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It's taking all my willpower not to open up this Peppermint Bark that I'm bringing as a hostess gift

^{Posted by: WhitneyMWS}

We're lucky enough to live within a 15-minute drive of the second biggest mall in America, King of Prussia.  It's actually two very large malls that are side-by-side, connected by a path.  And presumably, if they ever enclosed the path, the one giant mall it would form would make it bigger than the Mall of America.

But you guys get the point -- it's two very large malls that have just about everything I could ever need shopping-wise inside.  Although I'm mostly done with my Christmas shopping, I had a few last items I had to get.  And we're not talking about toys for the boys -- I'm talking about the people who are hard to buy for:  my husband's aunt, my husband's cousins, the mailman, and more.

Basically people I want to get something nice for but it has to be something generic.  My trip to the mall, and recent purchases, inspired me to put together a list of some of the "all play" gifts that are good for everyone.

You Can't Go Wrong With Yummy Food
The first place I hit was Williams-Sonoma.  That place is amazing - especially during the holiday season.  I get sucked in from the hallway and there's no keeping me from spending money inside.  First off, their Peppermint Bark is just amazing.  I have yet to find a better peppermint bark during the holiday season.  It comes in rectangular tins and makes such great hostess gifts that I always end up buying several of them each year.  Plus, they have all sorts of cool holiday gift pack ideas:  like the batter dispenser.  How great is this for pancakes?  Match it with the egg nog batter and you have a cute little gift.

And who can stay away from their hot chocolate (regular or peppermint), made of pieces of chocolate shavings?  It's enough to make you want to curl up with a cup in the store and never leave.

Tea for Everyone
One of my friends introduced me to Tea Forte.  It's this gorgeous tea brand that comes in these beautifully packaged pyramid tea bags.  Not to mention that the tea is amazing.   You just have to read their About Us page to see the effort that went into creating their blends.  It's not cheap but it's beautiful looking, tastes great and everyone loves tea so it's a great gift for all - be it a random cousin or your mother in law.  Free shipping on orders over $75 or more.

Stocking Stuffers
I stopped into Restoration Hardware and was impressed with their stocking stuffers section.  They have everything from themed playing cards (ski, snowboarding and more) to Whoopie cushions to classic slinkies.

Planet Earth for the Family
My family loves Planet Earth.  Last summer, I Tivo'd it a lot and we'd watch it together at night.  It's educational and takes you all over the world - to mountains, the ocean, jungles, desserts and much more.  I think it's one of the few programs your children could watch that actually communications an important message: respecting the planet we live on, learning to respect it's resources.  This is a great gift for your kids, your parents, your sister - it's basically a great one for all.

More Holiday Gift Ideas in the Yule Blog:
Young and school-age kids:
Baby Gifts: T-shirts, Onesies, Bows & Other Clothing for the Top Half
Baby Gifts: Socks, Pants & Other Clothing for the Bottom Half
Dear Santa -- Love, 1-Year-Old Baby Boy
Dear Santa -- Love, 4-Year-Old Boy
Lead-Free Toys for Toddlers
Mama's Predictions for the Hot Toys for Christmas 2007
DVD Stocking Stuffers
Tweens and teens:
TV Shows All the Time: The Zune
Gifts for Too-Cool Tweens and Teenagers
More Christmas 2007 Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens
Adults:
Budget Fashionista's Best Gifts for Women Under $30
Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone (Aunts, Cousins, Mail Carriers)
This Mom's Favorite Buys of the Year
Dear Santa -- Love, Mommy
Dear Santa -- Love, Daddy
Mom and Dad's Gift to Each Other: Redecorating the Bedroom
Mom's Culinary Wish List
Specialty gifts:
Gifts for Foodies Under $25
Where to Buy Handmade Gifts
Homemade Holiday Gifts
Where to Find Unique, Innovative Gifts
Hanukkah Gift Ideas for All Ages