Mama Gift Guide 2021
Our family keeps Christmas delightfully simple by choosing three gifts for each person: something to read, something to wear, and something to play with. We use this system for children and adults! If you're anything like me, it's much easier to think of great gifts to purchase for others, but much harder to add to your own wish list. I put together a list of my very favorite things that I have found to be tried and true. I hope this list is helpful as you write your own!
To read:
+ Dwell Bible app subscription - I enjoy listening to the Bible first thing each morning, and what's different about Dwell is that you can choose the Bible translation, the person's voice, the underlying music, and the speed. You can also set it to work through certain Bible reading plans (I use the chronological plan, which lines up perfectly with The Bible Recap reading plan) so that I can listen to the Bible in one year. I find that listening to the Bible while I read along helps me to stay focused. A one-year subscription is $39.99.
+ ESV Journaling Bible by Hosanna Revival - I have an ESV Journaling Bible and have loved the wide, lined margins for taking notes as I read Scripture, jot down sermon notes, or list ways I have seen God answer prayer as I have prayed through certain chapters of the Bible. It's proven to be durable and feels like the perfect size.
+ Quiet Time Companion by Wholehearted - I recently started using this Quiet Time Companion journal and couldn't love it more. It helps me organize my thoughts as I read through Scripture, record my prayers and praises, and trace God's hand in my life. If you're hoping for a more consistent and meaningful devotional life, this is a valuable tool. Use the code WHITNEY15 for 15% off your order.
+ Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose - Of all the books I read last year, this was the most life changing. It's the memoir of Darlene Deibler Rose who was a missionary to Indonesia and found herself in the middle of a Japanese prison camp during World War II. Her story and her faith are sobering, challenging, and inspiring. If you liked The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, you'll love this one.
To wear:
+ Yoga pants - There are so many different brands and styles of yoga pants, and I've been surprised by these in the best way. They're affordable, but also comfortable, supportive, and have a handy pocket on the side. I have them in a couple different colors, and they've held up really well.
+ Made by Mary Family Florals necklace - This is the necklace I wear nearly every day. You can customize it by choosing the number of flowers on the pendant. I chose 9 to represent all the members of my immediate family (including our three babies in heaven). It's subtle, delicate, and goes with everything. It's also meaningful when I think about what those flowers represent.
+ Wildflower Bergamot perfume by Anatomy of a Fragrance - I don't wear perfume every day, but this is my all-time favorite. A bottle has lasted me years and the scent is light and floral. Highly recommend!
+ Nara Crossbody bag by Able - I own a similar bag from Able and have used it for several years. It only looks better with age, and I love that when purchasing from Able, I'm supporting livable wages for women all over the world! This is an investment, for sure, but one that will last a very long time.
To play:
+ Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Maker plus Milk Frother - My husband got this for me last Christmas, and I can honestly say it's the best gift I've received in years. This machine makes espresso using pods (which are a tad pricey, but way more cost effective than frequent Starbucks trips). I make a homemade oat milk latte each morning by frothing the oat milk in the frother and adding decaf espresso, a touch of vanilla, and a teaspoon of maple syrup. It is truly better than any latte or coffee drink at a coffee shop, and I only have to press two buttons. Such a treat each morning!
+ Stainless Steel Bread Machine - I recently purchased this bread machine and could not be happier with it! Our family is trying to transition away from buying sliced bread, but making bread as fast as my family consumes it feels nearly impossible. Until now! I am able to put the ingredients into the bread machine, press one button, and in three hours, we have a fresh loaf of bread. What I love about this machine is that it also has settings to make yogurt, jam, gluten-free bread, and quick breads. You can also delay start (for certain recipes) so that we wake up to fresh bread in the morning!
+ Laci Fowler art print - If you're looking for a colorful landscape or whimsical flowers to grace your wall, my friend Laci has so many beautiful options! We have several in our home, and they make me happy every time I see them! The Bear Creek Farm print and the Goldie print are two of my faves (and on my current wish list).
+ Chatbooks - If you share family photos through Instagram, this is the perfect way to print them off! We have close to 30 Chatbooks that I've had printed over time and my kids look at them daily. You can include captions and dates, too, to keep the memories fresh. I'll be purchasing a few this Christmas for our family.
I've used Amazon affiliate links in certain places... if you purchase through these links, I'll receive a small commission without added cost to you. I only recommend what I truly love. Thank you!
