I love the old school camera mentioned here. This is a similar concept but for a phone. We ordered these for our kids and they'll get them this Christmas (ages 10 and 12, don't have cell phones). What is cool is that they work through wi-fi and have a lot of settings parents like, but it's a true "call and talk" phone. https://tincan.kids/
I'm a single gal and an honorary auntie to many, and this is my method now. All the kids get an ornament and $20. Immediate family members (all adults) give each other one book and one ornament. All others get a hug, a card saying that I made a donation to a local food shelf in their honor, and an invitation for a coffee/lunch date in 2026. I know this method isn't available to everyone, but it's fun and I was basically done thinking about Christmas gifts in October.
I love this. Every year I say I want to think about gift giving differently, and this gives me great ideas. I'm also a single gal and godmother/honorary auntie, and as that number grows, I feel like I need a more sustainable strategy. I'm curious what age you start giving the $20 at - does this include kids who are too young to buy something for themselves? (I like trying to buy something thoughtful and specific for birthdays, but doing that all at once for Christmas is hard.)
All the kids in my sphere are at least 7 or older. When the kids were tiny, I gave the families gift cards to local cupcake or donut places so they could get some treats together, then I moved to gift cards for each kid to a local toy store. Now that they are all old enough to understand money and have strong personal tastes, it'll be cash for Christmas until they're old enough for me to buy them a bottle of wine. :)
I feel the need to confess that I voted for “as you go throughout the year” but that is just a pipe dream - I do not do that. It’s a great idea but it never happens for me (honestly I hate to shop so I’m not out and about at stores enough to randomly pick something up). So, basically right now is when I shop-mostly online-and it stresses me out. This guide is a real treasure - thanks Maggie!
I also aspire to that and have done it zero times! I was SO grateful for such a wide range of ideas and starting points!!!!! We may have a holiday at my house after all ☃️
I love the old school camera mentioned here. This is a similar concept but for a phone. We ordered these for our kids and they'll get them this Christmas (ages 10 and 12, don't have cell phones). What is cool is that they work through wi-fi and have a lot of settings parents like, but it's a true "call and talk" phone. https://tincan.kids/
Beth mentioned a company that makes hats for people with large heads a while back. Does anyone remember what company that was?
Melin!
Thanks!
I'm a single gal and an honorary auntie to many, and this is my method now. All the kids get an ornament and $20. Immediate family members (all adults) give each other one book and one ornament. All others get a hug, a card saying that I made a donation to a local food shelf in their honor, and an invitation for a coffee/lunch date in 2026. I know this method isn't available to everyone, but it's fun and I was basically done thinking about Christmas gifts in October.
Ornaments were purchased from here, all handmade and fair trade: https://www.fmscmarketplace.org/collections/christmas
I love this. Every year I say I want to think about gift giving differently, and this gives me great ideas. I'm also a single gal and godmother/honorary auntie, and as that number grows, I feel like I need a more sustainable strategy. I'm curious what age you start giving the $20 at - does this include kids who are too young to buy something for themselves? (I like trying to buy something thoughtful and specific for birthdays, but doing that all at once for Christmas is hard.)
All the kids in my sphere are at least 7 or older. When the kids were tiny, I gave the families gift cards to local cupcake or donut places so they could get some treats together, then I moved to gift cards for each kid to a local toy store. Now that they are all old enough to understand money and have strong personal tastes, it'll be cash for Christmas until they're old enough for me to buy them a bottle of wine. :)
Thank you for sharing!
I LOVE this!
I feel the need to confess that I voted for “as you go throughout the year” but that is just a pipe dream - I do not do that. It’s a great idea but it never happens for me (honestly I hate to shop so I’m not out and about at stores enough to randomly pick something up). So, basically right now is when I shop-mostly online-and it stresses me out. This guide is a real treasure - thanks Maggie!
This is me 100%
I also aspire to that and have done it zero times! I was SO grateful for such a wide range of ideas and starting points!!!!! We may have a holiday at my house after all ☃️
Shout out for the AB Newton rec! Named after the first mayor of Winter Garden. I have a sign and a couple ornaments from them.
I can attest that Grandma’s coffee cakes are delicious. Thank you for a great list
Where can we find a complete list of the PP ad codes? It used to be on the website and I can’t find it now!
https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/p/sponsor-codes
It's still there, it just moved a little!