A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

Christmas Gifts: My Ultimate Holiday Wishlist

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Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling—it’s officially the holiday season, and you know I love nothing more than a) an excuse to do a little bit OK, a lot of online shopping (for the sake of the blog, of course) and b) give away cool stuff to you guys.

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

And who doesn’t love free stuff? Charlee Doodle thinks free stuff is PAWSome!
So I’m doing both below. Read on to see what I’m loving (and lusting after) this year; maybe you’ll get some gift-buying inspiration of your own or even win a present for yourself! And happy Black Friday, everyone—stay safe out there; it’s a mad house.
A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

For the Casual Traveler: Errant Night T-Shirts

Price: $24.95

So this is my big announcement: We—and by we, I mean SVV—have launched a new company! I’ll be sharing more about Errant Night in the weeks to come, but long story short: When we were still living in San Francisco, our dining room was taken up by SVV’s massive screen-printer that he used to hand-print cool graphic tees. He sold it when we moved across country to Tennessee and has been wallowing in his screen-printerless sadness ever since, then this summer after he left his office job, he decided to relaunch a new T-shirt company using American Apparel products, eco-friendly ink, and the images and signs we have photographed all over the world. He’s been working on this since August, and I’m so proud of him—the site went live this week just in time for holiday shopping madness, so expect many more designs in the months to come. But for now, we’re giving away a shirt of your choice to THREE lucky winners, so pop on down to the comments when you’re done perusing this post and throw your name in the hat.

Win an Errant Night T-Shirt

For the Flashpacker: Lo & Sons bag

Price: $275 $165 through Nov. 28

I’ve long been an admirer of Lo & Sons, then I got my first bag back in the spring, and I’m full-on obsessed. I’ve waffled back and forth on laptop bags in the past, having never found the perfect mix of a bag that can hold my laptop, my photography gear, all my personal items and double as a carry-on. Then, I got the O.M.G. bag, and it’s all those things and more. Bonus: It’s super cute, too! I cannot say enough good things about this bag, but just know that I will probably never own another laptop bag that isn’t Lo & Sons, like, ever. For those of you who desire a bit more space, the O.G. is very similar just slightly bigger (here’s how the two compare in sizing).

Lo and Sons OMG Bag

For the Hobbyist Photographer: A Pakpod

Price: $99

If, like me, you follow thousands of Instagrammers who get magazine-worthy shots of themselves from exotic places while traveling solo and are wandering how they did it, wander no longer—they probably used a compact tripod like the Pakpod. What makes this device so great is that unlike my heavy-duty tripod, it fits in my carry-on and doesn’t add much weight at all to my day bag. It’s ideal for the traveler who doesn’t use a DSLR, but instead relies on a GoPro, iPhone, compact camera or point-and-shoot. Bonus: It’s waterproof so I fully expect to take it diving with us after we get our new underwater photography equipment before our next Caribbean jaunt in January, as well as comes with stakes so you can orient it in any extreme situation needed (like, say, rock-climbing). Cool, huh?

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

For the Eco-Friendly Traveler: S’well Bottle

Price: $35

My cousins gave me a S’well bottle last year for Christmas, and it couldn’t be more aptly named. I love this product and I take it in my carry-on on every trip now; it saves having to buy bottled water every time I get through security. I pack it empty, fill it up on the other side and am never left high and, literally, dry!

Travelers Gift Guide: S'well Bottle

For the Wannabe Vlogger: A Bi-Directional Mic

Price: $149

After Redbook magazine asked me to broadcast live from the red carpet of the 50th annual CMA Awards earlier this month, SVV immediately hopped on Amazon and bought us this bidirectional mic that plugs directly into our iPhone and iPad, picks up my interviews but cuts out a lot of unnecessary background noise. I anticipate using this a lot in the future as we toy with getting into podcasting and maybe even some video content.

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

For the Light Sleeper (and Runner): SleepPhones (*win one*)

Price: $99.95 $74.97 for Black Friday week

My husband is a chronic snorer. It’s so bad that if I don’t hear him sawing logs in the middle of the night, I shake him violently out of fear he’s dead. I’m a LIGHT sleeper, so on paper, we’re a horrible fit. And I’ll fully admit, we sleep in separate rooms much of the time as a result because earplugs do nothing to drown him out. Enter: SleepPhones, this genius product is a headband you wear that hooks up wirelessly to your music or sound machine and blocks out your spouse’s not-so-pleasant snoozing. I just got this product a few weeks ago, but it was a godsend when we went to Alabama, SVV had a little bourbon, and the snoring was out of control. Since I’m back on a running kick, I opted for the RunPhones, which are the same product but made out of a different material, and pair with your iPhone so you can listen to tunes as you run. Basically, I’m in love, and if you scroll to the very bottom you can win one, too!

