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A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Muir Woods National Monument With a Toddler

Muir Woods National Monument

When we booked a last-minute weekend trip to the Bay Area recently, we had only two must-dos on our list besides seeing our family. One of them was visiting Muir Woods National Monument. We’ve been fans of redwood trees for a long time as nature lovers, so we couldn’t wait to see them in person.

Muir Woods recently enacted a new parking and shuttle service, which means you must make a parking or shuttle reservation BEFORE your visit. I am glad my great aunt told me about this new rule, because I was able to log on the website and book a spot for the earliest slot available, 8 a.m. You must arrive during your 30-minute arrival window but you can stay in the park as long as you’d like until the park closes at sunset. The drive from where we were staying in the Union City area was about 45 minutes. Tip: Print or screenshot directions to the park and your reservation ahead of time because service is limited in the area.

The lot attendants will scan the barcode on your reservation (which you can show on your phone) and then you are free to park and enter Muir Woods. You can add an alternate name to your reservation. Admission to the national park was $10 per adult in addition to the $8 parking fee. Tip: Arrive early to explore the woods with few people around. It gets more crowded as the day goes on and the lots fill up.

We took the Hillside Trail loop around the park and it was easy enough for pregnant person and 3-year-old to do. Take your time and admire the views of the majestic trees. Note: This is a quiet trail. If your toddler can’t be quiet for long enough, it may not be the best idea, although we encountered plenty of adults who couldn’t abide by this rule, while V could.

In the middle of the loop we branched off to check out the beginning of the trail into the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park. We ventured too far into the state park because we were starting to work up an appetite, but it’s worth a side trip while at Muir Woods. Next we went to the cafe for lunch. The choices were a bit limited (most of the salads were sold out), but I we chose from what was left, ordering an egg salad sandwich, a PB&J and a hot dog. Most (if not all) of the options are organic, grass fed and made with local ingredients, though. We also made a pit stop in the gift shop to continue our tradition of picking up an ornament on our travels.

 

You can easily spend an entire day here, but we decided to also check out nearby Muir Beach. It’s only 3 miles down the same road as the park. We were told we’d have to circle around looking for parking, but we lucked out and found a spot immediately. It was super full and a line was forming by the time we left, though, so arrive early! V enjoyed playing at the edge of the water. A man nearby was blowing bubbles for the kiddos, and she also really liked that. It was a nice little day trip.

 

Have you visited Muir Woods National Monument or Muir Beach?

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Toddler-Friendly Visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

 

There’s plenty for families to do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You can still take in the sites and explore with a toddler. We recently spent a day visiting the park for our second time. (Our first trip to the island of Hawaii was in 2014 on our honeymoon.) You could spend days here, or you can squeeze in quite a bit of adventure in just part of one day.

What we did at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a toddler:

  • Thurston Lava Tube. Though the walk is somewhat dark, it was easy for V to walk through it. It isn’t long at all. (You can find other lava tubes to visit, but they might not be suitable for toddlers.) Hold your toddler’s hand in any wet areas. Rain boots wouldn’t be a bad idea.
  • Admire the craters/views from the viewpoints. Bring snacks and water!
  • Drive to sea arch and grab ice pops from the stand next to the ranger station. Along the drive you can stop and see the craters and lava rocks. At the end of the drive you park and walk toward the sea arch. It isn’t a long walk. You have to keep an eye on your children here because the barrier wall does not extend all the way. Then grab some popsicles for $6 each (It’s worth it on a hot day.) for the drive back. There are restrooms here as well.
  • Lunch at Volcano House. We admired a view of the volcano from our table. Our toddler loved looking out the window at the smoke.

Have you been to the Big Island or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

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Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in HawaiiSomehow we tend to luck out when booking tours on vacation. We have at several times arrived to discover we are the only people with reservations, meaning we essential get a private outing! This is what happened with our whale watching tour through Kona Ocean Adventures. I was expecting a small group of six, including us, but we were pleasantly surprised!

