If you are new here, you should know I Stan a teacher, coach, leader, instructor, etc. I am team, “If you love and nurture my babies”, you get a token of appreciation.
You should also know that a themed gift and custom gift tag make my heart sing. They truly delight me.
So, all of my OG friends would not be shocked to know I did exactly that for all of the teachers/leaders, etc in our lives. Here’s how!
For context, I watch lots of manicure and pedicure videos for design inspiration and it occurred to me that people really don’t care for their appendages as they should. Not on my watch! Armed creativity and a mission, I grabbed some cute 5-piece pedicure sets. I also grabbed some apple cases from Target in the Bullseye Playground. I couldn’t resist grabbing notepads, pens and binder clips. Did I mention I also love practical gifts?
Then, I went to work. Using my cricut, I was able to easily personalize them. I also used the cricut to cut some adorable cards.
I grabbed some yarn and ribbon to attach the gift tag and add some flare.
If you can’t tell, I’ve been on an Easter/DIY streak and, hence the title, it continues. Why? It came to my attention that some of you may need a little help in this arena and, as always, it is my pleasure to help you in making memories, starting traditions and not stressing. Let’s get started.
Your boo thang is either like me and could tell you exactly what they want, in what color and quantity; like my husband who never knows; or somewhere in between. I’ve devised this guide for all holidays and birthdays to save you from the mental fatigue that has plagued me.
I also completely respect if you fully recognize and embrace that you are the gift. You are not a snack, you are the whole meal and stop reading now, although, I hope you won’t.
Please grant me a few seconds to explain why this is even a thing- Our first Easter as a married couple it was brought to my attention that my husband never received an Easter Basket so, with my bleeding heart overflowing, I traced all over town putting together a basket for him only to discover he “forgot” he got them as a child. Needles to say several years went by and he got nothing!!!!! Then we had a baby and I made us all Easter baskets and it never stopped. Here is how I put them together.
Theme: A themed basket is honestly a blessing and curse. Blessing because it helps narrow down all the things you could gift, curse because rabbit holes are real and they go deep. However, themes like fitness, gaming, craft beverages, fanatic or accessories are great starting points.
Wants: I mean, if they have dropped some subtle hints or sent direct links to items, why not? This can include things they always want-a specific sock brand, athletic attire, cologne, gaming equipment- and things that are always welcomed and appreciated are a lovely basket stuffers.
Needs: Because underwear, undershirts, toothbrushes are always a great gift. This is a great opportunity to take it up a notch and maybe get a new electric toothbrush, patterned boxers, etc.
Grooming/Relaxation: This may be my favorite because you combine needs and wants and I love a gift that keeps on giving. Body wash, body cream, body oils, skin care, loofahs, gift cards for beauty treatments, manicure kits… you legit can’t go wrong here.
After Dark: I haven’t done this personally but only because I am too impatient. Lingerie, warming massage oils, lubricant, vibrator, blind fold, the options are all yours. You are the squirrel and I want you to get this nut.
Coupons: Make your own, print out a free printable, purchase some you can customize, the choices, as always, are yours. They can be for experiences, items, or time alone. You can put them in fun eggs too!
Snacks: Last but certainly not least, don’t sleep on the power of carbs and sugar. Favorite, salty, favorite, savory, favorite sweet, favorite fruity and maybe add in a little gourmet treat and BOOM! The basket is done.
You could also choose one from each of these categories and make an epic, award winning, over-the-top extraordinary basket that will have you showered in gratitude.
We made it! Can you hear the bells ringing? Day 12 is here and I love that I am ending this series with my people-my biggest supporters, best friends and target audience, MAMAS. Whether you fill your own stocking or wake up to it filled, here are some ideas you can buy or ask Santa for.
Spa Treatment- CAN NOT GO WRONG! anything from a manicure to a massage without kids will suffice.
Quality Pens/Stationery- I feel like this is a staple.
Devotional- Again, a staple for me but you will have to do some research here Not all are created equal. This one is everything.
New book or Audiobook- Because moms deserve it. Also, I am famous for pre-ordering or spending $20 on a book for my kids but will go without or wait 7-14 weeks for the library loan to be available for a book I want.
Personalized necklace- Her name, monogram, initial, kids’ names, mama- they all work!
Kindle unlimited gift card- One month, three months, 40 months-again, mama deserves it.
