gift idea : origami

fold me up, fold me down

ISN’T IT so fascinating how two kiddos born of the same two parents can be so vastly different? My guys are both kind, funny, bright and loving, but their similarities pretty much end there. My little guy is most frequently found in a fantastical world of his own making. He has a GiGANTIC and wondrous imagination and could spend days fully entertained by a single twisty tie. My older son on the other hand, is firmly rooted in reason. His equally active imagination has never been to The Land of Make Believe, but instead is stirred by Rube Goldberg-style machines, elaborate Danny MacAskill tricks and epic ski lines. When he was little, he asked me in all earnestness if Santa was going to come into his room and watch him sleep. He was super creeped out. I mean, it makes sense. The jolly man’s already in our house, the logical next step is that he might go for a wander. And my guy is ALL about logic. He has always busied himself with tinkering and building and engineering and solving problems. He builds elaborate bike jumps and epic race car tracks. He assembles the big Lego sets so that his little brother can actually play with them. He has folded probably close to one million paper airplanes of every possible combination to test their speed, distance and accuracy. And when he discovered origami in second grade, it was true love at first sight.

IN MY observation, LOTS of kids go through a serious origami phase, often starting around age 7 or 8, and it’s easy to see why. The paper is bright and colorful and sometimes has really cool patterns. And, of course, it’s so satisfying to follow the complicated series of steps and end up with something recognizable. My son would then attempt to make a giant version or a teeny tiny version or a whole family of his latest creation (the frogs might’ve been my favorite). He still loves the Art for Kids Hub videos that teach origami in super understandable steps. He learned the hard way that not everyone on YouTube knows what they’re doing, but Rob does and he makes it fun and sets the kids up for success (also an AWESOME and inexpensive subscription, which you know I’m all over).

THERE ARE TONS of awesome resources out in the world for learning and practicing origami and they make excellent gifts for kids or adults that would enjoy the zen process. It’s such a great activity for busy minds and fidgety hands. Taro’s Origami is an excellent resource for learning all about the art form and the paper-making process. They make some of the best paper you’ll find and the studio even offers live online classes with Taro’s professional folders for all levels, which would be a spectacular gift. And if your folder would be wowed by cool patterns, Aitoh is an authentic brand that has an endless offering of super cool paper to delight. So if you love an analytical little and need a good gift or rainy day distraction, check out these fun origami activities and watch their pride swell as they create something dazzling from a humble sheet of square paper. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

origami gifts for folders of all ages

> Jumbo Origami Paper is a fun BIG variation on the standard origami paper and it comes in 30 colors >

> Djeco Origami Kits come in fun themes, perfect for learning new shapes >

> Learn to fold 15 different animals with this Origami Zoo Kit that also includes a fold-out map of the zoo and stickers for adding the finishing touches >

> My First Origami Kit is the perfect starting place for beginners with 22 different projects to practice with, plus stickers >

> You can’t actually fold this Origami Boat, it’s a super cute Oli & Carol natural rubber bath toy, perfect for little siblings of avid folders >

> Make 20 different customized paper airplanes with this cool Paper Airplane Squadron Kit >

> Oh man, I loved making Origami Fortune Tellers when I was little and this bright, colorful set comes with lots of different themes >

> There are 200 brightly colored, double-sided sheets in this Rainbow Colors Origami Paper Pack to keep the imagination running wild >

> This Kusudama Origami Book has stunning, elaborate folds to make traditional Japanese paper spheres >

> Learn to fold 30 different origami designs using a single dollar bill with The Dollar Bill Origami Book >

> This Star Wars Origami Kit is a must for any Star Wars lover. Learn to fold all of your favorite characters >

> Foldology is an origami puzzle game for more advanced folders with 100 brain-teasing challenges from beginner to expert >

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heartfelt support gifts

OH MAN. There are just some gifts that you wish with all of your heart that you never have to give. And a dear friend starting chemo is def on that list. But those times that are the most difficult in a friend or family member’s life are some of the most important times to show up with your most heartfelt support and a thoughtful gift that screams “I’M SO SORRY THAT YOU’RE SUFFERING AND I’D DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT GO AWAY but I can’t, so here are some soft + lovely things that I hope help you feel deeply loved instead.” Or something like that, right? It can be so hard to know what people need or want or what to say, but there are a few really nice, pampering things that are just about always welcome when someone is struggling.

