Meemaw's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Wow! Time has surely flown this year! The holidays are approaching much faster than I thought they would. I’ve been busy enjoying my family (another great-grandchild born in July and one more expected in January), making quilts for the great grandkids, and writing for the magazine (of course).

Now that the holidays are close, I have to figure out gifts for everyone, so I have many ideas, some of which I’m presenting here. All prices are in US dollars.

I generally go to Bits and Pieces to see what kind of gifts they have that might be a little different than what everyone else gives. The company started as a jigsaw puzzle company, but has branched out to include t-shirts and hats with funny sayings, wind spinners, tricks & puzzles and jigsaw puzzle supplies (storage mats and glue, in case you want to save it).

3D Jigsaw Puzzle    $10.99 — $19.99

According to Bits & Pieces — Piece together your very own vintage car. This classic car is a challenge that you can then display in your home. A great gift for your car crazed loved one. 42 pieces, 9-4/5" x 3-1/2" x 3-1/3". Ages 8+.

There are several 3D jigsaw puzzles — a car, a motorcycle, a ship, and a rooster, all made from wood.

Wine & Cheese Boards    $29.99

I’ve seen many charcuterie boards, but I think these are cool because they can interlock and make a big board, or you can buy 2 sets and have 4 boards for your guests to use for their own snacks.

According to Bits & Pieces — Upgrade your entertaining. These versatile interlocking bamboo boards can be cleverly pieced together for a stylish charcuterie or cheese board, or used separately for guests to hold their wine and appetizers. Smooth on one side and beveled on the other, they provide a secure and stylish serving options. Designed to conveniently hold a stemmed glass and appetizers with easy carry handle. Fabulous hostess, housewarming, or gift for those that love to entertain. Each board measures 11" long x 6-1/2" wide. Hand wash recommended. Set of two.

Herb Garden Markers    $19.99

I know many people who plant gardens, and they all mark each row as it’s planted. These are specifically for herbs. 7.75” x 1”. Set of 6 includes Basil, Cilantro, Rosemary, Dill Weed, Oregano, and Parsley.

Bass Pro Shops is a store that started out selling hunting supplies, but they, too, have branched out, and are now selling not only the hunting supplies, but clothing, home items and even toys. I bought a couple of really pretty shirts there last spring.

Yeti Insulated Cup    $24.00 — $70.00

Most of us have trouble keeping hydrated. I really like ice water, but some people drink tea, iced or hot. Bass Pro has a huge selection of Yeti cups in many sizes. I have two 20 oz. cups and each keeps ice in it for at least 12 hours after I add ice. I’m sure it will keep coffee or tea hot for a long time as well. The lid seals the cup well and doesn’t spill. Another lid holds a straw, if you would rather have one of those. Prices are partly determined by cup size. Yeti also makes coolers and other storage boxes that keep things cold or hot or are water-resistant.

Remote Control Car    $59.99

For the kids (or even adults!) who enjoy remote control toys, Bass Pro has a pretty good assortment. Features of this toy are:

• Stamped-metal, durable flex chassis
• Spring suspension system with oversized rubber tires
• 2.4GHz wireless technology deliver strong signal
• Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive
• Pistol-grip controller
• Left and right steering
• Forward and reverse
• 9.6V lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Batteries included
• They also have boats, animals, and drones. Prices range from $29.99 to $69.99.

Cabela’s is another store that started with hunting & fishing gear, and then branched out.

Cabela’s Fleece Throw    $12.98 and up

They have a number of throws, some fleece, and some other materials. They even have some that are wearable. If it gets really cold in your area in the winter, you could probably find a use for 2 or 3 of these! I keep at least one in my living room, even in the summer, because some people don’t have their air conditioner set the same as mine, and some of my kids turn mine down if they have to stay for a while.

From their website — Add more supersoft, cozy comfort to your home with the White River Home™ Coral Fleece Throw. An ultrasoft and lightweight design, toss this throw blanket on a bed or fold it over the back of a couch for eye-catching style and easy-to-grab comfort. Measuring 50" x 60", this lightweight 100% polyester fleece blanket adds cozy comfort to any room. Machine wash. Imported.

• 100% polyester
• Supersoft, cozy comfort for any room
• Machine wash

The one pictured above was in the “Bargain Cave” so it might not be available for long. However, there are several different designs.

Everyone uses Amazon. It always seems to have some items you don’t see anywhere else. They also seem to have the largest collection of whatever you’re looking for.

Christmas Tree Collar    $36.99 — $61.99

Many people have Christmas Tree Skirts to put over the bottom of the tree and the frame that it sits in. This is a different design which covers everything. The pieces hook together, and it is taller to cover a lot more (maybe also to keep the cat from getting under the tree).

From the site: “This Christmas tree collar made of natural seagrass offers long-term durability and a beautiful rustic touch to your festive Christmas decoration.”

This comes in four colors and three sizes, so you can get what matches your decor, or get several.

Lego Motorized Lighthouse    $299.95

Lego has really branched out as well! You can get some sort of Lego set for anywhere from $5.00 to $500.00. Some of them have the larger blocks for smaller children (so they can’t swallow them) but most have the normal-sized blocks. They have branched out, so now there are sets for many of the major movies. In addition to that, they have a botanicals section, which has flower bouquets and bonsai trees, and several adult sets, which are architecture or vehicles or even robots. I have a couple of friends who collect Lego sets (I have a long stemmed red rose in my living room).

Wooden Blocks    $14.49

With great-grandchildren in the family, and one on the way, I always think about toys, and hope the toys I get for them will foster imagination and creativity and help them learn. Some of the basics are best, and a lot of times I go back to simple wooden blocks. This is a 100-piece set, which comes in a sturdy cardboard box with a carrying handle.

Wolferman’s is a store that’s been popular in my area, partly because it was started in Kansas City, Missouri, not far from me, and partly because their food is really good. They have pastries, cookies, English muffins, teas, and meats. They started with English muffins, and still have the option to select several kinds of muffins to send to someone, and include tea or jelly in the gift box.

Winter Sweets Gift Box    $29.99

Gift boxes can have a particular theme (like birthday or Christmas) and certain foods. This one has cookies and candies.

From the site: “Bring a smile to anyone’s face with a sampling of gourmet goodies. Featuring favorites from some of the best companies in gifting, we’ve included a milk chocolate truffle and irresistible milk chocolate Moose Munch® Premium Popcorn from Harry & David, chocolate tartlets from Jolie Patisserie, and a milk chocolate-covered pretzel from Chocolate Works. Arriving in a beautiful box with a heartfelt message on the inside, this indulgent gift is a special way to please everyone in your circle.”

Ham Brunch Banquet    $109.99

Here’s everything you might need for a beautiful brunch for up to 6 people.

From the site: “Fill your feasting table with an array of sumptuous gourmet delights with our Ham Brunch Banquet. Enjoy a mouthwatering sliced ham with honey glaze and a flavorful triple cheese and caramelized onion quiche-both arrive precooked and ready to heat and serve. We've also included multi-grain honey traditional English muffins and triple berry preserves for toasty treats to serve on the side.”

Hopefully you have found something in your price range that is the perfect gift for someone you care about.

From all of us at the PCLinuxOS Magazine, we wish you a very joyful holiday season!