I can’t thank you enough for hanging with me these last 11 days. I sure hope these helped you, if only a tiny bit. Today and tomorrow are all about stocking stuffers. Let’s see what kids of all ages can get!
Body Wash- Everything from EveryKid brand to Marc Jacobs or Ralph Lauren works here. No matter the age, all children must get clean.
Gift Certificate- Pump your breaks, I’m talking $5-$10 max for coffee, quick bites or dessert.
Activity Book- Again, these work for all ages. Sticker, Magic Painting, Minecraft, Color by Number, Sudoku, Trivia… go for it!
Toothbrushes- Are you noticing a theme??? My kids get “fancy” spin brushes on holidays. You can take it up a notch by getting a toothbrush (or razor) subscription.
Yummy Treats- Who doesn’t like treats??? Just make sure they follow the diet of the recipient!
Accessories- These are my favorite. Babies can get amber teething necklaces, young kids, older kids and adults can get watches, watch bands, earrings, necklaces, hair accessories, ties or socks!
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!**
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!
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.
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!
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.
Ninja Line- These range from like $60-$120 depending on what you want and how much of it. We really enjoy ours!
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!
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!
Day 3 is here and these are my favorite gifts-Kids can be kids without batteries and sounds and let their imaginations run free!
Marble Maze– Not to be confused with marble run, these wooden planks, trunks and squares allow for so much building, solution solving and engineering.
Logic Games- I mean, let the littles think, get stumped and try again! We have a quite a few from stacking rocks/stones, to Mental Blox to Smart Cookies and I have more I want to add to our collection.
Sumblox– Also on my kids’ list and these are not just for math my friends. These are for fun! They can grow with my kids as well.
Puzzles- One of our favorite activities and they can grow with the child. We love Puzzle Huddle Puzzles.
Magnatiles- Again, our favorites and I love watching their imaginations work. We do stick with the actual brand name because that is what works for us but feel free to try another brand.
Keva Blocks– Can you see a theme? This is also on our list. Let the city building begin! These are different than your traditional building blocks and you can find building challenges!
*Note* Legos are another great one. This year, my kids are getting this and this to add to their collection and skill set.
Day 1 was about gifts for the teacher and now to day 2!
I’ve teamed up with my love, Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook to share some great gift ideas (for christmas and all year long).
Gift Certificate to Local Bookstore (non-chain), even better if it is Black-owned.: Buying and shopping locally is a great way to support local infrastructures and communities. It is also a great way to experience a place you haven’t been before! Not to mention, the lives you are changing by supporting people and families.
Seasonal Book: Go ahead and add to the seasonal shelfie and add more proverbial doors to the season.
Epic Book Subscription: I only found out this existed several weeks ago but my kids already love it! They have ebooks, read-alouds, audiobooks and read to me options for every interest and phase. You can get an annual family subscription or look into the free educator program.
Kindle Unlimited: This one is on my kids’ list. I can’t keep up with the reading and book demands with my two, so we decided to try this for a year!
Kindle E-reader: If e-books are your thing, these lightweight and light-controlled devices make reading easy and accessible. There are lots of different versions.
6. Addition to Favorite Book Series: In the past year, my family has really gotten into book series so adding the best book or two in that series is a great gift idea!
Subscription Box Ideas
Subscription boxes are perfect for every person on your gift list! There’s something exciting about getting a package in the mail and being surprised at the contents inside.
Just Like Me! Book Box – Just Like Me! was our first subscription box and it’s been so fun to see the books evolve as my little one gets older! Each box is customized with 2-3 age appropriate books that feature characters of color.
Because of Them We Can Box – If you’re looking for a gift that celebrates Black History 365, this is the subscription for you. Each curated box features a person or iconic moment in Black history and is filled with apparel, worksheets, and other fun swag.
Izzy and Liv Brown Sugar Box for Kids – With boxes for both girls and boys of various ages, Izzy and Liv provide a mixture of melanated swag on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis. Apparel, stationary, books, and beauty products are just a sample of the items in each box.
Jambo Books – Jambo Books is another great option to build a home library, filled with multicultural children’s books. 2-3 age-appropriate books are sent monthly.
Bitsbox – Do you have a STEM lover on your hands? If so, Bitsbox is a great gift for kids ages 6-12 to engage in fun coding projects.
Little Global Citizens – This one is on our list because not only is it a book box, it also pairs the book with resources, crafts, and other fun activities about the represented country.
