GIFT GUIDE: Random

It's day 18 of MERRY BLOGMAS! I'm enjoying posting everyday--it's a nice change from posting 5 days a week. Today's post is my last Gift Guide. When I put out the call of what unusual gifts my readers wanted to see, I got requests for Hard-To-Shop, Gadgets, and Men/Boy. I think this guide has a little of all 3 and everything is $40 or cheaper. Enjoy.

1. For the Photo Enthusiast: Is it me, or does everyone with an Iphone have an Instagram account? To change things up a bit, how about getting them a Holga Lens Filter Kit? $25
2. For the World Traveler: I adore the idea of this Where I've Been Scratch Off Map. For $25, they can scratch off places they've been or want to go, and  it's a variation on the regular ole map on the wall.
3. For the Pet Lover*: I totally dress up Charlie Brown (aka the Wunderpup) for Christmas, and I'd love to add this Peppermint Stick Holiday Dog Collars/Leashes to his wardrobe. $5
4. For the Science Kid: How cool is this Mini Microscope for Iphone? $15
5. For the Kid Artist: Take those dozens of broken crayons and recycle them in this Crayola Crayon Maker. $27
6. For the Music Lover: I love how this SunnyLife Beach Sounds Radio is sand and water resistant. It's compatible with Iphones too! $40
7. For the Kid in All: Who remembers View Masters as a kid? Try the updated version with this Hasbro MY3D Viewer. $40

*PS: Speaking of pups, Charlie and I did a Canine and Kitty Gift Exchange with Laura and Zoey. Charlie is crazy about the squeaky Christmas beaver. Thanks, Laura and Zoey!

 Charlie and I both freak out when there's a camera!

Right before he rolled on his back and chewed it like he's a sea otter

Keep Warm, Look Snazzy Scarf Swap!

I participated in Krysten's blog swap this year and am super excited to share my goodies (um..wait...that sounds pervy). She writes for the awesome blog, Why Girls Are Weird. The rules were simple: include some autumnal things and a scarf. It's no secret I'm quite the Anglophile--so I was very pleased to swap with Laura, from the UK. Check out her blog Whimsical Nothings. I hope she likes what I got her! Here's my loot:

• The scarf is the background, from H&M
• Recipe cards full of fall faves
• Socks from Top Shop
• The ELLE note from Laura
• Two wrapped packages, below:

• Kate Lipstick, 03, by Rimmel, Limited Edition 
• Nail Paint by Barry M, in Dusky Mauve
• Scarf. H&M

• Charlie, the scarf-wearing Wunderpup, not included

Do you participate/like blog swaps? Does you dog wear scarves? ;)


Bonus question: What are your weekend plans? I'll be recovering from this nasty cold. I've got some great cold remedies that I'll be sharing soon AND a celeb-inspired hair tutorial. What else what you like to see?


PS: My blog got over five thousand views yesterday--just in one day--that's a big deal to me--so thanks to everyone who stopped by and/or left a comment. YOU made my day.

SIFT! Dessert Boutique is giving away 2 desserts to 2 lucky readers. 

Enter here today. It's so easy (and tasty) to enter.