In addition to seeing lava, I really wanted to spot some whales during our Hawaii trip. They migrate to the Hawaiian islands from November to about April, so we’ve never seen them during our trips; all of my visits to Hawaii have been in September.

I had no idea what to expect from our whale watching tour. I was told that if we happen to not see any whales we could go back out with them another day, so that made me nervous that the tour wouldn’t be worth the $130 per person price tag.

But we got so much more than we were expecting, though I wasn’t able to capture much of it on my camera. (More on that later.)

The first part of the tour involved heading away from shore for a while. I will say I was not expecting how bumpy it would be, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to ride on a boat while pregnant. You can always ask them to go a bit slower, though.

We quickly spotted a whale and her calf.

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

 

Then we heard a call over the radio that there was a manta ray feeding frenzy nearby. Our captain asked if we were interested in seeing it and we quickly said yes. When we arrived, she asked if G wanted to swim with them, too. He quickly grabbed his snorkeling gear and jumped in the water. The captain gives tips on how to swim with them. The mantas are used to people, from what we were told. I, too, quickly got into the water to peek underneath the surface and see them swim from afar. It’s an incredible sight!

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

After a while, we moved on. We next heard a radio call about spinner dolphins and instantly said yes to seeing them, too. Only one other boat had discovered the dolphins, so it was not crowded with people at all. It was amazing! I have never in my life seen so many dolphins at once, and they were quite active!

I had to take the opportunity to swim with them as well. As soon as you pop your head underwater you can hear them. You might even hear whales nearby as well. We spent quite a bit of time snorkeling here, though I only lasted a few minutes. In my current pregnant state I don’t have the energy to swim for as long as before, though using a noodle helps.

Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii Whale Watching Plus Snorkeling With Dolphins and Manta Rays in Hawaii

After our dolphin snorkel we went back to whale watching. We traveled pretty far north of the coast and even made it to where we could see Maui! This is where we spotted a breaching whale from afar. I was unable to capture photos because it happens to quickly and unexpectedly.

We also saw a shark fin!

As you can see, our whale watching was much more than just whales. It went from a two-hour tour to one that lasted more than three hours! However, had we not also been able to snorkel I would not have thought this was worth the money. But the unexpected adventures made this adventure worth it! It’s one of our favorite memories of the trip!

Have you been on a whale watching tour?

Note: If you’re pregnant you should check with your doctor about what is safe for you to do. Every pregnancy and person is different.

Watch a video of our whale watching and snorkeling tour:

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau | Kid- and Vegetarian-Friendly Option in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

 

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

When choosing a family-friendly activity to do on the Big Island, a luau was an easy option. Why? It can keep a toddler entertained! We selected the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

A bonus is that you don’t need to pay for a separate ticket for children who are 5 and younger! (Tickets for adults were $72 each for us.)

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

To be honest, I don’t really think I need to go to another luau in Hawaii every time I visit, but it’s good for first-timers and kids. We didn’t upgrade our seats to the front tables, but I found that it wasn’t necessary. We could see just fine. My only complaint: We were the last table to grab our food. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem but I’m pregnant, so I am constantly hungry! Actually, I would probably still be hungry even if not pregnant, who am I kidding?

Tip: Arrive early to check into the luau. People were in line by 4:15, even though the confirmation tells you to arrive by 4:45. General seating is first come, first served.

Another bonus is that a luau experience can cater to meat and veggie eaters alike.

What to eat as a pescatarian/vegetarian at Voyagers of the Pacific Luau:

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

You might not think a luau is the place to go if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, but it’s possible to eat well at one. This is what I ate as a pescatarian/mostly vegetarian at the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau:

  • Garden salad
  • Potato mac salad
  • Hawaiian sweet roll
  • Three-bean salad
  • Island fish (for pescatarians)
  • Hawaii sweet potato
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Coconut cake
  • Pineapple upside-down cake

Note: The website says they can prepare a gluten-free or vegan option if notified 24 hours in advance.

