Cookies + Markets

One thing I desperately miss about the US around the holidays is how everything centers around food.

It's an excuse to gather, to enjoy, and to eat a bit more than usual with pot-luck style meals and cookie exchanges.

Here people tend to do it all on their own.

I'm always impressed when we visit Stefan's family and there are an array of different cookies all meticulously put together and perfectly bite sized. His Mom has a legendary fondue, which has become a fantastic family tradition, too.

Each year I think I should organize a cookie exchange, because I love variety, but the holiday chaos usually gets in the way. It gets a little trying to make an array of cookies on your own. This year Stefan joined me for a glühwein and evening of baking, which was a lot of fun.

I try to make new recipes, old favorites, and learn some German varieties with lebkuchen and the standard Mürbeteig base.

There seems to be a distinct difference from celebrating in Germany and the US. As with many things I wish that I could meld the two together.

Here people celebrate oftentimes outside and away from their homes. They gather with strangers, neighbors, and friends for Christmas markets and festivals.

The US is a bit commercial with a strong emphasis on gifts, family, and individual traditions.

If we ever move away from Germany I'm certain we'll have an annual Christmas market party - complete with lebkuchen, glühwein, spiced nuts, spätzle, open fires, and undoubtedly our own traditions thrown in.

Here are a few photos from the Tollwood festival, which is an enormous organic around the world style Christmas market, similar to Yellow Springs back home. It takes place on the same grounds as Oktoberfest.

We had some incredible schupfnudeln and spätzle, which came in edible dishes. Isn't that ingenious? 

...and of course our fair share of feuerzangenbowle, which a glühwein with rum over pressed sugar that is then lit on fire. 

Gift guide: Travel

1. design ahoy typographic letterpress map - be still my little heart
2. Knopf map guides - these are fantastic little fold out maps
3. Rimowa cabin trolley - sleek, professional, and lasts a lifetime

4. travel leather stickers - for letters, photos, and journals
5. sylvansport trailer - for versatile adventures
6. aurora borealis overnight - experience watching the northern lights somewhere special
7. airmail magnet frames - fun reminders of travels past
8. foreign language blocks - it's never too early to get the travel bug
9. city silhouette coat hanger - available in a wide array of cities
10. mini USB cable kit - no forgetting chargers or hauling bulky cords
11. special places map - for the adventure of life
12. The Sinner's Grand Tour - a journey through the historical underbelly of Europe

Gift guide: Him + Her

1. wallee ipad wall mount - for hands free viewing, as a picture frame, TV, or out of the way cookbook
2. duluth canvas backpack - for a quiet weekend away
3. PB Swiss Tools hex key wrench set - form meets function for the handyman
4. swiss measuring spoons - bringing it back to the boy scout days
5. beer tasting glass set - prepared for any beer that comes his/her way
6. lytro camera - tiny and practical for focused photos every time
7. ice ball mould - stylishly chilled cocktails with ice that melts more slowly
8. personalized air mail stationery - for love letters and other correspondences
9. Fjallrave Kanken bag - perfect for a picnic, day trip, or city exploring
10. holga iphone lens kit - creativity at your fingertips
11. macbook pocket mirror - a comical solution to the compact
12. silver Hendrikka Waage earrings - another reason to fall in love with iceland 

Gift guide: Children + Pets

1. Kid O cutting fruit - it's never too early for good eating habits and training a sous chef.
2. likeabike - learning to ride a bike and balance
3. Alphabet magnatab - letter learning and penmanship
4. iwood / first laptop - creativity over technology
5. log pillow - for indoor camping and those that love nature
6. eames elephants - whimsical and beautiful elephant benches
7. giant ice cream lamp - who doesn't love ice cream?
8. green toys sandwich shop - for foodies in the making
9. pocked microscope - take a closer look at the world
10. sound effects machine - 20 sound effects for comedic situations
11. dogface army man toy - childhood favorite for dogs
12. wire + dine bowls - minimal and various heights for dogs of all sizes
13. you bake `em cat treats - for feline friends

14. dudley the dog - balloon shaped dog toy

15. laser cat toy - entertainment for hours

More pet sites:
nip and bone
Pet Solutions

wag

Gift guide: Cooking

1. Belkin Kitchen stand & wand for tablets - makes digital recipes easy to view even with messy hands.

2. Wesco Grandy bread box - keeps bread fresh and has a great retro design. We have this and love it. 

3. Bew Kitchen Mat - multipurpose mat for drying dishes or keeping bowls from sliding while mixing.

4. Crate & Barrel cheese and cracker server - an excellent way to display and serve. 

5. Weck canning jars - for storing, canning, or baking. 

6. Ring molds - make a variety of cakes at once.

7. Schnaps decanter - a great hostess gift 

8. Triple slow cooker - for entertaining or a variety of meals 

9. Sous Vide water cooker - home cooking with gourmet results

10. Thermapen - temperature precision for grilling and pastries

11. Adjustable rolling pin - great for pastries and pizza for uniform baking. 

12. Table top pizza oven - fun for entertaining and crisp crust pizza.

Gift guide: Art

1. sneaker customization kit - for those that want customized shoes or love to design
2. digital time lapse camera - video making made simple and weather resistant!
3. michelle armas calendar - or a painting if someone's been extra good this year.
4. ona camera bag organizer insert - camera protection and organization in a bag you already own
5. coptic marker sketch set - refillable and with replaceable nibs
6. peas USB hub - sleek, practical, and useful
7. uten.silo - organization for offices, studios, or kitchens
8. brush vase - for flowers or paint brushes
9. ipad CF & SD card reader - makes storing photos on the go simple.
10. slice scissors - gorgeous steel scissors
11. iphone case - find something pretty, or design your own
12. pebeo porcelaine 150 - paints to decorate your own ceramics at home

Christmas Spirit

Getting into the Christmas spirit seems to take more work than it used to, although that's probably because I'm now the one responsible for creating the magic. It also takes some work to figure out ways to incorporate my traditions while living abroad, as well as learning more about the Bavarian ways of celebrating. I'm certain much of it is self induced, because I love traditions and making things just so.

We've also worked at creating our own family traditions, like simple gift giving with 4 principles: want, need, wear, and read. It's pretty incredible how encompassing those 4 things can be and how much thought goes into finding 4 gifts that suit the categories.

In the recent weeks Munich has been blanketed with snow, which helps with the Wintery feeling. We've been trying to visit as many of the Christmas markets as possible, although my favorites are at the Rindermarkt + Chinese Tower.

The smell of spiced nuts and glühwein waft through the air and the lights seem to glow while people huddle around and complain about their numb toes. This is one aspect that is quintessentially German and absolutely delightful at this time of year. I also appreciate that eating lebkuchen and pomegranates for breakfast is acceptable.

Here are a few of the pretty scenes around town:

The Chinese Tower Christmas Market

Sledding in the English Garden...

How many cities have such a charming downtown park that people can use to cross country ski or go sledding?

Rindermarkt + Haidhausen

The Krampus Run

Tollwood

Ice Skating at Karlsplatz

Hope you're also feeling the holiday glow!

Gift guide: Him + Her

1. Graffiti Mug - Draw until it's perfect then bake for a custom mug. (image plastic land)

2. Beer + Chocolate tasting - Find the perfect mix of salty and sweet. (image theo chocolate)

3. Bike spooklight - Charges by USB, enables braking and turn signals for optimal road safety. (image 50 cycles)

4. Buck Stacking game - A modern game of skill. (image uncommon goods)

5. Magwear Helper - A simple way to hold screws and nails. (image spoon sisters)

6. New Skewers - Nature inspired skewers that help foods cook faster. (image nextrend products)

7. Your name novel - Insert the names of yourself, friends, or family in timeless novels. (image u star novels)

8. O'Clock Watch - A beautiful array of versatile watches. (image oclock)

9. Light up books or the enlightenment - Perfect for bibliophiles or as a quirky accent piece. (image light up your world)

