2024 Holiday Gift Guide - Pet Edition

What would we do without our pets? 

Our furry friends enrich our lives, provide companionship, comfort, and love.

Here are a few suggestions for those who have pet owners on their gift lists. Yes, I'm serious. A pet owner would be delighted to receive a present for their faithful companions.

These suggestions are not for cute tee shirts, keychains, and ornaments. They're for practical items most dog owners may not have.

As always, the items on my Holiday Gift Guides are available from Amazon because their convenience in shipping, gift wrapping, and inventory can't be beat. I always choose the items with the most numerous and best reviews.

(1) Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover, $19.99, regular price $31.95. 189,330 reviews averaging 4.5.

This was a sale price at the time of writing so check to see if it is the same before adding to your cart.

At last, relief for all the pet owners whose clothes are decorated with dog and/or cat hair.

With this many reviews, this gadget must actually work!

According to the description, this is the ultimate pet hair roller. It's available in black, and for a few dollars more, in a peachy color.

It's "superior to traditional lint rollers for pet hair or sticky rollers, and the ChomChom ensures deep cleaning."

(2) Dog Travel Bag, Ultimate Gift for Dog Owners, $42.95. 2,163 Reviews averaging 4.8 stars.

This travel bag for your canine buddy is made of water-resistant fabrice and comes with a water bottle pocket, a detachable shoulder strap, 2 BPA-free zippered food bowls, 2 zippered food containers, and a built-in poop bag dispenser.

This American small business, owned by a woman, contributes something from every purchase to the "Every Dog Should Have A Home" initiative supporting rescue dogs. Thus a gift purchase from them is a two-fold gift.

(3) Dog Car Seat Cover, $29.99. Regular price is $35.99.  40,761 ratings averaging 4.6 stars.

The side flaps can protect not only your backseat but also the car door from scratches. Side flaps with up/down zipper make it easier for elderly dogs to get in and out of the car.

It converts to a cargo liner if you have an SUV.

Made of 4-layer fabrics, it's waterproof, durable, and protects the seat from mud, liquid, hair, or any mess. Plus, it helps your dog be comfortable for long road trips.

It's easy to install and remove. Watch the video on the  product page.

(4) Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Interactive Dog Toy, $14.97. 97,294 reviews averaging 4.1  stars.

This looks so cute. I can imagine our Freddie playing with this. An amazing number of reviews seem to indicate this is a winner.

I'm not a cat owner, but I would think a cat might find this stimulating too. (Leave a comment if I guessed wrong about that.)

This toy has 4 clutch pockets so the dog can easily grip it, and it can be used indoors or outside.

(5) Natural Silvervine Stick Catnip Ball and Bell Catnip Toy, $9.98. 3,657 reviews averaging 4.0 stars.

This will entertain your cat and also clean its teeth. It comes in a 2-pack and is suitable for all breeds.

Silvervine, also known as Mtatabi, is harvested from Southeast Asian jungles. It's combined with wild catnip and hand-woven into balls. It's 100% natural, has no additives and preservatives, and is safe for pets according to the product page.

(6) Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy 2 Levels, Slow Feeder, $24.98, regularly $32.99. 2,871 reviews averaging 4.4 stars.

This is an interactive treat puzzle game and/or a slow feeder. It has 2 levels to challenge your pet to get its reward.

It engages your dog's mind, entertains, reduces boredom, and may stop destructive behavior like chewing, digging, and excessive barking.

It also can be a slow feeder for your dog.

Level 1 is for puppies, but older, smarter dogs will quickly go to level 2 when they learn how this toy works.

You'll find it interesting to see how quickly your dog can learn how to receive a reward from this gadget. 

(5) Dog Buttons Communication Starter Set, $23.19. Regularly $29.99. 729 reviews averaging 4.1 stars.

I don't know if you've been keeping up with the research, but communicating with dogs has been proven. Now dog owners can use the same techniques to communicate with their dogs.

This Dog Button Communication Starter Set helps you record commands such as 'food', 'eat', 'drink', 'play', 'yes', 'no', etc. You teach your dog to press the button corresponding to the command.

I've seen documentaries about this, and it's amazing. You'll realize how smart dogs really are.

The dog talk button set is suitable for all kinds of small dogs (22 lbs, up to 15.7 inches), medium dogs (22-66 lbs, 16.1-23.6 inches), and large dogs (over 66 lbs, over 23.6 inches).

