Guest post by Sheri Gurock, co-founder of Magic Beans

You’re pregnant, and while everyone else is enjoying the holiday festivities, you’re skipping the cocktails, eyeing the cheese platter with suspicion and worrying about salmonella in your (virgin) eggnog. So we think it fine to ask for some extravagant gifts this year. Add these to your wish list.

What’s on your wish list this year?

It’s the holidays! Which means (for me) lots of cookies, time away from work, visiting family and some big meals. It also means making a holiday gift shopping list for the friends and family and neighbors in my life. This year, though, there’s someone special that I want to be sure to thank: my son’s caregiver!

In many areas of the country, it’s customary to give your day care provider a special thank you at the holiday time. After all, this is someone who your child spends significant time with. This is someone who has a big impact in your child’s lives.

This Christmas, I’m no exception (even though my sister is the one who watches my son and, as my sister, she’ll already be getting a Christmas present from me!). The way I see it, there are several great things you could give someone to say thank you. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Something just for them
Many women have trouble finding time for themself. Why not give her an excuse to pamper herself? Find out what she really likes and let her indulge! Maybe a gift certificate to a spa for a pedicure or manicure? Maybe she’d enjoy tickets to the movies? There could also be a special jewelry item that she’d enjoy. This could be especially meaningful if your day care provider is another mom or a friend that you know well.

Something for the day care
If you have an in-home day care provider, who’s just starting out, maybe she’d really enjoy something that helps her get established. Professional stationery perhaps? Or maybe games and toys that the children would enjoy? Or does she need shelves to help organize the games she has? Listen to see if she’s dropped hints or given a clue on things she’s considering adding to her space. If you have an in-home daycare provider, it’s possible that another family or two would want to join together to get a bigger gift like a zoo or museum pass.

Something to eat
Many times, people don’t want more stuff! They have all the toys they need. They have their environment all set up. And if you don’t know them very well, it might be hard to think of a special outing that they’d enjoy. So how about something that they can eat? Ideas in this category include: gift certificates to restaurant, a freezer meal from your personal kitchen, pizza delivered to her house, or a place that delivers some wonderful treats (like Omaha Steaks, Edible Arrangements or Harry and David). This can be a great option for moms that are busy — just a few clicks on the internet and your gift can be on its way! If your child is in a day care center, you might be able to join in with a couple of other families and have breakfast or lunch brought in for the staff. Maybe bagels and cream cheese, pizza or sub sandwiches would be a bright spot in their day.

No matter what you do, it’s a good time of year to say thank you! If nothing else, a heartfelt card telling them that you appreciate them (and why!) would be much appreciated!

How are you planning to show appreciation for your day care provider or nanny?

Still looking for a holiday gift for your beauty obsessed BFF? We can’t say enough positive things about this blush shade, which looks great on just about everyone, and can be layered on to look as natural or dramatic as you want. One of our all-time favorite beauty products!

Why we love it: This pinky-peach shade is universally flattering and an expert favorite.

Price: $28

Buy it

See more of the best gifts for beauty addicts at The Nest.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Change Your Beauty Routine for Pregnancy

10 Things You Do That Your Non-Mom Friends Hate

Quick and Easy New-Mom Hairstyles

Have you seen the Best Holiday Gifts from Amazon at The Nest? It’s this amazing gift guide our sister editors have put together, and we’re getting tons of fantastic ideas for giving to our friends and family this season (and believe us, we need them!). Every day during the holidays, we’re going to be posting our favorites, since we thought you could use the ideas too!

Today, we’re into this cool toy — the Crayola Light Designer. It reminds us of a high-tech version of the Lite-Brite. (Remember those?)

Why we love it: Kids draw with light, so there’s no messy marks or paint to cleanup.

Price: $40

Buy it

See more of the best holiday gifts for kids at The Nest

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Worst Baby Gifts Ever

Top 10 Classic Toys

Just when I thought I was done with all my Christmas and birthday shopping (Lovie turns 3 just four days after Christmas), Lovie starts telling me that she’s going to tell Santa that she wants “a new dolly with lots and lots of milk and a doggie.”

Uh, a doll was not something I bought — and for selfish reasons, I admit. I hate dolls. And the color pink. And princess crap. All of which Lovie adores. I couldn’t have a more girly girl if I asked for one. Which I didn’t. Because I hate girly stuff.

So where does she get it from? And why? Why can’t she like LEGOS and soccer and playing with trucks? Why does she have to love dolls and playing dress-up in the frilliest of dresses so much?

Because she’s my Lovie, that’s why. And while I may not like the dolls, the pink, the princess attire, I love my Lovie so much that I’m actually (dare I say it out loud) growing accustomed to the pink, the princess, the dolls. I adore watching her be girly, goofy, sweet, loveable, pink-princess-loving Lovie. And I love watching her believe in the magic of the season, so I’m putting on my mom panties and getting her “a new dolly with lots and lots of milk and a doggie” for her to open from Santa. (Just in case the real Santa forgets!)

Now I just need to figure out which one because apparently there are like 16 thousand varieties of dolls out there.

What are you getting your kids for the holidays? Is it something you hate?

We think our homes are perfectly imperfect, so that’s why we’re into the idea of a book  about it! The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well makes a cute and quirky holiday gift for anyone into home decor and design!

Why we love it: It offers tons of advice on incorporating unique pieces into your home.

Price: $20

Buy it

See more of the best gifts under $25 at The Nest.

Plus, more from The Bump:

9 Easy Nursery Organization Ideas

Best Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Checklist: Parenting Chores

No, this gift isn’t for baby — it’s for the older kid in your life. The hot toy this year has got to be the LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer. Not only is it fun and has tons of cool games and apps, it will hopefully get your kid away from your gadgets for a little while.

Why we love it: This kid-friendly tablet is filled with art projects and counting games — and you can make movies with it.

Price: $99

Buy it

See more of the best holiday gifts for kids at The Nest.

Happy Cyber Monday! Today, we’re going to suggest you gift yourself with these comfortable, cute Northside Women’s Greta Waterproof Snow Boots. If you’re pregnant, you’re probably a little freaked out about slipping and falling in the ice and slush this winter, so you’re going to need some flat boots with good tread to help you stay topple-free.

Why we love it: It’s a boot both waterproof and stylish.

Price: $80

Buy it

Check out more of the best holiday gifts for fashionistas at The Nest!

Plus, more from The Bump:

5 Ways to Survive a Winter Pregnancy

Stylish Shoes for Pregnant Women

Is it Safe to Wear High Heels While Pregnant?

Today, we’re obsessed with this (totally affordable) iHome iHM16U Portable Stereo Speaker System for iPad, iPod and MP3 Player. It’s a great gift for the music lover in your life, who always has a gadget full of music at her fingertips.

Why we love it: With these speakers, you can rock out anywhere, anytime.

Price: $20

Buy it

See more of the best holiday gifts under $25 at The Nest