Every year, my mother-in-law asks me what I want for Christmas. And every year I tell her—I don’t know. I don’t need anything. I feel selfish asking for something. But then she tells me she’s going to get me a gift anyway, so it might as well be something I want.
Fair enough.
So whether you’re the one buying the gift—or the one receiving it—here’s a list of some of my favorite things to inspire you. {Most of which, incidentally, I already own or have given as gifts to moms like you and me, so… this list is as tried and true as it gets. Enjoy!}
Book of the Month Club—If you’re an avid reader or know an avid reader, you have got to check out Book of the Month Club. I’ve told you about it before, and I keep bringing it up because oh my goodness I just love hearing about new books and getting to pick one out for myself each month for only ten bucks a book—hardcover, often advance copies before they’re even available in stores. It’s a great deal and a guaranteed box of fun mail. You can choose from a 3-month plan, 6-month plan or 12-month plan. Purchase through my affiliate link, and they’ll give you a free bonus book.
Dayspring—You know Dayspring for greeting cards, but did you know they have SO much more in their online shop? Jewelry, home décor, Bible journaling supplies… tons of beautiful stuff for encouraging and expressing a woman’s faith. I love this necklace and ceramic gift box set, among a hundred other things.
Day planner—I recently caved to the whole day planner craze, and now my brain is so much more organized. Plus I like that my pretty planner reminds me life is good, even when it’s busy. There’s a boatload of options to choose from these days. Mine is the Living Well Planner but I think next time I’ll look at Dayspring’s Illustrated Faith planners.
Dinner talk tumblers—Today is the last day to order the exclusive dinner talk tumblers from my Dynamic Drinkware fundraiser. Great gift idea for friends and teachers. (Plus I bought some for myself.)
ABC Scripture Cards—My author friend Courtney DeFeo designed these beautiful Scripture cards, one for each letter of the alphabet, which are perfect for home décor (they come with a wooden stand) and for infusing your day with the Word of God.
Ipsy subscription—For ten dollars a month Ipsy sends you a new cosmetic bag filled with five items curated according to your preferences, from eyeliner to nail polish to blush, hair spray, hand lotions, lip gloss, mascara, face masks, basically anything and everything beauty-product related. I’ve found some of my new favorite cosmetics through my monthly Ipsy package, and the total value of each bag is definitely worth more than the $10 spent. This would be a great gift for a hard-to-buy-for sister, niece, friend or anybody who enjoys makeup and pampering.
Dirty/Clean dishwasher magnet—If you’ve ever emptied an entire load of dirty dishes into the cupboard… this one’s for you.
Lash Boost—Yes, it really works. I can get it for you for the preferred customer price ($135 plus tax, free shipping). Just reply to this email if you’re interested.
Blessed Mom/Grandma T-shirt—You are blessed! This is one of the new designs in my shop for this Christmas shopping season.
Lillian bench—I bought this cushioned bench from Target for my office last winter, and I am still in love with it. It’s the perfect functional accent piece for a small open space begging for a bit of flair.
Bath bombs—Does anybody actually take luxurious bath breaks?? I don’t, but I love the idea of it, so I enjoy giving these as gifts. I like Amazon’s organic bath bombs, which come in a sweet gift box.
Fashion and Compassion—This Christian company sells beautiful artisan jewelry, handbags and accessories that are handmade by women in impoverished countries. I was first introduced to Fashion and Compassion at a Proverbs 31 writers’ conference in North Carolina. Your purchase helps support the artisans and their families.
Hello, Gorgeous mug—New this season in my shop, this mug is the perfect pick-me-up for a coffee-loving friend.
Seagrass basket—My friend Amanda taught me to use decorative baskets throughout my house to hold blankets and extra pillows. I didn’t know a strategically placed basket could make a room so much happier and cozier until she showed me. Now I am basket-obsessed. This medium-sized seagrass basket from Target is a nice starter.
Books, books, books—Last but not least, you know I can’t write a list of gifts for moms without tossing in a recommendation for my own books, right? Generous Love and The SuperMom Myth are great reads for moms who want to love their people well. If you’ve already read them (and given them to all your friends), then I also recommend Ruth Schwenk’s The Better Mom Devotional and Susie Larson’s Blessings for the Morning—great for moms with only a few minutes of time to read in one sitting.
One more thing—if you’re shopping online, don’t forget to use Ebates for cash back on your purchases. Free money, no strings attached. I’m a big fan. Sign up through my affiliate link and they’ll give you $10!
Happy gifting,
Becky