10. Tulip USB - More USBs in a decorative manner. (image fred flare)

11. Westelm Manzanita Candelabra - The perfect touch of nature for an elegant table decoration. (image west elm)

12. Colorku - A great Sudoku twist for visual types using color instead of numbers. (image garnet hill)

Gift guide: For a Cause

1. Sagaform Fresh Herb pot - Finally an easy way to attempt to have an herb garden that rivals my Mom's. There's also a three pot version available. (image Sagaform)

2. Time Lapse Plant Camera - A fun look at how plants - or anything else - changes and grows overtime. (image Signals)

3. Rose stem cleaner - Another excuse to buy and receive more roses. (image spoon sisters)

4. Origami banks - Pretty banks that donate money to St. Jude when you purchase. (image west elm)

5. J. Schatz Egg Lamp - The only downfall of city living is not having zillions of stars above - bring the stars inside with this dreamy lamp. (image J Schatz)

6. Pigeon Toe Ceramics handmade garden stakes - Pretty markers that are great for those that love fresh herbs. (image pigeon toe ceramics)

7. Kiva small loan - Help someone around the world finance their small business. (image kiva)

8. Gaiam Smart Powerstrip - Stops wasting energy when things are plugged in. (image gaiam)

9. Aladin Bento Box - Save money by packing a lunch. This small bento keeps hot food hot and cold food chilled for up to 4 hours. (image aladin)

10. Silver Origami Crane Necklace - An international symbol of peace that donates food to animal shelters with purchase. (image animal rescue site)

11. Water Pebble - Save water while showering, although there's a catch - overtime it recalculates so it's progressive. (image water pebble)

12. Recycling Bin Cart - An organized way to keep recyclables in order. (image frontgate)

Gift guide: Travel

1. Michele Varian Chalkboard Globe - A great planning tool and a pretty decor piece. (image Michele Varian)

2. Sam Hect Jet Lag Alarm - A convenient way to deal with international travel and figuring out sleep times. (image A+R)

3. These are Things 2011 Calendar - A beautiful limited edition letterpress calendar that makes it easy to schedule trips - and made in Ohio! (image these are things)

4. Artecnica KnoWhere Cosmos Clock - Finally a clock that makes it easy to tell what time it is in a variety of global cities. (image Artecnica)

5. Simplicitas Wolf Udo Wagner Picnic Set - Reusable stackable plates that travel everywhere. (image Simplicitas)

6. CARES Child Aviation Restraint System Harness - Lightweight and hassle free way to strap kids into airplanes without hauling a car seat. (image cares)

7. Aerobed Packmat - A portable mattress for quality sleeping virtually anywhere. (image aerobed)

8. North Face Base Camp Duffel - The small version is a fantastic carry-on and weekend bag. We also have the large 'Rolling Thunder'. These bags are durable and easy to pack and unpack. Hands down my favorite and most used piece of luggage. (image the north face)

9. Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky - Unless you're on the list of the Most Traveled People chances are good most of these islands will forever be arm chair travels. It's still pretty incredible to think of all the unique places in this world. (image amazon)

10. Atelier Pompadour Felted World Map - Made to order with your own travel route. (image atelier pompadour etsy)

11. Plastic Land ceramic Paris plates + mugs - A whimsical way to celebrate a romantic city at your own table. (image plastic land)

12. Hapticlab Softquilts - Maps made into quilts that are sure to be heirlooms of special places. (image haptic lab)

Gift guide: Holiday Decor

1. Silver Mistletoe - It's always best to be prepared with a recyclable Mistletoe to bring holiday cheer - and plenty of kisses. (image delight)

2. Pottery Barn Organizer - The perfect way to organize wrappings, tape, and trimmings for those that love to give gifts and stay organized. (image pottery barn)

3. Winter ice canapé plates - A special edition from David Stark, which can be used through the Winter and for other festive events. (image west elm)

4. Gudari Sari Garland - A bright and beautiful garland with some history, since it's handmade from old Saris in India. (image sundance catalog)

