Science says instead of giving toys... give gifts that create memories. They are valued more than toys. Outings, experiences & vacations are "valued by children, both in the moment and for long afterward in their memory,” psychologist and best-selling author Oliver James explained to The ...
Gift Ideas
50 kid stocking stuffers that they will love!
Yesterday I heard that stores are already running out of the best toys for the year. I love to do my shopping early, but not just because they may run out, mostly because I love to find great (unique) things at great prices. :) My stocking stuffer list isn't any different. Stocking Stuffers ...
10 gifts for a preschool teacher
I love buying gifts for a preschool teacher or our older kid's teachers, because they love everything that you give them (they are always so sweet and appreciative!). Fun and practical, these 10 gifts for a preschool teacher will be a hit, no matter which teacher gift you pick! 10 gifts for a ...
The Perfect Mother’s Day (or is it?)
In the past few weeks, I’ve had a chance to really stop and look at my life. We had spring break and then the end of the school year. These things have given me a chance to slow down… to really slow down and just think. Today, I am partnering with Bounty to share it with you. When my life ...
Valentine’s Day gifts for kids under $5
When I was younger, my mom always had a little gift for me for each holiday. Maybe a cute pair of socks, a piece of candy, or a new pair of pajamas. Whatever the gift was, it always made my day. I try to do the same for our kids: a small gift, just to let them know that I'm thinking about them. ...
Non-Toy Gifts for Kids
Toys are wonderful... educational, creative, opening a world of play. I am a play therapist, so kids, play & toys are my job. However... Toys are also overflowing in our house, and if you are reading this, I'm guessing in your house, too. Every year, I take my own Declutter Challenge, where ...
Best gifts for boys
Our children are young. It is a daily struggle to keep our kids away from electronics, especially one of our sons. He wants to watch TV, play video games, etc… as much as he can. We have him on a time limit and we do not watch it throughout the week (only on the weekends). However, with his ...
3 Themed gift Ideas for your husband
I wanted to share a few ideas that I've done in the past. Mickey and I aren't big into buying big gifts, because we usually get something together (like a new camera, etc...) However, I do like to do themed gifts. Here are three theme gifts you might like For the MUSIC LOVER: Mickey loves ...
Thoughtfully given…
Christmas is so much fun and one of my favorite parts is finding gifts that really matter, which is why I am trying to give them more non-toy gifts (creating memories that last). Today I've teamed up with Thoughtfully to give you a few thoughtful gift ideas for the friends in your life... I was ...
Holiday Gift Guide 2016
Every year, I publish a Holiday Gift Guide. These are ALL things that our family has had the chance to try out. They are gifts from companies for our family to try out before Christmas... I am excited to pick my favorites every year for you. Once I've reviewed and tried everything, I make a list ...
#1 Gift Your Child Wants
Toy catalogs and commercials filled with every toy possible seem to be everywhere filled with all the gifts a child could want. Children have their lists made on creased pieces of paper. With eager hands they show their loved ones and are full of hope and anticipation. We make our lists and ...
DIY gift for creative kid ~ cheap idea that will give them hours of playtime!
This post contains affiliate links. This was originally posted in December of last year, but I just think that it is the perfect Christmas gift (or anytime gift) for a child, so I wanted to share it again. I am so excited to share our DIY Invention box with you! It is the perfect gift for a ...
Four Christmas Gifts
The other day, my mom and I were talking about Christmas gifts for the kids. We started talking about how it seems that by the time that the kids go back to school after Christmas break, they are "over" the gifts. To be honest, I don't think that our kids or their friends can name more than 3 or 4 ...
teenage mutant ninja turtle ornament
One night our kids were looking through the toy magazine (one of the many toy magazines that we get in the mail during the holiday season) and they wanted a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Ornament and matching toy. I told them that we could make our own ornament and so here we are… Teenage Mutant ...
Their Christmas List (& a $100 Toys “R” Us gift card giveaway!)
This post was sponsored by Duracell as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Yesterday, I shared our idea for a 4-gift Christmas. It is something they want, something they need, somewhere to go, something to read. I love ...
Gifts for Siblings for Christmas
Holidays do NOT have to be stressful for anyone. Honestly. Keep it about the Reason for the Season, not about spending money. Your family wants the memories more than the gifts (even if your kids don't realize it yet). With four kids, the Christmas list around here can easily get long and ...
Photo Holiday Gift Idea
“Mom? When I’m grown up, I’m going to put all of my cards out like you do.” My son told me. I didn’t used to do this, to be honest. I used to put them in a basket and that was that. Today, I am sharing a new idea as part of a partnership with Walmart. Then one year my cousin sent me a picture of ...
Unique Gifts for a New Mom
The next time you head over to visit a new mom and her baby, think about a unique way that you can be an encouragement to her. Perhaps it is a physical gift or it may even be the gift of your time. (1) If the mama is a nursing mom, gift her with a basket of goodies to assist. (2) Encourage ...
Annual thankful tablecloth
"Mom, my hands are as big as yours." Yep. Those are the words that my son said today. It was true. As we held our hands up next to one another, his fingertips reached the top of mine. His shoes are officially bigger than mine and he is just about as tall as me. Time keeps pushing on... I ...
The Joyful Giver
I wanted to tell you about being a joyful giver. I think that when you have a heart for giving, these stories, like the one I am about to share with you, always call to you. In church a few weeks back, we heard the story of a child that kept wanting to give: give her money, give her toys, give ...
