Olliebop Blog | Inspiration, Ideas and Information for Busy Families | Parenting Teens and Tweens

An optimistic resource for on-the-go families.  Ollie and BOP join forces to go fetch products, tips, tools and inspiration to make this fleeting time in life all the better.

Playfully stylish. Somewhat sophisticated. Always optimistic.

Archive for the ‘For Him’ Category

Brrrrr…. Just Right for Jumpin’ Jammerz

Brrrrrr! The past few mornings we’ve seen subzero temperatures here in the Northeast. It’s absolutely freezing!

Which reminds me of a favorite new tween/teen thing in our house; Jumpin Jammerz – the “original adult footed pajamas.” Ella received the “brown cow” version for Christmas {below, right}, and she looooves them. And, her friends love them too! It seems that when a friend sleeps over, they inevitably end up borrowing Ella’s Jumpin Jammerz at some point. Then they ask where we got them! So I’ll tell ya.

There are so many different styles and patterns in the Jumpin Jammerz world. Such as…

Jumpin Jammerz1

And these aren’t just for girls. Though honestly, Mr. BOP and 14 year old Hudson aren’t exactly begging for a pair. But there might be a guy in your house who feels differently.

Jumpin Jammerz Tiger

A few more details: Jumpin’ Jammerz are around $50 — a splurge item. They’re available through Amazon and jumpinjammerz.com.

{Note that they contain a few photos of an “adult” nature — having to do with the “trap door” styles! Don’t go shopping with your 6 year old…}

Jumpin Jammerz are made for adults, so they’re an older tween/teen/grownup thing. Ella {age 12} is in an XS, with plenty of room to grow {except for her size 8 feet which just barely fit into the footie part}. The size chart is here.

So what do you think? Cute? Fun? Weird? I’m still not sure where the appeal comes from.

Must be that Jumpin Jammerz makes their owners feel like a goofy little kid again.

And what’s not to like about that?

The Great Big Ultimate Olliebop Holiday Gift Guide 2012

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I hope you’re ready for this… since it’s big and wonderful! I’ve rounded up the gift ideas that have captured my interest since summer. And here they are — all in one place. Just for us. Are you ready!?

I’ll be curious to hear what you think of this “Great Big” format. I hope you will return to it more than once — a “sourcebook,” of sorts. A Great Big guide wasn’t my original plan, but A) I’m running late and short on time. And, B) the holiday shopping season is underway. This post isn’t as graceful as I’d like — but I just wanted get the goods out there and get the mojo working!

And if you’re looking for even more inspiration … you can also refer back to last year’s FIVE fabulous holiday gift guides for great ideas too. And, don’t miss the section below on creative ways to give cold hard cash! Sometimes it really is what teens want, but that doesn’t mean it has to be uninteresting.

And lastly before we begin — I fully encourage and support shopping locally, wherever you live. That’s where I always start, and I round out from there. Please also note that I do not profit in any way from your purchase of these items. This guide simply contains things that think are great.

So, here we go. First things first… A Gift that Does Good:

A Full day of Emergency Shelter for One Person through the American Red Cross {3 meals, 2 blankets, 1 cot and personal supplies for $50}. Tangible, Meaningful, Helpful.

Next up; Tweens and Teens — 36 gift ideas, below!

Hello Wood Script Sign {$90} by OhDierLiving on Etsy

Noel Sucre Sweets {$48} from Olive and Cocoa

Agility Training Ladder with DVD {$24.10} from Amazon

Farts in a Can {$9.95} from Chronicle Books. Ewwww.

Marimo Moss Ball {$20} by PinkSerissa on Etsy

2013 Daily Calendar of Awesome {$11.69} on Amazon

For social media lovers; Casetagram Gift Card for Teens to Make a Custom Phone/iPad Case from their Instagram, Facebook or Uploaded Pics. SO Cool! {Prices vary}

Just Between Us Parent-Child Journal {$15.95} from Papersource. Ella and I love ours.

Voice Changer Sound Machine {$17.95} from Papersource. Or, how about this assortment of wacky sound machines in stockings?

Ticket Stub Diary {$14.95} from Chronicle Books. Another favorite in our house. We save every stub from plays, concerts and movies. 

Socker Boppers Inflatable Boxing Pillows {$19.95} from Papersource

Boo the World’s Cutest Dog by Gund {$14.77} from Amazon. Awwwww….

Washi Tape {links to an earlier post}

Geomate Hide it Starter Kit {$18.95} from LL Bean. Even cooler with the Geomate Log Cache

Mouthman Animated Hoodie Shirt {$29.95} from Daily Grommet. For kids on the lower end of tween-aged.

Fortune Telling Scratchers {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Nail Art Pen and Polishes Set {$14.95} from The Spoon Sisters

You Are Beautiful Mirror {$32} from Mixed Mangos on Etsy

Peacebomb Tag Wrap Bracelet $46 from Peacebomb. Learn the incredible story of this charitable gift here.

F For Effort: More of the Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Bird Sentry Jewelry Stand {$40} from Sundance

Makey Makey {$40} from Uncommon Goods. For playful inventors and computer geeks. Learn more here.

Monogramed Letter Pillow {$35} from FestiveHomeDecor

Seemed Like Such a Good Idea Notebook {$9.95} by the Black Spruce on Etsy

Miniature Terrarium with Fairy: {$65} by PinkSerissa on Etsy

Kwizniac Trivia Game {$19.99} from Amazon

Love and Toast Fun and Flirty Fragrance Collection {$54}. Carried here in Saratoga at For Earth’s Sake. All smell so good!

Funky iPhone Case in many designs: {$17.99} by TheCuriousCaseLLC on Etsy

Divergent by Veronica Roth {$9.99} on Amazon. Recommended by Bridget Mason in her top book picks for teens {a great list for holiday shoppers!}. 

Personalized Zodiac Silver Necklace {$19} bymoncadeu on Etsy. In gold here.

Slackers Slackline Tightrope  Kit  {$79.95} from LL Bean or their Slackers Eagle Series Zipline Kit {$169.99}

Birch Box Gift Subscription - for Him or Her {$60 for 3 months}

Smashbook and Accessories {links to an earlier post}

Ugg Ansley Slippers {$100} from Zappos

Zombie Temporary Tattoos {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Do Your Best Pennant {$36} from Three Potato Four

 

A Top Pick for Anyone! Music anywhere with this wireless bluetooth speaker. We have the BIG one in our kitchen, and we love it.

Jawbone BIG Jambox Wireless Bluetooth Speaker {$299} from Amazon or the Mini version {$129} from Amazon

 

And what about “HIM”? A dozen gift ideas, right here – 

New England Plaid Reversible Shirt {$118} from Sundance. Practical, yet dashing. 12/7 Update: Oh no! Out of Stock! Try this or this instead! 

Eye Chart Print – “I Love Waking Up to You Every Morning” {$19} by Dalloway Place on Etsy. Many other sayings in this eye chart format too.

Ideology Duffle {$168} from Sundance

Native Union Popup Phone Handset {$29} from West Elm

Sutton by JR Moehringer {$17.80} from Amazon

American Red Cross Hand Turbine Weather Alert Radio with Smartphone Charger {$59.99} from Amazon

Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones {$299} from Amazon

Lettuce Turnip The Beet Tshirt  {$27} by coup on Etsy.

Secret Club Key Tags  {$6 each – 6 different designs} from Three Potato Four

Jack Black Balm Squad {$25} from Birch Box

Hand Stamped Personalized Key Chain {$12.50} by IJDbyNoelle on Etsy. Great for grandpas, too.

Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook {$18.98} from Amazon. For the guy who loves to cook breakfast, from the restaurant voted “best pancakes” in NYC!

 

I also love Touch Gloves by Echo for the smartphone-carrying HIM or HER. His are here. Hers are here.

 

And then there’s “HER”… a collection of 14 picks: 

Silk Scarf with Spiral Dots Pattern {$28} by Brooke Stanton

Pistil Clara Cap {$24.94} from Altrec. Several other colors, too.

Cast Metal Jewelry Tree {$29} from West Elm

Birthday Cake Notecards {$14.95} from Chronicle Books

Miguel Ases Rose Gold and Silver Medium Earrings  {$220} from Bloomingdales. I love these so much that I featured a similar pair in last year’s guide. Also lovely and more understated are these beauties {$75}

Not Your Mom’s Table Topics {$29.95} from Papersource

Bryant Park Scarf in Poppy {$59} from Stella and Dot

Paper Source 2013 Wall Art Calendar {$29.95} from Paper Source

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten {$21} at Barnes and Noble

Tweezerman 10 x Lighted Mirror {$15} from Zappos. Note: I know this is weird, but I have one and I really love it! Could give along with Tweezerman Slant Tweezer {$22} on Zappos

Photographic Lithograph Necklace by Everyday Artifact {$30-$35} from Artfully Elegant. Even more beautiful in person. I love the diver and tightrope walker.

OPI Tinseltown Nail Collection  {$19.50} from Sephora

Sequined Tank {$88} from Garnet Hill

Three Designing Women Custom Self-Inking Stamps {$45} from Tiny Prints

 

Or, When in Doubt…. Gourmet Foods: 

Molecular Gastronomy Cuisine Kit {$60} from Uncommon Goods. Learn more about this crazy form of cooking here. A whole new form of entertainment!

Marshmallow Twig Roaster {$18} from Terrain. Even better paired with their homemade Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallows {$8}

Teas from Around the World {$75} from Dean and Deluca

Vosges Exotic Mini Chocolate Library {$29} from Orvis

Macaron Gift Box – Choose your flavors {$35} from Macaron Cafe

Lidded Juice Jar Set {$25} at Terrain. OK, I know this isn’t gourmet food, but I love that they have lids  and I want to take them on a picnic. Especially if accompanied by Terrain’s Birch Bark Straws {$8}

AND THEN there’s Cold Hard Cash, often desired by teens. Below are a few unique packaging methods to make giving and receiving cash more fun:

My Stache Jar {$16} from LoveGraceJoy on Etsy

FAKE “Blankeez” Gift Box {$6.95} from Papersource. HIlarious packaging to make the predictable gift less so!

FAKE “Pet Petter” Gift Box {$6.95} from Papersource.

Money Bag {$10} from Three Potato Four. Stuff the money bag with shredded paper or tissue, along with your bill of choice.

Not pictured above, but awesome: Real Money Origami {Prices Vary} by Vincent the Artist on Etsy

So there you have it; the GREAT BIG gift guide. Happy shopping! Happy relaxing after the shopping… And happy happy holidays to you!

xoxo - BOP

 

Fathers Day Gift Guide 2012

First of all — and this has nothing to do with Father’s Day —  I have to ask; are you as overwhelmed by this time of year as we are?!? Between the end-of-year events, school pressures and mixed emotions, there’s a lot to take in. We’ll get there, but June is nuts {and by that, I mean difficult}. Are you with me? And if you’re not overwhelmed, please share your secret!

Anywhoo….. to make sure that Mr. BOP — and other important dads — aren’t shortchanged by all of this chaos, I spent some time this afternoon putting together the second Olliebop Father’s Day Gift Guide. No, Mr. BOP is not getting all of these wonderful things; but a few, for sure. I placed orders today, as there’s only two weeks to go!

I hope this collection gives you some ideas; and, there were also some fantastic finds in Last Year’s Father’s Day Gift Guide. Between the two, I’m optimistic that we’ve got you covered:

1. Superman Apron from Paper Source  $24.95

2. Set of Three Father’s Day Custom Wine Labels by Small Creatures on Etsy { $37}

3. Upcycled Tent Dopp Kit from Uncommon Goods {$38)

4. Travel DIY Globe Art Kit by Imagine Nations on Etsy {$24.99 – Globe not included but search “globe” in the vintage section of Etsy for many options}

1. Wood 6-Bottle Beer Carrier by Ridgeback Oaks on Etsy {$50}

2. Altoid Tin Portable Amp and Speaker by Ampoids on Etsy {$30}

3. Soap For Men by Sams Natural on Etsy {$8.95}

4. Striped Silk Skinny Tie by Tie Obsessed on Etsy {$18.95}

5. “Hey Dad” Card or Mini Print by Letter Happy on Etsy {$3}

6. iPhone Bike Mount from Uncommon Goods ($40)

 

Happy Father’s Day, all!

