Tag Archives: inspo

Oct19

Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

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Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

Hello! Johnny and I are the fun aunt and uncle to five amazing kiddos and it’s always so exciting to celebrate the holiday season together. I am pleased to report that I have put a decent dent in my Christmas shopping and like to think of myself as an excellent gift giver. However, with several holidays as an aunt under my belt, even I admit that I need some inspiration now and then for children’s gifts. There are seemingly endless options of adorable things and it can be hard to narrow it down! Let’s explore a few ideas to get that gift inspo flowing for the littles in your life:

First and Foremost:

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is simply ask the parents lol. This might sound lazy but it’s so true and you can be sure that you are getting exactly what is needed and wanted. It could be clothing in a certain size, a particular toy they have their eye on, or a couple packs of supplies like diapers and wipes. The last thing parents need is more clutter like yet another package of play food or making trips to return or exchange presents. If you are unsure – just ask!

Gifts of Experience:

Speaking of clutter, the resounding theme I have heard this year from my parent friends is wanting gifts of experience for their children. This is a fabulous way to make memories and have cherished quality time. It could be a trip to the zoo or aquarium, purchasing lessons for swimming or theater, or tickets to a movie or live show. Several beloved children’s programs like Paw Patrol, The Wiggles, and Gabby’s Dollhouse have theater performances that super fan kiddos will love. Lots of local theaters also have performances of The Grinch, Elf, and Rudolph which could be tons of fun too to get into the holiday spirit.

Craft Supplies:

If your littles are anything like mine, they love to get artsy! Arts and crafts gifts are great and can give parents a welcome reprieve while their kids work on their own projects. It could be big coloring or sticker books, figurines to paint, packs of model clay or kinetic sand, jewelry making kits, or retro fuzzy posters to spend an afternoon coloring. If you want to combine art with a gift of experience, how about a trip to a pottery studio like Color Me Mine or All Fired Up? Then you can enjoy creating together and eagerly await to pick up your masterpieces after they have been glazed.

Building Kits:

Of course, Lego is an incredibly popular toy but it is also incredibly expensive! There are some loopholes though. 😀 If you have a 5 Below near you, check it out. The one that I shop at has several Lego Creator and even Technic sets on the cheap. I was really surprised to find them and got a handful of kits for a song as one of my gifts for my nephew. 5 Below also has pseudo Lego kits for Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, and candy like Hershey’s and Reese’s. This can give a taste for building without breaking the bank.

And, finally, there is a store in my neck of the woods called The Exchange. It is a buy/sell/trade shop for video games, movies, records, and memorabilia and oftentimes they have used Lego sets there. If you have a similar store in your vicinity, it doesn’t hurt to stop by. Mine currently has a lot of the Wicked sets there for close to half off. Why pay more when you can pay less?!

“Pet” Gifts:

If your little has been longing for a pet of their own and it isn’t possible, there are SO many cute animal care toys on the market. My eldest niece, for example, would love pet bunnies because of my Melvin and Penelope. Who can blame her? They’re the cutest! Last year for Christmas, I got her a Little Live Pets set for bunnies and she absolutely loved it. These toys come with a mama animal and babies to birth. It also includes clothes to dress them up in, play food to feed them, and bedding to make their hutch cozy. These toys make noises and are super interactive. It could be the perfect introduction to caring for a pet of their own some day! *Note: PLEASE don’t gift real animals for the holidays. They are family, not a present to be returned.*

It feels like October is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Stay tuned for more inspo guides from your girl all holiday season long!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan31

Valentine’s Day Gift Inspo

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Valentine’s Day Gift Inspo

Hello!! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so a gift guide is in order! I wouldn’t say that V-Day is a big deal to me because Johnny and I are constantly going on dates and surprising each other with random gifts. However, that’s not to say that it isn’t nice to celebrate the day together and we are going to see our favorite musical, Hadestown, for the occasion. I can’t wait!! Let’s explore some gifting inspiration to make your V-Day with your main squeeze even more special:

The Classics:

Listen, I say this Every. Year. for Valentine’s Day but it is always worth repeating: You literally cannot go wrong by gifting the classics to your SO. We’re talking chocolates, roses, a fancy bottle of booze, romantic dinner out, and items to pamper with like massage oils or the fixings for an ultra luxe bubble bath. People often view V-Day as a way to spoil your partner and there is a reason why all of these gifts are classic staples – they provide the perfect opportunity to spoil someone. Simple and perfectly sweet is never a bad idea!

For Fun:

Whenever Johnny and I are watching one of “our” shows and a character is wearing a novelty T-shirt that we like, we will look it up and purchase two so we can match. We have several matching T-shirt sets and no one knows what they’re from when we wear them, but we do! In fact, I am using this V-Day as an opportunity to get us a couple of funny shirts from the show Community. If you have a running joke or tradition with your SO, use it to your advantage! Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating your relationship so work with what is special to the both of you together. It could be a board game for your next evening in, crafting or renovation supplies if you are a DIY duo – whatever it is, your partner will immediately understand why you got it and that is a beautiful thing. ❤

Stepping Out:

Chances are that if your big date is seeing a performance, you already have tickets. If the move is a dinner out, then let this serve as a friendly reminder to make those reservations ASAP! A night on the town in lieu of a gift is a very popular way to go and for good reason – you can only have so much stuff. This is exactly why Johnny and I are seeing a musical! When you are out, try breaking free from your norms to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Get that bottle of wine with dinner. Yes, please for dessert! Or grab a nightcap or snack after seeing a show so you can chat away about the experience. There are so many little things that can make the shift from a standard date night to a Valentine’s Day date night! Be spontaneous, be in the moment, and see where the evening will take you.

Staying In:

Sometimes, the most meaningful and romantic way to celebrate the big day is just staying in. Johnny and I have definitely done this before for V-Day. We watched our favorite movies, DoorDashed a feast, ate like kings, and had So. Much. FUN. How can you plan a special day from the comfort of your own home? Breakfast in bed is always a good place to start! Maybe you will get the supplies for a “paint night” in. How about baking and decorating delicious chocolate cake or cookies? You could spend the afternoon putting a puzzle together – anything goes! You can plan activities together or take turns on what you are going to do next. Then, get dressed up or stay dressed down for a candlelit meal that you prepared together or from your favorite eatery. *Chef’s kiss* Talk about a perfect day!

The most important thing of all on Valentine’s Day is that you are both having an amazing time together. Be sweet, be adventurous, and make it your best V-Day yet!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What was the best V-Day you ever had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah