Episode 93: Holiday Gift Guide and Charity Ideas

1. Intro

As the holiday season is upon us, Kelly and I are putting together gift ideas for our families, friends and our amazing team at Kandrac & Kole.  We are also researching ways we can do something charitable to those in need.  We’ve been very blessed this year and it is in our hearts to give back.  

We’ve given many interesting and thoughtful gifts through the years and will share those as well as some new ones for everyone on your list!  

Before we get started we wanted to let you know that this episode is sponsored by Currey and Company. Currey is mainly known for their lighting, such as chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, table and floor lamps and outdoor lighting, however, they have an extensive line of furniture, upholstery and accessories.  We enjoyed our visit to their showroom in High Point where they introduced a considerable amount of new product.  They have been in business for over 30 years.  Their customer service, commitment to craftmanship and quality is what makes them one of our go to sources.

2. Our Favorite Gifts

A. Women 

i. Barefoot Dreams 

1. A collection of soft and luxurious blankets, throws, scarves, loungewear, slippers, sweaters, and accessories as well as youth, baby, child and pet wear

2. The “Covered in Prayer Collection” – This is a collection that was created by the founder, Annette while she was undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer and was looking for a way to express herself and share with others the physical and spiritual comfort of a beautiful blanket with an inspirational message.  With each purchase from the Covered in Prayer Collection, a portion of the proceeds are given to The Wunder Project, a progressive charity that directly benefits doctors and researchers working to develop a cure for colon cancer.  To learn more, check out www.thewunderproject.org.  Unfortunately Annette Leslie Cook passed away in 2012.

ii. Anne Neilson Home - a beautiful collection of angels 

1. Books – Angels in our Midst, Strokes of Compassion and Angels

2. Home Collection

   1. Candles

   2. Notecards

   3. Scripture Cards – our favorite is 100 days of Scripture in a Lucite box 

   4. Prints

   5. Journals

iii. Sheila Fajl Jewelry

1. Hoops – petite, small, large

   1. Finishes - Gold, silver, gunmetal and several more

   2. Necklaces – multiple chain sizes and finishes, including mask chains

   3. Bracelets – cuffs and bangles  

B. Men

1. Foosball table drink cooler – like a party on wheels.  It can store up to 60 cans and has a built-in bottle opener.  Amazon.com

2. Subscription box – sprezzabox.com – things like watches, ties, socks, combs and sunglasses pouch.  A choice of 6 different options.

3. Monogrammed leather air pods case – etsy.com (simplyuniqueuk) – black, brown or red leather case, even comes with a clip so he can attach it to a keychain, backpack or pocket.

   1. Bottleloft Magnetic strips for beverage bottles – Neodymium magnet strips (the strongest type of permanent magnet available) are long enough to hold a six pack of your favorite beverage bottle to the refrigerator roof.   Uncommongoods.com

C. Home Décor Gifts

1. Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser – nest.com – Birchwood Pine for the holidays is amazing!

2. Barefoot Dreams 

3. WiFi Password Chalk Sign – several designs on Etsy

4. Charcuterie board

5. Throw Blanket

6. Cozy Earth Sheets

D. Hostess Gifts

1. Tea Towels – Anthropologie

2. Linen hand towels – monogrammed – South of Hampton

3. Jams and Jellies – Terrapinridge.com

4. iOlive Oil – Leaning Ladder – leaningladderoliveoil.com

5. Table topics – dinner party edition

6. Wine and Flowers are always a good idea!

3.Our Favorite Charities

1. Kiva – A nonprofit focused on expanding financial access for underserved people around the world.  Since 2005 Kiva has secured 1.7 million lenders that have crowd funded more than $1.2 billion in microloans to 3 million borrowers in more than 80 countries.   A loan of just $25 can go a long way for entrepreneurs all over the country.  An example – Ann is 54 years old, a widow with six children who are below the age of 18.  She is a tailor and has been in business for the past 7 years.  She has applied for her third loan from VisionFund Kenya and will be using the loan to purchase materials and beads for her business which will double her monthly income.  You can lend the same $25 over and over again.  The borrower begins loan repayments one month after they receive the funds.  – kiva.org

2. Catalyst Resources International – An organization that partners with pastors and other Christian organizations to meet the needs of many of the poverty-stricken people of Guatemala. The scope of the work done through CRI is to build houses, churches, establish feeding programs, conduct VBS, support medical and dental clinics and provide chicken coops for families in need. They also operate Mimi’s House, an orphanage on the CRI property currently houses, educates and spiritually and physically nourishes 11 girls. The needs are great and when we visit as a team we are so happy to provide sheets, blankets, clothing, diapers and whatever their current needs are.

3. Sunshine on a Ranney Day – Atlanta, GA A nonprofit organization that renovates homes for children with special needs using top of the line construction and design. Through partnerships and donors, they provide no cost wheelchair accessible bathrooms, dream bedrooms and in-home therapy rooms. Listen to our podcast episode #74 – sunshineonaranneyday.com