2016 holiday gift guide for the dudes.

Check out our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for the Dads, Grandpas, Brothers, Uncles, etc., in your life. And yes, we included a mop on this list, because it's THAT good...

American Apparel has all the Dad staples, like these joggers and this rugby sweater. They've also extended their Cyber Monday sale (60% OFF using code CYBER at checkout) through November 29th, 2016 at Midnight!
American Apparel Joggers: $34 (on sale as of 11/29/16)
American Apparel Shawl Collar Rugby Sweater: $32 (on sale as of 11/29/16)

Virtual Alacrity Smartphone VR Headset: $49.99, Modcloth (30% OFF through 11/28/16, using code CYBER16)

Moscow Mules are my favorite drink, and they taste better when they're served in a copper mug. I love these copper mugs from Williams-Sonoma, and they'd make a great hostess gift for holiday parties. These are on my list!

Copper Mugs: $29.95, Williams-Sonoma

Cook no matter where you are! Set your meal up in the morning and  tell your app what you're cooking, and your food will be ready when you get home. What?! Amazing.
Anova Precision Cooker: $126.65, Amazon

Anyone else annoyed with the super short phone charging cable that Apple gives you with your iPhone?! Put an end to the frustration with one of these 10 ft. charging cables.
10 ft. Bungee Charging Cable: $3.99, Jane

This hands-free, bluetooth speaker is controlled with your voice. It plays music, provides information, news, sports scores, weather, and more. All you have to do is ask!
Amazon Echo: $179, Amazon ($139 on Cyber Monday)

Never know what type of clothing to get the men in your life? Join the club. Brand new this year, Stitch Fix offers personal styling for men! Instead of getting your husband, dad, or grandfather the same, boring, holiday sweater AGAIN this year, let him decide. Give the man in your life the gift of style with a Stitch Fix gift card for as little as $20!
Stitch Fix Styling Gift Cards: $20+

This camera spy drone retails for $169.99, but it's on sale over at Jane for $59.95 until it sells out!
Striker 2.4GHz 4.5CH Camera RC Spy Drone: $59.95 (FREE SHIPPING), Jane

The BoseBuild Speaker Cube is on many experts' lists of "Top Holiday Toys" this year. It's recommended for kids, age 8+, but this techy gift is also on Papa Saigh's Christmas list. You can now build and customize your own, durable, high-performance, bluetooth speaker!
BoseBuild Speaker Cube: $149, Online

We love our new Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop, and it was a dual gift we got for our household. This steam-powered mop allows both Papa Saigh and I to clean our entire main floor, without the use of chemicals. It has a touch-free, washable dirt-grip pad, that attaches and removes very easily. It maneuvers easily, and gets into corners and under furniture with little effort. It is seriously the best mop we've ever owned!
Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop: $99, Target

*This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

2016 holiday gift guide for the ladies.

Check out these gift ideas at all price-points, for the mom, grandma, auntie, or other special ladies in your life! Happy holiday shopping. Give her what she REALLY wants...

I think we all have an auntie in our life who could use this tee.
Aunt Squad Tee: $13.99, Jane

Burst Your Bauble Necklace: $24.99, Modcloth
(Get up to 40% OFF on Black Friday, using the code FRIDAY40)
(Get 30% OFF EVERYTHING Nov. 27th - 30th, 2016, using the code CYBER16)

I ordered these foiled silhouettes of the kids from Minted, when they were running a 20% off sale. I am so happy with the way these art pieces turned out, and can't wait to get them hung in their bedrooms. You can customize these pieces however you'd like, including framing, text, and design. They are absolutely gorgeous, and would make a special gift for any parent.
Custom Silhouette Art: $32+, Minted
(Get 20% OFF through November 28th, 2016, at midnight using code BF2016, on orders of $150+)

Where do I even begin?! Jane online seriously has something for everyone on your shopping list, at like 80% OFF. From women's clothing and shoes, to home decor, and  accessories, the sales on Jane are always changing.  And the prices... They just can't be beat. This is a great website to shop online for stocking stuffers for everyone in the family.
Jane: Up to 80% OFF

This is one of Mama Saigh's favorite line of daytime, skincare products, as they go very well under make-up. The Lait-Creme Concentrate, and Radiant Eye Cool Stick are reasonably priced, long-lasting, and make-up artists and European women swear by Embryloisse skincare products. Papa Saigh is getting the Shave Balm for Christmas.
Visit Embryolisse online for retail locations