BLANKETS ARE such a fantastic gift for almost any occasion, but are especially nice when someone is feeling unwell. Faherty makes crazy soft, serene and soothing organic cotton ones that are lightweight enough not to bother any super sensitive spots, but that have enough heft so you know it’s there. It’s just like a sweet hug when you’re all wrapped up and it can be super grounding. A natural fiber like organic cotton is nice for people who are healing and compromised and could do with avoiding additional toxins. Likewise, I love this Zestt Organics Dreamsoft Travel Scarf for snuggling up at appointments or treatments.

LIKEWISE, A cozy pair or two of socks or house shoes keep toes nice and toasty when you’re having trouble regulating your temp. I LOVE these Le Bon Shoppe Cloud Socks for chilling at home and have gifted them to several people who all agree that they’re heavenly. A pair of Topdrawer's Japanese House Shoes are also so soft and comfy. You can’t go wrong with something super luxurious and squishy to make someone feel a bit more comfortable.

NEXT ADD in a few really lovely self care elements. I generally like to keep things pretty simple for people who aren’t at their best, so not too scented and with clean ingredients. Rebecca’s Herbal Apothocary in Boulder is a fantastic resource for handmade blends that are made simply and intentionally. The Balancing Spritzer is for calming anxiety and the Clearing Spritzer is for moving bad juju out of a space. The Himalayan Salt Massage Stone can be put in the fridge or oven to create a smooth and soothing hot or cold tool for working out angry muscles and detoxifying the body. Just about everyone needs a good lip balm and a friend is obsessed with this French Nuxe Reve de Miel. Homemade body butters or other soothing goodies made ‘with love’ are always a beautiful addition (I so didn’t make this one, thanks RHP!). And mints (these are my favorite, I stash them everywhere) or mouth spray can mask the taste of meds or help with a dry mouth. There are TONS of self care items that your loved one might need along the way, many of which are super useful, but NOT sexy. You should, of course, bring them what they need. BUT just for this beautiful pampering gift, maybe stick with the special, luxurious things over straight utility; both will help in their own way.

A SPECIAL tea blend or other beneficial nourishing foods and drinks (like homemade granola) that promote healing are always so nice. This Yin Time Tea + Slippery Elm mix was specially blended by the expert herbalists at Rebecca’s to help sooth anxious nerves and calm a nauseous stomach. And this World Market Glass Loose Leaf Tea Press makes brewing loose tea super easy and beautiful. Or opt for an electric one that keeps your favorite tea nice and warm so it’s always at the ready.

THERE ARE so many options for spoiling your loved ones when they need a little extra propping up. What’s most important is that the gift is put together and given with the love and support with which it’s intended so that the message is super clear; ‘I’m here for you and I have your back.’ GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

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things i love // off to college

WHEN MY oldest was about 7, my husband told him casually that it was move-in day at the University. He reminisced about the day his own parents left him at his freshman dorm and said goodbye, leaving him to experience college on his own. When I went to tuck my little in that night he crumbled and SOBBED and told me in no uncertain terms that he DID NOT want to go to college. It sparked some serious anxiety in him about a ritual that wouldn’t come for another decade. I’m only sending him off to Middle School now, but the thought of dropping him at his freshman dorm already makes ME want to sob. Sending our children off to learn independence and test out their fortitude Is such a special rite of passage. And with a little forethought you can send them armed with a few things that might make the transition a bit easier or at least prettier and more fun, which totally counts for something, right? Good luck fierce freshman [and their sobbing parents], you got this. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

There’s nothing more important than the safety of your undergrad. With all of the terrifying statistics out there, you’ll both rest easier knowing that your ‘baby’ is armed with Birdie, a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It was designed by two moms of new college students to scare off attackers and attract attention, but Birdie is also excellent for anyone you love who might be out and about anywhere a little added safety measure would be prudent. And Birdie is designed to be super cute, compact and lightweight so it can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag while they’re out on campus, on trails, in the city or wherever they roam. There are 12 fresh, fun colors to choose from and for every purchase Birdie donates 5% of proceeds to a variety of organizations that support women’s safety, shelter or health.
// BIRDIE PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM $29.95 // Use code AFLUTTER10 at checkout to save 10%

Last I checked freshman dorm rooms were pretty, um, ‘compact.’ You can save some coveted space by sending your frosh with a few super cool + slender Nomadix quick-dry towels instead of thick, plush, space-eating ones. They come in a bunch of really cool prints, including National Parks and Island-inspired. They even have hand towels, too. Plus, because they’re quick-dry, they won’t develop the nasty stank of a terry towel that got thrown in a corner and forgotten about for days [I’m sure your kid would never do that though, right?]. I have an Agua Blue one and I love it. I’ve brought it on a river trip, to the pool and to a music festival and have been thrilled every time with its performance. It dries really quickly and is super soft despite [or because?!] being made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. They’re also part of 1% for the Planet, so that’s a win-win for me [and the planet, of course].
// NOMADIX TOWELS from $19.95 //

You can’t play nurse to your sick or bleeding teen from hundreds of miles away, but you might *feel better* knowing that your fledgling adult has all of the tools they need to take care of themselves when they’re a little under the weather or crash their bike into a stump [or are just a bit *off* for other reasons]. Arm them with a first aid kit that houses the basics so they can focus on what really matters instead of trying to track down a few ibuprofen or a bandaid. Letterfolk has a super cute compact tin that’s roomy enough for the essentials, but wee enough to be easily stashed. And by filling it up yourself, you get to decide which items make most sense so you’re not stuck with sterilized gauze when you really need Pepto. Now don’t you feel better already?
// LETTERFOLK FIRST AID TIN $27 //

Keep those brilliant expanding brains well nourished with a monthly delivery of healthy snacks. There are a bunch of options for snack subscriptions, but TasteCrate will send your student a fairly giant selection of unique snacks that you may not have seen before, which is pretty fun. You can set it up to ship once or monthly all year long. If your frosh has dietary restrictions, SnackSack offers boxes that are GF, Vegan or both. And if you just want to blow their mind with a little something super special, Candy Club will deliver a bright, fun, sweet sugar party in a box once or monthly. Now, you already know that I’m a big fan of subscription gifts. They’re so easy to set up and then they just keep *delivering* the goods, so your people continue to feel super special over and over again with almost no effort on your part. Whichever box option you choose, your young adult will feel like a little kid again when their special care package arrives.
// TASTECRATE SNACK SUBSCRIPTION $39.99 //

There’s just not space in a dorm room or studio apartment for a hefty collection of picture frames to lovingly display the beautiful faces of everyone you love. So, help your undergrad feel connected to friends and family with a Nixplay Smart Digital Picture Frame. It’s compact enough to fit almost anywhere, including on the wall, and can be easily updated with new photos or short videos instantly from anywhere in the world there’s an internet connection. Anyone you invite can share to it, so if your student’s BFF lives in upstate New York, brother lives in San Diego and grandma lives in Paris, they can all upload photos to the frame anytime via email or through the Nixplay app. It’s seriously magical. My sister and I gave one to my parents a few years ago and they are SO delighted when a new photo of their grand babies magically pops up on the frame. It couldn’t be easier to use and is such an awesome way for everyone to stay connected and let your hard-working student know that they’re top of mind. And it’s especially fun on a birthday or holiday to upload a special surprise tribute. The frame comes in a range of finishes, but the basic 10” frame is available in black, white or a wood finish to match just about any decor. It would be a fantastic gift for parents and grandparents, too, so everyone can feel the love.
// NIXPLAY SMART DIGITAL PICTURE FRAME $179 //

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things i love // back to school

Summer is flying by so quickly I feel like I hardly even had a chance to buckle up for the ride. Our district’s early out (pre-Memorial Day) + early back (pre-Labor Day) school schedule means that in just a few short weeks, my babies will become 4th and 6th graders (eek, middle school) and another harried year will begin. I’m so thrilled + grateful to be back to fun activities and time with friends and SCHOOL in a real building, so I’ll *try* not to complain about the nutty scheduling of it all and just enjoy the ‘normal.’ You lovelies will keep me in check, right? In preparation for a new year, my big kid just picked out a rad new lunchbox and some Stasher Bags. I have rounded up some other awesome Back to School stuff this week to get you thinking about what’s to come, whether you have a kiddo headed off to their first day of preschool or a too-cool middle school veteran. And wherever your kiddos land, enjoy your last weeks and days of summer. It just goes SO dang fast. xo

Oh my goodness, if you have teeny tinies heading off to school or even just to the park across the street, these We Might Be Tiny Snackies are just the cutest. All of this Australian company’s products, from Plates to Placemats to Cups, have my design-loving heart. And, in addition to being the MOST adorable tableware I’ve maybe ever seen, all of their products are designed to encourage independent eating and are made from super durable food-grade silicone that’s free from gross chemicals, so you can feel doubly good about serving up your sweet littles’ delicious snacks in the world’s cutest container. So, would it be cool to send my middle schooler to class with one? I mean, he’d be ok with that, right?! Or… maybe it’ll just be my go-to toddler gift.
// WE MIGHT BE TINY SNACKIES $29.95 //

You guys already know that my big kid loves a good fidget. He just needs a little something to keep his hands busy, especially when it’s time to sit and focus. I’m new to this whole middle school mom thing, but I’m just *guessing* that a wildly distracting [annoying] fidget toy that pops or whirls or splats might not cut it in class anymore. So, I ordered him Calm Strips. They’re a ‘sensory adhesive’ designed to ground fidgeters while they drag their fingers on the sandy or pebbly surface or peel up the corner over and over. They’re subtle and satisfying and they can be easily removed from any surface and stuck again somewhere else. They’re now also selling Carry Tags that you can stick your Calm Strip to so you can bring it anywhere or attach it to a backpack. They come in a bunch of cool designs, some of which earn a portion of proceeds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Human Rights Campaign and several other super worthy causes. Don’t you love it when something you want anyway has the added bonus of contributing to an organization you’re super happy to support?! Middle School here we come.
// CALM STRIPS $12.99 //

If you have a kiddo that doesn't want to totally blend in at school, consider letting them customize their gear with a set of Posca paint markers. We have several sets (regular, glitter, 'flesh tones' and fluorescent; the metallic are on our list) and my guys LOVE them. My older son used them to customize the Swooshes of his plain white Air Force 1s with a cool design and both boys went totally Shrinky Dink crazy for a good while (we have a whole medieval army and the entire population of Springfield cast in tiny plastic 😂). Because they write on almost any surface, you can use Poscas on notebooks or binders, phone cases, water bottles, skateboards, cleats or sneakers, helmets, bikes…you get the idea. And if you’re not into marking up their stuff, you can also use them for Kindness Rocks or other fun art projects. They also have a super inspiring Instagram feed that might just spark your kiddo’s creativity. I even used them to draw on the ends of my weights for Boot Camp so they don’t get mixed up with the others. Nerdy? Totally. But at least I won’t blend in.
// POSCA PAINT MARKERS from $15 //

School is hard enough to navigate for t[w]eens without having to worry about things like getting their first period. If it’s a subject on the mind of your growing gal [or you!], Lola’s brilliant First Period Kit will give you both a sense of confidence and calm that might take at least one thing off your list. Lola is a female-run brand dedicated entirely to women’s reproductive and sexual health and wellness. Their products are all non-toxic and dye-free and are a score for mamas, too. The First Period Kit comes with a complete sampling of all of the tools your t[w]een will need (organic tampons and 3 kinds of pads) to examine ahead of time and experiment with when the time comes, including a little carry pouch you can stash in her backpack or locker. The Kit also includes period-tracking stickers and access to a super helpful pediatrician-authored e-book with honest and straightforward advice and answers to their period questions [including the ones they didn’t even know to ask]. It could be invaluable at demystifying this rite of passage and is a fantastic way to start a conversation that might otherwise be awkward. So let them worry about their math homework or when practice starts and scratch this off the list.
// LOLA FIRST PERIOD KIT + GUIDE $34 //

