Gift Ideas for Pets and Pet People
Christmas Gift Guide For Seniors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gifts Boys are Gonna LOVE This Holiday Season.
Promotional samples were provided to me in exchange for inclusion in my gift guide. The opinions are my own.
Gourmet Christmas Stocking
Boys like snacks as much as anyone else, so one of my favorite ideas for a boy gift is the Christmas Stocking from Gourmet Gift Baskets. The stocking itself is handsome and classy, but the goodies inside really steal the show. Filled with things that any boy will love to snack on like a huge Hammond's candy cane, chocolate covered pretzels, truffles, hot cocoa and peanuts, this is a tasty gift that boys would love to have to fuel their late night holiday gaming sessions. The Christmas Stocking retails at about $30 and is a good choice for just about any boy you are shopping for this holiday season.
Go Trax ION Hoverboard
This self balancing hoverboard is nothing short of awesome for kids. It is fairly lightweight for a hoverboard and can go up to 4 miles on a single battery. The fact that it self balances is perfect for beginners, and makes for a gift that encourages outdoor activity for the win. I was a little nervous about my son on a Hoverboard truth be told, but this has been a fun choice for him that was easy to learn. Retailing under $200 this is a perfect idea for tweens and teens.
Home Planetarium
My son loves astronomy. He goes to a local club about every month to view the night sky and he loves to go to the observatory with his dad when they get a chance! This 8,000 Star Home Planetarium is a perfect gift to encourage his curiosity while helping him to discover new pleasures in the night sky.
This is a desk top model that accurately displays 61 constellations found in the Northern Hemisphere. The built in bluetooth speaker pairs with iPhone and Android devices to play a stargazing soundtrack of your choice. Retailing for under $130 at Hammacher Schlemmer this is one of my favorite gifts for anyone with a love of the stars.
Magic Tracks
Boys love toys! This year I think Magic Tracks is the way to go for fun for younger boys. These tracks are unlike any other I have ever seen. They bend, flex and glow. I love how kids can customize the race track, even when the race is in motion. These are an affordable and fun way to foster creativity, retailing at about $20 a set.
Stone8
My kids love robots; it has been an ongoing fantasy to have one of their own for quite some time. I have looked at so many, but felt that they were more of a glorified remote control toy. When we hear about Stone8,I was instantly intrigued as this is a truly interactive friend, and a cute little friend he is! I love that he expresses emotions and works with or without a device. Retailing at less than $60, this little guy has enough sensors to allow him to explore with our child and the multicolored antenna allows Stone8 to let you know how he is feeling. This is a really fun option for Christmas that gives your child someone to play games and have adventures with in a variety of ways.
Modarri Car
This is fun for any kid who likes cars or building! This kit allows kids to design and build their dream car, then race it! Named to of the year two times for great reason Modarri is a hands on adventure that kids will be revving up their engines for. My kids were entranced by the idea of building their dream cars and had so much fun doing so. I would highly recommend this gift for any boy. It is engaging and tons of fun. The kits range in price from about $30 and are available at Target, Walmart and amazon to name a few.
Itty Bitty Buggy
If you have a boy on your list that loves creating and has an interest in coding, the Itty Bitty Bug kit is going to be a great gift. This allows fun and creativity to come to life with coding four different creatures. Packed with a rich, fun-filled feature set, the Itty Bitty Buggy kit includes Bluetooth, remote control, voice-control, line tracing, musical color recognition, and LEGO®-compatible pieces, providing users with endless design possibilities and playful configurations. As coding skills become more advanced, users can program and modify the behaviors of a specific creature using a variety of coding languages, including Scratch, Python, and Arduino. The itty bitty bug retails for under $60 and can be found at stores like Target that carry Hasbro products or online in the Hasbro Toy Shop.
FANTASTIC GYMNASTICS VAULT CHALLENGE Edition
This is just plain fun. It reminds me of the tech free toys of my childhood and I love that it takes some skill to land the gymnast! I think kids will love this for those times when there has been too much tech and they need a way to unwind with some good old fashioned play! Retailing at under $20 you can find the Fantastic Gymnastics Vault Challenge at most major retailers that carry Hasbro products.
Connect 4 Edition from The Hasbro Road Trip Collection
There seem to be a lot of road trips to visit loved ones around the holidays, so te Connect 4 Edition from the Hasbro Road Trip Collection makes it on my list of gifts for boys. This is a fun way to keep the kids busy in the car without turning to tablets. This game is portable but packs a ton of fun and is easy on every budget. Get it at Walmart for about $8 for hours of friendly game play on the next long car ride.
