chatting, here's the 2025 Teen gift guides full of Christmas gift ideas for teen boys and teen girls, with notes.
I received my Invisalign treatment in exchange for content. All opinions are truthful and my own.
Why Now?
Sometimes you just come to a realization that something needs to change. I'm not sure when it happened- if it was when I canceled my mammogram because I was "too busy," while I carted my daughter from appointment to appointment for various medical and orthodontic needs, or when I took the time to think through my goals for the new year. But it hit me that even though I'm no longer in the throes of caring for infants and tiny toddlers, I was still putting my own care on the back burner. Whether it was my failure to find a hair stylist when we moved to the Raleigh, NC area NINE years ago, not scheduling necessary doctor appointments, or ignoring my dentist when she suggested Invisalign, I simply wasn't prioritizing my self-care and wellness. At the beginning of 2024, I decided that needed to change. I started mental health coaching, I found a braiding stylist, I got X-rays for old injuries, and I reached out to Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics in Wake Forest regarding Invisalign. Here's a recap of my honest Invisalign experience at Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics.
My smile had changed over the years- it was always something I really liked about myself but over time, that changed too. Aside from aesthetics, getting Invisalign would correct my bite issues which could lead to more extensive work down the road.
BEFORE
About Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics
When I visited Bumgarner & Martin, I was greeted by Ashley who is so warm and friendly. I liked her immediately and honestly just had fun chatting with her, which put me at ease. She educated me on the process and we went over all the ins and outs of what Invisalign entailed. There was plenty of time to ask all of my questions.
Dr. Martin then met with me to discuss my treatment plan, timeframe, and goals. I'd heard from people who went into treatment with unrealistic expectations or who weren't told about the attachments Invisalign requires, so I was really impressed that the team at Bumgarner & Martin were very realistic and forthright with everything regarding Invisalign in general and my treatment specifically.
DURING
Pros and Cons of Invisalign Treatment:
Cons:
Any orthodontic treatment can be expensive. Luckily Bumgarner & Martin offers payment plans and accepts assignments from most major insurance carriers. See more here.
You are responsible for weekly scans- tbh this is a pro (more on that in a sec) but it is a recurring task you need to remember. Make sure to allow notifications from the ScanBox app to get reminders. If you're a non-compliant patient like I was at times (oops), you'll even get a text reminding you.
It's uncomfortable- your teeth are moving and that might hurt. It's not terrible pain by any means but for some reason, it surprised me. I got used to it over time and I'm sure no two experiences are alike but there was much less discomfort during the second half of my treatment.
You need to keep up with your trays- Probably easier for adults than kids but something to consider. Just never put them in a napkin or plastic baggie! We don't have pets but if you do, keep it in a place where your pets can't get to them.
Pros:
You can eat foods that are usually off limits with braces. While you'll wear your trays almost nonstop, you remove them to eat.
You can manage so much at home vs. going into the office. I mentioned weekly scans being a con but I'd rather handle my own scans than have to trek into the office constantly.
It improves oral hygiene- by helping with crowding, flossing becomes easier. Also, something about the attachments made me floss much more often than I ever had! I think I felt like something was in my teeth so I always made sure to floss to be sure it was only the attachments I was feeling.
They're practically invisible. There was no way I'd ever get braces as an adult but Invisalign felt much more doable since they're practically invisible.
They work! At the end of the day, the results are absolutely worth any challenge.
Happy with my brand new smile
Conclusion
A sweet follower sent me this after visiting the office based on my recommendation!
I can't recommend Invisalign at Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics enough. The office is so friendly and thorough and the treatment was the least invasive way to fix my teeth. Time goes by so quickly- I'm glad I didn't put it off any longer! And though this was a partnership, I moved Nadia's treatment to Bumgarner & Martin (paid for out-of-pocket) because I was so pleased with my experience! If you live in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Knightdale, North Carolina, Rolesville, North Carolina or the Triangle area in general, I highly recommend checking out Bumgarner & Martin for you or your child's orthodontic care!