So… you getting tired of packing the same lunch every. single. morning? I mean, I LOVE a good routine, but if your kids are getting bored of the same old, Catherine at Weelicious has all of the inspiration you need to earn yourself a gold star for school lunch making this year. A trained chef and mama of 3, she started posting healthy, kid-friendly recipes when her oldest was little and has grown her blog to include amazing food for the whole family (she also makes my guy’s hands-down favorite special treat). Her school lunch photos + ideas are super inspiring and are a fantastic reminder of the huge variety of things we *could* be packing for our kids. You can even search her site by dietary need, which is SO helpful if you have restrictions in your household. Check out her Insta for the adorable videos she makes with her daughter and some excellent cooking tips. And, now I’m hungry.
// WEELICIOUS //

Hey! Just a heads up that this post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that I stand by all product recommendations 100%. Questions? Reach out, I’m always here for you. xo

things i love // fathers day

IT’S JUST about time to celebrate those quirky + lovable husbands, dads, grandfathers and other super important dudes in your life. I’ve already shared a bunch of awesome ideas with you; everything from adventure-ready coffee grinders to blankets to coolers to olive oil. But if none of that resonates for you, I have just a few more. There are as many rad dad gifts as there are obscure dad hobbies, but hopefully I’ve hit on something that’ll get your guy going. And if not, reach out for some more personalized ideas, I’m totally here for you. Or there’s always breakfast in bed. xo

MY HUSBAND has been very intentionally honing his margarita skills for SEVERAL summers now. He’s caused many a puckered cheek with his creative experiments, but I think he’s finally nailed the formula. Because his “bar” is usually in the middle of the woods or next to a raging river, his top tool of choice has always been a trusty Stanley Happy Hour Adventure Set that was gifted to him years ago (thanks, JCJ!). It’s totally bomber and seriously might be THE most-used and reliable piece of gear we’ve ever owned [which says a lot]. He totes along the ‘ingredients’ in old stainless Kleen Kanteens because we can’t bring glass, and they’re super banged up from having the masking tape labels stuck on and torn off over and over again for years. It’s “a system” as The Home Edit gals would say, and it’s truly great for drinks in the great outdoors. But, if you prefer to make and sip your drink in a more, um, refined locale, then Crew Supply Co is THE answer to your handsome and super useful mixology needs.

DESIGNED BY legit veteran industry experts, Crew Supply’s Crew Bottles and Pour Spouts are not only flawlessly designed, they’re also super useful for SO many things. The Crew Bottles come in a Classic or Crafty [which includes measurement lines for super easy mixing] depending on your needs. The Bottles are designed to be ultra hygienic, leak-proof, extra durable AND fabulous looking. And you can use them for so many things from simply storing liquid ingredients to making your own infusions to serving fresh juices. The Chubby Bottle is their stout little brother and is perfect for oils and dressings. All bottles come with a beech wood stopper, but you can also add a Pour Boy Pour Spout for easy use. And if all of that isn’t enough to sell you, check out the range of awesome colors and it just might push you over the edge. This is def not your river rat setup.
// CREW SUPPLY CO BOTTLES from $17.99 //

A FEW days before our first son was born, my dad gave my husband an antique Navajo cuff from his prized collection. It was the most heartfelt and precious gift. My man had never fancied himself the jewelry type, but he instantly took to the bracelet and it is by far one of his most precious treasures. It sort of opened a door for him to a new manner of subtle expression and he now has a little collection of different bracelets + cuffs that he rotates around. Bracelets + cuffs can be a simple, understated way to dip your toes into adornment or can add a sweet new layer to your man’s stack if he’s already totally on board. And if you want one that’s done right, look no further than local favorite, CLP [Christy Lea Payne].

CLP IS known for honing an elegant + refined, but slightly rustic + badass style that’s always on point. I love so many of her women’s pieces and have gifted them to LOTS of lady loves in my life. But it’s rare to find men’s pieces that I like just as much and she nails it. I love the understated, masculine detail on the Men’s Hammered Cuff. And the simple Black Coated Silver Cuff can be personalized with initials [yours, his, kiddos or grandkiddos…] or a short, sweet sentiment for an extra added layer of love. If the man in your life has a touch of rock + roll in him, the Silver Thunderbird Necklace is just rad (I have her Tiny Thunderbird Studs on a very short list for myself). So even if you never thought the dad you love was the jewelry type, he just might surprise you [and himself].
// CLP MENS CUFFS from $148 //

LOVE A dad who LOVES grilling + cooking + technology? Then meet Meater, your perfect gifting solution. Meater is a wireless, bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer that will seamlessly guide you to the perfect internal temp. The Meater app will help you determine the right internal temp goal for your cut, then track your cooking progress while you just sit back and chill with your rad self until the app tells you that it’s time to take your meat off the heat. It’ll even track the ‘resting’ phase and alert you when it’s actually ready to eat. No need to hack through the ‘thick part’ to see what’s inside, it’ll just come out perfectly every time. You can even cook multiple items at once (with multiple Meaters, of course). The thermometer is fully dishwasher safe and charges in it’s own pretty wood holder. Fully charged it’ll last up to 24 hours, so your favorite pit master can set it and forget it no matter how long it takes to smoke that butt.

THERE ARE a few different models that basically just determine how far you can walk away from your meat. The Meater Original has a 33 foot range, the Meater Plus goes to 165 feet and the super mac daddy Meater Block comes with 4 probes and can work over your wifi so you can seriously go about your day. And be sure to check out Meater’s insta for some insane juicy inspiration (unless your vegan and then seriously avoid it like the plague). Any meat + gadget lover you love will be in grill nerd heaven with this one.
// MEATER WIRELESS THERMOMETER from $69 //

I DON’T know about the dads you love, but mine are pretty much all still working from home. And I’ll bet they’re getting a wee bit tired of their own four walls. So spice up their space with a high-quality, beautifully designed infographic poster about an obscure passion to distract and amuse them. Popchart makes really cool posters outlining just about EVERYTHING you can imagine [and some you couldn’t] for just about ANY dad on your list. If your man is into something that Popchart doesn’t cover, PLEASE tell me what it is just for the sake of my own fascinated curiosity. Some even have a scratch-off feature so you can track how many MLB Ballparks you visit or classic Horror Movies you watch. Standard charts come in a crazy variety of themes from Beer + Whiskey to Golf Holes to Superpowers to Birds to Seinfeld to Rap Names and can be ordered framed or unframed. The design is flawless and they are sure to start a conversation or two. If you’re a bit behind schedule you can find some of their most popular prints like Football or MLB Stadiums, European Football Clubs, Sneakers, Guitars or The Beatles on Amazon for speedy delivery. Celebrate the nerd you love by inspiring even more of that lovable geekiness.
// POPCHART from $22 //

YOU GUYS already know that I whole-heartedly subscribe to the “one for you, one for me” gifting method. Well, that [selfish-ish] joy could double when you gift a lovely adventure for two to a fabulous destination. Sneaky, but totally legit. And if your man is into adventure, epic mountain biking + hiking [or nordic skiing + snowmobiling] and then chilling in a seriously gorgeous off-grid cabin, I’ve got you covered.

Le Maelström, just outside of Quebec City, is a unique and totally stunning recreational wonderland. It’s a “bike-in, bike-out” destination that boasts 37 miles of incredible biking + snowmobile trails with stunning, eco-friendly cabins strewn throughout. Each gorgeous little chalet is privately owned and completely different from it’s neighbor, from the Hyyge (pictured above) to the Lagöm to the Rokh and they are all either off-grid or alternatively powered. It’s glamping at its finest. There are also other fantastic attractions nearby, including golfing, alpine skiing, yoga, spas and restaurants for when the epic riding is done. And part of the Oath for Le Maelström visitors includes a promise to “not leave your fire of joy unattended,” which just about sums it up. So whether your part of the ‘trip for two’ includes joining your man on this adventure or shoving him off with a riding buddy while you chill solo, you are both sure to enjoy.
// LE MAELSTRÖM CABIN RENTAL from $99 //