The Word Nerd's Wish List
My love language is gifts. Growing up, my parents were never the kind to randomly allow us to buy that pack of markers at Target, JUST BECAUSE. Clothes were purchased at the beginning of the school year. We didn’t eat a lot of take out (even though my dad was the owner/manager of our local Wendy’s from the time I was born until I went to first grade). BUT on birthdays and Christmas … watch out. My mother jokes that she is the “Ghost of Christmas Excess.”
So while some people feel weird about requesting gifts or making a list, I love it. In case you are struggling to come up with items to put on your own list, you can borrow some from mine. (You’re welcome!) I’ve included a few things I’m gifting my husband and sons too… in case you are short on those ideas as well.
Happy holidays and happy shopping!
The Word Nerd’s Wish List
Luxuriously Soft Blanket
EverGrace Luxurious Soft Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket, Cozy Fuzzy Plush Warm Throws for Couch Bed Sofa Chair Home Decor, Ruched Bubble Fluffy Blanket with Reversible Velvet, 60" x 80", Loden Green
During the winter season, I hibernate. I mean, if I’m not at a basketball game. One thing on my list this year is this luxurious faux fur blanket. I’m currently obsessed with this dark green color (although they are other others available) and really hope that come Christmas Day, I’ll be snuggling under it’s weight and warmth. (Maybe with a good book… keep reading for the ones I’m asking for!)
Healing Salve + Skin Care
Witch Hazel and Lavender Hydrosol Facial Toner | Natural pH Balancing & Toning Solution
You know the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding? The one who runs around putting Windex on everything? My husband claims I am like that with Bella Botanicals Healing Salve. And to be fair, I totally am. Anytime someone has a twinge of pain, I recommend this stuff. Headaches, sunburn, muscle pain, a bug bite … get the salve! What makes this product even better is that it comes in a stick form so it’s easy to apply and carry with you wherever you go. AND it was formulated by my good friend Leslie. She absolutely CRUSHES the small business kingdom on the regular and I couldn’t be happier to shout out her and her good stuff! DM her on IG to order your own stash of healing salve. (Hint: I always buy two sticks, because I do NOT want to be using the same one as my sporty and stinky teen boys.) I also swear by her face toner and hope my husband picked some up from her for my stocking!
Gorgeous Tumbler/Mug
I will be honest and tell you I lusted after this tumbler for months before I purchased it for myself. I’d eye it up every time I was at Barnes and Noble. It was, as Pollyanna said, SIMPLY GORGEOUS. Eventually I bought it… and the coffee mug in the same pattern. I get compliments on it (I mean it has gold detailing!) everywhere I go. I don’t need more. But I want them. And it’s not hard to see why. You can get yours here.
Books
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
If you know me, you know I’m no animal lover (sorry). So books featuring animals and creatures aren’t usually something I consider a MUST READ, however, earlier this year I read The Explorer by Katherine Rundell and fell in love with her writing style. So, improbable as it may seem, I’d now like to read Impossible Creatures, which is about “two children who embark on a quest across magical islands to save dying magical creatures, battling krakens and consulting sphinxes while racing to discover why the Archipelago's magic is fading.” You can get your copy here and one of The Explorer, here.
That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers
I first discovered Elyse Myers on Instagram. She posted funny videos about awkward situations in life and also sometimes sang (like reallllly sang). She also shared things about her family and her neurodivergence. But perhaps, most interestingly to me, she talked about the wide number of ways she tried to “make it” … sometimes succeeding, often times not. I appreciated both her honesty and humor. This fall Elyse wrote a book, a memoir and I knew I’d love it. I went to download it on Audible this morning and saw it was only 5 hours long. I have a 12 hour minimum (gotta make those Audible credits last!!) and so decided that this would be a book I would own in hard copy. Thus it is on my list. And it could be on your too. Here’s the link.
Poems and Prayers by Matthew McConaughey
Another book that was too short for me to buy on Audible (although I might cave because GREENLIGHTS was just so d@mn good) is Poems and Prayers. Here’s what Mr. McConaughey has to say about it in his own words, “My prayers are my poems are my prayers. I’ve always relied on logic to make sense of myself and the world. A prescriptionist at heart, I’ve always looked to reason to find the rhyme, the practical to get to the mystical, the choreography to find the dance, the proof to get to the truth, and reality to get to the dream. I’ve been finding that tougher to do lately. It’s more than hard to know what to believe in; it’s hard to believe. But I don’t want to quit believing, and I don’t want to stop believing in . . . humanity, you, myself, our potential. I think it’s time for us to flip the script on what’s historically been our means of making sense, and instead open our aperture to enchantment and look to faith, belief, and dreams for our reality.”
I mean, c’mon. Who wouldn’t want to spend two hours and 200 pages on that?!?! This girl would, I’m telling you. You can get your copy here.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t take at least half a second to remind you that I write books too. If you want to order them (via Amazon or me directly) you can check them out and order them here.
Also, if you are interested in a Word Nerd Sweatshirt or PLAN TEACH REPEAT Lesson planner, be sure to order them ASAP to ensure Christmas Day arrival! (Sweatshirt link) (Paperback Planner Link) (Hardcover Planner Link)
Hooded Vest
This is another item I already own, but I love it so much I think I want one in another color. (There are tons of color combos available!) In those in-between seasons of spring and fall, this is a great alternative to a full on parka! Shop here. ($32)
Podcast Microphone
I want to upgrade the quality of my YouTube videos, specifically, the sound. That takes an up-leveled microphone (as opposed to just using my iPhone). So that’s why I put this baby on my Christmas list. Hopefully in 2026 my production quality will be even better! (Fingers crossed!)
Holiday Sweater
I bought and wore this sweater to Thanksgiving this year. It fit perfectly, was super cozy and looked classy too. I got a lot of compliments. It comes in dozens of color combos and I might go back for a second. If you’re trying to figure out what to wear to the school concert, holiday social, church service, or family gathering, I’d definitely recommend it!
For My Boys
Basketball Bookends
Both of my boys love basketball and my youngest in particular likes to decorate his room to reflect his personality. Which makes this a doubly good gift! You could pair it with a basketball book like Dragon Hoops, The Last Shot, Nikki on the Line, The Crossover or Free Throws, Friendship and Other Things We Fouled Up. Click here to shop and get yours.
Ski/Snowboard Helmet + Goggles
Because we are often at basketball, my kids don’t get a ton of time on the ski hill, so when they do go, we rent equipment. One complaint I’ve sometimes heard from the boys is that the equipment package doesn’t include goggles. This $55 set includes both helmet and goggle and will likely (fingers crosses, especially now that they are teenagers) fit them for the rest of their life… making it the PERFECT gift. Get yours here.
ZOX Bracelets
Since 2011, we’ve been creating uplifting bracelets made to interrupt negative thought loops and bring you back to center.
I always love a good pick me up and with ZOX bracelets you can pick the message and color that speaks to any person on your gift list. I personally have 3 of them (to color coordinate with my team’s game days, lol) and will likely be buying more in the future. BONUS, each bracelet is made from recycled plastic bottles, so in addition to being fashionable and providing meaningful messages, they are also doing good for the environment. WIN-WIN-WIN. You can check out the full line up of bracelet options here. ZOX also has watch bands and other swag.
Adidas Drawstring Bag
Adidas Alliance Sackpack – Drawstring Backpack for Sports, Small Gym Bag
My husband tries (daily) to instill a love for the “bag system”. If it’s in the bag, you won’t lose it. If it’s in the bag, everything you need is all together and ready to go. School stuff in the school bag. Baseball stuff in the baseball bag. Etc. Sometimes, we just run out of bags. So when I saw these Adidas drawstring bags online for fifteen bucks, you better believe each of my boys are going to get one.
Tapple (Game)
We are not Ticket to Ride or Catan kinds of game players. We don’t handle long games with intricate rules or role playing. Quick, interactive, low maintenance set up… that’s what we love. So TAPPLE is perfect. Buy this game for home or school and you wont’ be disappointed. It’s like Scatergories, but as a group and spoken rather than written. Use the categories that come with the game or make up your own! Fun either way. Ages 8 to 88… you’ll have a blast.
Gifts for my Husband
My husband is notoriously hard to buy for. His love language is definitely NOT gifts. But if I can find something that would be “good for the family” or practical, I can usually get by. He loves anything for UNRL and also needs new golf clubs this year. Chapstick, Jimmy John’s Gift Cards, car wash tokens and Snickers bars are typically a safe bet for stocking stuffers too. But here are a few other ideas I floated or have purchased for him in the past - hopefully in sharing them, you’ll be inspired as well. (Good luck!)
Heated Vest and Gloves
Heated Vest, Shirt and Globes
Venture Heat Electric Heated Gloves, 16 Watt Battery Hand Warmers with Battery Packs
My husband coaches college baseball, which starts February 1st… and usually heads outdoors early March. This can make for some long and cold days in Wisconsin. These heated wearable items have been a real game changer for his survival and comfort. (Personally I just sit in the stands inside a sleeping bag, but he doesn’t really have that luxury as he coaches runners from first base.) Thus, the heated compression shirt, vest and gloves. If your significant other also spends long hours outside, they’ll love being toasty warm with these gifts. Personally, I recommend the VENTURE brand. There are a ton of brands on Amazon, but this one has worked well for us.
Cold Plunge Tub
This item isn’t really home decor, but it’s the best category available at the moment. Last summer my husband and I got into cold plunging… but right at the end of the summer our $100 cloth-sided plunge pool got a hole. We haven’t replaced it yet, but I’d love to… with this upgraded hard-sided version. It’s a splurge… which is probably why we haven’t done it yet… but maybe with our tax refund!?!?! Summer is coming… and hopefully soon I’ll be ready to cold plunge again! Check it out and learn more here.
Okay! That’s it!
I hope you found some good ideas and that you are leaving this post feeling inspired.
Happy Shopping my Friends!
~ Amanda
P.S. Side note, the Amazon links included in this blog post are affiliate links. I will make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase something. The non-Amazon items and small business sourced gifts are not linked to any affiliate program. Either way, affiliate or not, I personally recommend these items and would share them no matter what. :)