We've died and gone to vacuum heaven. Talk about the PERFECT vacuum! No longer do we get down on our hands and knees to sweep and scrape food off the floor after the kids' meals. We are proud owners of the Dyson V8 Absolute, and it is a must-have for any parent. The cordless (yes CORDLESS!) handheld vacuum can go for 40 minutes, without having to charge it. I can vacuum my entire house on one charge, and sucks up everything. The extension wand is incredibly helpful with two messy eaters, and it allows me to easily vacuum under my kitchen cabinets, sofas, etc. This vacuum is simply amazing.
Dyson V8 Absolute: $599

Whether you're shopping for an expecting mama, your own mom, or wife, a personal-styling gift card from Stitch Fix is the perfect holiday gift. Stitch Fix offers personalized styling of maternity and women's clothing for the lady in your life. You can mail, print, or email a Stitch Fix gift card of any amount (as small as $20), so your special lady can select the fashions that she really wants. You really can't go wrong!
Stitch Fix Styling Gift Cards: $20+

Love these "Joggers" by ILY Couture. They come in black and charcoal too!
ILY Joggers: $58 (free shipping on all orders over $20)
(Get 25% OFF your entire order, using code GIFT25, on Black Friday)

A gold "love loop" with her babies' names engraved on it... What Mama wouldn't love this?! Posh Mommy also has a complete list of gifts under $50, $75, and $100, so there's something for everyone.
Posh Mommy Engraved Loop Necklace: $90+
(get 15% OFF November 24th & 25th, 2016)

Like most 30-something women, I'm always looking for ways to stop the aging process, as well as treat unwanted hair growth. I've thought about doing Botox and some hair removal at a professional clinic, but those types of treatments are expensive! Plus, I'd need continuing treatments (including downtime/recovery), which requires childcare. I recently started using the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X, Age Defying Laser, and Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser. These are the first, at-home, FDA-cleared laser treatments, that use the same technology that dermatologists use. While I'm still in my first few weeks of use, let me tell you... These babies WORK! I can feel them working, and I'm slowly starting to see results. While these products are a bit pricey, they are less than what you'd spend on a single treatment at a professional clinic. Plus, you can use them in your own home and at your convenience.
Tria Beauty Lasers: $250+

Once the kiddos are in bed, bring this game out for some great laughs. Players put mouthguards in their mouths, and take turns reading phrases on cards while their teamates guess what they're trying to say. We've played this game at our family cabin, and there were definetly some hillarious tears!
Speak Out: $19.82, Walmart

Moscow Mules are my favorite drink, and they taste better when they're served in a copper mug. I love these copper mugs from Williams-Sonoma, and they'd make a great hostess gift for holiday parties. These are on my list!
Copper Mugs: $29.95, Williams-Sonoma

*This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

2016 holiday gift guide: Minnesota "experience" gifts.

While we don't make it out to the Science Museum of Minnesota as often as we'd like, we have enjoyed the few trips we've taken to this St. Paul destination. Household memberships are $139, but individual tickets are also available. We love that the Omnitheater is here too!
Science Museum of Minnesota: Memberships as low as $34.95 (for those who qualify)

The Crayola Experience at the Mall of America is one of our 5-year-old's favorite places in the Twin Cities. We bought an annual pass after just one visit to this permanent exhibit at the Mall of America. Get tickets online for just $13.99 (reg. $19.99), and the cost of your ticket can be used toward the purchase of an annual pass!
Crayola Experience at the Mall of America: $13.99/person, and annual memberships are $29.99 (through 12/31/16)

Give the gift of a monthly, or annual membership to a Twin Cities indoor playground like InnerActive in Minnetonka. InnerActive is a brand new, 18,000+ square-foot, indoor playground, open 365 days a year. They have a huge playground for bigger kids, a play area for younger kids, sport courts, and an amazingly fun jump-pad that adults can enjoy too! Our 5-year-old loves this place, and it will be our go-to spot when we're trying to survive the long, cold, winter months in Minnesota.
InnerActive Memberships: Starting at $21

A friend of mine gave both of our kids an annual membership to the Minnesota Zoo for their first birthdays, and our family loves taking trips to this Apple Valley destination. Family memberships are $139 for the entire year, and the Minnesota Zoo always has fun events going on all year long!
Minnesota Zoo Annual Membership: Starts at $59 (individual membership)

