Category: holiday gift guide

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Mother Nature Lover

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday gift guide10 Comments

Ah, Mother’s Day. I remember my very first Mother’s Day. Wyatt was only two months old, one month adjusted with his preemie age factored in, and I woke up early on a rainy day to realize I needed to go to the store and grab his special formula before he woke up. It was quiet, Billy and Wyatt were both sleeping, and I thought, this is what it is like to be a mom. I have no idea why that moment felt like that so much to me, but it did. It’s the small things though, those tiny little moments, the pockets of everyday where we do things behind the scenes all the time (just like fathers do as well).

Wyatt was a surprise. We didn’t think we could have children, then boom, one day there was Wyatt. The best surprise we ever had that is for sure. However, we are all different, and have different situations. And Mother’s Day can be a hard day for a lot of people, for many different reasons. So this list is for anyone who nurtures and loves, whether that nurturing is for a child or a furry or scaly pet, or a plant, or an elderly parent or a sibling – frankly, for anyone. But especially for someone who loves nature!

Links contain affiliate links that provide a small commission if you were to purchase anything.

First, the bracelet I asked for. LOL. I had a rabbit bracelet similar to this that I never took off and wore for years and then sometime over the winter it must have snagged on something or it fell off and I didn’t notice but I lost it. And I miss it!

I also totally dig that mug! Because, yeah, I’m crunchy too.

Two adorable tees!! I love both of these and would wear them myself all the time. I love the fox among the flowers, it is just so sweet. And I would like to consider myself a wild mama, like wild as in liking the wilderness.

These socks are too cute!! And can be ordered with the names of children, or fur babies! And this family tree bar necklace is perfect for that boho-hippie in your life!

So I am in love with this blanket! It looks so lovely to cuddle under! The company can also personalize the blankets as well, which would be a sweet touch. And this ring is beautiful to me – green, floral, dainty. Perfection!!

Owls!!!! They are not what they seem you know! (Bonus points to you if you recognize the reference..) I really really need to get my ears re-pierced because Etsy always has the cutest earrings like these! And I just can’t with the cuteness of this secret locket necklace!! I have developed a love for squirrels this year, partially because I have a little squirrel we named Jack who scratches at the window by where I sit to let me know it is time to feed him. And when I open the door, he is sitting on the welcome mat, then runs over and leaps to the porch rail and waits for his peanuts. It is so darn cute! Anyone, this necklace has both acorns and squirrels, plus you can add your little secret message to your loved one.

I hope that you enjoyed these fun nature finds! I know that I enjoyed browsing the Etsy site, as I always do….

To see the Etsy Editor’s Picks click here!

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A Little Bit of Everything Valentine’s Gift Ideas

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday gift guide15 Comments

Valentine’s Day. A holiday I have really begun to embrace as a midwinter pick me up, more than a romantic holiday. A day that I can celebrate anyone that I love, from my spouse to my child to family to friends – or even myself honestly. And truth be told, Billy and I rarely celebrate this with big gifts for each other or big nights out (even pre-pandemic!) I do like to pick up little trinkets and cards here and there for people though, as I think we all need a little lift in February. And making people happy makes me happy too!

Sending cards snail mail is on my mind this year. I signed Wyatt up for a Valentine Card exchange with other homeschool families and we are going to start making his this weekend. And that got me thinking.. I think this year I will pick up a few for my friends, and drop them off ninja style on their porches with a bottle of wine. I started browsing Etsy, my go to for all things, and found more cards than I have friends! And of course I looked for cards for Billy while I was at it. I did find so many other cards but shipping was a concern – some places wanted four or five dollars to ship a four or five dollar card and that is not within the amount I wanted to spend. However, I did find cards with shipping costs I could get down with.

(Contains Etsy Affiliate Links)

Fierce Creature Card from Firebrand Press || Woodland Fox Card from Firebrand Press || Toadally Awesome Card from Callam Creations

But since today is a snow day and I have plenty of time to just play around on the interwebs, I did. And so many things caught my eye! Pretty things, useful things, cute things, pink things, even some strange things, for Valentine’s Day. Things for me, for Billy, for the kiddos, for my friends…I guess I am feeling the love this year.

Ghost Friends Bag: This cracked me up. I don’t wear much make up so I don’t need a makeup bag personally, but I love bags like this for travelling and also for keeping all of my pens and stuff in. I feel like one can never go wrong with a bag, and this one is hilarious.

Star Coasters: Just because they are so pretty! (my husband calls me a magpie, which is why my previous blog was called Quixotic Magpie)

I am, I am, I am pin: I know Valentine’s Day and Syliva Plath don’t exactly go hand in hand. But let’s all listen to the brag of our hearts and remember how alive we are.

Mosaic Heart Earrings: I love the colors and how the pieces all come together in a crazy little pattern and hold there – like friendships.

Good Things Are Coming: Sometimes we all need a reminder.

Handmade Basket: My stepmom has been giving me handmade artisan baskets every Christmas and now I am addicted. This one is so pretty! I can imagine filling it with small jars of berry jams and gifting it to a friend – with a loaf of homemade bread for a little extra love.

Valentine Mice: These are just too darn cute! And you have your choice of getting one mouse or two!

Personalized Hot Chocolate Mug: I think I saw on Jinjer’s blog the idea of having a special hot chocolate mug, and thought it was so fun!

Somehow, some way, otters have come to represent our family and also our marriage. Lol. So of course I looked at otter stuff.

Otter t-shirt: This is one tough looking otter.

Otter keychain: Um, just adorable!

Otter bracelet: I can’t help but love this.

And phew this was a lot! But it was just so much cuteness and cheerfulness, I had to share, especially on such a cold and snowy day – at least here it is cold and snowy! I hope where you are you are safe and happy!

My Little Handmade Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday gift guideLeave a comment

Of all the gift guides I create, this one is always my favorite. Probably because I am always saving different ideas all year round for the kiddos in my life, my son, my nieces, my cousin’s daughters, my favorite people to buy for! I love to buy them handmade gifts, and support small artists and business – I of course still buy stuff from Amazon and made of plastic and Wyatt is also getting a new tablet this year, but he is also getting a special small toy box for dress up clothes, as this kid of mine loves to dress up and pretend, much like I did as a kid. And he is getting a special toy this year too, that I am very excited about.

This post contains Etsy affiliate links from which I would make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

DIY Kaleidoscope: I love this so much. It is perfect for those outdoor adventures, hiking, picnics, just playing in the yard. Kids love to collect small bits of nature, and this gives them a unique way to keep and play with those treasures.

Nature Explorers Kit: Normally I skip over kits like this, as I think it is usually some overpriced box filled with things I can do myself. This one however, also contains nature activity cards filled with ideas for exploring and involving mindfulness as well as a great assortment of tools for exploring!

I found this Etsy store earlier this year and fell in love with these little rag dolls! A Button and A Stitch sews up small dolls “perfect for small hands” and I love the diversity offered! There is a doll for every child in this shop – including my own child. The special needs doll line almost made me teary. Braces, G-Tubes, limb differences, Cochlear implants – representation is so important for all children, to have a toy or a book that they can see themselves in. Wyatt always gets so excited when he spots a character in a book that uses a wheelchair or a walker or braces, so I am really looking forward to seeing his reaction to this doll. You can find the links to the two pictured above here and here. Be sure to check out all of the dolls in this collection!

All the kids in my life love to make things and craft – and sometimes it is easier to have a put together kit rather than pull all the pieces together.

Bendy Snakes Wool Felting Kit: I learned how to wool felt a few years ago and it was so fun! I think this snake version would be perfect for little hands!

Woodland Animals Sewing Kit: This one is so adorable! And cracks me up because this is the sort of thing I am sewing right now. Lol. I am slowly learning…and I think these projects would be cute and a great way to introduce needlework to a child. (with supervision of course)

Little Birder book: Isn’t this book gorgeous? The illustrations, the introduction to birds, I love everything about it. There is also a matching journal for older kids too!