When we recently renovated the kids' hangout room, I wanted to include a special feature- either a moulding type wall treatment or wallpaper- I wasn't sure exactly but something interesting and fun. And while wallpaper is fun, I'm such an optimizer- looking at every option available and analyzing the pros and cons- that I wanted to find an easier project that still had a wow factor. I decided to paint an accent wall in a plaid pattern to look like wallpaper. Who remembers the last time I painted an accent wall?! It worked out very well because-here's some BTS tea for you- I was working with HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams for the renovation. I only agree to paint collaborations if I LOVE the colors. It's only paint, but I just don't want to put in the effort for a color I don't love nor do I want to share something that I wouldn't choose "in real life," simply because I'm being paid (it's called integrity. ha). Well I saw the colors and HGSW Still Water was perfect. At least I thought it was...until I got the paint chips and tested it and it was reading too cool with the sofa we'd purchased- and we love the convertible sofa so much. I also really liked HGSW Hazel so when the thought hit me to combine the two (along with HGSW Creamy which truly is a beautiful white!), it was like Eureka! A DIY plaid wall idea was born. If you want to DIY a plaid wall, I'm sharing a step by step tutorial for how to paint a plaid wall here.
Our poor playroom has been in purgatory for awhile. It was once a cute and functional playroom, but as the kids- 15, 14, and 11- have outgrown toys, we began simultaneously clearing it out and using it as a dumping ground while we worked on other rooms in the house. It desperately needed a transformation! While it feels a bit small to label it a rec room, the goal was rec room vibes. We set out to create a fresh and modern space that felt inviting and cozy. I made a list that looked kind of like this:
It's giving J. Crew and Boden but at a fraction of the cost. I've been sharing Walmart for years - well before they paid me to do so- but I'm still a tiny bit surprised when I find a head-to-Walmart looks that look so much more expensive and are made with quality stitching and materials. Full disclosure, Walmart sponsored an Instagram post and stories on my Instagram profile. I am not obligated to write a blog post but I like to share still photos and something more permanent (fine, and more wordy) than a reel so here are my latest Walmart fashion picks with fit and style notes!
When the kids get back to school clothes, so do I. ha. Per usual, Walmart didn't disappoint. I shared a reel today that you'll definitely want to check out since it shows how I mixed and matched everything I bought to create a bunch of different looks but I wanted to share a few of the looks here too to pin or shop from for later. Side note: the reel is sponsored- this blog was not; I'm just excited and wanted to have these affordable fall fashions on the blog!
This dress was one of my favorite picks!! It has a dropped waist in the middle, flutter sleeves, and a zipper- add this sultry merlot color and it just hits! So good! I paired it with these kitten heel ankle booties for an edgier look but you could wear heels for a dressier look!
Something about me, I love a voluminous sleeve. Poet! Puff! Give it to me! Love it paired with the utility pants but check out the reel to see it with black denim too!
This sweater in every color! It's so inexpensive and I love the fit- you could even size up one for a more slouchy look (I'm in a medium here, my normal size). The jeans fit SO well around my booty/waist but at 6', they are too short for me. Needed to show you anyway because they're too cute!
Dark Denim Cropped Utility Shirt | Pleated Dark Denim Maxi Skirt | Burgundy Knee High Kitten Heel Boots
Which look is your fave?! Everything linked below!
Walmart Fall Fashion Finds- August 2025
Chunky Cable Knit Sweater | Pleated Dark Denim Maxi Skirt | Black Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans | Cocoa Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress | Dark Denim Cropped Utility Shirt | Tan Oversized Cargo Barn Jacket | Army Green Utility Cargo Jeans | Merlot Striped Cotton Cropped Crew Tee | Denim Shirt with Blouson Sleeves | Black Kitten Heel Ankle Booties
"I like watching you DIY."
"Oh my gosh! This is such a vibe!"
And my favorite-
"This looks like a boutique hotel."
These were a few comments from my family about our latest project- our dark and neglected hallway. Aren't they the sweetest support system ♥? I shared progress and the plan here so if you missed that post, check it out! Today I'm sharing the full reveal. Our hallway has been neglected for the past 8ish years. It was time for a quick and easy makeover. I once heard a designer say that ugly rooms stay ugly but pretty rooms stay pretty and I find that to be so real. When a room is pretty, it's much more motivating to keep it that way. Prior to this makeover, the hall had sort of become a dumping ground that my kids called "scary." That couldn't be further from the truth now. My vision for the space was to make it cozy, but elevated. My goals (also shared in yesterday's progress post) were:
I've been keeping you updated on the hallway progress over on Instagram Stories, but have yet to update Prettyrealblog.com. So here we are. I'm sharing some of the progress and steps we've taken to renovate our drab and neglected hallway. Come back tomorrow for the full reveal!
