Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Part #2: Your papa bear who loves pop culture, tells corny jokes and is still the smartest man in the world.

A pocket tissue holder because, whether he admits it or not, he’s really just one giant softy at heart. Warning: He’ll probably tell you he uses it as an iPhone holder, $13.
The complete Jurassic Park Trilogy because he took you to see the movie three times while it was in the theater, $54.99.
A subscription to the Bacon of the Month Club because, well, bacon makes everything better, $145.95.

This wave & sun T-shirt because it reminds him of the Beach Boys, his all-time favorite group, $28.
The Meatball Cookbook because he loooves meat, remember? $16.29.

A Periodic Table shower curtain (just like in The Big Bang Theory!) because without him, you never would have survived (and passed!) high school chemistry, $29.99.
A chalkboard mug to leave him corny jokes, $10.

An animal print that he can hang above his desk and look at on those long days when he’d rather be outside than stuck at the office, $20.
A scratch map ($24) and a travel stub diary ($14.95) to record all his retirement adventures.
…and a soup and sandwich ceramic tray duo for when he comes home, $30.

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Part #1: Your mama bear who gives the best hugs and whose homemade cookies make everything better.

A soft and cuddly holiday bear, complete with a red scarf, and 3 bags of personalized M&Ms so she can read little messages from you into the New Year, $49.99.
A colorful handbag to match her equally colorful personality, $60.
Wall art to say thank you for all those encouraging smiles she gave you over the years, $18.
This Initial Me Silver Bunny to keep her loved ones close to her heart, $24.

A photo notepad full of fun family memories, $12.99.
Michael Buble’s new holiday album because, well, she listens to holiday music all year, $10.99.
A comfy pillow to remind her to take time for herself, $40.
An Everlasting Meal because she’s always wanted to take up cooking (and wants to do it economically!!), $14.88.
Stripped snowflake socks she can wear while listening to her holiday tunes, $18.
The photography book Wise Women because she’s, well, the wisest woman you know, $19.

Sneak Peek: Holiday Gift Guide 2011

So here we are, friends! Can you tell how utterly excited I am about So About What I Said’s first-ever Holiday Gift Guide? I’ll be posting a new guide each day this week as well as a couple days next week, and each round-up will be filled with affordable, creative and fun ideas for everyone from your mom to your tiny little cousin. There are so many cool things out there, and I hope you’ll enjoy my picks.
Look for the first guide (for mamas!) this afternoon, but in the meantime, I’d love to know, friends: What’s your holiday-shopping strategy? Who’s the hardest person to shop for? Who’s on your list this year? Do you do most of your shopping online now, or do you still brave the mall — I honestly don’t remember the last time I went to the mall. Yikes!

And speaking of shopping, Happy Cyber Monday. Here are 5 ways to save…
*Macy’s is offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Enter promo code CYBER.
*Wal-Mart is offering free shipping all week if you spend $45 or more on items marked HOMEFREE.
*American Eagle Outfitters is offering 25% off your order and free shipping — TODAY ONLY! Just enter promo code 49827101 at checkout.
*J.Crew is offering 25% off your order and free shipping — TODAY ONLY! Just enter promo code SURPRISE.
*Target is offering free shipping for 7 days if you spend $50 or more.

And here are 5 Etsy shops offering awesome deals…
*Laura is offering 10% off her lovely prints. Just use promo code CYBER10 at checkout.
*Barberry & Lace is offering 30% off — TODAY ONLY! Just enter coupon code CYBER302011.
*Upper Metal Class is offering 20% off orders — TODAY ONLY! Just enter promo code UMC20.
*Much Love Illy is offering 25% off your order. Just enter promo code CYBERMONDAY.
*June Designs is offering 20% off your order. Just enter promo code CYBERMONDAY2011.

P.S. If you’re in a browsing mood, check out my previous shopping finds.

[Photos via Pinterest]

Holiday cards

It’s official: The holiday season has begun. My mother broke out her Christmas music over the weekend, and as I was eating lunch in my office today, tiny white, soft-as-silk pieces of snow began falling. The beginning of winter is sort of magical, isn’t it? Full of warm nights curled up in front of the fireplace (my cats’ favorite hangout), the smell of delicious cookies in the oven (my mom makes a variation of these) and taking walks after huge blizzards and pretending that you’re an explorer braving the wilds of Antarctica (remember this blizzard last year?). If thinking about all that doesn’t get me in the holiday spirit, how perfect are these new holiday cards from Rifle Paper Co.?

‘Tis the season: Doesn’t it make you want to burst out in song?

Favorite things: Classic and gives me that cozy holiday feeling.

St. Nick: Reminds me of the magic of childhood holidays.

Aren’t they beautiful? Fun story: For years, my mother would slip a letter into each of the cards we’d send to family and friends. She’d write about what we’d been up to that year and how each of us was doing. It was a great way to add a personal touch to the cards. A few years ago, we found a stack of those letters from when I was younger. It was fun to read about our activities from year-to-year.

I’d love to know, friends: Do you send holiday cards? Maybe letters? Or do you have a special tradition in your family? Let’s chat! xoxo

P.S. A sweet invitation for a holiday party!

[Top two photos via My Summer Twist; I couldn’t resist posting those cozy sweaters!]