Yeti/Big Foot Stuffed Plush: Soo cute!! I sort of want this for me. I mean, everyone needs a cuddle now and then. And his little happy face!

Rainbow Rock Crayons: So these caught my eye since Wyatt has been learning about rocks and minerals lately. They are just so colorful and pretty! Also, the size encourages that pincer grip and fine motor skills as well.

A little breath of spring in these next two ideas! When the winter starts to seem long, these would be fun to work on as we wait for the return of spring and summer and longer days, sunshine, flowers, and all the little butterflies and bees.

Kids Sewing Kit: I love these bright and cheery designs!

Flyers Kit: Oh, I love these. I can just imagine them brightening the windows in winter!

And finally, a little something for a little bit older child! These porcelain animal necklaces from CampHollow are adorable and little works of art. They come in so many different animal variations as well – this little owl, Siamese cats, hedgehogs, river otters, butterflies, dinosaurs, and many more!

Happy Holidays all!

My little bit outdoors, little bit bookish Holiday Gift Guide

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday gift guide11 Comments

I have been having way too much fun browsing for gifts online this year. There are just so many great makers and creators out there! These items are a little bit outdoorsy, a little bit bookish because that is what I tend to look at the most! A few of these are on my list for others, some on my list, one or two I have even purchased and put away for Christmas already.

This post contains affiliate links from Etsy.

Leather Journal: These leather journals are customizable with nine different stamps and can be further personalized with the name of your loved one. They can hold a field notes notebook as well as a pen and license, debit, card, etc. I actually plan to buy two of these for two special people in my life. I just need to decide on color and customizations!

Let Us Go Then illustrated book: Ok. So, this is something on my own list but I adore it. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot is my all time favorite poem. This little book contains an illustrated rendering of the poem, alongside the lines of the poem itself. It is printed on matte paper and I think it is just so cool looking, honestly. This company also offers the book in different poems, as well as notebooks and journals.

Burned Cedar Kuksa Hiking Mug: I love this! I bought my husband a kuksa a few years ago and he takes it with him on long hikes and camping trips. This kuksa is just so individual though, with the dark burnt color of it. This one is made in Russia, but there are so so many listed on Etsy. They are basically wooden mugs that you can wear while you spend time outdoors. Update: This one is sold out, so here is an alternate!

Raised by Boooooks t-shirt: This is another item from my own list. Lol. It is not an Etsy find, but from the company Out of Print, which has so many neat bookish items! I love this one for me, but they also have so many cute kids shirts!

Fox socks: My husband and I always get each other socks at Christmas, and Billy loves socks with patterns and pictures. These are perfect for anyone who loves nature and exploring! This company seems to have socks for every hobby and walk of life though.

Storiarts Anne of Green Gables scarf: I have loved these scarves for years and years. I think they are so cool. I chose this one for the blog because I love Anne and the color green, but there are many variations in their store!

Edgar Allen Poe glass tumbler: Remember I said I already bought something? This is what I bought for my Edgar Allen Poe loving cousin. Again, if Poe is not your jam there are other choices. I will say that I am very impressed with the quality of this glass, the weight and clarity, and the box itself is very nice as well!

8 x 10 Lonely Spruce Print: This is a legit print from a tree. The image was created using the remnants of a Red Spruce in Nova Scotia. It is just so unique! I love it and am considering it for our home. But which room? I can’t decide!

Magical Great Hall candle: For me, the magic of Harry Potter was all about the Great Hall. And Hogsmeade. And the Forbidden Forest. But I loved all the descriptions of the festivities that took place in the Great Hall. Maybe all the talk of food? This candle is visually appealing, and smells like waffles? That is fantastic, in my opinion! This is one you would need to order soon though, it looks like it takes a bit to ship!

Mary Shelley Frankenstein Quote Print: This is one of my favorite quotes. You will see it pop up again next week in my Kid’s Holiday Gift Guide. Lol. I received a bookish literary print a few years ago from my sister-in-law – a quote from Jane Austen actually – and I have it framed on display in my office now and I totally love it. This would be a great addition to any book nook or office or library! Again, the shop has many choices, including one with a few lyrics from “Morning Has Broken” that is simply beautiful. Update: This version is sold out but here is a cool printable alternate!

DIY Mushroom Lamp: This is so pretty! I don’t know much about this company at all (this is not from Etsy), they were actually from a suggested Instagram ad, so I want to throw that out there. I love this lamp though, and it is sort of neat that you get to make it! Perfect for that crafting fungi loving friend.. Update: So I found an alternative for this as well, that one does not need to DIY put together. It’s actually a little less expensive. Find it here! (this one is sold out – here is a very similar link~)

Fire Starter: I blame my husband for this one. He loves anything woodcrafted and outdoorsy and this fire starter is pretty nifty. Billy and I once went to an outdoor survival class and we did not pass the fire starting lesson. Lol. We would definitely need something to help us out if we were lost in the wilderness. Or just camping.

Wuthering Heights LiteraTea: So this is just fun! I picked this one for this post because it is Earl Grey tea, but there are other flavors. I love the packaging and I do love a pretty package!

And with that, I am going to check my Christmas list and see what I still need to do!

A Cozy Little Slightly Eclectic Holiday Gift Guide

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday, holiday gift guide14 Comments

Winter. Such a polarizing season – it seems like you either love it or hate it. Personally, I love it. The snow and cold invigorate my soul, and the long dark nights are perfect for getting cozy and comfortable at home. And I love cozy. The past few years have been pretty tough too, and I feel like everyone’s souls need a little comfort these days. Treat someone you love, treat yourself, get some ideas – I have a few things that I know make my soul feel warm and nourished, and I am excited to share them with you! So, get comfy, grab your favorite soul soothing drink, and spend a few relaxing moments with me as I set a cozy mood!

This post contains affiliate links.

Hand warming mug: I am blessed to have a potter in the family. My mother-in-law is a potter and I always end up with her leftovers or shed clean outs, and I love everything I get. I recently had a box to share with my friends and they were so excited to gather around and pick and choose different items. To me, these mugs are a treat to use. The weight and size in my hand, knowing they were made by hand, their uniqueness – I just love everything about them. I have bought a few from other artists via Etsy and while they can seem pricey for a mug, they are something that will last. That was made with love for a craft. That work and care went into. And they are totally worth every penny. I love this one because it is designed to hug your hand to keep you warm as you sip. Perfect for those snowy cold nights or rainy days!

Harney and Sons Royal English Breakfast Tea: I love coffee, tea, hot chocolate – you name it. But if I am having real tea, not herbal, I want one that is flavorful and not wimpy. I love this one by Harney and Sons – and that tin is so handy afterwards for storing treasures if you are a child (or an adult!)

Hot Chocolate Bombs: I saw these all over last year and think they are so fun! Just heat your milk and pour over the bomb in your mug and watch it melt! These are available as a kit or individually and in different flavors and toppings.

Vintage Quilt: Is there anything else in this world like a well-loved quilt? There are so many homeless vintage quilts out there, that women poured their hearts into creating. I have a few, and one I use quite frequently is one that belonged to my friend’s great-grandmother. She made it and my friend didn’t want it and I couldn’t bear the thought of it being tossed so I adopted it. It is so warm and soft and I love it. You can find them on Etsy, but be sure to read the descriptions. Some are small, some are torn (so if this is a no-go make sure to look for that in the description), some are just tops. I thought this one was gorgeous but there are hundreds to choose from, and all different prices.

Slipper Socks: It’s hard to be cozy if your toes are freezing! I thought these were so unique and beautiful – I love the folk art pattern and the fact that they are handknit..even better. (These are actually on my Christmas list!)

Cosy Candle: I love candles!! They add such atmosphere to a home – the flickering light, the scents that can set a mood. I love earthy scents or warm food scented candles, and this one has notes of oak and clove and lemon which sounds amazing.

French Lavender Spa Collection: I order shampoo bars and conditioner bars and soap from this company regularly. It is all I use. The scents are amazing (I particularly love the Gravenstein apple scent and the harvest scent right now) and they leave my hair and skin just the way I want them. This spa set would be an awesome gift and who doesn’t love a luxurious feeling bath from time to time?

Bunny Pajamas from Leveret: I am in love with both pairs of pajamas pictured above. These are the more affordable option at $34.99, plus they are green and have rabbits! They have so many different styles though, from solid colors to stripes to tie dye to rainbows and cows and ballerinas – the list goes on. They also have adorable children’s pajamas as well. Last year I bought Wyatt’s Christmas Eve pjs from Leveret and I really liked them!

Forest Wolves Pajamas from Wolf and Badger: These are definitely a splurge item but … these seem so worth it. Not only are they so cool, they are organic, made by happy workers, artisan made, low impact, and non-toxic. So, good for you, good for the planet. I love that they check all these boxes! Plus, wolves!!!

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Board Game: We are talking about having cozy game nights this winter with my brother and his family. The kids can sleep, we can drink tea and hot chocolate, wear comfy clothes, and gather around the table to play this together on snowy nights! I love that it is a cooperative game where everyone works together!

Wooden National Parks Puzzle: No need for a gathering with this one – this can be completely solo. I love how beautiful this is – and the fact that it is wooden as well. This shop has quite a variety as well – Christmas scenes, animals, places like Paris and Rome, and they even will make a puzzle from a personal photo.

I hope I left you with some ideas for your holiday shopping – and that you enjoyed your warm cuppa!

Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday gift guide12 Comments

February can feel so gray and dreary and long, especially if you are in a northern state, and Valentine’s Day is like the pink and red burst of cheer right in the middle. Like a rainbow on a rainy day, it makes what could be a gloomy day, happy!

Now, we don’t go crazy for Valentine’s Day. Just little things to make each other smile, maybe a special breakfast with the boy (I am thinking waffle hearts this year!), a fancy dessert at dinner, but just something to make the day a good one.

This year, I don’t even have to buy Valentine’s stuff for Wyatt’s class and teachers and other staff, since I am homeschooling. We did buy Valentine’s for him to give to his cousins and also his friend Eloise; he is super into painting right now, and he picked out Valentine’s that included a little tray of watercolor paints. They are super cute and I know he is excited to hand them out. Then I started wondering just what I was going to get Billy, and my friends this year too for Galentine’s Day. I don’t usually get them anything, but I would not have made it through this year without them! And we could all use a pick me up, especially now! So during quiet time today, I did a little online window shopping and found some super cute things for less than twenty dollars each!

Sterling Silver Strawberry Earrings || Pink Princess Philodendron Pin || Scrunchie || Otter Enamel Pin

I guess I was really thinking pink when I was looking! I am in love with all of these honestly. Those little strawberry stud earrings make me think of the 80s and summertime, but in a more grown up way. And I am all about enamel pins right now – they are so shiny and colorful! I love the Pink Princess Philodendron pin, because we are all of a sudden plant people, and even a cutting for one of those plants is like $300! Then these lovely soft scrunchies! The one that says “You’re like REALLY pretty” cracks me up. My niece bought me a Christmas scrunchie from her Secret Santa at school last year, and I love it for showering on days when I am skipping my hair. And finally, these super adorable otters! I love that otters hold hands when sleeping so they don’t drift away from each other.

Be the Sunshine Enamel Pin || Rainbow Planters || Pinky Promise Tee || Variegated String of Hearts || How to be a Wildflower

Ok, I told you I am obsessed with little enamel pins right now – and that Be the Sunshine is so perfect. Sometimes we have to be the light that we are looking for. The rainbow planters are just adorable, and would look so happy with a cute little succulent hanging out in it on a desk or counter. That pinky promise tee is adorable as well – it makes me think of all the crazy conversations and laughs I have had with my crew over the years. And that plant!! If you are a plant person, you know. A variegated string of hearts! What! It is so pretty and I love it.. Finally, Katie Daisy’s book, How to be a Wildflower. I have this book and I love it. It is an inspiration and a spark of whimsy and color and cheer when you need it.

