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Stocking Stuffers for Men

If you’re like me, you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet. Normally I wait until the very last moment to do my shopping, especially stocking stuffers or small items for friends and co-workers. But, this year since I’m heading up to Vermont tomorrow to kick off vacation with my family, I wanted to be done with shopping in advance.

Yesterday I spent almost an hour perusing the shelves of Sephora and then the internet in search of the perfect gifts for co-workers, friends, and family members. Here are a few of the my favorite gifts that I discovered yesterday for the fellas on my list! Even better is that all of these ideas are under $15!

jackblackPocket Ref 4th Edition

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF: This tube delivers a conditioning lip balm in a manly form. Bonus points for the fact that you’ll love it just as much as he will!

The Art of Shaving Styptic Pen: Every guy nicks himself shaving and next time he’ll think of you as he stops the bleeding with this handy, unscented alum block. In case you’ve never heard of it, alum is a natural antiseptic mineral with amazing healing powers. If your guy uses a electric razor it can be used ahead of time to prep the skin!

The Pocket Ref 4th Edition: This is the perfect gift for the guy who thinks or wants to know everything. It is filled with random facts ranging from battery sizes and characteristics, sports rules, to how to treat a burn!

In addition to these items, here are a few other thins you can pick up and add to any gift!

  • Mini bottles of his favorite liquor
  • Lottery tickets
  • Gift cards to his favorite coffee shop
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Gift Guide for Runners

In my second gift guide installment, I’m highlighting a few items that are great for both your favorite male and female runners. Each of these items have been tested and loved by either Bo or myself and are currently hanging in our closet, hanging out in the dirty clothes pile, or folded and put away in our drawers.

These range in price from $5 to $130 so hopefully you’ll find something to fit your personal price range!

gift guide for runners 2

1. Pro Compression Socks: So I’m a little partial to the amazing and bright marathon pink, but these bad boys. For nearly as long as I’ve been running marathons, I’ve sworn by compression. But, these socks, more than any others I’ve tried, fit perfectly. They provide ample compression in the legs, are long enough for tall runners, and don’t leave my feet feeling tight and suffocated. I especially love that they are very reasonably priced too, making it easy to have one pair clean at all times. Bo has also taken these for a test run and loves using them for recovery after tough boot camps that our heavy on box jumps, leaving his calves screaming. If you follow them on Facebook you can learn about their “sock of the month” program which includes a new style, discounted at 40% off each month!

2. New Balance Minimus 20v3 Cross-Training Shoes Mens &Womens: These super light shoes are perfect when your favorite runner is cross training. These shoes which come in tons of fun colors help keep the weight of your body in the heels of your foot instead of the ball, which is necessary when driving with power and working with weights. For the past month, we’ve been wearing these at least 3 times per week during weight and boot camp sessions and are absolutely loving them!

3. Clif Shot Bloks Chews in Margarita: These bad boys pack in 3 times the sodium and are perfect for any runner or endurance athlete on your list. Have multiple on your list? Then buy one box and split them up as perfect little stocking stuffers!

4. New Balance NBX Windblocker Jacket: Bo received this jacket to review and loves it due to the fact that it is breathable, windproof, and still wicks moisture. Bo used to run in his North Face rain coat which did a great job keeping him protected from the outer elements such as wind, rain, or sleet but it wasn’t breathable in the least. Now he can run in comfort versus a sauna. $135

What’s on your holiday list if you’re a runner?

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Great Gifts Under $50

Under $50 Holiday Gift Guide pic

If you’ve braved Black Friday and Cyber Monday then you may be absolutely fed up with words like deals, free shipping, just a few hours, or even the holidays in general. Hopefully this gift guide will provide you with one or two things that can easily meet a need on your holiday list. Each of these items is under $50 and can be given to both males and females. I’ve personally four of the items on here for hostesses, girlfriends, family, and my sister-in-law.

1. Harry & David Triple Treat Fruit Classic: Amongst all the popcorn tins and cookies that clutter our office each year, I always look forward to the Harry & David fruit delivery. The fruit is a healthy treat and gives me the energy I need to combat the holiday chaos. Regardless your friend or co-workers taste, they’ll like at least one of these delightful fruits. At $39.95 this can also make a great gift for in-laws or your office. 

2. BaubleBar+Essie Set: Do you have a sister-in-law or cousin who loves fashion and jewelry? What about a girlfriend who is always ready to try the latest nail polish colors? If so, then for just $50 you can give her the gift of her dreams this holiday season. First, start by choosing one of six colors from Essie’s new trend collection. Next, choose a bracelet that matches, hand selected by the BaubleBar stylists. Last but not least, choose a final bracelet which is a fun, more flirty option such as bright beads or a light bangle.

3.  Wine.com Gift Certificate: Wine is one of the best gifts out there, especially for hostesses! At the beginning of the season I order a few of these in $25 increments to gift to friends and save for last minute gifts in case someone gives us a gift we aren’t expecting. They are good on your favorite wines and bubbly or for accessories such as wine glasses or cork screws.

4. Power Mate Plus for JCrew: I stumbled upon this little treasure three weeks ago when I was doing some Fall shopping at JCrew. The tiny backup battery can charge in your computer and then is ready to charge your iPhone at a moments notice! It’s so small that it easily zips into the coin section of my wallet! While the $39.95 price tag may seem expensive, in just 3 weeks it’s already paid off for this social media addicted gal! (Edited to add: Thanks to readers, I now know that there are plain black versions on Amazon for only $5! Or colorful ones for $29.99)

5. Amazon Kindle Gift Card: These days almost everyone has an Amazon Kindle whether for catching up on the daily news, surfing the web, reading magazines, or enjoying a good book. Why not gift a Kindle Gift Card to someone on your list. The best part is that you can make it be awarded in any increment and includes free 1 day shipping!

6. Agloves Sport: Two years ago my parents gave these to me for Christmas and ever since they have been my go to glove whether for a business event, long run, or walk in the park. They are rated #1 for touch screen accuracy and the snug fit keeps the wind and elements out. The worst thing is getting a draft  from the wind during a winter run! In addition, these gloves are sleek and black unlike some of the other touch gloves on the market, making them perfect for any occasion!

Hope one of these helps you this holiday season!

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