5. Bakers Twine - The perfect way to tie up packages and present baked goods. (image crate + barrel)

6. Porcelain Origami Nativity - The coolest nativity I've ever seen. It looks like origami, only it lasts much longer. (image gumps)

7. Silver frame ornaments - A simple way to trim a tree and add some personality. (image crate + barrel)

8. Advent calendar canister set - I wrote about it before, but it is simply my favorite Advent calendar. There are so many ways to change it up, yet it's nice enough to use as decor. (image impressionen)

9. Gourmet cookie book - Sadly, Gourmet magazine wasn't able to continue publishing their print magazine, although they do have an ipod app for those that still prefer something slightly more tactile. For those that still like paper and flipping pages there's this collection of the best cookies in book form. (image Gourmet)

10. Johnathan Adler Relief Menorah - A classic and modern menorah. (image jonathan adler)

11. Dreidel Platter - The perfect dish for baked goods, like Kugel, Rugalach, and Sufganiyot. (image crate + barrel)

12. Hebrew Cookie cutters - Cookie cutters that help with those Yiddish and Hebrew spellings. (image modern tribe)

Gift guide: Toddler + Pet

1. Learning Tower - A stable tower that makes children countertop level so they can help in the kitchen or it can be used for forts and puppet shows. (image learning tower)

2. Little Pim DVDs- Learning language while young is the best method, so these educational DVDs can help. (image little pim)

3. Kalon Studios hut hut - A modern take on a rocking chair. (image kalon studios)

4. KidO stack + nest - Nesting objects for stacking or playing with during bath time. (image KidO)

5. 36 cube - For those older children who love puzzles. (image think fun)

6. Kaiku design wagon - A double seated wagon that's perfect for long walks or going to the market. (image Kaiku Desigh)

7. KidO memory matching game - Two levels of difficulty with extra cards available. The images are beautiful and can be used for learning. (image Kid O)

8. Haba Kaleidoscopic Blocks - Color mixing for budding artists and architects. (image Haba)

9. Uncle Milton Pet's Eye View - Collar camera that allows you to view the world as your pet does. (image Uncle Milton)

10. Spellwell cat toy - A decapitated mouse toy for cats. (image etsy Spellwell)

11. Karlie bunny hop - For teaching your bunny the fine art of rabbit hopping, which is a sport that's gaining momentum. (image Karlie)

12. Nina Ottosson dog brick - Keeps your dog entertained and fine tunes problem solving skills. (image Nina Ottosson)

Other sites for pet gifts:
Olive Green Dog
The Modern Pet
Ruffwear

Gift guide: Baby + New Parents

1. KidO Animal Homes - Durable wooden book with beautiful illustrations. (image kido)

2. Sassy mesh teether - An easy way to give babies really food for teething without the choking hazard. (image sassy)

3. Paper boy 'Hand Made' wallpaper - Beautiful wallpaper that's sure to spark imagination. (image paperboy)

4. Moby spout cover - A sweet little whale to protect little ones from bumping their heads in the bath. (image MoMA)

5. Wee gallery Art cards - Black and white cards for a dose of graphic. It's never too early to teach good design. (image Wee gallery)

6. Juvenile solutions baby cubes - An easy way to make and store baby food in the fridge or freezer. (image juvenile solutions)

7. Notneutral wooden blocks - A pretty collection of fonts and alphabet that is multiple puzzles in one. (image Notneutral)

8. Vulli Sophie la Giraffe teether - The iconic French teether that I'm told babies love to gnaw on. (image Vulli)

9. L.L. Bean Sunbuster shelter - Perfect for sunny days at the beach, park, or for building a quiet little den. (image L.L. Bean)

10. Baby Emi jingle anklet - A Cambodian tradition that helps babies become aware of their movements. (image Baby Emi)

11. Milkstars nursing shirt - A shirt that looks normal, but has a hidden panel to allow for easy feedings. (image milkstars)

12. Petit Collage mirror - An acrylic mirror that's safe for babies, who always love staring at themselves. (image petit collage)

