Favorite Christmas Gift Ideas

The holidays are just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I've put together this holiday gift guide to help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list.

Smartivity Kits

Who to buy for: Kids Ages 6-14

Price: $29

Why these are great gifts: 

Smartivity kits combine STEM and fun to make a hands on lesson that kids of a variety of ages can enjoy. Each Smartivity kit includes two projects for hours of fun. At under $30, these are a thoughtful gift option that kids will want to play with.

Verses 

Who to buy for: Teens and Adults 

Price: $20

Why this is a great gift: 

Board games encourage face to face conversations and less screen time, so this game is great for teens, young adults or families. At $20 this game brings the biggest songs from the decades to a slapping party game. 

Dungeons & Dragons Then And Now Set 

Who to buy for: Teens and Adults

Price: $50

Why this is a great gift:

Fans of D&D will love this nostalgic dice set. It includes a replica set and an original set of dice. Of course, you can color one set in with the included crayola for the complete 1970's effect.

Bubblegum Kids

Price: $10

Who to buy for: Stocking Stuffers and White Elephant Gift Exchanges

Why it is a great gift:

Aside from the unique flavors. Bubblegum Kids offers a high-quality, health-conscious alternative to traditional bubblegum. This is a fun way to stuff a stocking or give an impersonal gift that anyone can enjoy.

Intake

Price: $40

Who to buy for: White Elephant gift exchanges, relatives that are known to snore.

Why this is a great gift:

These bands help reduce snoring and can be reused with the included magnetic tabs. These are more comfortable than breathe right strips and make for a useful gift to share.

Mom Bomb Bath Bombs

Price: $30

Who to buy for: Moms

Why these are a great gift:

Give a special mom in your life a chance to chill with a high-quality bath bomb. This is one-holiday gift idea that you know won't bomb as they smell amazing and promote relaxation. Plus the set of 4 means your favorite mom can savor the scent a few times.

Earth Mama Organics

Price: Starting at $4

Who to buy for: Women 

Why this is a great gift:

With a variety of products that combine traditional herbal remedies and generations of wisdom, Earth Mama Organics offers something for everyone. From lip balm to herbal tea and everything in between, you can find a perfect affordable gift option for anyone on your shopping list.

Supermarket Italy's Holiday Cheer Gift Basket

Price $100

Who to buy for: Families

Why this is a great gift: 

This fun gift basket has Italian card games, candy and cookies for a great gift to share with a special family. You can be sure they are going to have a family fun night in the near future as they unwrap this unique gift.

Two Rivers Coffee

Price: $28

Who to buy for: the coffee and cocoa drinkers in your life.

Why this is a great gift:

The Santa's favorite collection from Two Rivers Coffee is the perfect gift for the holidays. You can buy a box and gift it to a cocoa fanatic, or buy a variety pack and split it up with mugs to give a small yet thoughtful gift from the heart.

Christmas Gift Guide For Seniors

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Now that we are in the tail end of November and December looms around the corner, it is time for us to
think about Christmas once again. Christmas is a time of year for fun and cheer, and when we think
about celebrating the special day we think about treating our family to gifts. 

Whole buying gifts for children and younger members of the family might be easier; when reaching over
65 years old it can be difficult to choose the right gift to give. This is why today we have come up with a
handy list of gifts you can get for your older family members at Christmas. 

Neck Massager 

Often when we get older we start to develop aches and pains that we didn’t have when we were young
and spritely. As a result this can lead to issues with mobility as well as pain. If your relative suffers from
neck pain or back pain frequently, the ideal gift would be a neck massager to help ease the pain and
allow them to move around more independently. 

Afternoon Tea

Often the older members of the family will be more grateful for a gift that involves spending time with
their loved ones that a material thing. This is why an afternoon tea booked in a nice hotel or restaurant
can be the ideal day out and gift for them. You’ll be able to spend the afternoon out in a warm place
eating cakes and drinking tea. 

Spa Trip 

A spa trip could be a wonderful chance for you all to let your hair down and enjoy some much needed
TLC. You could choose to buy a few treatments for yourself and your senior family member or simply
hang out at the spa for the day and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. 

Vineyard Tour 

Who doesn’t love a good bottle of wine? If your senior relatives like a good tipple, a fun and unique gift
would be to take a tour of a vineyard and go for wine tasting. This is a great way to spend a day out in
a sunny place and learn how wine is actually taken from grape to bottle. 

