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Showing posts with label traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traditions. Show all posts

Friday, November 9, 2012

Unique Stocking Stuffers / Mini Gifts

Prepare to scroll!  This list is nearly as long as Santa's!
Each year I fill a stocking for everyone in my family.  They're definitely not just for kiddos anymore.  It's a fun way to give a "grab bag" style gift! However, finding treats that delight adults can be tricky.  Come November, I dive into all of the little bookmarks and pinnings I've been hoarding away all year and start planning my gifts.  I like to start with the stocking goodies because usually they inspire other ideas for great gifts.  In our family, we always include the traditional inexpensive bits. Clementine oranges, loose nuts in their shell and candies, chocolate oranges, little trinkets are a staple. Beyond that, I get creative with my stuffers,  usually adding one or two higher priced items (I'm talkin' $25 or less) for the wow factor.  So, I'm always on the look out for unique ideas.   I thought I'd share a sampling of my favorite finds this year.

These would be great mini-gifts for any time of year!  Consider them for Teacher gifts, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day or as an idea for that uncle that you're just not sure what to buy for the Grandparents that have everything!

Craftable Stuffers

Tissue Cases from Martha Stewart - So Easy!  And everyone likes to fill their handbag with little treasures right?

Those are great for our mothers, girlfriends, aunts and grandmothers but if you'd like to make someone younger get excited about your little creation, stuff them with dollar bills instead of tissue!  Take the same idea as lovezilla has done below and just stash the cash into your travel tissue case.

The Helpful Tennis Ball - This little guy has so many uses, check out the link to see more pictures of what he can do.  

Little Envelope Journal from Instructables  - If this is for a little one you could fill the pockets with stickers and dollar bills.  Or if it's for an adult tuck in movie tickets, gift cards, or love notes inside!

DIY Bath Fizzies from Martha Stewart - Simple craft and one batch could be divided into several gifts!

Gift Card Snow Globe by thecreativemama - would be a great gift on it's own or a nice filler to plump up that stocking( perhaps a smaller jar for the stocking).  It's pretty much the perfect gift because obvious love and effort went into it, it's a fun little treasure hung all on it's own and they get to decide how to spend the dough!
Braided cuff bracelet or gadget strap from TJ Potter - If you did this with leather strands you could make a nice gift for that hipster in your life


Gadgety Goods

Colored Ear Phones to designate "His and Hers" - We go through these so fast and color coding takes away the "Are these mine or yours?" guesswork.  They're a must have for Ryan's stocking!  
Leatherman Manicure Multi-Tool ($17) - For those ultra manly manicures *gruntsandpoundschest*

Kick Stand Style IPhone Cases - Super inexpensive, tons of styles and so handy for watching videos and multitasking!


Or go for a retro case like this one from Society6 ($35) - They're are less pricey versions out there, go on a Google hunt!

A Cute USB Hub! ($5-$30) There are a bunch of these on the market, I've linked an amazon search so you can see some of the other choices.  I like this little robot that allows you to plug in in both arms and legs.


Motion Sensor Mini Lights ($18) from Solutions - These can be stuck anywhere and will go on when needed!  They've got great customer reviews too!  

Heart Rate Monitor / Pedometer  ($20 and up) - This is a great gadget for anyone who is hoping to get more active after the holidays and begin the new year with a fresh start!

Portable Speaker  ($24) from Uncommon Goods - perfect stuffing size!

Texting Gloves ($18) from Urband Outfitters - These are available for men at different sites as well, Google it!

Key Ring Tools  ($8) - Keep a Philips and flat head screw driver handy at all times!

A Leatherman multi-tool ($18-35) for the manliest of manicures!  


A Grab Bag of Treasures

Custom stamps from lilimandrill ($25 and up) on Etsy.  You can also find great custom address stampers with a quick Etsy search.

Pooping Reindeer ($7) from Paper Source - cute or ew?  Either way I betcha know someone who would get a kick out of it!  
Owl Timers ($21)  from Paper Source - I want one!  Gimmie!  
Matrushka Manicure Set ($11)  from Paper Source - More cute things to fill my handbag/diaperbag with.

Stackable engraved rings ($18) from cinnamonsticks on Etsy - Great price for such a sweet personal gift.

Mustache bottle toppers ($10) from Fab.com - why not?  

Knit Ear Warmer with Bow! ($20) from FredFlare - Be cute when you're cold!

"Keep Calm" Bandages ($8) from Urban Outfitters - After being on every stinkin' surface possible, this trendy phrase found a perfect, logical home!

Giant Gummy Bear on a Stick $10 from FredFlare - A necessary item in life 

Seasonal Tea ($15) from Papersource by The Repuplic of Tea - my favorite gourmet brand!

Vintage Bird Mug with lid ($13.95) from Paper Source - So many of us are suckers for birds (Portlandia anyone?) and this comes with a lid!  How handy, sorta...

Baby's First Christmas
Children's items differ depending on the age and this list is crazy long already.  So, I've just tackled a couple of things for baby's first stocking.  I will however, show you everything Scarlet is going to get in her stocking in another post or vlog soon! 

Fortune Cookie booties ($28) from Uncommon Goods - Okay these are a bit over priced but your first Christmas only comes around once, right?  And the fortune is too cute. These seem like they could be craftable too, so maybe make your own version! 

Sili Squeeze with Eeeze ($15) from The Silico - New improved design is great for home made purees, yogurts and smoothies!

Boo-Boo Bunnie ($8) - These little freezer friends make those bumps and bruises alllll better!  Scarlet has one and the tears stop as soon as the bunnie is in her hand.  They come in a variety of adorable colors and prints too! 

Monogrammed Unisex ID Bracelet from MinusOne on Etsy ($28) - I bought one of these from this seller for a friends daughter's first birthday.  She'll do any name up to 6 letters.  Makes a great keepsake! 

Sandra Boynton Box Set ($13) - A MUST for every child's library.  These books are fun quick stories that help your child delight in reading early!

And finally, a Mustache Pacifier from Fred Flare ($12) to be like daddy with his beer toppers :)

Hope that sparked some ideas!  What are your favorite stocking treats and traditions?
Happy Stuffing! 


***Disclaimer***
I have NOT purchased items from each of these links before.  Please only purchase from reputable vendors.  I have personally shopped at Paper Source, Urban Outfitters, MinusOne on Etsy and Amazon.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Bucket List Progress! Autumnal Enabler

You never hear about new diet plans come Autumn.  The rest of the year it seems rampant - New Years resolutions, Spring juice fasts, Summer bikini boot camps, but come Fall everyone hunkers down, snuggles in and grabs a baked good.  Pinterest is the biggest enabler this time of year as well.  It's riddled with homemade comfort food and treats.  I think I gain a few ounces each night just scrolling through everyone's recent pinnings.
This is no complaint post though.  No, no, not at all.  I'm here to add to the tempting list of enabling treats!  I think indulging in all the warm gooey pound packers is part of the Autumnal experience.  My favorite store bought treat is this trifecta of sin.  

"I'll have a Grande-half-pump-cinnamon dolce-Caramel-Apple Spice and a toasted Chonga bagel with cream cheese please!" 

That's what the overly peppy Starbucks man who can probably recognize my voice by now hears this time of year.  I can say it all in one breath.  You impressed? No?  Yeaaaa I know drink orders like that come with their own snooty undertones as part of the order but Idon'tevencare.  As Scarlet would say it's "A-wish-suss!"



Lately I've been taking it to the next level and topping my bagel with Krystal's Jalapeno jelly.

Don't you dare even think of telling me how many calories I'm consuming.  I'll thunk your nose if you do.

