| Gift Giving |
| Presents are part of Christmas. who doesn't enjoy receiving or giving something special at this time of year? I know that the season gets over-commercialized, and that shopping can stress out the most patient souls, but it has always been a joy to exchange signs of our love and appreciation. This page is going to suggest some of my own ideas for gardeners, book lovers, and those who like to bake. Not LTD! however.
A wonderful Christmas idea book and planner is
 Christmas With Southern Living. This is a book you will use for years. Great Ideas, pictures, recipes, tips, and planning templates in the back. I really like all the Southern Living publications. They are well done and presented for the realistic lifestyle. People with time and money demands, who appreciate living well, will enjoy these.
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Gardening |
I found something that although perfect for the Handyman of the house would be ideal for a Gardener, like me! How many times do we cross the yard looking for where we dropped that tool we last used? Or run off to where we keep them because we didn't want to lug them all out? An open sort of carry-all toolbox that would work for weeders, trowels, fertilizer spikes, seeds...whatever. AND a place to store them when too tired too put it all away after the work is done for the day.
Bucket Boss Brand 01056P Bucket Boss 56 Carry-all
English Cottage Gardening: For American Gardeners with Tasha Tudor!
Outside the Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Garden
This has many cottagey-type gardens
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| Buying for Children |
| It really helps to have an idea of what is age-appropriate. The Amazon site has a sidebar with the suggestions for age groups. but sometimes those suggestions are just hyped-up selling devices. So what does one look for? For little children simple wins the day. Solidly constructed and colorful. Simple building and matching toys and games, and they love washable stuffed toys. Those are always good investments. At about age two, I think riding toys become important. That need to move, plus lots of energy, is best channeled into a riding toy. I love to give at least one good quality book to each child at Christmas. Here are some classics to read and reread:
Middle to older readers:
The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set
Companion to Narnia
Younger children:
Blueberries for Sal
- for fun and laughs:
The Big Orange Splot
Middle readers:
A Wrinkle in Time
The Phantom Tollbooth
I love any and all Eyewitness books ( for all ages): Eyewitness Books
Bring them all on!
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| Older Children |
| This is more difficult. I like to concentrate on the personal interests, such as certain hobbies, with choices in music only when I am sure. I recommend going on a shopping expedition to the craft and hobby store with your child to see what sparks their interest and explore the choices.
Build a Birdhouse:
The Home Depot Bird House Kit
This would be so much fun for a pre-teen, or for a childs project with Mom and Dad. My son has built one such kit for me to put in my garden. I am so proud of him!
Books you will love, too:
Calligraphy and Illumination: A History and Practical Guide
Sax Calligraphy Supplies
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| Cooking and Baking |
| A few suggestions for gift-giving or holiday celebrating:
My Favorite Basic Cookbook:
Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook
I love Sabatier knives and this is a super bargain:
Sabatier Precision 14-Piece Stainless Knife Set
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| Thank You! |
Thank you for coming to my page, and if you have [Ctrl+D] bookmarked me- Bless you!
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| Earlier Editions |
Earlier editions of the Bookshelf:
:
Gardening with recommendations for Water gardening and reference books.
Bookshelf, Vol. 2
More Garden books, Childrens recommendations, Celtic music, Native American history
Bookshelf, Vol. 1
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