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DIY Kits for Kids: Birthday Party Friendly!

As a creative, artsy kid (honestly- kids are creative so that’s a little redundant…) I used to love birthday parties with a DIY aspect. If your kiddo and their friends are the same- look no further for your next themed birthday activity! Some of the best ones can be found right here. These DIY kits that are specifically kid friendly, and especially ones with many units, or else cheap enough that buying several is easily doable- great for kids birthday activities! Again, the links below the pictures are affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance!

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I try not to needlessly gender these lists; kids are usually not shy about letting you know what their current interests are, so you should be able to easily figure out whether fairies, trucks, dinosaurs or jewelry kits would be best for your young one. Scroll through and see what catches your eye!

I especially like cookie decorating kits for DIY parties because the result is not just usable, but edible! And it’s dessert, and you’ll rarely hear kids argue against more dessert. I really like this adorable, sparkly narwhal kit- but depending where and when you are looking you can find Easter themed, Christmas themed, St. Patricks themed… etc. So keep your eye out, or stay tuned for more updates!

This kit includes everything you need for some unicorn cake pops, which is a bit more intensive than simple cookie decorating so you may want to factor age into whether or not this kit is appropriate. My best guess is that your guests should be at least 6 to be able to participate and enjoy, but you know your group best. Depending on the kids, older or younger may be a good fit too.

Similar concept to above, the cupcakes are premeasured and with instructions but you do still make the cupcakes so consider the intended audience. These fun little monster cakes could be the DIY kit that really gets your party going though.

This kit yields 12 individualized flower crowns. The theme is very versatile in my opinion; you can use this for a princess party, a fairy party, a plant loving party, or specifically flower themed party.

This kit speaks for itself, it is pretty simplistic which means it has a lot of potential. In the hands of kids, who knows where that will go!

I think it is both a pro and a con that the windchime portion of this kit comes with 9 completely different wood wind chimes- you may have some contention over who gets which but you also have a lot of choices and more room for individuality of course. Regardless, I think this is a great kit for your outdoor enthusiast. I would love to do this with my toddler when he is a little older, his first word was “outda” (outside.)

This works really both as a gift to one very artsy child, or an activity at a party of 5-10 kids. You would need to supply additional paint brushes and perhaps paint pots also.

Pokemon stickers- gem painting style! Also comes in Mario variations. 24 total, but I would probably plan for more than one sticker per child, so perhaps 6-8 kids with 3 or 4 each. This kit is super cost effective though, at under 15 for the whole 24 piece set.

This kit would require a bit of cooperation on the part of the kiddos, because as the colors are meant to be layered they would have to be shared. That said, it’s a lovely kit with lots of creative potential, 8 different shaped bottles therefore great for 4-8 kids. I might err on the side of a smaller group to maximize cooperation.

https://amzn.to/3jsCPAV

https://amzn.to/3vgFAbi

Alternatively, this 12 pack is a little more individual friendly but has fewer sand colors, no glitter (which you could easily buy as an addition) and no glow in the dark sand. BUT is more scalable and of course is easier to divide among a large group of kids,

This is a great kit for those kids who simply don’t want the constraint of a kit to tell them what to do! There are different sizes of buckets, but even this one- the XX large- is only 26.99 and it holds a lot of potential as you can see. With sequins, crystal diamond stickers, googly eyes and so much more- the possibilities are really endless. It does actually include craft ideas in booklet form- but of course you can do what you want.

At 36 units for 14.99, these are extremely cost effective crafts. They are easy and simple too- stained glass using the colored paper technique on a mandala window cling! I think stained glass type creations are really great so I will include a couple other varieties such as paintable and diamond gem versions below.

https://amzn.to/3jjmxtU

https://amzn.to/3vgugf9

These mandala window clings utilize paint pens for a little more freestyle but a little harder project.

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The style isn’t for everyone- but the craft is interesting and pretty popular right now. It’s diamond “painting” in the form of a coaster making set with 8 kid friendly designs. I think as a kid I would have preferred the birds and butterflies to the left, but there is also a sealife kit and a kit that is nothing but a variety of cute owls which would both tempt me now also.

I like this kit to the right best for toddlers, who aren’t always the best at sitting still and painting things. Depending on your group they would likely enjoy it and appreciate and use the end product too- you can even set up a track to run the cars on after they dry if you are feeling ambitious.

https://amzn.to/3HXT3Mr

https://amzn.to/3Wq0Tmo

The kit to the left is similar, and a little more sophisticated. 10 total pieces, so plan accordingly.

This is another kit that has instructions you can use but also a lot more flexibility in what you actually do! The googly eyes and keychain rings give a direction, but you don’t have to follow those either. Great color selection, and the air dry feature makes it so you don’t have to worry about anything while the kids are doing something else.

https://amzn.to/3VsUFAR

The one minor downside is that there are 3 large and 3 medium in this kit, which means you may want to use these for only a small party, or buy more than one box. at 21.99 per set of 6, it isn’t going to break the bank but should be budgeted for. Alternatively, buy the one box as a gift to the little Ren in your life- because I definitely would have painted all of these myself and hoped for more!

I basically never see a unicorn without hearing “unicorns I love them, unicorns I love them…” in a little Agnes from Despicable Me voice. Anyway, this kit to the left is probably for about her age group- roughly toddler aged.

