What really works as it’s supposed to? What’s a gimmick? What’s really a must-have? Purchasing items off of the internet can sometimes be a daunting task. Sure, all you have to do is pick out your product, click a button, and sometime later the product shows up at your door.
But what if it’s not what you wanted or what if it doesn’t work, then you have to send it back. And well, it’s easier to just order something you know is the best one or the best bang for your buck. So we thought it would be helpful to share some of the things we gave and received over the holiday season. That way you know it’s effective, works well, and worth the money.
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Eleven of the Holiday Gifts I Gave and Received That You’ll Love Too
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Milk Frother
$249.99 at the time of publication
I love coffee, so much so that I have my own personal coffee bar filled with multiple gadgets that help me brew the perfect cup of coffee every morning. However, after going cheap on an espresso maker, that lasted only a few months, the top thing on my Christmas list was a Nespresso and Santa granted my wish. Let me just tell you, the Nespresso gives you perfectly brewed espresso every time with little effort on your part. And because it comes with the Aeroccino milk frother, say goodbye to Starbucks because now you have the ability to make a delicious hot or iced latte, cappuccino, macchiato right in your own home.
What don’t I like about it? The Nespresso pods are a bit on the pricier side, but still cheaper than coffee shop prices.
Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
$109.99 at the time of publication
Another big item I had on my Christmas list was an ice maker. I rent an apartment, which means I don’t have the luxury of changing out big kitchen appliances like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, etc. And because my fridge didn’t have an ice maker in it, I needed to find a way around that.
I’m someone who loves a lot of ice in her beverages, so the standard ice molds that you can fill up and stick inside the freezer just wasn’t cutting it for me. *Enter the Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker.* Let me tell you this, I’ve never loved anything more. This delightful machine produces 26 pounds of ice in just a few hours, giving me the freedom of all the ice me and my guests could want. And it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space. This was my favorite gift this year.
What don’t I like about it? While it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, it still takes up some and let’s be honest, in an apartment, space is precious.
Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
$58.99 at the time of publication
Now, enough about what I gifted on Christmas and on to what I gave as gifts this year for Christmas. My father absolutely loved this Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager. He is someone who is also talking about how sore his neck and shoulders are, so I thought this would be the perfect gift for him. One, because it’s a massager that will help him work out the kinks whenever he needs, and two, because it’s something he can use while working at his desk. It has multiple speed settings and can be used on more than just the neck and shoulders. It works wonders on your feet, legs, and back.
What don’t I like about it? It has to be plugged in in order to use it. However, it does come with an attachment so that it can be used while in the car.
Jojo Siwa Hooded Costume
$25.29 at the time of publication
Is there a little one in your life who loves Jojo Siwa? Well, my niece does and she was obsessed with this little number when she opened her gifts this year. She put it right on with the cutest little blue shoes and looked absolutely adorable.
What don’t I like about it? Nothing! If your little one loves Jojo Siwa they are going to love this outfit!
Bluetooth Mouse
$14.99 at the time of publication
I got this as a gift for my younger brother, who is currently in school. I also own it as well. In fact, I got it for him for Christmas because he kept trying to steal mine. Yes, it says it’s compatible with MacBooks (which I have) but it is also compatible with Microsoft Surface Pros (which my brother has) as well. And neither of us have complaints about this mouse. It connects to Bluetooth with ease and the charge on this thing lasts weeks, and that’s not an exaggeration!
What don’t I like about it? The charging cord it comes with is a big short making it difficult to use while charging. So make sure you charge it at night.
Dad Joke Supply Coffee Mug
$12.91 at the time of publication
There are few things my grandfather gets truly excited about. If it’s not having his whole family around, it’s telling jokes. Actually, it’s got to a point that he literally only talks in jokes. It’s annoying, but we love him for it. So when picking out his Christmas gift, I knew it had to be something joke related and that’s when I stumbled upon this coffee mug. Seems like a cliché gift to give a grandparent, but when this mug encompasses all he enjoys into one gift, you have to buy it.
What don’t I like about it? I do not believe the graphics would survive multiple washes in the dishwasher, so you should wash it by hand to be on the safe side.
Adjustable Laptop Stand
$23.99 at the time of publication
Like I said before, my dad is always complaining about his neck and back hurting and a lot of that pain comes from being at a computer all day long. So I got him this adjustable laptop stand to go with his massager. When I say this is probably one of the best adjustable laptop stands you can get for under $30, I mean it. It’s easy to maneuver and fits all laptops. He loves it and the keyboard I got him to go with it.
What don’t I like about it? It doesn’t come in a lot of color options.
Rii USB Wired Keyboard
$11.99 at the time of publication
Obviously, when you use a laptop stand, you’re going to need either a Bluetooth or USB-compatible keyboard to make your work environment as comfortable as possible. Because my dad works a lot with numbers, I wanted to find him something that had a separate numbers keypad. This gadget also works wonders and is well worth the money. And it is compatible with all types of computers.
What don’t I like about it? It is a keyboard that could be considered on the bigger side which takes up more space on his desk.
Magnifying Makeup Vanity Mirror with Lights
$15.99 at the time of publication
One of the gifts I got my mom this year was a magnifying mirror. My mom loves to get up close and personal when washing her face or putting on makeup, so this mirror—which magnifies her features 10-times—makes that a whole lot easier for her. Plus it comes with an LED light that illuminates everything she wants to see even more. The best part is it suctions right to her vanity mirror and swivels so that she can get the perfect angle. She absolutely loves it and so did I, so I ended up buying myself one too.
What don’t I like about it? Nothing!
Nostalgia Coca-Cola Pop-Up 2 Hot Dog and Bun Toaster
$19.99 at the time of publication
This is by far one of my favorite gifts I gave this year. This one went to my best friend and there is a bit of an inside story behind it but it works so well and she uses it all of the time. As she told me, it cooks the perfect hot dogs and toasts the buns to perfection. Not to mention, if you’re not in to hotdogs, you can also use it to cook sausage, brats, or veggie and turkey dogs.
What don’t I like about it? This sucker cooks fast, so don’t walk away from it!
Essential Oils
$25.29 at the time of publication
Eighteen essential oils for less than $30? That’s hard to beat, plus this scent has all the best scents. This is one of the gifts I got my oldest cousin who absolutely loves essential oils and mixing them to come up with his own signature scents. Another plus is that these aren’t just small sample bottles. These bottles are full sizes and they are sure to last a while.
What don’t I like about it? Nothing! It’s great gift for those who love essential oils.
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Did any of these gifts pique your interest? Are these items something you would gift to someone or buy for yourself? I can tell you from experience that each of these gifts is effective, well-priced, and their recipients loved them.
But if this list isn’t quite what you’re looking for, we have shared hundreds of other products on our Mamas Uncut page. It’s there that you will find something for any occasion, celebration, and more. And if you aren’t seeing what you need, let us know!
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