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If you listened to my podcast with Emily at Mom Struggling Well, you know I’m kinda burned out on Pinterest-worthy, clickable titles. So, I hope you love this one. *snicker*
I do love a good gift guide. I like to know what people actually use and love. Annnd, I love me a good deal. Especially if that good deal includes free shipping. Did you know Free Shipping Day is December 18th? All kinds of websites are joining in. You need to reap the benefits of their good deals!
So, here’s some of my fave things from this year. Imagine I’m Oprah and you’re in the audience hanging on everything I say. Only, not getting one of each. Sorry.
TOP 3 FRIEND GIFTS
I am in love with this idea of the perfect present trifecta from MamaHall. So, here’s what I’d buy with her soft/meaningful/practical formula:
A SOFT comfy shirt. I’m partial to this Jesus is Better sweatshirt from Laurel and Olive on Etsy. Really, her whole shop is cute!
A MEANINGFUL piece of jewelry. I’m sure there are fancier necklaces than this one, but if you have a big group of friends like I do, this pizza is the BFF necklace you’ve always wanted! (I gave my Sisterchicks a waffle necklace like this. It’s epic.)
A PRACTICAL tote bag. I seriously love bags. And these totes from Dayspring are a perfect gift!
TOP 3 FAMILY GIFTS
I like to give my family a group gift. Usually it’s a book for us to read together or a game–just something we’ll all enjoy. Here’s some I’ve given…
1. Waffle Maker Last year, I bought our family a waffle maker and they were as excited about that as if it was a million dollars. And you know what? Almost every time we make waffles, they get excited, too!
If I could do it again, I’d get a Mickey Mouse waffle maker instead!
2. A beautiful book. I love pretty books. I bought Sing a Song of Seasons last year and it is one of the most gorgeous books we own. Full color and edge to edge illustrations on every page. There is a poem for each day and is goes with the seasons, I love it. I keep it out in the living room or kitchen and try to read it regularly.
I have written about this amazing club many times. It is truly one of the best things we’ve invested in as a family. Not only do we have access to all 800+ episodes of the radio drama, Adventures in Odyssey, we also get exclusive content, documentaries about awesome ministries, family devotions AND a subscription to Clubhouse Magazine. If your kids are in the 8-12 age bracket, you must get this!!
TOP 3 FAMILY GAMES
1. Sleeping Queens 
2. Sushi Go! My new favorite game.
My new favorite game.3. Catan Jr I bought this for Asa’s birthday this year and it was a big hit. We played it non-stop on our last mini-vacation and the kids regularly play it by themselves. It’s a long game and requires a bit of strategy.
TOP 3 CRAFTS FOR KIDS
1. Perler Beads 
2. Sew Cool Sewing Design Studio Lydia got this last year for Christmas and it is aptly named because it is the coolest!! It’s a real sewing machine but it doesn’t use thread. Well, I’m not really sure if that’s how it works, but somehow it sews but you don’t have to touch the needle. Lydia used it for Operation Christmas Child this year!
Lydia got this last year for Christmas and it is aptly named because it is the coolest!! It’s a real sewing machine but it doesn’t use thread. Well, I’m not really sure if that’s how it works, but somehow it sews but you don’t have to touch the needle. 3. Paper & Pencil I finally had to tell Asa, “You have to draw on the back of the paper, too!” because he will go through 50 sheets of paper in one sitting! I seriously want to get him a box of paper. He especially loves drawing with books like Step by Step Drawing book from Usborne and this You Can Draw Bible Stories for Kids
3 BIBLE-BASED DVDs and CDs
2. Come Alive by Bethel Music Kids I have to admit, I wasn’t head over heels about this album. All the songs are good, the kids can sing and it’s high-quality, it every song sounds the same to me. But the kids? They danced and sang to this for days! And there is nothing I like better than hearing my Asa belt out, “As you move, I’m right beside you Lord, I’m running after you, I wanna be where you are”. Grab this one!
by Bethel Music Kids I have to admit, I wasn’t head over heels about this album. All the songs are good, the kids can sing and it’s high-quality, it every song sounds the same to me. But the kids? They danced and sang to this for days! And there is nothing I like better than hearing my Asa belt out, “As you move, I’m right beside you Lord, I’m running after you, I wanna be where you are”. Grab this one!3. Rain for Roots 
OK. I think that’s it! I wanted to do another gift guide something like, PRESENTS AMANDA REALLY WANTS TO GET AND WISHES HER FAMILY KNEW ABOUT. But I didn’t think that would go over well (with my family). Anywhoo, I’d love to hear about the presents you’re excited to give this year!
Ooh, and I wrote a BEST BOOKS FOR UNDER YOUR TREE gift guide, too! (It’s a good’un!)
Amanda, I LOVE all your posts (throughout the year)! Thanks for all the great ideas. Question for you: Is the Adventure Odyssey Club accessible by iPad? I’m thinking this would be my preference (over the computer).