Teens and tweens are my fave to shop for. Full disclosure- we don't generally buy the kids many toys or nice-to-haves outside of their birthdays and holidays so I really spoil my kids at Christmas! I love to check off most of their wish list, although my oldest gives me a run for my money- quite literally. As for the gift guides, I spend a lot of time researching, consulting with the girls and formatting a fun gift guide to get your wheels turning. I focus on more than just aesthetics and aspirational items to include real life stuff your teen will love.  And while I don't have a teen son just yet- don't even think about growing up, Dax- I think you'll love some of the fun ideas for boys. Here it is: The 2024 gift guide full of fun and unique ideas for teen girls and teen boys. Let's go!

Bow Hoop Earrings. $8. I've never met a bow I didn't like and luckily my girls are into them too. These are so cute and would instantly level up leggings and a tee. 

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.

Y'all have to check out the Black Friday Deals at Walmart! So many of their best sellers are on deal and the discounts are steep. If you have a hostess to buy for (or if you are the hostess), there are some great buys worth snagging. That said, every category has amazing deals so definitely take the time to peruse it for yourself. The deals end on 11/17 so don't wait- Oh and you can get 50% off a Walmart+ membership this week as well. We use ours constantly to save on grocery delivery, shipping, and even gas. Highly recommend! Here are some of the deals I snagged and a few more I wanted to share with you. What are you shopping for?

My friends over on Instagram overwhelmingly voted spouses the hardest to shop for and I agree! Whether he's the type that wants for nothing or literally wants nothing, it can be a challenge to find that clever gift that makes your spouse go "How did you know?!" But I got you- there's something on this list for everyone- the runner, the outdoor chef, the indoor chef, the bourbon collector...well let's get to it! Here are 2023's gift ideas for him!

 

Usually this is the easiest list for me but for some reason I had to dig deep! I researched some top gifts but also thought about the things I have and love and the things I'd love to have and here's what I came up with- Here are 2023's gift ideas for her!

 

 Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!

Ok full disclosure: some of these are my picks. ;) This gift guide is approachable, fun, and your not-so-little kid will love it! Here's the 2022 Gift Guide for Boys, around ages 7-10 (But girls would love it too!).

2. Kids go cart. $119.99 I told Dax no more riding toys until he learned to ride a bike- he loved his scooter and could've cared less about a bike. Then one day the neighbor taught him. And now this is on the list. The end. 

This one is easy because I have 2 kiddos in this category and the oldest always has a running wish list. ;) Plus don't tell, but preteen girls are like the MOST fun to shop for! My kids sometimes read Pretty Real (how sweet is that?!) so I can't say what's on its way 😉but I can say we love all of this and have some of it!

1. Reef Phantom Flip Flops. $35. Last summer Joe decided he's too old for super flat Old Navy flip flops. He went on a hunt for the perfect pair and decided these were it.

2. North Face Packable Thermo VestNorth Face Packable Thermo Vest. $149. This one is on Joe's wish list. As much as I love puffers and keep trying to force them on him, he just runs too hot. This slim vest looks good and will keep him warm but not too warm.

3. Psalms 13 Thin Stump. $69. This is one of Joe's favorite scriptures and as much as I'm over rustic art, this piece feels more classic and is just beautifully designed.

4.Occulus Virtual Reality Headset. $299. It's just fun- everyone I know who has one loves it. I kind of want one too. 

5. Beat That. $24.99. If he has an athletic bent and a competitive streak, he'll love this game. It's full of fun challenges and perfect for a crowd.

6. Blendtec. $329. Guys- it's steep for a blender. BUT we've had ours for 6 years and it's still going strong. Joe makes green drink weekly and this makes it a breeze. 

7. Stitch Fix. Price Varies. I got Joe a gift card for his birthday and he ended up with some of his favorite jeans and the best fitting thermal he's had in awhile (a great puffer went back because see #2). You can buy a gift card or a fix or shop their 'freestyle' section for on trend curated pieces.

8. Yeti Hopper Portable Cooler. $419. This is one of those aspirational items because I'm not sure I can spend $400 on a cooler. The good news is that other colors are around $199. But also breaking news- I just found this one which people swear is just as good!

9. Mr. Burberry. $49.99. Neither of us is big on scents but I've been craving one for both of us. Described as sensual, energetic, and sophisticated and I'm all SOLD.

10. Dunder Mifflin T-shirt. $12.99. We got this for Joe for his birthday and he loved it. He's usually a large but ordered an XL in this. 

11. Ray Ban Original Wayfarer. $135. Another recent gift for Joe and he loves them. Worth every penny!

12. and 13. 100 Deadly Skills $15.29 and 100 Deadly Skills: Combat Edition $12.69. If this doesn't give you a peek into my husband's psyche, I don't know what does. He learned about these books from The Danger Close podcast (Side Note: Recommending this podcast is a "free" gift you can give the man in your life if he's into behind the scenes stories of special operations- Joe can't get enough!) and immediately added them to his Christmas list.

Check out the other gift guides here:

For Her

For Tween Girls

For Boys

Shop the Post here (affiliate links)

1. Dude Perfect Book $17.95. This was the very first gift I bought this year! All of my kiddos love the show and Dax's party this year was Dude Perfect themed. As I was listing it, Dax walked by and asked for it. It's in my closet buddy, don't worry. ;)

2. Night Light Projector $18.99. This was a gift from my mom and Dax loves it! It's especially fun for sleepovers!

3. Laser Tag $199. I love that it's digital, has rechargeable batteries, and perfect for family fun. The kids got into laser tag at a local arcade and I think Dax (and all of us!) will love this!

4. Paper Airplane kit $14.95.What little guy doesn't love making paper airplanes? Any non-messy crafty item that keeps eyeballs off of screens is a win in my book!

5. Air Fort $49.95. If you don't have one yet, it's a MUST HAVE! The kids love ours and we love how incredibly simple it is to set up (vs. most other forts) and how neatly it stows away-- in a little fabric case. But do yourself a favor and pick up a box fan now if you don't have one! You'll thank me on Christmas morning!

6. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course $139.99. You have no idea how tempted I am to burn our swing set and just use this. ha! My kids love Ninja Warrior and this would make a fantastic "big" gift!

7. Wall Mounted Ball Storage $9.99. Currently Dax's room boasts jerseys hanging on his cute, formerly perfectly styled bookshelf topped with balls and trophies. haha. I'm 100% for finding aesthetic ways to display their most loved items!

8. Walkie Talkies $35.99. I picked up several $5 walkies a couple of years ago but one was dropped in the toilet (don't ask). I'm replacing this year with this well reviewed version since they loved the last set  so much!

9. Remote Control Stunt Car $37.99. The only thing Dax gave me when I asked for his input (and Lego!) so it's in the cart. I like that it lights up and per the reviews is fast!

10. Blank Comic Book $6.99. I may wait one more year to snag this for Dax but I love the creativity required! He just got into the Big Nate series so I think his comic interest is piqued!

11. Handmade Bow and Arrow Set $34.97. Dax's specific set is no longer sold but he loves it so I had to include it. Perfect for the little adventurer in your life! Also loved this one- super fun that it comes with cans!

Check out these gift guides!

Gift Guide for Her

Trending Gifts for Preteen Girls

Shop the Post below (affiliate links included):

2. Air Force 1 Pixel Sneaker. $100. In the cutest blush color. I'm not gonna lie- I've been waiting for my 12 y/o to like shoes enough to request them as a gift. I'll happily splurge on these cuties!

3. Custom Heishi Beaded Bracelets. $10 ea. I love playful jewelry- add pretty colors and customization and I'm sold. Would make a cute stocking stuffer too!

4. Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfume. $24. I don't know what happens between 10 and 11 but starting last Christmas, my girl was very into perfume. This one smells so pretty!

5. Shark Watch. $65. This is on its way to us (shhh!) as it was on Genevieve's birthday list. She doesn't have a smart watch and her phone only calls and texts (it's this one if you're curious) so she doesn't always carry it. This watch is needed and so cute! 

6. Sticker Pack. $11. Maybe more of a stocking stuffer but these are so cute, I had to include them. The shop also sells faith based stickers (I grabbed this one) which I love! 

7. Stylus Pen. $28. An apple pen is on her wish list but mama ain't ready for that type of $ on something so easily lost. This one should tide her over. ;)

8. Beauty Organizer. $59 (on sale!). A place for her baubles that's neat and pretty is more like a gift for us, is it not?

