Stocking Stuffers for Little Sugar Plums!

Christmas is ONE week away!

If you are not finished shopping, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle....I’ve got you covered! 

In our home, Santa brings one BIG gift and fills the stockings. 

Nothing crazy. Nothing big. Just a few things we need, themes they’ll love, and something fun!

Stocking stuffer ideas...all under $10!

•Toothbrushes (Super Hero & Princess)

•Bandaids (Spider Man & Little Mermaid)

•Lip Smackers (Spider Man & Princess)

•Hair Bows & Hat

•Small Toy (Spider Man, Elsa, & Anna)

A few other ideas:

•Play-doh

•Coloring Books

•Crayons

•Chalk

•Paint

•Sticker

Happy Shopping, Mommas!

Here’s to you and the hard work you put in every year to make this season magical ❤️❤️❤️

Gift Guide for HER

Today, I've rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas for the special gals on your Christmas list....wife, gf, mom, bff...I’ve got you covered!

1. Coffee Mug

No explanation needed. Duh....Coffee done in style. Anything better?! Nope. 

The cutest mug and the absolute cutest shop! 

For those of you shopping...Save 20% off this shop with code SANTABABY ❤️❤️

2. Candles

These candles are delicious, hand poured, and natural....Seriously, they’re good! The perfect gift that keeps on giving. 

3. Nena & Co. Bag 

The most beautiful and unique handmade bags. Literally a work of art. 

4. Daniel Wellington Watches 

The most timeless watches...beautiful, classic, and a must have every day staple. 

Use code JUSTINEV for 15% off your purchase!

5. Cozy Sweatshirt 

Everyone loves a cozy sweatshirt and this one is a favorite on my weekly rotation. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Hashtag Mom Life! 😉

It's the absolute coziest while still being super cute and it’s from the sweetest shop. 

Hope this helps you make someone’s day a little extra merry and oh so bright!! ❤️

Want, Need, Wear, Read

Lights are being hung, halls are being decked, and Mommas (& dadas) are working like elves to make this season merry and oh so bright!

To help you with your list this year, I thought I’d share how we Gift in our home....

In our home, we do the 4 Gift Method Of Giving to our little sugarplums!

Each little receives 4 presents from Mom & Dad on Christmas morning...something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

AND...Santa brings each child a large gift and fills their stockings (stocking post coming later)!

It’s simple and meaningful and it works for us.

1. Something they WANT: this is a fun gift. Something they asked for...or something you know will bring a HUGE smile to their face. For us...it’s a glow in the dark race track, princess dresses, and shimmeez because who doesn’t love two-toned color changing plushies that are covered in sequin!

2. Something they NEED: this is something practical...whatever that may be. It could be anything your little one needs! For us....it’s undies  Don’t think it can get more practical than that. 😉

3. Something to WEAR: this can be clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, backpack, etc. For us....it’s Rainboots! 

4. Something to READ: this is always my favorite...books! I try to find interactive books that go with what they are into right now. Usborne has a FABULOUS selection of interactive and engaging books and the Dino Sports Series are favorites in our home!

I love this method of gift giving. For us, it brings a sense of intention...each gift has to be thoughtful, since you are only giving 4! 

Hope you all have yourselves a merry little Christmas!!!

***Santa always brings an unwrapped big gift and fills the stockings. This year he is bring Drew a bike and the girls are getting bitty baby dolls! 

Gift Guide for Kids Ages 2-5

It's the most wonderful time of the year...especially for your little sugar plums! 

To help you find the perfect gift for every little on your list...I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite children’s gifts.

We’re basically toy experts over here...Santa status.

And...We own all but one of these. They are the items that get the most use and we love each and every one.  

1. Strider Bikes...the coolest bikes that teach children how  to balance at their own pace, they gain confidence, and when they are ready...take off on wild adventures. Drew is ready to take off and the girls are at various stages of learning to balance. Love the concept and love watching my little riders have fun! 

2. Dress Up Items for Pretend Play...Little Adventures is one of my favorite companies. These products are well made, machine washable, comfy, and they have tons of options from super heroes to villains to princesses and more! Encourages kids to use their imaginations, play, explore, and dream! 

3. Magnet Tiles...magnet tiles are played with every day and keep all three of my littles entertained! Not only are they fun and engaging but help foster imagination, creativity, problem solving, and math skills through constructive play and P L A Y is our favorite way to learn! All three of my littles will play with these FOREVER!

4. Kitchen Helper...just what it says...helper in the kitchen. The perfect way to let littles safely join in on all the fun in the kitchen and a great way to spend quality time with each little in your life....baking, making play dough, and creating yummy masterpieces. 

5. Easel...This easel is an absolute steal at only $19.99. Chalkboard on one side and dry erase board on the other...kids can explore their artistic side with various mediums. Perfect for encouraging creativity. This is an absolute favorite in our home!

6. Nugget Co. Four-piece foam kids couches that can be transformed and rebuilt to become castles, spaceships, forts, and so much more! The perfect couch for jumping, sliding, reading, and adventure! Drew would absolutely love this!

7. Play Kitchen...this was our big Santa gift to the kids two years ago and there isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t play with it. The little chefs in your life will love being able to cook up a feast for the whole family. I love the sweet colors and adorable details. Since it comes in two pieces, it’s perfect for any size play area.

Hope this helps you all bring that holly jolly Christmas magic to each of the tiny tots in your life. Xo ❤️❤️❤️

Christmas Gifts: Want, Need, Wear, & Read

I love Christmas and I love keeping Christmas simple. 

I know I've said this in previous posts but simple does not mean less special. It means feeling the magic and remembering what's actually important...the true meaning of Christmas, spending time with your family & friends, and making beautiful memories. 

Years ago when I was teaching, I came across an awesome idea that I knew I wanted to incorporate into our home one day...a simpler gift giving idea. 

Instead of a stack of gifts...each child receives 4 presents Christmas morning...one they want, one they need, one thing to wear, and one thing to read. AND...Santa brings each child a large gift and fills their stockings. 

It’s so simple. So meaningful. So perfect for us.

• Something you WANT: this is a fun gift. Something they asked for...or something you know will bring a HUGE smile to their face. For us...it's a toy. 
• 
  
• Something you NEED: this is something that your child needs...whatever that may be. It could be shoes, dishes, towels, bathing suit. We do shoes.  
•  
• Something to WEAR: This can be clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, backpack, etc. We are doing robes.  
• 
  
• Something to READ: this is always my favorite...books! I try to find interactive books that go with what they are into right now. Usborne has a FABULOUS selection of interactive and engaging books. 

I love how this method of gift giving brings a sense of intention...each gift is incredibly thoughtful, since you are only getting 4! There aren't any random things or trinkets you buy just because you need to get something. 

We want our little sugar plums to focus more on all of the joy and magic of the holiday season....not just the gifts.

In the wise words of Charlie Brown, "It's not what's under the Christmas tree that matters. It's who's around it."

❤️

In keeping with my December Christmas Song theme...closing with "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!" This is a family favorite and pairs perfectly with the idea of simple gift giving. 😂 Jk. 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...Part III: For Him

The most challenging person to shop for on my list is Andrew, my husband.  

Whether you have a boyfriend or a husband, trying to find the perfect gift can be the BIGGEST challenge. 

Andrew tends to be minimalist and refuses to help me with a wish list. If he needs something, he gets it. And he's always content with what he has...while that's difficult when shopping, it also is what makes him a keeper. 

I think I have nailed a few gift ideas over the years. Here are a few of my favs and a few ideas for this year...

1. Headphones

We like to travel and these noise canceling headphones are heaven while watching a movie or taking a snooze! They are comfy, easy to pack, and really do cancel out the outside noise. 

2. Hydroflask

These have been a hit with Andrew. And...hydroflask has it all! Drinking tumblers and coffee cups to wine glasses and beer pints. 

3. Jord Wood Watch

This watch is the perfect piece...beautifully crafted, masculine, classic, and a must have every day staple. It's the perfect gift. 

Jord is offering my followers 25% off until December 19th!

4. Slippers (or 'House Shoes' as Andrew refers to them 🙄)

Slippers are the best for lounging around the house...and slipping through the house on cold hard wood or tile floors. 

5. Wireless Speaker

A must have...connects to your phone and despite the size is a party in a box! Andrew use his camping, at the beach, tailgating, and while we are out in the yard. 

Hope this guide was helpful! ❤️ 

In keeping with December's theme, I'm closing this post with another forever favorite Christmas song...."Baby, It's Cold Outside!"

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...Part I: Gifts for Her

Today, I've rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas for the special gals on your Christmas list.

1. Chenille Sweater

Everyone loves a cozy sweater and this chenille sweater from target is my favorite. It's the absolute coziest while still being super cute and trendy. 

2. Starbucks Tumbler

No explanation needed. Duh....Coffee done in style. Anything better?! Nope. 

3. Saranoni Blanket

Happiness is Netflix and a comfy blanket. Ask anyone!! This blanket is our family favorite and the perfect size. It's warm, comfy, and luxuriously soft! 

Bonus: This Black Friday, Saranoni is having a 25% sale!

4. Jord Wood Watch

As a mommy, it's not always practical to wear tons of accessories so you choose a few staples...this watch is beautiful, classic, and a must have every day staple. It's the perfect gift. 

Jord is offering my followers 25% off until December 19th! 

5. Candle

These candles (and specifically this scent) are delicious. Seriously. They smell like dessert and are super cute. They are clean-burning and hand crafted from all-natural, food-grade ingredients. Anthropology for the win!! Under $20 and an extra 25% off online!

Hope this is helpful...happy shopping ❤️

Psst....(keep an eye on my Instagram for a fun Saranoni giveaway coming soon!)