Gifts for Kids & Teens
I recommend this toy every year. Magna-Tiles are just the best thing ever! Leo and Lucy still play with their set nearly every day, building structures of all sorts. Not only are they fun to play with, the noise they make when you crash-down your masterpiece is thunderous. Such fun. Expensive, but worth every penny - because even adults love to build with Magna-Tiles... and it's math! I recommend the 100 piece set... and maybe a package of squares (you can never have enough square Magna-Tiles!) as a stocking-stuffer. Available at most good toy stores, big box retailers, and Amazon.com.Also consider:
A membership to their local zoo or children museum
A gift card to their favorite book shop
A gift card to their favorite ice cream or fro-yo shop
A gift card to an indoor batting cage or driving range
For the Foodie or Entertainer
Give your favorite RV cook a personalized cutting board from The Cutting Board Shop, available in maple, beech, or cherry, in three sizes, from $35.
Keep that bottle of wine for your picnic cold with a Vinglace wine chiller. Holds a bottle of wine or champagne, and keeps it cold for hours. Available in many colors and can be personalized. They also sell insulated wine glasses. Order from Vinglace or Amazon. Prices start at $90.
Show your team spirit while tailgating or grilling with grill tools from Sportula. Available in NCAA teams, NFL, MLB, NHL and Military logos, and available as a set or individual pieces can be purchased. The tools are Stainless Steel, the handles are Hard Maple, with Brass Rivets. Carved team graphics on cooking surface, bottle opener attached to handle. Stainless steel cooking surface. Officially licensed. Approximately 19 inches long. Not dishwasher safe. Available from Fanatics, The Grommet, and, of course, Amazon. From $19.95. (NOTE: Spatulas are currently on sale for $14.99 on the Fanatics website.)
The New York Times now charge for use of their incredible New York Times Cooking recipe collection, and this would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to cook. The charge is $40 for a year, and gives full access to the site, (on-line, tablet, or phone) and the opportunity build and save recipes for a personal collection. As long as you are on the Times website, maybe purchase a subscription to their crossword puzzles? I give this to DT every year for his birthday, and he completes every puzzle. The puzzles can be completed on-line, or via their app, or can be printed.Also consider:
A gift card to their favorite restaurant
A bottle of their favorite wine
A gift card to their favorite fancy grocer or kitchen shop
Voucher for a cooking class
For Anyone
Rafiki Bracelets are inspired by Maasai beading traditions in Kenya, handmade with love by extraordinary, talented women who are beading their way to a brighter future for themselves and their families. Available in a wide range of styles and colors, Rafikis make a wonderful gift for anyone, any budget and any occasion. With every Rafiki purchased, give one of five life-changing impacts in a developing community—education, water, health, food or financial opportunity. Starting at $10.
Tired of cords and charger cables flailing all over your house or RV? Order a set of classy leather magnetic cord keepers from Leatherology. Available in 16 colors, and they can be monogrammed. If you have a traveler on your gift list, Leatherology offer luggage tags, passport covers, travel wallets, cosmetic pouches, toiletry kits and jewelry cases in amazing colors. Most everything can be monogrammed.
Your favorite mom or grandmother would love this bracelet! Each adjustable band holds a crystal in the color of a birthstone, along with a delicate leaf stamped with the child's initial. (I have one, and wear it every day... even though both my grandchildren were born in August - peridot - and both names begin in "L"!) Available from Delezhen on Etsy. They start at $23. The charms are also available on a necklace (silver or gold, in various lengths), starting at $29. Either way, a lovely gift.
For the Traveler or Camper
SMMade, an Etsy shop, sell cute hand-stamped key chains in several fun RV styles: Happy Camper, Home is Where We Park It, Adventure Ahead, and another about the black tank needing to be dumped. Pure High Grade Aluminum. $8.95-$12.50.
National Parks Pass - good for one year, or lifetime pass for seniors. Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter Federally operated recreation sites across the country. Covers the pass owner and three accompanying adults age 16 and older. Don't forget to order one for yourself. $80.
If you know a camper who needs to control their fire pit with a smart phone, look at the fancy new BioLite fire pit. The portable pit uses wood or charcoal, and a battery-operated fan controls the heat/smoke, and includes a rack for grilling. The battery pack doubles as a USB charger. Carry bag sold separately. Available from BioLite or at Amazon. $199.95
The Coleman 360° Sound & Light LED Lantern is perfect for entertaining family and friends during outdoor gatherings. The 2-in-1 device offers a full 360° of light and the wireless capability of a Bluetooth speaker, so you can enjoy your favorite playlist long after the sun has set. With up to 400 lumens of hands-free light, weather-resistant materials, and IPX4 water resistance, the lantern serves as a crucial component of camping gear, and a great piece for backyard entertaining. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a USB port for charging makes it easy to pack up and go, and stay powered along the way. Its battery allows for up to seven hours of light at its highest setting, or five hours of light while streaming music on its Bluetooth speaker. Available at Amazon - around $45.
Also consider:
Tickets to a ball game or concert
Gift certificate to their favorite campground or RV park
Gas card
Gift card to Camping World
Gifts for Pets
Designed by the same engineering team behind all of Casper’s sleep products, the dog mattress is a universally comfortable sleep surface for our four-legged friends. Casper combined their mattress-making know-how with extensive dog-centered research to create a sleep environment that caters to canines’ natural behaviors. Available in 3 sizes and 3 colors; $125-$225 from Casper. Also consider:
A gift card to a dog walking service
Gift certificate for dog grooming
Offer to dog sit
Until my next update, I remain, your gifted correspondent.