Great Gifts That May or May Not Be On Your List...

{Think Outside the Stocking}
If you're stuck trying to figure out what to get that certain someone let's see if we can't just get those wheels turning!  KSLAM (Ch 5 NBC affiliate in SLC)  & I have teamed up with some great products to get a few people checked off of that merry little list!

#1 Finis Neptune Underwater Music Mp3 Player
Yes! Underwater music at last!  Do you feel like you might be on an episode of Buck Rodgers? (Did I just say Buck Rodgers?! Ha!)  These are pretty amazing and quite futuristic. My husband LOVES his set and won't go swimming without them.  Really.

Somehow these nifty headphones use bone conduction to make music clear while underwater. Its actually amazing how clear they actually sound.  In fact, when you are out of the water the sounds is fuzzy but as soon as you are submerged its like you're at a live concert!



What I would have given to have these years ago when I was on the Swim Team in High School.  You can find the Finis Neptune on sale for $139.99.



#2 HexBug Nano 2
We are in love with these little bugs in the Ashby home.  They are like little pets for us.  We race them, cheer for them, mourn when we can't find them, and cry when their batteries run out.


If you've never seen them let me just say that they really do look like bugs crawling all over...but without the "ick" affect!  The vibrations of the battery inside the little bugs sets them running and its quite a site!

And now that have this awesome set called the Hexbug Nano V2 Black Hole!  These little critters actually crawl up the tubes and then fall down into the black hole only to find themselves climbing right back up!


 If you are looking for a fun gift that is sure to bring a smile to any child's face here you go! You can find these at hexbug.com and get the hexbugs ($4.99) separately or with a set like this Hexbug Nano V2 Black Hole ($49.99).  Get ready for some good times!

#3 HexBug AquaBot Fish with Fishbowl
Finally we can give the boys a pet for Christmas that won't require any extra TLC.  Maybe we can get a dog someday, but until then we'll be happy with this Hexbug robotic fish!


You can find this amazing little AquaBot at hexbug.com for $14.99.

#4 Lego Set
This is the go-to gift for any boy or even girl from 5-13.  Its easy and always a winner!  And if you know anything about Lego's, you know that boats are all the rave. They are hard to build so to get a set like this is always a treat! LEGO Legends of Chima Cragger’s Command Ship  ($79.99 at lego.com)


And we are thrilled to have a new Lego Store in Salt Lake City! Yahoo!

#5 Trendy Ties Bow & Neck Ties
Now I bet you weren't expecting these little gems to be up next!  I had to include these as a great idea to put on that list!  The perfect stocking stuffer for any little tot.  (Especially because when they are this little they don't really care what they get...and the moms LOVE them!)

Trendy Ties are made here in the USA and are not only great quality but super cute!



So if you're looking for a little boys tie this is your place.

And you must take advantage of Trendy Ties $10 Tuesday deal!



Now go! Shop! And have a fun doing it!

Santa's Helper,
Emily aka "Toad"
+Emily Ashby

Cute Ornament Free Printable Gift Tags

{Falalalala!}
Looking for a cute tag to add to any gift? Here you go! 



More coming soon!

Stocking Stuffers that Give Back!

{'Tis the Season to Give}
Giving back has never been so easy! I think most of us can agree that we are blessed...with family, friends, food, and a warm place to lay our heads.  This time of year is a perfect time to look for ways to give, but I'm often as a loss for the best way to do it.  

I was so excited when I was asked to do a TV (KSL Ch 5, NBC affiliate in SLC) segment on great products that give back!  It doesn't cost very much to help and these companies have made it so easy.  So if you have a choice...why not buy a product that can help someone else as well!

{Awesome Stocking Stuffers}
Each of these products are the perfect stocking stuffers!

#1: Kutoa (It means "to give" in Swahili)
These are healthy, natural bars somewhat like a Clif Bar...but when you buy one they donate a nutrition pack (with vitamins, minerals, and micro nutrients) through the World Food Program to a child in need.  Hunger is still the #1 cause of dealth in children under the age of 5 so this is an easy way to help a child. 


I had one of these for breakfast and it was darn good. You can find them in your area by heading to their website: www.kutoa.com (Price: $2.50 a bar.) 


The company also says:
The health you give these children will empower them to live a healthy life, go to school, and become a contributing member of their community. Eventually, these healthy communities can flourish and become sustainable."


#2 Smiles For the People
This company wants to improve dental health around the world!  These 100% biodegradable toothbrushes are not only practical, but when you buy one this company donates the equivalent amount of cash to a "Giving Partner" who aids in aiding in dental health around the world.

What a great stocking stuffer?! You can get yours at www.smilesforthepeople.com.


From the Company:
"Our donations enable our giving partners to design locally appropriate interventions for their communities’ unique local needs. Because of the wide range of needs in the oral health field, and because toothbrushes can sometimes cause more harm than good for people in need of care, this strategy is more responsible than donating physical brushes."


#3 WINK (When In Need of Kindness)
Each of these sweet toiletry bags is packed with great goods...but the best part is that for each one you buy this company donates a bag to the Ronald McDonald House for families when they could really use it!

I LOVE the candle and the lip balm that his company offers as an option. Price ranges from $25-$40.  You can order yours at www.winkbags.com.


From the Company:
"Your original WINK bag will have our custom all natural WINK lip balm, a 4 oz. shea butter soap and corresponding solid. It’s the perfect size for your phone, license, credit card and lip gloss and made from Dacron, the fabric most commonly used for the sails on sail boats. The fabric is durable, water resistant and wipes off easily."


#4 You and WHO
If you want to help people in your local area this is a great way to do it!  Each shirt you buy is not only designed by an artist in you area but the company will donate a shirt to a local organization that will distribute it to a person in need for you!

Here in Salt Lake they team up with these great organizations: Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, The Road Home, & Salt Lake City Mission.

They have some sweet designs...Denver and Portland are two of my favorites! You can get yours at www.youandwho.com for $42.


Here is also a list of similar companies doing GREAT things by donating one for one..

Baby Teresa (baby-teresa.com) (baby rompers)
Oak Lifestyle (oaklifestyle.com) (backpacks) 
Twice As Warm (twiceaswarm.com) (clothing)
Mitscoots (mitscoots.com) (socks)

#5 Camera Coats
Of course I have to talk about this great company! Not only are all of the Camera Coats and Camera Straps Made in the USA but they are made by refugee women.

Other awesome way this company gives back is by teaming up with TURN Community Services who works with adults with disabilities and they make the tags, package, and ship all of the products!

Yet another great way to give back with an awesome product.  If you are looking for the best gift for any photographer, Camera Coats are the way to go! (They are making camera bags everywhere jealous. :)

PLUS get 30% off your purchase this week! Code: CW30  Expires: 12/8/13  OR enter to win a free Camera Coat HERE!


You can find the cute Camera Coats and Camera Straps at www.cameracoats.com.  Price ranges from $22-45.  The perfect stocking stuffer!

ALSO...there is a great website that features companies that give back! You can shop for just about ANYTHING and give back at the same time!

ROOTZ. www.roozt.com    Check them out! 

Yay! Happy Shopping & Giving!

Santa's Little Helper,
Toad :)

+Emily Ashby

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