Blog Archives

budget friendly holiday gifts with special meaning

11/27/2019

One of the best parts of the holiday season is finding that special gift for each of the important people in our lives.   It is truly joyful to present those closest to us with gifts that are meaningful. Gifts from children to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and caregivers are some of the most important, and memorable, exchanged during the holidays.  Below you’ll find a few great homemade gift ideas that are unique, have meaning, and won’t break the bank.

Original artwork from your little Picasso or Monet:  Grandparents will surely treasure a framed drawing or a painting from your child.  Set your child up with an 8 by 10 inch piece of paper (you will likely need to cut or fold the paper to these dimensions), and either crayons or paint, and let the creativity begin.  Once the masterpiece is complete, place it in a larger sized frame that includes a matte. These are available at either Walmart or Target at very reasonable prices.  Your child can write a short message, or simply sign his/her name, on the matte.

A poem or story:  Children are naturals at telling stories.  Have your child dictate a story or poem to you as you either write or type it (no editing allowed).  Leave room for illustrations if desired.  Help your little one design a cover, then place his/her work in a presentation binder or clear report cover.  If something craftier is a better fit, simply punch holes on the left side of the creation, and tie it all together with yarn.  Your child’s first published piece will be a big treat for a special friend or family member.

A recording of your child reading or singing:  It’s hard to believe that you could ever forget your child’s “little voice,” but soon enough the baby talk, mispronounced words and consonants, and misused expressions will be a thing of the past. Record your child singing, reading, or just talking and share it with family members during the holiday season. Although this isn’t a gift that can be easily wrapped and presented in a conventional way, a text recording of it sent during the holiday busyness can be a great stress reliever.

Personalized gifts from the heart are always the favorites!  Best wishes for a beautiful holiday season with your family and friends!

Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.  Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow.
Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks.

Staying sane during the holiday rush

11/15/2019

The holiday season is fun-filled and magical, but it can also be hectic and stressful, especially when you have young children.  Social events, preparing your home, and keeping holiday traditions are fun, but they can fill up your calendar and “to do” list quickly.  And the other not-so-fun stuff, like meeting everyone’s expectations, staying within the family budget, and making sure that you don’t gain 20 lbs. can make you feel as if you might actually lose your mind.  Below are a few tips to help you and your family enjoy the holiday season and stay sane and healthy in the process.

Plan ahead:  Advanced planning can be the difference between enjoying the holiday season and turning into a complete stress case.  Little things like setting aside clothing you want your children to wear to holiday events ahead of time will ensure that everyone has a clean and complete outfit to wear to the school concert or family party.  The same holds true if you have been asked to bring your signature dish to the holiday potluck.  If it can be frozen, make it early in the month so you aren’t hurrying on the day of the gathering.  An added bonus is that you won’t come home to a mess in your kitchen.  If freezing isn’t an option, at least shop for and prep your ingredients as early as possible.  Last minute stress can take the joy out of even your favorite events.

Meal plan for every day meals:  You can’t control what you will be served at a holiday party, and constantly saying no to holiday treats can make you feel deprived.  Instead, control what you eat at home or at work to make sure you don’t gain too much weight over the holidays.  The easiest way to do this is by shopping for and preparing your meals ahead of time.  This might seem like adding more to your “to do” list, but it will actually save time and calories in the long run.  Soups, salads, fruit, nuts, and scrambled eggs can be prepared quickly and portioned out for breakfasts and lunches.  If you double your dinner entrees during November, you can freeze half for quick dinners during December.  Not only will you keep your calories in check, it will also give you extra time during the height of the holiday rush.

Communicate and negotiate:  Most young families have to attend more holiday events that they have time for. Sometimes, respectfully declining is just not an option.  This means late bedtimes, missed naps, cranky kids, and frustrated parents.  Don’t be afraid to arrive late to accommodate nap schedules or leave early so your kids can get to bed on time.  If you explain your family’s schedule to your host in advance, you will avoid unreasonable expectations and hurt feelings among family and friends.  Additionally, if your children are picky eaters and you know that a party you’re attending won’t offer food selections that they will enjoy, ask your hostess if you can contribute your children’s favorite dish.  If this isn’t possible, feed them ahead of time so they don’t get the hungry horrors during the get-together.

Stay within your holiday budget:  Gift giving is fun, but overspending is a huge cause of family stress.  Fortunately, keeping spending in-check can be relatively easy.  Many local organizations offer used toy sales in November and December.  These are great places to find gently used toys for your children.  Large items like play kitchens, dollhouses, play houses, tool benches, etc. can be purchased for a fraction of their original prices at these sales.  If you’re looking to save money on gifts for grandparents, why not have your child draw them a picture or write them a special note and frame it?  Most grandparents would prefer this to a material gift anyway, and it’s also a great way to teach your children how to give of themselves to those who mean the most to them.  Stay tuned to the December 1 installment of this blog for additional budget-friendly holiday gift ideas.

The true meaning of the holiday season is found with our families and friends.  Keeping this in mind, along with your sense of humor, will help you make great memories for yourself and for your children.

Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.  Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow.
Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks.