Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

gift ideas

A Jetboil Review

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Are you considering purchasing a Jetboil, but are hoping to learn a bit more about what it is and if it’s worth getting? Perfect, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been using a Jetboil for years now and am going to give you the lowdown in this Jetboil review.

What is a Jetboil?

The Jetboil is a super speedy water boiling system. This system has a tall container to hold water, supported by a stand with an igniter, which attaches to a small fuel canister. You light the flame, watch the indicator on the outside for boiling progress, and before you know it you’ve got boiling water! I know it’s a simple explanation, but that’s just what it is. Jetboil has expanded their line to include other cookware such as a skillet and cook pot. For now, I’ll be reviewing the stove cooking system/super speedy boiling system as I haven’t yet tried the other cookware.

A Jetboil heated up in fall. The Jetboil gets a great review for ease of use.
The full orange ”flame” under the clear overlay indicates that the water is boiling and ready to use.

Who would benefit from having a Jetboil, and when would it be useful ?

Honestly, I think everyone should own a Jetboil, and this is why. First of all, they are great for emergencies. If you go through a natural disaster or some other event where you may not have access to clean water, you’ll want a Jetboil. Having one in your emergency preparedness kit can give you the ability to boil water for purifying, keeping you hydrated and hopefully preventing you from getting a water born illness.

Secondly, Jetboils are great for the outdoorsey folks. If you’re into hiking, biking, camping, hunting, or other outdoor hobbies, a Jetboil is for you. You can heat up water for coffee, dehydrated meals and more. The Jetboil is so compact and easy to carry that you’ll want to bring it on all your adventures.

A cozy lunch. You can take the Jetboil on all your adventures.

What are the pros of having a Jetboil?

The Jetboil is a must-have addition to your emergency preparedness kit and outdoor gear. It’s compact, convenient, lightweight, portable and easy to use. They now have the ”Stash”, which I haven’t tried yet, that is even more compact and lightweight. Jetboils are also easy to clean, which is handy when you are out in the mountains and quite far from the nearest sink! It’s a bit of an investment, but well worth it for warm food and drinks while enjoying the great outdoors.

Breakfast with a view. Nothing like oatmeal straight from the Jetboil.

Are there any cons to the Jetboil?

Clearly, this is a very positive Jetboil review, but there are cons to even the best of gear. Thankfully, I really only have one thing I’d consider a con for the Jetboil. During our most recent use of our Jetboil, we had problems with the igniter. Luckily, we had plenty of matches (as you should while you’re in the wilderness) to start it with. There is a troubleshooting video on their YouTube, though, and it looks like an easy fix, but as with all gear, we should have made sure it was in working order before we left.

I hope this review has helped answer your questions about the Jetboil. I really believe that you can’t go wrong with purchasing this cooking system. There are so many benefits to having one, and it comes in handy during a variety of different activities. If you have additional questions about the Jetboil, please feel free to ask them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you with an answer ASAP.


25 Useful Kitchen Tools, Gadgets, and Accessories

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories. When you think of these, you may think of all the random kitchen items you’ve gathered that have ended up in your junk drawer, but that’s not the case with this list of useful kitchen items below!

Whether you are outfitting your first kitchen, looking for the perfect housewarming, wedding, or other occasion gift idea, or just looking for a handy kitchen gadget for yourself, this list is sure to give you plenty of ideas.


Brown Sugar Keeper

These actually work! My mom had one and told me how well it worked, so i eventually ended up getting one, too. You just follow the directions, plop it in your brown sugar, and voila, no more hard lumps of sugar! Some even come with cute little patterns on them, so it’s an additional little bonus on top of having no hard lumps of brown sugar. Plus, these ones are made in the USA!

Non-stick Baking Mat

These baking mats will save your baking pans, and save you a lot of scrubbing. Non-stick baking mats are simple to clean, easy to use, and save you a lot of clean up time.

Dough Whisk

My mom purchased a dough whisk for me for my birthday, and it is so handy. My favorite use for this is when I’m mixing berries into a recipe. I know it’s for bread making, but when adding a fragile ingredient like berries into a recipe, or when adding them into a mix (This blueberry muffin mix is my favorite!), it works so well, and doesn’t crush up the berries.

Silicon Spatula

All of the silicon kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories I have tried in my kitchen have been so useful. Silicon spatulas are especially helpful since they’re so versatile and are used often. Plus, they can be easily washed in your dishwasher!

Useful kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories.
These kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories are so useful and don’t even take up much space!

Scrub Daddy

These are worth the hype. I have a couple other great dish scrubbers, but needed something with a little more oomph for scrubbing baked on things (when I can’t use my silicon mat). This does the trick. They get stiffer in cold water for harder scrubbing, and softer in warm water for easier messes. It’s amazing! You can even wash these in your dishwasher. I got a four pack of double sided sponges for cleaning multiple areas in our home, but they have a variety of sponges to choose from.

Splatter Screen

Save yourself from those little grease burns and all the grease splatter that gets on everything with a splatter screen. We received one as a wedding gift and use it frequently. This one with the double mesh is very durable, and virtually no grease splashes through.

Pot and Pan Protectors

My husband and I got a set of Scanpan cookware for our wedding. It’s the best cookware I’ve used and we want to keep it in prime condition for as long as possible. The problem is, we have very little storage so all of our pots and pans are nestled precariously close together, which of course leads to scratching. The solution? Pan protectors! They are such a simple and inexpensive solution to effectively keep your stacked pots and pans pristine and relatively scratch free! These are the exact ones I have; I love the cutesy little pattern, too.

These cute pot and pan protectors do a great job keeping our Scanpans nice.

Cutting Board

I’m sure you rolled your eyes at this one because everyone knows how useful cutting boards are, but you don’t know how useful they are until you find the perfect one. With added grips to avoid sliding, grooves to catch spills and avoid mess, and American made, this cutting board beats the rest and is a must have.

Foldable Strainer

This handy strainer is great for small spaces. It has handles that can span across your sink, and collapses in for storage once you’re done.

Jar Opener

Nope, not a can opener, but a jar opener. These little grippy pads help grip those hard to open jars and open them easier without needing to call in reinforcements. They’d be very helpful for elderly people, or those with arthritis, too. Honestly, I got the one I use for free at a convention, so I’d check for them at conferences, conventions, and other events, but this one has good reviews if you can’t find a freebie.

BlendJet

I recently splurged and bought myself a BlendJet 2, and it was 100% worth it. The BlendJet is a compact, easy to clean, USB chargeable blender. It’s so simple and convenient to use. I’ve been using it to make smoothies and it blends them up with ease, just make sure any chucks of fruit, ice, or veggies aren’t too large or it may give you an error while attempting to blend those pieces.

Pan Scraper

The intended use for these pan scrapers is primarily for cleaning cast iron, but they work well for baking sheets and glass baking dishes, too. Just soak your dish, and this will scrape it right off. There is even a notched one for grill grates and pans as well.

Pan Handle Holder

Since I just mentioned using cast iron, I should also mention these useful silicon handle holders. These little accessories will save your hands from the heat of a cast iron pan by snugly covering the handle in protective silicon.

Apple Slicer

These dandy little tools make quick work of apple slicing and coring.

Hamburger Chopper

This is such a great kitchen tool. The hamburger chopper makes it even easier to chop up and cook burger to your liking for whatever recipe you are making. It just seems to make browning burger much quicker and easier; I love it!

Frother

Is this necessary? Probably not. Is it fun to have? Yes. You can use this little frother for making fancy coffee at home, or just use it to whip up some cream for topping hot chocolate!

Keurig

I’m not a coffee drinker, but to wean my husband off of energy drinks (or at least cut down on them a bit), years ago I bought him a Keurig. It’s so simple to use, and very convenient. It can be a huge money saver, too, in comparison to buying other drinks. The only problems I’ve encountered with it are lines in our display screen and a developing drip, which I’m not too worried about. Their customer service could use improvement, too, but overall I would still purchase one again and again.

Magnetic Bag Clips

I don’t know why it took so many stale chips and a spilled bag of crackers for me to get these, but it did. Bag clips are very inexpensive and get frequent use in our house. I really should have been using them years ago, but I’ve learned my lesson now. I purchased a whole set, with a couple regular large ones and some smaller magnetic ones. The magnetic ones are super convenient because we don’t have the drawer space to store a bunch of clips, so I just stick them on the fridge and they’re all set.

Fish Spatula

I received two of these from my father in law. Before that, I had never heard of a fish spatula, I just thought a spatula was a spatula. Turns out these things are dandy little tools. Have I used them for fish much? Not really, but they work great for quesadillas, grilled cheese, and many other things due to being thin enough to easily slide under anything.

Instant Pot

We were lucky enough to get an Instant Pot from friends as a Christmas gift. I had heard all the rave reviews about them, but was a little skeptical, and honestly a little scared to use it. Now that I’ve used it many, many times, I can say that it really is worthwhile having. Make sure you follow the instructions 100%, and watch a little YouTube on it if you need to. I mostly use mine for rice, steel cut oats, potatoes, and sometimes chicken, and it really helps you multitask while the Instant Pot does all the work. I’ve had some issues with things not being fully cooked or done how I want, but that has mostly worked itself out with time, and the trial and error process.

Meat Hammer

When recipes called for pounding meat thinner I use to just lay it down between plastic wrap, and hit it with my hand until it got slightly flatter and very uneven. Needless to say, this was not a very convenient or precise method. I ended up purchasing a meat hammer, and now my stuffed chicken marsala turns out just great!

Silicon Basting Brush

Like I said before, I love silicon kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories, including basting brushes. Silicon basting brushes are simple to clean and leave no bristles coming loose onto your food!

Pyrex Glass Nesting Bowls

These glass bowls are one of the most used things in our kitchen. They’re good for mixing, food storage, and even look great as serving dishes. These bowls all have colorful and sturdy lids, they fit within one another, so it saves a ton of space, and they’re made in America.

Small Strainer

Having at least one smaller strainer is useful for macaroni and cheese, washing berries, or for other smaller meals and items.

Fruit Basket with a Hanger

This fruit basket keeps oranges, onions, and other fruits and veggies from going rogue and rolling off the counter. Plus, it has a convenient hook for bananas, and really looks nice, too.

I hope this list of kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories has helped you find the perfect kitchen item for yourself or a gift for others. Happy cooking friends!

My Mother’s Day Gift List

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If you’re reading this you must be on the hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Picking a gift for a mom is tricky. A lot of the time she already has a lot of the things she needs. And a lot of the time she already has a lot of the things she wants. And all of the the time she does not ask for much. This makes shopping for mom’s a little bit tricky. But don’t fret, I am here to help! If you’re shopping for mom, grandma, your mother in law, auntie, or another special momma in your life, I hope this list gives you just the perfect gift idea for her.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Pottery

Pottery: functional, useful, sturdy, and beautiful. The past few years I’ve been on a pottery collecting mission. Some I’ve got as gifts, some with gift cards, and some I’ve purchased myself. I have everything from soup bowls to a pie pan, salt and pepper shakers and a planter. They are very sturdy (I dropped a shaker from the countertop, and it held up just fine, but I wouldn’t suggest testing them necessarily, haha!). Most of the pottery I have is from Bruning Pottery, and recently my mom and I also purchased some Polish pottery from Northcountry Fair, a local kitchenware store. They are beautifully glazed and painted, and are almost too pretty to use. I would really suggest any type of pottery as a great Mother’s Day, or any day, gift. They are heirloom items that anyone will enjoy.

Polish pottery at Northcountry Fair in Soldotna, Alaska. A great Mother’s Day gift.
Polish pottery displayed at Northcountry Fair in Soldotna, Alaska. I purchased the piece on the right and absolutely love it.

Storyworth

If you haven’t heard of Storyworth before I’ll give you a little intro into what it is. Storyworth is a subscription that emails the gift recipient a question every week for them to answer. You can write your own questions, pick from their list of questions, or use randomly selected questions from Storyworth’s vast library of ideas. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the questions, and range from questions regarding childhood, military service, family history, personal development, travel, and more. If the writer so chooses, they can have their answers emailed to whomever they like so others can follow along as they create their autobiography.

Once a year’s worth of questions have been answered Storyworth will compile them into a hardcover book. Personal photos can even be included to correlate with the answers, and they can be printed in black and white or in color for an additional cost. You can order multiple copies of the books to share with family and friends as well.

If you think this sounds like a gift that you would give to someone very elderly with a lot of life experience, you’d be correct. I think it would be a great gift for someone elderly so you can look back on all of the memories and get more insight and advice from them. BUT, I also think this would be a great gift for anyone at any age.

I gave this subscription to both of my parents to fill out while they are younger since I feel like it is easier to remember details of your life and easier to type before you get a bit older. Plus, you can also give this subscription multiple times at any age and see if answers change as people get older, and ask entirely new questions. I think it is equally a gift to the recipient as it is a gift to the purchaser since you can learn so much about the people you give it to, and cherish the memories it brings.

You can save $10 on your Storyworth subscription by using my link here.

Cookies

Who doesn’t love cookies? They’re delicious, don’t take up a bunch or room in your house, and they’re cute! Cheryl’s Cookies is my go-to online cookie shop. They make adorable and delicious cookies for any occasion, and all you have to do is pick them out, pay, and they ship them off. It’s so easy; you don’t even have to dirty a baking pan!

The Flower Letters

A monthly subscription to pressed flowers mailed in letters? Nope! The Flower Letters is a letter subscription, though. It’s an “old school” storytelling subscription that consists of two letters per month for a year which chronicle the personal lives of the letter writers and events taking place during that era. There are multiple letter collections to choose from, and I highly recommend checking out this unique gift idea here! I’m getting the second collection of The Flower Letters for my mom this year (I got the “Audrey Rose Collection for her last year.), but shh don’t tell her! 😉

Bay Bands

Spiff up momma’s hair accessory game with Bay Bands! They have a HUGE variety of headband prints to choose from, and are a super useful, comfortable, and affordable Mother’s day gift. I have a whole collection of different patterns from Bay Bands, including manatees (my favorite!), leopard, solid teal, fall leaves, and more!

You can save 15% of your Bay Bands order with my referral link here.

Magazine Subscriptions

There is a magazine subscription out there for any type of interest your mom may have. Aviation? They’ve got one! Gardening, home design, farming? They’ve got those, too. A couple of my favorites are Taste of Home and Country Living. They make convenient and fun gifts that won’t break the bank, and they make great last minute Mother’s Day gifts as well.

One of my favorite magazines. Because who doesn’t love tasty new recipe ideas?

Get Personal

Don’t roll your eyes when I say this but personalized jewelry. I know, jewelry for Mother’s Day, but hear me out! You can get jewelry inscribed with loved ones handwriting, and it really is such a unique, special, and one of a kind sentimental gift. I ordered rings for my family with my grandma’s handwriting on them, and they turned out so well. There are many shops that do this now; this is the shop I ordered from.

Liberty Original Bottles

Keep a momma hydrated, and buy American made with a Liberty Original water bottle. They have a wide array of designs, and you can get personalized bottles as well. Their prices are very reasonable and the bottles are very sturdy.

Turbie Twist

If you dont know what a Turbie Twist is, let me introduce you to the product you didn’t know both you and your gift recipient need. Basically a Turbie is a hair wrap that you can wrap and secure your hair in after a shower. Instead of fighting a normal bath towel to stay put on your head, the Turbie is secured in place with an easy twist and elastic. A super simple solution to a common hair drying problem, the Turbie makes a great Mother’s Day gift. You can get different colors and patterns as well to suit your recipients personality!

Flowers and Plants

Flowers from your local florist, online, or even the grocery store always make for a pretty gift. They’re cherry, bright, and smell lovely; who doesn’t love that? But if flowers aren’t your ideal gift idea, why not gift a plant? They can even be practically free if you plan ahead! Just grab a clipping of your own plant, get it growing, grab a beautiful planter (Maybe even a pottery one as suggested above?), plant it, and you’ve got yourself a great gift!

