We’ve got gift recommendations!
Gift lists
Wherever you look during November and December, you’ll find gift lists. Gifts for the toddler set. Gifts for folks who have everything. Gifts for book lovers. Gifts for fur babies. They’re so fun to look at. I personally love Oprah’s Favorite Things and NPR’s book list.
There’s nothing better than getting that perfect gift for someone you love, seeing your child’s eyes light up with surprise, watching your dad dig into box of chocolate covered cherries, laughing while your husband holds up that personalized beer stein as he looks around for the beer still wrapped under the tree.
Everyone knows the old adage–it’s better to give than receive. But did you know that there are definite, measurable benefits when you give gifts. These benefits include creating stronger connections, increased happiness and confidence which reduces anxiety, spreads love, and might even extend your life. Yep, you read that write, a study done by the University of Michigan found that those who give to others lived longer than those who do not.
A few recommendations from the AM Transport team.
Here at AM Transport, we are deep into the Christmas spirit. The office is decorated. We had our annual Christmas gathering on Friday with great food and music. And the fridge is full of Christmas goodies. The folks here are great gift givers, and here are a few recommendations to help you find something extra special for your loved ones.
Laine Slover
I always joke that my wife is the main reason Shutterfly is still in business. She orders customized blankets, calendars, and other miscellaneous items from Shutterfly every Christmas. These gifts are always a huge hit for the recipients.
Katrina Marshall
Stephen Libs Chocolates in Evansville, Indiana are so delicious. The undipped meltaway is one of my favorites.
Kelsie Barnes
I’ve got a few recommendations for everyone. Massage guns, blankets, hair clips, audiobooks (Matthew McConaughey’s memoir), cookbooks, and air fryers!
Kaylyn Bergbower
I do much less shopping for the holidays than I used to. I prefer to support small businesses if possible. Here are a few things I enjoy giving:
–photos framed (or in a card) with messages about a fun time, cool song, or special memory.
–gift card with an invitation to dinner or lunch.
–concert/show tickets.
–locally made art, jewelry, or other handcrafted goods.
Rob McClain
I received an electric chainsaw for Father’s Day. Game changer for those that live amongst the trees (fallen).
Joel Carey
My literary sources say the 3-book series, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is highly recommended in the young-adult fiction category. The third book just came out.
David Abell
A couple of good books I’ve read:
Die with Zero by Bill Perkins. This book really opens your eyes to money and forces you to rethink a lot of things we have been taught.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. This book is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read it and recently listened to the audiobook on a 15-hour round-trip car ride. It’s the perfect travel book.
Other gifts:
PBS Kids Tablets. Like many parents, my wife and I struggle with our kids’ screen time. This android-based tablet only allows PBS Kids content. It includes games and videos and is quite affordable.
This isn’t really a gift, but my wife and I recently went to Lucia’s Italian Kitchen in Effingham, Illinois. It’s a small boutique-type restaurant. We had Italian dishes and my kids devoured a cheese pizza (this rarely happens). I highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun experience this holiday season.
Rhonda Hazel
This year my grandchildren (twins) requested some unique items for nine-year olds:
Violet requested an item called Bakugans–little balls that turn into creatures. They remind me of transformers. All new to me.
Lucy requested a Guava Squishmallow, which is scented like a Guava. Also a Robert Frost Poem book.
Carson Scherer
Concert tickets are always a good choice for gifts!
Donna Martin
Our kids are like most, in that they have way too many toys and material things already. Some family members have chosen to gift our children with experiences this year, instead. I love this idea, and I know my kids are going to make some great memories, too! I personally enjoy practical gifts that I know will be put to good use. I mean, a girl can never have too many muffin pans, right!
Autumn Carmody
I always think subscription boxes are a great gift idea. My mom got me the FabFitFun box for Christmas a few years ago, and it was so much fun to receive every month!
Bridgett Jensen
My favorite gift to give or receive is usually a book. This year I am giving a few good ones.
4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman is hands-down the best book I’ve read this year. It’s so good, I carry it around with me every day. It will change the way you think about your time and how you want to spend your life.
Inciting Joy by Ross Gay is a collection of essays. Gay is a phenomenal poet and he looks at the world through a poet’s eyes. Don’t miss this one.
Water and Blood by Julie Ann Stewart is a book of short stories (a hybrid work that is both fiction and nonfiction) about women and their lives. I am lucky because this author is a good friend of mine who writes stunningly about life in all its beauty and sorrow. I got it for all my friends.
Happy Holidays!
So there you have it! A short and simple list of some of our favorite gifts as we head into the Christmas season. We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite gifts to give or receive! You can reach me at bridgett@shipamt.com.