Jennifer Bee

When my son was young I always knew what to buy for him (he made sure of that). Every birthday and holiday was easy peesy. It's a little harder these days. Here are a few unique items I have purchased in the past as well as a few I am buying this year!

I am an art teacher married to an artist, always looking for more ways to get creative with the kids. Especially over the summer and especially if it's analog! Getting the teenager interested is not as easy as it used to be. Here are a few projects we have made and a few I'm saving for a rainy day.

I am an art teacher married to an artist, so of course we are always on the lookout for new ways to be creative as a family. Here are some items I've tried, and a few to keep in my back pocket. :)

I'm aware this is going to seem like an ad for Walmart…. I saw a mention online about their new designer inspired line for women and checked it out on a whim not *really* expecting to love it. I have to say I was blown away by how many cool pieces I found. It truly looks like Walmart has gone designer. I was inspired to start this list only because I had bookmarked too many items while deciding which to purchase for myself; it was fun! Cool enough for me to wear to work (art teacher), cheap enough to get messy (art teacher).

I want to look good, but I hate putting in the effort. Perhaps you can relate? These are some of my favorite low-effort/big impact products.

When I need to buy a small gift I panic. Can't remember a single thing I've noticed over the past few months and thought “don't forget about this one”. Some of these items I have received and loved, some I have purchased for others, and some are ideas I am keeping in my back pocket for later.

Fun statement pieces for an unconventionally charming home. I'm a creative person and I love making my home an extension of my personality! Here are some of my favorite recent finds.

These library-inspired goodies make me smile. I love a good book pun, a quirky design, or something that makes my life plain easier (but it has to be cute!). Need to find a gift for a reader that already has a giant “To Be Read” pile? A few of these items I own, and a few I am keeping in mind for later. Sorry, no book recomendations in here!

Ever heard of The Bean? Just kidding, of course you have. Check out these out-of-the-box suggestions that you might not have heard of from a local Chicagoan.