Saturday Shopping with Friends #21

Hostess Gifts

Welcome to Saturday Shopping at this Small House

Once a month I go shopping with some of my blogger buddies because it’s always more fun when you shop with a friend!

A white mug with the word "JOY." in red sits on a coaster on a wooden table, filled with a drink topped with whipped cream—perfect for relaxing after shopping with friends, with blurred pillows and a book in the background.

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The Perfect Hostess Gift

I always like to bring a little something for the hostess when we are invited to a holiday party. Nothing big but something that they might not buy for themselves and says “Thank You” for all your bringing us together.

I knew twisted candles were a thing, however I never appreciated them until I bought myself a set just a few weeks ago. They just add something special to a table and elevate the look. These candles from McGee & Co are in a set of 6 and super affordable right now.
I also found a laurel picture frame ornament that would be perfect for your hosts to put a picture from the event into it and remember the fun had by all for years to come.
This potted faux rosemary would be something that can be enjoyed well after the holidays are over, as the only care it needs is to be enjoyed!
Finally, also from McGee and Co., I always think a gift that is enjoyed by your sense of smell is so special. We never have a real tree, so I know “Handy” would love if we were gifted this Holiday Balsam Diffuser.

Everything I shared with you in On Sale Now at McGee & Co.

To all my shopping friends, I wanted to wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and I will be back here shopping with my friends in the New Year.

What My Friends Are Loving

Blue decorative divider with three French Country Christmas trees in the center, flanked by symmetrical floral and geometric ornamentation on either side.

Anna

Sky Lark House

Macy’s has made some huge strides in offering high quality products at a great price point. After doing some comparison shopping, I find their current sale prices hard to beat! So, I rounded up some of my favorite holiday gift ideas.

This Tommy Hilfiger sweater with the terrier is adorable and perfect for the holiday season.
This Ralph Lauren purse is a classic design that will work with almost any wardrobe.
If you are looking for something for your husband, brother, son or father – this leather money clip might be the answer.
This Kate Spade necklace is perfect for your best friend, sister, aunt or mom.
You can’t go wrong with gifting the cook in your life this Le Crueset cast iron dutch oven.
If you want to go all out on a big Christmas gift, this set of Green Pan non-stick cookware is another good bet.

Diane

South House Designs

This week I’m all about the gifting!

This may surprise you if you remember that 6 years ago our immediate family changed up our gift exchange. We no longer buy gifts for each other. Our gifting took off in a whole different way — and we will never go back! Lower stress, better budget control, more great memories, just more fun all around! This year’s is going to be a blast. I’ll be sure to share details after!
If you have a loved one in a care facility — short term or long — it is stressful! I get it. Truly I do. So I put together a post full of ideas for brightening the holidays for them. Start with how to safely add festive touches to their room, starting with these, or maybe these (with more of my favorite options in the post). And these twinkle lights are the ones you want to go with this garland and these hooks for their window.
In that same post, I included ideas for cozy, comfy gifts for these special loved ones. Such as this unbelievably cuddly lap blanket which is actually the same size as a baby blanket (larger throws are trip hazard). And it’s on sale at Pottery Barn, for just $30 and going fast!!!! And there are options for engaging and entertaining gifts, as well as practical helper gifts, personal care gifts and more. If your’s has a mischievous twinkle in his eye, I strongly suggest these. My dad would have loved surprising the staff with silly arrangements.
And this new blog post is full of vetted brands and give-back gift picks that support communities, sustainability, and social impact. Such as Fahlo who supports wildlife organizations with the sale of tracking bracelets and plushes featuring 20 endangered animals. The animal lover gets to track the journeys of real animals out in their world.

Wishing you a holiday overflowing with family & friends, love & laughter, blessings & bliss!

A woman with glasses and wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair smiles softly, perhaps recalling a joyful day shopping with friends. She is wearing a white shirt and a gray jacket. The blurred green background suggests an outdoor setting.

Lora

Lora Bloomquist

I’m still decorating my house for Christmas, and have been so happy with THESE beautiful ruffled velvet pillow covers. I got them in a couple versions of greens and gray. They’re so soft and cozy; perfect for winter. Give as a gift, or grab some for your own home!
Gifts for the guys are always challenging for me. If your men are the outdoorsy types, THIS is a fun way to see what’s lurking in your yard at night. Also, I gifted THIS to Mr. Fix-it a couple months ago, and it’s his new favorite thing to use around the yard (note: you do need a battery for it also HERE)
Happy girl and hubs are moving into their first home this weekend. I think gifting her with a vintage needlepoint sampler with a house on it and a cute saying/verse sounds like a perfect gift. Find vintage samplers HERE. Also going to order one of THESE ornaments.
Last year I put a thrifted brass candlestick and THESE type of battery operated candles in each window. I loved them from the inside, but they weren’t as bright as I’d like from the outside. This year, I got THESE weighted candles and am much happier with the brightness from the outside. Bonus-they all go on at 4:30 and stay on for 6 hours.
Now is the time to scoop up winter themed art and decor items for after Christmas decorating. You can find vintage winter art HERE. Or you can paint your own paint-by-number HERE (great gift idea too). Find vintage skates HERE.
There are so many holiday “doings” to go to this month. It’s nice to have a couple festive pieces of clothes to wear. I got THIS cute, cozy vest in the green version. Perfect casual outfit to wear with jeans or leggings. I like to be warm, but not feel bulky in the winter. Vests like these are the perfect solution; I may need to get another color version:)