A tiny succulent in a frog pot.
Not enough space for a large plant? Tiny succulents make great gifts, too, and are adorable!

Books

Books, or gift cards to bookstores, make for great gifts. Just pair it up with mom’s favorite tea or coffee and boom, you’ve got yourself a Mother’s Day gift.

I’m not a coffee drinker, but I recently gifted this coffee to my mom and husband, and it got some rave reviews!


Photo Book

Don’t keep all those memories locked up on your phone, share them in a custom photo book! You can use Shutterfly to make some pretty fly (pun intended) photo books, gifts, prints, and more. I’ve ordered multiple items from them and I’ve been very pleased with the quality. 

Memories

Pick out an activity, go to lunch, or just spend time hanging out with mom on her special day. Time is the gift money cant buy, so share some of yours with her to show your appreciation and gratitude.

Now that you’ve checked out my Mother’s Day Gift list, I hope you’ve found something (or some things!) to add to your cart. And to all you mother’s shopping for other momma’s this Mother’s Day, Happy Mother’s Day to you!

75+ Gift Ideas for Her

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Wives. Girlfriends. Grandmas. Aunts. Daughters. Cousins. Fiancés. Mother in laws. Friends. Moms. Girls.

One thing they all have in common is that they’re “soooo hard to shop for”. Well, not anymore! I have compiled the ultimate list of gift ideas for her. From young to old, adventurous to homebodies, casual to classy, and everyone in between, there are many gift ideas on this list for any “hard to shop for” gal.

Rakuten

Before you shop for anything, make a Rakuten account. Rakuten gives you rebates back on your purchases, and I have earned over $245 back on purchases to far! It’s so easy to use and you can really get some amazing deals. Use this link to get $10 back on your first purchase of $25 or more!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Beanie

Some girls start wearing beanies in August and don’t take them off till April (or ever), so a hat can be a gift that she can really get a lot of use out of. I recommend this Carhartt one since its inexpensive, cute, and warm, plus it comes in a variety of colors.

Popcorn Popper Kit

Fresh popcorn and a cozy movie night at home? You can’t go wrong with a gift like that.

Manicure

A gift card to a local salon for a manicure is a relaxing and special treat to gift someone.

Magazine Subscriptions

Just because everything is online now doesn’t mean magazines are out. There’s a magazine for everyone from gardening to celebrity gossip, travel to food, and you can get them as a digital subscription or in print. It’s a great gift to give since it lasts for a year, or however long you want it to, and it’s a great way to learn new things and relax at the same time.

Coffee Card

Coffee cards are always useful. Bad day? Grab a coffee for a pick me up! Got a raise? Celebrate with a smoothie! Tired? Get a double shot to perk up! Coffee cards are great for any occasion and are always a useful gift.

Movie Tickets

Who doesn’t want a night out at the movies? Giving movie tickets gives your friend the option of having a fun night out whenever they’d like.

Fondue Pot

Maybe a gift you haven’t thought of, a fondue pot is a great idea. It can be used for entertaining, a quiet night at home, or just for yourself if you want to indulge! There are so many things that can be enjoyed with a fondue pot, and it is really a fun gift to give.

Nail Polish Set

Sometimes it is nice to have a relaxing night at home to watch a good movie, have some snacks, and paint your nails. A nail polish set is a great idea because it gives you favorite gal some color options and is a fun gift to receive.

Foot Spa

Turn the home pedicure game up a notch with a foot spa. Heated. Massaging. Bubbles. All those things any lady will love, right in the comfort of their own home.

Board Games

A great gift idea for the entertainer, board games or card games are a great present. Give the classics like Monopoly and Clue, or surprise them with something new like Latice Hawaii or It’s in the Bag.

Puzzles

Something to do alone or with a group, a puzzle is a great gift that can be used many, many times, or framed as artwork.

Artwork

And speaking of artwork, a decorative wall hanging, painting, or wall decor is another great gift idea for her.

Massage Pillow

Who doesn’t want to come home after a long day, relax on the couch, and have a heated massage? No one, that’s who, which is why a massage pillow is the perfect gift for anyone for any occasion.

Foam Roller

Foam rollers are popular for recovery after those hard workouts and are used by many to incorporate to into their health and fitness routine. It’s a unique and unexpected gift that is also fairly inexpensive as well.

Headband

Headbands can be used for working out, as a hair accessory, or to cover up a bad hair day. There are a variety to choose from, and they are so useful to have. You can never have to many of them, so it’s a safe bet that if you give a headband as a gift it will definitely be used.

Hair Towel Wrap

I love getting and giving useful gifts, and this is one of those things I really use at least every other day. It saves your hair from harsh blow drying and keeps your wet hair from dripping everywhere. It’s such an inexpensive and handy gift to get.

Gloves

If you’re giving a gift during the chilly season, a pair of warm gloves is a great idea.

Socks

Giving some fun patterned socks, or fuzzy comfy socks is a cute and budget friendly gift. You can even fill them with a few other trinkets like the nail polish listed above, or the lip balm below.

Lip Balm

Pair some lip balm with socks and nail polish and you’ve got yourself a cute little gift to give that will be appreciated and used.

