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):

 Thank you for Walmart for sponsoring this post!

I'm often asked for a link to what I'm wearing and more often than I can count, it's an item from Walmart Fashion. They have such pretty styles and the quality- particularly of their Free Assembly and Time and Tru lines- is also of note! Let me be frank with you- I initially planned to share just one look but there were so many fun items that I could wear this Holiday season that 'one' ended up being four. Thankfully Walmart fashion is easy on the wallet! But let's get to it- Here's what to wear this holiday season along with styling tips and sizing notes! And make sure to check out all my picks at the end!

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+