I’m closing comments on this post, but you can check out lots of other ideas over at my 2010 Christmas Gift Guide hub. All giveaways conclude on December 11th.

FOR HIM —

Men’s Optimus Longsleeve Half Zip ($50.00) by Columbia – Roll up a lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt for any active guy…and he’s sure to appreciate it more than ten tiny trinkets. Columbia offers high-quality, well-fitting performance clothing that will get him through any race – on foot, on bike, or on skis.

FOR HER —

Liquiline Blast Eyeliner (~$7.00) by CoverGirl – A new cosmetics item is almost always a good stuffer choice, regardless if a woman wears lots of make-up or not. I’m a minimalist when it comes to make-up, but I still get excited when a new lipstick, mascara, or facial product appears in my stocking. Other possibilities? Lasting Lip Pencil or All-Day Lip Color.

FOR KIDS —

Dawson Mary Jane shoes ($34.99) by Crocs – Shoes for little feet fit perfectly in a stocking and are sure to be used all year long! These slip-on ones offer a warm, fuzzy lining that will take her all the way through winter. Available in sizes 4-12.

FOR A COWORKER —

An Ice Cream Scoop ($8.99) by OXO – Stick it in as a stand-alone stocking stuffer or pair it with ice cream toppings (m&m’s, hot fudge, honeyroasted peanuts, etc.) and fun bowls (maybe these?) for a SWEET gift for a coworker or friend.

FOR A FRIEND —

a Mobile Bag (~$13.00) by Golla – Have you noticed that your best friend’s phone is case-less and needs protection? She’ll swoon over the fashionable and functional mobile bags by this cool Finnish company.

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Do you want more specific ideas? Check out these links from last year:

• Stocking Stuffers FOR HER
• Stocking Stuffers FOR HIM
• Stocking Stuffers FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Contests

If you are pregnant (or know someone who is), enter Cake Lingerie’s Mother’s Day Giveaway. Deadline: April 25.

Good Reads

From The New York Times: Father and Daughter Bond, Page by Page.

I agree with Sarah of Emerging Mummy – In which I don’t care if the tinies know about the Roman Road.

Katie Kimball of simpleorganic writes about NFP, explaining that Natural Parenting Can Start Before Conception. I wish I had read that post pre-kids.

From NPR: Measles Resurgence Tied to Parents’ Vaccine Fears. How do you feel about the MMR?

From BBC: Pregnancy exercise ‘slims babies’.

I am very similar to Michelle in that “I don’t get writer’s block,” but I appreciated her recent post nevertheless: How to Write When You Have Nothing to Write.

Miscellany

• I interrupt my regular posting schedule to tell you… {June 15, 2009}
• Themed Weekend: 2 to 4 year olds {May 15, 2009}
• 7 Reasons We Don’t Spank {September 1, 2009}
• You Are 3 {August 28, 2009}
• Embarrassing Mom Moment (involving a preschooler and a bad word…that wasn’t) {October 5, 2009}

If you didn’t get a chance to read them, I hope you will. I’d love to have you weigh in on the discussions too!

* photos taken at Imagine Children’s Museum (Everett, WA – Oct. 2009)

What I mean is that he is both extremely good with computers AND extremely athletic (i.e. he likes to go on treks). He can design websites and recover data and he understands all kinds of things that are abbreviated (CSS, DOCSIS, GB, etc.). That said, he’s not really your typical computer guy because he is constantly moving. Actually, right at this second, he is standing at the counter typing on his laptop. STANDING. Not sitting comfortably on the couch like a normal person (like…ahem…me). Nope. He likes to run, bike, hike, camp, backpack, etc.

It seems that most guys fall into one (or both) of those categories. As such, I’ve compiled two gift ideas for tech types and two gift ideas for outdoorsmen. Take your pick…

SURFboard SB6120 Cable Modem by Motorola (~$100)

If he uses the Net regularly for work or play, he’s bound to appreciate an ultra-fast high-speed connection.

Enter the SURFboard SB6120.

Dependable and speedy, the modem is up to four times faster than current generation cable modems. As such, this black box is especially ideal for gamers, designers, and coders – or anyone who leads a digital life.

My husband says it’s VERY important to point out that this modem is DOCSIS 3.0 Certified. Apparently, that means that it offers the leading edge in cable technology. It pretty much guarantees that you’ll be able to access the fastest internet connection that your cable provider is capable of. Pretty sweet, right? For him…and for you.

Harmony 700 Advanced Universal Remote by Logitech ($149.99)

Say sayonara to electronic clutter once and for all with a universal remote. You’ll never have to ask, “Where is the DVD/BluRay/TV/VCR/XBOX remote?” again. With one sleek, ergonomic, and colorful remote, he’ll be able to control up to six devices. Talk about high-efficiency! It’s an intelligent device that streamlines and simplifies digital clutter.

Plus, the remote holds its charge for up to a week and is fully rechargeable. On top of that, it comes with a 1-year hardware warranty.

Sunshade M by Kelty ($149.95)

This gift is a sneaky (and sensational) gift for your guy. Sneaky because he will absolutely love it if he is a coach, if he participates in organized sports, or if he enjoys camping/hiking…but the clincher is that YOU will also love it. It will, after all, be perfect for family vacations, picnics, and outdoor adventures.

Ultra-lightweight and easy to assemble, this sunshade spans a large area and easily provides shade for 10+ people.

ContourHD Helmet Camcorder by VholdR (~$280.00; GIVEAWAY)

Skateboarders, skiers, mountain/dirt bikers, and other people who have a “need for speed” will think you are the coolest gift-giver ever when you present this tiny wearable camera. Designed to be mounted to a helmet, the ContourHD may be small, but that doesn’t mean that it’s breakable. On the contrary, it’s sturdy and tough – made to withstand bumps, jolts, dives, and dips. Because it’s made for use during action, it’s super simple to use and only requires on quick press of a button. Best of all, the camcorder records in high-definition. Athletes will marvel at their own stunts…and the stunts of their friends.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a ContourHD Helmet Camcorder (~$280.00) by VholdR. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Friday, November 27th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

FOR A SECOND ENTRY: Blog or Tweet about my Christmas Gift Guide (or about this giveaway)…and leave a second comment telling me that you did.

* I received product samples for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #5 Becca. Congratulations!

That quote reminds me of my husband.

He loves being outdoors (as do I). He is comforted by nature – by the rush-rush of the wind, the shhh-shhh of the water, the peaceful cacophony of animals and plants in the great wide open.

When he wants to pray or journal or reflect, he prefers the mountains to pews.

He doesn’t like singing or long sermons or saying religious catch phrases.

He gets restless indoors, surrounded by flickering lights and blank walls and the humming of office machines. He’d much rather be digging a ditch, building a house, scaling a mountain, or backpacking through the wilderness.

Sometimes, he doesn’t even like going to church.

{Oh, did I mention he’s a pastor?}

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P.S. Did you notice his super cool Flash 65 Pack by REI (LOVE that store, by the way!)? Ultra-lightweight (it weighs in at a scant 2 pounds!) and undeniably durable, the pack is comfortable to carry, yet rugged enough for tough terrain. The pockets are plentiful, yet not pointless. The hip and chest snaps provide extra support. Truly, this is THE pack to get for weekend jaunts in the wilderness.

Priced at $149, the award-winning Flash 65 Pack will put YOU in first place as the best gift giver ever. This versatile pack is sure to be well-loved and well-used by any outdoor enthusiast (The Flash 65 is also available as a women’s pack).

Need something at a more affordable pricepoint? Shop at REI and you won’t be disappointed by the variety.

How about…

the REI Campware Percolator, 12-Cup ($46.50).




Or a Petzl headlamp ($39.95).




Or a Bicycle Bottle Opener ($7.25).




Or even a super cute beanie for the winter ($29.50).




Seriously. When it comes to holiday shopping, REI is where it’s at. For Him. For Her. For the Whole Family.
DISCLAIMER: My husband makes a great pastor in spite of (or, perhaps because of…) his lack of affinity with tired traditions. He is an outstanding listener and he knows what it means to be a friend – in good times or in bad. His genuine compassion for people is deeply rooted in his soul and he’ll be there in a pinch if you need your car towed or your tree cut down or a snake removed from your backyard. You’ll thank him profusely for his hard work, his sweat, and his time (as you should). But the truth is that he revels in those moments – in using his back, his hands, and his heart (literally!) to make a difference. THAT is why he is a pastor.

* I received product samples for review purposes.