Month: December 2024

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a couple this holiday season? Getting a gift for a couple has its share of challenges and difficulties. Generally, women and men have different tastes and hobbies, which can make it extra difficult to find a gift that they will both like and appreciate.

Here are our top 15 Christmas gifts for couples: 

1. Fun Pillowcases – Quirky pillowcases designed to bring a smile, perfect for adding a touch of humor and personality to their bedroom.
2. Charging Station – Keep all their devices organized and charged with a stylish multi-device charging station that reduces clutter.
3. Memories Photo Album – A customizable photo album to capture and celebrate their shared memories, making it a meaningful keepsake.
4. Set of Bed Sheets – Luxurious, high-quality sheets that offer a cozy, restful night’s sleep—a thoughtful gift for comfort lovers.
5. Meal Delivery Gin-Making Kit – A DIY kit that lets them create custom gin blends together, perfect for the couple who loves experimenting with flavors.
6. Pet Camera – Stay connected to furry friends with this camera that lets them check in, toss treats, and communicate with pets remotely.
7. Conversation Starter Cards – Thought-provoking cards designed to inspire deeper conversations and strengthen their bond.
8. A Hammock for Two –  A cozy hammock built for two, offering a relaxing escape for couples who love the outdoors.
9. Personalized Cutting Board – A beautiful, customized cutting board, great for couples who enjoy cooking and entertaining together.
10. Family Cookbook – A keepsake cookbook to store treasured family recipes, ready to pass down to future generations.
11. Kissing Mugs – Playful matching mugs that fit together, making morning coffee a little more romantic.
12. Personalized Map Location Key Holder – A unique key holder featuring their names and home location, adding a personal touch to their entryway.
13. Adult Craft Box – A monthly subscription with craft projects for a fun, creative date night right at home.
14. Molding Kit for Hands – A hand-casting kit allowing them to create a lasting sculpture of their hands together, a sweet and personal keepsake.
15. Couples Bucket List Journal – For the couple with great dreams. Get them a personalized bucket list journal for couples.

No need to fret! We’ve scoured the web to find 40 Christmas gift ideas for couples to suit every budget range. There’s something for every couple on our Christmas gift list for couples – from the foodies to the adventurers, from the home-bodies to the world travelers.

No matter if they have been married for many years or are newlyweds, there’s sure to be something on our list that will fit their lifestyle.

Fun Pillowcases

We love these fun and quirky cotton pillowcases. Perfect for the fun-loving couple on your list.

Charging Station

A perfect gift for the tech couple who have phones and tablets, this charging station can accommodate several devices at once.

Memories Photo Album

Create a photo book with memories of their lives together. There are several designs to choose from and you can customize each page as you wish.

Set of Bed Sheets

Gift the couple with a luxury set of bed sheets. Sleep is important and comfortable bed linen is a huge part of getting a good night’s sleep.

Meal Delivery

For the busy couple who doesn’t have time to plan meals. Have a box full of fresh ingredients and recipes delivered to their home.

Gin-Making Kit

Please the gin-loving couple on your list with this homemade gin-making kit.

Pet Camera

Do they have a dog and want to keep an eye on it while they are not home? This camera lets them watch their pet, toss treats, and send voice messages to their furry friend when they aren’t home.

 Conversation Starters

A set of cards with thought-provoking questions that the couple asks each other to make their bond and relationship stronger.

A Hammock for Two

Great way to relax and sleep together. A hammock designed for 2 people is a great gift idea for the campers on your list.

Personalized Cutting Board

This beautiful maple cutting board is personalized with the couple’s names.

Family Cookbook

Let the couple keep their precious family recipes and also pass these valuable recipes on to their future generations with this customizable cookbook.

Kissing Mugs

Adorable matching kissing mugs. Need we say more!

Personalized Map Location Key Holder

How cute is this! Personalize a key holder for their home by adding a personal message and a map with the location of their home.

Adult Craft Box

Get the crafty couple a monthly subscription for a thoughtfully curated craft box with all the supplies necessary to create some new personal works of art.

Molding Kit for Hands

Get them a hand casting kit so they can hold hands forever. It’s easy to use and comes with clear instructions.

Couples Bucket List Journal

For the couple with great dreams. Get them a personalized bucket list journal for couples.

Personalized Star Map

Capture a special moment, such as their wedding date or the day they met, with a customized star map that shows the night sky as it was on that day. A romantic keepsake they can hang in their home.

Cold Beer Coats

For the beer-loving couple who like their drinks cold. These amusing cold drink holders are sure to please! Keeps the drinks cold and the hands warm.

Scratch the World Map

Great gift for the world-traveling couple. A map of the world poster where they can scratch off the places they have been.

Foodie Dice

Can’t decide what to make for dinner? Roll the dice for some yummy inspirations.

Custom Couple Portrait

Have them immortalized in a custom portrait. Sure to brighten their home and remind them of their love daily.

Gift Basket

Send them a gift basket full of Holiday goodies.

100 Dates Scratch Poster

This poster lets the couple scratch-off exciting ideas for dates.

Datebox Club

Get the happy couple a monthly subscription to the Datebox Club. The dates are designed to help couples do something new & fun together.

Taste of Mexico

For the couple who loves Mexico, this molcajete and tortilla basket kit will have them whipping up yummy guacamole in the traditional way.

Bar Tools Set

A good-quality bar tools set for the cocktail lovers on your list.

Monthly Wine Club

Do you have a wine-loving couple on your list? Have fine wines delivered straight to their home with a monthly membership to a wine club.

Double Loveseat Camp Chair

A foldable outdoors double loveseat chair is perfect for the outdoorsy campers on your list.

Date Night Jar

A personalized date night wish jar is excellent for the romantic couple.

Personalized Passport Cases

Help them keep their passports safe and fashionable. These personalized passport covers are excellent for the globe-trotting couple.

Katamino Game for Two

Fun brain-teaser game for a couple. Excellent for those nights in.

Couple’s Massage Gift Certificates

How about a couple’s massage? Get the couple a gift card that they can use to book their relaxing massages.

Personalized Serving Board and Beer Flights

What a great gift for the couple who enjoys entertaining! This handmade wood board and beer flight can be personalized with the couple’s names, family name, and initials.

Bluetooth Record Player

For the music-loving couple, a vintage-style record player with Bluetooth capability adds a retro charm to their space. They can enjoy old records or stream modern playlists wirelessly.

Sexy Truth or Dare

This adult version of the classic pick-up sticks game for couples includes 50 sticks, each with two exciting and seductive challenges for a playful and romantic twist.

Picnic Backpack

Do they enjoy eating outside and having picnics together? This modern picnic basket will be a definite hit for the outdoorsy couple.

Large Throw Blanket

Personalize an extra-large throw blanket that they can snuggle under together.

National Parks Annual Passes

Get the adventuring couple passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges. 

Read SENIORS GUIDE TO THE TOP 10 U.S. NATIONAL PARKS.

Custom Pet Pillow

Know a couple obsessed with thor pet(s)? Get them a personalized photo pillow of their furry family member. 

Couples Journal

Get the couple a connection journal to share. The weekly journal will open up conversations that will strengthen, heal, and enliven any relationship. The 52 weeks of prompts and tips are thoughtfully curated using leading methodology to help build a more fulfilling relationship as they both write in it just once a week.

Read 14 TOP FAMILY CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

And also HOW TO GIVE AND RECEIVE GIFTS GRACIOUSLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think of our list? Do you have any suggestions to add to our Christmas gifts for couples? What is the best couple’s gift you ever received? Leave your comment below. Let’s have a conversation!

It’s time to deck the halls with discounts on discounts.

Smile if you have made New Year’s resolutions in the past. Now smile again if you have kept them all year. It is truly difficult to keep those ‘promises’ going for an entire year, isn’t it?

That was me until 3 years ago – until I read a book that changed my life. Now I don’t make resolutions each December. I just choose one word!

All in a Little Book

Three years ago, I read a little coffee-table book. I didn’t really intend to read the entire book, but once I began, I couldn’t put it down. Here is the premise that captivated me:

Instead of making a list of New Year’s resolutions, choose one word that you want to focus on throughout the next year.

That is a simplistic summary of the book, but it gives you a general idea of its theme. My first thought was, “I can handle just one word!”

It was December when I read it, and I was planning to retire from teaching at the end of that school year – just over five months away. After teaching for 40 years, I knew my life was about to change immensely.

