Tag Archives: holiday spirit

Dec13

Tech Gift Ideas

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Tech Gift Ideas

Hi hi! Another gift guide? Coming right up! Everyone uses technology every single day of their lives, making tech gifts an extremely viable option for holiday shopping. This is an easy category to overlook as we often think of technology as being expensive. That isn’t always the case so let’s explore a few gifting options that will be gentle on the wallet while still delighting your giftee:

App Subscriptions:

Literally every app has some type of Plus or Premium membership to purchase. If your giftee is using an app every day and maintaining a strong streak, this could be a great way to go. I personally know that this makes an awesome gift because Johnny got me a membership to Duolingo Plus for a year a few Christmases ago and I was ecstatic! Not only do these subscriptions get rid of annoying ads but it unlocks content you can’t use without it. It will make their app experience even better!

Phone Accessories:

Phone cases, charms, screen protectors, earbuds, chargers, tripods, and ring lights are all handy gifts that can be used immediately. Your content creator friend (Like me!) will be thrilled with some shiny new equipment as much as your friend who is constantly losing their phone charger will love a backup. This sentiment is especially true for yours truly as our bunnies once pulled a Houdini and chewed through our phone charger! New earbuds will be ideal for your gym bunny bestie. Simple, practical, done and done.

Streaming Services:

At this day and age, who doesn’t have at least one streaming service? We have several so I say the more the merrier! A month subscription to a new streaming service or one your giftee already has can either save them some moolah or introduce them to a brand new favorite show. If there is a show on a service that they would love to watch without the commitment of signing up, this is your sign. I definitely feel that way about a subscription to Apple TV!

Books:

We’re not talking the kind from the library – we’re talking EReaders and audio books! If you have a literature enthusiast on your list who prefers to read their Kindle or listen to a book on the way to work, why not throw some credits their way? Reading more is such a popular New Year’s Resolution so you can help them achieve their goals or just indulge in their favorite hobby. No matter how you read, there is nothing better than a good book on a cold winter day. Add a big mug and some teabags or K-pods to create a perfect afternoon.

Gaming:

Got a gamer to gift for? How about some gift cards for the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation if you aren’t sure of a new game they would love? Don’t forget to explore accessory options like new controllers, a headset, or travel cases. You could also go the experience gift route like a night at an arcade bar or a trip to a VR cafe. Game on!

These tech gifts won’t break the bank but they will for sure make your giftee break out in a smile!

What is on your Christmas list? Do you have anyone that is difficult to gift for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec12

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

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Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Hello! I may be a Halloween girl through and through but there is something about Christmas that just hits different. My suspicion? Because I love to shop even when it’s not for myself lol. I pride myself on being an excellent gift giver and revel in the process of finding that perfect something for everyone on my list. The hard part is waiting for months on end to give it to them! As you wrap up your own holiday shopping, let’s take a look at some small prezzies to put in your stockings and hang above the mantel with care:

Tiny Lego Kits:

If you have a family of brick enthusiasts, why not add a small Lego kit to the stocking? Lego has a ton of tiny holiday themed sets to choose from including Santa, snowmen, Mini Fig Advent calendars and more. Once your gifts are unwrapped, you can assemble them together and make your own holiday scene. For extra creative fun, you could give a bag of assorted Lego bricks and have everyone do a brainstorm build with the pieces they have. You can create categories like best ornament or best decorated snowman and give prizes or just bragging rights!

Old School Candy:

Candy is such a classic stocking stuffer but let’s kick it old school. 😀 Current candy? Been there done that. Retro candy? Always fun to taste test! We’re talking candy buttons, Zott’s, candy necklaces, Pop Rocks, and all of that sweet sugary goodness. This blast from the past approach will delight kiddos and adults alike and gives a twist on the same old. Bonus points if you have a local candy shop in your neck of the woods to support.