Pajamas

If you are thinking of something simple to buy for your senior relatives this year, nothing could be easier
than pajamas. Pajamas are always a great gift at this time of the year and you’ll be able to find some
thick cozy ones at your local store that are sure to be used and loved. 

Photo Album 

The older generation always tend to be more sentimental than us and as a result it is important for us
to give them amazing memories to enjoy at Christmas. This is why the ideal gift for a senior family
member is a photo album. You can also print off some of your favorite family snaps and put them
inside to allow your senior relative to enjoy seeing their family and reminisce. They can then keep
adding to the album over time as the family grows. 

Top Picks for Gifts for Guys

Shopping for the special men in your life can be a challenge! We are at less than 2 weeks until Christmas and I have been searching high and low for awesome gift ideas. I cannot bring myself to buy another pair of sleep pants or drug store shaving kit to wrap up and present to my husband or father.

This year I am sharing the most thoughtful, sophisticated, stylish and delicious gift options for the guys! Product samples were received to inspire this guide.

1) Silk Pocket Square; The City of New York

There is something really classy about a pocket square. This one is perfect for my history loving husband. The silk pocket square depicts the City of New York in the 1870's Retailing at under $60 this is a gift that adds so much flair to any outfit. The printing is eye catching and thought provoking, for a truly one of a kind gift.

2) Black Lapel Custom Velvet Dinner Jackets

This is a gift to splurge on, as it is truly a gorgeous dinner jacket. Perfect for a special event, or a unforgettable night on the town, any man with this ensemble in his closet is prepared for anything, no matter how swanky it may be. Retailing at $549 this jacket is a one of a kind. Conversation-starting, luxurious and reasonably priced, these custom-tailored velvet blazers are sure to make any man a standout for the holidays, whether he's just going out to a bar or dinner, or he's attending the most posh, highly celebratory events. These stunners come in navy blue, black and deep purple and are sure to make people ask the handsome man wearing them, "Where did you get that beautiful blazer?"

3)Eduplated.com

If your special guy wants to get in better shape or take steps to being healthier than ever, this app is perfect for gifting. Think match.com for dieters! It links him with a dietician to make healthy choices and start living his best life. There are 2 plans available starting at about $50 a month, or $100 a month. Since this is an app, you can truly shop at the last minute and still deliver a great gift!

4) GourmetGiftBaskets.com

I love the offerings from gourmetgiftbaskets.com and how they take the stress out of shopping by delivering a great gift, right to the door of whoever you are gifting! This year, I love the Fresh Fruit Gift Basket option for a sweet yet healthy holiday offering. Featuring red and green apples and oranges, this is a super fresh and inviting gift option. Retailing at under $100 this is an excellent way to send holiday cheer with a fantastic assortment of fruits, popcorn, cookies, crackers and so much more!

Because life is short and you should totally eat the cookies and brownies that Christmas has to offer, I love the Baked Goods Sampler Gift Basket . This basket is packed full of irresistible options like Peanut Butter Brownies, Lemon Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies and Chocolate Chunk Brownies to name a few. Retailing at under $60 this is a sweet gift for a great guy!

5) Thirty One Moosin Around Large Utility Totes

Thirty One has so many fun options for the whole family, and the guys are not excluded! I love that this is a masculine print that he won't mind carrying to games, events and practices. It is spacious and comfortable to carry and can be used in so many ways! Thirty One can help him get organized and carry all of the essentials on any adventure he goes on. Retailing at $35 this is a great gift for any guy on your list. You can also find this print on Thermal Lunch Totes, mini bins and more to give him the gift of organization and function on a budget.

6) Ugly Christmas Sweaters

This is one of the most fun gift options of the season. I love love love that they have star wars options available for the guys on your list. My favorites include the At At Ugly Christmas Sweater which is so subtly wonderful that if you don't know Star Wars you might not get it. I am also crazy for the Boba Fett button up sweater which is colorful and super cozy! Priced at under $50 these are festive and fun options for the guys on your list. If they aren't into Star Wars, no sweat, you can find so many other awesome options onsite.

If you have ideas for thoughtful gifts for him this Christmas, please leave a comment to share the inspiration! From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Making Christmas Magical: How to Get Your Kids Involved in Decorating, Baking, Wrapping & More

Christmas is a season full of warmth, wonder, and the joy of togetherness. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of gift-buying and to-do lists, one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate is by involving your kids in the heart of the holiday preparations. Not only does it create lasting memories, but it also helps children feel valued, connected, and excited to contribute to family traditions.

