So in complete honesty, the following are “ideas” of what would be good for extended family Christmas ideas. Since my blog is read by my family I don’t want to spoil the surprise of what they are actually getting! 🙂 We do a Christmas swap with our extended family (all of my aunts, uncles, cousins and their spouses) and then we exchange gifts with our immediate families. Hopefully this gives you some creative (and cost effective) ideas for your own Christmas exchanges!

1. For the crime/mystery book lover: The Racketeer by John Grisham. Have a family member that loves another genre? Try this Mindy Kaling comedy or Ruth Reichl’s Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise.

2. For the apocalypse/sci-fi show/movie watcher: Season 1 of The Walking Dead. Now if you haven’t seen the show, let me tell you right now it is NOT for children and is NOT for the faint-hearted. Let’s just say I watch it with my husband while reading a magazine, so I can hold it up over my face at certain parts. However, it has a huge following and is definitely an intriguing story. Not sure your gift recipient can handle it? Try also Season 1 of The Killing. Less gore, more suspense.

3. For the foodie: The Smitten Kitchen cookbook. There are several new cookbooks out there, but I love the pictures in this one.

4. For the fashionista: This adorable sweater from Target. Cute, on trend, but not pricey.

5. For your favorite teacher: Target also has a fabulous range of scarves this year. Their selection is up there with specialty stores, in my opinion.

6. For your aunt/sister/mother in law, etc.: This monogrammed tote from Mint Julep Monograms. My sister and I both have one of these and love them. They are fabulous for carrying a host of items to gatherings and have an unlimited number of uses. I suggest the medium size. Already have or gifted the tote (as so many of us in my area do)? Check out the casserole carrier. It’s selling fast!

7. For kiddos (girl or boy) between 7-10: Scribblenauts for the DS or Wii. Go with the classic version, it is just as good as the new one with a better price.

8. For boys between 3-6:  Good Knight versus Bad Knight set from Imaginext. I love all of Imaginext for this age for boys. Shopping for a girl? Check out these recommendations from Tales of a Peanut.

9. For the new homeowner or newlyweds: Craftsmen All in One LED screwdriver. Perfect for odd jobs around the house when you don’t want to go out to the garage to rummage through your tool box.

10. For the gadget lover (and a great add-on): Swiss Army USB Flash Drive. Looks cool/serves a purpose.

Happy Shopping!