Let’s get into what Santa brought us. This was an exciting Christmas because in all of our seven December 25ths together, we’ve never woke up in our own beds to open the presents under our own tree as a family (i.e. we’d always traveled elsewhere).
We did meet up with a bunch of relatives later in the morning to open gifts as one big crazy Petersik family, but we snuck in some present opening time as just the four of us earlier in the morning. Especially since Santa brought one little Petersik something extra special this year (as mentioned in great detail here)…
Along with her play-kitchen Clara got lots of clothes, books, toys, and that favorite leopard hat of hers. But since we always get asked what we got each other, let’s get into that. First off, I stalked Sherry’s Pinterest page to learn that she wanted these Kendra Scott earrings – which look quite good on her, if I may say so.
She also got me a couple of dangly things in the form of two bicycle ornaments (well, technically one’s a moped) from Crate & Barrel to fuel my new obsession with bike art. It provided the perfect opportunity to pose next to my dad with the gift that we got him – a bicycle parts shirt from Etsy (unlike me, my dad’s love of bikes extends to actually riding them regularly).
Sherry and I both ended up getting each other art too, which was kind of funny. Sherry made me a very sweet Boy Scout merit badge collage for all the “skills that I excel at” that she was inspired to create after seeing some vintage badges on eBay for woodworking that she thought I deserved (they were selling for something like $80, so she called a friend whose son has tons of boy scout/eagle scout badges and just scanned and returned them). Then she printed the ones that “applied to me,” cut them out, and taped them in a grid on some navy craft paper leftover from our old living room art.
The sweet part is that she used the actual name of the merit badge to express something she loves about me, is thankful to me for, or that’s meaningful to us both.
She even typed up and framed a key to explain everything. I laughed out loud at letter P, which was a badge featuring a squirrel icon.
We haven’t figured out where to hang it yet, but I love how simple and graphic (and funny!) it is. It looks great with the curtains in the dining room, so it might end up there. On the other hand, Sherry had my gift to her hung before the day was over. That girl is fast!
It’s there on the far left, and it’s a custom poster that I bought from A Vintage Poster. It’s a weird story, but this is a line from an episode of Toddlers & Tiaras (um, not that we watch that show – it was just on in the background one day). They introduced one little girl to the stage with this gem that perfectly epitomizes childhood innocence: “When Emerald grows up, she wants to be a photographer… or an octopus.” I altered the quote a bit and A Vintage Poster did a bang up job converting it into a fun little one-of-a-kind poster that only makes sense to us.
Who doesn’t need a refreshing reminder to dream big every once and a while? And the coral color looks so great with Clara’s painting next to it.
Speaking of big dreams, Clara, Burger and I also gave Sherry something to encourage her to pursue one of her former hobbies: art. She’s got her BFA and originally went to school to be an artist, but life has kinda pushed that aside. I’ve heard her say more than once while watching Work of Art on Bravo that she misses it, so we snagged her some paints and a gift certificate to a local art supply store (intentionally not Michael’s or somewhere she could spend it on house projects instead). Oh, and don’t mind my goof on the card – I’m so used to signing “John & Sherry” that I forgot she wasn’t giving this to herself. #ChristmasPresentFAIL
Let’s see – what am I forgetting? Oh yeah, Sherry got these funny little buttons that perfectly sum up our relationship for me here on Etsy.
Knowing my nerdiness, she also got me a “tech” gift in the form of a remote for our camera (because I’ve often mentioned that it’d be helpful to have around). After all, the world needs more photos like this, right?
Oh, and don’t worry – Burger wasn’t forgotten. He’s just not a morning person – er, morning pup (?) – so he had to have his presents delivered to him in bed. Here he is with the lion toy Clara picked out for him.
And there’s a great stretching/smiling photo of him here. On that note, I think we’ve more than exhausted our run down of Christmas goodies between this post and this morning’s play kitchen extravaganza. What’d you guys get or give his year? Anything especially awesome? Something DIY or house related?
Psst- We just shared a HUGE CHRISTMAS POST full of family pics and even more holiday details over on Young House Life, so you can check that out here.
Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15!
jjb says
Please tell me the source of the clock screen saver….thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Real Simple! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Erica says
How in the world do you two surprise each other with gifts like these w/out someone finding out too soon?! Great gifts though! Love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, there’s a lot of “don’t you dare open a mailing tube if it comes” and “don’t come in here I’m making your present” going on!
xo,
s
Shan says
So jealous of your heartfelt gifts. I aim to train my fiance to do this every year and each year I end up with something he wanted instead. sigh…back to the proverbial drawing board. Really enjoyed seeing what you purchased/made and why. How loving and lovely. Great post.
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet says
I was able, with the help of my parents and Black Friday, to get my husband a new digital camera. He actually hunted down a refurbished Kitchen Aid mixer for me, so we managed to do two pretty incredible gifts on our strict budget this year, which is AWESOME.
I also found some prints of Pixar character renderings at a local museum that did an exhibit on Pixar. So cool.
Colin says
I think my favorite part of the merit badge key is “S. Home Repairs (duh).” Hee.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha.
xo,
s
hallie says
You two are perfection!! Your blog makes me smile so much!
JoDi says
Every time I think you guys can’t get any cuter, you go and outdo yourselves! LOL
Those gifts are just totally awesome! Personal, meaningful, special to the two of you, and so creative! My favorites are definitely the badge art and the white ceramic husband t-shirt!
KCatGU says
While hubs and I were up North visiting his family, my parents, uncle, and brother installed a new kitchen lighting fixture! But it didn’t stop there my mom purchased a new bed frame I mentioned liking at Crate and Barrel (then delivered and built it) as our Christmas present. Might have been best Christmas in a long time!
Stacy says
I just read how John “failed” in the Christmas present department by signing the gift certificate for Sherry as from Sherry. Been there and done that. Last year I labeled all my Christmas presents after I wrapped them and unfortunately there were three that were all the same shape and size, but one was for my dad, one was for my brother in law and one was for my husband. They were all entirely different gifts, just looked alike from the outside. Because I labeled after I wrapped I guessed as to who’s gift was who’s. I had to have all three of them open their gifts at the same time so that I could exchange them and make sure they went to the right person. that same year I did something similar when I gave a gift to my daughter from “mom and dad” and it was actually from “santa” – that was ChristmasFail#
Angelina says
Hi, Please, Please,Please!!! I’ve been going nuts looking for the clock wallpaper you have on the computer seen in the picture showing the octopus poster. Would you be so kind so as to tell me where to get it from? I used to have it but lost it somehow…and have’t been able to find it again. A BIG THANK YOU from Argentina for you!!
YoungHouseLove says
It was a download from RealSimple.com a few years ago. Hopefully they’ve got available still!
-John
Connie says
Please give us a tutorial for the merit badge art!!??
YoungHouseLove says
Scan any and all patches you can get your hands on (I borrowed mine from a friend’s son). Print them out on cardstock. Cut them out. Tape them down in rows to any decorative paper you’d like (I had navy craft paper on hand). Use one of those white-out tape pen things (it makes flat white out lines when you press and drag it) to make small dashes under each badge. Letter or number each dash. Make a key to frame in a program like Word or Photoshop. That’s it! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
HeatherM says
Our camera remote is the funnest grown up toy we’ve gotten in a long time! It makes taking cute candid and formal family portraits WAY easier. And not to mention you can just set the camera up in a corner and document the work and progression of the day so easily.
Wesley says
Those earrings look gorgeous on you, Sherry! And the kitchen for Clara is unreal, my husband and I could not get over it. The glass door! The towel rack! The sink and faucet! I would have passed out as a little girl to see that!
Allie Nicole says
Your blog is a treat! And way to go, John, for using Sherry’s Pinterest as a gift-giving tool. Smart. Sherry–the badge art gift is so creative and unique. It’s just the kind of thing my husband would appreciate, too.
