Pretty Real

36 Easter Basket Fillers for Big Kids and Teens

2026-03-06T11:07:00.000-05:00

Can you believe Easter is just around the corner?! I've rounded up a bunch of fun Easter basket fillers for your kids, but a caveat: Turns out the gift guides are growing up along with my kids so these gifts are geared toward older kids and teens. I've shared a quick note about each item- many of which we have- in the list below and included an asterik for items under $10. There are definitely items on both lists that are gender neutral so make sure to peruse them both!

Easter Basket Fillers for Big Kid and Teens Boys:

* Denotes UNDER $10!

*Jack Links x Mr. Beast Beef Sticks. $8.99. NGL, Dax is a sucker for Mr. Beast branding. Luckily the products tend to be high quality. I put them in his Valentine's Day basket and he ate 'em up!

Mighty Patch, the Original. $12. I can't even believe we're to this point with Dax. Genevieve swears by these. And you know I love a personal care item posing as a gift.

*Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy Seal Way. $9.99. Dax loves this series! We found him in his room doing push ups after reading book 1 and that was enough for us. And we're super excited that it's being adapted into a move starring Chris Pratt.

Rechargeable Book Light. $12.99. Dax recently asked for a book light. This one looks sleek and is well reviewed.

*Perfectly Logical. Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids. $6.14. I love to add a book or something educational to their baskets. This one looks fun. I ordered it- I'll report back!

Kawaii Airpod Case. $14.99. All of my kids have a version of these- super fun and unique.

Shark Slippers. $29.95. The kids loved their shark slides so when I saw these I had to add them to the list. So cute and fun!

*Magnetic Fidget Toy. $9.99. Ok at first I thought these were overpriced until I read the reviews. Many fidgets fall apart almost instantly but these seem to be well made. I ordered these too so I'll report back!

Rectangular Polarized Sports Glasses. $16.99. These sporty glasses come in tons of color combos.

Butterfly Knife/Balisong Trainer. $15.99. This was probably one of Dax's favorite Christmas gifts. It's a fun hobby and one they can take anywhere. Dax watched tutorials on YouTube to learn the tricks. It's funny to watch other boys or teens watch when we're out and he's using it.

Crocs Unisex Clogs. $32.95. The feeling you get when they choose a color and it's priced lower than the others AND a color you also like. Win/Win. Dax doesn't love flip flops so Crocs it is.

Men's Swim Trunks with Compression Liner. $26.39. These come in tons of fun patterns. They're men trunks but run small- suitable for bigger boys/teens. (Dax wears a medium in these and an XXL in boys).

*Squishy Carrot. $9.99. (Or $5.99 if you can find it in stock here). These big squishies were all the rage at a birthday party Nadia attended recently. So fun and satisfying.

Emotional Support Crinkle Fries. $13.92. Dax had the pizza version of these on his Christmas list and I didn't think it mattered much. Until he opened it and was elated. ha. They have a memory foam type texture and are pretty cute.

*Gel Air Freshener. $3.99. If you have a driver, he'll appreciate this.

Lotus Flower Lego Set. $12.34. Dax loves these quick Lego sets.

*Mini First Aid Kit. $9. Whether you have an adventurer or a driver, a first aid kit is always a good idea.

Colorful iPhone Charger. $9. We always need them. They might as well be cute.

iPhone Case with Lens Cover. $12

Silicone Suction Phone Mount/Case. $6.97 When I tell you this little thing is amazing. It sticks to everything- a kitchen cabinet while making a recipe, a sign while out and taking a pic, the window for the best light for an indoor photo....I don't know how my girls found out about it but it's so useful.

Easter Basket Fillers for Big Kid and Teen Girls

*Denotes UNDER $10

Roller Rabbit for Target Matching Family Sleepwear. $25. Drops 3/7! Love these pjs! Roller Rabbit is such a cute brand and I love the Target collab that makes it's more accessible. If you want to spend even less, Genevieve has these cute PJs which are similar.

Lululemon Water Bottle. $19. There are a bunch of water bottles on sale right now and this is one of them! Genevieve has it and it's super cute.

*Starface Lift Off Blackhead Remover. $5.83. Make gross things, cute. (Ordered for myself).

Comfort Slides. $14.98. Genevieve has these and they're perfect for the pool or for running in and out of the house.

Volleyball Necklace. $14. Available in other sports too- fun and cute for your athlete.

*Rechargeable Book Light. $8 Comes in fun colors and is perfect for reading real books. (We do both books and kindle).

Retro Trendy Sunglasses. $15.99. I got Genevieve a pair of these for Christmas and they're SO cute on her! They're the exact size and shape of a designer pair she loves. Plus they come in tons of colors.

*Roller Rabbit x Olive and June Press On Nails. $9.99. Dropping 3/7- so many fun spring finds!

*Car Air Fresheners with Christian Messages. $8.99. These are adorable! Genevieve had them on her 'new car' wishlist and I've never added anything to cart so fast. They smell great and aren't overpowering.

Sol de Janeiro Perfume Jelly Balm. $26. New product alert! Anything by this brand for teens is a safe bet.

Sleepy Bunny Slippers. $24.95. How adorable are these? They look so cozy and are perfect for spring when the mornings are still cool and for summer when the a/c is on. Ours will be here in a few days- I'll make sure to show you!

*Colorful Charger. $9 We always need them. They might as well be cute.

Roller Rabbit x Target Soft Roll Jewelry Case. $20. Love this one too- Add it to your favorites so you can be ready to shop when it drops.

*Mini First Aid Kit. $5.99. Whether you have an adventurer or a driver, a first aid kit is always a good idea.

Mighty Patch, the Original. $12. Genevieve swears by these. And you know I love a personal care item posing as a gift.

Kawaii Cartoon Airpod Case. $14 Both of the girls have a version of this (Genevieve has a nutella one 😂)

Lotus Flower Lego Set. $12.34. If you have a builder, this fun set is so cute! You can even put it in a vase!

Bunny Slippers. $24.95 Nadia's going to love these funny and sweet slippers. They come in bigger sizes too!

*Squishy Carrot. $9.99. (Or $5.99 if you can find it in stock here). These big squishies were all the rage at a birthday party Nadia attended recently. So fun and satisfying.

*Phone Case. $8.99. Nadia has this one and it's just so cute! It comes in lots of pretty and on-trend colors.

*Silicone Suction Phone Mount/Case. $6.97 When I tell you this little thing is amazing. It sticks to everything- a kitchen cabinet while making a recipe, a sign while out and taking a pic, the window for the best light for an indoor photo....I don't know how my girls found out about it but it's so useful.

Thank you to BunnySlippers.com for sponsoring this post.

If you liked this post, check these out:

Easter Basket Fillers for Big Kids and Teens

26 Easter Basket Fillers, Including my Go-Tos

23 Fun Easer Basket Gift Ideas

2025 Gift Guides for Everyone on Your List

2025-11-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving week! So that you have them all in one place, I'm sharing all of the gift guides in one post for easy shopping. I love to curate gift guides because a) it's like shopping without shopping, and more importantly b) I hear from so many of you that the Pretty Real Gift Guides are helpful, realistic, and fun! And bonus- so much of it is on sale during Black Friday week! A few gifts I grabbed early are now on sale. Below you'll find gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, gift ideas for teen boys and girls, gift ideas for older boys/preteens, gift ideas for elementary age boys and girls (some of the gifts for girls are young elementary), family gift ideas, and gift ideas for senior age parents. phew! Check them all out here:

Underneath each guide, you'll find the link to the original post which has notes, indicates which items we personally have, has links to similar past guides, and some of which have widgets which make it easier to shop!

Visit the full guide for a few notes. So far, this is the top seller.

Paint by Sticker Kids: Unicorns & Magic | Block Print Travel Pouch | LEGO Bluey: Bluey’s Family House | Sorel Children's Explorer lll Lace Boot | mibasies Kids Purse | Pegasus Weighted Plush Kids' Throw Pillow Pink | Hello Kitty Mini Kids Digital Camera & Video Camcorder | Ivy and Bean's Treasure Box: Beginning Chapter Books | Cute Animals: Coquette Inspired Bold and Easy Coloring Book | Jellycat Jolly Gingerbread Ruby Stuffed Toy (pay attention to dimensions) | Washable Markers | Farmhouse Play Kitchen Toy for Kids w/ Chalkboard, Storage Shelves, 5 Accessories

Visit the full guide for notes. This is the bestselling item so far and it's under $11!

Full guide, here with notes on what we have or why I'm recommending an item, plus links to other similar guides I've shared in the past. Friends have already asked me for a link to this (since Dax's friends go home and immediately ask for it. ha).

Cyclone Boys 3x3 Speed Cube, Metallic | Premium Performance Pogo Stick | Nike Jordan Realtree Pullover Hoodie | Controller Stand | CuberSpeed QY Toys Magnetic Clock Puzzle | LED Digital Waterproof Watch for Kids | Nike Court Borough Mid 2 Hi-top Sneakers | WeariQ Bluetooth Smart Glasses | Gaming Keypad Rapid Trigger ( Dax actually has this one (under $30) but it's no longer sold in black) | Weird But True Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletics | Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat II Deluxe Arcade Game with 5-foot-tall full-size stand-up cabinet | Electronic Deluxe Digital Security Safe Box Key Keypad Lock | Inspirational Basketball GOATS Stories, Amazing Facts, and Trivia Games | LED Mini Fridge with Dimmable LED Light, AC/DC, Portable that one is sold out- this one is available and ships in time! | Ozark Trail 10 Piece Outdoor Survival Knife Set | Kids Pocket Knife with Camping Survival Kit

Full guide, here. This is the best seller so far (and on serious sale!). I only wish I'd included this. The girls have loved it all year!

Full guide, here. Update- I grabbed these for Joe and they're perfect. But this is the top seller so far!

Visit this post for the full guide, including what I have, why I chose it, and a "shop the post" widget for easy shopping. Oh and if I was making this list now, I'd add this. ;)

Visit the full guide with notes, including which items we've gifted to Joe. This is the easiest gift, affordable, and Joe loves his!