A little backstory- the hall hasn't been touched since about 2016- I'm talking beaten up walls, boob lights, and all. Our family room and all of our bedrooms are upstairs so it's not as though it's an 'out of sight, out of mind' situation. It just hasn't been a priority- until now. Here are my goals for the hallway makeover:
Add drama with paint- I'm using HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Add character with wall trim- I'm DIYing picture frame box trim and chair rail with affordable materials
Add personality with family photos
Replace 'boob lights'- I ordered these
Add storage- I keep a pile of thrift store bound clothing/objects in the corner and it's such an eyesore.
Hallway Before
Let's start with some before shots of the hallway. As you can see, it is completely devoid of personality or care. Other than replacing the carpet last year, it's remained virtually untouched. Once I replaced the carpet, though, I knew it would be the impetus to making the hallway pretty.
The Plan(s)
Here are the design boards I made to narrow down what direction I wanted to go in. Full disclosure, a collaboration with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams prompted this makeover, so I let their curated Color Collections be the driving force. Note- this blog post is not sponsored. Come back tomorrow to see which plan we chose.
Look 1: Framebridge Gallery Staggered Grid Wall Frames | Woven Flush Mount Light Fixture | Square Brass Wall Frame | Matted Gold Wall Frame | Pink Boho Washable Rug Runner | Round Leather Handled Baskets
Look 2: Rattan Wall Mirror | White Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture | Green Scalloped Storage Bench | Plaid Rug Runner
Look 1: Square Brass Wall Frame | Matted Gold Wall Frame | Brass Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture | Framebridge Gallery Staggered Grid Wall Frames | Ivory Boucle Storage Bench | Loloi Blush and Graphite Rug Runner
Look 2: Rattan Wall Mirror | Loloi Aqua and Sand Rug Runner | Truffle Brown Upholstered Storage Bench
Look 2: Square Brass Wall Frame | Matted Gold Wall Frame | Oval Ivory Storage Bench | Loloi Sage Rug Runner
After deciding which design plan we wanted to go with (stay tuned), we added the picture frame trim. Here's what we used:
Supplies:
Caulk- this one is the best
Nail Gun (if using PVC, it's recommended to use a brad nailer instead of a nail gun with an air compressor like I did- that method was fine for this project but for some reason didn't work as well this time around.
To create the wall trim, I measured the wall and played with the numbers in order to get even measurements. The end result is 3 boxes that measure 27.5" x 24" on the left side, 4 that measure 26.5" x 24" on the right, and 2 boxes that measure 9" x 24" on the slim parts of the walls. There are 2 other boxes that didn't need to match in size and were tailored to the size of the each wall- they are 30" x 24" and 34.5" x 24." Keeping all of the boxes the same height helped with uniformity. I used PVC trim, and Miter Shears for most of the cutting, but also used our chop saw. If you're looking to cut costs, PVC is a great alternative to real wood but it was a bit trickier to work with than I experienced last time. I absolutely loved using the shears. If you're afraid of trim projects, shears are for you! They make it so accessible! I shared more about how to install wall trim here.
Next I tackled the gallery wall. My inspiration gallery wall was calling and I *almost* splurged on it. But after checking my stash I knew I could create a pretty gallery wall for less. Much less. The photos were printed at Walgreens in less than an hour. My tip here: Always look for a coupon- it's usually 30-50% off. I also solved a mystery that had been plaguing me- Could phone photos be printed at Walgreens in larger sizes? The answer is yes! The fear that they'd print blurry was totally unfounded. Side note: I wanted to add sconces to this wall so badly (we bought these), but the spacing just didn't work out with the thermostat. If you're looking for gallery wall tips, I shared some here.
Gold Picture Frame with Mat (a 4 pack!) | Custom Silhouette Frame | Thin Metal Matted Frame in Gold | Thin Gallery Wall Frame | Black & Brass Matted Wall Frame | Natural Wood Gallery Wall Frame | Square Natural Wood Matted Wall Frame
I had about half of these frames and the silhouette art already but I've linked them all above- including this very affordable 4 pack of frames from Amazon!
Sorry to be dramatic with the black and white photos but you'll have to wait until next week to see the paint color. ;)
Stay tuned for the full reveal along with which design plan we went with!








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