Purse

You can spend as little or as much as you like when giving the gift of a purse. A designer name can be in the hundreds of dollars, or give a more budget friendly gift of a lesser known brand that is equally as fashionable and useful.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a safe bet for any person or occasion. Its pretty easy to find out what type of chocolate a person likes and its an economical and sweet (pun intended) gift to give.

Q&A a Day Journal

We got this gift for our wedding and I thought it was such a thoughtful, fun, and nice gift to get. You and your wife/fiancé/girlfriend answer a question a day together for a three year span and can compare and discuss answers. It’s a great conversation starter and an awesome way to learn more about each other.

Shawl

A clothing item that you don’t need an exact size for, how perfect! I know people are always afraid to give clothes as a gift, so a shawl is a great way to do that and not have to worry about what size to get!

Plant

Plants make great gifts because they are gifts that can last many, many years and add a natural element to any area of a home. If the girl you are getting a gift for has a brown thumb, though, a fake plant is always a good gift idea for her as well!

Candle Warmer

A wonderful gift idea for her is a candle warmer. They add a cozy ambiance to any room and are a safe way to add fragrance without worrying about forgetting to blow a candle out later. Pair this with some wax melts and you’ve got yourself a dandy gift to give. 

Canvas Prints

Getting a canvas print of a photo you took with your friend, or even a photo of a landscape or place that is special to them is a thoughtful gift idea.

Photo Session

Get a professional photography session for your friend or family member so they get their photo or  family photos taken.

Wood Burning Kit

You can never have too many hobbies, so why not give her another one with a wood burning kit!

Paint Set

Is wood burning not her style? Maybe a paint set might suit her fancy!

Craft Items

Does she like crafts? Maybe sewing, crocheting, knitting, or scrapbooking? You can never have too many craft items, so get her something that relates to her favorite crafting hobby.

Gift Card

If your unsure of anything she may need or use, gift cards are always a welcome gift. Gift card to Amazon, restaurants, bookstores, craft stores, and more are perfect ideas.

Hammock

There’s nothing like laying in a hammock in the backyard with a good book or snoozing in a hammock by the campsite. Whether you give a tree hammock or freestanding one, it is sure to be an appreciated gift. 

Books

There is a book for any gal on your list, just pick an interest, pick a book, and you’ve got yourself a great gift idea.

Hot Hands

Most girls hands are always cold, or so I have heard, so grab a pack, or two, or three of HotHands hand warmers to keep them toasty warm. They even have foot, toe, and body warmers to add as well!

Hulu Subscription

Give the gift of entertainment with a Hulu subscription. With tons of shows to choose from, there’s something for everyone. My favorites are Chicago Fire and Chicago PD.

Toiletries/Makeup Bag

You don’t have to be traveling to exotic places (although that would be fun!) to be in need of a toiletries or makeup bag. Practical, useful, and cute, these bags make fabulous gifts.

Luggage

You may think luggage is an odd gift to give, but it is really a handy and thoughtful gift idea. I got a huge suitcase from my grandma for my junior high graduation and that bag has gone everywhere with me, from road trips through Canada, to weekend getaways, and moving to different states. I’m now twenty-eight years old and that’s the only suitcase I have and use, so I believe luggage is a great gift.

Massage Gift Card

Head online or to your local spa and grab a massage gift card for your loved one.

Heated Blanket

There are few gifts better than this one. Heated blankets are just as cozy and soft as a regular blanket but have a perfectly toasty warming effect. You can get them in many colors, patterns, and textures to suit whomever you’re giving it to as well. 

Auto Start

Another gift that I received that I use all the time is the auto start for my truck. I got this as a gift from my now husband, and it has been a real lifesaver on those chilly winter days, and even helped cool the truck off during our unusually hot summer. This is really such a useful and thoughtful gift that many people do not often think giving, but will be very helpful to whom ever  receives it.

Food

Everybody needs food, everybody likes food. Grab a restaurant gift card, make a home cooked meal, or take her out for dinner; any one of those options makes for a great gift!

Cookbook

Cookbooks are a wonderful gift for anyone. Cookbooks are so helpful, fun, and give great inspiration for different meals to try.  There is really a cookbook that will suit anyone, from traditional cast iron cooking to sous vide, and everything in between.

iPad Accessories

If you really wanted to go crazy and splurge on an iPad they do make wonderful gifts, but if your gal already has one getting her an iPad case, keyboard, or pencil are all great options!

Bubble Bath

Give her the gift of some r&r with some lovely scented bubble bath.

Team Gear and Memorabilia

Team gear is a great gift idea for her. Whether it’s baseball, football, hockey, soccer, or whatever sport your friend may like, team gear is a great way to give a gift they’ll enjoy and appreciate. From posters to flags, socks to lamps,  blankets, towels, pot holders and more, there is team memorabilia that is useful for everyone.

Yoga Mat

Fitness. Relaxation. Fun patterns. Who doesn’t want a new yoga mat?

Netflix

Who doesn’t like Netflix? Why not give a gift you already know they’ll like by paying for a Netflix subscription for your friend or family member.

Candy

Sweeten ‘em up with some of their favorite candy!

Bluetooth Shower Speaker

Help her with her shower time vocal lessons with a handy dandy bluetooth speaker for the shower.

Lunch Box

Lunch boxes aren’t just for elementary school! Give your friend a cute lunch box to help het pack her lunch in style. One money saving tip I hear all the time is to pack your own lunch, so the gift of a lunch box will save your friend some cash and they are really cute as well! You could even put some goodies in it to help them get started on packing their own lunches. 