After the show, which lasts until 8 p.m., you can purchase your souvenir arrival photo for $20 if you want, but we skipped that. You can also take photos with the dancers. V really wanted to see two of them, and we were happy to do so.

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Have you been to a luau in Hawaii? What did you think?

Watch our video of the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau:

 

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Related posts:

Royal Lahaina Luau, Maui
Exploring Hilo, Hawaii

 

Lava and Rainforests Adventure with Paradise Helicopters

** This post has been sponsored by Paradise Helicopters of Hawaii. All opinions and images are my own.

Big Island Hawaii Lava and Rainforests Adventure with Paradise Helicopters

I’ve crossed off something that’s been on my bucket list for a long time during our Big Island vacation: seeing lava! During our honeymoon in 2014 Graham and I had hoped to see the lava but we weren’t able to; at the time it wasn’t flowing toward the ocean and we could only see the crater and billowing smoke at an overlook in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Thanks to Paradise Helicopters, which sponsored my ticket for the Lava and Rainforests Adventure tour, I was finally able to make that dream a reality!

Our Lava and Rainforests Helicopter Tour on Big Island of Hawaii:

I have been looking forward to our 45-minute doors-on helicopter tour with Paradise Helicopters from Hilo Airport for months! At the time of booking, we had planned to stay in Hilo for a night or two, but we eventually decided to only stay on the Kona side of the island. That meant that we awoke bright and early one morning for our one and a half hour drive to Hilo. The directions were simple: Park in Hilo Airport’s main terminal public parking and the check-in desk is directly across the street under the Paradise Helicopters sign. Hilo Airport is small, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding Lobby 2. They first weigh each member of the party (wearing anything you’re bringing on the tour, like your camera) and then you hear the safety restrictions. You are free to use the restroom or hang out in the lounge while you wait for the safety briefing, during which you learn how to wear use your headset, plus hear other important information about where to walk on the runway, as well as many volcano puns. haha (FYI: You may not bring extendable camera sticks!) The briefing includes a seat assignment; our flight was scheduled to have four passengers.

After our safety briefing we had some sad news: Our tour was canceled because of bad weather that was hampering visibility in the area where we would be flying to see the lava. Tip: Try to plan your Paradise Helicopters tour in the beginning of your trip so that you can reschedule for another time or day if needed because of the weather, which is ever-changing and unpredictable.

Don’t worry, though, we were able to rebook for Sunday morning! Plus, when we arrived back at check-in we found out we would be the only passengers on our flight. At the last minute we decided to make it a partial doors-off tour to appease the birthday guy in our group. 😉 I requested to keep my door on because I am terrified of heights! The ground crew was so nice and helpful, and V didn’t seem afraid at all as they buckled her into her seat.

 

 

 

Paradise Helicopters in Hilo, Hawaii
Be sure to walk along the painted lines as you head toward the helicopter. Follow the instructions from the ground crew.
Doors-Off Helicopter Tour of Hawaii Lava and Rainforests
A doors-off Paradise Helicopters tour was also leaving from Hilo Airport at the same time.

Our pilot Pete flew us south toward and over the various lava flows that have occurred over the years before we made it to the active crater.

It’s amazing to see how the trees are left lying on the black hardened lava rock.

You can also see a portion of a road that is still visible after it was cut off from the rest of the island during a lava flow.

Old Hawaii Road Cut Off By Lava

 

I was in awe of the patches of forest I would see among the black rock.

Hawaii Lava Rock and Rainforest

Lava is currently erupting from Kīlauea at its summit and from the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent on the East Rift Zone. The lava activity is constantly changing, so if seeing the lava flow into the ocean is your goal, be aware that it isn’t always happening. The Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park website constantly provides updates. As you can see in the video and photos I took, lava flow is scattered across the plains.

Seeing the red snaking lava flow was surreal.

Lava Helicopter Tour with Paradise Helicopters

I was impressed our pilot could see the lava so easily in the brightness.

It’s a bit tricky to snap photos of the lava from a moving helicopter, but the pilot will circle around so you can get your shot.