Care Packages:

While a care package for your adult children might not necessarily fit in a stocking, the sentiment remains. I have always loved the idea of the adult Easter baskets filled with cleaning supplies and that can easily translate to Christmas. A few rolls of toilet paper, paper towel, bathroom and kitchen cleaner, and Magic Erasers are all great options. Although this is not the most exciting gift, it sure is practical and one that I would love to receive. Toilet paper is low on my list of things I like to shop for for myself lolol.

Cheers!

Everyone needs a bevvie to sip on during gift exchanges. Cue the stocking stuffer! You can provide specialty sodas or juice for the kiddos and airplane bottles of booze, mini wine bottles, or mocktail cans for the adults. Add in a bag of popcorn, trail mix, or mixed nuts to nosh on and you have a perfect snack to tide everyone over until dinnertime.

Small But Mighty:

Countless stores have a section specifically for travel size beauty and basic care items so hit it up! Bath & Body Works is an excellent place to start with as they offer both men and women’s travel size items and are always on promotion. A hand sanitizer, body wash, and lotion in a compact size is just right for filling those stockings and keeping everyone smelling and feeling fresh to death. 😀

Stocking stuffers are the opportunity to have some fun with add on gifts. Hope the ideas above can help! ❤

Do you hang stockings at home? What are some of your stocking stuffer ideas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

Get Into The Holiday Spirit

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Get Into The Holiday Spirit

Hi! We are full fledged into the holiday season and I think everyone could use a heaping dose of holiday cheer. This has been a crazy few years, to say the least! Spreading holiday cheer can be with grand gestures, but oftentimes it’s the little things that mean the most. Small acts of kindness that can turn someone’s entire day around. The ideas we’re about to discuss will put you on the Nice List, for sure, but that’s beside the point. It just feels good to do good! Let’s discuss:

Help a Neighbor:

Spreading holiday cheer can start right across the street! Should you have a neighbor that might need some extra help, be the person to offer. This could include shoveling snow, stopping by with a delicious meal, gifting a wreath for their door, or lighting up the outside of their home for a festive touch. I know firsthand the power of these gestures. Our downstairs neighbor is one of our best friends and whenever I am cooking, there is always a plate ready for him too. It makes both of our days and that is exactly what friends are for. ❤

Donating:

Toy drives and food pantries are amazing ways to share your good fortune. Lots of local businesses in my neck of the woods are hosting drives for toys and food so ask around for a place that you can drop off to. This is also the time of year for grocery stores to run promotions like “spend X amount and get a free turkey or X Y and Z”. A local shelter could really benefit from that for their holiday meals. A gesture like this can truly do a world of good so give what you can so everyone in your community can have a special holiday too.

Blessing Boxes:

In the same breath, I have seen countless posts on talk of the town pages about people creating Blessing Boxes. It is essentially a Little Free Library but for pantry items. Food insecurity is such a major issue and creating a Blessing Box for your neighborhood would be fantastic. When an entire neighborhood gets together, there is nothing you can’t do to help so give what you can. Even if what you can give is not a lot, don’t downplay it. It still makes a huge difference!

Care Packages:

A resounding need at homeless shelters as the weather turns is cold weather clothing items like thick socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and jackets. Other items that are always needed include personal hygiene supplies, underwear, and diapers. If you look on their websites, you might also find wish lists for families that are living there. Creating care packages to drop off can help keep the neighbors in your community warm and comfortable. You can also make cash donations on websites too and find ways to volunteer your time. This is always a need and you might find yourself returning at least once a week.

Nursing Homes:

There are so many people who have no one to spend the holidays with, especially those in nursing homes. You could host a holiday card or gift drive to drop off or simply be there and spend time. I often see posts from local nursing homes requesting something like this on talk of the town pages. If you can’t find any posts, call around. This can create such a bright memory for all parties involved!

Everyone deserves a safe and happy holiday season. Do what you can to make it happen and remember, anything you do is something! ❤

Do you volunteer anywhere? How do you spread holiday cheer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Howdy! As you all know, I am an early bird Christmas shopper. As someone who had an extensive tenure working retail from my teens to early twenties, the last thing I want is to be caught in the midst of holiday shopping anarchy. I experienced it first hand for so long that even now I can’t be bothered with it! I still have a handful of gifts to purchase and I feel like time is running out despite Christmas being over a month away lol. In my head it is down to the wire! Waiting till the true last minute, however, can be unavoidable so let’s explore some gift options that are sure to please when it gets down to the nitty gritty:

Hit up a vendor fair:

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, there are sure to be countless vendor fairs happening in your neck of the woods. This is a win/win situation to purchase from. You will be supporting local makers while checking off everyone on your list. From homemade crafts and body care to jewelry and sweet treats, you could consider an outing to a vendor fair as a one stop shop. If you are not sure where to find a vendor fair, take a look at your local talk of the town pages. You can also explore the calendars at churches, banquet halls, or community centers which are often popular places to host a vendor fair.

Food/Drinks:

The beauty of food and drink gifts are that they can truly be purchased at the last minute! Your local grocery store might carry options like gift sets for chocolate, booze with a glass or two included, or a festive tin of mixed nuts or popcorn. If not, good thing you’re in a grocery store! Food and drink sets can easily be made on your own. All you need are some baskets and an idea. Perhaps you will opt for all of the fixings for soup or a pasta dish. Maybe you will put together a basket with cake mixes and a cupcake tin. How about a basket filled with movie theater candy for those with a sweet tooth? A gift like this can be perfectly customized to the recipient and will definitely be used.

A night out on you:

There is this common fear that gift cards feel impersonal and not thoughtful enough. I think that can’t be farther from the truth! If you feel this way about gift cards, you can still personalize it to make it feel more special. You could treat a couple on your list to a gift card to the movie theater or a restaurant for a date night on you. Maybe you will get a gift card for your mom to get her nails done and you can get a mani or pedi together. What about a gift card to Home Depot or a craft store for those with a project in mind? Gift cards specific for what a person wants or needs to get done is extremely thoughtful!

Experience gifts:

Gifts of experience are always a fabulous way to go as it’s a clutter free gift and a way to have fun altogether. You could take the kiddos on your list to an afternoon at a trampoline park or an arcade. The adults could be treated to a few rounds of drinks at a favorite bar or a dinner out. If a play or musical is showing nearby, snag some tickets! Other great options include a craft workshop or paint class, bowling, a cooking class, or a coffee or wine tasting. Whether you try something new or visit a family favorite location, a day with family is the best gift ever.

Game night:

A game gift is perfect for those who love to host game nights or enjoy a rousing board game with their partner or kiddos. Like food and drink gifts, game gifts are an extremely safe bet for last minute prezzies. Any store like Walmart is bound to have shelves full! Local gaming stores also will carry classic games as well as more unique ones that you might not find elsewhere. Board games, card shufflers, or video games can be used again and again to provide hours of amusement. You can also opt for a gift card for the Nintendo Switch or a subscription for PlayStation. Then, tie it in with a gift of experience like the first family game night taking place at your house!

Regardless of waiting until the last minute, these ideas above are always going to be available and ready to put under the tree!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? When do you want to have your holiday shopping done by? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan2

Best Gift Ever

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Best Gift Ever

Hello!! Johnny and I are the proud “fun aunt and uncle” to five little darlings. There are four girls and one boy and celebrating the holidays all together was the most wonderful gift. It was so sweet to watch them rip open their presents and play the day away and it also gave me an even deeper respect for all the parents out there. We were exhausted by the time we got home! The kiddos weren’t far from our minds, though, because we spent the rest of the evening talking about how cute they were and laughing about all of the funny things they said and did. And, of course, treasuring the Best Gift Ever that my eldest niece presented me with. Check it out:

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Back in my day, my grade school would have a “Santa Shop” during the holiday season to purchase small gifts for loved ones. At our Val Gal’s school, they apparently did the same. On Christmas, she was so proud to hand out gifts that she got all by herself. This included a pretty “Grandma” heart shaped necklace for my mom, a wrench keychain for my dad, and the stuffed mushroom for me lol. I’m honestly not sure why this was my gift – part of me thinks it’s because we watched the Mario Movie together or maybe the colors reminded her of my hair. Whatever the reason is doesn’t matter because the fact remains that she saw it and thought that I would love to have it for Christmas. And she was so right!!

As an extended Christmas gift from Johnny and I, we hosted Val for a slumber party. As soon as she came barrelling through the door, she immediately saw my new stuffie displayed front and center on one of our knick knack shelves. I told her that I put it there as soon as we got home from our holiday dinner and that delighted her because it was further confirmation that TT loved her gift. Although we each got spoiled rotten this Christmas, our catchphrase during the slumber party was saying “you’re my gift” to each other. There is truly no better gift than that… Except for my mushroom. ❤

Our nieces and nephew are literal sunshine and I am so thankful that we were all home for the holidays. It really was one of the best Christmases ever!

Who was your favorite aunt or uncle growing up? What was the best gift you received this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!!

Howdy everyone and happy 2025!! It is the first day of a brand new year here on lifewithlilred and it’s hard to believe that this is the eleventh New Year we have all celebrated together. My resolutions are prepped and I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take 2025 on by storm! I have to admit, this last month or so of 2024 sucked on ice and I am really trying to start this year on the right foot. The best way I know how? By being upbeat, positive, and knowing that there are plenty of good things to come in 2025. And, with all of you by my side, I know that to be even more true. ❤

I hope this New Year brings you so much happiness, cherished memories, and success. I cannot wait to see the fun we get into for lifewithlilred’s eleventh year on the blogosphere and I love you all!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Dec31

Holiday Haul

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Holiday Haul

Howdy!! Johnny’s family knows how to spoil a girl rotten for the holidays and I am always so thankful to have been thought of. Well, thought of or straight up had my mind read! This year’s Holiday Haul was a particularly excellent one because I received SO. Many. Gifts that I had every intention of purchasing for myself with Christmas gift cards and moolah. Like me, my in laws love to go Christmas crazy and it definitely shows. Check it out:

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Johnny’s family is REALLY good at giving gifts that are, without a doubt, going to be used. This just so happens to be my favorite kind of gift because chances are high that I would need to buy something similar anyways so I can use that money as a little treat for me or to save up. The set of cutting boards is a shining example of that. I have NO idea how my mother-in-law knew that I needed new cutting boards because I’ve never mentioned it to her or Johnny. I was elated when I opened the set because 1) Literally all of my cutting boards suck. 2) They are all too small. And 3) I was going to buy a new one for myself during post holiday shopping. Is being absolutely stoked by cutting boards what it means to be an adult?!

Another instance of my mother-in-law “just knowing” was my bag of bath and body care. There’s no way she could have known that I have been especially partial to bar soap recently and I was just about out of the one that I was using. I tried out the Peppermint Candy bar soap she got me today and it was divine! Not only that, but I was ALSO almost out of my Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer and she had that covered too. The candles were a very nice touch as well because I never buy them for myself. As I write this, I am burning the Sweet Orange & Agave and it is the perfect zesty and invigorating scent for an early morning computer sesh.

Finally, from Johnny’s aunt Elaine, I am also sporting the adorable cropped hoodie she got for me as I write this. It is so cute and comfy and I cannot wait to pair it with leggings and the boot socks that were included too. As a practical gift, she gave us a hand vacuum which is really good motivation for me and Johnny to clean out our cars… Eventually, anyways. It is the holidays after all! 🙂

I have already been making great use of the gifts from Johnny’s family as well as buying some extra goodies for myself with gift cards. Check out those hauls soon!!