Win a Pair of RunPhones / SleepPhones

For the Home Entertainer: Gold-Plated Mugs

Price: $40

I’m a sucker for all of Target’s homes lines, and I dig these gilded mugs. So, you know, if anyone’s looking to buy me a gift… 😉

Best Christmas Gifts for 2016

For the At Home Chef: RawSpiceBar  (*win one*)

Price: $8 a month

You may not know this about us, but SVV is an expert chef and I’m a pretty damn good sous if I do say so myself. When we’re not traveling, we cook healthy meals every night of the week (and some mornings, too). Since we try to cook as clean (or Paleo) as possible, we use a lot of spices, and while I’ve never gotten a subscription box of any kind before, I finally found one that is perfect for us: RawSpiceBar. Better yet, it also comes with recipe ideas, too—I can’t wait to expand our repertoire of dinner meals.

RawSpiceBar Monthly Subscription Box

For the New Homeowner: Nest System

Price: $249

We invested in a pair of these thermostats (one for upstairs, one for downstairs) as soon as we moved into our house four years ago, and they’ve done wonders to control the temperature of our 117-year-old home and save energy when we’re not around. Bonus: The second I land from the airport after a trip, I can hop on my iPhone and adjust the temperature so it’s nice and toasty (or in the summer, good and cool) by the time I arrive.

A Christmas Giveaway — Gifts for All!: The Nest System

For the Fitness Buff: gFast Performance Pants

Price: $64.95

I get a lot of questions on Instagram and Snapchat about my workout apparel, as I own more fitness outfits than I do real clothes. My secret? Gap Fit. It’s comfortable, it’s durable, and Gap pretty much has a 30 to 40 percent sale going at all times (never order from them at full-price!). Now that it’s getting cold out, these are my newest running pants obsession.

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

For the Techie: Google Home

Price: $129 $99

I love the idea of a smart home—the fact that we can control the temperature of our house and monitor our security cameras from our phones while on the other side of the world is mind-boggling—and Google Home may just be the device I need to tie all my other smart appliances together (or maybe it’s the Amazon Echo, depending on your needs).

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

For the Philanthropist: A Donation to Charity

Price: whatever you want to give

I donate monthly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, and for my last birthday, in lieu of presents, SVV gave a sizable donation to the dog rescue. I love that my “gift” was being able to take care of a pup in need! If your loved one has a big heart, why not considering ditching the idea of a “thing” for a gift and contribute to his/her favorite charity instead?

A Christmas Giveaway — Gifts for All!

For the Frequent Flier: Comfy Plane Clothes

Price: $118 $89.95

I’m a fan of ponchos, boyfriend cardigans made out of sweatshirt material and slouchy clothes of all kinds when it comes to what I opt to wear on flights, no matter if they’re two hours or 12. So I’m always on high alert for new tops to add to my collection and am really digging this Isabel Oversized Poncho at Anthropologie right now.

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

Stocking Stuffers

Other stocking stuffers that I always find useful:

Want to win some of the items I listed above for a loved one (or for yourself—I won’t judge)? Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below, and don’t forget to leave a note in the comment section so you’re eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONTEST CLOSED.

A Christmas Giveaway: Gifts for All!

A select few of these products were sent to me free of charge, but I only included the ones I genuinely endorsed, and no money was accepted for inclusion. A few of the links, however, are affiliate links, so if you purchase through my site, I’ll receive a small commission. You help to keep my lights on here at C&C base camp so I always appreciate any referral purchases! Thanks, y’all.
COMMENTS
  • November 25, 2016
    Carly G

    SleepPhones sound incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • November 25, 2016
    Kristin H

    Those SleepPhones sound like a great thing to have for a long haul flight when traveling!

  • November 25, 2016
    Amanda

    Those Sleep phones are brilliant!

    • December 1, 2016

      Well, congrats, you won them! =)

  • November 25, 2016
    Allie

    I can think of a hundred nights when I wish I would have had the Sleep Phones!

  • November 25, 2016
    Kristen

    Congrats on the t-shirt line!
    I’m obsessed with the poncho and the runphones…great ideas!

  • November 25, 2016
    Laura

    I would love the spice kit!!! That is such a cool idea.

    • December 1, 2016

      Well, we can swap recipes because you’re getting it (and mine starts coming soon) =) Congrats, Laura!

  • November 25, 2016

    OMG, I love the spice packets! I am an excellent sous chef as well, although for the year on the road in the RV I have become the primary cook, it is kinds of weird how our roles shifted after fifteen years. Anyway I like to cook with spices, but I HATE having all those bottles around taking up space – these are excellent!

  • November 25, 2016
    Maggie

    T-shirt line is awesome!!!! Also, THE SLEEP PHONES!!!

  • November 25, 2016
    Payal

    Congrats on the t-shirt line! Sleep phones sound amazing right now. Same situation – snoring husband, light sleeper…sigh.

  • November 25, 2016
    Ali Williams

    It’s a toss up between the Sleep Phones, the Lo & Sons bag, and the poncho! All 3 would be perfect when I go to Europe this summer!

  • November 25, 2016
    Amy Womack

    Such great ideas! I’d love any of them. ?

  • November 25, 2016

    VERY COOL! Congratulations on the Errant Night launch – how exciting!! Totally agree with GapFit being the most affordable, stylish, and very comfortable workout wear. I love them!