1. Deck the Halls—Together

Let your kids be part of transforming your home into a Christmas wonderland. Hand them a string of lights, a box of ornaments, or some garland and let their creativity shine—literally!

Tree Trimming: Assign each child their own section of the tree or invite them to hang up their handmade or favorite ornaments.

Kid-Made Decorations: Salt dough ornaments, paper snowflakes, handprint wreaths, and popcorn garlands are perfect DIYs that kids can help make and hang.

Window Art: Let them use window clings or washable paint pens to create snowy scenes on windows or mirrors.

2. Bake Holiday Treats as a Family

The smell of cookies baking is one of the best parts of the season. Let your kids become your mini sous-chefs for some kitchen fun.

Cookie Cutters & Decorating: Sugar cookies are perfect for little hands. Provide frosting, sprinkles, and candies for a decorating station.

Family Favorites: Teach your children the recipes that have been passed down, whether it's grandma’s fudge or your go-to gingerbread.

Gift Baking: Have them help assemble cookie tins or hot cocoa jars to give as gifts to teachers, neighbors, or friends.

3. Turn Wrapping into a Fun Event

Instead of doing all the gift-wrapping solo at midnight, turn it into a cheerful activity.

Wrap with Style: Give your kids simple tools like tissue paper, ribbons, and gift bags. Let them help wrap gifts for siblings or relatives.

Personal Touch: Kids can draw pictures or write names on tags. Fingerprint reindeer or snowmen tags make wrapping personal and fun.

“Santa’s Helpers”: Assign each child a secret wrapping mission, like wrapping all of Grandma’s gifts in her favorite color.

4. Let Them Help with Shopping

Bringing your kids into the process of giving helps them understand the true spirit of the season.

Budget-Friendly Choices: Give them a small budget to choose a sibling or parent gift. Even dollar store finds can become treasured keepsakes.

Handmade Gifts: Encourage crafting personalized gifts like photo frames, beaded ornaments, or coupon books.

Giving Back: Involve them in donating a toy or volunteering to shop for a family in need. It teaches compassion and gratitude.

5. Create Your Own Christmas Traditions

Kids love the predictability and comfort of family traditions. Involve them in choosing or creating ones that reflect your values and personality.

Christmas Eve Box: Let them help fill a box with pajamas, a movie, popcorn, and hot cocoa for a cozy night.

Lights Tour: Choose a night to drive around town in pajamas with cocoa, rating the best-decorated houses.

Ornament of the Year: Let each child pick or make one ornament each year to add to the tree and build a memory collection.

Story Time Countdown: Wrap 24 Christmas or winter-themed books and open one each night for a festive bedtime routine.

When you involve your kids in decorating, baking, wrapping, and new traditions, you’re doing more than just checking tasks off a list—you’re creating lifelong memories. These small moments help shape the way they’ll remember Christmas—and maybe even how they’ll share it with their own families someday.

Find more favorite Christmas crafts here:

Mickey Mouse Gift Tags

Button Tree Ornaments

How to Save Money for Christmas

 

Photo by Joslyn Pickens 

When the Christmas season rolls around it is a time for gift-giving. However, before you go ahead and start spending, it is a good idea to try to save. 

With inflation rising, it's best to try to keep spending as minimal as possible. Here's a closer look at how you can control your spending this holiday season.

Create a Budget

The first step to saving money is to create a budget for the holiday season. First, write the names of all the people you want to buy gifts for and then decide how much money you want to spend on each of their gifts. 

This is an easy way to immediately control your spending. Once you have finished allocating the amount you want to spend, you can then calculate your expenditure. 

It might also be a lot more fun to try to fit the gifts you buy into the amount that you set for each person, instead of the other way around. Remember that getting gifts is simply a way to help us learn about the true meaning of Christmas. In the end, it's the thought that comes.

Use a Tracker

If you always have your phone with you a good idea will be to start using a tracker to keep your spending down this holiday season. It can be easy to say that you will think about how much you are spending in January. 

However, when January rolls around you will likely regret that you have spent so much. Getting an app on your phone to assist you with keeping track of your spending in real-time, is a good idea so that you can avoid regrets.

Start Shopping Early

One of the best things you can do is to start shopping as early as possible. The earlier you start shopping the less likely it is that you will overspend. 

Don't wait until the week of Christmas or the day before Christmas to start trying to find gifts. You are likely to end up having to buy things at more expensive prices. Take advantage of Black Friday deals and cyber week sales.

Combine Orders

If you decide to shop online you should consider combining your orders to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Buying all your gifts at one time and then getting them shipped out at once is the best way to avoid high shipping costs when you are purchasing gifts online.