T Rex From Wall Charmers
Sometimes it feels like the kids have too many toys! Adding a fun touch to a bedroom is a great idea this holiday season. We love the T Rex Faux Taxidermy from Wall Charmers. This is simply a fun addition to any bedroom of a dino loving little boy! Well, to be fair, my husband was amazed by this too! It is realistic looking and is bound to inspire any boys imagination while adding an uber unique touch to his decor. Retailing at under $70 this works for tween boys as well.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Assortment
When I was a kid, TMNT was super popular. My brother and I loved it and had all of the action figures! I was so excited to see a new line coming out for the new generation, and knew this was something I had to share with my son. The Action Figure Assortment includes: Raphael "The Leader," Leonardo "The Trickster," Donatello "The Tech Wiz," Michelangelo "The Wild Card," Splinter "The Chill Master," April "Street Smart Best Friend," Origami Ninja "Confetti Commandos," Meat Sweats “The Tenderizer,” Baron Draxum "The Maker of Mutants". The figures retail for about $9 and can be found at most major retailers.
Ben 10 Alien Creation Chamber
My son loves Ben 10, so this was a natural choice. I know he is going to love making his own mini fig with the interchangeable parts and launching it into the air. This set comes with 4 figures to mix and match, including Heatblast, Four Arms, Wildvine and Grey Matter. It retails for under $30 and promises to be loads of fun for any Ben 10 Fan! Find it at mass retailers like Target or Walmart.
Discovery Plasma Globe
Experience a fun light display with the touch of your fingers or sound! The Discovery Plasma Globe responds to touch, music and sound, providing hours of excitement. Perfect for any young scientist! My son has always been intrigued by these globes and adding one to his room would be so much fun for my science kid! Find it at Walmart for under $25.
15+ Unicorn Gifts for Teens
Unicorn Leggings
Unicorn Tablet Stand
Unicorn Print Hoodie
Snuggly Unicorn Hooded Blanket
Unicorn Robe
Unicorn Slippers
Unicorn Bedding Set
Unicorn Journal
Unicorn Donut Socks
Unicorn Light Up Marquee Sign
Unicorn Adult Coloring Book
Unicorn Car Decal
Crossbody Unicorn Purse
Unicorn Zippered Clutch
Yarn Unicorn Kit
Which of these unicorn gifts seem like the best idea for a teen girl you know and love this Christmas? I would love to hear which one you would buy first!
Top Picks for Baby Gifts
Now that my kids are officially not babies anymore, I have finally figured out what makes the perfect gift for a little one! It is something useful, stimulating, and or fun!
I have compiled a list of must have baby gift ideas to share with you. From fun to functional, this list contains something for all of the tiny ones on your shopping list! Samples were received to inspire this gift guide.
1) Meadow Days Dynamic Gymini by Tiny Love
I love this activity center for babies 0-18 months in age. It is colorful, cute and has so many ways to engage your little one. It is perfect for a tummy time mat, and will adapt to meet the needs of a growing baby or toddler. With 7 developmental features from language to cognition, this fun way to play and learn will engage the senses and entice tiny ones to play. This is a great gift idea that can grow with a newborn!
2) Vida Snow Boots
Vida has so many great options in footwear for babies, toddlers and older kids. I love the snow boot collection which includes the stylish Jamboo Nydia & Azami styles for girls and the Baltoro & Venom styles for boys. These are stylish, durable and perfect for keeping tiny feet toasty even on the snowiest of days!
3) Maxi Cosi Pria Car Seat
A great car seat makes traveling safer and more comfortable for everyone. The Maxi Cosi line of car seats is one that I would highly recommend to other families as I use this brand for both of my growing children and have for years. I love that with the Pria seat this is the only car seat you will need for many years! The Pria 85 Max convertible car seat fits children rear-facing starting at 5 pounds with removable insert cushions to give smaller babies a snug fit. It then keeps them cozy up to 40 pounds. When they're ready to ride forward-facing, turn this car seat around to safely fit children up to 85 pounds; the highest weight range offered by a convertible car seat. Both stages benefit from the safer side impact protection provided by Air Protect® technology which protects your child where it’s needed most, around the head.
4)Malarkey Kids Munch Mitt
This is a great stocking stuffer for a baby that is teething! It is undroppable and gives the tiny teether something awesome to chew on. It fits over the hand and gives little ones a chance to teeth and soothe without the fuss of a traditional teething toy.
5) Snack & Shop Cart Tray
This is a great tool for kids that are old enough to sit in the cart while parents shop. The tray attaches to the cart and offers an easy way to serve a snack on the go. This would have made a huge difference to me while my kids were small as snack time at the store can save your sanity and keep the kids happy!
