Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers with Impact

Scarf from Live fasionABLE, a non-profit helping to provide sustainable jobs to women in Africa who have been exploited due to the effects of poverty. Each scarf purchased provides jobs and the net profits go towards rehabilitating more women.

Trio of Rabbits from Heifer International, an organization striving to end hunger and poverty. Rabbits are raised by farming families all over the world because they require only simple foods, and produce manure that can immediately boost crop productivity in an organic and sustainable way. Plus, because rabbits can have up to six litters a year, families can quickly Pass on the Gift and begin helping family after family boost their income and nutrition.

Thai Turquoise Bracelet from WorldVision. By donating $40 to the Maximum Impact Fund — which provides for the unique needs of children and families worldwide — you will enjoy giving or wearing a beautiful handcrafted Thai bracelet. This lovely piece of jewelry was made in a project that helps protect vulnerable girls from exploitation.

Anything else you might buy from Pure Charity. Through their Rewards program, you can purchase products and services from your favorite brands and a percentage of those purchases goes right into your personal Giving Fund - towards a charity(ies) that you choose from their list of causes around the world. If you are an online shopper, this is the easiest way to make your every day purchases have HUGE impact.

Hair Elastics from She Does Justice, a handmade shop that gives back. Their products are created to fit your lifestyle while being affordable and stylish. A portion of each purchase goes to help support an organization that is doing great work loving the 'least of these'. This month they are helping a family bring home their adopted baby girl - read about it here.

Tablet/eReader Cover by Better Life Bags based out of Detroit, Michigan. Better Life Bags hires women, who otherwise could not work. Through this organization, the women in the community are able to make a living wage while gaining dignity, honor, and respect.

Check out all of the 2012 gift guides.

And don't forget to come back on Wednesday for our first ever Sharing Christmas link-up.

Share any of your Christmas traditions, decorations, or recipes.

Gift Guide: College Students

With one sister in college, a brother graduating this month, and a sister who graduated last May, I consider myself a college student gift guide expert! Here are some of the items that have been on my radar for my own siblings:

Coloud Headphones - whether they want to drown out their roommate, or just listen to their own music, headphones are a key ingredient for successful communal living. Plus these look pretty rad.

Refresh Recharging Station - equipped to charge multiple devices

Doggie Door Stop - perhaps the only dorm approved pet, this door stop will bring on the social and is pretty cheeky.

Thermos - to keep their coffee piping hot during late night study sessions.

TJs Cookbook - to ensure they don't suffer four years of cafeteria food and frozen pizza. p.s. I might need one of these in my own life!

iHorn - this simple plastic base amplifies their iPhone/iPod and it is so affordable, you can use them as stocking stuffers!

Teal Blue Pottery Earrings - Really, I am just obsessed with these earrings so I need to include them in one of my gift guides. Plus the potter, Natalie is an awesome girl. Check out her etsy shop for more of her fabulous goods.

Stan's Donuts - overnight delivery from this LA Bakery. I know a certain someone who might just need a shipment of these! {side note: My youngest sister plays a D1 sport on full scholarship. She is a rockstar. But this means she rarely gets to come home for visits, and when she does, it is always too short - having options like Stan's to send her good food makes her being so far away, slightly less painful for both of us.}

Swiss Army USB - bringing the ultimate cool to file sharing for those ominous group projects.

click here to see all of our 2012 gift guides

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Gift Guide: Toddlers

Can you tell there is an (almost) two year old boy running around my house these days? I tried with all my might to pick gifts for girls and boys...but my mind keeps gravitating in one direction. Either way, these gifts are sure to please!

Pima Half Zips - These are my favorite for layering, tossing over a t-shirt when we are running late for church, bumming around on the weekends in. My little guy has a few, and they are our #1 go to clothing item for him.

A Gentle Reminder - Lena of Mattie Mae Designs specializes in hand applique shirts and onesies for kids, but recently she added a few embroidery hoops and hand painted pieces to her shop. I love how this very kid friendly art reinforces the mantra I find myself constantly repeating...Be kind...

Crayon Holder - This wooden truck is an aesthetically pleasing addition to any toddler's work table.

Foxy - Could this stuffed animal get any cuter? I like how the fox almost seems as if he is a toddler himself (rather than a baby fox) and know he would be quite the companion on imaginary journeys in our household.

Bowling Set - Behr is getting one for his birthday and we are so excited! This set is sturdy, and enjoyable for all ages!

Giant Noah's Ark - We love wooden play animals, but our collection is rather small. This Noah's Ark could be use in counting, sorting, patterns, bible story time, accompany the reading of other books, or just simply plain fun. This toy would get serious mileage in any home.

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It is Toddler Week on the Blog!

Travel tips yesterday, favorite iPhone apps tomorrow. 

Be sure to check out all of our toddler posts. 

Also, don't miss our other fabulous gift guides:

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Gift Guide: Foodies

I would call myself a developing foodie. I am learning how to cook, appreciating local fare, have fully embraces the farm share movement (five years now and still going strong!) but I am out of touch with the restaurant scene and I will never under certain delicacies. Deep in my heart I am still a Philly Cheesesteak girl (with provolone, because I don't believe cheese whiz is authentic).

So here is my gift guide for all the foodies in your life, even the beginner, wanna-be-better-foodie, like me.

Recipe Wall Calendar - watermelon salad, grilled pesto pizza, and chocolate cream cookies, each new month is a culinary delight. The perfect 2013 calendar for the cook in your life.

Honey Hive - who wants to deal with the mess of a honey jar lid? If you are anything like me, it is pure defeat to get to the golden goodness. This Honey Hive would make the world of a difference on my counter top and appetizer tray.

Sea Salt - I found this salt in Napa Valley and have been hooked ever since. Get it. For you and everyone else on your list.

Aprons - What woman can ever have enough aprons? Well, my friend Julie makes the cutest ones in town and they are sturdy. You don'd have to worry about running them with a normal load of laundry, which is a huge plus if you are a rather messy cook. Discount: All One Simple Red Stitch Aprons are now 30% off through 12/13

Downton Abbey Cookbook: Although I have never watched a single episode, I am certain this cook book will be just as authentic and the nationally acclaimed BBC hit series.

Peugeot Peppermill - A long standing wishlist item. This pepper mill is the best of the best. It will be sure to make any chef, man or woman, in your life swoon!

Get It Right Spatulas - Do you have an entire drawer full of sub-par kitchen utensils? Time to buck up and "get it right." These spatulas are both a work of art and a workhorse.

click here to see all of our 2012 gift guides

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Gift Guide Baby + Giveaway Closed

Babies are adorable and fun to shop for, but the truth is, they don't need much. Here are a few of my top picks for the wee ones in your life.

Albert the Stuffed Dino  // Xylophone // Soft Rattles // Cozy Leggings // Bows and Bow Ties

Shearling Booties // Fruit & Veggie Shaped Clutching Toys

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Today's baby gift guide was inspired by the adorable bows and bow ties created by Noelle of NBrynn Design. The Columbus, Ohio based etsy shop opened last winter, a few weeks before Noelle gave birth to her daughter! Enjoying the time she spent making accessories for her own children, Noelle decided to "go pro" and share her talents with others. Noelle is generously offering a $25 credit toward purchase in her etsy shop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Plus: 15% discount to all readers now through 12/15

use code: SCRIBBLE15

Congrats to Shanna Uptergrove for winning the $25 credit to NBrynn Design!

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Gift Guide: Lovely Ladies

Ladies, we know we are easy to shop for, right? We like pretty things, stationery, fun jewelry, cozy kitchens with beautiful serving pieces. But for the men in our life, that can be a steep challenge. Here is a round up of some fabulous finds for any lady:

For the host: set of three, hand printed, 100% unbleached cotton tea towels

For the woman on the go: takeya glass bottle for water, tea, or coffee

For your sister, best friend, and college roommates: pottery necklace to make them stand out from the crowd {free shipping December 1-31 with code: DECSHIP}

For the accessorizer: adorable bow earrings with a touch of sparkle.

For the working woman: add a bit of charm to her desk top or night stand with this gold giraffe

For the party planner: giver her a set of gorgeous plates for her morning biscuits or her latest appetizers

For your mother, neighbor, and confidant: a pitcher to share a beverage during your long afternoon chats

For the fashionista: stun her with a necklace to knock the socks off

For the traveler: a set of roll on, no spill scents perfectly sized for jet setting

For the comforter: the warmest blanket, decidedly feminine

click here to see all of our 2012 gift guides

Did you know that ModCloth has more than just clothing? The bow earrings and the plates featured above are both examples of product you can get and give as gifts this holiday season. Check out ModCloth for even more of their well-curated indie style!

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Gift Guide: The Men in Your Life

Why are men always the most difficult to shop for? Is it because they don't wear and adore accessories as much as women? Do they need less stuff? Or are they just picky? Whatever the reason for the difficulty with gift giving in your life, this list will meet your needs.

Klein Canvas Bottom Tool Bag - a great carry on, gym bag, or weekender for the guy who travels, enjoys guys weekends, or can press more than you.

London Undercover Umbrella from J.Crew - for the guy who travels between buildings or two and from his car during the day. This umbrella is sturdy and dapper. Plus, you never want to get caught out in the rain. Side Note: Secretly wishing this umbrella was mine! Does anyone want to get it for me?

Bottle Belts for your Bike - a bit of hipster might be showing through. These bottle belts are perfect for the guy who prefers two wheels to four and gets around town by pedal. *etsy shop: Walnut Studiolo

Klein Tool Pouch - for the handyman or the guy who thinks he is Mr. Fix-it and you don't have the heart to tell him otherwise! This belt attachment may also come in handy when grilling or tailgating if you can think outside the box.

McClure's Pickles - wait, you mean your guy doesn't return from every grocery trip with at least one jar of pickles? They are a hot commodity in my house (and perhaps my husband's favorite part of me being pregnant) Why not kick it up a notch with Brooklyn's best? Psst...they also carry an incredible line of sauces and relishes if pickles aren't your jam.

Jack Spade Dopp Kit - for business trips, weekend getaways, and maybe even to soften the blow that you will be spending Christmas with your family again this year... Start your man's morning off right, and end his evenings with everything in its place. A variety of color options available. You can even add to this gift by filling it with his favorite razor blades, deodorant, face lotion, and other bath products.

Stanley Outdoor Mug - for the rugged man and the french press snob. No matter the reason for hot soup or beverage, this mug is a surefire win. Plus, it has a handy dandy clip handle to make it even better for camping.

Manse Plaid Concord Button Down Shirt - this shirt says Massachusetts through and through. Made and manufactured in The Bay State, just south of Boston, Concord Button Downs offers a limited variety of small batch shirts for the man who proudly wears made in the USA, loves his New England roots, and doesn't sacrifice style. Custom fit options available.

Discount: 

Get 10% off your order from Concord Button Downs thru December 21st

with the code: TheScribblePad

click here to see all of our 2012 gift guides

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Deck the Halls!

We tried a new approach to Christmas decorating this year. We broke out the music and tinsel and bells, before we ate our Thanksgiving turkey. Only to realize there wasn't much to decorate until we purchased our tree and garland. But we had fun rocking the Christmas music all weekend long anyway!

We have amassed a collection of ornaments from years of Christmas together and places we have traveled, but if I was starting fresh, these would be some that I would consider.

Star Tree Topper // Lobster // Sequin Ornaments // Gnome // Trio of Penguins // Glittered Dove // Mercury Glass (six) // Ship // Hedgehog // First Christmas Mouse // Zeolite // Whale // Bird and Feeder // Moose

How did you acquire your collection of ornaments? 

Were they handed down to you?

Collected by your parents or given as gifts?

Mementos from your travels?

As a child, my family attended a Christmas party with a parting gift of an ornament for each guest. They were beautifully painted wood nutcrackers, snowmen and sleighs. Each year there was a different assortment to choose from. I remember loving this tradition and hoping someday to do something similar. However I don't throw a huge annual Christmas party, and never appreciated the great cost of this tradition. Instead, perhaps I will give my sons an ornament each year, for their own collection to someday take with them to their own homes. Thankfully I have plenty of time to think about it!

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