Visit this post for the full gift guide with notes- what we have or why I chose it plus clickable/shoppable photos! My mom swears by these.

Weekly Pill Organizer | 14K Gold Plated Claw Ring | Bird Feeder Camera Case | Striped Super Plush Robe | Cordless heated shawl

One of my favorite lists! Check it out here. We're going to use this gift tonight! ;)

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the 2024 Gift Guide post!

2025 Gift Guide for Your Parents

2025-11-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

Are ya'll ready for a new Pretty Real gift guide? I've never curated gifts for parents before. But I kept thinking of ideas and wanted to share them- hopefully it's helpful! The one thing I forgot to include is this, but other ideas are in the collage below. Here are my ideas for parents ages 55+, but obviously for anyone because I wouldn't mind these gifts at all. Wait what does that say about me? ha. I digress...

Digital Picture Frame - I gifted this to my dad and stepmom a few years ago and why am I jealous of it? It's so easy to add photos to it from afar. If the kids have an event, I can upload pictures the same evening and it's a great way to include them!

Loop Switch Adjustable Ear Plugs - My mom uses these often. They're great for noise cancellation, whether it's a concert, church, a sporting event, etc. I use a different version to drown out noise and help me sleep and they are a GODSEND.

Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer - listen, I'm not saying all elderly people are forgetful but I am saying I'd feel better if my mom didn't have lit candles in her apartment. Side note- I need one too.

Suede Mule Slippers - IMHO, you can never have too many cozy slippers. And they're kind of like socks, so they need to be replaced every once in awhile. I like the idea of gifting a pair that's nicer than what they might buy for themselves.

Personal Portable Neck Fan- For your mom, dad, or perimenopausal girlfriend. You choose.

Monogrammed Plaid Italian Throw Blanket - monogrammed? Italian? Need I say more?

Weekly Pill Organizer- Another thing I need (are we noticing a trend?)- but love an attractive pillbox, Let's not accidentally double dose, mmmkay?

14K Gold Plated Claw Ring - so classy even your mother-in-law will like it.

Bird Feeder Camera Case - another thing we've gifted that's well loved! It has a camera so you can really see the birds up close and personal. Get ready for bird pic texts.

Striped Super Plush Robe - So soft, so plush!

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2025 Gift Guide for Men

2025-11-21T07:57:00.004-05:00

Gifts for him is my toughest guide! If it's not about Jiujitsu, workout clothes, or tattoo care, Joe doesn't want it lately. ha. But the good thing about husbands/boyfriends/etc. who either have everything or are indifferent, is when you buy them something stylish, it's sort of a gift for you, amIright? I'm partly joking- we gifted a few of these items to Joe and they were very well loved! Here's our 2025 Gift Guide for men!

Joe's Bourbon obsession has calmed down (mostly because we don't have much room for it), but he'd still love this set. We also gifted him the Patriots mug (comes in all of the NFL teams) and it's come in handy. You know they like to rep their team. The slides were also a welcomed gift- I think his former pair were older than Dax. And I need to call out the joggers- I've seen men of various builds wearing them and noticed how they look more pulled together than gym shorts or sweats. Hence, they're on my list for Joe. ha. Men are hard to shop for imo, but if they really don't want anything, I look for items they have but are worn out or obsolete. I also look for items that can be used up (like the hot sauce). Happy shopping!

If you liked this guide, check out these:

2024 Gift Guides for Men and Women

2023 Gift Guide for Him

2021 Gift Guide for Him

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Gift Guide for Her

2025-11-17T14:15:00.001-05:00

I shared the Gift Guide for Her over on Instagram but I love to share why I chose items for the guide and which items I have and can personally recommend. This is one of the easiest guides to curate because I'm all "what do I want?" ha. Like my other guides, this one is practical, but stylish and includes a lot of budget-friendly options! Here are my gift ideas for the women in your life (even if you're her), with notes!

Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera - just sold out but this one is similar. I've always recommended these for kids and teens but why do they get to have all the fun?! I love the idea of using this always, but especially on vacations.

Favorite Daughter Collegiate Sweatshirt- Love a classy graphic sweatshirt and the color on this one is so good. One follower said she's going to gift it to herself but address it from her dad, and open it in front of her siblings. To which I replied: well worth $98. ha.

Clare V. Oversized Sweatshirt- see above comment. Love the color combo! So fun and cute.

Beis Carry-on Roller- If you got the mini weekender from our 2024 gift guide, it only makes sense to get the carry-on. It comes in 9 beautiful colors!

Gold Check Fidget Ring- Not much to say here other than it's so cute and such a good price!

Simple Modern Travel Coffee Tumbler - Another gift under $25 that a coffee lover in your life probably needs. Comes in a bunch of fun colors.

Poof Brown Faux Fur Slipper - That time I put slippers on my wish list but then just went ahead and bought them. ha. No regrets- they're cozy, comfortable, and adorable! They're on sale on Amazon and 40% off here with code EARLY.

Kendra Scott Juliette Necklace- My girls were thrilled when I put a Kendra Scott necklace on my wish list. This one is so pretty and classy and a great price.

Merit Mini Blush Trio- I have and LOVE this set! It's so flattering and a great way to try the product.

Cotton Muslin Pajamas- I don't have this particular pair but have others from this brand and despite the low price, they've held up great. Plus I love that these are Christmas-y and Valentine's Day-ish at the same time.

Knotty Initial Custom Bracelet- Definitely on my list! It's adorable and completely customizable, plus currently 20% off.

Studded Oversized Clutch- cute and affordable. I have it and love it. (Shared it IRL here and shared it here as a look for less).

Salt and Stone Body Wash- A luxurious body wash makes a great gift- something she'll enjoy but may not splurge on, herself. (her, being me).

Ruffle Socks - I have these and they're so cute with sneakers. Plus they come in bigger sizes.

Favorite Daughter Weekender - Girls' trips are on my mind and I guess so is this brand. It's just so cute and comes in a few colors.

Costco One Stop Meals Cookbook- I have and use this often! Plus I know the author in real life and want her to win. I just bought one as a gift!

Acrylic Digital Picture Frame- This is the cutest digital frame I've ever seen. It's now worthy of my home. ;) Also I've gifted digital frames and they're always so well received!

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Gift Guide for Boys and Girls!

2025-11-11T08:48:00.001-05:00

Today's guide is for elementary age boys and girls and it's full of fun, active, and imaginative play. I don't have kids this age anymore but I sure miss it! We made sure to include items our kids loved, trending toys, and classic finds. Check out the 2025 gift ideas for elementary age boys and girls, with notes!

Calling out the paint by sticker book which my kids loved and side note- is perfect for road trips. We missed the Bluey phase but you'd have to live under a rock to not notice its popularity. This could be a great gift to get your kids into Lego which we've always loved. If she's a little fashionista, the boots, purse, and pouch are the CUTEST. The pouch is a bit splurgy but that block print is to die for (comes in several patterns). A hobby gift is always on the list- love this little camera that's well reviewed. If you're into a "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" Christmas- Ivy and Bean is a great series to gift! The weighted plush is on my teens' lists. My kids love a plushie, still! Speaking of a plush, the Jellycat brand is doing something right- but check the dimensions. If you want something bigger, this one is cute! Dax's friend Charley had the cutest birthday wish list and I stole that cute coloring book from it. And lastly I'm always a sucker for an aesthetic play kitchen- this one is on serious sale and comes in a bunch of colors.

I love a retro game- let's let them be kids for as long as possible (from a mom of a kid who'd love a massive computer system for online gaming). The stomp rocket is one of those gifts we bought for every birthday party once we discovered it. It's so fun, easy, and affordable. Indoor quiet basketballs are trending! Of course we included Lego on the boys' guide too (If that one is sold out, check out this one). I love a gift they can work on, on Christmas day! Why are magic 8 balls so intriguing? Literally hours of analog style fun. If he's into style, the hat and slippers are so cute! And if he's an active kid, the sled won't disappoint! Happy Shopping!

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2025 Gift Guide for Families!

2025-11-08T16:08:00.004-05:00

After teen girls, gift ideas for families is my favorite gift guide! Nothing makes me happier than fun family time, bonding, experiences, and just being together (I've become my mom and I'm ok with it. ha) so the ideas here will contribute to those experiences! And if you get cash from your parents for Christmas and want to keep it out of the everyday budget (that's no fun!) this can serve as a thought starter for you. ;) Check out our 2025 Gift Ideas for Families!

NOTES

We have the chess set- love that it's magnetic, making it easy to come back to later.

You can't go wrong with a throw blanket (and this one)- but make it nicer than one they might pick up while grocery shopping.

Cute sleds feel like a great gift for a family who might usually choose function over form OR for a fmily who appreciates a stylish take on a an everyday item.

I love easy table topic type games. The trivia set and the dinner game are easy and don't feel like a big commitment. I ordered the 12 games of Christmas- can't wait to use it!

Two things I'm working up the ability to splurge on (you know we're frugal!)- the digital calendar (skylight is one I see a lot of too) and a beautiful speaker that looks good on a shelf!

Here are other ideas for families:

2024 Gift Guide for Families

2023 Gift Guide for Families

PS- I also linked a couple of things we've purchased with cash gifts- the blender (it's lasted for over 10 years!), and the coffee maker (it makes such GOOD coffee), for example.

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2025 Gift Guide for Teen Boys and Girls

2025-11-06T10:14:00.005-05:00

I love curating gifts for teens- it's a fun challenge to find the perfect gift for Mr. All-I-Want-Is-Cash. Listen, I'm all for giving them cash for Christmas, but I can't bring myself to skip gifts all together. Um, that's not fun! I don't have a teenage son yet, but I poll friends and I pay attention. All that to say you'll find some great ideas for your teenage boy. As for the girls, the ideas are endless. I always include beauty (I love that one of my girls is into makeup and the other into skincare), hobby (hello fancy camera), and cozy ($11 fleece pullover? Say less). While there are some "big" gifts on the list, I make sure to include mostly budget-friendly finds and be sure to check the notes for a lower cost version of a few items. Ok enough chatting, here's the 2025 Teen gift guides full of Christmas gift ideas for teen boys and teen girls, with notes.

Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Meta Quest 3 512GB // Under Armour Unisex Sheisty Mask // BedShelfie Bedside Shelf // Beats Solo Buds - Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds // Beats Pill - Portable Bluetooth Speaker // Jersey Number Necklace for Athletes // Black Ugg Tasman // 3 in 1 Charging Station // 12 in 1 Survival Kit // Owala FreeSip Sway Stainless Water Bottle // Multicolor Smart Bulbs // HEYDUDE Men’s Wally Stretch Sox Slip-On Loafer // Indoor Basketball Hoop // NBA 2K26 - PlayStation 5 Game // Men's Jogger Pants

NOTES:

Maybe because I like fashion, but I'm always paying attention when I'm at my kids' school and I'm seeing a lot of Ugg slip ons.

A bed shelf because #bedrot IYKYK (and you know what- sometimes they deserve it).

An oculus as the big gift is a W. (check out this version for less)

I kind of want to put the pill speaker on the gift guide for her- it's SO good looking! But here's a low cost option that looks great (love the color)!

There are never enough chargers or water bottles (WHERE DO THEY ALL GO TO DIE?) so we basically gift one for every holiday.

The joggers are so affordable and look more like lounge pants than actual pants to me (?) but I love the shape and the color options. We have a pair on the way...

When I asked Dax what he'd want if he was a teenager he named 3 things- a Sheisty mask, a dirt bike, and a survival kit with knives. LOL. The masks are trending and it seems benign but do your research. ha.

When I asked for the girls' input, they said boys can't shut up about 2K- apparently the newest version is a must-have. They also called out Hey Dude Slip Ons.

I'll never get over the color changing smart bulbs Genevieve had in her room- so fun! If he has an echo, they can be voice activated.

Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

*Denotes an item we have

Alo Match Set Tennis Skirt // Galison Nutcracker Magic – 500 Piece Puzzle // FP Movement Quilted Carryall* // Kendra Scott Bow Pendant Necklace // Summer Fridays The Lip Butter Balm Minis // EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleanser + Silicone Cleansing Pad Bundle // Rhode The Edits Blush + Lip Trio // Canon PowerShot Digital Camera* // Dainty14K Gold Plated Bracelet Stack Set // Aerie Oh Snap! Sweatshirt // Daise Foaming Body Wash* // Sephora Collection Mixed Tool Set // Adult coloring book* // UGG® Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot // Daise Exfoliating Body Scrub* // Personalized Weekender // Plush Half-Zip Pullover* ($11!) // LED 3 Color Arched Full Body Mirror 60"x 16"

NOTES:

Alo is the new lulu. They have super cute shorts too!

Genevieve just got this camera (an older version) and I can't believe the quality and how fun using a non-iPhone camera is. I love seeing life through her eyes and it takes MUCH better photos at night than a phone or even my DSLR. Tbh, I want one for myself.

Nadia loves the Daise brand- especially the foaming body wash, and I love finding an item at Ulta that's under $10. ha.

One of my fave beauty bloggers mentioned how teens are loving Rhode lately. Soon after, I glanced at my daughter's wish list and lo and behold, this was on it.

Genevieve got this bag for Christmas last year and it's the perfect oversized bag for an overnight or toting sports uniforms. I have this less expensive version- not as big but super cute and comes in lots of colors!

I love that Genevieve loves puzzles and the idea of doing this one with her in that hazy week in-between Christmas and New Year's warms my heart. So yeah, maybe it's a gift for me. ha.

An oversized AE sweatshirt is always a safe bet (and this one is 25% off right now!)

A full length LED mirror seems so fun! I always include a mirror and they're always a hit. This one comes in various sizes and is a great price!

If you like this guide, check these out:

2024 Gift Guide for Preteen Girls

2024 Gift Guide for Teen Boys and Teen Girls

2023 Gift Guide for Teen Girls

2023 Gift Guide for Teen Boys

2023 Gift Guide for Preteen Girls

2022 Gift Guide for Teens and Preteen Boys

2022 Gift Guide for Teens and Preteen Girls

2021 Trending Gifts for Preteen Girls (my most viral gift guide)

2025 Gift Guide for Older Boys and Preteens

2025-11-03T15:39:00.001-05:00

I love gift guide season! I pride myself on choosing gifts that are fun, unique, realistic, and include a lot of budget-friendly/accessible gift ideas. Today's gift guide is for big kids and preteens. Of course, Dax is my muse. He is outdoorsy, loves gadgets, is creative, and loves gaming. He plays and loves hockey but I wouldn't say athletics is his first love; that said he's a very active guy so I've included some gifts in that vein too! Hope you find something your little guy (who's not so little anymore!) will love or a few things that spark an idea! So here's the Pretty Real Gift Guide for Big Boys and Preteens with notes plus I've starred the items that are under $30.

2025 Gift Guide for Big Boys and Preteens (* items are under $30)

*Cyclone Boys 3x3 Speed Cube, Metallic - Dax has a serious collection of Rubik's Cubes and speed cubes and recently added this metallic cube to his wish list

Premium Performance Pogo Stick - Ages 9 and Up- Dax discovered a pogo stick in his grandparents' basement and immediately requested one. He and his friends have competitions. We're a big fan of anything that's active!

Nike Jordan Realtree Pullover Hoodie- If your preteen lives in hoodies...Also camo is trending.

Controller Stand- this is sort of a gift for you. A stand that's sleek and aesthetic? Say less. I bought one for the kids' lounge (different one, no longer sold) and Dax immediately clocked it and complimented it.

CuberSpeed QY Toys Magnetic Clock Puzzle- Another item if you have a cuber on your hands (and straight from Dax's wish list).

*LED Digital Waterproof Watch for Kids- If you're holding off on a phone or a smart watch, this digital watch is well reviewed and comes in 7 colors

Nike Court Borough Mid 2 Hi-top Sneakers- Dax has a couple of pairs similar to this and they make any outfit cooler. (Love it when they like what we like).

*WeariQ Bluetooth Smart Glasses- WeariQ sent me these and I wasn't sure if they'd make the guide. But Dax thought they were so fun. You can listen to music or a podcast, use them for voice assistance, or use them to chat with a friend- all with open ears. They come in lots of colors and with clear lenses too.

Gaming Keypad Rapid Trigger- If your preteen plays Geometry Dash on a computer, apparently this is a game changer. It can be programmed and is customizable. Dax actually has *this one (under $30) but it's no longer sold in black.

*Weird But True Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletics- We will always encourage reading and liking sports around here. ha.
Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat II Deluxe Arcade Game with 5-foot-tall full-size stand-up cabinet- Currently $50 less than we paid! This makes a great "big gift" or gift for all of the kiddos. We have it in the lounge and love that it has a small footprint.
*Electronic Deluxe Digital Security Safe Box Key Keypad Lock- Do they have anything super valuable? Probably not. Do they like to feel like they do? Yes. Do they like to make sure their sisters can't get their hands on certain things. Also yes. PS- have and love and it comes in lots of colors.
*Inspirational Basketball GOATS Stories, Amazing Facts, and Trivia Games- a Fun and relevant book for your basketball fan and NGL, this little snippet in their description got me: "Want your child or teen to soak up mental toughness, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork from those basketball GOATs while having a fun read? You’ve come to the right place." SOLD!

LED Mini Fridge with Dimmable LED Light, AC/DC, Portable- Dax got this for his birthday (sisters each have one for seltzer and beauty products) and loves it. The LED lights are fun (it's a mirror when they are turned off)! UPDATE- that one is sold. This one is available!

*Ozark Trail 10 Piece Outdoor Survival Knife Set - Another birthday gift that was a W (as the kids say). It includes a carabiner, saw, compass, folding knife, whistle, and more. I also like this one;
Kids Pocket Knife with Camping Survival Kit which is geared toward kids. Use your judgment on this gift.

If you liked this post, check out these guides!

2024 Gift Guide for Older Boys

2023 Gift Guide for Teens

2022 Gift Guide for Teens and Preteens

2022 Gift Guide for Boys

2021 Gift Guide for Boys

My Invisalign Experience as an Adult at Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics

2025-10-23T16:59:00.007-04:00

I received my Invisalign treatment in exchange for content. All opinions are truthful and my own.

Why Now?

Sometimes you just come to a realization that something needs to change. I'm not sure when it happened- if it was when I canceled my mammogram because I was "too busy," while I carted my daughter from appointment to appointment for various medical and orthodontic needs, or when I took the time to think through my goals for the new year. But it hit me that even though I'm no longer in the throes of caring for infants and tiny toddlers, I was still putting my own care on the back burner. Whether it was my failure to find a hair stylist when we moved to the Raleigh, NC area NINE years ago, not scheduling necessary doctor appointments, or ignoring my dentist when she suggested Invisalign, I simply wasn't prioritizing my self-care and wellness. At the beginning of 2024, I decided that needed to change. I started mental health coaching, I found a braiding stylist, I got X-rays for old injuries, and I reached out to Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics in Wake Forest regarding Invisalign. Here's a recap of my honest Invisalign experience at Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics.

My smile had changed over the years- it was always something I really liked about myself but over time, that changed too. Aside from aesthetics, getting Invisalign would correct my bite issues which could lead to more extensive work down the road.

BEFORE

About Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics

When I visited Bumgarner & Martin, I was greeted by Ashley who is so warm and friendly. I liked her immediately and honestly just had fun chatting with her, which put me at ease. She educated me on the process and we went over all the ins and outs of what Invisalign entailed. There was plenty of time to ask all of my questions.

Dr. Martin then met with me to discuss my treatment plan, timeframe, and goals. I'd heard from people who went into treatment with unrealistic expectations or who weren't told about the attachments Invisalign requires, so I was really impressed that the team at Bumgarner & Martin were very realistic and forthright with everything regarding Invisalign in general and my treatment specifically.

DURING

Pros and Cons of Invisalign Treatment:

Cons:

Any orthodontic treatment can be expensive. Luckily Bumgarner & Martin offers payment plans and accepts assignments from most major insurance carriers. See more here.