- Ollie and BOP 

Olliebop Shops: Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Hmmm…. I’m imagining all of you getting ready for Thanksgiving — in whatever form that may be. Perhaps packing bags, or cooking, or getting on a plane, or making lists of things to do. We’re looking forward to a big family gathering {40+ people for several days} on Cape Cod with Mr. BOP’s crew. This is not our usual plan — and it’s exciting to be doing something completely different. So, at the moment we’re tag-teaming to crank out four batches of chocolate chip cookies, part of our assignment from Cousin Jody. I’m finishing this Gift Guide for Him between batches — trying to keep Mr. BOP from looking over my shoulder and seeing his potential Christmas presents! I think we’ve got a great group of finds here. It’s the biggest Olliebop gift guide yet. I hope you enjoy it. Here we go…

    1. New India Print Belt {$65} By Jon Wye. A stylish accessory, don’t you think? * Update as of 12/8/11. I no longer see the “Himalaya Blue” pictured. Check out other colors, or the wide range of wild designs from Jon Wye.
    2. The Wallet Pen {$75, Engraving for $9} Handcrafted in Vermont. Mr. BOP has loved his; it’s so tiny that it clips into the fold of his wallet.
    3. Kitchy Mermaid Bottle Opener, Painted the Color of Your Choice {$14} By Riricreations on Etsy. The vibrant color choices are listed in the shop.
    4. Fossil Octane East/West Messenger {$75, now on sale} From Ebags. Love this for weekend travel or for more casual business, and the reviews are glowing. The Fossil Wagner also is fabulous. It’s a toss-up, really.
    5. Crazy Chocolate Bars by Komforte Chockolates {$3 each} From Amazon. Unusual combinations of sweet, salty and spicy for his adventurous sweet tooth.
    6. Reclaimed Wood ipod and iphone Dock Charger {$65} by SwedishGuyDesign on Etsy. Handcrafted from a French oak wine barrel.
    7. Salt: A World History {$11} On Amazon. By Mark Kurlansky. A friend was just telling me today that her husband couldn’t put this one down. A fascinating look at how an everyday part of our lives {salt} has shaped world history.
    8. Journal Bandolier {$18 – $26} By CleverHands on Etsy. A smart way to bundle his notebook and writing gear together. Color and style choices vary in the shop.
    9. Leatherman Juice CS4 {$50} From Amazon. A classic gift — and one he’ll use over and over.
    10. Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series {$40} From Amazon. If your guy has yet to experience the jaw-dropping beauty in this series, he’s in for such a treat. Although it may sound a bit “educational” for a weekend evening, this series has been loved by our whole family. With the new lower price, it’s a deal, too.
    11. Robert Graham Party Shirt {$198 and up} From Robert Graham. I can’t begin to imagine which Robert Graham shirt would suit the guy you’re looking for — as there’s quite a range of wild styles and colors. Take a tour around the site and imagine the possibilities! Mr. BOP has two Graham shirts {I should qualify this by saying that we hit a great sale}, and they are his “party shirts.” The attention to detail is incredible — with splashes of color on the hem, cuffs and lapel. A splurge that will make him feel like a million bucks.
    12. Marshmallow Roasters {$14 now on sale, for a set of two} From Restoration Hardware. He can simply relax by the fire, with these telescoping roasters that also spin with a slight movement of the thumb. We’ve had a set for years, and they’re fantastic.
    13. Personalized Postcard Mug Made Just for Him {$24} From Bailey Doesn’t Bark. With a special marker and some time in the oven, this mug will become his absolute favorite!

Oh, the books! Great books for guys keep appearing, and non-fiction caught my eye especially. How about:

From Left to Right {Two out of three links are to Amazon, but please consider your local bookstore, too!}. Check out the incredible reviews!

 Cuisinart Grill, Griddle and Panini Press {$100} & Wichcraft Panini Spreads {$14 and Up} From Williams Sonoma

And, Here’s a Special Olliebop Discount at Frittelli & Lockwood!

The Leno Bamboo Scarf: I am so excited to share these beautiful bamboo scarves from Frittelli & Lockwood, a textile studio here in Saratoga Springs. Owners, Richard and Cecilia are an incredible husband and wife team who exemplify a life of creativity, sustainability, and partnership. This recent article beautifully showcases their work. I stopped by the shop the other day and fell in love with these bamboo “Leno” scarves. They are incredibly soft, and so dapper!  The photo below is actually of a shawl version of the Leno, so note that the scarf is a bit narrower. Isn’t it gorgeous?

To order a Leno scarf and to receive a 15% discount {off of $105}  please call the Textile Studio at (518) 583-2129 or email fritlock@verizon.net, and mention the discount code “Olliebop.” Offer expires December 10. The Leno is pictured here in three colors; blue, grey, and red.


And, here’s one more collection of Fetching Finds: 

    1. Cranium Wow {$33} From Amazon. The classic game, updated.
    2. Bicycle Glasses {$75 for a set of 8} From Uncommon Goods. Glassware for a biking enthusiast or anyone who likes some color in the kitchen.
    3. Flask with Hand Dyed Engraved Leather Wrap {$20} By KillorglinCreations on Etsy. Personalized, at this price?
    4. Emergency Toilet {$50} To Benefit Oxfam. “Huh?” You say? Oxfam says, “Don’t feel like flushing your finances for the loved one who has everything? Give a potty as a present, and you will help prevent the spread of deadly diseases in crisis situations. This simple but important gift can save lives by creating more sanitary environments for people living in camps after disaster strikes.“
    5. Cinemin Swivel Projector {$169} From Amazon. A mini, portable movie theater and photo projector that connects with ipods, iphones and other handheld devices {please review product specs for details, as it does not connect with computers}. Several reviewers recommend pairing it with something like Tweakers compact speakers.
    6. Menswear Trays {$6 each} From West Elm. A stylish landing pad for his personal items.
    7. An Experience from Cloud 9 Living {Prices vary greatly} Give the gift of an experience! Pictured, here, a beer tasting sail in New York. Gift Certificates are available too. Here’s how it works.
    8. Grid It {$22} From Flight 001. A web of straps makes a place for everything. A similar version is found here.
    9. Bogs Classic High Muck Boots {$90} From Zappos. Classic and warm for those winter dashes outside or those cold, dirty jobs.

If you’re still looking for ideas after all of that, there are also some finds on the Teen and Tween Guys’ Guide that adults would love too {I’m thinking Buckeyballs, the Boogie Board, the Flash Harp Harmonica and Two Dudes One Pan cookbook}.

There’s one more Gift Guide coming — the Little Things, like stocking stuffers, and host/hostess gifts. But, I need to adjust the schedule and post it after Thanksgiving. Time to go enjoy our Big Giant Thanksgiving celebration! Speaking of which, I am so thankful for having join us here on Olliebop. I really am.

Yes, There IS an Ideal “Token” Gift

So you open up the invitation — for a dinner party, a cocktail party, or surprise party, perhaps. Might be celebrating the birthday of your 40 year old neighbor, your 72 year old uncle, your longtime friend, or your boss. The gift giving wheels start turning and you’re coming up empty. Might this be a likely scenario?

I landed on the perfect little gift last year when contemplating my sister, Sarah’s 40th. I went to Etsy, selected “Vintage” from the drop down at the top, and typed in her birth month and year. A quirky selection of vintage magazines readily appeared. I was immediately caught up in the world that had welcomed Sarah in 1970 — and now she could be, too. I snagged a few for my cart, and they were in my gift-giving hands within days. Done!

A vintage magazine from a person’s birth month makes for an inexpensive, thoughtful, and ultra cool gift — when given alone, or as paper time capsule wrapped around a bottle of wine or Mr. Bubble. Best of all, you can track one down in about two minutes flat.

 

To put this idea again to the test, I visited Etsy just now and typed in my birth month and year — December, 1968. If I were shopping for myself these two mags would be on the way — love! And I really do want to know how Lucille Ball tamed her teenagers…

 

Sold by TheIslandBunnysAttic on Etsy. $8, plus $3 shipping from Florida. Click on image for link.

 

 

What a dress — seriously.  And the “How-To-Be-Beloved Handbook Including Secret Weapons of a Girl in Love” in Cosmo… a must read.

Sold by Schmoo1515 on Etsy. $16 with free US shipping from Chicago. Click on image for link.

 

I also searched Ebay and there were nine pages of magazines, just in my birth month — so there seem to be plenty of old mags out there. The wheels are turning again… personal collection just for me? Stocking stuffers? I’m still diggin’ it.

Fetching Finds: Father’s Day

 

  1. Hollow Secret Safe Book: To Kill A Mockingbird {$45} by SecretSafeBooks on Etsy.  Numerous titles and styles available — all unique and  mysterious.
  2. Whiskey Stones Gift Set {$58} at Uncommon Goods, where Father’s Day ideas abound.
  3. Hand Stamped Washer and Copper Keychain {$14.95} by MetalExpressions on Etsy. A go-to shop for all sorts of people and occasions.
  4. A Hammock from The Hammock Company: The classic gift in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
  5. Movie Club Starter Kit {$50} at Uncommon Goods. Choose the Family Version if Dad’s Movie Club includes everyone. Mature Version also available, if preferred…
  6. Hubcap Clock {$42.50} by 8MileCreekDesigns on Etsy. Many styles available, for the auto enthusiast.
  7. Takeout Menu Organizer {$22.95} from Paper Source. Why not take a ride about town to collect the latest menus from Dad’s favorite places?
  8. DIY Retro Father’s Day Labels {FREE Download} from marthastewart.com. Gather up some of his favorite foods and make them spiffy.
  9. Cuisinart Griddler {$99 on Sale} at Crate and Barrel. As if paninis aren’t wonderful enough, there are five cooking options including pancakes, steaks and burgers.
  10. Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share {Paperback: $10.36 on Sale} by Ken Denmead of the blog, GeekDad. A sequel to this book, with even more geeky projects, was just released.
  11. Trio of Marshmallow Shooters {$13.75} by Backwoods Toys on Etsy.  All sorts of colors, quantities and styles available — ready for serious Stay Puft combat.
  12. Men’s Personalized Leather Cuff {$49} by MadGab on Etsy. Love it! And I think Mr. BOP would wear it….
  13. DIY Folded Shirt Card {FREE Tutorial} from marthastewart.com
  14. Personalized Pewter Keepsake Bowl {$44} by Lisa Leonard Designs. Customization of up to three lines. Beautiful!
  15. DIY Gift for Your Superhero {FREE Download} from the fabulous Alphamom.com. Printable labels provide the pizzazz to transform simple materials into a low-cost superhero survival kit.
  16. 4GB FlashHarp — Flashdrive Harmonica {$59.95 with Free Shipping} by BackyardBrand on Etsy. And, it comes with a harmonica lesson video and tab sheet of Oh, Susannah! Personalized and 2GB versions also in the shop.
  17. DIY Dad’s Token Tin {FREE Download} by Eighteen25. While you’re there, take a spin around this blog for other good stuff.

Ollie and I have thoroughly enjoyed fetching these finds… though it is now quite late and he really would like me to put him to bed.  Happy shopping and creating!

 

Quick Note: for those who aren’t regular Etsy users {but you may be soon…}, links above are to the specific pictured items.  To see an entire Etsy shop, open the link for the item.  Then, look to the right and click on the small blue “Shop”. Voila!