Gift guide: Art

1. SLR Pin hole lens - A simple way to capture some of the old world beauty with sophisticated digital results. (image photojojo)

2. iConvert® Portable Document and Photo Scanner - Portable scanning for books, photos, receipts, etc. (image brookstone)

3. Caran D'ache Water Soluble Crayon Sets - Turns drawings into watercolor paintings. (image Caran D'ache)

4. Japanese washi tape - Pretty way to jazz up letters, packages, and more. I brought back quite a few of these when we went to Japan last year. (image masking tape)

5. One sketch a day journal - Great for illustrators and those who enjoy drawing for daily creativity. (image amazon)

6. Muji Paperclips - Beautiful monuments from around the world. (image Muji)

7. How to be an Explorer of the World - Creative projects to do in day to life for inspiration to stop and notice the details. (image amazon)

8. Glow Graffiti - For those aspiring to be the next Banksy. (image uncommon goods)

9. Instant photo mirror - Because everyone loves polaroids. (image uncommon goods)

10. Seletti Pantone boxes - Fun and stylish storage solution. (image Seletti)

11. Graphtec / Quickutz Silhouette SD Craft Cutter - Media cutter to create custom magnets, vinyl, and paper. (image Graphtec)

12. Color Splash Flash - Photo effects through unique color combinations and it's as much fun to use as it is to say. (image photojojo)

Gift guide: Cooking

I love giving gifts and the past couple years I composed gift guides with ideas for the holidays.

Here are some of the interesting cooking related things I've seen throughout the year.

There will be several more gift guides in the coming days and weeks.

1. Dr. Bird Juicer - A pretty hummingbird juicer to add some excitement to the mundane. (image imm)

2. Microplane Herb Mill - Quick and easy way to add fresh herbs to anything, plus fresh herbs smell delightful and I love microplane. (image microplane)

3. Lékué Decopen - This is a modern take on a decopen and had 4 interchangeable brushes, so you can make your meals look like the professionals. I like to write notes to Stefan on the edge of his plate. (image Lékué)

4. Quirky Waffler - This is in the pre-sale phase, because it was developed by an inventor. The waffle machine makes tiny cups, which can be filled with fruits or other breakfast delights. (image Quirky)

5. Jeni's Ice Cream - One of my favorites, and from my home state no less, is Jeni's Ice Cream. Even if Ohio isn't nearby you can order a few pints to have delivered. It's worth the splurge at the holidays and people tend to share edible gifts... (image Jeni's Ice Cream)

6. Carol Keys Measuring Spoons - Simple, yet beautiful and functional accessories to use while baking. (image imm)

7. Grass Holder - A fresh and beautiful place for letters or dishes. (image plastic land)

8. Norpro Bread Forms - An easy way to make canapés and shaped loaves of bread. (image Norpro)

9. Melamine plastic plates - 'Paper plates' that are great for a picnic or everyday use and recyclable as well. (image One Hundred 80 degrees)

10. Menu Stackable Cookware - Made by Christian Bjorn, these stackable oven dishes allow you to cook many things at one time and can go straight from the oven to the table. Form and function unite. (image A+R)

11. Bunny Dishrack - Chris Koens created this adorable dish rack, which would brighten anyones kitchen. (image design-3000)

12. Apron Cooking Guide - This is a great gift particularly for someone that lives abroad or does a lot of converting. (image John Caswell)

Happy gift giving!

Advent

Merging traditions is especially important around the holidays. It's difficult to be away from family and not be able to enjoy the festive foods, great company, and different ways of celebrating.

Since moving to Germany I've learned Christmas isn't complete without glühwein, lebkuchen, spiced nuts, Christmas markets, a fondue, and advent calendars.

My friend Emily and I are working on creating a great glühwein spice mix to send home to family. I have my Mother in law's fantastic lebkuchen recipe (Vielen Dank!) - my mom even used it last year and they turned out quite nice. The spiced nuts I make whenever it's even remotely chilly out, and the Christmas markets, well, they can't exactly be recreated. It's magical to stand under the glowing lights with the snow falling and a warm mug of glühwein.

Last, but not least, is the advent calendar.

Germans adore their advent calendars. It's a fun way to add some daily excitement to the Christmas season. I've seen plenty of calendars available, however this one takes the cake... it's so simple, pretty, and modern. The simple typography is stunning. Plus, you can easily reuse the tins year after year and for birthdays.

Stefan has since developed a fondness for American Christmas tunes, my Mom's cookies, my Grandma's baklava, having a Christmas stocking, and blinged out trees with an array of ornaments from our travels. He also appreciates the fact he gets to celebrate twice, since German Christmas is actually celebrated on Christmas Eve.

I'm already thinking of the fun things I'll be filling these tins with, which incidentally begins one month from today!

Gift guide: Him + Her

1. Viva Terra Bamboo Radio - Handmade and a nice accent piece, that is both purposeful and beautiful. (image viva terra)

2. Acculevel removable propane tank gauge - Although he might have to wait a while to test it out it will give him something to look forward to in the warmer months. (image amazon)

3. Dress for dinner napkins - A great way to look dapper, even while dining. (image wishingfish)

4. credit card bottle opener - Sleek, easy to store and use. Plus don't you always love being able to save the day? (image fitzsu)

5. Bose quietcomfort 3 acoustic noise cancelling headphones - Great for travel or everyday life for the guy that loves music. (image Bose)

6. Parking Meter Alarm with Quarter Holder - Holds 10 quarters and keeps track of remaining time on the meter, so you can avoid tickets. (image spoon sisters)

7. etsy morelle truffle bag - A gorgeous and feminine catch all style purse. It's even large enough to hold a lap top! (image morelle / Elle Moss)

8. hand embroidered culture + comfort pillow - With a variety of cities and areas these beautiful pillows could provide a colorful reminder or a special time and place. (image uncommon goods)

9. nero shelf - A striking shelf designed by Nanni Holen that is sure to evoke compliments. (image huset shop)

10. object frames - I am still loving these simple, yet bold stated frames to show off your favorite things. (image the.)

11. napa style plant watering - A wonderful way to keep plants alive during a short get away. (image napa style)

12. Bloom flower light - Brighten things up during the dreary winter months. It also makes a great reading light, since it can be clipped virtually anywhere. (image World Wide Fred)

Gift guide: For a cause

1. Oregon Scientific +ECO clima control - a solar powered weather station for those who want to play meteorologist - and probably with better results. (image oregon scientific)

2. Battery Wizard - recharge your batteries - even those that aren't meant to be recharged. (image gizoo)

3. Darfur relief beads - Handmade beads that help sustain life for refugees. (image relief beads)

4. cuddly rabbit - a nice cuddly toy that doubles as a warming device. (image Volker Senger / branch home)

5. recycled wreath - A simplistic way to display holiday spirit with a touch of 'being green'. (image uncommon goods)

6. recycled sundial - You can feel a little better about your coffee habits after you purchase this sundial made from coffee cups. (image ecocentric)

7. Reader's Digest homemade - an interesting book that helps you to create homemade solutions for cleaning naturally or creating fresh products you would typically buy. (image Reader's Digest / amazon)

8. easy bloom - For those that have always wanted a green thumb, but need a bit of help. It will tell you what thrives best where you want to plant and includes a plant doctor assistant when you upload data. (image easy bloom)

9. hanging chair - a beautiful flat folding swing for two to get back to nature. (image ecocentric)

10. yoyo ceramics - a reusable solution for list makers and those that are always jotting notes. (image yoyo ceramics)

11. eco artwear wreath - A recycled wreath that can be used season after season. (image Boris Bally / eco artwear)

12. pet alert animal rescue - Window decals to let emergency help know that animals live in your home. (image animal rescue site)

Gift guide: Travel

Since we are currently half way into our trip around the world - somewhere in Asia (most likely Tokyo), travel related items have been very necessary for us for the past few months.

These are a few products that I found while searching, planning, and packing.

1. Light my Fire spork - I love these and have one in virtually every bag that I own. Visiting the grocery in a foreign country is always interesting, especially when you recognize the brands and not the products. This is every utensil in one, so you can buy things along the way and always have the immediate chance to sample them. (image light my fire)

2. Monster pod - a tripod that can even cling to the sides of buildings. I have to admit it makes me a little nervous, but reviewers claim they don't have problems with it. (image monster pod)

3. I heart my city - A playful take on the 'I love NY' shirts. I appreciate that you can love whatever city you are in - and it makes a fun conversation piece. (image forever 21)

4. Travel Scale - If you've ever overpacked and had to unpack at the airport or pay a ton of money this is a very good tool to have. Plus, it's small enough to pack along. (image Kikkerland)

5. States United print - A great homage to my homeland. (image Beauchamping etsy)

6. panorama perfect - This takes the guess work out of making sure your panorama images line up properly. (image photo jojo)

7. World clock - Spend time day dreaming about what you could be doing in a far away land, or make keeping in touch with family and friends a bit easier. They will thank you when you aren't calling them in the middle of the night. (image zero per zero - online shop is link on the bottom left)

8. Lens pen - This is very portable for photographers who want to keep their lenses dust free for spotless images. (image spoon sisters)

9. Trinvo talking translator - I wish that we had bought this before we left, because my Mandarin hasn't really improved too much. We definitely need this on our next trip through Asia. (image trinvo)

10. Mili universal charger - charges 2 devices at once and is compact, sleek, and very practical for international trips. (image Beam Box Mili)

11. Pitotubes - These were created by a flight attendant to make packing liquids and complying with safety rules easier for travelers. They are very sturdy and refillable. (image wishingfish)

12. Spy lens - Since people are often more at ease than when a camera is pointed directly in their face it's easy to catch candid photos along the way. (image photo jojo)

Gift guide: Toddler + Pet

1. Threadless YGB shirt - This shirt is perfect for budding horticulturists. I love the colors, the happiness, and the simplicity. If you like it enough, you can get an adult sized one for yourself. (image Threadless)

2. Haba blocks - I adore virtually all of Haba's wooden toys. They are so smooth and imaginative. Their various sets of blocks also have so much character and demonstrate that not every block needs to be a cube or rectangle - many are designed around some of the world's greatest architecture. (image haba)

3. vtech kidizoom digital camera - Art work by children is always interesting, and since they always have an interest in gadgets and electronics this can also help to make them productive. The bonus is that you can score some free art for your walls - with a slightly skewed vantage point. (image vtech)

4. Haba block + tackle - This pulley system toy will help children that love construction and lifting. And once again it's by Haba - need I say more? (image haba)

5. Tire Swing Horse - Many of my favorite memories as a child were playing outside and exploring our big back yard. While I never had a tire swing, I am sure that I would have enjoyed it... especially if it had as much character as this one. (image Target)

6. Wooden fishing play set - This fishing play set is not only beautifully made, but it also contains tiny magnets inside the wood so the fish can be caught. (image MoMA)

7. Kid-O matching shades puzzle - Wooden puzzles are so timeless and beautiful. This one is great for the subtle tints and tones. Kid O has an entire range of beautiful, simple, and practical puzzles. (image Kid O)

8. Pat Says Now computer mouse - These are the most adorable mice that I've ever seen. (some animals may be discontinued) (image pat says now)

For Children with 4 paws
9. Pet Top drinking device - Allows you to adapt any water bottle into an animal friendly water fountain. (image Pet Top)

10. Curve Wall Mounted Pet Bed from Akemi Tanaka - a beautiful and out of the way solution to a cat bed. (image Akemi Tanaka)

11. Critter cord - Protects your cords with plastic, a light citrus scent, and a bitter taste, so that 4 legged friends aren't tempted to gnaw through the cords. I had a bunny growing up and he certainly loved cord chewing, but he didn't like oranges. Sounds like it would work. (image critter cord)

12. Otomik - inventive dog toys that will give anyone a good laugh. (image otomik)