Our oldest spent so much time at The Little Gym of Edina when she was little, and it's a place where we met some of the friends we still have five years later! A gift certificate for classes at The Little Gym is a great way for parents and/or grandparents to spend quality time with little ones, while the kids are burning some energy. They have classes for kids as young as 4 months, up to 12 years old.
The Little Gym of Edina: Classes start at under $20/class

Consider giving the little ones in your life the gift of music and imagination, with an experience at Kindermusik with Friends. Our daughter started going to Kindermusik with Friends when she was a baby, continued going when we moved to Singapore, and then did an "Imagine That" class with Miss Kim in Chanhassen last winter. Grandparents, nannies, aunts, uncles, moms, and dads can experience these amazing classes with their special littles, once a week, during a time that works with your schedule.
Kindermusik with Friends: Your first class is always FREE

Our kids are both little fishies, and we attribute their love for the water to Foss Swim School. Both of our kids started lessons at Foss in Chanhassen as infants, and our 5-year-old is now an incredible swimmer. Giving parents and children the gift of swimming lessons at Foss is also giving them the valuable gift of water safety. Not only do the teachers and coaches at Foss make swimming lessons fun, they also focus on the importance of water safety. There's a reason this swim school has had a strong following for over 20 years: They are the best!
Foss Swim School (various locations): Gift cards available for any amount

Cinderella, Dr. Seuss, or A Year with Frog and Toad: Take your littles to see a fun show at the Children's Theatre Company! Gift the gift of a Festive 4 Pack, individual tickets, or even the experience of taking a stage class.
Children's Theatre Company: Festive 4 Pack, $120 for 4 tickets

2016 holiday gift guide for big kids (ages 6 to 12).

Welcome to PART TWO of our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide series. We've looked into what the "big-box" retailers and experts have on the top of their lists for the older kids (age 6 to 12), and put together our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Big Kids. Check it out, and stay tuned for our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Moms, Dads, and our NEW guide featuring "Experience Gifts". Plus, don't forget to check out our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Littles (ages 1 to 5)!

Ages 6 to 8

Experts are calling Hatchimals one of the "must have toys" of  this holiday season, but they are going to be difficult to get your hands on. Hatchimals are tiny creatures that live inside eggs, and each egg contains one of two interactive animals. Kids can watch their Hatchimal hatch from its egg, then love and care for it like a real pet.
Hatchimals: $59.99, Toys R Us

Dash and Dot are real robots that teach kids to code as they play. Using free apps that are compatible with smartphones or tablets, your child can make Dash sing, dance, and navigate all around the house. These robots react to the environment around them, including your kids. Dash will play hide-and-seek with your child, and can even learn to play instruments.
Dash and Dot: $49.95+, Online

The Zoomer Chimp is one of Amazon's hot holiday toys this year. This toy moves like a real chimp, doing flips, rolls, crawling on all fours, and even stands on his own. You can train Zoomer with voice commands, and he has color-changing  eyes so you know exactly how he's feeling.
Zoomer Chimp: $119, Amazon

Little Passports is an adventure subscription-plan for kids ages 3 to 12.. Every month (you can pick a plan that runs as long or as short as you'd like), the recipient receives a package in the mail filled with fun and educational activities, games, and projects. We ordered a 3-month subscription for our daughter when she was 3.5 years old, and she loved opening her special package that came in the mail each month! Over a year later, the colorful map of the world that she got in one of her packages is still being utilized... By BOTH of our kids!
Little Passports: Subscriptions start at $11.95/month 
(save 60% on the first month of any subscription using the code SAVE60, November 21st-27th, 2016)

Kids can build their own light show, arcade game, doorbell, alarm, etc., using Snap Circuit electricity from Elenco. The Discovery Kits and Project Kits contain dozens of parts, so your curious kiddo can build over a hundred projects. The kits are designed for kids age 8+, and they're a fun project for the family to work on together!
Elenco Snap Circuits: $17.50+,  Amazon

Kids can capture their own footage anywhere, with this wearable, on-the-go camera. The Spy Go Action Camera is a portable camera that you can clip on just about anything (head, bike, etc.). Once your creative kiddo has finished recording, he or she can upload the video onto their tablet.
Spy Go Action Camera: $24.99, Target

Ages 9 to 12:

The 3Doodler is the world's first 3D pen, and the 3Doodler Start kit allows kids to create drawings in 3D. It's a heated, wireless pen, that extrudes melted plastic that cools almost instantly. The possibilities with this are endless!
3Doodler Start: $49.99, Target