If you have a great idea for gifts for babies, please leave me a comment to inspire other readers that are shopping!
Oh Baby!
Gifts for Guys with Beards
Do you need a great gift idea for a guy who happens to rock an awesome beard? I have some suggestions that will keep his beard healthy and hip! From a starter kit that has everything he needs to maintain his beard, to a great shaving brush and razor for his beard maintenance. This list has some pretty great products on it that any guy would love to get as a gift!
The Clear Confidence Company makes classic shaving brushes and razors to keep his beard well maintained and well shaped. Guys will appreciate that this is a nod to classic shaving equipment. Get the Men's Grooming Bundle for about $40.
While you are here, why not check out some of my DIY Christmas Ornaments.
I hope this guide helps you find a great gift for a guy with a beard in your life.
Deck the Halls (and the Table): Your Guide to Effortless Holiday Entertaining
The holidays are a time for joy, family, friends, and of course, delicious food! But between the gift shopping, decorating, and travel, hosting a holiday party can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow merrymakers! With a little planning and these tasty recipes, you can throw a stress-free and festive gathering that will leave your guests raving.
Appetizers: The Art of the Finger Food
The key to effortless entertaining is serving appetizers that are easy to make and eat. A beautiful platter of cheese and crackers is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not add a touch of holiday flair? Consider whipping up some bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites for a sweet and savory twist, or try elegant grape, walnut, and labneh crostini drizzled with spicy honey.
Don't Forget the Classics!
For those who crave tradition, there's always room for classic hors d'oeuvres. Deviled eggs get a festive makeover with a sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of caviar. Miniature quiches filled with sausage and cheese are a hearty option, while crostini topped with pesto and cherry tomatoes offer a burst of fresh flavor.
Here are some tasty holiday appetizer ideas to try. Click thru the links to find the full recipe. You will want to pin a few to your holiday party board.
Now, let's get cooking! Here are some recipe ideas to get you started...
Filet Mignon Skewers with Rosemary by Give It Some Thyme
Fried Crab Claws by The Cagle Diaries
Lemon Asparagus Tart by Barth Bakery
Zucchini Pastry Cupcakes by DIY Candy
Lentil Stuffed Mushrooms by Cook Eat Live Love
Cream of Sardine Tapas by A Taste For Travel
Chicken Liver Mousse with Bacon Jam by Went Here 8 This
Creamy Asparagus Puffs by Ketchup with Linda
Potato Roses by Curry Trail
Pesto Toast with Cannellini Beans and Potatoes by The Pypers Kitchen
Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Lima Crema Crostini by Cook What You Love
Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini by Tao of Spice
Mississippi Sin Dip by Spend with Pennies
Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Appetizers by The Castaway Kitchen
Baked Pears with Gorgonzola by Happy Kitchen
The Main Event: Make it Merry and Make it Easy
For the main course, you have options! A slow cooker is your best friend during the holidays. Toss in a roast with vegetables and let it simmer while you decorate or wrap last-minute gifts. Stuffed shells or a vegetarian lasagna are great crowd-pleasers, and can be prepped ahead of time.
Think Outside the Box (or Casserole Dish!)
Feeling adventurous? Offer a selection of international flavors! A platter of hummus and pita bread with various toppings is a crowd-pleaser, and pairs well with festive cocktails. For a heartier option, consider a sheet-pan curry with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.
Sweet Endings: A Delicious Tradition
No holiday party is complete without dessert! Opt for a classic like chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies cut into festive shapes. Mini cheesecakes or a cranberry crumb pie add a touch of elegance, while a simple fruit salad with a drizzle of honey is light and refreshing.
The Final Touches: It's All in the Details
The key to effortless entertaining is creating a festive atmosphere. String some fairy lights, put on a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes, and light some scented candles. Don't forget to set out festive napkins and plates – even small details can make a big impact!
With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to throwing a holiday party that's both merry and manageable. So relax, gather your loved ones, and savor the delicious memories you'll create together!
Find my favorite holiday posts here:
9 Terrific Ways to Celebrate their Retirement
9 Terrific Ways to Celebrate their Retirement
Retirement is such a big life change, it should be celebrated properly. Help the retiree in your life commemorate this
great achievement with a new tradition, a getaway or even something that pushes their comfort zone. Now that their
punching-the-time-clock days are over, guide them into a greater, even more fulfilling mindset with these nine terrific
ways to celebrate.
Create a Career Memento Collection.Focus on Health.
Build a Gift Basket.
Redecorate the Home Office.
Do Something Unconventional.
Go Permanent.
Give Back.
Start a Tradition.






























