Yesterday I placed two birdfeeders in my backyard. This morning I awoke to a light dusting of snow and a beautiful chorus of birdsong. I hung the feeders from the limb of a tree that’s located at the very edge of my driveway in the back, and the birds were having a blast! I went out briefly to make sure the snow hadn’t completely covered the seed on the feeder where the seed is somewhat exposed. I sprinkled a little seed on the ground for the squirrels and some of the bigger birds that love feeding on the ground.
A couple of hours later, everyone had vanished. Ummm. As I was looking out the window in the Butler’s Pantry, I noticed the silhouette of a very large hawk high up in a nearby tree. No wonder everyone left at once! Ha! One nice thing about the Dollhouse house is I have a great view of the backyard from several rooms, so birdwatching will be easy from my upstairs study, the window seat in my bedroom, the Butler’s pantry, and the sun porch. I’m super psyched about that! I’ve never had so many great spots for watching my backyard birds.
Speaking of birdwatching, if you have a birder on your Christmas list, I very much recommend a beautiful Dovecote for their garden. Not only are the dovecotes a stunning addition to the landscape, the birds LOVE nesting in them in the springtime. I have Bluebirds nesting in both of mine every spring without fail.
Here’s a photo from a previous year…
Phoebes and other birds will nest in them, too. They’ve stopped making the dovecotes with a cedar roof since those types of roofs tend to eventually deteriorate. A large woodpecker drilled a giant hole in mine twice. I think he was going for insects that were under the shingles. So I replaced that dovecote (after many years) with their newest version with the metal/copper roof. Since then, I’ve added a second dovecote to my Georgia garden. I really love the design of the roof on their latest version seen below. I’m super tempted to order one for the front yard garden of the Dollhouse. They add so much personality and curb appeal! Definitely recommend a dovecote for anyone on your Christmas list who enjoys birds or gardening. You’ll find it available here: Dovecote Bird House.
I’ve been eyeing one of these for the basement “theater” room. I think my grandsons would love it. Heck, even the grownups would love this on movie night! This one has great reviews and I love the design. You’ll find it available here: Nostalgic Countertop, Vintage-Style Popcorn Maker.
If you would prefer it come with a stand, which is the way I am thinking of purchasing it, you’ll find that one here: Popcorn Maker with Stand, Great for Movie Night.
This is the popcorn I saw recommended for these types of popcorn poppers. It comes with the popcorn and seasoning already premeasured. Of course, you can use any brand popcorn you wish, too. You’ll find it available here: Popcorn with Seasoning for Popcorn Machines.
If you have a guy on your Christmas list who needs a stylish, wool coat for winter, this navy Peacoat is a classic choice and can work for casual or dressy occasions. You’ll find it available here: Men’s Wool Peacoat.
I love this Fair Isle sweater made from Merino wool. The colors and the design are so pretty! You’ll find it currently on sale here: Fair Isle Merino Wool Sweater.
Another sweater that I think is adorable and perfect for this time of year! It’s currently on sale for 50% off here: Red Snowflake Sweater, 50% Off.
I’ve had several comments over the past couple of months asking for a link to the sweater shaver that I purchased and recommended a few years back. Unfortunately, that shaver doesn’t appear to be available now, but this one looks similar and has great reviews. I like that it comes with two blades in case one eventually gets dull. The one I purchased a few years back didn’t come with that, so that’s a great plus! You’ll find it available here: Sweater Shaver.
My grandsons love these LEGO Creator sets! I love how each set will make three different sets, so it’s kind of like getting three LEGO gift sets in one. They are also very reasonably priced so they make awesome birthday and holiday gifts. You’ll find this cute Doggie one here: LEGO Doggies.
I purchased this Creator set for my youngest grandson last year and he loved it! He played with the dinosaurs a lot after putting it together. Again, this set will make three completely different dinosaurs, so very versatile. You’ll find it available here: LEGO Dinosaur, Ages 7-12.
Recently, I shared this board game that I purchased for my grandsons for Christmas after seeing it was rated 4.9 stars after 26,159 reviews!!! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a game rated that high! If you missed that previous post, you’ll find the game available here: Ticket To Ride.
A few days ago I saw that they had a Junior version for ages 6 and up. The regular game is recommended for ages 8 and up. My youngest grandson is 8, but I thought having the Junior version would be helpful for learning how to play, so I purchased it for their Christmas, as well. The reviews for it are excellent, too: 4.8 after 6,410 reviews. Just wanted to mention this one in case you have little ones on your gift list who are not quite 8 years old yet. You’ll find it available here: Ticket To Ride First Journey Board.
I think I may have included this in my previous gift recommendations post but wasn’t sure, so I thought I’d share it again. This is a great way to spoil anyone on your list who enjoys a relaxing, hot bath. You’ll find it available here: Expandable Luxury Bathtub Tray. See all available trays here: Luxury Bath Trays.
Okay, this recommendation is a bit off the beaten path, but I thought it would make a wonderful gift for that person on your list who loves birding, decorating, or just beautiful things. I have this gorgeous bluebird-covered garden stool in my guest room in Georgia and it is still one of my favorite buys ever! It makes me smile every time I see it. Garden stools are so versatile for adding additional seating in a room, or to use as a small side table alongside a chair.
This beautiful garden stool is available here: Beautiful Garden Stool with Bluebirds. As you can see, the blue color is much more vivid in person than in the picture online. It’s stunning!
I have this garden stool on my wish list right now. I love the design! It is just a matter of time before I cave and add it to a room here in the Dollhouse.
Such a beautiful design! I think I’ll order it today because I know I’ll regret it if they stop making it. You’ll find it available here: Garden Stool.
I seriously having Birds on the brain right now! Does that make me a birdbrain? Don’t answer that! lol With all the birds in my area, I ordered this feeder today. I like that it has two slots to hold suet because so many birds LOVE suet during the winter, really all year round. I think it would make a great gift for anyone on your list, even if they aren’t currently into birding. A feeder like this one is a great way to introduce a friend or grandchild/family member to the joys of birdwatching. You’ll find this feeder available here: Bird Feeder with Suet Holders.
Since I have so many rooms in my home that are ideal for viewing the feeders I have in my backyard, I was thinking of ordering these binoculars that have great reviews and are very reasonably priced. You’ll find these available here: Binoculars for Birdwatching, includes a Tripod.
But then, I did a bit of research online and read that the best way to watch birds is with a Spotting Scope. I like the look of this one a lot! It has great reviews, plus, it’s very reasonably priced. So this is the one I ordered this morning. I think it would make a great gift for anyone who enjoys feeding/watching birds. You’ll find it available here: Spotting Scope.
Since I plan to use my Spotting Scope here in my office, I decided to buy a tripod to go with it. This one looked nice and sturdy, had great reviews, and is reasonably priced—much better pricing than I paid for the one I have at home from a camera store. I can’t wait for the Spotting Scope to arrive! You’ll find this tripod that’s great for holding cameras, camcorders, or spotting scopes here: Tripod for Camera, Spotting Scope, or Camcorder.
Hope you found these gift ideas helpful as you work on your holiday shopping! See you tomorrow for Tablescape Thursday!
The popcorn machines are too hard to clean. Go with Orville!
The reviewers say that if you wipe it out every other popping, that they are easy to keep clean. What seasoning do you use, Pearl? I’m trying to get away from tasteless microwave popcorn.
I can so relate to that hawk. When I moved here, the little birdhouse had bees in it. I would put seed under the grapefruit tree and so many birds came. One day that hawk swooped thru the yard and grabbed a bird. That wasn’t the worst part. It’s partner sat on a branch calling for it for what seemed like hours. I cried too. After that the squirrels took over !
I love the garden stool. Remember when they weren’t popular and less expensive? You may have talked me into it. The other thing I wanted was a pair of Foo Dogs.
Does the binocular set up have a camera ?
Stay warm
I’m not sure about the binoculars but I think the Spotting Scope may have an attachment for that.
I used to be a bank manager + on holidays or on fridays we had a large popcorn machine like that with those exact popcorn packs. It is SO good. We took turns cleaning out the machines – and it isn’t easy but it is so worth it b/c they are special and look great and are just plain fun. But not easy to clean. I have also purchased just those popcorn packs since – and use my extra large pan on the stove – still tastes as great + easy to clean up.
The reviews sound like the popcorn really tastes good. That is so awesome that you guys did that on Fridays and holidays. I think the trick on the cleaning is cleaning it after each use, although the reviews said to do it after every other use. Once it gets baked on from many uses, I bet it’s a pain to remove, then. I do love the nostalgic look of the machine. 🙂
I wished you lived near me. A man builds this size birdhouse and other sizes plus bird feeders. He sells retail and wholesale. The size you ordered is $100. He makes his out of PVC siding with copper tops. I have several different sizes. Easy to clean also. I love watching birds.
Oh, I would love to see those, Nancy! Does he have a website or Etsy shop?
Susan, this is just a suggestion. The best-tasting popcorn I have ever had was from Costco, called Nearly Naked, until they quit selling it. I found it on Amazon and it can be purchased in big bags or individual ones. Give some a try and see what you think. You could put the bag in the cart for effect and no mess.
I will look for that, what a funny name. lol Thanks for that suggestion, Gwen! Ha, that’s idea! Good way to keep the machine really clean. Hee, hee 🙂
I just ordered some to try, thanks for that suggestion, Gwen!
Gwen, I purchased the Nearly Naked and it is sooo good! It’s seasoned perfectly, thanks so much for that recommendation!
I love the bird feeders! And bird watching! However the HOA where I live doesn’t allow feeders. Guess it’s a trade off for the Muscovy ducks, ospreys fishing and large water turtles sunning.
Myrna said she wants foo dogs. I do too!
Love the popcorn popper!
You know, the community where I have vacationed/visited a few times called Big Canoe, doesn’t allow bird feeders either except for January and February. They may allow them in December, too. It’s because they have a bunch of bears there (it’s a mountainous area) and the feeders draw the bears. But they do allow it for those few months since that’s when the bears are hibernating. If I ever moved there, I would miss feeding the birds, but it’s a sacrifice you have to make if living there. That’s wonderful that you have Muscovy duck, ospreys, and turtles! Love that!
We purchased a popcorn machine, that looks very similar from Williams Sonoma 3 years ago. We & all 5 of our grandkids love it. I use White Cat popcorn with oil & salt—it’s very good! I did try coconut oil (in the packets) a few times, but it does leave a very sticky, hard to remove film on everything. We all like the much healthier, easy to clean sunflower oil.
I love that bird scope—now I have something on next year’s wishlist!
Merri Jo, I just ordered some White Cat Popcorn to try. Love the sound of that and the reviews are really good online! Thanks for that tip about coconut oil, I can definitely see it doing that…leaving a film.
I love bird watching, also. I just bought the birdfeeder with the suet holders, as if I needed another feeder! I have umpteen but I’ll try this one to see if I can keep the feed dry. We have a lot of wind here and when it rains it soaks the bird food. Thanks for sharing the idea. I love your ideas, anyway. Wish I lived closer, as I would always be asking, “Susan, what do you think about this?”!! Carry on sister, love your posts.
I know what you mean, if it rains a lot, especially with wind, it’s hard to keep seed dry. Thanks so much, Rebecca! ♥