There's the original RipStik, and now there's an electric version. When I asked a couple pre-teen boys what was on the top of their holiday lists this year, this was on both of their lists.
RipStik Electric by Razor: Walmart, $149

The BoseBuild Speaker Cube is on many experts' lists of "Top Holiday Toys" this year. It's recommended for kids, age 8+, but this techy gift is also on Papa Saigh's Christmas list. You can now build and customize your own, durable, high-performance, bluetooth speaker!
BoseBuild Speaker Cube: $149, Online

Each car in the Anki Overdrive System is a self-aware robot, that is able to learn any track you build. Drivers can battle opponents, on hundreds of custom race tracks. Players can also modify their cars with weapons and build-outs.
Anki Overdrive Starter Kit: $149, Target

2016 holiday gift guide for littles (ages 1 to 5).

Welcome to PART ONE of our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide Series. We've looked into what the "big-box" retailers, experts, kids, and parents have on the top of their lists for little ones (age 1 to 5), and put together our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Littles. Check it out, and stay tuned for our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Moms, Dads, Big Kids, and our NEW guide featuring "Experience Gifts"!


AGES 1 TO 3

Little Passports is an adventure subscription-plan for kids age 3+. Every month (you can pick a plan that runs as long or as short as you'd like), the recipient receives a package in the mail filled with fun and educational activities, games, and projects. We ordered a 3-month subscription for our daughter when she was 3.5 years old, and she loved opening her special package that came in the mail each month! Over a year later, the colorful map of the world that she got in one of her packages is still being utilized... By BOTH of our kids!
Little Passports: Subscriptions start at $11.95/month 
(save 60% on the first month of any subscription using the code SAVE60, November 21st-27th, 2016)

These personalized children's books by the Minnesota company "I See Me!" have been a favorite of ours since our oldest child was an infant. The pages are bright and vivid, and the stories are captivating. They make a perfect life-long gift.
I See Me! Personalized Books: Starting at $29.99
(30% OFF EVERYTHING through November 28th, 2016, using code BF2016)

Our 1-year-old loves this activity center! It's recommended for children age 6-36 months, and has a "stages switch", so the toy grows with your child. There is so much for little ones to explore, touch, and learn with this activity center.
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Learning Center: Target, $39.99

Our oldest child received this B. Toys "Par Rum Pum Pum" drum and instrument set for her first birthday, and five years later BOTH of our kids are still playing with it. B. Toys are found at Target, and it's one of my favorite toy brands, as they're at a reasonable price-point for the quality of products that you're buying.
Parrum Pum Pum: Target, $21.99

Our 5-year-old received three of these Photicular books from our cousins recently, and she loves them. So does our 1-year-old! You can find these books at Whole Foods, Amazon, and they are a great gift to give to any young child. Little ones can enjoy them now, and for years to come, as the books include fun facts to read inside.
A Photicular Book: Amazon, $18 to $26

AGES 3 TO 5

Little ones can listen and learn the animal alphabet with the new Animal Planet Animal Alphabet Playpad. This touchpad allows kids to learn animal sounds, spelling, and names with the touch of a button. Great for on-the-go learning!
Animal Planet Animal Alphabet Playpad: $29.38, Walmart

This is on the top of our 5-year-old's Christmas list. Kids can create their own lip gloss flavors, and then serve them as ice cream! There's even an ice-cream dispenser on this toy truck to dispense lip gloss from.
Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck: Amazon, $32.99

When little ones hit the "I want an American Girl Doll" phase, the struggle is REAL. Those dolls are spendy! However, Walmart has a line of "My Life As" Dolls at a much lower price-point. And new this year, is the "My Life As" Food Truck: An 18-inch, moveable food truck, that allows "My Life As" Dolls to fit inside. The truck comes with dozens of mini-food pieces, and a flip-up menu and chalkboard.
My Life As Dolls: $27.97, Walmart
My Life As Food Truck: $99, Walmart

This foldable tent is great for indoor or outdoor play. It has a zipper-free door, which is safe for kids, comes in a variety of colors and designs, and has a fast and easy set up with durable wooden poles.
Discovery Kids Foldable Tent: $69.99, Toys R Us

Paw Patrol's Zoomer Marshall is an interactive pup that comes to life. It walks, talks, spins, and with the wave of your hand you can get him to follow you. Press down on his head and you'll get him to say over 150 Paw Patrol sayings and sounds.
Paw Patrol Zoomer Marshall Interactive Pup: $69.99, Toys R Us