The main reason I retired was because I was needed at home. My husband has advanced Parkinson’s disease, and it is not safe for him to be alone for an entire day.

After reading that little book (whose name and author I will give you at the end of this article), I started thinking about what I wanted to focus on for my first year of retirement.

Balance

My first word was balance. I wanted to be sure I didn’t spend eight hours a day reading, even though it is one of my favorite pastimes.

Neither did I want to spend eight hours each day cleaning my house, which is definitely not my favorite pastime. I wanted to do a little bit of everything – keep balance in my life.

So, I began planning a variety of things to do:

• being sure to keep my body active (taking Tai Chi),
• being sure to keep my mind active, (doing puzzles), and
• saving some time for reading, of course.

To help me carry through with my one word, I created a Pinterest board with images depicting that particular theme. Then I placed a different image as my computer desktop background each week. This is one of my favorites from that first year of balance:

Adventure

For year #2 I chose the word adventure. During that calendar year, I took a trip that was truly an adventure. My siblings and I gave a party for our relatives. It was a reunion for us, and a celebration for them. I also tried some new things that turned out to be fun! Here’s an image from that year:

Courage

This past year, my word was courage. My husband’s condition has continued to decline, and now he needs much more care. That has taken real courage. Here is my favorite poster:

Since I have so much more time at home, I have taken up a hobby I put down many years ago. That has taken a different kind of courage. I have begun to sew again, after a 35-year hiatus.

Next Year’s Word

That brings me to 2025. What will be my new word for the year? So far, the process for choosing my one word has been to ask myself these questions:

• Is there some character trait I know I will need in the coming year?
• What aspect of my life do I want to focus on for the next year – something I want to improve?
• Am I planning any changes such as a move, a marriage, a career, or job change? If so, what will I need to make that successful?
• Is there something missing from my life that I want to add? What personal characteristic do I wish to practice in my daily life this year?

Once I’ve chosen my word, I want to surround myself with quotes about that word and images that portray it. If there are self-help books about that word, I plan to read them. My newly created Pinterest board will provide me with images and memes about that word to keep me focused during the year.

Each year I have done this, I have been surprised at the number of times that specific word would arise in my daily life.

Most years, I have shared my word with my family and friends, and they have pointed out how it has affected my life during that year. (The book predicts that will happen, and I can testify that it is true!)

The book is My One Word by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen. You can find it many places online and in book stores. I have just talked about the highlights of the book here, but there is much more between those covers.

As you read it, you will find tips on how to choose your word, along with other ways to implement your word during the year.

Check out their web page where you can find other suggestions for appropriate words for the next year, and you can also register your word. You may be surprised at your level of focus on this trait during these next 365 days.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What will be your focus for the coming year? Do you want to be bolder, more courageous, more vocal, more adventuresome, more balanced? Or perhaps you want to be kinder and more loving? Or a better listener? What word are you thinking of? Choose your word, and then watch the year unfold as you focus on developing that character trait in your life. I cannot wait to hear your story!

In the pursuit of maintaining an active lifestyle while cherishing the vitality of maturing skin, the synergy of aromatherapy and Dead Sea salt emerges as a powerful remedy. This combination not only supports muscle recovery but also nourishes and rejuvenates the skin, offering a holistic approach to well-being.

The Healing Power of Recovery Dead Sea Salt

Harvested from the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, this unique salt is celebrated for its therapeutic properties. Unlike regular sea salt, Dead Sea salt contains an impressive array of minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide. These minerals are known for their ability to soothe muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin health.

Magnesium, for instance, helps to improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation, making it ideal for those with mature skin. Calcium promotes skin cell renewal, while potassium balances the skin’s moisture levels. Bromide soothes tired muscles, making Dead Sea salt a perfect companion for post-workout recovery.

Aromatherapy: Nature’s Healing Essence

When combined with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, the potency of Dead Sea salt is further amplified. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and chamomile offer a range of benefits that complement the restorative properties of Dead Sea salt.

Eucalyptus Oil

Known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, eucalyptus oil helps to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. Its invigorating scent also clears the mind and promotes relaxation.

Peppermint Oil

With its cooling and soothing effects, peppermint oil eases muscle tension and reduces soreness. Its refreshing aroma energizes the senses, making it a perfect choice for post-exercise recovery.

Chamomile Oil

Renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile oil soothes both the skin and the mind. It helps to reduce redness and irritation, making it beneficial for mature skin.

The Ultimate Recovery Ritual

Creating a revitalizing bath ritual with Dead Sea salt and essential oils is a simple yet profoundly effective way to support muscle recovery and skin rejuvenation.

1. Preparation

Begin by filling your bathtub with warm water. The temperature should be comfortable but not too hot, as excessive heat can strip the skin of its natural oils.

2. Infusion

Add 1-2 cups of Dead Sea salt to the water, allowing it to dissolve completely. Then, add a few drops of your chosen essential oils. A blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and chamomile can provide a balanced mix of soothing, skin restorative, invigorating, and calming effects.

3. Immersion

Immerse yourself in the bath, letting the warm water and aromatic steam envelop you. Spend at least 20 minutes soaking to allow the minerals and essential oils to penetrate deeply into your skin and muscles.

4. Massage

While in the bath, gently massage your muscles to enhance relaxation and improve circulation. This can help to further alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being.

5. Post-Bath Care for Mature Skin

After your bath, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Apply a nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and supple.

The Benefits of Consistency

Incorporating this bath ritual into your weekly routine can yield significant benefits for both your skin and muscles. Regular use of Dead Sea salt and essential oils can help to maintain muscle flexibility, reduce soreness, and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.

For those who lead active lives and wish to preserve the vitality of their maturing skin, this holistic approach offers a perfect blend of physical recovery and dermatological care. By embracing the natural healing properties of Dead Sea salt and aromatherapy, you can nurture your body and spirit, ensuring that you remain vibrant and rejuvenated at any age.

In conclusion, the combination of Dead Sea salt and essential oils provides a powerful, natural remedy for muscle recovery and skin rejuvenation. This practice not only supports physical well-being but also fosters a deep sense of relaxation and renewal, making it an invaluable part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you get your sore muscles to relax after working out? Have you heard of the benefits of Dead Sea Salts? Do you use them in your relaxation routine? What effect do they have on your skin and muscles?

New York State’s Finger Lakes Region combines natural beauty, top eateries, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. The region also creates stellar cold-climate wines, flavorful ciders, and aromatic beers. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or a lover of fine foods, the Finger Lakes area has something for you. Let’s explore the four regions that make this area so special.

Day 1 – Exploring Yates Country

See – Saunders Finger Lakes Museum

Nestled in the north end of Keuka Lake, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum celebrates the ecology of the vast Finger Lakes Region.

Taste – Seneca Lake Wineries

The largest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake, is renowned for its wineries. The cool climate is perfect for growing Riesling, but you’ll also find excellent Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and my new favorite, Lemberger, at wineries like Fox Run Vineyards.

Eat – Main Deck Restaurant

Main Deck, on the north end of beautiful Keuka Lake, offers spectacular waterfront views, and a bar shaped like a boat. Chef Brian Broadwater prepared a sumptuous, 5-course meal, and came out to introduce each course.

Stay – 1897 Beekman House

After a day of wine tasting, it was nice to unwind at one of the many charming inns. 1897 Beekman House is a luxurious option. The inn exudes a warm opulence, with intricate hand-made quilts, maroon leather furniture, and red velvet, drawback curtains. Chef-owner, Greg Campbell, started preparing our gourmet breakfast of brioche french toast the night before.

Day 2 – Exploring Schuyler County

See – She-Qua-Ga Falls, Montour Falls, NY

Just south of Seneca Lake, She-Qua-Ga Falls, off the main street of Montour Falls, has 300-foot-high cliffs.

Climb – Watkins Glen State Park

With towering cliffs, 19 waterfalls, and a 2.4-mile gorge trail, Watkins Glen is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. The park was named one of the best places to travel in 2022 by Travel + Leisure editors.

Sail – Captain Bill’s Sightseeing Cruise

Captain Bill’s offers hour-long tours that delve into the history of Seneca Lake and the surrounding area.

Taste – Grist Iron Brewery

The Grist Iron Brewing Company has amazing views of Seneca Lake. The tasty burger I had was the perfect pairing for my beer flight.

Eat – The Graft Wine + Cider Bar

The Graft in the small town of Watkins Glen, is a wine cellar, beer, and tapas bar, serving locally sourced food.

Stay – Pleasant Valley Inn, Hammondsport

The Pleasant Valley Inn in Hammondsport offers gorgeous accommodations, and a made-to-order breakfast prepared each morning by the chefs of Lake Life Catering. The massive breakfast sandwich had farm-fresh eggs, on a huge, homemade scone.

Day 3 – Exploring Steuben County

Ride – Mountain Rose Horse Farm

The sister owners at Mountain Rose Horse Farm took us on a tranquil ride, through a sea of goldenrod. Lucas, the goat, greeted me warmly and made me feel welcome.

See – Keuka Lake State Park

Often referred to as the “Crooked Lake” due to its unique Y-shape, Keuka Lake is a favorite among visitors for its serene beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Taste – Top Wineries

• Weis Vineyards is an enchanting boutique winery on Keuka Lake, founded by Hans Peter, from the Zell Mosel in Germany, and Ashlee, a native of Hammondsport, NY.
• Keuka Spring Vineyards is known for its vegan wines and stunning views.
• Heron Hill Winery – was selected by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the world’s top 10 most spectacular tasting rooms.
• Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is a pioneer in the region, famous for its sparkling wines and other varieties.

Eat – Snug Harbor Restaurant

Snug Harbor Restaurant is located on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, just moments from the ‘Coolest Small Town in America’, Hammondsport, NY. I had a huge portion of fried haddock and fries. The food was hot and tasty, and the service was excellent.

Taste – Cider Creek Hard Cider

Cider Creek Hard Cider is made from 100% New York State apples, without water, sugar, or artificial sweetener. I loved the fruity beers.

Day 4 – Exploring Livingston County

See – Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’, the Genesee River flows through a gorge over three major waterfalls. Hikers can choose from 66 miles of hiking trails. The Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) is designed for visitors on the autism spectrum.

Eat – The Beachcomber of Conesus Lake

At The Beachcomber of Conesus Lake, you can hang out at the Cabana Bar, at a picnic table, or play volleyball on the sandy beach. You can order from the Dockside Grill, or eat at the Crab Shack, a cozy pub.

Visit – The National Warplane Museum

The National Warplane Museum preserves and displays significant historical and military aircraft and artifacts.

Stay – Hartford House Bed & Breakfast

Hartford House Bed & Breakfast is a National Landmark Historic Home, built by Civil War General James S. Wadsworth in 1835 in Geneseo. The building has been continually occupied by members of the family ever since.

Activities in the Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes region offers a variety of activities to enjoy year-round and during the winter! Here are some ideas:

1. Downhill Skiing at Bristol Mountain: With a 1,200-foot vertical rise and nearly three dozen trails, it’s perfect for all skill levels.
2. Snowshoeing: Explore scenic trails at places like Cumming Nature Center and Ganondagan State Historic Site.
3. Ice Skating: Enjoy outdoor ice skating in downtown areas or at local rinks.
4. Wine and Cider Tastings: Visit wineries, distilleries, cideries, and craft breweries for a cozy tasting experience.
5. Cross-Country Skiing: Hit the groomed trails for a serene skiing experience.
6. Sledding and Tubing: Have fun at parks like Ellison Park, Harris Whalen Park, and Greystone Tubing.
7. Spa Treatments: Pamper yourself with massages, wine wraps, and float suites at luxurious spas.
8. Cooking Classes: Learn to make winter comfort foods at the New York Kitchen.
9. Art and Culture: Visit the Seneca Art & Culture Center at the Ganondagan State Historic Site for exhibits and performances.
10. Dining in an Igloo: Experience a unique dining adventure at Kettle Ridge Farm’s Sugarmaker’s Igloo Brunches.

The Finger Lakes has fabulous food, local libations, gorgeous inns, historic attractions, and many outdoor activities. In four days, I just scratched the surface. I know I’ll be going back. How about you?

Author’s Note: This trip was sponsored by Yates, Steuben, Schuyler, and Livingston counties, but all shared experiences are personal. 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are there parks where you live that you enjoy visiting? Sometimes the best adventures are close to home. What do you know about New York State? Have you visited the region? Did you know that New York State is famous for cool climate wines? Which are your favorite wines?