Checking my FALL DRINK off of the bucket list!  Oooh accomplishment does feel good!  You all have been much more productive than I have though!  Check out my original post and peek in on some of the other bloggers/vloggers getting in on the Autumn spirit.  People have posted crafts, decor, outfits, and yes, ooey gooey delights.  I've been enjoying reading through everyone's blogs before bed at night.  I can't always comment because the clickity-clack of my keyboard wakes Ry, but I haven't missed a post yet!  Keep an eye out for our Activity post coming soon.



Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Fall-la-la-la! Easy Autumn Bucket List Link Up!

Autumn is here!!!  Eep!  Eeep!  Scarlet and I have been secretly celebrating for weeks now.  Even though the sky is blue and the sun is shining bright I couldn't resist dressing up in our cozy duds, indulging in a warm drink and snuggling with a million pillows and a movie.  
When I was pregnant and dreaming about the someday adventures with my soon-to-be daughter, the idea of having a toddler join us in our harvest season traditions delighted me to no end.  Just think of the leaf crunching, hay riding, wool coat wearing, pumpkin carving, puddle jumping wonderment! And  again, I must eeep!  That someday is here and I'm utterly giddy with excitement.  Maaaaybe the giddy is fueled slightly from the highly caffeinated and highly caloried pumpkin spice lattes I've been downing.  Whateva it's from, I don't mind!  Eeep! 

The caffeine buzz got me thinkin', wouldn't it be fun to have a bucket list we can do together in Internetland?  I've noticed others out there but I wanted something simple.  I've created an easy link up list for anyone who'd like to get involved.  Read below the pic for the details.  If you have a blog and want in on the fun, let me know and I'll link it in this post so we can follow you as well. :)  If you aren't a blogger but would like to participate, you can join us on the GABI (Grin And Bear It) Facebook page to post your pics there.   This challenge can be done little by little or all at once, it's up to you!  If you live in part of the world that is currently celebrating Spring, you can still participate!  I think seeing the same items on the same timeline from a world perceptive would only add to the fun!
See the picture above?  
The words in white are the list of challenge items.  I want to see pictures of everyone's favorite Fall drink, meal, outfit, activity, make up  (think Autumn inspired looks or products) and decor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
NEW PARTICIPANT LINKS WILL BE ADDED 
HERE UNTIL OCT 31ST
AFTER THAT I'LL JUST BE ADDING COMPLETED POSTS FROM THOSE ALREADY PARTICIPATING

Bloggers here's how to get involved:
  1.  Whenever you do one of the six things on the list, blog about it with a photo and a little explanation as to why it's your favorite.  Share the recipe or info about the item.
  2. Use the picture above and link it back it to this original post.
  3. Let me know in the comments that you're participating and send me your post URL each time you complete an item.  I'll link it in this post and we'll all be linked together!  
  4. You can do it all in one blog post or whenever you cross each thing off your list.  Your blog will be linked with each item you complete!
  5.  Pin the picture above so others can join in on the link up as well.  
Not a blogger?  That's ok!
You can post your pics in the GABI FB page, your youtube channel or twitter account!
Simple as that!   

All pictures need to be completed by November 30th.

I'd also love to see any other traditions celebrate in the Fall as well.  But that's extra credit. 
Here's our Fall family bucket list
(this is not part of the link up challenge. It's just our annual list) 
  • Cracking open our fall wardrobe - boots boots boots!
  • Photos in the changing leaves (see my first ever blog post  for those)
  • Crafting Halloween costumes
  • Trip to a pumpkin patch
  • Hike through a corn maze
  • Go to a haunted forest
  • Breakfast at our favorite country breakfast pancake house with all our friends
  • Carving pumpkins
  • Giant Halloween party at our friend Pete's house
  • Induldging in Caramel Apple Cider, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pie and strawberry rhubarb pie 
  • Baking Fall treats
  • Make a hearty freezable soup
That's it for us!  
I'll post pictures of each thing as we check the items off the list.

All Bucklister blogs will be listed here! 
Participating:

Completed Posts: