Since my goal is to have all of my shopping done and wrapped by December 1st I thought no better time to get this post up and (soon) some gift guides as I shop for us. You may think its a lot of pressure but I really want to enjoy the girls birthdays, and Christmas activities, hosting our families in this new home without the looming pressure or late night of wrapping. But first comes the list, this is something I am working on now so that I can give a couple ideas for the grandma's and anyone else wanting to gift them, this list helps us not duplicate purchases and not drop the ball on big "wishing for or need" items.
But first so that I don't get overwhelmed I am trying to follow a philosophy when making our list,
Something You Are Wishing For
Something You Need
Something You Can Read
Something You Can Wear
Something You Need
And Santa will bring stockings and a big gift, and a couple small ones.
I have gone over board the last couple years, perhaps out of guilt or perhaps waiting to buy things we needed because everything was buried away in our storage unit from NYC, either way we really do buy them things throughout the year so I am reminding myself of this!
Another thing is that the girls are at an age where they play with pretty much the same things every day, I know the toys that will last a hot minute and ones we will get endless open play with, like their barbies, Maileg mice (sweetie babies as Ami has named them), legos, blocks, puzzles, American Girl Dolls, and anything to do with pretend play is a FAVORITE.
Let me tell you that taking some time to look around and watch which toys your kids actually play with for longer periods of time, and that they'll love for a long time will really save you some $$ and clutter! Take this week to watch them and make your list, if they love legos or building maybe adding to what they have or some fun sets, if they have a doll house maybe accessories or new dolls for it, love their play kitchen then maybe get them some play appliances, etc etc!
We will also make sure that the girls are a big part of our GIVING this year, the food kitchen for Thanksgiving, picking a family or two to be there secret angels to at my mom's church, creating small bags for the homeless. We have always talked to them about it, but I feel like this year they are so excited about it and they can safely be a part of the entire process not just at home but maybe seeing these places we donate to. If you want to start this with your kids a good place to start is shopping for their favorite toy and dropping it off at a local Toys For Tots location, calling your local shelter or food pantry to see what they need. Every single little bit not only counts but this is also a BIG PART of the holiday spirit and letting our children experiencing this is incredible.
In the next couple of weeks I am going to create these gift guides and will let you know as each goes live on both LTK and on here.
Gift Guide on the favorite toys the girls have ever gotten.
Gift Guide on things we are actually gifting our girls this year.
Gift Guide on my most favorite gifts I have ever gotten.
Gift Guide on gifts I have given hubby.
Gift Guide of $25 & Under
Gift Guide of $50 & Under
Gifts Guide of $15 & Under
Do you have a gift that you are giving that you need ideas on? Send me an email and I can help!
xoxo
Natalie
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