I am missing my friends like crazy this year! We were supposed to take a girls trip to Mackinac/Mission Point this fall that has been postponed, our monthly book clubs, our nights out, lunches, brunches. Just hanging out in each other’s houses! We have zoom calls now, but hopefully when the weather breaks we will be able to get together again at least in backyards. For now I see them from six feet apart and for as long as we can stand the cold or virtually through a screen. Hopefully one day soon we will be out again together!

The Stay-at-Home Edition Holiday Gift Guide

On By Erin @ Cracker Crumb LifeIn holiday gift guide23 Comments

This year my friends and family have really leaned in to staying at home and finding ways to use this time – through creative projects and hobbies, to learning useful skills, and filling our spaces with life and things that make us happy and smile. These newfound passions are making their way onto holiday gifts lists in my circle, and I wanted to share with you a few of these ideas! (Amazon links are affiliate links, and marked with an *.)

A little bit of peace and happy

Crescent Moon Soap Making Set: This year I learned to make soap and I am loving it! I love the creative aspects, as well as the functional and resourcefulness of it. I love just going to my little stash that I have made and picking out the next bar that we are going to use. Brambleberry has a ton of kits and project suggestions for every interest. I love this crescent moon though..

Embroidery Kits: Ok so..there are three here. My favorites honestly, and the ones I added to my list for Billy to choose from. I hope to learn to embroider this year and these just seem so pretty. Wild and Free || Web || Moons

A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year: I have a book that is a poem for every night of the year, and we enjoy reading our poem every night. I think this would be a lovely way to start the day! *

Soapstone Carving Kit: My brother is a whittler, my stepdad was a whittler and woodworker; is there any more peaceful sounding endeavor? This soapstone kit looks like a great place to start.

Freshly made? Yes please

Handmade Sourdough Crock: The men I know have embraced cooking and food production this year, and this sourdough crock is gorgeous. King Arthur Flour has a few different versions, some that even include sourdough starter as well!

Bread Accessory Kit: I love this kit, it contains so many items for such a great price! A lame, a whisk, a bread bag..all for less than $25.00! *

Mead Making Kit: This is totally a Billy item. He wants to learn how to make mead and this kit makes it look easy! *

Things are growing

Wooden Propagation Station: Anyone else plant obsessed these days? My friends and I have started buying plants and sharing cuttings with each other. I am patiently waiting for my new cuttings to get here and I need one of these stations myself!

Marimo Moss Ball: Something else I am currently in love with. These marimo balls are so cute and can live for years and years, and are said to be lucky. Check out the website, it is worth reading and exploring!

Mushroom Kit: Grow your own mushrooms! We eat so many mushroom recipes over the fall and winter, that it would be handy to have some just ready and available in my own kitchen. (For a fantastic dinner, try the Mushroom Polenta from Rabbits and Wolves..) *

The Basics of Cozy

Men’s Pendleton Slippers: Billy hates having cold feet (well, I guess everyone does) and I love these slippers. They look perfect to slip into on those cold mornings and out of as well in the evening at bedtime.

Sackcloth and Ashes Blanket: I have one of these blankets (Camp Lake) and I love it. It is so soft and warm and bonus – the company donates blankets to homeless shelters!

Le Creuset Tea Mug: Also something I own and it is hands down my favorite to use, even with its little chip. It just has the perfect shape for holding, you know what I mean? It’s just a little thing that makes me happy everyday. *

Tom’s Plaid Slippers for Women: Because plaid is perfect in the winter. I like to wear slippers that are more fitted, probably because I am sort of klutzy and need my footwear to not give me anymore reason to trip. I like how trim and neat these look!

There are always subscription gifts as well! Cratejoy has a ton of ideas, and you can always buy a patreon for a year subscription if there is a maker they like to support! Also, gift cards for restaurants are a great idea for this year. We aren’t dining in but we are supporting our local eateries by ordering takeout!

I realize some of these suggestions are a little unusual, but so is 2020. I wanted to throw some of our loves and ideas out there, even to just get the ball rolling if anyone was looking for ideas! Even if these are not the items you are looking for, you may find the perfect thing on one of these websites!

Happy Shopping!!