You are responsible for weekly scans- tbh this is a pro (more on that in a sec) but it is a recurring task you need to remember. Make sure to allow notifications from the ScanBox app to get reminders. If you're a non-compliant patient like I was at times (oops), you'll even get a text reminding you.

It's uncomfortable- your teeth are moving and that might hurt. It's not terrible pain by any means but for some reason, it surprised me. I got used to it over time and I'm sure no two experiences are alike but there was much less discomfort during the second half of my treatment.

You need to keep up with your trays- Probably easier for adults than kids but something to consider. Just never put them in a napkin or plastic baggie! We don't have pets but if you do, keep it in a place where your pets can't get to them.

Pros:

You can eat foods that are usually off limits with braces. While you'll wear your trays almost nonstop, you remove them to eat.

You can manage so much at home vs. going into the office. I mentioned weekly scans being a con but I'd rather handle my own scans than have to trek into the office constantly.

It improves oral hygiene- by helping with crowding, flossing becomes easier. Also, something about the attachments made me floss much more often than I ever had! I think I felt like something was in my teeth so I always made sure to floss to be sure it was only the attachments I was feeling.

They're practically invisible. There was no way I'd ever get braces as an adult but Invisalign felt much more doable since they're practically invisible.

They work! At the end of the day, the results are absolutely worth any challenge.

Before and After Side by Side

AFTER

Happy with my brand new smile

Conclusion

A sweet follower sent me this after visiting the office based on my recommendation!

I can't recommend Invisalign at Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics enough. The office is so friendly and thorough and the treatment was the least invasive way to fix my teeth. Time goes by so quickly- I'm glad I didn't put it off any longer! And though this was a partnership, I moved Nadia's treatment to Bumgarner & Martin (paid for out-of-pocket) because I was so pleased with my experience! If you live in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Knightdale, North Carolina, Rolesville, North Carolina or the Triangle area in general, I highly recommend checking out Bumgarner & Martin for you or your child's orthodontic care!

DIY Plaid Wall Tutorial (How to Paint a Plaid Wall the Easy Way)!

2025-09-30T12:14:00.002-04:00

When we recently renovated the kids' hangout room, I wanted to include a special feature- either a moulding type wall treatment or wallpaper- I wasn't sure exactly but something interesting and fun. And while wallpaper is fun, I'm such an optimizer- looking at every option available and analyzing the pros and cons- that I wanted to find an easier project that still had a wow factor. I decided to paint an accent wall in a plaid pattern to look like wallpaper. Who remembers the last time I painted an accent wall?! It worked out very well because-here's some BTS tea for you- I was working with HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams for the renovation. I only agree to paint collaborations if I LOVE the colors. It's only paint, but I just don't want to put in the effort for a color I don't love nor do I want to share something that I wouldn't choose "in real life," simply because I'm being paid (it's called integrity. ha). Well I saw the colors and HGSW Still Water was perfect. At least I thought it was...until I got the paint chips and tested it and it was reading too cool with the sofa we'd purchased- and we love the convertible sofa so much. I also really liked HGSW Hazel so when the thought hit me to combine the two (along with HGSW Creamy which truly is a beautiful white!), it was like Eureka! A DIY plaid wall idea was born. If you want to DIY a plaid wall, I'm sharing a step by step tutorial for how to paint a plaid wall here.

Ok enough backstory. Here's how to tackle it yourself.

Supplies:

Light, medium, and dark paint*

2 inch (1.88in x 60 yards) Delicate Surface Tape (and lots of it)- I highly recommend Frog Tape as I had the best results when using it. I think I used about 7-8 rolls.

Laser level (or regular level but the laser level makes it easier)

Paint Brush - I used this one

Credit card (or wallpaper smoothing tool but I used a credit card)

*You'll need 3 colors of paint- either a white/neutral base with two coordinating gradient colors or a gradient of the same color (ie pale pink, medium pink, dark pink- think colors on a paint sample strip). I used HGSW Creamy as my base, then HGSW Hazel as the medium shade and HGSW Still Water as my darkest shade. Note- you shouldn't need much of the darkest color. I bought an entire gallon but probably only needed a quart.

Ok, here goes:

How to Paint a Plaid Wall

Step 1:

Paint the entire wall with your base color. This is the lightest color of the three.

Step 2:

Find the halfway point of the wall and use your level to create a vertical line. I also traced it but if you do that, use a pencil meant for this purpose vs. a regular pencil that's hard to clean.

Step 3:

Tape against that line, and then tape another piece against the first piece. Rip bits of the tape and use it as a spacer to keep your width the same between double taped lines. Repeat for the entire width of the wall. When you're finished, remove the tape "spacers." Use a credit card or wallpaper smoother to press the vertical tape against the wall- this is crucial for a tight seal.

Step 4:

Paint your medium color. I used a paint brush because it's really hard to avoid getting excess paint in a roller and I was afraid of paint seeping through. You could try a small roller- it would make it go quicker for sure.

Step 5:

Remove the tape- I always remove tape while the paint is still tacky to avoid ripping bits of paint off but there's a caveat to this in the final step- I'll get to it.

Step 6:

Find the halfway point of the wall (ceiling to floor measurement) and use your level to create a horizontal line. Again, you can trace it if it's helpful.

Step 7:

Tape against that line, and then tape another piece against the first piece. Rip bits of the tape and use it to keep your height the same between double taped lines. Repeat for the entire wall. Remove the tape bits then use your credit card or wallpaper smoother to press the tape against the wall- this is crucial for a tight seal.

Step 8:

Paint your medium color again. DON'T REMOVE THE HORIZONTAL TAPE.

Step 9:

Re-tape the vertical lines. I know. It feels redundant but trust the process. This is how you'll get the little dark squares that convey that the lines are overlapping. You should be able to see where the tape was initially and follow those lines. Don't forget to use your wallpaper tool or credit card to smooth the tape.

Step 10:

Paint the openings left (the squares) your darkest color.

Step 11 (final step! You did it!)

Remove the tape. I tried to remove the tape when it was still a bit wet but there's so much tape it started to get a bit sticky and get on the wall so I waited until the paint was dry and then removed it. If you can get a big chunk in a corner and then pull it at a 45 degree angel you can pull a lot at once. Otherwise you've gotta do it a little at a time (we did both- it was very satisfying either way). See a snippet of removing the tape in this reel.

FAQ:

What tape works best?

For best results, use Frog Tape. For the vertical lines, I used Frog tape and it was far superior. For the horizontal lines, I did not and there was definitely some bleeding.

How do I fix areas where the paint bleeds under the tape?

First, make sure to use your wallpaper smoother or credit card to help with this! Second, see FAQ 1. But if you still have bleeding- I did- use a little flat craft brush- preferably a new one so that the bristles are still straight and fairly stiff and very slowly touch up the most obvious areas. Just lie the brush against the straight edge and slowly drag it down and be done! Here's the thing, if your nose is to the wall, you can see the imperfections but if you step back even a foot you can't see them so don't stress about it. I thought I wouldn't be able to let it go but after stepping back and only fixing what I could see from that distance, it was fine! It truly looks like wallpaper from a few feet away and I promise you won't notice tiny mistakes.

What if the wall is bowed?

Almost all of the walls in this house are slightly bowed. I don't know why or if that's common. At first I tried to compensate for the bowed wall by using a level and keeping the tape level (disregarding the tape 'spacers' as guidance). Well this didn't work. Even though things might be straight/level, to the naked eye it created what can only be described as an optical illusion. Your best bet is to continue taping using the torn tape as a spacer to keep the height consistent. Your lines won't be 100% straight but it will be close enough to fool the naked eye.

How long did this take?

This was a common question I received on Instagram. I had to look back at my recordings to get an idea- I'd estimate that it took 15-20 hours over 5 days but that includes documenting for content creation which makes everything take longer ("Be an influencer, they said. It'll be fun, they said"). I also let the paint dry before taping. I wasn’t sure how the paint would hold up if I rushed it. I’d say if you’re not doing content creation, this could be a long weekend project. If it helps, it was 100% worth it. And it wasn’t difficult, just labor intensive. And a bonus? It's a very budget-friendly DIY (especially compared to wallpaper).

What do you think? Would you try this?

I have to give a shout out to The Turquoise Home who's blog post helped immensely with this project.

Goodbye Playroom, Hello Teen Lounge

2025-09-24T11:16:00.013-04:00

Our poor playroom has been in purgatory for awhile. It was once a cute and functional playroom, but as the kids- 15, 14, and 11- have outgrown toys, we began simultaneously clearing it out and using it as a dumping ground while we worked on other rooms in the house. It desperately needed a transformation! While it feels a bit small to label it a rec room, the goal was rec room vibes. We set out to create a fresh and modern space that felt inviting and cozy. I made a list that looked kind of like this:

Comfy seating for gaming or watching TV

Arcade style or rec room games- is there room?

Coffee table for coloring, crafts, or playing games

Storage for nerf stuff, a few electronics, art supplies, etc

Shelf for books

And we wanted all of this in a 12 x 14' room! I'm proud to say we somehow pulled it off- with a few adjustments. Keep reading to see how we created a cozy modern inviting lounge for our preteen and teens along with tips to create your own.

Seating (and another place to sleep?)

I originally bought this sofa. While it's pretty and fit the space well, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were missing an opportunity to have a place for guests to sleep. We don't have overnight guests often, but when Joe's parents visit, they sleep in Dax's room and he bunks with one of his sisters. It's worked well so far but Dax is getting older and playing musical ~~chairs~~ rooms might get old. I don't like how futons look and most are uncomfortable and sleeper sofas are too big, expensive, and often uncomfortable. The nugget style 'sofa' enters the chat. When I found it, it was like IMMEDIATELY YES! It had great reviews, looked great, and fit the space in both size and vibe. It has different configurations (those stacked mattresses unstack and can be placed side by side), and the kids love the cozy, soft fabric. It's already been used for sleepovers with rave reviews. I wouldn't put my in-laws on it (they're 70), but Dax or the girls could definitely sleep on it. 10/10 recommend!

nugget style sofa (reviews are more thorough here) | coffee table with hidden storage | rug

Games

My heart wanted a foosball table but it would take up the entire room. Then I remembered Dax and his cousin loved playing this arcade game in an Airbnb we rented. It's a splurge but Joe was all "go for it," and who am I to argue? And also, let's just appreciate that it's so very analog, which I love. There's a dart board, these pretty WS game company games, this Scrabble game that hangs on the wall and this cool basketball hoop. We used rubber balls but I suggest foam for noise. Eventually we'll add a gaming system (he has a Nintendo switch but would love a PlayStation).