Lava and Rainforests Adventure with Paradise Helicopters in Hawaii, Big Island

After circling the crater while listening to “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, we heading back north over the forests and toward the ocean. Our pilot wanted to fly over water since we had those handy floatation devices attached to us anyway. The remaining part of the helicopter tour was a flyover above Hilo and some of its waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls. We also passed over Hilo Bay and some of its surrounding hotels before heading back to Hilo Airport.

Lava and Rainforests Adventure with Paradise Helicopters, Big Island, Hawaii

Hilo Waterfalls from Paradise Helicopters Tour

FYI: You can tip the pilot and staff in envelopes at the check-in desk. Also, parking is not validated, so be prepared for that.

Tips for Paradise Helicopters tour with toddler and while pregnant:

  • Check with your doctor to make sure you are OK to fly. If you’re feeling nauseous you might not enjoy the flight and it may not be a good idea.
  • Be aware that the vibration of the helicopter could affect your lower back pain, if you have any. Again, check with your doctor.
  • Our toddler wanted to sit with me halfway through the flight and was sad she couldn’t. We should have asked which parent she wanted to sit with to avoid any crying.
  • It gets super windy, especially if you take the doors-off flight. Bring a jacket and wear pants and closed toe shoes!
  • A ground crew member will buckle the child into his/her seat, or you may do so if you’re more comfortable.
  • It’s best if your child can grasp how to use the microphone/headset system. V started crying because we couldn’t hear her until she figured out how to push to talk to us. Then she was happy!

 

 

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Is seeing the lava in Hawaii on your bucket list as well? Have you ever done a helicopter tour? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Connect with Paradise Helicopters:

Paradise Helicopter Tours Hawaii

Related post:

Exploring Hilo, Hawaii

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

I thought I wanted to sell our Phoenix condo, but visiting for the holidays reminded me how great the neighborhood is and how much I love it. One reason it’s so fun: It’s in the middle of the action, including pretty much all the major parade routes. We took in the Fiesta Bowl Parade the weekend after Christmas and were reminded about things that make Arizona so great.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

 

First, it looks like fall in the winter, but it’s 70 degrees and sunny.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

I love our sports teams.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Cacti are just so beautiful, and floats are fun, too.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

The crowd loves it when the volunteers spin the balloons, including my section, which would yell “Spin! Spin! Spin!”

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

The Fiesta Bowl helps the community.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

 

The more than two-hour parade has lots of fun floats.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

 

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

It wouldn’t be an Arizona parade without lots of horses.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

The marching bands are fun to watch.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

There’s always a flyover or two!

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

So many talented dancers and groups perform.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

And you’ll see some fun movie tie-ins.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

You’ll see local celebrities like the White Mountain Apache Rodeo Queen and attendants, and the Coyotes’ Shane Doan as the grand marshal.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Some floats and participants you see year to year, like Spirit the balloon and the Wells Fargo carriage.

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

Fiesta Bowl Parade 2017

 

Have you attended a bowl parade? What’s your favorite?

 

Related post:

Fiesta Bowl Fun in 2014

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Great Falls Park | Virginia Trip

Great Falls Park, Virginia

We spent much of our time catching up and eating when I visited my friend Charlsy in Virginia earlier this month, but we also did some exploring in the area, including visiting Great Falls Park on the last day of my weekend trip. Great Falls Park was an easy and less than 30 minute drive from Alexandria on the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Drive to Great Falls Park

It was a peaceful and scenic drive to the park, with one exception. We saw a near collision between a semi and what we thought was a hawk, which certainly got our hearts racing as we pulled into the Great Falls parking area. It was intense! By the way, the fee for parking/admission was $10.

It was a gorgeous, sunny day to walk along the trails and see the powerful Potomac River rushing below us. Great Falls Park separates Virginia and Maryland, and you can see beautiful fall foliage on either side. You can hear the power of the water, and you’ll see many signs warning you not to try to swim in it.

