Prolacta
November 11, 2025
Prolacta
November 11, 2025
0

Shop with the Gift Master

Shop My Top Pics for Gifts

I absolutely LOVE giving gifts!  I love the hunt, the search to find just the right choice for each recipient, and then I love seeing people's faces and reactions when they open them.  In fact, for as much as I love getting gifts (which believe me, I do), the biggest joy is in giving.

I also have been credited by many for being one of the best gift givers, a title I hold very proudly.  I wanted to share the top gifts I gave this holiday season with you in hopes that I help you a little with your own gift choices.

The Bag Called Hope
I bought this book (and the accompanying bag) for Elliott and not only was it super cute and sweet, he jumped up afterwards and went to donate toys he wasn't playing with! The premise of the book is that Santa collects toys from kids--toys that are perhaps not used, have been outgrown, might be missing pieces or be broken, and then he works his magic with the elves in order to give the toys new life and a new home.
Bookshop
I love giving books for presents. Whether it's something you know they love, like a favorite author or a hobby, or something you love that you share or something you think would be inspirational, there's so much possibility. Plus, buying here means supporting local bookstores, which is important to me. And for even more incentive, if you shop our link, a percentage of proceeds goes back to our financial assistance program.
Capri Studios
I purchased these for both grandmothers (my mother and mother-in-law) and they were beautiful and unique. You put in the names and birth months of each person you want to include and they create a unique piece of art with their birth flowers. Each of the designs were entirely different and everyone thought it was super cool to have.
Fitzgerald Studio
Kelly does such an incredible job with taking photos and having such a variety of fantastic holiday experiences for kids (and pets!). In 2024, Elliott baked cookies and had a blast and in 2025, he decorated donuts with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Both times he had a blast and we got a variety of super cute photos! Elliott loves it so much that when we were walking out, he said "So what are we going to do next year?" I told him we would have to wait to see what Ms. Kelly came up with and he said, "Whatever she does, it'll be tons of fun!"
Premiere Collectibles
My dad can be difficult to shop for, he's the type of guy that when you ask him what he wants, he says things like, "as long as everyone is happy and healthy" or "I have everything I need." So when I saw these mystery boxes that have a surprise vinyl signed by an artist, I thought this will be fun. He was excited to open his and then to tell us that his new copy of "Hell's Kitchen" signed by Alicia Keys was the second one she signed.
Smithsonian Store
This was my first time shopping here and it was fabulous! There are such unique items available here from each of the Smithsonian museums. I got books that I had never heard of, including one on leadership that my niece was super excited about reading. I also got a gorgeous blanket from the Air and Space Museum for my baby niece and some special puzzles for Elliott. There were so many special items that I had to stop myself from buying one of everything.

If you click on any of these affiliates/advertisers links, a small donation may be made to the CLTF financial assistance program.  There is no extra charge to you. That means you shop and give back without any extra work!  Win/Win! 

Michelle Valiukenas is a nonprofit founder, mom to Elliott (and two angel babies), and a world-class gift giver who takes present-buying very seriously. She runs The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation by day—advocating for families navigating complicated pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss—and spends her free time planning family adventures, celebrating milestones, and hunting down thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Michelle believes the right present can tell someone you’re seen, you’re loved, and you matter—and she loves sharing her best finds with others.

Related posts

Unique Photo Gift Ideas for the Parents and Grandparents Who Have It All

Read more

Preserve Your Adventures: A Parent’s Guide to Printing Your Photos

Read more

Women’s History Month: Recognizing Pioneers

Read more