Category: Holiday Activities

Gift Guide

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Artsy and Creative

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We are rounding the corner and in the home stretch, my dears! Today is all about the creatives in your life. While not listed, for older creatives a canva pro membership or gift card, or an adobe creative cloud membership gift card are great gifts for those who are going to use it.

  1. Design Guide Book- Know a budding fashion designer or landscape artist? Help hone those skills with a design guide book where they can practice and learn!
  2. Wonder Crate- Why not learn about a change maker while crafting? You can read my review of this subscription here! I think it is well worth it, even just 1 or 2 of these!
  3. Insa Pix Camera- Call it FOMO, but I want one of these. They are a great way to not only capture and share moments instantly but the printed photos can be gifts. Not to mention, the budding photographer can work on their skills!
  4. Tracing Tablet- James got this last year and talk about great! We both love this. Best part, you can put any image on the screen and you don’t need expensive art supplies!
  5. Quality Art Supplies- Speaking of art supplies, I couldn’t tell you the difference between colored pencil grades if you paid me but some can and it matters to them. Your investing in them with quality art supplies matters to them. They are easy to obtain and not too expensive
  6. Easel– Old to young, finger paint to watercolor on canvas, you can’t go wrong with an easel.

Another one not pictured (because it is pretty niche) are classes to learn a new skill like hand-lettering, or enhance a skill like painting and/or photography.

Happy gifting!

Family Activities

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Experiences

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Hey Loves!

Day 9 and I am feeling fine! How about you? Life is what you make it so why not give the gift an experience or 2? These are some of my favorite requests and received gifts. No lie, my mom is the reason my kids are learning to ski for their birthdays. In case that’s a bit much for you, here are some other ideas.

*Note*- magazine subscriptions, theme/subject based subscription kits, and and online classes totally count as an experience!

  1. Play Place Gift Cards- Yes, I know we are still in a pandemic. Most places are practicing Covid-safe guidelines and, well, even pre-Covid, these places were not cheap. So, a gift card for a few hours of play is a great experience whether it is a place you love or a place you’ve been wanting to try!
  2. Museum Membership- Listen, we adore ours. It is by far the most cost effective way to visit and see/do everything, especially in multiple locations. You just can not beat it if you tried. 
  3. Learn a New Skill- Coding, chess, ballet, gymnastics, swim, acting, hockey You name it- you can either pay in advance and print a certificate or get a gift certificate and call it a day!
  4. Spa Treatments- Everyone, regardless of gender or age will enjoy some sort of spa treatment from a manicure to a massage. Spa treatments do not discriminate.
  5. Traveling- This may sound weird but go with me. Family members going to Disney? Get Disney gift cards for those souvenirs. You can also chip in or pay for certain excursions during travel!

Zoo Trip or Membership- Because those fun family friendly places that encourage learning and what not aren’t cheap. You could also gift an animal feeding experience to families with an admission membership.

Family Activities

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Gifts to Get Moving

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Oh my Loves!

How are you?

My prayer is that these guides aren’t causing you stress or pressure to buy, just giving you ideas. Feel free to tuck these away for another time or send them to someone else who may need them. If you can still hang with me today, and five more days, I do have some good things coming! Today’s ideas are all to get those little bodies moving!

**Just a note, headbands, small exercise equipment, fitness watches and new running shoes are great gifts for teens and adults! Now to the kids/tween gift ideas!**

  1. Balance/Wobble Board- These range in price. We got a $50 one from amazon that was well made! Two years later with my two kids, it is well-used and still in great condition. Awesome for core work and sensory regulation too!
  2. New Bike/Trike- I didn’t even know this kind of joy was possible until my kids unwrapped a bike on Christmas! Be fully prepared to go outside like right away though and put the new wheels on the sidewalk.
  3. Sports Equipment/Lessons- Bats, gloves, cleats, all the balls to enjoy at home, with an already established team or club or lessons for something new- these are always welcome and exciting!
  4. Roller Skates- From experience, I would get these size-adjustable, and from consignment or on super sale because they get beat up fast. I would also suggest some padding because falls are real and they can be hard.
  5. Ninja Line-  These range from like $60-$120 depending on what you want and how much of it. We really enjoy ours!
  6. SkateBoard- This is on my kids list! Thank God we already have padding and helmets but at least this is one I am willing to try with them!
Family Activities

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Neighbors and Friends

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Hiya Loves!

We are half-way through these gift guides and don’t be shocked if you see them again next year! These gifts are kind of timeless, especially today’s gift guide for neighbors and friends!

  1. Baked Treats: Understanding we are still in a pandemic, maybe you opt for store bought, maybe you still bake. It is the thought that counts!
  2. Wine Subscription: My mom sent me one and it was so fun trying brands you can’t find in local stores and broadening your pallet.
  3. Personalized or Sentimental Ornament: If you know me, you know annual ornaments are my jam! I also love sharing this tradition with friends!
  4. Family Movie Night: This can be done many ways. Redbox codes, Amazon prime gift card to rent a movie, popcorn, candy and snacks, or even a movie projector or some or all of the above.
  5. Donation In Their Name: For those you know well, donating to a community cause, organization or charity in their name is the way to have a gift make a resounding impact.
  6. Family Game Night: Similar to the movie night above, this can be done several ways- just snacks, inexpensive card games, board games or classic family games. Of course you could mix and match some of these!
Family Activities

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Investment Gift Ideas

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Day 5 is here my Loves!