Basketball Hoop | Round Pillow | White Basket | Basketballs (but I recommend these) | Side Table (similar- spray painted Krylon Satin Italian Olive)

Arcade Game | String Lights

Dart Board no longer sold. But this one is beautiful, well priced and has good reviews!

Boggle | Chess | Clue | Sorry

Scrabble | TV Stand | Controller Stand

Coffee Table

Even though the kids don't play with toys anymore, storage is always necessary. The coffee table opens up to reveal ample storage that fits nearly all of Dax's nerf guns which worked out perfectly! Genevieve recently did her nails on it while watching her favorite show and I think she loved being tucked away in the lounge rather than in the living room. They also use it for coloring (I bought these which are so cute!). Is it just me or is there nothing more sweet than watching your teens color? Side note, we use this to protect surfaces when we do nails or crafting.

coloring books | erasable colored pencils

Storage

Aside from the coffee table, this TV stand provides a lot of storage. To keep everything neat, I used a combo of these bins: storage with lid, large Y weave decorative storage, Y weave easy access storage bin, and Y weave narrow easy access storage bins.

DIY Shelf

I had a vision of having 2 'floating' shelves full of books with a little ladder to get to the top one. I haven't totally let go of the idea but I was concerned that the room would feel cramped so we decided on one shelf for now. After games, decor, and a few books, it was full! So we do still have a few books that need a home. Dax has a shelf in his room, we store Nadia's books under her bed, and Genevieve has a small shelf but uses her Kindle mostly, so I'd say book storage is one area of opportunity- sorry- sometimes my corporate cliches re-emerge.

Making this shelf is the easiest DIY ever- I didn't even rip the pine. I bought select pine from Lowe's and these brackets. Joe found studs and used the included hardware to screw the brackets in and a level and to make sure it was straight. It's heavy so it's helpful to have a second set of hands to help. You might remember we did something similar in the homework nook.

The Plaid "Wallpaper"

Stay tuned for a tutorial on the DIY painted plaid wall. It turned out great and though labor intensive, was really easy!

Drapes | Blinds

Here are a few more shots of our new hang out room!

This side table used to be in Dax's room. I gave it a quick coat of spray paint and it fits perfectly here! It's no longer sold (from West Elm) but this one looks identical.

Dax really wanted a gaming room but I wanted it to be suitable for everyone. He was thrilled that I included a few 'nods' to his gaming obsession. ha. And fun fact- I bought all of the light up decor for his gaming birthday party and his Mr. Beast birthday party, then just hung onto it, figuring it would be perfect for the future hang out room.

light up controller decor | green cozy blanket

controller holder

first aid box | puzzle

lamp | You are the Coolest art print | arch frame

Get the Look (include Affiliate links):

Linking what I can- some of the items are no longer sold.

Paint Colors

HGSW Creamy-trim and the base layer of the DIY plaid wall

HGSW Hazel- walls and the medium color in the DIY plaid wall

HGSW Still Water- dark color in the DIY plaid wall)

Furniture + Lighting

Hidden Storage Coffee Table

Sofa

TV entertainment stand

Side Table (similar), spray painted Krylon Satin Italian Olive

Shelf- this board + these brackets

Yellow Semi-Flush mount

Wavy Lamp (on shelf)

String Lights (I painted the red canopies with the same Krylon spray paint)

Textiles

Round Pillow

Rug

Drapes

Green Faux Fur Blanket

Art/Frames

Rage Quit- Old from Hobby Lobby

You are the Coolest Print + Frame

El Yunque print- We brought this print back from Puerto Rico

Arch Frame

Light Up Controller Decor

Games

Scrabble

WS Game Company- Boggle, Chess, Sorry, Clue

Basketball Hoop

Mortal Combat Arcade Game

Dart Board- no longer sold, linked alternative

Coloring Books (on coffee table- the girls love these!)

Vintage Puzzle

Misc Accessories/Decor

Brown Metal Box

Globe from Hobby Lobby- similar

First Aid Box

Walmart Fashion Does it Again

2025-09-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

It's giving J. Crew and Boden but at a fraction of the cost. I've been sharing Walmart for years - well before they paid me to do so- but I'm still a tiny bit surprised when I find a head-to-Walmart looks that look so much more expensive and are made with quality stitching and materials. Full disclosure, Walmart sponsored an Instagram post and stories on my Instagram profile. I am not obligated to write a blog post but I like to share still photos and something more permanent (fine, and more wordy) than a reel so here are my latest Walmart fashion picks with fit and style notes!

Um, this jacket had me at oversized and red. Ever since having my colors analyzed- more on that later (including a code!), I've been trying to wear bright 'clean' colors more often and muted colors less often. Not to be dramatic or anything, but this coat was like "I hear you. and I see you." I adore it! It's a bit oversized. I ordered the large too (I'm usually a medium) and it was cute but was super oversized on me so I stuck with the medium. All that to say unless you can rock that cool, edgy, everything-is-big-on-me-but-it-works look, I recommend ordering your true size. And at this price, it WILL sell out. I paired it with the burgundy pencil skirt (just $20!) and the softest pink cable knit sweater layered over a knit tee in the same color ($16). And don't get me started on the boots which come in 4 colors. Love the heel shape and height and the color is super on-trend. Bonus; they also come in wide calf. I adore the merlot + hot pink color combo which feels fresh and fall-like without being drab.

Burgundy Corduroy Skirt | Tall Kitten Heel Boot | Long Wool Coat in Red Plaid | Pink Short Sleeve Sweater Tee

The coat deserves a close up, doesn't it?! I threw it over a short sleeve knit tee and these super cute jeans which come in tall, short, and regular lengths. The silver sneakers are so good. Everyone needs a pair of metallic sneakers- it's like a jewelry for your feet. These are on sale and come in a couple of other colors. The skinny belt is old from target but here's a similar one.

Dark Wide Leg Jeans with Patch Pockets | Red Short Sleeve Sweater Tee

This look is so perfect for attending a sporting event or fall activity. I have always loved puffers but the longer length on this one makes it slimming - they usually have the opposite effect. I love the red/orange (hard to photograph and reading more orange, orange here) but it also comes in the most beautiful muted green. I wore the pants in my last try-on and was tempted to go bigger but they definitely stretch out a bit as you wear them. So the verdict is in- TTS. This boatneck striped shirt has a good weight to it, perfect for fall and I can't believe it's just $17. The bag is SO GOOD. I've worn it every day since I got it. I bought this one too but the size of the green one is just perfect! And I don't mean to brag but the bright colors paired with the green and the metallic sneakers? It looks so much more elevated and interesting than wearing beige, green, and brown.

Tomato Red Puffer Vest | Green Leather & Suede Sling Crossbody Bag | Navy Striped Boat Neck Tee | Silver Lace Up Sneakers | Green Utility Cargo Jeans

I forgot to take a pic of this look, hence this screen grab but I did share video here. This is the perfect example of how to wear a shirt dress once it gets chilly. Layer a cardi over it, pair it with tall boots, and you can wear it even as temps drop. I also adore the loafers. The dress comes in blue too which might lend itself better to fall but still pairs well with the orange cardigan (no need to break out the color wheel; we got this).

Tall Kitten Heel Boot | Pink Cable Cardigan | Pink Belted Maxi Shirt Dress | Burgundy Designer-Inspired Loafers

Which look is your favorite? Let's just say you're going to find me wearing that coat to bed. Here's a look at all of it together!

Walmart Fall Fashion FTW

2025-08-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

When the kids get back to school clothes, so do I. ha. Per usual, Walmart didn't disappoint. I shared a reel today that you'll definitely want to check out since it shows how I mixed and matched everything I bought to create a bunch of different looks but I wanted to share a few of the looks here too to pin or shop from for later. Side note: the reel is sponsored- this blog was not; I'm just excited and wanted to have these affordable fall fashions on the blog!

Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress | Kitten Heel Ankle Booties

This dress was one of my favorite picks!! It has a dropped waist in the middle, flutter sleeves, and a zipper- add this sultry merlot color and it just hits! So good! I paired it with these kitten heel ankle booties for an edgier look but you could wear heels for a dressier look!

Army Green Utility Cargo Jeans | Denim Shirt with Blouson Sleeves | Faux Leather Moto Flats

Something about me, I love a voluminous sleeve. Poet! Puff! Give it to me! Love it paired with the utility pants but check out the reel to see it with black denim too!

Chunky Cable Knit Sweater | Black Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

This sweater in every color! It's so inexpensive and I love the fit- you could even size up one for a more slouchy look (I'm in a medium here, my normal size). The jeans fit SO well around my booty/waist but at 6', they are too short for me. Needed to show you anyway because they're too cute!

Dark Denim Cropped Utility Shirt | Pleated Dark Denim Maxi Skirt | Burgundy Knee High Kitten Heel Boots

Matching sets are so easy and paired with these gorgeous boots? It's a win/win. I styled it with a cute tee and a sweater in the reel.

Which look is your fave?! Everything linked below!

Walmart Fall Fashion Finds- August 2025

Back to School Shop!

2025-08-16T11:00:00.003-04:00

My kids are heading to school Monday so I thought for those who start a bit later, I'd share some of the round ups we've shared over the past month or so. These are curated round ups of stylish (but practical!) finds for your kiddos- mostly older kids/teens but there's something for everyone! In addition, I included a round up for your kids' biggest supporters- YOU! I don't know about you but I love a theme and when I attend their games (I have two cheerleaders to support), it's fun to wear cute gear in school colors, so I included that here too. These are all in my LTK shop as well! Happy shopping!

*Genevieve and I have the Dunks- so cute and comfy! And both of the girls (and I) have the open back tee- 10/10 recommend! We also have the pencils (can't beat a Ticonderoga) and the girls are obsessed with Touchland sanitizer.

*This was a bestseller after I shared on Instagram and I influenced myself to try them on Dax. haha. They convert to swim trunks!

I only buy backpacks every 2-3 years (highly recommend the Pottery Barn picks if you want them to last!) so we didn't buy one this year. I'm guessing the Lululemon one would've been Genevieve's choice! And I could see Nadia with the top middle or neutral aesthetic.

These are all jeans we actually purchased for the girls. Genevieve chose the top left and bottom right- she's slim/athletic, 5'6" and has a "clean girl" style. Her choices looked great on her! Nadia chose all of the others. She's 5'11 1/2" and curvy/plus. She waffles between girly and casual but for jeans she's more casual. The top right was too short for her, but otherwise fit great. The bottom middle ran big but she liked them extra baggy- if your daughter is in-between sizes size down. They all looked great on! Most of these have GREAT deals for back to school (as low as $20!) so don't wait!

23 Piece Gel Polish Set | UV LED Nail lamp | Sheer Nude Gel Polish | Gel Nail Kit

Everything else linked here.

After I got tired of "accidentally" spending $80, Genevieve started doing them herself and she's getting really good! She uses everything in the image above on her and her sister. Bare minimum, I'd order the UV light and polishes for neat and pretty nails that last!

Affiliate links included.

Hallway Makeover Part II- It's Giving Boutique Hotel

2025-05-31T10:55:00.004-04:00

"I like watching you DIY."

"Oh my gosh! This is such a vibe!"

And my favorite-

"This looks like a boutique hotel."

These were a few comments from my family about our latest project- our dark and neglected hallway. Aren't they the sweetest support system ♥? I shared progress and the plan here so if you missed that post, check it out! Today I'm sharing the full reveal. Our hallway has been neglected for the past 8ish years. It was time for a quick and easy makeover. I once heard a designer say that ugly rooms stay ugly but pretty rooms stay pretty and I find that to be so real. When a room is pretty, it's much more motivating to keep it that way. Prior to this makeover, the hall had sort of become a dumping ground that my kids called "scary." That couldn't be further from the truth now. My vision for the space was to make it cozy, but elevated. My goals (also shared in yesterday's progress post) were:

-Add drama with paint

-Add character with wall trim

-Add personality with family photos

-Replace the 'boob lights'

-Add storage for my 'thrift-store bound' pile that lives in the corner

Aside from the trim and gallery wall, the stars of the show are easily:

-Long Hallway Runner that complimented the paint color perfectly

-Contrast Trim in a color I was initially scared to use, but paired beautifully with the main paint color

As a reminder, here is the before:

And here is the after:

Brass Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture | Loloi Blue and Brick Red Rug Runner

Here's the view from the other end of the hallway:

Blue Upholstered Storage Bench | Handmade Woven Wall Mirror | Grid Patterned Pillow

Can you even believe it's the same hallway?!

Y'all know I have an affinity for gallery walls. My inspiration was $1000, and while that is totally reasonable for what you get, I love that I created this one for about a quarter of the price, using some frames/art I had on hand + a few new frames.

Here's a closer view of the wall. I ended up using 1 photo from each of our past family photo sessions- It's incredibly sweet to 'watch the kids grow,' from 2019 to 2024. I also added a photo from each of our happy places- Disney and the beach. I had them printed at Walgreens in an hour and for practically no money (ha) and they came out great!

While we're sharing close ups, take a look at the DIY box trim. I can never get over how much character this beginner-friendly DIY adds. Also, I'm really into these paintable outlet covers (vs. decorative covers). I just love how they blend in and don't try to steal the show.

While the hallway didn't need a lot of furnishings, it did need a storage solution for the objects that pile up in the corner, waiting to go to the thrift store, and a storage bench felt like the perfect solution. This one is just the right size and compliments the wall color, but I linked a bunch I considered in this post. I stole the woven wall mirror from our bedroom. It fit the space and I always like to add something woven/rattan to every room.

Blue Upholstered Storage Bench | Handmade Woven Wall Mirror | Grid Patterned Pillow

One last note- After painting the trim, I think I'll paint the doors too. The trim color- HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams "Patience," looked very yellow in Sherwin-Williams' printed materials and even though I tested it, I was nervous. But it's such a beautiful creamy shade that almost feels like a nod to the of-the moment butter yellow we're seeing everywhere--but doesn't quite cross the line.

What do you think? We are smitten!

Sources:

Paint Colors- HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Sands of Time and Patience, part of the Earthy Charm Color Collection

Frames - linked here

First Alert Fire Alarm (I love this brand- the battery lasts 10 years!)

A Neglected Hallway Makeover Part I

2025-05-30T11:44:00.003-04:00

I've been keeping you updated on the hallway progress over on Instagram Stories, but have yet to update Prettyrealblog.com. So here we are. I'm sharing some of the progress and steps we've taken to renovate our drab and neglected hallway. Come back tomorrow for the full reveal!

A little backstory- the hall hasn't been touched since about 2016- I'm talking beaten up walls, boob lights, and all. Our family room and all of our bedrooms are upstairs so it's not as though it's an 'out of sight, out of mind' situation. It just hasn't been a priority- until now. Here are my goals for the hallway makeover:

Add drama with paint- I'm using HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Add character with wall trim- I'm DIYing picture frame box trim and chair rail with affordable materials

Add personality with family photos

Replace 'boob lights'- I ordered these

Add storage- I keep a pile of thrift store bound clothing/objects in the corner and it's such an eyesore.

Hallway Before

Let's start with some before shots of the hallway. As you can see, it is completely devoid of personality or care. Other than replacing the carpet last year, it's remained virtually untouched. Once I replaced the carpet, though, I knew it would be the impetus to making the hallway pretty.

The Plan(s)

Here are the design boards I made to narrow down what direction I wanted to go in. Full disclosure, a collaboration with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams prompted this makeover, so I let their curated Color Collections be the driving force. Note- this blog post is not sponsored. Come back tomorrow to see which plan we chose.

Look 2: Rattan Wall Mirror | White Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture | Green Scalloped Storage Bench | Plaid Rug Runner

Look 2: Rattan Wall Mirror | Loloi Aqua and Sand Rug Runner | Truffle Brown Upholstered Storage Bench

Look 1: Framebridge Gallery Staggered Grid Wall Frames | Brass Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture | Rattan Wall Mirror | Upholstered Blue Storage Bench | Loloi Blue and Brick Red Rug Runner

Look 2: Square Brass Wall Frame | Matted Gold Wall Frame | Oval Ivory Storage Bench | Loloi Sage Rug Runner

After deciding which design plan we wanted to go with (stay tuned), we added the picture frame trim. Here's what we used:

Supplies:

PVC trim

MDF Chair Rail Moulding

Caulk- this one is the best

Level

Painters Tape

Nail Gun (if using PVC, it's recommended to use a brad nailer instead of a nail gun with an air compressor like I did- that method was fine for this project but for some reason didn't work as well this time around.

Wood Filler

Miter Shears

To create the wall trim, I measured the wall and played with the numbers in order to get even measurements. The end result is 3 boxes that measure 27.5" x 24" on the left side, 4 that measure 26.5" x 24" on the right, and 2 boxes that measure 9" x 24" on the slim parts of the walls. There are 2 other boxes that didn't need to match in size and were tailored to the size of the each wall- they are 30" x 24" and 34.5" x 24." Keeping all of the boxes the same height helped with uniformity. I used PVC trim, and Miter Shears for most of the cutting, but also used our chop saw. If you're looking to cut costs, PVC is a great alternative to real wood but it was a bit trickier to work with than I experienced last time. I absolutely loved using the shears. If you're afraid of trim projects, shears are for you! They make it so accessible! I shared more about how to install wall trim here.

Next I tackled the gallery wall. My inspiration gallery wall was calling and I *almost* splurged on it. But after checking my stash I knew I could create a pretty gallery wall for less. Much less. The photos were printed at Walgreens in less than an hour. My tip here: Always look for a coupon- it's usually 30-50% off. I also solved a mystery that had been plaguing me- Could phone photos be printed at Walgreens in larger sizes? The answer is yes! The fear that they'd print blurry was totally unfounded. Side note: I wanted to add sconces to this wall so badly (we bought these), but the spacing just didn't work out with the thermostat. If you're looking for gallery wall tips, I shared some here.

I had about half of these frames and the silhouette art already but I've linked them all above- including this very affordable 4 pack of frames from Amazon!

Sorry to be dramatic with the black and white photos but you'll have to wait until next week to see the paint color. ;)

Stay tuned for the full reveal along with which design plan we went with!

Easter Basket Fillers for Big Kids and Teens

2025-04-02T14:17:00.003-04:00

I love a bunch of small gifts! Give me a basket to fill any day. I've shared a bunch of Easter gift guides (here, here, and here) and am focusing on my kids' ages/genders this time around. Dax is 10, Nadia is 13, and Genevieve is 15. I combed through pages of sites' suggestions so you don't have to! And of course I added in some things we have and love. Let's go!

Easter Basket Filler Ideas for Big Kids/Boys

Rubik's Cube $13 Dax has been very into solving Rubik's Cubes! He's even limited his own screen time in order to work on it (yes please!). He's now requesting the 2x2 cube. He also watched this documentary which was interesting and motivating.

Fidget Pen Toy $12 Another fidget on his list. Honestly I don't get it but he wants it real bad (adds to cart).

Exploring Nature Activity Book $8 This one is one I loved- I think I bought it for Dax a bit late- it's probably more suitable for 9 and under (Dax is 10 1/2) but it's full of fun ideas for exploring nature.

Spring Things Drawing Book $13 I always love to get the kids hobby related gifts. This how-to sketchbook seems fun!

Underwater Camera $29 We made it through winter, PTL. I can't count how many times the kids have asked when our neighborhood pool opens. Underwater cameras are so fun for summer.

Gong Gi Korean Game $8 Ok can you tell Dax loves tactile games and fidgets? This game is super fun- another thing he plays with often.

Jellybean Candy Blaster $3 This shoots jelly beans. Enough said. ha. (But also, I know what you're thinking- just use it outdoors. ;)

Air Dry Clay $3 Air dry clay is a hit over here. This one has mix ins which is fun!

Badminton Set $7 How cute is this set? And the price is great too.

Gatorade Squeeze Bottle $19 Dax and a lot of his classmates have this bottle. Bonus- it comes in lots of fun colors.

Carhartt Canvas Cap $19 Dax will only wear a hat when he's stealing it from Joe's head but man he looks so cute in them! If you're lucky enough to have a cutie who wears baseball caps, get this one. Love the color options.

Men Fridge Magnets $9 Full disclosure- this was on my Christmas gift guide but they're so fun to use I had to share again. I find them in random places in the house and they make me chuckle. Dax and Nadia use them in their lockers too.

Devotional Book for Boys $8 One of many devotionals Dax has really enjoyed.

Magic 8 Ball $8 This is such a throwback! Sometimes the simplest "toys," are the most fun.

Flower Lego Set $10 I got these for Dax for Valentine's Day and he loved them. I'm considering grabbing this set to add to his "bouquet." These are also fun!

Easter Basket Fillers for Preteen and Teen Girls

Watercolor Workbook. $17 Filed under 'hobby gift,' this watercolor book would be a great option for an older kid or teen. I've followed Emily Lex (the author) for years and her work is beautiful. Not pictured, but it comes with the paint.

Let It Glow Facemask $5 Never enough face masks for these teens with near perfect skin. ;) This one comes in a lot of varieties.

Cross Necklace $48 Genevieve loves a cross necklace. This one is 14K gold plated.

Jelly Cat Plush Bag Charm. $26 A little pricey for my blood but we love the jelly cat charms/key chains. How cute is this one?!

Striped Stanley $35 How adorable is this new release?! Go ahead and add it to her collection. It also comes in blue, green, and pink.

Cashmere Body Butter $12 My girls are really into EOS brand right now and this whipped butter will be perfect for after the (soon to come) hours out in the sun.

Body Scrub $8 Let's give Tree Hut scrubs some competition shall we? The girls love body scrubs AND crumbl cookies- a match made in heaven.

Foot Mask $4 Again, prepping for summer with this foot mask. Your teen will love its cute pattern.

Aesthetic Stanley Straw Cover $5 That time someone shared a bug crawling out of their Stanley straw. This is basically a necessity if they don't already have one. The pastel colors will look so cute in an Easter basket!

e.l.f. Moisturizing Drops $12 Love a dewy product- this one is on Nadia's list. Bonus- the price is nice.

Starbucks Gift Card $15 Get them a drink on you! (or if you're local, a SodaBox gift card is a good option too!).

Ruffle Socks $11 How cute are these socks? Whenever I buy a gift with multiple pieces, I'll split it between the kids' baskets. Life hack.

Touchland Body & Hair Fragrance $20 Touchland now has body spray (which TBH makes more sense to me. ha).

Scalloped Reading Light $17 I have this book light- it's super cute and would be perfect for your reader.

Blink Card Game $8 Nadia played this game with a friend recently and insisted I included it. It's fun and fast paced.

Kendra Scott Ring (at Target!) $30 I got Genevieve the heart version of this ring and she loves it. This one is so pretty.

Pink Portable Charger $27 So that they'll stop stealing yours...

Adult Coloring Markers and Scripture Coloring Book $13 and $12. There's nothing that makes me happier than the kids coloring at their current ages (you think it's cute when they're little...just wait!). It's such a calming activity. This is a sweet coloring book with scripture and the markers are well reviewed (these come in a pretty container and I love these too!).

If you liked this post, you might enjoy these:

Devotionals for Kids (2-12 years old)

23 Fun Easter Basket Gift Ideas

26 Easter Basket Gift Ideas Including my Go-To's

29 Easter Basket Fillers

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Big Kids and Teens

2025-01-24T13:22:00.002-05:00

I try to keep it simple on holidays (other than Christmas because, y'know, it's Christmas). But lately when it comes to Valentine's Day gifting, I haven't been able to help myself. I love to get the kids something I wouldn't necessarily buy 'just because.' This year I kept seeing things I thought would make such great Valentine's Day gifts and I couldn't wait to put them all in one place to share them with you! Unlike The Christmas Gift Guides, I focused on the age groups I buy for- big boys and teen girls. But regardless of your kids' ages, (and I'd take any of the teen gifts, thanks), I think you'll be inspired! Here are the 2025 Valentine's Day Gift Guides:

Valentine’s Gifts for Teens and Tween Girls

Valentine’s Gifts for Boys

My kids read the blog sometimes so I can't share what I grabbed (adn what's in my cart) but I'm hoping you found something you love! Happy Valentine's Day!

If you liked this post, you may like:

15 Fun Family-Friendly Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine's Day Snack Board

5 Ingredient Valentine's Day Treat

Valentine's Day Gifts for Everyone on Your List

A Valentine's Day Party Made Simple

Pretty Real 2024 BESTSELLERS!

2025-01-21T19:17:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite parts of this job is shopping for you. I love curating home and fashion finds and my goal is always to find beautiful products at an affordable price (but since Pretty Real readers have a variety of budgets, I love to throw in aspirational items too). Be prepared for more round ups in 2025, but in the meantime, let's look back to see what resonated with you all and I'll pontificate as to why! These are not in order but here are the top 10 sellers of 2024. Affiliate Links Included.

1. Beautiful 2 Quart Slow Cooker Set. $26.46

The popularity of this set was due to 3 things- 1) They're adorable! They come separately packaged so maybe some of you bought one and gifted the other? 2) The price! The set from December was a Black Friday doorbuster that has since sold out. However the current price of $26 for 2 slow cookers is still a great deal so if you missed it then, here's your second chance just in time for the Super Bowl! 3) It was the season of entertaining. A small crockpot for dips and for appetizers is one of those things you always wish you had. I used them at our Christmas eve party and it was perfect.

2. CosmoLiving 7 Holder Candelabra. $27.21.

Valentine's Candles | Dining Chairs | Heart placemats were a DIY

This one surprised me. But while it seemed to come out of left field, I showed it with red candles for Christmas and pink candles for Valentine's Day and I stand by the fact that swapping candles is a fun and easy way to celebrate the holiday without buying a bunch of seasonal stuff you have to store. Between the price and the practicality, people agreed. It also comes in black.

3. BHG Outdoor Wicker Cushioned Stackable Chairs. $248.

rug | umbrella (similar)

These chairs check a lot of boxes- they can be used for outdoor dining or seating, they're easier to store since they're stackable, and at only $124 per chair, they're super affordable too. I wish they'd come with covers, but other than that, we've been very happy with them.

4. No Boundaries Lace-Up Sporty Sneaker. $19.98.

I shared these shoes over and over again because they are just so cute and comfortable! If you don't have sambas (or you do but can't necessarily buy them in every color), these give a similar vibe. While the maroon isn't available in most sizes I'm so happy that they're back in bright, fun colors for spring. I grabbed the red pair. I promise you- they will sell out!

5. UV LED Nail Lamp. $19.99.

gel polish | vanity mirror

This was the gift that both me and my girls told everyone about. I had moms texting me asking for a link. Whether online or in-real-life friends, it was a bestseller! Genevieve uses hers almost weekly and it's such a great alternative to going to the salon plus I love that it's contributed to her getting really good at doing her own nails. As a side note, when I began writing this post, the price was over $30 so snag it while it's on deal if you're interested!

6. BHG Pine and Cream Rope Back Chairs. $138 for two (!).

The deal on these is insane. They're so pretty and have held up really well for us. We use them at our desk vs. the dining table. There was a tiny bit of pilling on the one we use the most (I'd say it gets used way more than it would if it was used as a dining chair) but nothing our pill shaver couldn't handle.

7. Ruta Wood Wall Mirror. $171.

bathroom sources here.

I adore these mirrors! They were a splurge for me but they *make* the bathroom. When I shared the bathroom, I had so many request for the link but they were sold out for months (boo!). But they're back in stock now and worth every penny in my opinion.

8. FloorPops x Chris Loves Julia Peel and Stick Floor Tiles in Bonneville Beige. $20.99

After a reel performed well, sales took off of these super easy and pretty peel and stick tiles. You won't find an easier or more affordable DIY that completely changes the look of a room! 10/10 recommend! You can find other bathroom sources here.

9. 18" Wood Kitchen Step Stool. $49.99,

Love this step stool by Hearth and Hand and so did @prettyrealblog followers! Unfortunately it's often sold out but I'm linking it in case it's available in your store. It folds up, comes in several colors, and is just so practical and pretty- kind of my jam.

10. Chunky Knit Bed Blanket by Casaluna. $59.

I adore this blanket- it comes in so many colors and the texture just can't be beat. I use a full/queen size at the end of my king bed. Every time I share it, people ask for a link and of course they do!

Did you buy any of these items? Do you have a favorite on the list? What home or fashion finds are you looking or this year?

2024 Gift Guides

2024-12-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

So that you have them all in one place here are the 2024 gift guides: Gift ideas for him, Gift ideas for her, Gift ideas for boys, Gift ideas for tween girls, Gift ideas for teen boys, gift ideas for teen girls, Gift ideas for little boys, Gift ideas for little girls, Gift ideas for families, and a bonus stocking stuffer gift guide! I spend a lot of time curating these and really hope you find them helpful! I also pride myself on choosing fun but practical gifts that fit a variety of budgets. Here goes:

Gift Guide for Little Girls:

It's been a minute since I created guides for littles. This one is so fun! I can guarantee it'll be years before she grows out of this gift (my girls still like it!).

Gift Guide for Little Boys

Usually I have more fun with girl stuff but this guide was so fun to put together. When I saw this, I immediately wished I had a little one again!

Gift Guide for Preteen Girls

Tap here for the Preteen girl gift guide. Admittedly tween girls is my fave group to shop for. I bought Nadia this!

Gift Guide for Boys

Heavily influenced by Dax, the gift guide for boys is always a fun one to curate. Him and all of his friends (boys and girls) love this gift!