Stay Off Your Credit Cards

Another thing you can do is try to stay off your credit cards during this time. Try to use cash instead. 

This is where making a budget becomes critical. You can then pull all the cash that you need at once.

Once that cash runs out your spending is done. Do not carry your credit cards with you when you go shopping. This will make it even easier for you not to use them if you run out of cash.

Set Up a Dedicated Christmas Account

If you typically have a lot of people you need to give gifts to at Christmas, you can set up a dedicated Christmas account. You can start putting funds in it from January so that at the end of the year you will have a good stash of cash ready to buy Christmas gifts. 

The good thing about having a separate account is that you get a debit card for that account. It helps you to separate your money. Even if you don't save in the account every month, you can decide on your budget for Christmas spending, put all the money into that account and then use your debit card. 

Shop All Year

Yes, you are trying to save money, but if you start your Christmas shopping a little bit every month by the end of the year you will already have a special gift ready for everyone.

Take advantage of all the sales that happen throughout the year and purchase something whenever you can. By the end of the year, you will have saved money and avoided the Christmas shopping rush.

Get the Gifts You Need

Getting gifts for the people you love at Christmas is critical. You don't want to disappoint anybody. However, gift-giving can rack up some very high bills. It's always a good idea to be as prepared as possible so that you can save as much money as you can for the new year. 

Top Picks for Gifts for Her

 I am shopping, wrapping and baking like Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! Now that the kids gifts have been wrapped and hidden away, I am completely focused on finding the best gifts for women!

This year, you can skip the ugly Christmas sweaters and the standard boxes of chocolate that we all end up buying when we are stumped on what to get a special lady in our lives. I have gathered some of my favorite gift ideas to share with you. Buying an awesome gift has never been easier with this guide!

Product samples were received to inspire this gift guide.

1) Zerowater 23 Cup Pitcher
This is such a handy item with health benefits. I love the idea of gifting this water pitcher because it will help reduce the amount of plastic bottles used and thrown away in any household and it provides some amazingly crisp and clear water from the tap. This unit retails for under $40 and is so easy to use. All you need to do is fill it with tap water, give it a few moments to filter and push the easy to operate dispenser. The pitcher includes a testing unit to make sure you are drinking zero solids.

2) Balsam Fire Log by American Home  Yankee Candle
Relaxation is always a wonderful gift at the holidays. With this fire log by American Home for Yankee Candle, you can toss this in the fireplace and get cozy with your family. You can buy a 4 pack of 3 hour logs for under $25 for a fragrant and relaxing gifting option this holiday season. This makes a great gift because it is unique and everyone loves Yankee Candles!

3) Personal Trainer Food
As a mom who is eating healthier and devoted to living my best life at the holidays and long after they have passed, Personal Trainer Food is one of my favorite gift ideas. While it may be anything but traditional, you can rest assured the gift of delicious and easy to prepare food will be a hit with anyone this holiday season. Personal Trainer Food is not like any other diet I have tried. First, everything they offer is delicious. I love that you can order 2 weeks of food or a month, and pick what suits your palate.

I have tried other diet programs, and failed, but after one month of Personal Trainer Food I lost 9 pounds and had heaps of energy. I loved that I could eat real meat and cheese, plus snacks and lose weight by simply walking. I highly recommend this service to anyone that wants to live healthier, lose weight and eat REAL FOOD!

4) Thirty One Gifts
Thirty One has so many awesome options for the holidays. From handbags, totes and lunch thermals, to jewelry, pillows and more. I love to gift Thirty One because it supports women in small business and helps to make dreams come true. This year I am gifting the City Charcoal Chic Tote. It is gorgeous and works perfectly for a night on the town, or a great bag for work. The bag features a pebbled faux leather exterior and a colorful polka dot interior. It is spacious enough to tote all of your necessities around in without giving shoulder pains.

I am also loving the Endless Dreamer Necklace with charms. There are so many options to create a personal gift from the heart that she will love to wear and show off.

Thirty One also offers great gifts for the home, for the kids and for men too! My husband loves his Moosin Around Tote and uses it all of the time! No matter who you are shopping for, Thirty One has you covered!

5) Biore Products
Sometimes being an adult means putting yourself last. While we may not want to admit it, sometimes we let ourselves go. Biore offers a line of affordable and easy to use options that makes pampering a breeze. My favorites include the charcoal bar, the self heating one minute mask and of course, pore perfect strips! Priced at under $7 each, you can stuff a stocking with the gift of healthy skin, or you can pair these offerings with some small pampering items like sleeping masks, a great lotion like Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer and some epsom salts to make a gift basket that will pamper and indulge the skin! I love that you can find all 3 of these items at mass retailers for a last minute gift option on a budget.

