his + hers christmas list 

Experiences! Surprised? I didn’t think so. I’m actually gonna break this down a little. Because it can be so broad... and sound really expensive. So here are a few ideas to get rolling with experiences for both spousal gifts + for families. I love sharing these ideas with extended family (grand parents etc). I usually just let them know we're doing Christmas this way and ask them if any of these ideas sound fun for them to give to the kiddos.

1. We can get all the big ones outta the way (the obvious ones). Disneyland, Sea World, amusement parks in general, traveling anywhere for a trip. We have definitely done these as a family Christmas present and they've always been a hit! With the bigger purchases I try and allocate a cash allowance each month leading up to the trip to build up a little bit of a fun fund. Makes its much more exciting when you don't have to think so much about the cost.
2. Local activities. You where you live and what you have around you... and if you don't, check Groupon for local deals! Some examples are; the zoo, ice cream trips, museums, beach days, going to the snow, local arcades, hikes, movie night, a fun city for the day or dinner. Letting each kid (or partner) pick where to eat each week. Nail salon, spa day, indoor gym, indoor racing, going to a musical, exploring a new spot...
3. Trades. I love this one! Dino and I did this the entire month of December last year and I can honestly say it was so fun! Not only did we both get exactly what we wanted, it was such a great bonding time for our marriage. So heres how it went, I love food and Dino loves physical touch. So whenever one of us wanted something, the other had to serve that spouse with the request. Basically we ate a bunch of food and made out the whole month long! We are for sure doing this one again this year!

I can honestly say that experience gifts are my absolute favorite. Those memories last forever and they build an amazing family connection. BUT, this year we did want to give some practical gift ideas as well. There are purely just some of our favorite things. As far as gifts go for Dino + I, if anything its usually one or two really special things. We would personally rather have one thing we LOVE then 10 things that are just ok. It just always goes back to only having things in your home that are special.

The Kiddos

The last few years we have shifted our gift giving to focus on the experiences rather than the material presents for the kids. However; there are some things that we have loved getting for them that are actual gifts but still stay more on the "activity" side of things.

1. Puzzles, board games, card games, Pokemon cards... any sort of game activity.
2. Outdoor toys. Balls, bats, water toys, basketball hoop, street hockey gear, frisbees, jump rope, skate board, bikes...
3. Books.
4. Arts + crafts, the possibilities are endless.
5. Bit Bot. the boys have this and love it! Future coders like daddy!
6. Dart board, chess board (saw a magnolia one at Target that was a 3 in 1), air hockey.

Dinos Favorites

1. marine layer shirts + sweat pants.
2. traeger grill
3. snake river farms pack: 10DINO - 10% off!
4. my pocket knife
5. my phone case has a wallet in it.
6. favorite sneakers
7. favorite jeans
8. gym shark is my fav men’s and women’s gym gear: gymshark.com
9. sheik weight belt
10. gym bag/travel bag ash has the same one and they're so easy to wear!
11. meat bear claws best for cooking!
12. reuzel hair gel
13. computer mouse
14. sonos speakers
15. burr coffee grinder had this for years and love it!
16. bose headphones
17. yeti mug

Ashleys Favorites

In the end, everyone has their own traditions and ways they celebrate the season. These are simply some of our favorite things and a way weve found to shift the focus from "gift getting", to being creative about gift giving. As well as focusing on the reason for the season.