9. Have a Good Day Sweatshirt. $35. It's aesthetic (what the kids say instead of 'cute' apparently) and it's trending.

10. DIY Custom Candle Kit. $16. The girls have used a few of these kits and always enjoy them. I love that they're creative and consumable. ;) I also love these Project MC2 kits!

11. Orbeez Hand Spa. $19.99. These are probably the last years they'll be into tactile play! Let's embrace it. 

12. Dork Diaries. $119. This set includes books 1-10. It's a series my oldest has really enjoyed. She also loves this series!

I often think "the internet doesn't need another [fill in the blank]." In this case I'm referring to gift guides, but my friends over on Instagram voted YES to 'Would you like me to create some gift guides?' and I give the people what they want. ;) So here's my relatively budget-friendly, fun, down-to-Earth gift guide for her. Some items I have, some I wish I had, but all would make great gifts!

1. Linen Robe. $49.99 - I have this (only this pretty color wasn't in stock!) and love it. Nothing beats linen and it looks great hanging on the bathroom door. Currently 20% off orders $80+

My mom always said "Jesus is the reason for the season," and while I might have rolled my eyes in response, once or twice or lots, I agreed then and agree now.  But even though I say that, sometimes my actions don't show it. One small way I want to reiterate that refrain with my girls is to give them at least one gift that nourishes their little souls.  Here are my picks for spiritual books--most of which we own and love. It includes a range of ages from little babes to big kids.

I may not have time to share gift guides here on Taste{Full}, but I am pretty happy with the ones I've created for Tall Clothing Mall and Live the Fancy Life!

1. Ornament wreath.  Every year I feel overwhelmed with the thought of Christmas decorating and crafts.  I am not great at decorating for the holidays!  Add Pinterest and the feelings of inadequacy get a little crazy!  So this year I decided to choose just ONE craft, shell out the cash on supplies, and take an after-bedtime-block (or two) to get it done! Ever since I painted my front door yellow, the traditional green and red just didn't work.  I had a hard time getting my wreath to be perfectly round and my hanger is showing a bit but overall I LOVE it and definitely want to make another next year! In case you're interested, I used this tutorial.
2. My little girls in their Christmas PJs.  One of a few photoshoots I tried.  If you have kids you know how hard it is to get those perfect pictures in the moment!  Last Easter was the first time I actually had a little dress rehearsal and took photos of them beforehand and I wondered why I hadn't done that before!  They had lots of "Christmas attire," but I tried to stick to a few outfits and get some cute pictures without the pressure of an event or bedtime, looming.
3. Just a little glimpse into why I'm AWOL.  I'm having fun in the snow.  My mom and I did a winter-y photo shoot. It was so fun and I was totally being inspired by her.  I'll have to share some more of these photos with you because I'm quite proud of the end result.  I got some really great shots of my mama!
4. My napkin wring of a jingle bells ornament and a blue glittery ornament.  I loved and was inspired by this post over on Live the Fancy Life.
5. I love the idea of using all white wrapping with fun embellishments. I had leftover tulle from this project and ribbon from a couple of years ago. So pretty!
6. This modern chevron paper was only $1 at Target!  I got the ribbon for 75% off at Michael's after Christmas last year. And though I had tons of gorgeous free printable gift tags my $@%& printer isn't working (yes I am fake cursing because I'm mad) so I got these pretty snowflake tags from Target.

Creating gift guides is so fun.  If you need a few ideas for a friend, mom, sister, or say, yourself, take a peek at these.  Here are a few fun gifts I've come across during my online window shopping:

2. knitted bow scarf chunky neck warmer. $28 (from $68!).  I saw this one in the TomKat Gift guide.  I need it in my life.  3. MineDesign Chalkboard Candle. $24.95. I suppose you don't have to be a girly girl to enjoy an adorable chalkboard candle.  Don't want to buy this?  Why not attempt a DIY version.  Looks so easy!
4. Essie Nail Color, Mojito Madness.  $8.  I love the idea of a minty green for Christmas instead of your typical green.  So chic.
5. SEPHORA COLLECTION Smoky Studio 2. $34.00 I have one of Sephora's blockbuster sets and I LOVE it!  
6. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro.  $20.97.  I am a total girly girl (in case you hadn't guessed by  now) and I love makeup books! I haven't read this one but the reviews are awesome.