We are nearly at the half-way point and I figured this would be the best time to share some investment gifts. These run from the low to high $$$ and are an investment financially but also in space and care. 

So, don’t just jump into these all willy-nilly. Think carefully and consider all the pros and cons.

1. Nugget Comfort-Full disclosure, we have two and my whole family, even grandparents, have used and love them.  We use them everyday and they truly add to our lives.

2. Sensory Table- Note, not all of these are created equally. My friends who have the one from Ikea raved about it.

3. Play House- Oh what joy and fun from imaginative play in a playhouse! Not to mention, you can dress these up for each season and holiday!

4. Pretend Kitchen- Similar to above but inside-all the imaginative play and seasonsale decor! I’ve had both wood and plastic and prefer wood.

5. Light table- We don’t have the space for this but it is a cool learning tool!

6. Bunk Beds- Hands down, best gift my kids ever got. My kids now sleep in the same bunk so we want to make the top bunk themed for adventure and play.

Bonus: A market stand or cart is the cutest addition to any dramatic play set up and cultivates so much learning!

Gift Guide

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Gifts for Gaming, Gadgets, Tech & Stem

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We are moving full-steam ahead into Day 4 and if you have a  gamer, techie and gadget collector in your life, this is for you!

  1. Roblox Bucks- Honestly, I have no idea what these do or where to get them, but every parent who has a child that plays Roblox apparently asks for this.
  2. Snap Circuits- Honestly, if a kid is into STEM, get it!
  3. Gaming Accessories- headphones, controllers, cases, game cards-you name it, the gamer in your life can use it.
  4. Osmo- This company sure knows how to make a good product and littles can have fun while they learn!
  5. Kids Echo Dot- This is one of our favorites, Her skills, stories, jokes and routine settings are such a life saver.
  6. Gamer Gear- We have a thing for jammies in our house but t-shirts, sweatshirts and joggers are a win too.
Gift Guide

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Gifts for Teachers and Homeschool Mamas

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Hey Loves!

For me, your favorite enneagram 6 and planner, Today kicks off the most wonderful time of year! Yes! Break out those lights, stocking and garland and get you holiday calendar in order! I was chatting some of you who are IG friends with me and gift guides were a need this year. I get it, I need help too. 

So, today and for the next 11 days, I’ve got some sustainable, no junk, limited parent involvement gift ideas with all budgets in mind. All of these gifts can be given to and from multiple people. Sometimes, a gift is better when it can be shared. Let’s go!

Our teachers, and yes, our homeschool mamas, work incredibly hard and deserve, well, all the things. For the sake of our time and budgets, I’ll keep this one brief but pertinent. Note* Stay tuned for day 2 if books are a favorite thing of your teachers! These also work for our therapists too!

*Note* An awesome way to involve your little one is to have them make an ornament or gift tag!

  1. Their Favorite Things- Seriously, get them what they love and adore and if you don’t know, ask. You can get a questionnaire here!
  2. Cozy Throw Blanket– Cable knit, chenille, microfleece- wrap it in a bow and a bag and boom! Paired with a nice note, coziest gift ever!
  3. Gourmet/Speciality Coffee- If coffee makes their heart sing and brains activate, introduce them to a niche, special or gourmet brand like Black Nerd Coffee.
  4. Gift Card to Their Favorite Retailer– Again, if you don’t know, ask.
  5. Essential Oils– Some staple oils such as lavender, peppermint and stress away are great gifts! Ensure they do not have any harmful additives or toxins. This is what we use.
  6. Quality Stationary- Feel free to personalize it, throw in a 2022 calender and add some great pens!
crafting

2021 Boo Baskets

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Hey loves!

Spooky Season is upon us and I am kicking it off with baskets again this year my little boos!

Can I be honest for a second? I’ve been exhausted… I’m talking about the kind of fatigue that is mental, physical and emotional. It is ever abundant and yes, while I am doing all I can to take care of myself, these boo baskets are a little skimp. However, that made me be really intentional about what is included and the intention I want to set for the upcoming fall season.

You all know how I feel about traditions, holidays, and memories. They are on the top of my list as far as parenting goes for me in my house. Yes, making memories with my family, regardless of what is or what is not in their boo basket, is what will happen. 

Now, to the deets of this year is boo baskets. I’m gonna go ahead right now and give credit to the Dollar Tree, Target Dollar Spot and Gymboree because those three retailers are literally where everything in my kids’ boo basket came from.

From Gymboree, the kids got two pairs of pajamas. Last year they asked me for skeleton jammies so I grabbed a pair of those as well as some super cute mummy ones. As usual, for holiday jammies I size up to make sure they fit and can hopefully wear them the following year.

From Dollar Tree, they got a spooky face sticker book, a wooden craft and cute jack-o’-lantern socks.

Rounding it out with the following items from Target Dollar Spot: window clings, a cute thing holiday book, glow bracelets, themed puzzle, and a little stuffed monster. I couldn’t leave these huge bubble wands there so I grabbed one for each basket.

The finishing touches are these adorable name tags from my favorite small shop, Grace and Grain Studio. 

That’s it!

Keep it spooky, ghouls.