~*~*Holiday Shopping Carnival*~*~

Today is the day! 'Don't Try This at Home' is hosting a holiday shopping carnival. Participants are posting their fun and unique holiday shopping finds, along with the links where you can purchase these goodies. The idea is to help each other come up with Christmas gift ideas that are not your typical run of the mill "socks and underwear" type presents. I don't know about you, but, I love trying to find something different or original to give as a Christmas gift...something that really fits the recipient and that they will, hopefully, be thrilled to receive. So, without further ado, here are my fun finds. I hope that something on my list may be just what you are looking for. Let me know what you think.

1. This little adorable drawstring pouch can be found here at LittleMissMatched.com. There are a couple different patterns to choose from, this one is my favorite. It would be perfect for holding a variety of small treasures -- an ipod, a calculator, small camera, lip gloss and a small mirror. And, it's cheap at only $5.00. I'm thinking stocking stuffer, or something that your daughter could give to each of her close friends. The only drawback, these must be very popular because at the time of my posting, they are out of stock. I'll be checking this site often to see when more arrive. Other items that I liked on this site -- their funky mis-matched socks and the cute little sock change purses.



2. Next, head over to www.givesimple.com and check out these hip salad servers. They are made out of melamine and the patterns are to die for. This would be a nice gift idea for your favorite hostess, a newlywed, or someone who is living on their own for the first time. Also very affordable at $15.00 for the pair. I'm diggin' these!



3. I love shopping on Etsy! So many talented and creative people selling their goods. And, it's always special when you buy something that is "homemade". Here's the perfect example...Angie, at Three Lulu's makes these fabulous monogrammed aprons. How cute are they! SSssshhhhh...gotta keep this a secret for now, but, I ordered a matching set for a certain mother-daughters group of my own family. I can't wait to see them all decked out in their aprons. She makes monogrammed tote bags that are very nice, too. Go check them out and tell her I sent you.




4. At www.Restorationhardware.com, there are lots of nifty gadgets for any techno-loving people on your list. I think this waterproof monocular is pretty cool. I'm also thinking it's the perfect stocking stuffer for my husband or teenage son. The price is $24.95.



5. This is such a sweet item. I think any little girl would be thrilled to open this gift. It can be purchased at www.gooseberrypatch.com for $24.95. In addition to this 'My First Sewing Kit', there is also a 'My First Crochet Kit' that is equally adorable. Each kit comes packaged in it's own little suitcase; how fun is that!



6. From www.wrapables.com are these clever wall-mounted key holders. You can purchase a "His" or "Hers" or both. This could be a useful gift for many people on your list. Practical AND fun! They are $24.95 each.



7. To me, any of the beautiful soaps from the Giana Rose Atelier online shop would be a luxurious and thoughtful gift. I especially like this little guy -- a pretty owl sitting on a porcelain leaf dish. He's $20.00 and his scent is white lychee fragrance. Go to the website and see all the lovely varieties available.



Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed my holiday shopping list. To check out lists for all the other carnival participants, click here. Happy Holidays and happy shopping!