I wanted to do a Holiday Gift Guide round up for a group of people that seem to stump me each year. The kids are easy (they give us lists of what they want) plus I already have a couple of great round ups of some of my favorite toys for this year’s holiday season. And even when my spouse gives me the old “I don’t care what you get me, I will love whatever you choose”, I have ideas for him. The people that I have the hardest time buying for are coworkers and neighbors. We also do a family gift exchange where we each have to bring something good, no white elephant junk at my party!

I do the typical neighbor gifts for everyone on my street but there are the special neighbors, you know them, the ones that walk the dog when you are stuck in traffic, check on the cat when you are traveling, and close the garage when you leave for a 10 day trip and accidentally leave it open…

As for coworkers I draw a blank every year. I worked closely with the same 5 people for 8 years and every year I was stumped. I ended up getting them gift cards every. single. year. I am a loser, I know. So this year I did a little research and I found a couple of great ideas that will work for a variety of people. Most of these items do not have a high price tag but each gift is great on it’s own or paired with a (yup) gift card, depending upon your budget.

2015 Friends and Neighbors Holiday Gift Guide

I am personally giving at least one of each of these gifts to a family member, friend or neighbor this year. I am not saying what is for whom as I do not want to give away any secrets.

I will start with music. Each of these 3 albums are very different and are geared toward a very different person in my life.

All My Memories: The John Denver Collection

This set includes 90 songs spanning the entirety of the late singer’s career, including six previously unreleased tracks. Any John Denver fan will appreciate this complete collection that includes a 32 page book with never before seen photos. This is available on disk or download for an I-Pod. This album reminds me of sitting around the fire at my grandparents house as a small child while they played guitars and sang.

Whitney Houston: Live

This is a CD/DVD combo that presents the ultimate Whitney Houston concert. It includes many classics, and several special, one time only renditions of songs that she never recorded. Her greatest performances that she ever had all together in place. Her music always takes me back to high school and dance team. She had an amazing voice that resonated with everyone.

Frank Sinatra: The Classic Christmas Album

This is exactly what if claims to be. Classic Christmas.  This album features two previously unreleased rare tracks of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”.  It has all the best songs sung in the best ways. This is what I will be listening to on Christmas this year for sure, even my kids enjoy his beautiful voice.

Moving on to non music. Here are three of my favorite items that I have found for my neighbors and coworkers.

ZeroWater Water Bottle

The ZeroWater travel water bottle filtration systems removes virtually all dissolved solids from tap water delivering pure-tasting water. This bottle combines a top-performing filter with a sleek and convenient design. The powerful 5-Stage Ion Exchange filter is now available in a stylish, hard-plastic bottle. I keep this in my car and reuse it everyday. It has cut back on my use of disposable water bottles, plus, the water just tastes better.

bellroy Slim Sleeve Wallet

With a balance of small size with big convenience, the Slim Sleeve Wallet is “easy to underestimate”. Your 2 primary cards go in the quick draw up on the top, then a tab lets you get to your less frequently used cards. Cash fits easily when folded in half. Perfect for when you need a slim wallet, or for a teenagers that doesn’t carry around so many cards. This one is actually going into someone’s stocking at my house.

miggo

miggo is a simple and fun multi-purpose camera carrier, that allows you to carry your camera comfortably and store it securely in any bag without fear of damaging it. I took one of these with me to Disney World, and Mexico this year and it was a life saver! I wasn’t spending time opening my bag to get my camera, take 2 pictures, put it away again, just to have to take it back out 5 minutes later. I have used all kinds of bags, straps, and carriers and this is by far my favorite! It takes 5 seconds or less to take it out, and about the same to get it put away. I have the cute one with the zebras on the bottom left in the picture. I will be getting these for my photography happy friends.

Hopefully something on this list will give you an idea for someone in your life that is a little bit harder to shop for during the holidays.

*I received products year round for review. I only included my favorites, and as always all thoughts and opinions are all my own.