These below are for a little bit older girls, and I just know little Ren (me from the past) would have gone bonkers for them.

https://amzn.to/3hMT2Ay

This is another style of kit that is classically attractive to the artsy soul. This particular kit has the material for 3 bracelets and 3 necklaces, so you could probably stretch one kit to 6 girls if they each choose one or the other. I would suggest getting more than one kit though, which is imminently doable at only 13.99 per each.

Again, I view this as a little more sophisticated variation on the above kit. The above would probably max out age-wise around 10 years of age, realistically, whereas I could see this pendant jewelry kit being done by teenagers maybe even adults since it is more personalized. Comes with “ingredients” for 8 pendants of 4 different shapes.

Cheap, bulk, simple- good for those bigger groups of about 2-6 years old. These come in sets of 28 or 32, so you really can scale this project- but fairy wands can be a hot commodity so perhaps allow for more than one per child.

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DIY gift Sets: to Make or to Give?

I know I’m not alone when I say: I love trying new crafting, baking, and decorating projects! Additionally, hand made gifts have the potential to be some of the most heartfelt and cherished to give and receive. So when deciding whether to give the DIY set, or to use the set yourself to make gifts for others… It’s really up to you! You can consider whether the receiver is likely to have enough time or motivation to do the kit themselves, (in the case of a child, grandchild or friend- you may be able to provide incentive by doing the project together!) But when it comes down to it, you are the boss of your gift giving!

These are some of the most exciting DIY kits I have found on the market, and I’m sure the list will keep growing. If you use the link below the pictures, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks for reading. 🙂

https://amzn.to/3FUxTfR

Which one you could depend on your intended audience, but both are good fits for most people.

I have been personally fascinated by crochet, and especially 3d crochet of stuffies and the like. There is a whole genre of pre-made, beginner DIY kits with instructions for amigurumi, which is mini animals like the ones pictured here. These are a couple of my favorite designs!

https://amzn.to/3YmSHoq

One holiday season I painstakingly learned to temper chocolate and made a bunch of filled chocolates which I sent to my family and friends through the mail… Now, I don’t remember what the verdict was, flavor wise- but I know for SURE these are easier and likely just as delicious.

This one is only going to work for your over 21 crew, but if you have an ambitious whiskey lover in your life that’s always looking for the perfect drink- let them try their hand at making their own! Or try YOUR hand, and gift it to them.

I LOVE this candle making kit, it has everything convenient as well as quite a few scents, colors and embellishments all for a very affordable price. Honestly, I would buy one for me and one for my friend also.

I live in a desert, so I love when I can find hardy houseplants I can’t kill off too easily, just to bring some green into my house. This is my favorite version of this kit, because I love the ceramic pots. The other versions are actually a little cheaper, and equally green so take a look at those too.

https://amzn.to/3YtWpfY

As you can see, the kits come with the hoop, the tiny scissors, the colorful embroidery thread and the needles and needle threader. Of course, instructions included. These are a little inhibitive because you follow a pattern, but I think that is useful for just starting out because you can get a feel for how to do it before you start free handing.

This brand has the best beginner embroidery patterns in my opinion, and these are just a couple of the sets I really like so take a look at some of the others.

https://amzn.to/3W6fmUA

They are also super affordable kits! This is another option I would definitely get myself one along with one or two for friends.

I got this kit for my hot sauce-loving brother a couple Christmases ago, and he enjoyed it immensely! I’m not going to lie- the best hot sauce I ever had was manufactured. BUT it was developed by a friend in his own home! In fact, I will drop a link for Urban Legend Bottling (I am not an affiliate marketer for them, I just really love their product) because it is really dang good.

I think every artsy person has considered some variety of wood working in their life, and wood burning is in my opinion low effort to break into, with the potential for high quality results. Don’t forget safety with this project though, and consider the age of the receiver of the gift when deciding whether to make a gift with it or gift the set for their enjoyment.

I spent so much of my childhood wishing for pottery kits to make… and a lot of my adulthood too to be honest. Your artsy friend may not have come up with an excuse to get one for themselves yet, so you could give them one and take the analysis paralysis away. Or, make them a high quality (or at least, from the heart 😉 ) gift MADE of pottery and you get the dopamine payout for making it. Either way is good.

IF you want something kid oriented, head over to our DIY Gifts: Kid edition!

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Fancy Non-Coffee Hot Drinks to Intrigue your Friends

I love me some coffee, but the number of hot drinks I want to consume greatly outweighs the amount of caffeine I can actually handle at a time. So I turn to novel teas and lattes to gap fill. These are some of the delicious, novel and interesting concoctions I have found, and I hope you find some joy here too. The links below the pictures are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use the link to purchase. So if you want to try them anyway, consider clicking through here to help me keep the lights on. 😉

https://amzn.to/3hianky

I have a couple nessies that I used for pregnancy tea, and then started buying loose leaf just to continue the ritual of packing it and steeping it. These days I often use a mint chocolate flavored tea, that I will link below.

If you like milky thai tea, you may love this brilliant blue twist on the classic drink. It tastes just like regular thai tea, mild and lightly vanilla’d. Add some boba to give it a modern twist, or enjoy it hot or iced. It is loose leaf, so if you need to invest in a tea infuser I suggest a cute little teal nessie one.

https://amzn.to/3Hw7uan

https://amzn.to/3Bqorzf

There are a lot of great choices for sakura merch, but I particularly like this ceramic mug with matching spoon and lid.

I don’t always want flower flavored things, but when I do it’s often sakura flavored things. This creamy sakura latte would pair well with other drink related sakura merch.

https://amzn.to/3UNBcL5

https://amzn.to/3PhaDg6

I like this mint colored mug with a cute panda peeking through the drink. I like the thematic pairing of mint color and mint tea a little more than an ice-cream cone themed mug, but I don’t hate that idea either.

My go to mint chocolate chip tea is actually a locally sourced one, with pu-erh base. Unfortunately it’s so niche you can’t buy it online… So I offer this as an alternative. It has a rooibos base instead, but it should be equally delicious for the mint chocolate lovers among us.

https://amzn.to/3Bro9bk

https://amzn.to/3FJCpyQ

This latte is a mushroom latte; that’s where the good stuff is at. Nootropics, adaptogens… Yet it doesn’t taste heavily of mushrooms, it is quite a mild and pleasant flavor. That said, the drink would pair well with some flashy mushroom mugs in my opinion.

https://amzn.to/3YfOQtu

alternatively, grab a regular black mug and accent with holographic stickers of your own choice.

Health benefit wise- this is my absolute favorite drink. It boasts better sleep, better digestion, better focus and chasing away brain fog. The star of the show though is the benefit to mood. Dose is actually an acronym for Dopamine Oxytocin Serotonin and Endorphins, and it is aptly named. I drink at least one often two lattes per day as needed. It has a bit of caffeine, 44 mg per serving if memory serves- and collagen for an extra health boost. I like to mix mine with a bit of hot chocolate, and a high protein milk. I often add some cinnamon, nutmeg etc. for a little spice also. I love this product so much I plan to become an affiliate for them directly also- but for now here is an Amazon link to give it a try, or check them out on Everydaydose.com

https://amzn.to/3FJ9oTP

This was my favorite for so long, I drank it till I was sick of it! I still highly reccomend if you haven’t over used it yet. It has a lovely spice level, and if you add milk it makes a very creamy latte.

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Scary Gifts to Thrill your Horror Loving Friends

Does your friend listen to a lot of true crime? Are they constantly trying to get you to watch the newest hellraiser, or saw, or whatever horrifying new movie they want to jump scare you with? These gifts might be just the trick… The links below the pictures are affiliate links, so consider buying through our site to help keep the lights on.

Let’s start with the light hearted ones and work our way up to genuinely creepy things….

Who doesn’t need a cuddly plague doctor in these terrifying times? Perhaps he will keep a pocket full of posies to keep the bad air away… In any case, your softer horror loving friends probably need this. OR the cute Cthulu plush below, if they are more of a lovecraftian horror lover.

https://amzn.to/3Y2v4l8

For your drinking age true crime friends; maybe the wine will take the edge off the jumpscares. Maybe they will let you borrow the wine when they make you come watch scary stuff with them too, who knows.

Charon is out here fishing for souls again, and he doesn’t take prisoners.  Oh wait, no- that’s your horror loving friend’s new incense burner, compliments of you.  Grab a pack of black magic incense sticks while you’re at it, so their house will actually smell good in addition to creeping out those who see him.

I think I would be loathe to make ANY list without including a thematically appropriate mug… and here it is.  Monsters from the deep will eventually crawl out of your eye socket too, when global warming covers all that used to be dry.  Until then, your horror loving friend could be enjoying their hot drinks out of this apocalypse invoking mug. 

This displayable AND playable hellraiser puzzle will delight hellraiser fans and puzzle fans alike. It makes a great display piece even if you don’t know the reference material, but knowing it makes it all the sweeter.

This one shouldn’t need to come with warnings.  If your horror loving friend likes to gamble with fate, they may want a talking doll from a series about a talking doll that murders it’s owner.  That’s between them and whoever has to share a home with them.  All I know is that my horror loving roommate really wanted one for Christmas, and I had to draw the line there (but only because I couldn’t have it in MY house.) That’s between you and your friend though. 😉

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New Ramen Flavors to Taste-test with your Ramen Loving Friends

Sadly, my best ramen source Noodelight went out of business over the pandemic.  However, many of my favorite noodles I learned to love for their various attributes can still be acquired elsewhere.  I will help you locate and distinguish ramens you are likely to love! There is no replacement for actually trying them yourself, and of course you are welcome to try all of them- or pick a few that sound like you will actually prefer them and go from there. 

The links below the pictures are affiliate links, so if you’re interested please purchase through those! Also, take a look at my post on ramen related gifts for your ramen loving friends. (Link below.)

Healthy Ramens!

https://amzn.to/3VRAQ6Z

Viteramen is an extremely impressive product, stats wise.  Each ramen round packs a mean 23 grams of protein!!  The protein is both plant based, and complete.  Now, I have only tried the plain noodles because the flavor packs are a bit on the pricey side- I’m sure I would get addicted and then have another expensive habit.  But the noodles themselves were too interesting not to try..  Now because of the nutrient density of these noodles, the texture is going to be different then what you are used to.  They are probably the chewiest, bounciest noodle I have ever encountered. Rather pleasant, but sometimes I just want delicious deep fried noodles. 

Asha ramen really deserves a mention. In spite of, or perhaps because of the simple, healthy cook style and ingredients- it really tastes fabulous.  It deserves a stove top experience, and tastes much better as a soupless noodle also.  It’s not quite as thick a noodle as buldak or even shin black, but it does have a nice bounce if you don’t overcook it.

The company also deserves an honorable mention because they are a small business in the U.S.  who prides themselves on paying living wages to their employees.  Definitely worth giving them a try! Maybe some day I will try their flavor packs too- until then, let me know in the comments what you thought if you do!

I find that ramens with a soup booster pack (usually an oil) tend to be better for some reason, and that’s definitely true of this one.  They are a little on the pricier side, yet they keep selling out because they are loved.

This is a really lovely noodle for the soak in boiling water method of cooking.  It is a bit delicate so I wouldn’t recommend much heavier duty cooking methods.  The “tonkatsu” is in quotations marks likely because no actual pork is present in this, as far as I can see from the ingredients list (which you can peruse on amazon.) In my opinion, that is a credit to its name because it somehow packs an amazing flavorful punch despite being vegetarian, with sesame, garlic and onion being the dominant flavors, yet some how rich and deep in a way I usually only expect from meaty broths.

https://amzn.to/3Bb5YGB

These two are my go-to flavors anyway, and some of the others in the variety packs weren’t worth mentioning to me so take that for what it’s worth.  These are also a soak style ramen.

Ok, I promise I won’t just make the whole list Menraku flavors. But this one deserves note, and is different enough from the tonkotsu to mention it.  The “soupless” style ramen has such an interesting, layered flavor I am not sure quite how to describe it. It has a smidgen of spice, but my 3 year old has eaten and enjoyed it if that gives some perspective.  available in the variety pack anyway, though spicy miso, spicy sesame and the like are also really good. 

This is by far my favorite instant pho so far.  It is made in a facility that processes wheat, so even though the noodles are rice it wouldn’t quite work for the truly extreme celiacs sufferers amongst us.  For the gentler gluten sensitivities, this is perfect. Or for people who just enjoy the variety of rice noodles, of course! This is also better suited to the soaking in boiling water per the instructions, rather than stove top or microwave cooking. 

Shin black is another favorite, but you need a little more time for this one because the noodle is really hearty and chewy- you should cook it on the stove. I love to use the tik tok ramen hack with these ones (egg, kewpie, mince garlic, stir with boiling broth.  Add green onions, maybe cilantro for a Ren August twist, and there you have it. Rich creamy broth for days with just the right spice… I digress.) Shin Black is a little gentler spice level than Shin red, but still has a nice kick.

https://amzn.to/3Uuu06l

These are another heartier, bouncier noodle that really deserves stove top attention but unlike shin black they are meant to be made “soupless.”  Taste with care- have a glass of milk on hand if you can.

Buldak ramen is… not for the faint of heart.  When I say this will probably give you heart burn, I mean it.  This isn’t just white american spicy, this is actual spicy.  For this brand I actually do suggest the variety pack, they are similar spice levels in my opinion though some claim the carbonara, cheese and corn varieties take some of the sting out. I’m not the one to ask because I have to use half the spicy paste pack even if I add a bunch of neutralizing things like cheese and egg and cream. I actually really liked the tomato flavor also, though I added additional tomato sauce to mine because I am a hoe for tomatoes. 

For the adventurous among us, a ramen variety pack could be just the dopamine mine needed.  A bit of a gamble, but hopefully the surprise won’t disappoint.  Comes in either regular or spicy versions.

(Spicy)

https://amzn.to/3itpvvu

(Largest size)

https://amzn.to/3FswGgv

Ramen Additives!

https://amzn.to/3H6R48i

Plus it’s vegan and gluten free, so even your food restriction ramen lovers can enjoy.  I will probably be gifting some of my loved ones this sauce this year.

Chili oils can pump up even the most basic ramen, or really any soup. (In fact, I may be a fanatic but I swear by putting it on just about anything savory- eggs and corned beef hash most recently, and many more.)  If you and your ramen loving friend haven’t tried this one yet, please do. In fact, I give you permission to buy yourself a bottle right along the one you get for your friend. I first encountered it as a very well thought out christmas gift from  a family member- they did a lot of research so I didn’t have to, and this was the chili oil that came out on top.   This gift really has continued giving, and even as I buy new bottles for myself I remember who first introduced us. 

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Snazzy Gifts to Thrill your Ramen Lover Friend’s Noodle

There are three kinds of ramen eaters; those who ate it because they were poor, those who eat it because it’s warm, comforting and delicious, and those who eat it because it is a gotdamn lifestyle.  If your friend really- and I mean REALLY- loves ramen, you might already know about it.  Otherwise watch for the signs- has a ramen bowl and decent reusable chopsticks, buys flavor varieties that cost more than 50 cents, maybe even has cute ramen stickers or other non edible paraphernalia.  Folks, I have a confession… I am a ramen fanatic myself.  So I can give you the inside scoop on things that I have received as gifts and loved, or things that I have broken down and got myself because I needed them.  See also the post on best ramen flavors for more info! And be aware: the links below the pictures are in fact affiliate links.

Favorite ramen bowls for gift:

https://amzn.to/3h0gV7e

Made from hardy ceramic- don’t drop it on purpose, but it has held up well in our child and pet filled home so far.  Machine washable, because honestly I don’t know what product would be good enough for me to suggest without that feature!

These beautiful blue ceramic ramen bowls come with a couple nice deep broth spoons and pairs of chopsticks.  These are kind of starter chopsticks, very serviceable but consider getting a prettier or fancier pair if your ramen loving friend will be into it.  The bowls themselves (this pack comes with two) are the real star of this show of course, with a lovely place to prop your spoon or rest your chopsticks and some serious volume to carry ramen (or other soups for that matter) easily without spilling.

Whether your ramen lover likes goofy cartoon kitties, or they actually remember pusheen the internet cat… This bowl will definitely amuse many of your ramen loving friends. Especially since there tends to be a little overlap between ramen lovers and japanophiles.

These ones are a good fit for a family with older kids, or even better no kids. Maybe for your youthful dinner party hosting type friends. They are absolutely gorgeous, and sure to inspire someone in their fancy ramen cooking and eating journey- but be sure they are going to someone who will be able to enjoy them and not have to hide them away for safe keeping.

https://amzn.to/3XV39TY

All three of these designs can be found under the same link, above. This is definitely the most artistic option for ramen bowls, (I wanted to post all of the variations but chose my favorite three as compromise) but each comes with a little higher price tag. It is definitely worth it, in my opinion. They are both sturdy enough that you could choose multiple for a family, and high enough quality you could choose one for your single ramen loving friend.

Favorite chopstick options:

For metal chopsticks I really like this set because they are 5 distinct colors and thus won’t be constantly mixed up in a household. 

For a little higher quality, more natural feel- this set of 2 pairs of wood chopsticks will delight.  They are a bit higher maintenance, you don’t want to leave them soaking for long or expose them to too high of heat.  Therefore these are likely not machine washable, and probably better for your bougie child free ramen lover than anything else.  But they are beautiful, and I gave them to my friend anyway. 

I’m a sucker for animal themed anything, and this chopstick holder with anti-scald chopsticks does not disappoint.  It isn’t the most practical storage method for everyone, but it makes sense for someone with either a lot of counterspace/not enough drawer space, or alternatively someone who likes to incorporate the functional into the decor and vice versa.

Ramen themed stocking stuffers:

https://amzn.to/3P1zL

This sloth eating ramen sticker is similarly universal in my opinion. Everyone loves cute animals, and you know your friend loves ramen… whether they put this on their water bottle, lap top, note book, or whatever- they will think of you every time they see it.

https://amzn.to/3HbFNDy

Corgi ramen!

I don’t think this shirt needs much introduction. I can’t think of many age groups that wouldn’t love this shirt to be quite honest. Didn’t we all think axolotyls were cool and cute as a kid? I know I was obsessed…. My little zoomer sister also loves them, and I could see my Gen X friend wearing this also.

https://amzn.to/3VTJ6Uc

Sadly, these cleverly packaged ramen socks are currently out of stock. Keep an eye out and hopefully they will come back.

https://amzn.to/3UAdfGO

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Gadget Gifts for your Chef Madames, Monsignors and Thems

One of my favorite things about language is double entendres, especially across languages. Chef means boss in German, and I think about that any time I call a cook a chef- because they are the bosses of food.  IF you have a boss cook in your life, the likes of which can’t get enough of cool kitchen gadgets- here are some quality ideas for cooking gifts! Note: The links below the pictures are affiliate links.

https://amzn.to/3uaO0jK

Air fryers have gotten so much attention lately… It’s time to recognize that deep fryers are still arguably more delicious inducing kitchen gadgets… Though if your friend is the healthy type we better include a good air fryer suggestion too just in case! But if your chef friend needs to be able to make donuts, homemade fried chicken, easy fry bread, etc… This is the way to go. The one we have is a hamilton beach, and we are really happy with it.  Definitely the best fried chicken I’ve ever had has come from here, and I am working up to trying a batch of bread machine yeast rising donuts in it!

https://amzn.to/3GZrwd9

All the cool kids are messing with the charcuterie boards these days, so consider buying your madame or monsignor or them one for dinner parties and netflix sessions.  This one is my favorite because it has room for ALL the trimmings, plus dainty little hor d’oeuvres forks.

Even if your friend isn’t into raw fish, there is a ton of versatility to sushi! There are vegetarian options, cooked fish options… even interesting (cooked!) land animal sushi types.  If your adventurous cook friend doesn’t have one yet, consider getting them a sushi maker.  This one gets good reviews, and is the one I got my sister for Xmas. Bonus points for having cute soy sauce bowls and whale shaped chopstick holders!

https://amzn.to/3Un2Z4N

The makers of instant pot also made an extremely versatile air fryer with 6 qt capacity.  Great reviews, and if you can’t justify the deep fryer then this is almost as flavorful and twice as healthy!

https://amzn.to/3VGFfcQ

https://amzn.to/3UfLkvH

This one is similar and will work just as well. If you’re not sure, check those 7500 ratings!

This is probably my favorite bread machine recipe, light sweet easy dinner rolls.  I have also engaged in some Outback knock off bread recipes though AKA Bushman honey wheat bread, which I personally love and enjoy that they are a little healthier with the whole wheat.

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/bread-machine-dinner-rolls/d958dcf1-5fd4-4b8e-bea8-ff817e6227ce

I got a bread machine for my birthday last year, and I have used it even more than I expected.  I actually prefer using it to make my dough then baking the dough in the oven, but a bread machine often times also comes with settings for jam, yogurt, sometimes even icecream! And more,  I cannot recommend them enough. Sadly, the brand I know and love is out of stock, who knows for how long.  That’s this one.

https://amzn.to/3gO3rv7

This one is almost a no brainer, but it comes with a hefty price tag so make sure you… ya know. Like the person you’re getting it for! Kitchen aid mixers are SO versatile, especially for the bakers and pastry chefs among us.  MAKE SURE you know what color your person wants- I have absolutely seen these sold for half price on facebook marketplace just to rebuy the right color!  With a kitchen gadget this big, if it’s sitting on your counter most often- you want it to match. 

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Coffee Gifts to Excite your Energizer-Bunny Friends

Kahveh. Kāfēi. Coffee.  Universally recognized as a magical brew that imparts the strength to do the exact amount of adulting necessary each day.  Low hanging fruit perhaps, since about 95 percent of your friends enjoy hot drinks of some sort (watch out for the others, they might be sociopaths) and about 90 percent is probably coffee. The links below the pictures are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase after clicking through my site.

Look, a gift card to a famous coffee shop might not disappoint.  But empowering your true coffee lovers to make their favorite drink at home could be a gift that keeps giving.  Of course we have some suggestions for the best home espresso makers- but we also have some more affordable drink making tools as well as suggestions for new beans to try. However, let’s start with mugs since they are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive.

https://amzn.to/3udD9FD

This kiln fired absolute unit of a mug will hold 24 oz of coffee, so your friend doesn’t have to stand up 3 times to get coffee.  Also dishwasher safe, because ain’t nobody got time for that otherwise.

https://amzn.to/3isswMR

The yeti: if they don’t have one yet, it’s because they haven’t yet justified buying it for themselves.  Help save them from analysis paralysis, and get it for them. Minimalist design, but top notch engineering, materials AND construction.  Yes, you can put them in the dishwasher. Their coffee would probably stay hot the whole day in this thing, if they didn’t drink it faster than that.

https://amzn.to/3ijW5jn

If you want the absolute bougiest, top of the line, “smart” temperature controlled mug- I would be loathe to keep the information from you. Don’t worry, it comes in rose gold (do the other colors even matter? Cause they do exist.)

Espresso Makers

https://amzn.to/3EHKUso

If you want a good quality nespresso machine that won’t absolutely break the bank, this one is your best bet.  The machine reads a barcode on each pod and automatically adjusts to it’s optimal brew method.  It hits the mark for ease and convenience for sure. If you don’t prefer single use pods, there are some interesting reusable options to circumvent that issue.

https://amzn.to/3VDy2dz

Good for a friend with an office job, OR your office job friend (if you work at the same place, you can probably borrow it sometimes so it’s a win win. 😉 ) this instant espresso machine is PORTABLE my friends for all the office coffees, even CAMPING coffees.. I’m sorry I may have jumped the shark with this gift!!

I’m going to be honest, my personal favorite espresso maker is actually the stovetop kind.  Sure, it’s no frills, and you have to watch so it doesn’t burn.  There is something satisfying to the ritual though, and I don’t think you will beat the price tag.

https://amzn.to/3Vli4VS

Mr. Coffee’s cafe barista does the shot and the steamed milk for you, making it the best choice for latte lovers.  Plus no pods necessary, which is always a pro in my book. That does mean it takes a little more time to load the ingredients, but then it does all the work for you and I’ve heard cleaning is actually a breeze.

https://amzn.to/3Vm8MsB

Milk Frothers

https://amzn.to/3ieaI7N

This frother doesn’t require heated milk, thus making it ideal for cold drinks like iced macchiatos.  It is, unfortunately, hand operated which makes it less ideal for tech lovers, but is also affordable and harder to break.

https://amzn.to/3gP2zGw

This is my favorite every day frother.  It has a protective case to ensure you don’t damage the whisk end in travel, froths in seconds and comes in battery or usb rechargeable versions.  There are other colors but I prefer the stainless steel look.

https://amzn.to/3inE57N

This hight tech, versatile milk frother comes with a proportional price tag- but it is worth it.  Cold froth, hot froth to a specified temp, steamed milk, or just a perfectly blended hot chocolate- it does it all with a touch of a button. Easily cleaned and even easier usability, this is a luxury your hot drink lovers will thank you for. 

New Beans and Lattes to Try

https://amzn.to/3ifv2Wo

For us mere mortals who feel aged before our time, this patent-pending scientifically innovated star trek worthy coffee remineralizes your body rather than dosing you with caffeine high enough to threaten your life. In this case, danger coffee is a misnomer, thankfully.  It comes in at a bit higher price point, but keep in mind you are probably saving money when you brew at home anyway.  In fact, I am sipping a cup of their pre ground medium roast as we speak.  The flavor is definitely on the upper end of coffee (this is no F****rs sticks and twigs, folks) but the true star of the show is the quality of the caffeine high you get. It really is pleasant, folks.

Link coming soon!

For those of you who have drunk so much caffeine you can’t feel it anymore, death wish coffee may be perfect for you. Don’t say you weren’t warned- it’s literally in the name- this coffee has about 60 mg of caffeine… per fl oz.  For comparison, that’s over 10x the caffeine in normal drip coffee! Include it in a gift basket for your die hard coffee lovers.

https://dangercoffee.com?ref=karendurtka

Bones coffee gets a special mention, because while my personal preference is a high quality, plain medium roast bean (I’ll control the additional flavor ratios later) Bones coffee has some really interesting innovative flavors infused right into the bean.  Maple and bacon is my favorite so far, but if your coffee friend is looking to spice things up, macamaniac (macadamia flavored,) cinnabun, irish cream, or even mint chocolate chip ice cream flavored beans may delight. If you can’t choose one, they have a fabulous variety pack. And yes, of course they have a pumpkin spice infused bean. It’s called Jacked-o-Lantern.  These are also a good choice for people who want flavored coffee without a ton of added calories via flavored syrups.

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Real Life Videogame Gifts for your Very-Online Kids

Zoomers and their younger siblings, Gen Alpha weren’t just raised by the internet, they were born in the internet… Practically. For better or worse, they are the very online generation, and if I’m being honest so are Millenials. Regardless, as a parent of Gen Alpha kids, it is often my goal to try to catch their interest with offline things. One good tactic is real life items with themes from their favorite online things; this includes things like Minecraft play swords, Fortnite nerf guns, and Aphmau plushies to name a few. Sponsored links below, to save you some time!

https://amzn.to/3ASyfBW

Bring mario into your home with the RC mario racer.  Toddler and big kid approved. You might even hear your kids say, dang these real life Mario game graphics are so good…! We got one last Xmas for our 3 and 8 year olds, and it has gotten a good bit of play time.

https://amzn.to/3OMiyli

Before it was fortnite, it was minecraft (perhaps for your household, it’s both at the same time!) This minecraft backpack even comes with a separate lunch box, pencil kit and a keyring/hand sanitizer dispenser.  Official merchandise and everything!

https://amzn.to/3gK2Ryq

In our household, this fortnite nerf gun is automatically more approved even though the only difference is fortnite is written on it. Why exactly? Your videogame kid can tell you better than I can, but the short of it is fortnite is cool.

https://amzn.to/3AVbrRI

There are some really nice minecraft plushy sets with multiple smaller plushies, and also bigger cuddlier minecraft animals. The set may be a little better for make believe games, whereas the cuddlies are for… well cuddling also. I don’t think you’ll go wrong either way, to be honest.

https://amzn.to/3UiWPCN

There is also a less cuddly, more practical set of official minecraft night lights. Still cute as a button if you ask me, and I think your minecraft kid will agree.

https://amzn.to/3ipaASW

Buy with caution- because chopping pillows with this diamond minecraft sword is addictive, and you don’t want your kids to chop more than pillows.  Set the boundaries before you gift it, and you’ll have a lot less “reeling it back in” work to do. Also comes in purple enchanted version

https://amzn.to/3gI55P5

Kids and projectiles… a match made in purgatory.  At least these ones are soft and shouldn’t hurt or break anything! Also a good excuse to tell them to go outside, if it’s warm enough. Plus they have the lovable Minecraft theme, sure to engage your very online children to do something in the real world for a little bit.

https://amzn.to/3VzW8Gf

Maybe you need to sneak some practical gifts into the stack this year.  Maybe your kid just likes fashion. Either way, this fortnite backpack is a good choice for your little fortnite lover. 8 year old tested, and approved.

https://amzn.to/3GYbY9G

Aphmau is a youtube famous minecraft player, your minecraft lover has most likely watched and loves.  Aphmau plushies were a hot topic for a hot minute in our household- and there were no less than 5 discussed, and at least 2 purchased. These mini plushies have the added appeal of the surprise, that is, you get 4 out of 8 possible designs which means you get a surprise unboxing experience. I personally love surprises, and I know my kids like the surprise toy packs too. If Youtube is any indication, those unboxing videos get a lot of views- it’s a common love.

https://amzn.to/3Vvgocc

https://amzn.to/3XJjWZV

https://amzn.to/3EVtQzo

Alternatively, a nightlight that has moveable and stackable minecraft blocks! All the best ones are here- a forge, a tnt block, some redstone, a jackolantern… Even a diamond mine block.

https://amzn.to/3VgPkgJ

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Occult Themed Gifts to Enchant your Witchy Friends

While I have great respect for the unknown, I myself have only a cursory education in the occult. For this post, I had to dig a little deeper and consult my local witchy friend- a crystal toting, tarot reading Blackfeet indigenous person with a penchant for spirits.  These are the most useful and meaningful items we came up with for your occult inclined friends, with multiple price points to fit your abilities, and ranging from beginner to expert witch vibes.

A note on ethics. If you aren’t being respectful, if you aren’t sourcing your ingredients ethically, if you aren’t being mindful of nature and the people around you… What is the point of the ritual? What kind of magic are you doing?

Runes

Let’s talk about runes. It isn’t future telling which is a skill I’m sure you would have to be born with. Instead you ask a question or hold an issue in your mind and let the runes guide you to resolution. For a beginner, a guide book would be helpful. You can include one of the below rune sets as a gift set as well.

https://amzn.to/3igFv3M

https://amzn.to/3F11q89

https://amzn.to/3VyrRrn

I have it on good authority that you can carve runes into just about any material you like- stone, wood and for our spooky, diy witches- bone.  The best runes, however, are typically made from one of these three stone types: Amethyst, Jasper or Hematite.  This is an extremely affordable gift that combines the general love of geology and crystallography with a specific use: pagan divination. 

https://amzn.to/3UbpTvZ

Smudging and incense

Whether to make your house smell good, or as a cleansing ritual- smudging and incense burning can be wonderful devices for your witchy friends.

https://amzn.to/3F2znW0

fire, match, smoke-549103.jpg

This incense burner has a really cool waterfall effect.  It has gotten some mixed reviews, but we thought it was pretty cool. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions to maximize the cool effect and your witchy friend’s house will have that extra mystique they always are looking for.

Comes in other colors but I like the red personally.

Crystals

We can’t talk about witches without acknowledging one of the most basic tools of their trade- raw crystal.  They can be imbued with healing power, made into a talisman for luck, used to honor your patron gods or goddesses, guide astral projection, channel or divert streams of energy around you, manifest change, or simply decorate. 

Best ethical crystal sources coming soon!

Favorite Tarot Sets

It was hard to choose just a few tarot decks to suggest, as there are so many high quality ones out there. Don’t assume that your witch friend doesn’t need one if they has one- because different decks have different features and capabilities. For example, a round tarot deck can give further insight by the tilt of the card. 

https://amzn.to/3i5en7S

I love Fae everything, and this beautiful artsy tarot deck is no exception. It’s serving cottage core, it’s bringing fae vibes, it’s giving moonlit forest.

https://amzn.to/3GQ3QrK

https://amzn.to/3XCs1zw

Above is a picture and link to my favorite basic tarot set. As you can see it includes quite a bit more than just the cards- it also has a guide, a set of chakra crystals and some lovely bells among other useful and decorative elements. Great for beginners!

To the left is my friend’s favorite round tarot deck. This is great for a little more advanced tarot readers too because again, the tilt of the card can change the meaning if you know what to look for.

https://amzn.to/3ifeuho

This might be my all around favorite tarot deck, and it comes with a book. For your modern femme witches, we have the modern goddess… fitting, if I may say so.

If your witch friend hasn’t quite gotten around to starting their own grimoire, you may want to get them some practical spells to work off of. While writing your own spells is technically possible, it flows easier when you have some ingrained sense of magic in the first place.  For those of us who don’t have innate creative writing skills, this deck is a good start.

Tread carefully when buying clothing items for your friends. But if they are needing a witchy cloak, this is a good quality, if a little pricey one. Practical for cold weather, this woolen cloak comes in multiple colors and lengths.  Your cottage core type witch may like the fawn colored cape, but most of the witches I know would choose black without a second thought.  

https://amzn.to/3F18vpf

Witches have secrets the way haunted houses have secret passages.  Abundant, and close to their hearts.  Of the ways to keep secrets, perhaps this one isn’t the most covert- but it is the 

most dramatic. Maybe only keep the ones you want discovered in this though. 😉

https://amzn.to/3OGh9MY

https://amzn.to/3Vs5LGT

For your selenite witches, sleeping under the moon is ideal, but this will work in a pinch.  Bring a little bit of the moon to them with this moon lamp, with it’s soothing gently-red toned light for all night comfort, blue toned if you want to stay awake instead. Tap to turn it on for magical effect.

Candles may seem like a fairly basic gift, but if your witchy friend doesn’t seem to have a metric boat load lying around already, they may actually want more.  Elaborate candle sources coming soon- for now, this beautiful set is a good start. With varying patterns and scents, from lavendar to lemon to pine- this set is both affordable and expansive.

https://waxandwick.co/?ref=zEZwHWiX

https://amzn.to/3AP1PrI

Wax and wick has some really lovely minimalist, black and white candles with traditionally masculine scents- but really these will do for any of your witchy friends. I love the crackle of the wood wick, and that the candles are vegan.

Witchy stocking stuffers…

Sometimes magical (or silly!) gifts come in small sizes.

https://amzn.to/3gBf6gR

For your artsy witch friend. Satan-summoning circle not included.

https://amzn.to/3Fegfod

Witchy parents and guardians need a good caffeine potion every now and then… and a good handheld cauldron to put it in! Caffeine not included… but check out our list of best caffeine sources if you would like to include a good brew.

https://amzn.to/3F5Kuxk

https://amzn.to/3gBf6gR

I love these for just about anyone, because who doesn’t need holographic stickers? But yes, they are specifically occult themed so maybe don’t give them to a christian…

https://amzn.to/3UfjRu1

Even witches need bags- at least they can enchant them to hold a massive volume of things in the void… (Do not try at home lest you invite void monsters into your bag.)

https://amzn.to/3XxvTlB

Cooking is basically alchemy and transmutation, make sure your kitchen witches are covered with this funny steam releaser.  This little friend aids in keeping your stove magically clean.