Rebecca says
I’m a fairly silent but faithful reader. Wanted to make sure you guys had seen this bicycle art book: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/01/05/bike-art-gingko-press/
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!!! Off to show John.
xo,
s
Aubree says
Nice Haul!
I just wanted to chime in that I think Pinterest has been the best help for Christmas I’ve ever had! I stalked my mom and my sister to find out fun DIY’s that I could do for them, which I never would have thought of by myself.
Love it.
And thanks for the Merit Badge idea… my husband is a 11-year old scoutmaster (or is that a Scoutmaster to 11 year-olds?) and I think that would be really fun!
wendy says
i just ran across these awesome ten-speed bicycle giant paper clips and immediately thought of john! http://www.spoonsisters.com/product/513201.html
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo,
s
Jaclyn says
Etsy is great! This is my favorite shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmaddiemarie
YoungHouseLove says
Sooo cute!
xo,
s
Kristin says
I literally laughed out loud at the White Ceramic Husband shirt. Hilarious.
kathy h says
I rarely comment, but just had to on this one. Your little video of Clara brought tears to my eyes. I just loved the little kitchen you made for her!!! I would definitely by one from you guys…just saying. I have a little 18 month old monster myself, whom I love more than life, so I could totally relate to her sweet little words.
You done good!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kathy!
xo,
s
Maja says
I just saw this typographic bicycle print and thought of you guys (I myself ordered the skeleton print). One can download the pdfs and print them as large as possible for free for personal use, or buy a 15″x22″ print. Cool!
http://aarline.info/hotaar/?p=1
YoungHouseLove says
Love it so much!
xo,
s
Marjorie says
I love this Blog page. I just saw it today and I like all pictures… Awesome
Melani says
So, I read 2 pages of other comments, but my lunch break is almost over and I have to ask, if someone already did, on the 3rd page, sorry to repeat…I am fascinated with the Merit Badge Frame. Did you use the real meanings of the badges, or just use one with pics you liked and made up your own meanings? I want to make one for my hubs, but I can’t find all the ones you have on there. LOL.
YoungHouseLove says
I wrote out the proper title (ex: Pet Care) and then wrote out my interpretation (ex: You’re a good Burger daddy!).
xo,
s
chloe says
Awh! You guys got such awesome stuff! I especially like the shirt that says “white ceramic husband” when Dom and I get married, I might just have to get him that, hahaha.
Misty says
Sherry, can you tell me how heavy the Danielle earrings are? Also, how have they held up? I’m adding to my Xmas, but just wanted some feedback. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Love them! They still look great! They’re heavy but not super heavy. They don’t pull my ear down or hurt but they’re not light. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Yvonne says
I love the thoughtfulness you put into each gift.
I’m one of your silent readers, but I cannot wait any longer – where did you hang the merit badge art?! Love it!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Yvonne! You can see it here above the bar cart in our dining room :)
xo
s
Emily says
I have been catching up on old posts lately so please excuse the much delayed reaction but I love that you signed sherry’s name on her own gift. The last two cards I’ve been given by my husband had his full signature. He was kind of embarrassed the first time but was completely ashamed when he did it again a few months later. But it only made me love the cards more because I snicker every time I read them.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Chelsea says
LOVE the Octopus poster. I just wanted to say, it was my daughter who said the quote on Toddler’s and Tiaras, and her name is Emerald not Cheyanne.
YoungHouseLove says
NO WAY! That’s amazing. We’re huge fans of hers. Just changed the name to Emerald. So sorry for the mix-up!
xo
s
Jill says
Hi John,
Hopefully you see posts from older posts. My anniversary with my guy is coming up. Could you tell me where Sherry got the camera remote for you? Do you still like it?
Thanks,
Jill
YoungHouseLove says
Still love it! She just got it from amazon.com by searching for one that was compatible with our Nikon.
-John
Jill says
Thank you!
Jill