6) Healthy Fragrances
There is something super alluring about a new perfume. I am crazy for the line of Lavanila fragrances this year. Retailing at under $50 you can find these luscious full size perfumes at Sephora. I love that each fragrance is blended with organic sugar cane alcohol, natural botanical extracts, and pure essential oils that are delicate on sensitive skin. Unlike other fragrances on the market, the Healthy Fragrance is free of drying alcohol, petrochemicals and phthalates.

You can find this line in six invigorating scents: Vanilla Passion Fruit, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Fresh Vanilla Lemon, Vanilla Summer, and Pure Vanilla.

7) Image Merry & Bright Skin Care
This is an affordable and awesome limited-edition collection containing IMAGE Skincare’s top rated VITAL C products to nourish, hydrate and revitalize dry, sensitive or redness-prone skin. Includes Vital C hydrating facial cleanser, Vital C hydrating anti-aging, Vital C hydrating enzyme masque, Vital C hydrating repair crème and Prevention+ daily hydrating moisturizer SPF 30. Retailing at under $20 this is going to make for a merry and bright complexion into the new year. Find it online or in spas and salons nationwide.

8) KORRES Greek Wonders Skin Kit
For under $40 you can give the gift of discovery. With the KORRES Greek Wonders Kit the inner  Greek Goddess on-the-go can shine with some of the most powerful, centuries-old skincare from Greece, all in travel size. Includes the Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, Pomegranate Moisturising & Balancing Cream-Gel, Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial & Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir. This is available online, at sephora and from HSN. This is a great kit for  skin care on the go.

9) Holiday Glam Make Up
This year, why not gift her the hottest looks in make up? Sally Hansen and Rimmel have gorgeous and affordable options that make perfect stocking stuffers! I love the glam in grey offerings this year as they are elegant without being over the top. Look for Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour, Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Stick, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polishes and Insta Dri Nail Color in grey shades for under $10 each. These make a gorgeous glam stocking stuffer option!

10) Gourmet Gift Baskets
I am a big fan of gourmet gift baskets! They have the yummiest gift options! From sweet treats, to buckets of beer, and giant cookies! Plus everything yummy in between! This year I am favoring a few options such as the Pineapple Dried Fruit Platter. Retailing at under $50 this is a healthy and sweet gift option. Presented on an eye catching pineapple shaped cutting board, this is a great hostess gift, or a way to share something guilt free and decadent to your guests this holiday season. The dried fruit platter includes pineapple, cherries, plums, apricots, dates, plums, kiwi, pitted prunes and apple rings.  In the 1700s, the pineapple was the ultimate symbol of hospitality. This modern version of the pineapple gift is sure to evoke similar feelings of warmth, community and camaraderie.

I also love the Tour of Italy Gift Basket. This is packed with delicious goodies from Italy! This is the ultimate gift for a foodie. It contains rich pasta crafted in Puglia, tomato sauce originating from Rome, and gourmet pistachio biscotti for dessert, and so much more like marinated artichoke hearts, Tuscan minestrone soup and even luscious lemon wafer bites. Retailing at under $130, this gift offers a perfect escape from winter weather without ever leaving the house!

Sometimes, you need a sweet gift for a sweet lady. The Good Tidings Holiday Gift Basket by Gourmet Gift Baskets is the perfect option! Featuring so many favorite sweets like white chocolate cranberry cookies, Ghirardelli Chocolate Belgian Chocolate Truffles and an ah-mazing cashew brittle to name a few, this is a gift basket that will satisfy her cravings for sweets while indulging her in the gourmet side of gifting. Retailing for under $50, this is one sweet way to spread holiday cheer!

11)  AiroSpa Pillow
 Gifting luxury is as easy as gifting this unique, simple to use, affordable, multi-purpose stress reliever and aromatherapy pillow that can be used at home and travel anywhere. With its built-in and patented fan, air-flow vents and face-down angled construction, the AiroSpa™ Pillow can be used as a home/office/travel massage experience enhancer with a partner or all on its own for a calming and relaxing experience. I love that it can use your favorite essential oil to take a massage to the next level of bliss, or to give you a restful experience on the road.

If you have favorite gift ideas for a special lady this holiday season I would love to hear about them! Leave me a comment to inspire my last minute shopping!