  • November 25, 2016
    carol clark

    Portable external hard drive for backing up photos on the go

  • November 25, 2016
    ann

    I think they’re all so cute

  • November 25, 2016

    I love the Sleep Phone idea! I already use an app that plays thunderstorm noises, but I have issues with my earphone buds falling out when I turn over!

  • November 25, 2016
    Kayley

    I’d like to win the SleepPhones most because I already use them and could use a replacement pair for when mine get too worn.

  • November 25, 2016
    Chris Chamberlain

    Those sleep phones would be handy!

  • November 25, 2016
    Natalie

    Love the tee and the poncho! Sleep phones pretty cool too.

  • November 25, 2016
    Kimberly Kihega

    I would love to win the Lo & Sons bag!

  • November 25, 2016
    Sara

    Those Sleep Phones sound like a godsend!

  • November 25, 2016
    Daily baxter

    The Lo and Sons bag is gorgeous! My travel is super limited these days, but I feel the pull to have one just in case.

  • November 26, 2016
    Vera K

    I would probably chose the WALK tee shirt.

  • November 26, 2016
    Emily W

    The sleep phones sound really cool. The spice subscription would be good for my MIL.

  • November 26, 2016

    Amazing guide, and congrats SVV on the new company! Does this mean we can have a screen printing party when I visit this summer? I miss my long nights in the workshop…

  • November 26, 2016
    Amie

    I would love the O.M.G. bag!

  • November 26, 2016
    ikkinlala

    I’d most like to win the RawSpiceBar subscription.

  • November 26, 2016

    I would love to win the sleep phones or run phones because I’m a light sleeper and I run but don’t have earbuds that don’t fall out while I’m running. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • November 26, 2016
    carol clark

    The sleep phones sound really cool

  • November 27, 2016
    Sandra

    Congrats on the new company SVV! And happy holidays to the both of you!

  • November 27, 2016
    latanya

    I would love the t-shirt.

  • November 27, 2016
    Hillary

    As awesome as those shirts look (congrats!), I’d love the RunPhones for my daily miles!

  • November 27, 2016

    i’d love to win the sleep phones! they do construction next door starting at 7 am M-Saturday!

  • November 28, 2016

    Great Article,thank you for sharing your story,i found your blog interesting,awesome t-shirt.

  • November 28, 2016
    Manda Shank

    I would like to win the spices

  • November 28, 2016
    Andrea

    Congrats on launching the t-shirt line – love the look!

  • November 28, 2016

    One of these days, I’m going to buy a Lo & Sons bag and stop my ridiculous carry on roulette!

  • November 28, 2016

    Love the t-shirts! Congratulations!

    That 2 way microphone looks like just what I need for 2017.

  • November 28, 2016
    Chelsea m

    I’d love the 6 month subscription to raw spice bar. It gives me a chance to cook healthier food and expand my foods and discover new favorites. I get to be creative and healthy!

  • November 28, 2016
    Lina & Buddy

    These are such great gift ideas! I’m planning to purchase all my Christmas gifts this year through small businesses! But those sleep/run phones are hard to pass up…not to mention all the other gift suggestions on here!

  • November 29, 2016
    amanda hoffman

    I would love the sleep phones

  • November 29, 2016
    Nicole

    I love those gold mugs! So cute!

  • November 29, 2016
    Gayla

    Great ideas, great t-shirts!

  • November 29, 2016
    Chantelle Walker

    From your holiday wish list: A Pakpod
    The actual giveaway: Pair of SleepPhones or RunPhones (not sure which yet)

  • November 29, 2016
    Brittany Chadwick

    I would love the nest system!

  • November 29, 2016
    Sarah

    Ooh I think the bag, but also the sleephones. I wear ear plugs every night so this would be a lovely alternative. They may end up on my Christmas list anyways!

    Congrats on the new company!

  • November 29, 2016
    Denise M

    I would like the raw spice bar

  • November 30, 2016

    wonderful pictures. Merry Christmas in advance. I also suggest you visit here for Christmas flights deals..

  • November 30, 2016
    Nicole in WI

    So many awesome Christmas ideas! I think my boyfriend is getting the spice subscription.

  • November 30, 2016

    Seriously I would be happy with any of the items. But if you lined them up and made me pic, I would choose the microphone. I would love to use it with my kids on some homeschool projects we are working on this year. At any rate, thanks for the giveaway.

  • December 24, 2016

    As a hobbyist photographer, I would love a Pakpod. That’s definitely going on to my Amazon wishlist for next year. My big tripod is a pain to lug about.

  • December 25, 2016

    Amazing Christmas gift sets here. The sleep phones could be so cool here. I think I wanna have it too. Thank you for sharing it here. How I wish I was the winner, but the contest already ends. Merry Christmas everyone!

    xoxo, Grace
    https://www.boutiqueken.com/cat/gifts-gifts-we-love

  • February 11, 2019
    Claire

    For me, the ideal gifts would be the Pakpod because I love photography and the bag because you can never have too many bags!

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