12 Gifts for Christmas (part 1)

The Handy Man

We all have one. He is the guy you call the moment your washing machine breaks or your bathroom floor caves in. He helps us out all year long, and it’s time to return the love. According to my Mr. Fix-It, the best gift for a guy who spends so much time working with his hands is anything from the Craftsman Pro Series of Hand Tools. Priced at around $60 for a set of screwdrivers, Craftsman Tools can be found at Sears.

I have this set and the handles are what won me over, they are way better than the standard Craftsman screwdrivers.  When things get greasy and oily I still have a good grip. After switching to the pro series drivers the standard ones feel like a child's toy.”

The Gadget Guy

He is tech savvy, he has the latest tech toys, and we need him to set up our DVR. Whether he is you dad, brother or boyfriend, we all know the gadget guy. According to John, owner of hobnobmurfreesboro.com and the tech savviest I know, this year you can’t go wrong with a Flip Video Ultra HD Camcorder.

I have seen a ton of ads for this, and apparently it’s worth all the hype. With an attached USB drive, your guy can directly upload his HD videos to his computer. At around $200, you can pick one of these up at Best Buy or Target.

The Outdoorsman

Do you know anyone who loves to hike, raft and sleeps outside at any opportunity? I have a lot of friends that live for the outdoors, and I NEVER know what to put under their tree. According to my friend Tony, you can’t go wrong with what he calls “outdoor toys.”

“Outdoor toys like light up Frisbees and hammocks are always great to take with you on a camping trip. I also recommend outdoor furniture cushions to make you.”

If no other ideas come to mind, be sure to check out Bink’s Outfitters. Bink’s has two Murfreesboro locations, one on the square and one at Stones River Mall. This is the ultimate place to find anything for the outdoorsman in your life.

The New Mom

This one is easy. Everyone knows (or at least they should) that it is a rare occasion for a mother to get 15 minutes all to herself. It is even harder for a new mom who probably hasn’t indulged herself in at least six months. Every woman loves to feel pretty so the gift of a spa visit is a no brainer. Go with a massage, pedicure or haircut, all of which would make her day.

Although there are many spas and salons to choose from in Murfreesboro, my personal favorite is Tangerine Salon & Spa located on Thompson Lane. I have been a client for years and have never had a bad experience. In fact, every single service has been amazing. You might pay a little more for your pedicure, but there will be no screaming children in the background.

The Young Professional

Women always want to look good in the workplace, and it’s all in the details, ladies. The most classic look for women has to include the pearl strand and earrings set. Our mothers have them, our grandmothers have them and we want them. So versatile and at all price ranges, this elegant jewelry statement is a must have for all women.

The best thing about a pearl set is that they not only look good for the office, but also a night on the town and a weekend lunch date. The prettiest pearls I have seen were at Shane Company in The Avenue. Shane Co. has pearls ranging from under $100 to over $1,000. Surprisingly there is a lot to know about pearls, and the sales person was very informative. This classic gift will be a hit for any lady in your life.

The Head Chef

Whether she has been cooking for years or is just beginning to experiment in the kitchen, any woman who shows the slightest interest in cooking needs an excellent set of knives. Everyone in my family has the same set from Wolfgang Puck’s Café Collection from Sam’s Club.

According to my sister, “It is the most basic essential, and I couldn’t prepare a meal without mine.”

Bed, Bath and Beyond also has an excellent selection of fine knife sets with a wide variety of prices. Every chef will appreciate this useful gift.