The perfect blogging gift list

Today we are talking Santa’s wish lists in 12 Days of Parenting, do check out some of the other posts from my fellow bloggers including Spice, Life and Laugh and Monkey and Mouse.

I am trying to focus on my parent blog at the moment, I thought I would chat about bloggers gift lists, or wish lists. A little bit of a stretch granted, but I write about parenting, so felt it was relevant. Guess this list is true no matter what the time of year is as well. In an ideal world, these are the things I would LOVE to receive as a blogger, and I hope that my blogging chums would agree with me.

Room of a fashion blogger via Shutterstock

But, perish the thought that you don’t (!), what would you like to have on this gift list? Please feel free to add to the comments/pin/Facebook, whatever way you happen to come across this list. Do scroll down for the giveaway today too, it’s a Raffecopter; code word is steps.

1. Something fruity

No, I don’t mean blogging lingerie that says, “not now love, I’m blogging”, though someone should have thought about that already surely *makes mental note*

What I actually mean, is gifting something techy from Apple. I might be wrong *yes it happens*, but we are an Apple obsessed home. I love my Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPhone 6, and because they are all connected to the Cloud, I can work on my blog wherever I am, with whatever I need. Take a photograph of the kids on a day out, and its on everything instantly, so I can upload to whenever I want when I want. That my friends is a bloggers dream….

2. An awesome camera

I love taking pictures for my blog, but they never come out quite as I want to, despite the fact that the iPhone 6 has a great camera. I don’t feel confident enough for a DSLR though, so perhaps need a bridge camera. Here are some suggestions from bloggers with wonderful photos and blogs:

• Kate from Crafts on the Sea does recommend an entry level DSLR which might be good for those amongst you that are a little more scared of making the jump
• Jenny, from Cheetah in my Shoes, recommends a Nikon as a great DSLR entry level camera too
• Cerys, from Rainy Day Mum, recommends the Olympus Tough if you get out a lot and need something that withstands the rigours of parenting, kids and general outdoor mess, and finally,
• Michelle, from The Purple Pumpkin blog, has a great bridge camera for blog photos.

I think that I am edging towards Michelle, Santa. Are you listening?

Whatever you decide though, I think a BETTER camera is a must for a blogger, and to have someone do their research and get us a fab one, would be, quite frankly, amazing.

3. Lights and a light box

Yes, there seems to be a little bit of a theme here, doesn’t there? Lighting can be a nightmare for taking great pictures in winter, and even when there is great light outside too. So what every blogger wants, is a light box and some lights to capture those perfect shots. I know I do…

Jen from Mum in the Madhouse strongly recommends these continuous softbox lighting kits. Her photos are always amazing, so its good enough for me too.

4. Mailchimp

I don’t mean a monkey that delivers your mail, I mean Mailchimp, the email management software package. I know that it’s boring, but I spend a good deal a month managing my mailing list, and it would help me a LOT if it was all free. If you are a blogger that doesn’t have a mailing list, then you are missing a trick. Get one to get more visitors, encourage clicks to your best content automatically, and encourage more brands to work with you as you build your list and a loyal following.

5. Problogger book

There is only ONE Pro blogger in my opinion, Darren Rowse.

In May 2011, I read his Problogger book. I haven’t looked back since. It made sense then, and it still makes sense now, in its third edition. It is the best book ever written about blogging as a career. Thanks to Darren, my kids have me when they want me *mostly*

If you are looking to make money from your blog, or just want a great read, then just read it. It’s worth it, I promise you. Go check out his other blog too, Digital Photography School. A fantastic model to aspire to, and some dam good advice for your blog photography as well.

6. Balance is the key to life

Tots100 asked what we wanted from blogging next year….and my answer was a balance between blog-live-love. Every year I try and get this right, and every year there is something that doesn’t quite add up. I blog to be with my kids, yet too many times my blog feels like it is taking me away from my children. I already work too long days with them in childcare so that I can work. Admittedly, before blogging, I was working four and weekends, but is it still the balance I want?

To remind me why I blog, I think that this balance is the key of life poster sums it all up really, don’t you?

Whatever your balance in life is, this is a great poster to remind you of it.

7. Blogging is the answer – child’s t-shirt

This blogging is the answer t-shirt isn’t for me, it’s for my kids; and it was the answer, nuff said. If you do get jealous though, there is one for the women too.

8. Laptop/craft lap tray

Most of us blog in strange places; I am, in fact, currently writing this from my bed. Having a laptray to pop the laptop, iPad, or even craft supplies when you are watching television is pretty dam helpful. I have mine, and I strongly recommend that you get yours too. Don’t forget the drinks holder for that all important glass of wine too. Though don’t have too many, or your writing might suffer a bit too much……

9. Photography course – perhaps an online one?

My Photo School do a lot of online photography courses, we have even reviewed the family photography one on the blog. Perhaps an online photography course isn’t for you, and you’d like a real-life one. Whichever it is though, most bloggers, including this one, would love to improve their camera skills, so why not help them in whatever their blog focuses on; from food to family, and everything else in between. Look for local ones, check out your local camera stores for flyers, and if all else fails, grab a blog photography book from Amazon instead….a Beautiful Mess has some wonderful ideas….

10. Time

No-one can really GIVE you this, but perhaps you can get a credit note for it from your other half, so you don’t feel so guilty spending time on the blog. Or perhaps that is just me? If someone gave me a little gift certificate that said; 2-3 hours on a weekday evening for you to blog every week, god that would be amazing. I wouldn’t have to worry and feel guilty about not spending time with my other half because I had deadlines to meet, or pins to pin, or anything for that matter? We always feel guilty no matter what we do, and a little bit of a rest once in a while would be wonderful….

Finally, I would just like to point out, that the above photo by no means resembles where I work. Please take note of the fact that I did say I was writing this from my bedroom….

I hope that you like my choices…what would yours be?

Today, we are sponsored by Baby Bundle (T&Cs are here), do fill out the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win. There will be more chances and more prizes throughout the 12 days of the posts.

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