What is your favorite gift you received this year? What is a practical gift that you love? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec30

For The Lols

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For The Lols

Hello! Johnny and I had a wonderful holiday celebration with his family on Christmas Eve. As per Miller Family tradition, we enjoyed a delicious meal, opened presents, and then had our annual viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This has been the formula for the past five years and I would not change it for the world! We were treated to so many amazing gifts and an extremely funny one that I just had to share with all of you. This was mailed to us from one of Johnny’s aunts and I literally can’t even lol. Check it out:

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Johnny’s Aunt Eileen is a true spitfire of a woman. She is (as you can see) hilarious, sassy AF, and a ball of energy that cannot be contained. When Johnny opened this gift box, I didn’t see the “surprise” inside – but whatever it was gave him a full fledged laugh attack. He tossed the box to me with the adoring words of “just for you” and I was greeted by a middle finger on a spring!! We were in stitches and all in agreement that this was so “classic Eileen”. 😀

That’s it. That’s the post lol but I couldn’t not show it off to the blogosphere. And, in conclusion, this small and silly gag gift was one of our favorites so take a note from Aunt Eileen’s book and never be afraid to have FUN with your gifts!

What is the funniest gag gift you ever received? Do you have a White Elephant tradition in your family? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec25

Merry Christmas!!!!

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Merry Christmas!!!!

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas!!! I will keep things short and sweet because I know we have places to go and people to see on this big day. I just wanted to let all of you know how thankful I am to be sharing the blogosphere with you. Ten whole years of being in this little corner of the internet is such a gift to me and it feels even more so because of my dear friends and readers. It is a huge bright part of my life and would simply not be possible without each and every one of you. I thank you a million times over and I love you all!! No matter how you spend your day, I hope it is the best one ever.

Merry Christmas!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Dec22

Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

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Simple Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

Howdy!! The countdown to Christmas is SO on and I am sure everyone is busy with their holiday prep. Me? I am officially DONE with shopping and wrapping so I am eagerly anticipating for the celebrations to hurry up and get here! It wouldn’t be the holiday season if everything didn’t feel a little bit crazy right now. However, it is always great to spread some happiness to friends, neighbors, and strangers. If you have some extra time to spare and holiday cheer to spread, let’s look at a few simple ways that you can make it happen:

Shovel Driveways/Sidewalks:

As of now in Akron, Ohio, we have had a snowy day or two and that has been it. If you live somewhere snowy, though, your neighbors will always appreciate some help with removal – especially if they are older. There is a reason why “heart attack snow” is a real thing! Take some extra time to clear off a driveway or two or make a path on some sidewalks if your neighborhood has them. This can really take a load off for those in your community physically and metaphorically and is an ideal way to spread some cheer if you are going to be experiencing a White Christmas.

Donate To A Shelter:

SO many grocery stores are running promotions such as “spend X amount and get a free turkey or ham”. If this applies to you and you don’t need the free item, donate it to a shelter instead where it can be used and enjoyed. This is exactly what my family did for Thanksgiving with the promo being ran at Giant Eagle. You can also take a look at the websites for shelters in your area. Chances are, they will have a list of items that they need in the moment like winter coats, winter accessories, feminine hygiene, and diapers. They also might have ways to sponsor a child so you can cross off some toys on their wish list. Whatever you choose to do will do a world of good.

Santa Mail:

I don’t know if this is a thing in your neck of the woods. But, in mine, I am constantly seeing posts from local nursing homes on social media asking for pen pals for their residents. If this is something that is doable where you are – go for it! Call a nursing home, get a batch of holiday cards, and send your well wishes. This has the potential to really brighten someone’s day. Better yet, you could form a lasting friendship with these correspondences and that is a gift in itself.

Sweets & Treats:

There is always sure to be an overflow of holiday sweets like cookies, pies, and candies. If you find yourself with WAY too much – you already know what to do. Make a delightful assortment on a tray and send it a neighbor’s way! If there’s a shortage of sweets, perhaps a neighbor with a bare yard would like a wreath on their door or some twinkling lights. Knock on the door and ask! Even if the answer is no, it’s such a thoughtful offer that will not go unnoticed.

Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. It can be small, meaningful things that make someone’s day and will show that you care!

How do you get into the holiday spirit? Do you volunteer in your community? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah