25 Best Gift Ideas from The Best Ever You Network

By Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, CEO/Founder

All year long, I'm testing products to award our Best Ever You Blue Ribbon Award and these are some of my very favorites!!

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Best Ever You Network!

1. Workman Puzzles: "The Big Book of Visual Sudoku" "Bananagrams On-The-Go Edition" and "10-Minute Cross-word Puzzles"

Pure wow—announcing a dazzling new idea in Sudoku! The Big Book of Visual Sudoku reinvents the world’ most popular number game by adding a second visual “layer" on top of the traditional number/logic puzzle—using symbols and pictures instead of numbers.

It’s a paradigm shift, 273 puzzles that present Sudoku for both sides of the brain, left (the logical) and right (the visual). The puzzles are oversized, colorful, graphically arresting— eye-candy—but also challenging. The underlying puzzles are handcrafted by an expert; unlike computer-generated Sudoku, these puzzles draw in the user with symmetry, elegance, and surprise and give the effect and deep satisfaction of matching wits with a master.

2. "Brave Irene" by William Steig
Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker's daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn't feeling so well and can't possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she's made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that's brewing-- quite an errand for a little girl.

But where there's a will, there's a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicked wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission. Surely, this winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on.

Brave Irene is a 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.

3. Dell'Amore Pasta Sauce (Order by Mail!)

Our grandmother, Filomena, was born December 5, 1895. She grew up in the town of Agropoli, in the Campania region of southern Italy. The photograph of Filomena on our label was taken in 1914, when she sent it to her boyfriend, a sailor in the Italian navy.
Family Photos
Filomena emigrated to the U.S. in 1924. She settled in Brooklyn and raised a family there. Her children and grandchildren swore she was the best cook in the world. The love and care that grandmother Filomena put into her cooking has become a family tradition and a trademark of Dell’Amore pasta sauce today.

We began offering family recipes in jars with our family name on them in 1986. We are one of the original pioneers, if not the original pioneer, of quality pasta sauce in a jar. Dell’Amore sauces continue to win accolades from customers and food critics alike. And the rest, as they say, is history.

4. Kidlandia Maps

Unlock your child's imagination and let them Rule their own Kingdom in a safe, educational, and fun way. Kidlandia is a leader in personalized entertainment– creating award winning personalized products for kids and families. Kidlandia personalized products are made by YOU with advanced personalization technology that is fun and easy to use. Kids and families can choose from a vast library of design choices that include popular characters from enduring brands such as Kidlandia’s Kreechurs, Kidlandia’s Pirate KreechursDisney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, Pixar Cars, Toy Story, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Veggie Tales. Kidlandia’s award-winning products are interactive, educational, and innovative. Kidlandia’s products support geography, expository writing, creative writing, and artistic development. Kidlandia provides interactive learning experiences that make, play, personalization, and creating even more fun. Our mission is to give every kid a kingdom of their own, so they become better global citizens. The Kidlandia brand is trusted by parents, valued by teachers and loved by children.

5. Tosca Reno - Eat Clean Books

At age 40, author Tosca Reno found herself miserable, overweight, stuck in an unhappy marriage, and living an unfulfilled life. She was able to turn her life around and is now a successful author, motivational speaker and wellness consultant, media personality and model. Tosca has penned eleven books, including the incredibly successful Eat-Clean Diet® series, has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs and now travels across North America appearing at book signings and seminars to deliver her message of health, wellness and inspiration.

6. Zippies

A new child identification system :) Zippies are the pals that hang around. Visit their website for all the characters! Great stocking stuffer/gift for smaller kids, under age 8.

7. Pinky Doodle Bug - Children's Book

Let your child's imagination soar!

Join Pinky and her friends on a doodling and writing adventure in the perfect book for children learning to read and parents wanting to share the joy of reading, writing, drawing and dreaming.

Along with the charming verse, every page has a delightful illustration that is sure to make this wonderful tale a favorite of both children and parents alike.

Author, Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and illustrator, Sandra Waugh, hope Pinky Doodle Bug will inspire children (and adults) to follow their dreams. They would also love for everyone to create their own stories and doodles, sharing them for all the world to read ...and see

8. Bella Cucina Rocket Blender

We bought one of these for our teenage son who loves smoothies. It works like a charm without the hassle of a huge blender. I also use this to make healthy shakes and it blends vegetables to smoothie/shake-quality.

9. SpinGym!

SpinGym! is the best little arm toning device ever and creator Forbes Riley is always inspirational and an amazing support for women entrepreneurs everywhere.

We've loved SpinGym for 3 years running on Best Ever You and recommend it to people daily.

10. Craftsman 51 pc. MAX AXESS Mechanics Tool Set

This one is added in from my attorney husband, who loves tools :)

This set features an ultra thin-profile design which fits over long bolts eliminating the need for deep sockets.

Ratchet strength is up to 45% stronger than our most popular ratchet.

This set comes in a convenient and portable briefcase style plastic carrying case.

Contents include 42 sockets, hollow shaft handle, 2 Go-Thru ratchets, 3 standard socket adapters, 2 extensions and a Go-Thru adapter.

This set is versatile and can adapt to all standard socket sets. Backed by Sears Craftsman Lifetime Warranty.

11. Wicked Whoopie Pies

Don't know what these are? You'll never forget them once you have them. My parents visited Maine and 3 years later are still talking about them. Trust me.

12. Fuji FinePix Camera

This is a wonderful camera... if you can find it in stock :)

Fujifilm FinePix S2950 14MP Digital Camera Kit with Carrying Case, 4GB Memory Card, Mini Tripod - Black

13. "Live Like a Fruit Fly" by Gabe Berman


At long last, a writer writing about "self-help" who isn't contemplating or coming up with a method to peer deeply inside the existance of belly button lint with a PHD (phD?, PHd?, phd?) and I assure you if he did want to write about belly button lint and other such fine things, he will and it will be a few chapters, revised, funny and with a point.

We awarded this book our Blue Ribbon Award in September.

14. Sweet Soaps

SweetSoaps.com is a small woman owned business located in central New Jersey. All of SweetSoaps products are handcrafted in the USA using only the best ingredients and fragrances.

Our mission is to bring beauty, fun, and quality to your everyday through the use of our products. SweetSoaps is an eco-friendly company that recycles all packing materials as well as being energy conscious in our manufacturing process.

SweetSoaps custom photosoaps embed full color photos in the soap, with a custom message. Our custom logo soap creates incredible impact for any promotional event as well. We view ourselves as a customer service/ product development company that creates bath fantasy. Your event is special - let us make that memory last an eternity!

In 2003 we struck gold or I should say Gold Monogram Soap. Neiman Marcus and Horchow put us in their Holiday Catalog, blowing the lid off of our business. That exposure brought about many changes and a lot of new business.

15. Hankook Tires

I wanted to go outside and take a picture of my mini-van :) My husband and I just bought these tires for the van and both have made comments about how wonderful the tires are. No, we aren't bored, nor do we really ever talk about tires, but these are really great tires!!

The Optimo H727 is Hankook’s Standard Touring All-Season tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossover vehicles looking to combine good comfort, low noise, all-season traction and long tread life. Optimo H727 tires are designed to deliver a premium appearance and long wear along with dry, wet and wintertime traction, even in light snow.

The Optimo H727 features a custom-blended, all-season rubber compound to enhance traction and tread life. A symmetric tread design featuring hundreds of tapered lateral slots and a continuous center rib reduce noise and improve driving feel while promoting ride comfort and uniform wear. Four circumferential grooves help evacuate water from under the footprint to resist hydroplaning on wet roads while hundreds of high-density sipes enhance traction in wintry conditions.

The tire’s internal structure features two wide, high-tensile steel belts reinforced by a nylon cap ply that stabilizes the tread to enhance handling and durability.

16. Lenox Snoopy Ornament

Do you love Lenox? Snoopy? Each year they make a beautiful, adorable Snoopy Ornament! Always a winner at our house.

17. Stanley Rechargeable 5-Watt LED Spotlight

Another husband choice here. (His eyes lit up, I swear!!)
Rechargeable 5-Watt LED Spotlight
• Rechargeable, up to 10 hours of run time
• C.L.O = Constant light output, light maintains brightness
• Equipped with dimmer switch
• Includes carry lanyard

18. Big Book of Cupcakes

No kitchen is complete without this book! Jan Moon is brilliant and this book is just adorable.

It's official: The cupcake craze has taken the world by storm. No longer are cupcakes solely for children-these handheld treats nowmust pass musterwith taste-discriminatingadults equally ravenous for the little frosted jewels. Big Book of Cupcakes sets a new standard with recipes for cupcakes that actually taste as great as they look. In addition to the traditional favorite flavors everyone craves, such as red velvet and carrot cake, this book offers fun, new flavor twists like Maple Bacon and Caramel Sea Salt Mocha, as well as easy decorating and serving ideas, from classic to creative. In this book, which is organized by season and the events readers want to celebrate with home-baked cupcakes-from New Years to Christmas, birthdays to "just-craving" days-author and cupcake-bakery owner Jan Moon shares her secrets and most requested recipes. Whether you're making the perfect batch of cupcakes for a child's birthday party or satisfying a very adult comfort-food craving, the nostalgic treats that fill this book are sure to delight and surprise. Plus, Jan's creative tips on how to serve and display cupcakes for parties are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

19. Alex Beard Impossible Puzzle

Artist Alex Beard has always been an avid puzzler. But, when he realized that standard jigsaw puzzles weren’t holding his interest anymore, he decided to invent one that would.

These are just beautiful.

20. Shea Vaughn - Breakthrough

Yes, Breakthrough and visit http://www.sheanetics.com! You can buy Shea's book or her exercise DVDs. (Yes, this is Vince Vaughn's mom!!) You can also follow Shea on Twitter @SheaNetics.

21. Quelf

Our son received this as a birthday gift. Many kids these days don't play board games and ours were quite reluctant to pry themselves away from xBox for an hour to play with us. In the end... Quelf wins. We were there for quite some time playing, laughing and minus our gamer tags!

22. Flojos Sandals

Perfect for the vacation from snow you are going to take!
Love these. Height and no strap between my toes!!

23. Shrinky Dinks

It seems like these disappeared for a whole bunch of years because even though I got a lot older, I still love these and haven't been able to find them until recently. Anyway, Target carries them :) Great Family Fun!

24. SPA Dog Cologne

Now, we use the Sugar Cookie One and the Vanilla scent from PetCo, but it looks like they also have more online. I found Ginger, Fig and more. Definitely a people around the dog pick me up for when Fido doesn't smell so great :)

Don't forget to grab some treats from the in-store dog treat buffet :)

25. Estee Lauder website and Christmas Make-up Set

Love the choose 4 samples on their website with purchase links. Click here to see what I mean...

Now, aside from that, this year's Christmas Biggest Make-up Set is simply heavenly....

Elizabeth is the Founder and CEO of The Best Ever You Network.
She can be found at the mall. If you see a typo, "Liz" our editor is out shopping with her and we've declared these The Best Holidays Ever :) Hugs and Happy Holidays!!!