Great Falls Park, VirginiaGreat Falls Park, Virginia Great Falls Park, Virginia Great Falls Park, Virginia

Our walk was an easy stroll, but you can make the hike what you want. We stopped at the different viewpoints for photos and to take in the scenery. We even saw a brave soul rappelling. It’s also a good idea to bring along snacks or a picnic lunch!

Great Falls Park, Virginia Great Falls Park, Virginia

Great Falls Park makes a fun and quick day trip if you’re in the D.C. area and want to do more than visit national monuments. On our way back we stopped for ramen at Jinya in Fairfax, a perfect sendoff from my trip.

Have you visited Great Falls Park in Virginia?

Related post:

D.C./Virginia Eats | Vegetarian and Pescatarian Options

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D.C./Virginia Eats | Vegetarian and Pescatarian Options

 

After more than a year of not seeing my best friend Charlsy, I visited her in Alexandria, Va., for a short girls weekend with lots of D.C. and Virginia eats and catching up. I try to frequent only local eateries when I travel and we did plenty of that! Today I’m sharing my favorite D.C. and Alexandria area restaurants and what I ordered at each. Most of these restaurants are vegetarian friendly!

Duck Donuts, Alexandria

Duck Donuts was my favorite local discovery. It’s a doughnut place where you can order custom doughnuts! You pick which frosting, topping and drizzle you’d like and you get it just minutes later hot out of the oven/doughnut maker. I immediately daydreamed about opening up my own franchise! haha We liked our doughnuts so much that we came back every day of my trip and I brought one back to Chicago for Graham. (Shoutout to the TSA for not making me throw it out or eat it right there in line!) You could buy single doughnuts, a couple, or get a half or full dozen.

We chose chocolate frosting and sprinkles and vanilla frosting and coconut flakes on our second visit to Duck Donuts.

Jinya Ramen Bar, Fairfax

I was in the mood for ramen and my friend recommended a perfect place in Fairfax, Va. Jinya Ramen Bar lets you order just about any type of ramen you could crave. I went with the spicy vegan ramen and wasn’t disappointed. I only wish I would have skipped the spinach, which becomes a bit too mushy for my taste. The broth was creamy, spicy and delicious! You can also order a noodle refill for $2! This particular ramen comes with thick noodles but you can order some with thin noodles as well. In addition to ramen you can order small plates, rice bowls, salads and appetizers.

The Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen from Jinya Ramen Bar was a filling lunch.

Busboys and Poets, Arlington

I also really enjoyed Busboys and Poets, where we went for dinner one night. (They have various locations; we visited the Shirlington restaurant.) You can find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options here, but I was craving a crab cake sandwich with spicy mayo instead of the tartar sauce it normally comes with. It also is served with fries, but I was content with my sandwich. I also enjoyed the hummus and pita appetizer we shared. I highly recommend this restaurant! It’s more than just an eatery; various events are also held here. According to its website, “Busboys and Poets is a community gathering place. First established in 2005, Busboys and Poets was created by owner Anas ‘Andy’ Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist, activist and restaurateur.” My friend mentioned that campaign events are sometimes held here.

I asked for spicy mayo instead of tartar sauce for my crab cake sandwich at Busboys and Poets.

 

Epic Smokehouse, Arlington

Epic Smokehouse, as the name implies, is all about the meats and was probably the least vegetarian-friendly restaurant we visited, but they adjusted a popular dish for me and it was mouthwatering! I ordered the Mr. H, which typically has two fried corn tortillas with chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs and home fries topped with creamy cheese sauce and fire roasted EPIC sauce. I obviously ordered mine without the chorizo sausage and I added avocado. So good! They also have bottomless mimosas for brunch, in case you’re not pregnant like me and can partake! The restaurant has a Kentucky vibe and would be the perfect place to order a bourbon with your meal.

The Mr. H. was adjusted to take out the sausage and add avocado. It comes with potatoes.

 

What have been you favorite recent local eats? Share them with me in the comments!

Related post:

Chicago Eats

 

 

October Favorites | November Plans

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Floradise.


October was a loooong month for me. It seemed to drag on forever, partly because I was having uncomfortable symptoms for most of the month. Luckily, the end of October brought some relief thanks to my focus on self-care and family. Here are my October favorites,  the items I loved last month because they helped me start feeling like myself again!

My October Favorites:

Bump Box: My friend surprised me with this first trimester box as soon as I told her we were expecting. She was the first friend I told, thus she was one of maybe two people who knew about my symptoms so early on. When I opened the box and saw a new package of Preggie Pops I was thrilled because I had just ran out of mine. Preggie Pops are the real favorite because they have been helpful in relieving my morning sickness (for the most part). The box also contained other goodies, like a water bottle, a bath bomb and an anti-nausea drink mix. I didn’t use the anti-nausea bracelet or the belly stickers, but I appreciated the gesture of sending a box.

Sweater Weather three-wick candle: To be honest I am not obsessed with every Bath and Body Works three-wick candle scent. Sweater Weather (sage, juniper berry, eucalyptus, fresh woods) is one of the few I actually enjoy. I am also currently burning Tis the Season, which smells like rich red apple, sweet cinnamon and cedarwood. (Too soon?)

IZZE Sparkling Juice Clementine drinks: I recently rediscovered this drink and have since craved it constantly, though I’m trying to stick to water as much as possible. It’s refreshing and sweet and so good!

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub: I just picked this up but it’s already a favorite. It tastes so good and leaves my lips soft. Plus, it has that gentle tingle I enjoy in my lip balms.

Lush Rosy Cheeks Mask: This, too, is a new addition but I already love it. It smells amazing and left my face feeling ridiculously soft and moisturized. It wasn’t really exfoliating or anything, just a treat to use.  It has a nice cooling and soothing effect since it’s supposed to be kept in the fridge.

What products have you been loving?

What I’m excited about in November:

I’m really hoping this month brings more relief and a lot more fun!

I’m looking forward to:

  • Sharing the gender of our baby!
  • Seeing Johnnyswim perform in Chicago.
  • Visiting my friend Charlsy in Alexandria.
  • Celebrating Thanksgiving in Louisville.
  • Doing some Christmas shopping!

What are you excited about this month? What are your goals?

Thoughtful Gifts to Buy on Etsy

** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! 

All photos by their respective shops.

Etsy is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts. I like giving handmade, personalized items as much as possible because they are unique and thoughtful. It’s also a nice feeling when you can order from a smaller shop that really appreciates your business! I was recently browsing the site for holiday ideas when I found some nice gifts that could be given on their own or as part of larger presents.

For newlyweds (or people who just moved):

Custom Address Stamp from NoteTrunk: I ordered one of these for recently engaged friends this year, and I bought one for myself when Graham and I were engaged. This is also a nice housewarming gift for friends or family who recently moved. NoteTrunk offers a variety of cute designs!

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Buy this custom stamp and others at NoteTrunk on Etsy. Free shipping may only be for a limited time.

For pet lovers:

Custom Pet Ornament: EllaSketchArt paints a small portrait of your pet on a wooden ornament.  These are perfect for pet owners! I plan to buy one as a gift myself. Aren’t they adorable and thoughtful? (This shop is currently on a break but should be back soon.)
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For travelers:

Personalized luggage tags: This could be a birthday, holiday/Secret Santa or engagement gift! These could also be stocking stuffers. You can include a personalized message on what I believe is a vegan leather tag.

 

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For anyone/people who love to stay warm:

Sinking tea leaves knit hat from RET Handmade: My friend’s shop has all sorts of adorable scarves, hats and headbands. She has made me a headband and gave V and me cute Cubs blue scarves that we love. Plus, for every order she makes one to donate.

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For the wine drinker:
Personalized wine rack: This could be a housewarming, wedding gift, or birthday gift! It doesn’t necessarily need to be gifted to a couple, obviously. I know plenty of people who love and appreciate wine.
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What awesome gifts have you found on Etsy?

Related posts:

 

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