Perfume

Who doesn’t want to receive little smell good? Not sure what scents your lady likes? There are small sampler sets or rollers to give for her to try!

Event/Attraction Tickets

Tickets to a play, sporting event, concert, zoo, amusement park, and other events or attractions make for great and memorable gifts that you know she will use.

Pool Floatie

She’ll be chilling poolside in style with any of these pool floaties.

Scarf

Scarfs are an affordable and fun gift to give, and blanket scarfs can even have a double use as a blanket when traveling and a scarf when out and about.

Apple Watch Band

If you want to be a big spender and give the gift of an Apple Watch, I’m sure it would be appreciated, but if she already has one a watch band from Groove is a great gift option.

Day Cruise

Give the gift of a memorable day with a day cruise. Wale watching, small island tours, glacier viewing, and more are some day cruise options, and you can even check Groupon for great deals.

Water Bottle

Liberty Bottleworks has an amazing selection of American made water bottles to choose from that would make a great gift. You could even fill them with Jelly Bellies or other candy as a surprise bonus gift!

Backpack

Backpacks are great for work, leisure, travel and more. With so many styles, patterns, and fabrics available, the backpack options are endless.

Jewelry

I really think jewelry is just the most timeless and beautiful gift. Earrings, watches, necklaces, and more from Jewelry by Johan made with wood, antler, and even meteorite are available on their website and make super beautiful and one of a kind gifts!

FabFitFun

This is the only subscription box I get, and it is amazing. It’s affordable, fun, and most importantly of all the things in it are actually useful! From skincare to fitness items, kitchen gadgets to jewelry, it is a really worthwhile box to subscribe to and makes a fabulous gift. You can even get $10 off by using this link!

Tool Kit

If she doesn’t already have a tool kit, this is the gift to give. For minor home repairs, measuring for new blinds, hanging photos, and more, a tool kit can really come in handy. 

Date Night

Plan a date night for your lady! It’s the perfect gift that can be as inexpensive or as luxurious as you’d like.

Hat

Floppy hats, sun hats, baseball caps. Hats are always useful and can usually fit within any gift budget.

Flowers

I’ll make a blanket statement here, but I believe most girls like flowers. If you’re in search of a gift for her, flowers are a great option and can brighten anyone’s day. Pair it with some chocolate and you’re good to go!

Vehicle Detailing

Paying to have her car detailed or cleaning her car for her is a great gift idea because having a clean and organized car just makes for a better day.

Car Wash

Car wash gift cards are a useful gift that can be used for many washes all year long.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are a great gift in themselves and also make for a great way to package your gifts. I received gifts from my mom and aunt in reusable bags instead of gift bags, which is a great because I now have them to use for groceries and other shopping.

Learning

A great gift idea for her is the gift of learning. Pay for a pottery, decorating, painting class and more to learn something new. Check Groupon for good deals on classes near you!  

Rings

Check out Groove Rings for some fun and fashionable silicone rings. She can stack them, wear them as singles, or a combo of both. They also have watch bands!

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories are a useful, inexpensive, and fun gift idea. They make great stocking stuffers!

Camera 

One of the most wonderful gifts I have received from my husband was a new camera. He got me a Canon T7i and it is an amazing piece of technology. I really enjoy using it and it has captured many, many memorable moments for our family. Giving her the gift of being able to preserve memories and play with the art form of photography is an incredible gift. Whether it is a fancy professional camera or a more affordable point and shoot, it will be a very appreciated and treasured gift. 

Headphones

It’s pretty likely that your friend or family member already has some headphones or earbuds that they got with their phone or for free on a flight, but why not gift them an upgrade with a nice pair of comfortable, quality headphones?

Audible 

Honestly, I don’t have a subscription to Audible, but from all I hear it’s a handy service. If you’re on the go or just hanging at home, Audible is a great way to listen to all those books you haven’t read yet and makes for a great gift. 

Crockpot 

Some people think that getting practical gifts are silly, but really, don’t you want the recipient to actually use the gift you give them? Crockpots are so handy for those busy times when you don’t have time to cook, and they make delicious food. If you give the gift of a crockpot, you are giving a gift of delicious and convenient meals that will be used many, many times. 

Instant Pot

Although I don’t have one, I hear Instant Pots are just as useful as crockpots and make great gifts. 

Costco Membership 

Purchase your friend a Costco Membership! It may seem odd but it’s likely something they will use more than most gifts and is such a useful thing to give. Plus, they can earn money back on purchases and save tons of their monthly shopping bill!

Slippers 

My grandma got me slippers as a gift many, many years ago and they have been so useful and comfy to have. I’ve worn them so much that the lining has rubbed off and the soles are getting flat, and I still use them as my garage slippers! 

Ornament

If you’re looking for a gift around Christmastime, giving an ornament is a perfect gift. I usually give Hallmark ornaments for Christmas, which I think are really fun and heirloom quality. With hundreds of options, Hallmark has a Christmas ornament for everyone. There are ones for football fans, bird lovers, Disney addicts, and more!

Phone Case

Everyone has a friend that has a perpetually cracked phone screen or frequently drops their phone. Help your peeps out by giving a cute, protective phone case and screen protector to save them hundreds in replacement screens and phones, and fits their personality as well!

Amazon Prime

With a massive library of music, movies, tv shows and more, an Amazon Prime subscription is a great present. Plus, they can get free shipping on Prime items, so it’s a money saving gift as well!

Car Emergency Kit 

It’s surprising how many people are unprepared for a roadside emergency. Give yourself and your loved one peace of mind by giving her a roadside emergency car kit. Another unusual gift suggestion but one that could really help your friend or family member in a time of need. 

Keurig 

I think a Keurig is a fantastic gift for anyone in your life. It’s prefect for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate lovers. We have one I gave my husband for Valentine’s Day, and it’s used multiple times a day. 

K Cups

K Cups are a great gift to give with a Keurig or to someone that already has a Keurig. They have so many different brands, flavors, and types of drinks that there is an option for every gal on your gift list. 

Personalized Coasters

Slate coasters, photo coasters, leather coasters, wood coasters, cork coasters. Whew, who knew there were so many types of coasters! Personalize a set of coasters and some mugs and you’ve got yourself a great gift set to give. 

Pajamas

Pajamas. Specifically PajamaGram pajamas. They are so comfy, so cozy, such good quality, and they cute! I got matching pajamas for Christmas last year for myself, my husband, and our dog (yes, even our dog!). We were just sitting on the couch the other day when he commented on how comfortable they are, and he is still wearing them after a year so I think he approves, and I definitely approve! 

Bath Bombs 

I love bath bombs. They smell fantastic and make it feel like you’re having some sort of fancy spa day in your house, and that spa day feeling is a perfect gift to give. 

Jewelry Organizer 

You can never have too much jewelry, but it can be too unorganized. Giving her a jewelry organizer can be a very practical and cute gift. You can purchase many different designs and colors of them to suit the personality of the lady in your life and help her get her jewelry in order. 

With over 75 gift ideas for her, I hope this post has given you many ideas for those “hard to shop for” ladies in your life! Happy shopping!

Have you got more shopping to do? Check out our gift guides for Mom, outdoorsmen, kids, dogs, and more!

Gift Ideas for Snowmachiners, Skiers, Snowboarders, and Other Winter Sport Enthusiasts

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Out for a December ride.

Winter is fast approaching, and there are few people more excited than snowmachiners (or snowmobilers as some of you may refer to them), skiers, snowboarders, and winter sport lovers to see that snow fly. If you know one of these people, or maybe you are one of those people, you know that they’re hobbies (or lifestyles!) that can take up your whole winter. And with big hobbies like that come lots of gear.

Luckily, hobbies like that make gift giving much easier. If you are looking for a birthday, Christmas, or any other gift, you can always look at that person’s favorite activities and get gift giving ideas from there. In the case of winter sport lovers, there are a variety of gift ideas listed below, from smaller stocking stuffers to more pricy gifts, to help you find a present that any winter sport enthusiast will use and love.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Rakuten
Before you order any of these gifts, be sure to use Rakuten to earn money back. If you shop through their store links you can earn money back on your purchases and get a rebate. Plus, if you use this link, you can earn $10+ on your first purchase of $25 or more!

Socks
When your feet are cold, all of you is cold. Warm feet can be the difference between riding all day and packing it up after an hour. Giving someone the gift of toasty feet with these socks is both thoughtful and useful.

Gloves
The same goes for gloves as it does for socks. Warm hands make for a better day outdoors, and these gloves will keep any outdoor lover toasty warm.

HotHands
To add even more warmth and comfort to the adventure, add some HotHands to the mix and keep you hands, feet, and body warm.

Coffee Card
Now why would you want to give a coffee card if you’re giving a gift to someone who is going to be out in the middle of nowhere all winter? Well, they are going to come home at some point, and when the do it’s nice to have a delicious, warm drink to wrap up a day of winter activities, so why not give the gift of a tasty treat.

Shovel
Get your friend or family member a shovel? Yes. A shovel. Why? Because if they are having any sort of fun out in the snow, there is a solid chance they will get stuck. And not just a little stuck, but break- out-the-shovel stuck. And when they take that shovel out, they’ll think of the awesome person who gave them such a wonderful and useful gift. You’re welcome. 😉 Annnnd, this shovel has a little bonus inside too!

Goggles
If your giftee doesn’t have goggles, or maybe they have ones that need to be replaced, goggles are a great thing to give. They are necessary to keep from getting frostbite, keep your eyes safe from branches, weather and other obstacles, and to help you see. And if you get these 509 ones, you can even get different lenses, which can be a whole other gift in itself!

Goggle Lenses
Honestly, I didn’t even know there was such a variety of lenses you could put into goggles until my husband asked for them for Christmas one year. You can get a variety of colors to help you see better in various conditions, and you can even get heated ones!

Goggle Case
Sticking with our goggle theme, let’s talk about goggle case. You may think this is a little ridiculous, but keeping gear protected and organized will help your friend or family member get many more years out of their gear and save money in the long run, so it’s really a pretty great and practical gift.

Balaclava/Gator
Frostbite. Windburn. Sunburn. It’s really best to avoid all that fun stuff. One way to help prevent those problems is by using a balaclava and/or gator. These help everyone stay comfortable, warm, and prevent the problems listed above, and who doesn’t want that?!

GoPro
Give you friend or family member the gift of documentation with a GoPro. Stick it on a helmet and ride away, recording all the memories of the day to share with friends and family later.

Helmet
Hopefully they already have one, but if they don’t or if the one they have needs to be replaced, a helmet is a great gift to give.

Avalanche Beacon
Show them you care by giving a gift that will keep them safe such as an avalanche beacon. Also, recommend that they take a backcountry safety class so they know how to properly use their gear in case of an emergency.

Avalanche Airbag
Definitely one of the pricier gifts on the list, but also one of the most important. This is another gift that will hopefully never get used (you don’t often give a gift like that!), but incase they ever need one, an avalanche airbag is a great gift to give.

Garmin inReach
While we’re on the topic of safety, check out the Garmin inReach. I’ve got a complete review of it to check out here.

Muffpot
“Ummm, what the heck is a Muffpot,” you may ask. Well, a Muffpot is a magical cooking device. Basically, it’s like the Instant Pot but for a snowmachine. Put it on the snowmachine exhaust, pop the food in, drive for a bit, and voila, warm food!

Backcountry Fuel Box
A subscription box for a snowmachiner? Yup, you read that right. While Backcountry Fuel Box is not targeted at riders, this would make a perfect gift for them. With easy, lightweight, to-go snacks, meals, drink mixes, and money saving deals in every box, this gift will please any recipient.

Jetboil
A warm drink and a hot meal are an added bonus to any ride and will keep you full and energized throughout the day. If you aren’t familiar with Jetboils, it basically explains the gist of it in the name; it boils water incredibly fast so you can be having hot drinks and preparing hydrated food in a jif. This is super handy to have on any outdoor adventure and can be brought along while on a snowmachine ride to help fix up a quick meal. You can even heat up some of the Backcountry Fuel Box items using a Jetboil! Don’t forget the fuel cans as well!

Doing laps on a bluebird day.

Mountain House
Delicious dehydrated meals that can be heated up using the Jetboil, Mountain House meals will fill a hungry belly and are easy to pack in a backpack or snowmachine bag. They are good to have with incase a ride runs longer than expected as well, so riders will have enough food incase of an emergency or delay.

Gift Card
If you’re not sure what to give, a gift card is always a good idea. Amazon has tons of items that would make great gifts for the snowmachiner in your life, and they can find many useful items to take with them riding.

Amazon Prime
Snowmachiners can never have too much gear, and with that comes many, many online orders. Give the gift of saving money to your friend or family member by giving them an Amazon Prime subscription. With free shipping on the gear they order (which will save them a ton!), access to tv shows, movies, music and more, an Amazon Prime membership is guaranteed to made anyone happy.

Now that you’ve got some shopping ideas for your winter sport enthusiasts, it’s time to get to shopping before that snow flies!

Check out this article for more gift ideas for outdoor lovers!

Looking for stocking stuffer ideas? Click here for our stocking stuffer gift guide!

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide

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Picking out the perfect gifts for your friends and family can be difficult. Will they like it, will they use it, is it within your price range? And then there’s stocking stuffers. It’s always fun to find unique and helpful gifts to fill those stockings or to give as small gifts, but it’s usually hard to do that. In the gift guide below, you’ll find a stocking suffer or gift for everyone on your list!

Before you start shopping, check out this link for Rakuten to get money back on your purchases and earn a bonus for joining. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Amazon Prime free trial!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

  • HotHands-Help your friends and family keep their hand and feet toasty warm with some HotHands.
  • Flashlight-Good for emergencies, winter walks, and more!
  • First Aid Kit–Keep your friends and family safe and prepared with this comprehensive first aid kit that they can keep at home, in the car, or while traveling.
  • Books–Give someone a break from the screen with a good book!
  • Gloves-This the season for colder weather, so gloves will always come in handy!
  • Hand Lotion–Dry winter weather can do a number on your hands, so giving a gift that keeps them nice and moisturized is both thoughtful and useful!
  • Hat-Keep their noggin nice and warm with a good hat.
  • Socks-You wear them everyday, so why not give them as a gift? Useful and fun!
  • Notebook–It may seem like an odd stocking stuffer, but you can use this notebook on outdoor adventures since it works in the rain!
  • Boxers-Boxers? Really? Yes, really. Underwear may seem like an odd stocking stuffer, but he will definitely thank you for these ones!
  • Jerky-Who doesn’t love a good snack?
  • Neck Gaiter-During winter walks, shoveling driveways, or going to the store, a neck gaiter will come in handy.
  • Fishing Tackle-A small and relatively inexpensive gift that will make long lasting memories when it’s used.
  • Lip Balm-Useful everyday, and you can get it in fun colors and flavors. Who wouldn’t want that?!
  • Windproof Lighter–Good for anything from emergency kits to camping trips.
  • Magazine Subscription–Whether in paper or on a Kindle, it’s always fun to learn new things, read stories, and see pictures of different places in a good, old fashioned magazine.
  • Tool Kit–There’s always little projects or things to fix around the house, and it’s handy to have a little tool kit to keep in your drawer for unexpected chores.
  • Movies-Eveyone likes a good movie or tv show, so why not give one as a gift? Whether it’s comedy, a documentary, or action, there’s a good DVD for everyone.
  • Headlamp–Useful for any outdoor activity, a headlamp is the perfect gift and fits easily in stockings!
  • Pocket Knife–Something everyone needs is a good pocket knife. And when will it come more in handy then during Christmas when they’re opening gifts!
  • Hallmark Ornaments-You can really find an ornament for anyone on your list from Hallmark. I love collecting them and giving them, as they are fun to collect and bring cheer every year!

Hopefully this stocking stuffer gift guide has given you some helpful ideas to help fill those Christmas stockings with goodies that will be used throughout the year!