You get 6 recordable buttons, 1 waterproof mat, 24 scene stickers, and the pet button set comes in 6 different bright colours including dark blue, red, yellow, orange, green and purple. You can add to the set as your dog masters more commands.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

In case you'd like to see the previous Holiday Gift Guides for 2024, there's a list below, but the prices may have changed so be sure you know what price you're paying before you add an item to your cart. Merry Christmas







Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.


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2024 Holiday Gift Guide for DIY People

Are you a Handyman or a Handywoman?

Do you love to shop for tools and other home improvement items?

Is your idea of fun shopping at Home Depot?

Or do you love someone who thinks DIY are the best 3 letters of the alphabet?

If so, today's Holiday Gift Guide is for you! I have specific gifts below that my DIY husband approves.

If you want to see more ideas, simply click to shop the Home Improvement section. The deals there are good to Dec. 14.

All of the gifts I list are conveniently available at Amazon Prime shipping, if you're a member. I always choose items with the most positive reviews.

If you're not a Prime member, you can join now and get a free 30 day trial to see if you like the benefits of Amazon shopping—free Prime shipping, streaming videos, free ebooks, free audio books, games, etc. See the full list of benefits on the signup page.

Shopping Tip: Always check to see the blue word "Prime" as well as "Free Returns." Some items may have free shipping, but it's not Prime shipping. There is a difference so read the shipping and return terms if it's not Prime.

(1) JAXWQ Stud/AC Wiring/Plumbing Pipes Finder $27.99 with a $6.00 Coupon today. Regular price is $36.99. 9,635 Reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars. 

Wall Stud finders are good tools, but how do you know if there is electrical wiring or a plumbing pipe too near the stud? 

You don't unless you get a better kind of stud finder like this one that alerts you to wiring and piping. 

This wall stud finder has an intelligent micro-sensor chip with the highest sensitivity which can accurately and quickly find edges and center of metal, studs, joists, pipes, and live AC wire behind walls, floors, and ceilings. 

This is a must for anyone who tries to put a hole in a wall even if it's to hang a painting.

(2) VARSK Contour Gauge Profile Tool $17.999,181 ratings averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I first saw this tool on an infomercial. I never order from a commercial like that. I always look it up online.

Fortunately, I found it on Amazon from a different manufacturer and with much better reviews.

There are 3 versions shown on the Amazon page. This is the basic 10" wide model which probably works great for most DIY folks. You can see the 3 for yourself on that page.

I ordered the 5+10 with a built-in light because you can never have too much light when working on a project—especially if you're working inside a closet. The model with the light is $38.99.

(3) BOSCH GLM100-23 100 Ft Blaze Laser Distance Measure $37.28. Regular price is $49.99. 15,762 reviews averaging 4.7 stars.

Usually when I need to measure something, I don't have anyone to hold the tape in place. This laser measuring device is simple and easy to use by one person.

Whether you're measuring a window in your house or taking a landscape measurement outside, you'll love using this gadget which measures metric and standard.

It's user-friendly and features a 2-button operation: one for measuring, one for rounding.

It's accurate to within 1/16 of an inch and measures distances up to 100 feet.

It's easy to read with a backlit display with large icons, and it's portable, easily fitting into a pocket.

(4) RAK Magnetic Wristband for Holding Screws, Nails, Drill Bits $17.99.  19,243 ratings average 4.7 stars.

I've often wondered how many do-it-yourelfers accidentally swallow a small metal piece because they're holding it between their teeth.

I can't count the number of times I've seen Darling Hubby stick a couple of screws between his teeth and go up a ladder to install a drapery rod.

No more after this Christmas. I wish I'd thought of this sooner.

(5) RAK Universal Socket Tool, $7.79. Regular Price $10.25. 21,440 reviews averaging 4.5 stars.

This tool was one shown on TV. My husband made the comment, "I should get one o f those."

I agree. Even though he has a DeWalt socket set, it seems he often doesn't have the right one for a job. 

This multifunction adapter set is genius because it has 54  steel rods that are spring-actuated to instantly conform to the shape of any bolt, nut, or fastener.

You can use it with a manual driver or use the adapter for use with a power drill.

At this low price point, it's a great stocking stuffer for a DIY guy or gal.

(6) SEOBOPG Upgraded Lighting for Garage/Shops $31.99, regular price $39.99. 2,665 reviews averaging 4.5 stars.

The lights have a 5% Off Coupon as of this writing.
 
These linkable LED shop lights provide bright light with 6 panels to each fixture. 

They come in 2 Packs, and they plug in to outlets, eliminating the need for hardwiring them and they have a built-in on-off switch.

They come with a 9.84' power cord, which can link up to 4 garage lights together and control multiple lights with a single switch. 

They're equipped with a hanging chain, which can be adjusted from 0-3.28 feet. They're easy to install, plug and play.

I hope this gives you some solid gift ideas for the handyman or handywoman in your life.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

My next Holiday Gift Guide will be for Pet Owners.  

If you want to check out previous Holiday Gift Guides for 2024, they're listed below, but the sales and deals on some of them may have been discontinued.







Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.


Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Older Adults

Chances are you have someone you love who says, "Don't give me anything for Christmas. I have everything I need."

It's an even bet that someone is an older adult who is tired of receiving gifts like:

  • the latest kitchen gadget they won't use
  • another neck tie, shirt or blouse that isn't a fashion statement they want to make
  • a tool they can't use because of arthritis in their hands
  • a precious pretty collectible of some sort that will end up in a closet with other "dust catchers"
  • perfume, aftershave, body lotion, or other toiletries in a scent they can't tolerate, etc.
  • a gift box of food they may not want—who wants a box full of pears, most of them bruised and overripe, chocolates when they're watching their sugar intake, salty treats when they have high blood pressure, etc.
Why are these gifts things older adults don't want?

Because the body changes after sixty. Arthritis hampers the ability to use tools and gadgets and even makes it difficult to knot a necktie or button a shirt.

Age changes the olfactory sense so that once pleasing fragrances now can cause allergic reactions to skin or sinuses.

Age may also bring debilitating medical conditions like pre-diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, inability to continue driving, and more.

Most people over sixty have all the collectibles and other material possessions they want. In fact, most older adults are trying to give away excess possessions to people they love because they know that their time in this mortal plain grows shorter with every year that passes.

SO WHAT DO YOU GIVE OLDER ADULTS?

(Let me know if you'd like to see more of these suggestions, and I'll post a part 2.)
 
(1) Experiences. Take them some place they would like to go but don't because of cost or the difficulty of transportation.

That could mean a fine dining experience for a beautiful lunch or dinner at a place they once loved to go or a place they'd like to go. It could mean taking them to a hockey or basketball game or a museum or the movies.

That could mean gifting transportation to visit you, i.e. a round trip plane or bus ticket. 

(2) Weighted Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder for Pain Relief. $35.99

Many older adults suffer pain in their neck and shoulders. This heating pad is designed to target those areas. It has 6 Heat Settings and an automatic off so there's no risk of heat damage or even electrical shock.


I'm one of those who can't see a darn thing without my glasses, and I'm not especially old! 

Many older adults would love to have a calendar clock they could glance at and read—without their glasses! 

This clock would be a godsend to them. For those experiencing mental confusion, being able to read this might help ground them. 

(4) Storii - Record Your Memoir: Gift Box. $119.99 (Today it has a 15% coupon)

This is the most expensive item on today's guide, but I think it's one that many older adults would welcome. 

Many grandparents aren't in daily contact with their grandchildren, and they  long to have a closer relationship—they want to share their life and experiences, but how can they do that when they see their grandchildren so infrequently? 

This gift is designed to make that happen. It's a way grandchildren can see grandparents as people, not merely old people they're related to. How does it work?

It's a  guided audio journal with phone service up to 3 weekly calls asking profound life questions and recording your answers. 

It offers 1000+ curated life story prompts online and  customizable. It doesn't rely on WiFi, and answers are recorded via the phone calls. 

Your data is secure and encrypted, and you control sharing. It comes with a provided activation code and is compatible with landline phones and smartphones. Read more on the Amazon page.

(2) Gift Cards. These are welcomed if the older adult is on a fixed income or if you can't give them experiences.

Give gift cards for specific businesses only if you know the older adult likes to shop there. 

Don't give a $25 gift card to some place where it's impossible to find anything under $50.

If you don't know where they shop, but you know they shop online, give an Amazon gift cards where you can set the amount.

Amazon e-Gift card is sent via instant email or text delivery. Amazon Physical Gift Card is mailed to the recipient. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you love the older adults in your life, be thoughtful about the gifts you give. If the above doesn't give you any ideas, then call your loved one and ask them to send you a list of 5 items they would like so you can choose 1 which you know they'll appreciate.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide No. 4

Today I was going to review a Christmas movie I watched over the weekend.

In talking to family members about Christmas movies, I decided to make this post about the 5 best Christmas movies, in our mutual opinions, that are available for purchase.

I won't list The Christmas Story, Home Alone, Love Actually, White Christmas, or It's a Wonderful Life because they're standards that can still be seen at multiple streamers.

Some of these movies are getting hard to find. Streaming channels prefer offering new (not necessarily improved) Christmas movies each year. There are so many they're beginning to feel derivative and generic. The older movies seem to have more "life" and spark so here's the list with a link to where you can buy them.

(1) Mrs. Miracle starring the wonderful Doris Roberts is heartwarming and makes you feel good. She was perfect in the role of this "angel" who shows up when needed. 

The DVD is expensive at $29.50, but it's a movie that's hard to find this year on streamers. Like many older movies, it may be phased out in years to come.

This is a heartwarming film about family, faith and forgiveness. James Van Der Beek is an overwhelmed widower who needs a housekeeper to help with his six-year-old twin sons.

Mrs. Merkle (Roberts) appears and becomes indispensable to the family who call her Mrs. Miracle. Based on the book by Debbie Macomber, the movie is full of joy.

(2) The Christmas Chronicles starring Kurt Russell is so much fun. I'm sorry, but this can be viewed only on Netflix. It's been an economic boon for them so I don't imagine it will be made available any time soon for retail purchase, but I had to mention it.

(3) The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black is available in DVD and BluRay. 

This movie is heartwarming but a little more sophisticated than most parents would want children to watch.

I guess it would probably be rated PG13, but it's a delightful movie about finding love when you least expect it. 

There's also a story line about an aging screenwriter who was noted for the romantic comedy movies he wrote. 

Winslet's character is compassionate and loving—the kind of woman every grandparent probably wishes was in his or her life. $6.99 on BluRay

(4) The Family Stone starring Craig T. Nelson, Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, and Claire Danes. This is not for children, but this is a favorite movie. It will make you laugh, make you cry, and help you deal with loss that may occur around Christmas. I watch it every year. $15.94 on DVD.

(5) A Season for Miracles starring Carla Gugino, Laura Dern, Kathy Baker, Patty Duke, and David Conrad. Love, love, love this movie for the drama, the tears, the fractured family, and the romance. $23.99 on DVD.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Do you have a list of great Christmas movies? Leave a comment with your favorites.


Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.


Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide No. 3

We all have Wish Lists. You know, those things you'd like to have but never buy for yourself.

At least you wouldn't buy it until you'd thought about for a long time—and finally talked yourself into getting it.

Today's Holiday Gift Guide contains suggestions for gifts like that. Here are 3 such gifts to get for someone else or splurge on for yourself.

(1) Microcurrent Facial-Device-Massager

This is a device that's commonly used in spas. I had one of these on my Amazon Gift list for almost a year—waiting for it to be reduced for Black Friday or Cyber Monday because the regular price was $399.99. Well, it did get reduced to $279.00 which was still way too expensive.

So I looked at the features and shopped for a comparable device at a much lower price point. I found the MCSYPOAL Microcurrent Facial Device which has massage and electronic pulse functions, and a combination of both. 

The device is pretty Rose Gold and charges using a USB cable with adapter. This device has better reviews and hundreds more than the expensive device I thought I had wanted—749 reviews averaging 4.3 stars.

I don't know if it will make me look more youthful—LOL—but I do know it relaxes the muscles that lead to my frequent headaches, and I feel refreshed when I use it every morning and evening.

Today it is only $39.99 and has a 10% off coupon you can claim.

(2) Backlit Ergonomic Keyboard $99.99, today with a $25.00 Coupon.

If you do a lot of typing, this keyboard is for you. 

It's backlit for those early mornings and late evenings when you want to work at the computer without needing bright lights that may disturb others.

This ProtoArc Backlit Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard features full size keys, wrist rest, split design, adjustable tilt, USB-Charging, and Bluetooth capability is phenomenal. (446 reviews averaging 4.3 stars.

(3) Year Date Christmas Ornament $11.95.

I'm a sucker for mercury glass ornaments and also ornaments with the year as part of the design. Ornaments make great gifts either one at a time or a collection.

Every year, I add to my year-date ornament collection. When we hang the ornaments on the tree, we talk about what was happening in our lives in each year.

My preference is a ball-shape with a distinctive image. Once you could find these in the stores but not so much now. Amazon has quite a collection. I chose this one for 2024.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Let me know if you add some of these items to your shopping list, and I'll see you tomorrow with a movie review and another gift idea. Now I must set up the skinny Christmas tree I bought.


Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.


Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

Dec. 2 Holiday Gifts - No FOMO Here

Frosty says today is a great day for bargains.

I guess he's saying that because it's Cyber Monday—a chance to grab great gifts at bargain prices.

Today's Gift Guide Suggestions are for readers.

I also have a Christmas ebook to give away from now to Tuesday, December  3, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST. Let's get started.

Suggestion #1 - the latest Amazon Kindle Ereader $84.99

Regular price is $109.99. This is the latest incarnation of the ereader that changed the world of publishing and reading. 

Available in black or in a fashion color called Matcha for $5.00 more, it comes with 16GB of memory which enables you to store 1,000's of ebooks. 

This device is the lightest and most compact of the Kindle ereaders. It offers a glare-free display, faster page turns, adjustable front light, and long battery life.

This is a great gift for readers, or If you're looking to replace an older generation Kindle, take advantage of this deal.

Suggestion #2 - Kindle Unlimited, the Gift of Unlimited Reading - 6 Months $65.95

If you have a reader in your life, this is the best gift possible. Kindle Unlimited offers 4 million titles that can be read free. A membership also enables you to Unlimited Audiobooks. 

You don't have to have an ereader to use Kindle Unlimited, aka KU, you can use any device but a Kindle ereader makes it easy to read any time and anywhere in lighting that's suitable for outdoor sunshine or muted reading in bed at night.

With KU, the reader can choose up to 10 books at a time. When finished reading each book, simply remove it from your account and get another.

When the subscription expires, a notice is sent and the reader can renew or leave it canceled.

Renewal is $11.95 per month which is a little more than $1.00 per title if only 10 books are read.

But readers can read as many books as they wish as long as only 10 are "checked out" at any one time.

Suggestion #3 - Book Light / Safety Light $13.59 

This gift item is normally $16.99. For those who still take print books to read in bed, this light is perfect because it has 2 lights, one for each page. The light brightness is adjustable and rechargeable and also offers warning lights.

If you walk a dog at night, a light like this is a must. After Darling Husband was almost hit by a car one night, we never walk at night without these "neck lights" flashing. 

Sometimes wearing reflective clothing isn't enough when there are so many distracted drivers on the streets.

FREE BOOK JUST FOR MY READERS

From now until tomorrow night (Dec.3, 2024, 11:59pm PST), Stuck on the Naughty List , a fun, heartwarming Christmas romance is free. This is a Kindle Unlimited title so if you don't pick it up for free, you can still read for free if you are a KU subscriber.

"Stuck on the Naughty List is a must-read for fans of small town romance and second chances. 

This romance will have you rooting for true love until the very end." —Reader Review

"Joan is a master at setting the stage (aka Texas) with wonderful characters and places."—EbookLover

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I love finding great gifts for the people in my life. I hope some of these ideas will help you with your Christmas shopping. Enjoy the Cyber Monday Gift Hunt.


Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.


Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

Holiday Gift Guide Is Live!

Farewell, November, and hello December.

It's going to be a great month with lots of fun, family, friends, and good times.

The last few years, I didn't post about gift suggestions.

This year, I think it's time to do that again because there are a lot of wonderful gift items available.

Even better, there are many bargains to be had since all the retailers are scrambling to make mucho sales as quickly as possible.

Dec. 1 Gift Suggestion—Automatic Ice Cream Maker

This might seem a little strange, but when you think about it, you'll see it makes perfect sense. Just about  everyone loves ice cream. What we don't love is the crappy stuff in most ice cream, i.e., vegetable gums, HFCS and "regular" corn syrup, artificial flavorings, etc.

The AIRMSEN Ice Cream Maker, 2.1-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Machine has an LED Screen and Timer, and you can make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and milkshakes. It's a compact size but makes a half-gallon of frozen delight. It comes in blue and gray—costs $2.00 more for gray. (I ordered 2 for gifts and 1 for myself.)

Best of all, this ice cream maker is on Amazon's Cyber Monday Sale for $63.11, reduced from $78.89.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I'll see you tomorrow when I'll have a free Christmas book for you plus another Christmas Gift Suggestion.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.


Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.