Gift Guide for Teen Boys

The guide for teen boys is always the hardest. Genevieve told me this was trending at her school.

Gift Guide for Teen Girls

The Teen Girl guide is another fave (I'm such a girlie girl) and this is the gift all of my mom friends bought and the thing I added to my own wish list after stealing the girls'. Not on the guide (how could I forget it after recommending it to like every friend?!)- is this gift that I'm calling the gift of the season- under $30.

Gift Guide for Her

The Gift Guide for Her is here. This is another easy one to curate. I want it all, but I already have this and love it. Maybe throw it in her stocking. ;)

Gift Guide for Him

Joe was no help this year but I think I nailed the guys' gift guide. ;) This has been recommended so many times that I had to get it. Shhh, don't tell Joe.

Gift Guide for Families

Click here to shop the family gift guide. I love family gifts. This was gifted to us and I gotta say, it's most loved.

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide

Jami put together this fun stocking stuffer guide (links below). I have this and and it's a MUST.

Stocking Stuffers Under $25

Family Gift Ideas

2024-12-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

I love a good family gift- sometimes distance makes it hard to shop for individual family members but a good gift everyone can enjoy is a fun way to still get into the gift giving spirit but make it easier (and sometimes lower costs). Here are a few things we have and would recommend or would love to have. ;) If you're interested in this post, you may also want to check out the 2023 Gift Guide for Families!

Big Blanket Co Original Blanket in Stretch Forest. $179. My sister gifted us one of these 10' x 10' blankets and it is so fun to be able to all cuddle under a massive throw. It's also incredibly soft (they say it's the yoga pants of blankets) and has a good weight to it. Highly recommend!

Mini Projector with wifi and Bluetooth. $109 (there's a $20 off coupon at the time of this writing!). We love our outdoor movies and our projector (linked last year) but I love that this one is more portable. Let the family outdoor movie nights begin!

Questions for Humans: Parents and Kids Conversation Cards. $13. Ditch the phone at the table and in the car, and talk to humans instead! We love a good conversation starter- they always lead to memory sharing, funny anecdotes and genuine connection! This would also make a great stocking stuffer!

Escape Room Gift Card (this printable is $3.58). This was on our list. Escape rooms are so fun but surprisingly (to me, anyway) expensive. I love the thought of gifting a fun experience vs. more stuff to manage. You'll need to find an escape room in your area but this cute printable might make a better presentation that the establishment.

Deep Roots Family Devotional. $12.34. I love gifting a something to read and something that encourages spiritual growth? Even better! This family devotional has amazing reviews. We don't have it but it's on the list!

Ninja Creami. $149 ($50 less here than elsewhere!). We are big into treats and snacks- we love our popcorn maker, air fryer, and soda stream- this would make a great addition and I keep hearing it's worth the hype!

2024 Gift Guide for Big Boys

2024-11-27T20:26:00.002-05:00

My not-so-little guy always informs these guides. His love of gaming, reading, and technology are second to none! I could've added so much more here but stopped at some of my fave finds. Prices start at just $9!

Official Andymation DIY Flip Book Starter Kit $36.00. Dax loves this and I love that there's not a screen involved. Ha. If you have a creative kid, he'll love this!

light up keyboard and mouse $31.00. Our new computer came with a light up keyboard and you know what else lit up? Dax. ha. He loves it!

black Crocs $44.99. These are still a thing. Dax lives in his.

blue video game creator $85.00. How cool is this?! If your kid likes to code, this will be a fun way to encourage that hobby.

gray bed tent $114.99 This may be too niche but does anyone else's kid LOVE to be covered? Dax makes anything and everything a nook. I love that this one is a masculine alternative to a canopy.

human-shaped magnets $9.00 Dax and most of his buddies have these- Nadia even bummed a few off of him. They're so fun and they keep them on their lockers!

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior book set $25.00. I love that this set combines gaming with reading- in fact if you have a gamer who's not a big reader, it may be just what he needs!

Air Up water bottle $35.00 Hear me out. This seems dumb. But Dax loves it and swears the flavor pods make the water taste different- it's really just tricking your senses. Plus most water bottle crazes are geared toward girls. This one's for the boys. ;) (not really- it's for anyone and it comes in stainless steel and also pink but you get my drift).

magnetic dart game $22.99. When I get back to designing the playroom this may make an appearance. I love that you don't need floorspace for it.

Shop the post (affiliate links included):

The 2024 Gift Guide for Preteen Girls

2024-11-27T18:36:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite guides! Pre-teen girls are so fun and still at the age when a lot of what they want is cute and affordable so you can really fill those carts. ;) This guide includes the usual suspects- hello Lululemon and Kendra Scott- but also some fun finds like this Taylor Swift Eras tour makeup bag. Prices start at just $7.98. Check out this year's gift guide for tween girls (and my most viral gift guide- this past one for preteen girls).

pastel hair claws $8.99 My girls love these and one to match every outfit is fun. Or you could divvy them up and put them in stockings if you have 2 or more girls.

custom name bracelet $32.00 Anything custom is fun, especially if you have a kiddo with a hard to find name. Keep in mind it needs to be ordered stat in order to make it by Christmas.

smiley face slippers $13.00 These have been trending for a couple of years now but if your girl needs a new pair, they've come down quite a bit in price. Nadia requested them to replace her old slippers.

Ugg slippers $119.95 I laughed when I saw a photo of my daughter and 10 friends and half of them were wearing these. Cute and comfy; what's not to love?

Lululemon leggings $98.00 Love these buttery soft leggings and she will too- especially in this gorgeous color.

Taylor Swift Eras Tour bag $11.04 Your little Swiftie will love this fun makeup bag.

What Do You Meme? game $14.99 This is a fun and easy game to play and goes with the next gift...

pink sleeping bag $25.00 At this age, sleepovers are a thing- a cute sleeping bag and fun game make a great gift.

pastel inspirational quote pencils $12.00. Pair this with a fun journal or devotional. I love these scripture pencils. Also- small business alert!

Kendra Scott necklace $38.50 Tweens love Kendra and with so many gems to choose from, there's an option for everyone.

Glow Recipe skincare set $38.00 A great set to try a few products at once and tweens go gaga over Glow.

Gel pen set $7.98 Gimme a Lisa Frank journal and take me back to the 90s. ha. Nadia bought herself a big set of gel pens last year and continues to use them.

Bonus idea for the tweens on the younger side- I love these STEM kits! Such a great way to encourage engineering!

There are several varieties available and they range in price from $19.99 to $39.99.

Shop the post here (affiliate links included):

The 2024 Gift Guide for Men and Women

2024-11-26T09:36:00.002-05:00

I had so much fun researching and brainstorming these gift ideas for men and gift ideas for women. Whether he's on a health journey or into mixed drinks and whether she's into design or a traveler, there's something for everyone. Prices start at just $8 and these ideas can definitely be mixed and matched (male or female- don't we all find Oura rings fascinating?!). Check out the Pretty Real 2024 gift guide for men and gift guide for women here:

Carryon Garment Bag for Travel $38.39. If he travels, a carryon is clutch. Customers rave about how much fits and it comes in brown and white (with brown trim).

Portable Mini Bluetooth speaker. $29.95. I've literally never seen so many 5 star reviews. ha. Super portable and great sound quality.

10 Piece Basic Bar Tools Set with Holder. $24. Love the holder this comes with and I give you (him) permission to get rid of all the mismatched sets he owns. (if it's sold out, try this one).

Biometric Quick Access Gun Safe. $127. A safe no one can get into except the owner is the only safe that make sense. This one is on sale for Black Friday!

Flannel Lined Shirt Jacket. $89. This is perfect for the warm winters down south or layering if you live in a colder climate.

Papatui Shower Pack. $16. I love a gift that can be used up and love the packaging on this personal care set. And I love the Rock. So there's that.

Nike Suede Sneakers in Black and White. $90. A cool sneaker is a go-to over here. Love these.

Oura Smart Ring. $279. These just seem so cool to me. If he's on a health journey he'll appreciate all the intel.

Burger and Bacon Press. $17.99. This assumes he has a griddle (if he doesn't, buy him a griddle). We love a good smash burger over here- if he has the press, grab him other griddle accessories.

Protocols. $30. If he's a Huberman fan, he'll love his first book!!

Travel Tech Organizer. $31.96. Such a convenient way to carry all of your charges/cables/air pods/etc.

Gift Guide for Her

The women's guide is always a little easier because it's stuff I have or would love to have (hint, hint Joe).

Rayban Meta Glasses. $264. After seeing someone wear and use these I was blown away. So cool to be able to record without pulling out a phone.

The Mini Weekender in Maple. $98. Love this bag and that it fits under the seat in front of you.

Pave Bow Drop Earrings. $7.99. After getting these (they're so DARLING), I decided I need a gold pair too. They look so much more expensive than they are.

Travel Makeup Bag with Removable Lighted Mirror. $25.98. Someone brought this to a favorite things party I attended and the guests all ooh'd and ahh'd. I want one!

Iconic Home. $28. If she's into design, consider this beautiful book. Hot take: You don't have to be black to celebrate Black designers. The reviews are compelling and the color scheme informed this entire gift guide. ♥

Adidas Spezial Shoes. $110. They come in so many great colors and literally go with everything. She'll love them!

Sterling Silver Letter Necklace. $22. If she wants a Maya Brenner but y'all aren't that close. ha. All jokes aside this seems like a beautiful lower cost option.

Lighted Makeup Mirror. $39.99. I guess I'm into well lit mirrors. This is like the sleek version of the one I got Genevieve (and am jealous of).

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Blow Dryer. $151.20. I've used some Pattern products and have always been impressed. If your mom/sis/daughter/wife is into haircare/beauty- and likes beautiful things- this blow-dryer will be a hit!

Poppy & Pout Lip Scrub. $10.46. I have and love this- it smells great and lasts forever.

Mini Flush Balm Cream Blush Trio Set. $39. I love my merit blush so much! With these 3 tones, your friend will find her favorite (but through some sorcery I swear every color looks good on everyone).

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