gift guide: minimalists

December 07, 2021 by all aflutter in Gift Guides

CLUTTER. Chotchkes. Trinkets. Junk. Call it what you want. For the people on your list who just don’t want a bunch of extra stuff in their house, but would still appreciate being acknowledged, The One Hit Wonder Gift is your answer. It’s just as beautiful and thoughtful as any other gift, but is intended to have either a single or limited use so nobody has to find a place to put it. Sustainable, waste-free gifts that are super useful can also fall into this category. Think special food + drinks, wellness + beauty gifts that can be used up and awesome experiences. A membership to their favorite museum or botanic garden would be a lasting and sweet gift. You can also make a donation in their name to an organization near to their heart for a double gift. And take heart in knowing that the fact that you’re acknowledging and respecting that your special person doesn’t want a bunch more ‘stuff’ is a beautiful gift in itself. xo

Gifts for Minimalists [aka. the one hit wonder gift]

+ Send a **Paella Essentials Cooking Kit** from Food Lab in Boulder. It includes all of the more specialty ingredients you need, plus a full shopping list and a helpful video so you can learn to make paella at home. + **from** **$65**

+ Send your special person the gift of their absolute favorite food. **Goldbelly** partners with a HUGE variety of small restaurants around the country to ship nostalgic [or new] favorites to your door. They’ll send pretty much anything your heart desires from samosas to lasagna to kolaches. + **from** **$25**

+ **Brightland’s** gorgeous small-batch olive oils, vinegars and honey are a stunning gift and your minimalist will enjoy using up every last drop. + **from** **$22**

+ **Nopalera** is a stunning artisan natural beauty brand that uses wild-harvested nopal as the base for all of their gorgeous products. All of the show-stopping packaging is reusable or recyclable. **+ from $14**

+ Appeal to their minimalism with Ursa Major’s totally clean and cruelty-free **Forest-Fresh Hair & Body Bundle.** There’s no fussy 8-step routine with this line, just clean, fresh, effective hair and skincare for everyone. **+ $74**

+ Give the gift of your child’s special artwork perfectly preserved in a book or a framed mosaic. **Artkive** helps eliminate the clutter of prolific little artists by compiling their masterpieces into tidy keepsakes. **+ from $75**

+ It doesn't get much more minimalist than making a legit gourmet meal in one **Anyday Dish** ENTIRELY in the microwave. Learn more about why I love this thing here. Everyone can find a spot for this. **+ from $30**

+ This **Nixplay Digital Frame** is basically ALL the photos in one. 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 sister lives in upstate New York, auntie 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. **+ $189**

+ How can something be minimalist and totally extra at the same time? When it serves multiple purposes AND is luxurious. **SKiVYs Femme** soft and stylish dresses are designed to take you straight from bed to WFH to happy hour without any fuss. **Use code AFLUTTER15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase.** **+ from $68**

+ **Geometry’s Not Paper Towels** are reusable, machine washable cloths that can completely replace the need for those gigantic rolls that take up half your cabinet. They’re also super absorbent, and quick-drying, so nothing stinky. They come in a rotating collection of pretty prints in packs of 6 and you can add on a little storage tray to keep them in so they’re always at the ready. **Use code DarcieC15 for 15% off your order every time.** + **$15**

+ **CheeseBoarder** will send beautifully designed farm-to-table cheese and charcuterie boards anywhere in the country. They’re perfectly curated and ready to enjoy. + **from $129.95**

+ Amazing process art teacher, Meri Cherry, offers magical **downloadable art classes** for kids of all ages + adults, too. You can gift a class or make something from one to give to your special person. + **from** **$18**

+ Send a unique craft cocktail recipe kit once or monthly from **American Cocktail Club.** It has everything included to make a yum drink to cheers you with. **+ $38.99**

+ **Lush Bath Bombs** are, well, the bomb. Each one is like a little party for the bath, spiraling in a crazy-fun frenzy of glitter and color and wonder. My boys love them. **+ from $5.25**

+ **Stasher’s** endlessly reusable platinum silicone bags can be used for ANYTHING you need to store or tote around. They’re freezer, microwave, oven AND dishwasher safe and come in an awesome variety of colors + sizes. I LOVE mine everyday. **+ from $7.99**

+ **Caldera + Lab** is a minimalist men’s [or anyone] skincare line and with THE highest sustainability standards. The list of ingredients they DON’T include in their products is longer than the list of ones they do. Plus it works really well and there are only 4 products in the whole line, so no overwhelming 9-step routine. My husband loves it. Read more about why it’s awesome here. **Save 15% off your whole purchase with code AFLUTTER15**. **+ from $29**

+ Runamok is best known for their fabulous infused Maple Syrups (hello Sparkle Syrup). Now they’ve taken their same passion for creating amazing flavors and applied it to a whole line of delicious and unique **Honeys.** Pick one or a set of all of the delicious flavors. **+ $9.95**

+ A **Kindle Paperwhite** is basically ALL the books without the giant stacks of dusty covers. You can gift it with or without a Kindle Unlimited subscription that provides access to a million books, audiobooks and magazines so your person will never run out of options. It’s also amazing for travel and is now waterproof. **+ from $129.99**

+ Gift your special person unlimited audio book entertainment with an **Audible membership.** Gift anywhere from month to a year. **+ from $15**

+ The only thing ‘extra’ about these pretty little **Palo Santo Incense Cones** is the gorgeous packaging. They’ll literally go up in smoke, so nobody needs to find a long-term home for them. And the Palo Santo smells heavenly. **+ $10**

gift guide: stocking stuffers for every age

November 11, 2021 by all aflutter in Gifts For..., Gift Guides

STOCKINGS were my absolute favorite part of Christmas morning when I was little. My sister and I were allowed to open our stockings while our parents were still rubbing their eyes and trying to muster the energy for what was to come even though it was still dark out. There’s something about pulling all of those little treasures out one by one that’s just so magical. And it’s probs still my favorite part of Mama Elf’s duties. It’s like a little secret challenge to find fun wee stuff to jam into that giant sock until it’s bursting at the seams. My boys were debating the other day about which part of Christmas was their favorite and they both landed on the stockings, so I guess the sweet tradition continues.

IT CAN be challenging to find meaningful stuff that’s small enough to fit into that big ol’ sock, but I can totally help. Just a little pro tip to remember: don’t be afraid to take things like character figures OUT of the package. Buy a big pack of them and just pop them out and put them in the stocking individually. It can take you a long way. And Include a few larger things in there to take up some space so you don’t drive yourself nuts trying to find 200 teeny tiny bits.

ARE YOU guys Team Wrapped or Team Unwrapped for those lil’ stocking gifts? I am def Team Wrapped and can’t help covering all of that silly loot for maximum WOW [and to buy myself a few minutes to make tea]. I don’t bother with the candy or anything super awkwardly-shaped, but everything else gets wrapped up. I LOVE hearing about other family’s traditions, so please do tell me in the comments about how you carry on this tradition in your house.

I HAVE given you LOTS of ideas for filling those magical treasure chests. There are sections for INFANTS + NEW MAMAS, TODDLERS, LITTLE KIDS, BIG KIDS, TWEENS + TEENS and ADULTS, but the lines between them are very fuzzy, so you might just want to do a happy scroll through the whole thing. And if you need more ideas, check out my posts on Baking Stuff for Kids + Teens, Art Supplies for Kids + Teens and Self Care for Tweens + Teens. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Baby + New Mama Stocking Stuffers

I love Etsy, The Detox Market and Dabble & Dollop for Babies + New Mamas

+ These sweet sweet **Silicone Teethers** can be personalized with baby’s name +

+ **Jellycat’s Bashful Bunny Soother** is a ridiculously cute lovie and blanket in one +

+ **Oli and Carol** make and hand-paint the cutest non-toxic teethers + toys +

+ **Dabble & Dollop** makes super clean, clever, adorable bath products for babies + kiddos +

+ Soothe baby with **Frida Baby’s No Mess Vapor Rub** +

+ Supply a much-needed chuckle with **There are Way Worse Moms Than You** +

+ There are so many cute **Mushie Silicone Pacifiers** +

+ **Baby Crinkle Paper** will keep wee ones entertained +

+ **Mushie Moon or Star Security Blankets** are sweet and made of organic cotton +

+ **My First Warmies** are safe for all ages and can be heated up to make a warm hug +

+ Soft handmade **Baby Booties** are a special gift +

+ **Indestructible Books** can be safely nibbled + drooled on +

+ This **Modern Nursing Necklace** is stylish + functional for new moms +

+ A **Baby Sleeping Sign** alerts visitors + delivery drivers to keep quiet +

+ Keep pacifiers clean and at-hand with an **Itzy Ritzy Pouch** that clips to your bag +

+ New mamas will be grateful for beloved healing **Motherlove Nipple Cream** and **Rhoid Balm**+

+ **Dimpl Clutch** is bright multi-sensory fun +

+ **Bathorium’s Mama's Perch Bath Bomb** is a special relaxing treat for tired mamas +

+ Kinsey Grace Co makes THE sweetest handmade **Baby Headbands** around +

+ A **Skida Alpine Hat** will keep baby [and mama] warm + cozy +

+ **Ouli’s All Purpose Beauty Ointment** is made with organic Greek olive oil and nourishes all kinds of skin ailments +

+ These ‘Little’ Board Books come in sets for **Travelers,** Feminists, Artists and Scientists +

+ This **Silicone Rainbow Chew Spoon Set** is cute + totally non-toxic +

+ **Eric Carle’s I Love Mom** or **I Love Dad** are sweet keepsakes +

+ **Burt's Bees Organic Cotton Booties** are lightweight + cozy +

+ **Marley's Monsters Organic Cotton Reusable Wipes** are super soft, handy + machine washable +

+ **Happy Socks Antislip Socks** are the cutest and so soft +

+ **Osmia Naked Unscented Soap** is super gentle +

+ You can never go wrong with a Dr. Seuss board book like **The Foot Book** +

+ These sweet packs of **Honest Baby Organic Washcloths** are useful for so many things +

+ Simple + sweet handmade **Wooden Baby Rattles** +

+ All of **Haba’s Silicone Teething Toys** are super cute + multi-sensory +

+ **Osmia Lip Doctor** is nourishing, super clean + unscented +

+ Soft **Bamboo Muslin Washcloths** are cute and endlessly useful +

+ **Boon’s Growl Dragon Teether** is so darn cute and made from non-toxic silicone +

+ **Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm** will sooth all the dry bits +

+ **Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks from A-Z** is classic and tiny for toting around +

+ **Blue Ginkgo Silicone Stacking Cups** are colorful and non-toxic +

+ **Reusable Organic Cotton Nursing Pads** are pretty and good for nursing mamas + Mama Earth +

+ Soothe sore gums with **Water-Filled Teethers** +

Toddler Stocking Stuffers

I love Ooly, Dabble & Dollop and Bubbles & Joy for Toddlers

+ **Ooly** is the single most amazing stop for bright + magical art supplies for stockings and beyond +

+ **Dover Little Activity Books** are PERFECT for on-the-go and come in a zillion themes [we loved sooo many of them] +

+ Inspire their musical talent with a **Hape Blues Harmonica** +

+ **Knockaround's** awesome polarized sunnies come in lots of cool prints +

+ **Plus Plus Bigs** are endless open-ended creativity for little hands +

+ Oh man my boys loved this wee little **Open the Barn Door Flap Book** +

+ These awesome handmade **Smily Beanies** come in 3 colors [+ adult sizes] +

+ **Warmies Junior Plush** animals aren’t just cute, you can heat them up to make a warm hug +

+ Take this **Playdoh Confetti Set** out of the package + spread the love +

+ My little LOVES his cozy **Pudus Slipper Socks** +

+ **Dabble & Dollop’s** yummy smelling + squeaky clean bath bubbles are meant to be mixed for fun bath time + science experiment in one +

+ Get up close and personal with a wee little **World’s Best Bug Jar** +

+ Cute **Boo Boo Ice Packs** make bumps + bruises feel better +

+ This cute wooden **Rain Stick** is fun and calming +

+ **Happy Socks** has the most awesome prints for every age +

+ **Ooly Heart Ring Crayons** are so darn cute and fun +

+ **Welly Bravery Badges** are super cute and come in lots of fun themes to help your little feel better fast +

+ This cool **Projector Flashlight** shows aliens and planets +

+ **Tub Works Bath Color Fizzies** make bath time sooo much more fun +

+ Rock out with these sweet **Wooden Egg Shakers** +

+ **Bubbles & Joy** has a sweet + magical collection of awesome non-toxic bath stuff perfect for stockings + **Use ALLAFLUTTER10 for 10% off your order**

+ **Mollybee Scavenger Hunt Cards** are so cute and a fun activity over and over again +

+ Kids of all ages love silly, noisy, bright **Pop Tubes** +

+ **Eeboo’s Create a Story Cards** are so cute + spark awesome creativity +

+ **Bubble Tree Bubbles** are non-toxic, refillable + super fun +

+ **Uno Junior** is a perfect introduction to the classic just for littles +

+ This awesome **Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set** strengthens little hands + it’s fun +

+ **Sesame Street Glo Pals Light Up Cubes** for the bath make something fun even better +

+ Adorable **Bizyboo Busy Bags** will entertain littles over and over in several fun themes +

+ **Eeboo’s Candy Matching Game** is ‘sweet’ and has super cute illustrations +

+ Bring the wow with an adorable and fun **Kaleidoscope** +

+ This wee **Animal Mini Memory Match Game** is just so cute +

+ My little loved this **Teeny Tiny Farm Set** so much I carried it everywhere we went +

+ **Dabble & Dollop’s Bath Bombs** are a fun, fizzy delight +

+ **Imagine Ink Coloring Pads** are mess-free, fun and come in a zillion cute themes +

+ I’ll bet I’ve played this bright, fun **Eeboo Go Fish** game 1000x with my boys +

Little Kid Stocking Stuffers

I love Meri Meri, Ooly, Etsy and Dabble & Dollop for Little Kids

+ **Dabble & Dollop’s 3-in-1 Gels and Whips** come in 8 perfect fruity flavors designed to be mixed for fun bath time + science experiment in one +

+ **Marvel Eye Found It!** is an engaging card game with awesome illustrations [there’s a Disney version, too] +

+ Little bakers + chefs will love **GIR’s Mini Spatula** +

+ Love these old school **Colorforms** and they come in popular themes, too +

+ Challenge your brain with a **Scramboozle Puzzle Ball** +

+ Meri Meri has THE cutest collection of kiddo **Jewelry** + **Hair Accessories** under the sun +

+ Blow a little mind with a wee-sized surprise **Color Reveal Barbie** +

+ **Ooly** has awesome + adorable stickers in so many cute themes +

+ These **Hape Wooden Blues Harmonicas** come in 7 rad colors +

+ iloveBubu on Etsy has a bunch of SUPER cute **Beanies** for boys + girls [and trucker hats, too] +

+ Everything’s more fun to eat with fun **Muntchtime Chopsticks** in cute animal shapes +

+ **Night Scope Pom Hats** have a built-in rechargeable headlamp and come in a bunch of fun colors + prints +

+ Mudpuppy has super cute card games like **Solar Snap!** for matching +

+ Love these li’l **Magna-Tiles MicroMags** for travel or home +

+ Fun **Bandages** make everything feel better and these come in lots of sport ball shapes +

+ Everyone’s included with **Mudpuppy's We are Colorful Crayons** and Colored Pencils +

+ Kids can get super creative with all the fun choices in this **Googly Wiggle Eyes Set** +

+ Love these darling **Play Dough Jars** in popular themes like Minecraft +

+ My boys loved **'parachute guys'** and these are tangle-free so they don’t end up in the trash +

+ **Piggie Paint Nail Polish** is non-toxic, odorless, cruelty-free and safe for all ages +

+ These little Japanese **PuniLabo Zipper Pouches** are just too cute [they have lots of other adorable things too] +

+ Separate a pack of rad **Micro Machines** for a bunch of cool little treasures +

+ Mudpuppy beginner **Wooden Yo-Yos** are super cute and come with instructions +

+ My son loved these little **Mini Scratch & Scribble** sheets +

+ **DINOBROS Pull Back Cars** are just awesome +

+ There are several adorable themes for these **Petit Collage Magnetic Dress Up Sets** +

+ These **Animal Friend Silicone Straws** are SO cute, chew-proof, reusable and dishwasher-safe +

+ My nephew was obsessed with a **Construction Vehicle Set** like this +

+ **Aurora Palm Pals** are soft and fuzzy little bundles of happiness in cute animal and food themes +

+ **Plus Plus Mini Maker Tubes** provide endless open creativity and they come in TONS of themes + colors +

+ **Areaware’s Cubebot Micro** can be folded into different shapes and comes in a bunch of fun colors +

+ What’s more fun than watching an adorable **Grow Yeti** hatch? +

+ **The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Card Game** is quick, silly and super cute [we LOVED the board game, too] +

+ Add some bling with **Super Smalls Alphabet Shine Stickers** +

+ These personalized handmade **Rainbow Name Crayons** are just so cute +

+ Take your fun on-th-run with **Mini Coloring Rolls** and **Activity Rolls** +

+ **Find & Seek** turns everyplace into the perfect place for scavenger hunt +

+ Nobody will lose an eye with this adorable handmade **Wooden Slingshot with Felt Balls** +

+ Keep them entertained with **Busy Ideas for Bored Kids** +

+ These **Mini Glow Stars Wall Stickers** are so fun for the ceiling +

+ If you can’t play outside, play **Eeboo’s Baseball** inside +

+ There are lots of popular themes for these **Funko Bitty Pop! Sets** and they’re all super cute +

+ **Textured Stretchy Strings** are fun and calming fidgets +

+ **Hero Arts** has a super cute collection of mini rubber stamps + stamp pads +

+ Ooly has the best collection of cool **Eraser Sets** in lots of cute themes +

+ Meri Meri has rad **Temporary Tattoos** to add some flair to your littles +

+ **Pony Beads** are so fun for bracelets or open-ended crafting +

+ You won’t burn the cookies with a cute **Kitchen Timer** +

+ **Wikki Stix** spark so much open-ended creative fun +

+ **Silly Monkey** is a CUTE old maid style card game +

+ Explore the world up close with a pair of **Binoculars** +

+ My little LOVED these awesome **Safari Toobs** of critters +

+ Learn the basics of rhythm with a cute **Mini Otamatone** +

+ **Lego Dots Bracelets** are fun to make and wear +

+ Mudpuppy has adorable **Mini Puzzles** in tons of themes +

+ **Anomia Kids** is fast-paced and requires no reading +

+ **Flexlight Pal Reading Lights** come in a zillion cute themes +

Big Kid Stocking Stuffers

I love Ooly, Etsy and Dick’s for Big Kids

+ Bring on the giggles with **Slapburger,** a fast-paced classic slap game +

+ **Yawn** is THE cutest skincare and makeup made just for younger kids and is squeaky clean +

+ Learn a sweet new skill with a **Responsive Magic YoYo** +

+ **Super Smalls** has super glamorous gifts like these cool Spinner Rings +

+ **Ink-a-doo Tattoo Pens** are a fun way to express yourself [or write a reminder on your hand] and come right off with soap and water +

+ Show your mood with a super popular **TeeTurtle Reversible Plushie** in a TON of different animals +

+ Tilly’s has a huge selection of cool unisex **Beanies** in a zillion colors +

+ Change up the look of your kicks with bright new **Laces** +

+ A **Dodecagon Fidget** has 12 satisfying sides and comes in lots of color combos +

+ **Supernatural Sprinkles** and baking stuff is super cute and totally dye-free +

+ **SpinBrightz LED Spoke Lights** are so fun for night riding +

+ Start a giggle with **Ridley’s** **Dog Jokes** or **Cat Jokes** +

+ **Anihana Shower Steamers + Soaps** are cute, clean and come in lots of scents +

+ You can make 69 wee paper airplanes with **Pocket Flyers** +

+ Pipsticks has a bunch of really cute **So. Many. Stickers. Books** +

+ My boys love all the **World’s Smallest** toys, like this tiny Uno +

+ Wow all of your friends with **Secret Codes** +

+ **Sakura's Junior Artist Sets** of pastels are so fun to work with +

+ Collect **TeenyMates** for the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL +

+ **Fresh Monster Deodorant** is clean and comes in Gummy Burst and Sea Breeze scents +

+ **Wreck this Journal** is full of creative prompts that encourage you to mess up and get messy while you ultimately destroy the book itself +

+ Ooly has magical art supplies for every age, like these **Tutti Fruitti Scented Gel Pens** +

+ Mix it up with bright, fun **Neon Sidewalk Chalk** +

+ The 7-tool **Classic Swiss Army Knife** is a great starter and comes in a TON of colors +

+ **Steal the Bacon** is a funny fast-paced stealing game +

+ **Nail Stickers** in fun themes are so dang cute for spa night +

+ D-Fantix has a huge selection of **Speed Cubes** for every level including this cool Gold Mirrored one +

+ **Tenzi** is a super fun, competitive + fast-paced dice game +

+ Fans of Super Mario Bros will love this cute collectible **Mushroom Sour Candy Tin** +

+ Make all kinds of fun shapes with a **Magic Snake Cube** +

+ There are so many cool colors of **Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty** +

+ You get two fun things in one with **Barbie Smart Sweets Gummies** +

+ This set of **Slumber Party TableTopics To-Go** is super cute and engaging +

+ This **PuniLabo Egg-Shaped Zipper Case** comes in 2 sizes and 5 adorable animals +

+ **Micro Simon** is just like his classic fun big brother but fits in your palm +

+ Turn plain ol’ drinks into super fun special treats with **Milk Magic** + **Water Magic** +

+ Get silly with **Moose Match Mayhem,** a fast-paced set-collecting game +

+ Discover the science of batteries with **KidzLabs Lemon Clock** +

+ Choose from several adorable animals for these super soft **Sleep Masks** +

+ **Dylan’s Candy Bar** has the most fun holiday treats +

+ My son loves these magnetic **Shashibo Cubes** that can make 70 shapes and come in a bunch of cool patterns +

+ The super popular **Wet Mini Brush** is perfect for home or away +

+ These bright fun handmade **Wildflower Seed Bombs** also come in Holiday Colors +

+ **Sussed** is a super funny ‘would you rather’ type game that comes in different fun themes +

+ Fans of the series will love the **Spy School Entrance Exam** book of puzzles and games +

+ Add some flair to your projects with **Tie Dye Origami Paper** +

+ This **Miniature Enchanted Forest Coloring Book** has beautiful intricate + detailed pages +

+ Cubles are cool pre-cut folding projects that come in a bunch of themes like **Dog Man,** **GI Joe,** **Phoebe and her Unicorn** + **Safari Animals** +

+ Spark sweet, inspiring conversation with **Quizzes for Rebel Girls** +

+ Keep your kicks tidy with **Vans’ Scuff Eraser & Brush** set +

+ **Nee Doh** comes in a bunch of shapes and is super satisfying, my son loves them all +

+ Write super secret messages to friends with invisible ink Spy Pens +

+ My boys love these **Waboba Moon Balls,** they bounce super high +

+ **Magnetic Page Clips** are useful + cute and come in lots of themes like Harry Potter +

+ **Smencils** scented graphite pencils are made from recycled newspapers and make homework more fun +

+ Vans has a ton of very cool **Kids Socks** +

+ **Mad Libs** come in a zillion fun themes, including this Taylor Swift version +

+ **LED Slingshot Helicopters** are super fun for all ages +

+ Add a bit of bling to your notes or planners with fun **Gelly Roll** **Pens** +

+ Funny jokes are the drawing prompts for **Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys** or **for Girls** +

+ Use sunshine + your imagination to learn about the photographic process with a **Sunprint Kit** +

+ There are 20 different fun STEM projects in each **Crazy Scientist Experiment Card Deck** +

+ We use **After Dinner Amusements** as a fun way to connect *during* dinner +

+ Tell your troubles to these **Guatemalan Worry Dolls** then stick them under your pillow +

+ **Trash Pandas** is a quick + funny card game +

+ Tame those locks with cool **Nike Hairband Packs** in a bunch of cute print combos +

+ Bend your brain with **Kanoodle Genius** +

+ **Eos Super Balm** is clean, cute and comes in a bunch of fun flavors +

Tween + Teen Stocking Stuffers

I love Dick’s, Tilly’s and Etsy for Tweens + Teens

+ **Octobuddy Suction Phone Mounts** are all the rage and come in a bunch of fun colors +

+ ban.do has all kinds of rad writing supplies like cute **Compliment Pencils** +

+ **Baby Baggu Reusable Bags** are super useful + come in a fun rotation of cute prints +

+ Keep baseball hats organized with an awesome **CapRack** [we have 4 of them] +

+ Start a party anywhere with a small but mighty **USB Disco Light**+

+ These cute **Kitsch Spiral Hair Ties** won’t get tangled up +

+ **Geometry Fitness Towels** are perfect for practice, the gym or the golf course **+ Use code DarcieC15 for 15% off your order**

+ My son is all about this clean **Byrd Texturizing Surf Spray** +

+ A **Beauty Spatty** helps you get every drop of your precious product out of the tube +

+ My son loves this **Cuban Link Stainless Chain** +

+ Protect your goggles in style with a **GoggleSoc** in a zillion super cool prints +

+ **Peelerz Gummies** are all the rage + fun and yummy +

+ Teens are loving these ADORABLE **Jellycat Bag Charms** and I can see why +

+ Freshen up rooms and cars with **Happy Wax Car Cubs** +

+ This **Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patch Refillable Compact** is so cute + great for travel or home +

+ **Miles Deodorant** is super clean, looks cool, is made for teens and comes in 4 different scents +

+ A mini **Go Green Wet Brush** is perfect for travel, practice or your backpack +

+ Keep everything dry with a **Bubble Spa Headband and Wristbands** +

+ **Six Second Scribbles** is a quick, silly drawing game for all ages and up to 14 players +

+ Use these **Reaction Bounce Balls** for coordination and agility training +

+ Invite your favorite athletes to game night with fast-paced **Goat Game** +

+ So many cute **Palm Pals,** like this soft little Toastee S’more +

+ **Pencil Gidgets** allow for quiet, subtle fidgeting in class +

+ This all black **Collector’s Slinky** is super cool +

+ Keep it all together with a cute silicone **Lip Gloss Phone Case Holder** +

+ You can choose a single or a pair of these pretty **Zodiac Charm Studs** in 3 different metals +

+ **Photo Clip String Lights** are a cool addition to any room +

+ **LCR** is a super fun dice game of chance that’s perfect for any age +

+ Tilly’s has rad **Wallets** to keep stuff straight +

+ Keep them powered up anywhere with a **Boostrcharge Emergency Charger** +

+ Based on the Japanese concept of finding happiness in everyday life, **Ikigai for Teens** will take your kids on a journey of self discovery +

+ You get three gifts in one with 3-packs of **Nike Everyday Cushioned Socks** in lots of colors +

+ You can never have too many pencils and **Neon Ticonderoga’s** are cool [they come pastel, too] +

+ A **Birdie** personal safety alarm will give both of you piece of mind + it comes in 10 cute colors so they won’t mind carrying it around **+ Use AFLUTTER10 for 10% off your order**

+ **Poppy & Pout Lip Balm** is my hands-down favorite + comes in 10 perfect flavors +

+ **Dylan’s Candy Bar** has the most fun candy for every age +

+ **Herbivore Hot Cocoa and Cocoa Mint Body Scrubs** smell and feel divine +

+ Bling out your card game with foil-coated **Bicycle Metalluxe Playing Cards** in lots of pretty colors +

+ **Sneaker Balls Shoe Deodorizers** tame those stanky kicks in lots of fun themes +

+ A cool **Laptop Gidget** allows for discreet fidgeting and is designed to fit most student Chromebook models +

+ Challenge your teens in a totally analog way with **The Little Book of Big** **Brain Games** +

+ Try to be the sole survivor of a space walk gone wrong in **A Little Selfish: Mini Space Edition** [or Zombie Edition]+

+ I love my gentle **Tweezerman Neon Filemates** for home and away +

+ Keep those baggy jeans up with a cool **Nike Web Belt** +

+ This **Kosas Wet LIp Oil Gloss** hydrates, soothes + softens with a touch of color +

+ Make next level sketches with a set of **Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black Sketch Pencils** +

+ **Lip Gloss Keychains** are all the rage and these can be totally personalized +

+ Fill that sock up with a **W&P Ceramic Travel Mug** for their favorite hot or cold drink +

+ **The Fox in the Forest** is a 2-person trick-taking card game with really pretty illustrations +

+ **Kari Gran Lip Whip** is clean, has a nice glossy hint of color for everyday and comes in a zillion shades +

+ **Thread Elastic Wallets** and **Lip Balm Holder Keychains** are super minimalist and come lots of prints and colors +

+ Combine form and function with cute **Car Coasters** +

+ Stack 52 has a bunch of really cool **Exercise Cards** that make a game out of working out +

+ **Ella + Mila Nail Polish** is clean and comes in a zillion pretty colors +

+ **Kitsch Satin Pillowcases** feel super luxe and protect skin and hair +

+ Uno meets Tetris in **Overlap,** a deceptively difficult game +

+ Add color to your notes with **Zebra Doodlerz** +

+ These cool **Infinity Cubes** are 3D printed in CO and come in a ton of colors +

+ Take a quick brain break with a **Morf Fidget Worm** +

+ **Lingo Cards** teach you 52 useful phrases in 8 different languages AND can be used as a standard deck while traveling +

+ **Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks** are so dreamy + cozy +

+ Brand new or veteran shavers will love reusable **Billie Razors** in cute colors [love mine] +

+ Take **Kids Against Maturity Let’s Go Edition** anywhere for hilarious potty talk wherever you are +

+ Bring on the eye rolls with **100 Cheesy Joke Cards** +

+ **Posca Pens** are super amazing for drawing on shoes, finger boards, water bottles and more +

+ Bling your baking or morning OJ with **Fancy Sprinkles Prism Powder Edible Glitter** +

+ Keep your biker on the road or trail with a cool **Crank Brothers Multi Tool** +

+ Add extra personality to your water bottle with **Stanley Quencher Straws** in a bunch of cool colors +

+ My son likes these clean **ESW Beauty Raw Juice Masks** and there are several options for different skin concerns +

+ **Chill Out Eye Masks** can be used hot or cold and come in some funny themes +

+ Hit the links [or yard] anytime of day with cool color-changing **LED Golf Balls** +

+ Get inspired with a set of **Art Dice** that challenge your creative practice +

+ Trick out their room with a **Sneakers Collage Kit** +

+ **Ethika Boxer Briefs** and **Boyshorts** are the coolest skivvies you’ll find +

+ Keep things cute and clean with adorable **Straw Toppers** in a bunch of themes [there are Sports ones, too] +

+ **ToiLights** light up when you approach so you’re not blinded by the bathroom light and dudes don’t pee on the floor +

+ REI has tons of rad useful gear, like a **Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp** +

+ They can create their own aesthetic with a **Collage Kit** in lots of themes +

+ Send them off to practice, sleepovers or outings with the few vitamins and meds they might need in a handy **Pill Organizer** +

+ **Waboba Wingman** is a super portable little silicone frisbee that flies really far +

+ Switch things up with **Stranger Things Uno Flip** +

+ A pretty **Necklace** with a sweet message is like 2 gifts in one +

+ Ease those sore muscles with a **Tiger Tail Ice Cold Roller Massage Ball** +

Adult Stocking Stuffers

I love REI, Beauty Heroes, Huckberry, Anthropologie and Etsy for Adults

+ You could never go wrong with **Geometry Dish Cloths** or Not Paper Towels in a zillion pretty prints + **Use code DarcieC15 for 15% off**

+ Gorgeous **Diaspora Single-Origin Spices** [like this Chai Masala] are fairly sourced and come in really pretty tins +

+ Keep your salad crisp and fresh until lunchtime with these cute glass **Dressing Containers** +

+ **Topo Designs Accessory Bags** come in 3 sizes and a bunch of rad colors and are super useful for wrangling loose stuff +

+ **Zippos’ Refillable Hand Warmer** lasts 12 hours + is endlessly reusable +

+ Love these pretty little **Handmade Ceramic Spoons** +

+ Hold your place in a novel or cookbook with this pretty **Brass Wave Bookmark** +

+ Track all your stats with a super durable **Rite in the Rain All Weather Golf Notebook** +

+ You’ll always have the right cord with a **USB to USB-C 4-in-1 Cable** +

+ I love my **GIR Scraper** for easy food prep +

+ **Kitsch Satin Scrunchies** are super gentle on your hair +

+ Start a literary conversation over drinks with cocktail recipes from **Tequila Mockingbird** +

+ I use my **Microplane Zester** all the time +

+ These **Mini Bubble Letter Necklaces** are so pretty and cute [comes in silver, too] +

+ Oooh these **Ugg Teddi Cozy Socks** look like heaven for your chilly feet +

+ Get nostalgic with **Awesome 80s Trivia** or **Totally 90s Trivia** cards +

+ CO-based **Flatiron Pepper Co** makes unique premium pepper flakes, like this Hatch Valley Green version +

+ Reduce waste with awesome **Food Huggers** and Avocado Huggers [love mine] +

+ **Alpyn Beauty’s Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lp Mask** is my favorite +

+ Add some personality to your Rambler with **Magslider Color Pack** in a zillion colors [love mine] +

+ It doesn’t get much better than a **Cup of Love** +

+ **Opinel’s No. 10** is a corskscrew, cheese knife and bottle opener in one for ALL the important stuff +

+ Make a perfect drink on-the-go with these tea-bag-like **Mocktail Travel Infusion Kits** [Cocktail Kits, too] +

+ Make sure you’re super visible while running or walking the dog with a set of **LED Strobe Lights** +

+ This **Tweezerman Micro Mini Set** is perfect for home or travel +

+ Keep your phone from plummeting off the chairlift or boat with a **Robohawk Phone Lanyard** +

+ Spark awesome conversations with **Basecamp Cards** or Basecamp Kids +

+ Love these pretty **Monogram Cocktail Napkins** +

+ A **Rechargeable LED Compact Mirror** is perfect for on-the-go +

+ **The Tea Spot** has a huge variety of yum tea blends like Candy Cane Craze +

+ Learn a new skill with **Prismacolor's Hand Lettering Beginner Set** +

+ **Hu Chocolate Bars** are paleo and come in some yummy flavors +

+ Everyone rolls at once in **Qwixx,** a crazy fast + fun dice game +

+ **NiteIze Gear Ties** are useful, durable and reusable +

+ Love my **Vuori Alpine Waffle Beanie,** it’s soo soft and comes in 8 pretty colors +

+ Love this 2-in-1 **Olio E Osso Lip & Cheek Balm** in 15 colors +

+ You get to choose the 3 pairs of **Minimalist Studs** you love for your set +

+ Love a **Mini Whisk** for dressings, marinades and hot chocolate +

+ Glam it up with an elegant **Ripple Ice Mold** +

+ A small but mighty **Black Diamond Mojo Lantern** will light your way anywhere +

+ Classic **Field Notes** memo sized notebooks come in really cool National Park sets +

+ Make instant easy cocktails or mocktails with **Craftmix** in lots of flavors +

+ These **Concrete Phone Stands** are handmade in MI, super cool and come in lots of colors +

+ They’re not sexy, but **Mack’s Flightguard Pressure Relief Earplugs** are a total win for traveling +

+ Nobody will be mad at dental floss in their stocking if it comes from the **Cocofloss Holiday Collection** +

+ Boulder-based **Seed Ranch** makes unique next-level hot sauce flavors +

+ Geek out hard with a super satisfying **Car Detailing Brush** +

+ Freshen things up before you even go with **Poo-Pourri On-the-Go Travel Spray** +

+ I love **Bathing Culture’s Mind + Body Wash** [great for dudes, too] +

+ You’ll always know it’s yours with a custom **Golf Ball Stamp** +

+ Avoid pesky bag fees with a handy **Portable Luggage Scale** +

+ **Cotopaxi Travel Cubes** are perfect for organizing loose stuff in your backpack, gym bag or suitcase +

+ Burn this **Rituals Incense Palo Santo Disc** one little chunk at a time +

+ These handprinted **Flour Sack Napkin Sets** come in a zillion amazing prints +

+ Brightland’s **Vinegar** duo is pretty, yummy and perfectly sized +

+ **Huckberry Beanies** are thick + soft + come in 13 awesome colors+

+ The **Handyman Spatty** helps reach cracks and crevices +

+ There are several versions of **Delightfully Useless Trivia** and they all look super fun +

+ When is it cool to put fish in someone’s stocking? When it tastes and looks as good as **Fishwife Tinned Fish** in lots of yummy flavors +

+ A **TagVault AirTag Strap Mount** is waterproof, super secure and doesn’t dangle +

+ A **5-Minute Facial for Megawatt Glow** from Tata Harper sounds about perfect to me +

+ Wrangle loose stuff with **Topo Designs Taco Bags** or Burrito Bags in lots of cool colors +

+ **The Little Book of City Style** series includes 9 different chic fashion hubs +

+ You won’t be left in the cold with a **Zippo Emergency Fire Kit** or **Typhoon Match Kit** +

+ **Pinch Provisions’ Minimergency Kits** have 17 tiny essentials that gals might need ‘in a pinch’ [there’s a dude’s version, too]+

+ **Oxo’s Mini Tongs** are perfect for serving family-style [we have 3 pairs and use them almost everyday] +

+ We love our **Nite Ize Gear Line** for hanging wet suits and keeping track of loose stuff in the wild +

+ Handmade **Plant Markers** are pretty and easy to read +

+ Treat your sweeties with **Coop’s Caramel Sauce and Hot Fudge** in yummy flavors +

+ **Mountain Flow** makes plant-based, biodegradable Ski + Snowboard Wax and Bike Lube that’s better for Mama Earth +

+ Love several styles of **Balega Socks** for workouts and in my boots +

+ Pickle lovers might be obsessed with **Hold the Pickle Dill Seasoning** +

+ Chuck this l’li **First Aid Kit** into your golf bag, purse or car for piece of mind +

+ **Stasher Bags** come in a ton of super useful sizes and awesome colors to wrangle snack, cosmetics, sports equipment… +

+ These handwoven + hand-dyed **African Coasters** are just so pretty +

+ Reduce waste at work + on the go with a **Porter Utensil Set** [my husband loves his for work] +

+ **Happy Socks** are so soft and come in a zillion super fun prints and sizes for the whole family +

+ **Licker Pickers** handmade liquor-infused toothpicks come in TONS of flavors +

+ **Farkle** is a fast-paced, risk-taking dice game for the whole family +

+ **Gmorning, Gnight!** is sweet + funny words of encouragement by Lin Manuel Miranda and is a perfect gift +

+ Learn something new with **The Little Book of Foreign Swear Words** +

+ Start your day off right with exfoliating and invigorating **Ursa Major Morning Mojo Bar Soap** +

+ You don’t have to share with a **W&P Personal Popper** +

+ **GolfERASERS** easily swipe all the grass, dirt + gunk off your golf stuff on the course +

+ Love love my awesome **Fellow Carter Move Mug** +

+ **Paper Mate Flairs** are my hands-down favorite pens to write with +

+ Prepare for the new year with pretty **Smudge Sticks** +

+ Fair warning, these are **Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes** +

+ Always be prepared with this color-coded **Allen Wrench Set** +

+ Dry winter nails need **Manucurist Complete Serum** +

+ An **8oz Yeti Rambler** is the perfect size for your morning tea or espresso and can be made with any NFL logo, too +

+ Take your signature scent on the go with a **Travalo Refillable Travel Atomizer** in lots of pretty colors +

+ Capture their foodie imagination with the newly-released **The Best American Food and Travel Writing** +

+ A **Weekly Pill Organizer** will keep your meds together at home or away +

+ Provide a gentle reminder with **Sniffty Measure Once Cut Twice Carpenter Pencils** +

+ You can use a **Petzl Tikkina Headlamp** for so many things besides camping +

gift guide: halloween

November 09, 2021 by all aflutter in Gift Guides, Gifts For...

A FRIEND said to me the other day, “ I just want to send my nieces and nephews a quick Halloween present without having to think about it.” I totally get it AND I have you covered. Halloween is one of those holidays where a gift isn’t usually a thing, but it’s just TOO fun to skip the chance to wow your little goblins. A sweet surprise will get your little loves super excited for the spooky day AND make them feel EXTRA special since they’re probably not expecting a gift at all (which is kind of the best time to send one IMHO).

WHETHER candy and sweet treats are your love language or you’d rather skip the crazed sugar high altogether, there are TONS of awesome choices that will wow your little ghouls and goblins. This Gift Guide will make your sweet Halloween surprise SO crazy easy to pull off, but if you still don’t see what you need, reach out, I’m always here for you. And if books are your thing, check out Our Favorite Halloween Books. BOO! xo

super spooky + adorable Halloween gift guide

>< **Ghoul Fish!** is a sweet, spooky version of the classic go fish card game, just perfect for celebrating the all the fun of the season. **>< $9.99**

>< My mom has been gifting my boys **Dylan’s Candy Bar** Tackle Boxes and Gummy Kebobs for years and they always bring a huge smile. They have an awesome variety of fun Halloween treats for any ghoul’s taste. **>< from** $6

>< You might already know that Meri Meri has THE cutest tableware and party supplies anywhere. But they also have really darling, creative Costumes for littles. **>< from** $7

>< Ooly has a sweet collection of **Face Doodlers and Hair Doodlers** for fun dress-up any day of the year along with awesome supplies for Halloween crafts. **>< from $7.95**

>< Super popular **TeeTurtle Reversible Plushies** come in a bunch of super cute + spooky Halloween themes with bats, ghosts, spiders + monsters, oh my. **>< $15**

>< Both cute and creepy in one, this **Nordic Ware Skull Bitelet Pan** is sure to delight your treat monsters of all ages. >< **$38**

>< If your little wants to seriously glam up Halloween, go straight to **Super Smalls.** Their collection of blingy face gems, jewelry and glitzy accessories is second to none and makes a ‘killer’ gift anytime of year. **>< from $11**

>< This is such a cute Halloween version of the fast-paced, silly **Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza** game that we love. **>< $9.99**

+ Bear’s Spooky Book of Hidden Things is anything but scary. It’s the sweetest little seek and find book around and we love searching the pages for Bear’s lost treasures. / BEAR’S SPOOKY BOOK OF HIDDEN THINGS $8.99 / — >< **Bear’s Spooky Book of Hidden Things** is anything but scary. It’s the sweetest little seek and find book around and we love searching the pages for Bear’s lost treasures. ><

>< These **Glass Can Cups** are super adorable and perfect for their favorite drinks all spooky month long. **>< $14.99**

>< **Tops Malibu** has a fantastic collection of adorable Surprize Balls, Sparklers, Candy Leis, Flying Magic Bats and so much other fun stuff for any holiday or just because. And their goodies are all still made by artisans in the USA. **>< from** $6

>< A holiday jigsaw puzzle, like **Welcome to Spookytown,** is a super fun way to get into the 'spirit' of the season. **>< $14.99**

+ Shop Sweet Lulu has super adorable party supplies and decor for the holidays, like this cutie canvas Ghost Pillow. They also have super sweet accessories that would wow your little Vampirinas. / SHOP SWEET LULU GHOST PILLOW $25 / — >< Love this cutie canvas **Ghost Pillow** ethically made in Kenya. There’s also a super adorable Mummy and clever Banners, too. **>< $24**

>< Make your own cute decoration AND keep the kids entertained for weeks with a **Giant Halloween Coloring Poster.** **>< $10.99**

>< **Ella + Mila** makes vegan, cruelty-free and ‘17-free’ nail polish in the cutest colors. With all of the cool options, kids can get super creative with their Halloween style. **>< from $8**

>< You know I LOVE Plus Plus. With this cute **Halloween Tube** you’ll get a fantastic toy AND some adorable decorations in one. **>< $7.99**

+ A fun cooperative card game based on the cult-favorite movie, Hocus Pocus will make family game night a howl. / HOCUS POCUS $24.99 / — >< A fun cooperative card game based on the cult-favorite movie, **Hocus Pocus** will make family game night a howl. ><

>< Learn some **Weird but True! Halloween Facts** and wow all of your friends. >< $8.99

>< Lilliput hand-makes the cutest little earrings and they have a sweet collection of **Halloween Studs** like Cute Ghosts and Spooky Cats and Pumpkins. **>< $12**

>< My son loves these Ed Emberly How to Draw books and this **Monsters and More Scary Stuff** version is perfect for the spooky season. ><

+ This is one of our favorite Halloween books. It’s a sweet story and the illustrations are really funny. Written by Dav Pilkey, author of the SUPER poplar Captain Underpants and Dog Man series,’ it’s sure to be a hit with your crew, too. There are LOTS more book ideas here. / HALLO WIENER $6.99 / — >< **The** **Hallo-Wiener** is one of our favorite Halloween books. It’s a sweet story and the illustrations are really funny. Written by Dav Pilkey, author of the poplar Captain Underpants and Dog Man series,’ it’s sure to be a hit with your crew, too. There are LOTS more book ideas here. ><

+ Send mind-blowing Halloween desserts from small-batch bakers around the country via Goldbelly. Like these gorgeous sugar skull cookies from Elle’s Belles Bakery in Bozeman, MT. / GOLDBELLY from $30 / — >< Send mind-blowing Halloween desserts from small-batch bakers around the country via **Goldbelly.** Like these gorgeous Dia De Los Muertos Sugar Cookies from Elle’s Belles Bakery in Bozeman, MT. **>< from $35**

>< **Primary PJs** are super soft organic cotton and SO cute. They also have a massive selection of basics in just about every color to use with DIY costumes. Hurry though, they’ll be gone before you can say ‘BOO.’ **>< from** **$14**

>< Talking Out of Turn’s adorable **Twist & Shout** reusable bags are all dressed for Halloween. Use them to gather your loot or just as a super handy tote all year round. They also have some other clever gifts for older kids + adults who can handle a bit of salty language. **>< $13.50**

>< Set your artistic little goblin up with face paint you can both feel good about. **Blue Squid Face Paint** is vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, paraben free and comes in really fun sets, including one with Neon Glow colors for extra cool effects. Create away little devils. **>< from $12**

>< This **Abracadabra Potion and Spell Kit** is so darling and fun. Part mindful sensory play and part science experiment, It comes with things like ‘Dragon Scales’ and ‘Moon Light Liquid’ and everything you need to mix a magical potion. **>< $29.95**

+ Lush has a ‘killer’ assortment of Halloween goodies for bath and body, including Ghostie Bath Bombs and Ectoplasm Shower Slime. Some are spooky and some are sweet, but they will all totally wow your crowd. / LUSH BATH GOODIES from $6.95 / — >< Lush has a ‘killer’ assortment of Halloween goodies for bath and body, including **Ghostie Bath Bombs.** Some are spooky and some are sweet, but they’re all totally wow-y. **>< from $6.95**

+ Pipsticks delivers awesome stickers through their awesome subscription. They send a super fun bundle of surprise stickers, a little activity book and a penpal postcard [maybe you!]. Or just pick your favorites from Pipstick's’ rad collection and w… — >< **Pipsticks** has THE biggest, cutest and most clever collection of Halloween stickers out there. **>< from $1.95**

>< Craft some homemade decorations with an adorable set of **Hero Arts’ Monster Stamps.** **>< $16**

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halloween decor

our favorite christmas books

holiday baking stuff

gift guide: easter baskets

March 07, 2021 by all aflutter in Gift Guides

I JUST loved finding my Easter Basket overflowing with adorable, colorful springy goodies + candy [and ALWAYS a stuffed animal]. I mean, my mom rocked Easter Bunny duty. But in addition to the obvious excitement of scoring a bunch of new treasures, I think I was also delighted by what all of those bright colors and cutie woodland creatures represented. Easter feels sort of like the gateway to what’s coming next; to carefree summer days and bright sunshine and hitting the road and SO much fun. I feel the same excitement for the season ahead when putting together my own boys’ Easter baskets and use it for inspiration so that they mostly end up filled with fun stuff for the summer sunshine. Things like pool or beach toys, summer clothes, lazy-day activities and stuff for travel can all fuel that giddy anticipation AND have purpose beyond the big day.

SO HERE are a few ideas to get you started so you can rock Easter Bunny duty, too. For more ideas, check out my posts on Art Supplies, Baking Stuff, Stocking Stuffers and Self Care for Tweens + Teens. And hop on, lovelies. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo