by Alycia Morales | Apr 27, 2020 | Family, Parenting
Are you trying to decide if you are ready to have a baby? If you’re ready for all the responsibilities that come with bringing a child into this world?
The Dream of Being a Mother
Most girls dream of the day they will fall in love, get married, and have children of their own. At three, we carry around baby dolls and pretend to feed them bottles. At ten, we’re playing house with our friends. By twelve, Barbie is making out with Ken. And along comes our high school crush, our first boyfriend, and eventually, our husband.
Maybe we end up having a teen pregnancy. Maybe we wait until we’re married before consummating our relationship. Either way, we begin having babies and growing our families.
I am a mother of six. I have an adult stepson, four bio kids who are now teens and young adults, and one adopted daughter who is a young adult. When I was considering marriage and raising a family, I hoped I’d have two kids. One boy. One girl. Twins. Done.
But God had other plans! And I am grateful for the many blessings each of my children – all six of them – have brought into my life.
Recently, I’ve been thinking how much I wish I could have the house all to myself. Or to myself with my husband. When we got married, Zachary was already eight. So I had a child from the start of my marriage. Which means I never had the honeymoon season where my husband and I had time to get to know each other on a more intimate level without any kids in the house. To travel together and explore the world. To be able to afford some of the luxuries of life. And I admittedly look forward to having that season as our kids move out of our home in the years to come.
Are You Ready to Have a Baby?
All of this got me thinking about my readers. Especially my younger readers.
How do we know if we’d make good parents? How do we know if we’re even ready to have a baby – to raise kids of our own? How do we know we even want kids?
These are all very valid questions to consider. Important questions to consider.
To help you out, I’ve come up with a list of 35 questions to ask yourself before you decide to have a baby.
(Keep in mind that babies grow up. They don’t stay little forever.)
Let’s jump in!
- Do you love your husband enough to consistently put him first, even when your kids will vie for your attention?
- Will you be able to survive on interrupted sleep?
- Can you handle people tugging on you, hugging on you, jumping on you, and spitting up, throwing up, or peeing on you – and occasionally smacking, biting, kicking, or punching you?
- Do you like to be around other people 24 hours, 7 days a week?
- Do you like having to give of yourself all day, every day, for the rest of your life?
- Do you like to have company in the bathroom?
- Do you like to be interrupted consistently throughout the day with every problem or felt need or whim under the sun?
- Do you like going places with tag-alongs who have a difficult time with the word no?
- Will you be able to handle having someone touching your boobs in public with an announcement of “Boob!” yelled at the top of their little lungs for everyone to hear?
- Will you be able to remove your screaming child from the store, church auditorium, movie theater, or any public place when they start to throw a temper tantrum so as not to disturb the general public?
- Will you be able to shrug off the eye rolls and stares as the general public watches every move you make and listens to every word you say concerning your child while you are in public places? (Some may come up to you and provide their helpful advice, as well.)
- Will you be able to stand back as your own parent or your in-laws take over your current parenting task and do it for you?
- Do you enjoy answering the question, “Why?” or “Why not?”
- Do you enjoy cooking more than one meal for dinner?
- Are you okay with constant noise?
- How are you at breaking up fights?
- Will you enjoy having 25 jobs but only getting paid for – maybe – one?
- Are you prepared to have to participate in school activities, such as the PTA or being a band mom or helping out with a sports team?
- Do you like to drive?
- Are you good at Math and English?
- Are you a great encourager?
- How are you with blood and broken bones?
- Do you like sharing everything you own?
- Are you prepared to spend every nickle you earn because someone needs new sneakers, a dress outfit for the concert, snacks for the class, or fees for school courses and activities?
- Do you like animals or birds or reptiles?
- Do you know how to find a kid who’s gone missing or decided to run away from home?
- Do you like repeating yourself over and over and over for 20 years, hoping someone will catch on?
- Do you enjoy being told by those you’ve poured every ounce of yourself into that you’re mean? That they hate you? That they can’t wait to leave your home?
- Are you willing to help direct someone else’s life for 25 years?
- How’s your prayer life?
- How well do you handle heartbreak?
- How well do you handle mood swings?
- Do you like having a clean house?
- How well are you at telling if someone is being deceptive?
- Do you remember what it was like to be a kid?
Maybe you’ve read these questions and they’ve made you laugh. Maybe you’ve read them and they’ve scared you to death. Maybe you’ve read them and wondered, “Why all the negativity? Surely this isn’t all there is to motherhood?” (You’d be right. It isn’t.)
Motherhood comes with many, many blessings.
But, like mood swings, motherhood is a series of ups and downs. And you never know when an up is going to happen or when a down is going to come along. Usually, it’s daily. Daily blessings. Daily struggles. Daily joy. Daily heartache. Daily highs. Daily lows.
Which is why I asked the questions I did.
Being a mom is a selfless, lifelong responsibility.
When I was in my early twenties and married Victor, I couldn’t wait to have a baby. I was so prepared for motherhood. Then six kids came along over a period of twenty years. Over those twenty years, I have discovered that motherhood comes with a huge learning curve. Every day I am challenged with something new. Every day I am faced with the decision to get out of bed and embrace life with its ups and downs multiplied by eight (mine, my husband’s, and six kids’ worth). Because as mom, I have to be incredibly selfless. My life hasn’t been my own since I said, “I do.”
And that’s the ultimate choice that you have to make before you have a baby. Can you live selflessly every day of your life for the remainder of it? If not, don’t have children. Take every precaution not to get pregnant. Abortion is not something I would ever support or recommend. And our foster care system is overflowing with children whose parents decided they didn’t want the responsibility of raising kids.
But what if you decided too late that you wanted to have a baby?
Your biological clock has ticked past that time in your life? Adoption doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s not too late. There are plenty of children out there who would love to have a mom and a dad. Consider giving one of them (or multiples) a family. A forever home.
Have these questions helped you make a wise decision about whether or not you’re ready to have a baby? Have you mothers experienced these ups and downs of raising kids? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
by Alycia Morales | Dec 2, 2019 | Homemaking
Gift Giving. Do those words make you cringe, or do you get truly excited? Some of us are naturally givers. Others of us struggle to come up with something worthy of sharing with another human we love. It’s not that we don’t care. Or that we’re stingy. There are many reasons someone may struggle with giving. That’s why I’m here to help. My hope is that this guide will encourage you to continue blessing others, whether you are a natural giver or you struggle with being generous. With this guide, we’ll discover how to overcome all those gift-giving woes. Or improve our already awesome gift-giving self.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Reasons We Struggle with Gift Giving
There are so many things to choose from that we get bound up.
We don’t know the person as well as we thought we did, so we struggle to decide what to get them.
The recipient already has everything, and we’re left wondering what’s left to give.
Our friend is generous. Gifts are her love language. She blesses us all the time. How do we return the blessing?
Our budget is already tight, and our child has been invited to three birthday parties in the next month.
We have a large family, and Christmas is becoming so expensive, we’re beginning to dread the holidays.
Let Go Of Your Pride & Ask Before You Buy
Oftentimes, we don’t know what someone wants because we don’t have the nerve to ask. Why? Pride. Plain and simple. We don’t want them to know that we have no idea what to get them, and we refuse to ask because of that.
Most people will tell you what they want, if not provide you with a list of ideas so you can choose which one to get them.
Also, this prevents us from giving things our family member or friend may not want to receive. Have you ever had a grandparent buy something you couldn’t use or wouldn’t use? My father-in-law once gave our kids clothing for Christmas. They were all littles at the time. The problem? He bought sizes they’d already outgrown … because he never asked me what they were wearing. Some family members shop at thrift stores or dollar stores for gifts the recipients considered junk. And the list goes on…
Ask before you buy. Get things on their wish lists. Get things that fit. Get things they will enjoy. Stop buying things they will want to throw away or return or have to exchange. All it requires is a moment and a question.
And don’t forget about Gift Registries. If you’re shopping for a baby or bridal shower, chances are the parents- or couple-to-be have registered with their favorite stores to make shopping easier for those invited to the showers and wedding. Be sure to find out if they have one; and if they do, use it.
Gag Gifts: To Gag or Not To Gag? Again, ask first. If you’re at the company Christmas party or it’s April Fool’s Day, gag gifts may be acceptable offerings. However, if you’re having a pleasant family Christmas party, it’s better to ask ahead of time if anyone is interested in gag gifts and to come to an agreement before you run out and buy Uncle Rudy that giant whoopee cushion.
Tis Better to Give than to Receive
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35, NIV)“
Why is it more blessed to give than to receive?
1. There is joy in seeing someone’s reaction when we give of our time, finances, or a simple gift.
2. Givers tend to be healthier.
3. Givers tend to live longer.
4. Giving increases our connectedness with others.
5. Giving helps us think of others before we think of ourselves.
These are just a handful of reasons why it’s better to give than to receive. There are plenty more.
I would like to focus on one: when we receive without giving, we become entitled. We think that everyone should bless us, like we deserve to be blessed without having to bless in return. I would rather give, expecting nothing in return, than constantly receive from others and not ever give anything of myself. It’s just not healthy to take, take, take.
Consider your relationships. How many friends or family members do you know who are always needing or wanting something but never want or feel the need to return the favor? What happens? They drain you of the joy of giving, right? They suck the life out of the relationship.
Hence, it is better to give than to receive. We need to be people who consider others and make them a priority over our own needs. I’ve heard so many testimonies of people giving in their times of deepest need and ending up being extremely blessed because they stepped out in generosity.
Have you ever considered putting the saying to test? Why not begin now?
Keep a Calendar
Whether you prefer to use a wall calendar, a Happy Planner, a bullet journal, a pocket calendar, or your phone calendar, begin keeping a calendar of birthdays, anniversaries, important dates in someone’s life, and holidays that are commonly known for giving gifts, such as Christmas or Easter.
Each month, look ahead for the dates you know you need a gift or multiple gifts.
Add in the following as they come up:
- Children’s friends birthdays. You receive an invitation every year. This year, mark it on your calendar so you know ahead of time that the invitation is coming.
- As soon as you hear that someone is getting engaged or that someone is pregnant, write it into your calendar. Babies take 9 months to develop before making their grand entry into the world. The baby shower will happen between now and then. Plan ahead. And whether or not you can attend the wedding, you can always send a card with cash or a gift card. Or have a gift delivered to the bride-to-be.
- Graduation is every May or June for most schools. When your kids or your kids’ friends enter their senior year of high school, put graduation on the calendar. You’ll have ten months to prepare.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Take a clue from Santa. Once you know when the important dates are throughout the year, make a list. Use check boxes so that when you purchase an item, you can mark it off. This way, you won’t be buying duplicates. Keep the list with you when you shop. This will provide easy access. You can take a picture of it on your phone or put it in your phone’s notes app. Or, if you prefer pen and paper, fold it up and tuck it into your purse or wallet.
Budget for Gifts
This is one of the hardest things for me, personally. I always say I’m going to budget for gifts, but, you know, four hungry teens eat the gift budget on a regular basis. So how does one go about budgeting for gifts when necessities tie up the budget? Here are a few ideas:
1. Get a couple of money-saving apps. I love Ibotta and Get Upside. Every time I shop at various stores or pump gas at particular stations, I get money back. I can choose to leave the money sitting there for as long as I’d like, or I can cash it out. If I choose to leave it there, it grows over time, like a savings account for spending. Use the money for gift purchases. Both apps allow you to purchase digital gift cards, as well.
And if you download either of these apps, please be sure to use my codes:
Get Upside will reward you with an additional $0.15 back per gallon when you use my code: WS4WNJ
My ibotta code is nmhadgi. Sign up today for a $20 bonus!
2. Set up a savings account just for gift giving. Some banks have Christmas Club accounts where you can deposit a certain amount each month to save until Christmas shopping season rolls around. If you take it out early, there’s usually a penalty.
3. Save the change. I use Bank of America, and they have a Save the Change option where every time I spend money on my bank card, they round up to the next dollar and put that difference in my savings account. It adds up quickly when I don’t touch it. At home, empty your coins into the piggy bank every day. That will add up too! Cash it out when you need to buy a gift.
How To Save Time and Money Gift Shopping
I love saving money. No matter what I’m shopping for, I always shop for the best deals. Here are a few tips to save money (and time) while you’re gift shopping:
1. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your shopping.
My husband is notorious for waiting until Christmas Eve day to go Christmas shopping for me and whatever gifts he wants to personally buy for the kids. I can’t wait that long. Too much is cleared from the shelves by then. And it’s rare that there are any sales that day.
2. Shop Year Round
You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to start your Christmas shopping. Nor do you have to wait until the month of the birthday to buy the perfect gift. Plan ahead, use your calendar, and shop year round.
3. Shop Online
Everyone knows about Black Friday, but did you know there’s also a Cyber Monday following Black Friday? If you don’t want to deal with all the crazies who fight over toys and electronics on Black Friday, or you hate going out to shop, stay home and shop online Cyber Monday. The gifts will come straight to your door!
4. Shop the Sales
We just discussed the holiday sales. Now consider the following:
- There’s a no tax weekend in most states right before school starts. This is a great time to stock up on clothing and pen sets and art supplies that would make great gifts for kids or friends.
- All stores run sales throughout the year. Have someone who loves candles or hand soap? Bath & Body Works. Have someone who loves crafting? Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Joann’s. Know someone who loves clothing? Visit any number of clothing stores. Buy things when they’re on sale and put them in a closet until they’re needed.
- Looking to shop online? A lot of online stores (even Etsy shops) will have their own sales, as well. Keep an eye on your favorites for when they offer discounts.
5. Shop Clearance
There are a lot of items you could find on clearance that will make perfect gifts for people throughout the year. This is another great way to save money.
Gift Giving On a Budget
What happens when you’re on a tight budget? When your family is outgrowing your wallet? When the kids are asking for the latest electronic gadget or gaming system and you can barely afford to feed them?
First, explain to everyone involved that you love them, but you can’t afford to spend that much or to buy everyone in the family a gift because (name your reasons). Then, stand your ground.
Here are a few suggestions you could make:
White Elephant – Everyone in the family buys a gift to exchange. The family gathers, and the gifts are placed in the center of the room. Write out enough numbers that everyone in the family can draw one from a basket or hat or other container, and place them into said container. Start with the youngest or oldest and have everyone draw a number. Whoever gets number one goes first. They choose a gift. The next person can either take the gift from the first or choose another. And so on. Each member of the family is only allowed to “steal” a gift from someone else twice or three times, whichever you decide. In the end, everyone has a gift. You could have one circle for the kids to exchange gifts and one for the adults. You could also limit the price everyone is allowed to pay for each gift.
Secret Santa – When everyone is gathered at Thanksgiving, write down everyone’s name and put it into a container you can draw from. Pass the container around the dinner table and let everyone choose a name. If anyone gets their own name, they put it back and draw again. Whoever you draw, you buy the gift for. At Christmas, everyone gets a gift from their Secret Santa. You can put a limited dollar amount on the gift buying or choose not to put an amount on them.
Limit the Number of Gifts – Maybe instead of buying gifts for everyone in the family, we only buy gifts for the kids. Or, if we really want to buy gifts for the adults, we do a Secret Santa for the adults and still buy gifts for the kids. Another option is to buy a family gift instead of one gift per individual. Or buy a couple’s gift and then a group gift for the kids (like a board game).
Deciding Not To Spend Money on Gifts
Some years or seasons, it’s not affordable to spend money on gifts. Here are some alternatives:
Give of Your Time (Service)
Offer to provide child or adult care services for someone you know is in need of a break. Offer to clean your sister’s or mother’s house one week. Mow a lawn. Find something someone else needs that you can provide that service for as a gift.
Give of Your Talents (Create)
Do you have a talent you can share? For example, I have a room full of crafting supplies. I may not be able to afford to buy new supplies, but I have enough to create a blanket or mixed media artwork or put together a scrapbook for someone on my list. What do you have laying around that won’t cost anything for you to make something out of it?
Are you a songwriter or musician? What about a writer? Poems and memoirs and songs are gifts that people won’t likely forget. These are things we tend to treasure and share with our grandkids. What could you put into words and music that would bless generations to come?
How To Pick Out the Easy Gift
This one has easy in the title, because it’s really that easy! What is the one thing you know the person you’re buying for is dying to receive? That’s the answer to your gift-buying dilemma. But be prepared to spend, because this is usually the gift that costs the most.
How To Pick Out a Thoughtful Gift
Thoughtful gifts are gifts that you’ve put time and energy into planning. They’re usually something the recipient has either wanted since they didn’t get it at Christmas when they were six or that will hold some special meaning to them. Maybe it’s a first-edition book. Maybe it’s a hand-crafted item that contains something personal to them.
A few years ago, our entire family was together for the first time since … well, ever. My parents, all three of us siblings, and our spouses and kids convened for a couple of days of much-needed family fun. Since all three of my brother’s kids are chronically ill, it’s difficult for them to travel like that, and it was the first time all of their kids could come with them to visit. The youngest was six or seven. It was the first time I’d met her. My step-son had miraculously shown up for a visit at the same exact time. And my sister and her husband and my parents were all down from NY. We took a family photo by a special tree in the park where we live. I knew how much that meant to all of us, especially my mother. So for Christmas, I ordered her a canvas print of the photo. She cried when she opened it.
That is what I mean by a thoughtful gift. Something that will bring a tear to the eye of the person receiving it.
How to Pick Out an Original Gift
Don’t be the person who brings a crock pot to the bridal shower. Or a pack of diapers to the baby shower. Be the person who thinks long and hard about how to make something common into something original. Create a cookbook of your favorite crock pot recipes and the supplies for one of them. Put them in the crock pot with some pot holders and a ladle. Now it’s an original gift. Study videos of how to make a diaper cake and get creative. Now the standard diaper gift is original.
My niece’s Christmas list in 2019 contains this crockpot with a twist: it’s a Nightmare Before Christmas themed crockpot.
Maybe you don’t want to get creative, and you just want to buy an original gift. Think of something the person you’re buying for could use and give it an original twist. Monogram it. Get it in a themed style, such as Star Wars or an anime they love. Put a twist on it, making it original.
Gift Giving Lists
Gifts for Families
1. Movie Night: Either a DVD set and Popcorn OR A Regal Gift Card Pack
2. Board Game Night: A board game, a card game, and candy all around
Considerate Gift Ideas for Couples
1. A Night Out: Dinner, Movie/Concert/Theatre Tickets, Childcare
2. Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People
3. A gift for something you know they both enjoy doing (i.e. hiking (local trail books and a safety kit for their packs), yard sales (a gas card, a travel mug, and $25), reading (an Audible subscription or a gift card to a book store or amazon, a set of reading lights, and bookmarks), etc.
Gifts Your Teen Will Love
Generic:
1. Gas cards
2. Tickets to the movies or a concert
3. Cold hard cash
4. A subscription to Spotify
5. A date night with mom or dad where they go to dinner and a store of the teen’s choice and they get to pick out one thing they want within a budgeted amount.
Boys:
1. Gift Cards for Food
2. Gift Cards for Gaming (computer or gaming system games)
3. Anything related to their passion. My boys all enjoy music, and I often get requests for instruments.
Girls:
1. Anything for their nails: Mani/Pedi Gift Certificate, Nail Kits, Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover (the list goes on)
2. A subscription box (see Subscriptions below)
3. Shoes, purses, and clothing
4. Starbucks Gift Card $25
5. Monogrammed Yeti Cups
Gifts Your Husband Will Love
1. Anything related to his hobby/passion (golf, football, hunting, fishing, shooting, cars, etc.)
2. Anything he has mentioned needing or wanting in the past six months (an item, a tool, clothing, etc.)
3. A night in a hotel with his wife, dinner, and doing something you both enjoy (movie, concert, theatre, etc.).
Gifts Your Wife Will Love
1. A spa day gift certificate (facial, mani/pedi, massage)
2. A weekend away with you, but consider her when making plans. What does she like to do? Where does she like to go? Don’t make it about you. Make it about her.
3. Hire a cleaning service to come in and deep clean the house once a month.
What NOT To Buy Your Wife (Unless she specifically asks for them!)
1. Appliances
2. Items associated with your hobby (Did you really get it for her?)
3. Tools
Gifts Grandparents Will Love
1. Scrapbooks or Photo Albums (Create one of your family’s past year. Or one of their lifetime and legacy.)
2. All-new Kindle – Now with a Built-in Front Light – White – Includes Special Offers
3. Money toward a vacation they’d like to take (ex: my parents are going to Israel – spending money would be a great gift)
What NOT To Buy Your Grandchild
1. Noisy toys (even when they are teens and ask for a drum set) (Unless you have the parents’ permission.)
2. Clothing (Unless you have a direct link to the items and the correct sizes)
3. Anything that will make a huge mess for Mom to clean up
Baby Shower Gifts
1. Gimars XL 6 Pockets Holding Anything Portable Baby Diaper Changing Pad, Detachable Waterproof Baby Travel Changing Mat Station with Head Cushion for Diapers Wipes Creams – Perfect Baby Shower Gift
2. Boppy Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner, Sketch Slate Gray, Cotton Blend Fabric with allover fashion
3. Baby University Board Book Set: Four Science Board Books for Babies (Baby University Board Book Sets)
Engagement Gifts
1. An engagement photo shoot
2. Your favorite book about marriage relationships (Mine is Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs
.)
3. A gift card that they can use to purchase something new for their home (couples don’t always have everything they need when starting out)
Wedding Gifts
1. We still have the gold-rimmed wine glasses an elderly couple from our town gave us when we got married. Passing on an heirloom or an antique is an amazing gift.
2. Cash goes a long way for newly weds. They can use it on their honeymoon, buy something they need for the house, etc. It’s another gift we greatly appreciated when we got married.
3. Anything from their gift registry. This is a fail-proof gift, because they’ve chosen exactly what they want and let everyone know about it.
Anniversary Gifts
1. A weekend away for the couple
2. A photo album of the pictures you took at their wedding. You could add memories from the day as captions or stories on the pages.
3. Again, consider the couple. What do they like or enjoy doing together? Purchase something that they can use together. It can be monogrammed or personalized. If they have particular tastes, you could make it original by getting something themed.
Creative Gift Ideas
1. Blankets (if you knit or crochet or quilt – people value these & will wear them thin)
2. Scrapbooks (another treasure – fond memories included)
3. Something they can hang on their wall (painting, mixed media artwork, wreath, framed or canvas print, etc.)
Gift Cards
This is my all-time favorite gift to receive. It’s mostly what I ask for on my birthday and at Christmastime. Why? Because I love to take a day and go shopping for myself. It’s like therapy. Instead of running to the store for groceries or someone else’s need, I can spend time perusing things I like and enjoy. Like books at Barnes & Noble. Or all the crafty and home decor treasures at Hobby Lobby. The Happy Planner section at Joann’s.
And if you don’t know what your nieces and nephews or grandkids are really into, you probably at least know where they like to shop. Gift cards are a great option when you’re not sure what to give.
Cash
This is my go-to for birthday parties that my children get invited to. Most invitations don’t come with a list of what the child wants, but I know from my own children (and myself) that everyone loves cash! Some kids save up for larger items on their wish lists. Some want to see concerts. Some want to go to the race track. Some want an instrument. Some want a phone or game system. Some want to take a vacation somewhere special. And if they don’t want to save up for something, they know which toy they’re dying to get. Cash is handy. It’s a great go-to when you just aren’t sure what to gift. Or where the recipient likes to shop.
Subscriptions
There are all sorts of subscriptions out there in cyberspace today. Yes, there are the typical magazine subscriptions (My favorite is Bella Grace.). But did you know about any of the following BOX subscriptions?
Fab, Fit, Fun This is a great box for women who enjoy self-care. Health and beauty products, as well as things such as jewelry, totes, blankets, accessories, etc.
Fairyloot This is a YA book box, complete with book-themed items.
Owlcrate This is another YA book box, complete with book-themed items.
Butterfly Box This is a Christian subscription box that helps women live out their faith daily.
BattlBox This is great for that outdoorsman you love.
FanChest Have a sports fanatic in your home? Or a diehard fan of a particular team? This gift box would make a great gift.
Dollar Shave Club This is a great subscription box for men.
KiwiCo What I love about Kiwi is the variety of crates they have for kids. Your child loves crafting? There’s a crate for them. Your child loves STEM? There’s a crate for them. Your child loves culture? There’s a crate for them. And the crates are for a variety of ages, as well.
You could also consider gifting them with a subscription to an app or service:
Audible
iTunes
Amazon Music
Spotify
Netflix
Hulu
The Gift that Keeps On Giving (Charitable Contributions)
Maybe you’d rather donate to a charity of the recipient’s choice than give them something physical. Talk with your friend or family member and find out what they support. Keep in mind that some charities are doing work internationally or nationally, while other are working locally to make a difference in the communities they reside in.
Here are a few charities doing fantastic work at making a difference in the world:
A21 (Human Trafficking)
Samaritan’s Purse (Humanitarian Aid)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (Foster Care and Adoption)
Ronald McDonald House (Housing for Families while Children Are Hospitalized)
What To Give When You’re Not Sure What To Give
When I’m not sure what to give, I buy a card and write a blessing for the recipient and toss in cash. The amount depends on the occasion. Gift certificates/gift cards are always a great option. If you aren’t sure where the recipient likes to shop or eat, go with something “generic.” Like Target or Walmart, a steakhouse or Italian food, and movies. Everyone can find something at Walmart and Target, even if it’s a grocery item or toiletry they need. At least you’ll be saving them some money on their grocery lists. Steakhouses have a variety of food options, and most everyone likes pasta. And who doesn’t like a movie?
Still not sure? Give them a handwritten note about why they are special to you, reminiscing on a memory, or celebrating their success and how you saw it coming because of their solid character. Handwritten notes are a novelty in this electronic age, and people do still treasure receiving them. Put a stamp on an envelope and mail it. This will make it even more special. I love finding something other than junk mail or bills in my mailbox. I know I’m not the only one!
by Alycia Morales | Dec 2, 2019 | Homemaking
Stuffing Stockings is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. My aunt crocheted matching stockings for my brother, sister, and me when we were children. Since we’ve married and had children, she has continued making stockings for our spouses and children. These stockings make me smile, and I love stuffing them full of goodies each year.
When we were children, we loved to get a sneak peak at the gifts under the Christmas tree. My parents created a rule that we were not allowed to touch those gifts until everyone was awake and gathered on Christmas morning. To appease us, they allowed us to open our stockings as early as we wanted to on Christmas Eve. I woke up between two and five every Christmas morning, rounded up my siblings, and dragged them and their stockings to my room to open the goodies inside.
So, stocking stuffing is one of the most important Christmas traditions I have.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I’ve taken the time to round up a bunch of popular stocking stuffers to make your shopping easier. Should you opt to click through a link, any purchases you make may earn me a little bit of change to buy myself a cup of coffee when I go Christmas shopping. It will not affect your purchase price. That’s a win for both of us!
What makes a good stocking?
A good stocking is full. With no room to spare. It contains a variety of fillings.
There are two traditional gifts that I include each year in our stockings:
1. A candy cane hooked over the lip.
2. I try to find an ornament that symbolizes something they have participated in that year (band, art, theatre, sports, etc.) or that represents an event in their life (graduation, for instance) or that is something they like that year (video games, TV characters, songs, talents, etc.). This way, when they turn 18 and begin leaving home, they have ornaments for their first tree.
Stocking Stuffer Tips:
1. Buy in Bulk.
Want to save money? Lip Balm, Scuncis, card games, packaged toys that come in multiples, iTunes and Starbucks gift cards. There are several things that you can buy in bulk, where three or more come in the package. Buy this way and split them up between family members. Or split the pack between their stocking and under the tree, depending on the size of the gift.
2. Put Accessories in the Stocking.
Getting a Nerf gun for your son? Put the bullets in his stocking. Getting your daughter a Barbie? Put a pack of clothing in her stocking. Getting your toddler a Little People set? Put an individual Little People in her stocking. Getting your husband a new fishing rod? Put some lures in his stocking. Getting an adult coloring book for your wife? Put the pencils or markers in her stocking.
3. Put Smaller Gift Cards in the Stocking and Larger Gift Cards Under the Tree
I like to put gift cards for $25 and under in the stockings. Anything larger goes under (or on) the tree.
4. Add Food
Want to make it cheaper to fill their stockings? And add weight? My parents always put an apple or an orange in the bottom of our stockings, as these fruits fill the “toe.” I get each of my family members a candy and snack or drink that they enjoy. My family loves beef jerky. Each of my kids has a favorite candy. Some of my sons like energy drinks. These all fill the stocking halfway, leaving enough room to include three (or so) gifts.
5. Think Practically
What are your family members always running out of or breaking or wearing out? For example: batteries, phone cords, and earbuds. These all make great stocking stuffers, and they’re items we’d buy anyway.
Here is an ultimate list of stocking stuffers for you to peruse:
Snacks:
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky 5 Count Multipack, Original, 5, 0.625 oz. Bags – Flavorful Meat Snack for Lunches, Ready to Eat – 7g of Protein, Made with 100% Beef – No Added MSG or Nitrates/Nitrites
Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut Milk Chocolates, 24 Count
Lindt Holiday Winter Assorted Chocolate Truffles Bag, Great for Holiday Gifting, 36 pieces
Ghirardelli Limited Edition Peppermint Bark, 20.99 oz.
Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Envelopes, Double Chocolate, 1.5-Ounce (Pack of 15)
Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Jelly Beans Spinner Gift Box, 5th Edition, 3.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Big League Chew Bubble Gum Variety Pack 5 Great Flavors With Cotton Candy, Sour Apple, Grape, Original, & Watermelon
Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Gum, Peppermint, Sugar Free with Xylitol, 40 Pieces (Pack of 4)
Popcornopolis Popcorn 12 Cone Snack Pack
Ornaments:
Baby’s First Year:
Just Married:
Graduate:
Pop Culture:
Hallmark Christmas Ornaments, A Christmas Story Ralphie in Bunny Suit Ornament
Hallmark Christmas Ornaments, A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Ornament
Hallmark Christmas Ornaments, Peanuts Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Ornament
Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament 2019 Year Dated Star Wars: A New Hope Luke Skywalker
Funko Ornament: Stranger Things, Eleven
Funko Ornaments: Stranger Things, Demogorgon
Nickelodeon – Official Paw Patrol Ornaments: Marshall
Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Super Hero Christmas Ornaments – Skye
Practical for Anyone:
JVC Marshmallow Earbuds with Mic, Black
Energizer Rechargeable AA and AAA Battery Charger (Recharge Pro) with 4 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries, Auto-Safety Feature, Over-charge Protection
High Speed Cell Phone Charger Android, 4-Pack 6FT, Micro USB Cable Multi-Colored Nylon Braided Cord – Compatible with Samsung S7 Edge J7,LG G4,HTC,Motorola,Kindle,Sony,Xbox One,PS4
iPhone Charger, 3Pack, 6FT Nylon Braided Lightning Cable Charging Cord USB Cable Compatible with iPhone Xs MAX XR X 8 7 6S 6 Plus SE 5S 5C 5, iPad, iPod
For Infants:
Wubbanub Infant Pacifier – Reindeer
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Phone
Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys
Fisher-Price Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas, Blue/Orange [Amazon Exclusive]
For Toddlers 2-4:
WowWee Pinkfong Baby Shark Fingerlings – Baby Shark – Preschool Interactive Toy
Munchkin Wind Up Swimming Penguin Bath Toy, Blue
The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys
Cutetitos Babitos 2 Pack (5″ Each) Furry Baby Friends – Collectible Surprise Stuffed Animals – Ages 3+ – Series 1
VTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camera, Amazon Exclusive, Pink
Thomas & Friends, Fisher-Price Wooden Train, Thomas
Toy Story Disney 4, 7 Friends Pack by Little People
For Children 5-7:
Crayola Baby Shark Coloring Pages, Color Wonder, Mess-Free Coloring
Regal Games Classic Card Games, 6 Game Set (Old Maid – Go Fish – Slapjack – Crazy 8s – War – Monster Memory Match)
Play-Doh, 4-Pack Classic Colors, 16 oz
Boys:
Matchbox 2019 Mbx Construction 5 Pack
Dreamingbox Toys Binoculars for Children, 8×21 Compact Telescope to Wildlife & Theater Hunter Optical Zoom, Blue
Flying Toy Ball Helicopter 
NERF N-Strike Elite Triad
LEGO Minifigures Series 17, Building Kit
Girls:
VTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camera, Amazon Exclusive, Pink
The Noodley Flashing LED Finger Light Gloves with Extra Batteries – Kid Sized Small, Ages 4-7, Purple
PinkSheep Little Girl Jewel Rings in Box, Adjustable, No Duplication, Girl Pretend Play and Dress Up Rings (24 Lovely Ring)
NUTTY TOYS Super Slow Rising Scented Unicorn Squishy
Skyrocket Blume Doll – Add Water & See Who Grows
For Children 8-10:
Unisex:
Christmas Fun Mad Libs: Deluxe Stocking Stuffer Edition
Slinky, The Original Brand Kids Spring Toy
Regal Games Classic Card Games, 6 Game Set (Old Maid – Go Fish – Slapjack – Crazy 8s – War – Monster Memory Match)
Girls:
Kayoon 4PCS Jumbo Slow Rising Squishies (Kawaii Cute Deer Cake, Narwhal Cake, Dinosaur, Owl) Cream Scented Squishy
Barbie Fashion 2-Pack Plaid and Camo
Claire’s Lucky Fortune Girl’s Lucky Fortune BFF Series Collectible Bracelets Surprise Pack – 2 Pack
Pop Pops Pets, 6 Pack
Hicdaw 5PCS Girls Jewelry Gift Set – Unicorn (Includes Bracelet, Stud Earrings, Storage Bag, Necklace)
Set of 2 Surprise Growing Unicorn Hatching Rainbow Eggs
Boys:
NERF N-Strike Elite Triad
Pop Pops Snotz – 12 pops with 4 Characters
Creativity for Kids, Paper Airplane Squadron – Create and Customize 20 Paper Planes
LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs Build It Yourself Dinosaur Set – Create a Pterodactyl, Triceratop and T Rex Toy (174 Pieces)
POKONBOY Squishy Toys Jumbo Squishies, Scented – 6 Pack
Farting Poop Emoji Pen – Makes 7 Funny Fart Sounds – the Funniest Farting Friend Ever
For Tweens/Teens 11-14:
Unisex:
Would you Rather? Christmas Edition: A Fun Family Activity Book for Boys and Girls
Boys:
The Try Not to Laugh Challenge – Would Your Rather? – EWW Edition
UNO Minecraft Card Game
JINX Minecraft Creeper Face Nylon Bi-Fold Wallet
LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon Microfighter Building Kit (92 Pieces)
Build-on Brick Mug with 3 packs of Blocks for Coffee, Water, Juice, BPA-free Plastic
Do Not Disturb I’m Gaming Socks
Girls:
Lip Smacker Lippy Pal Lip Balm, Unicorn Magic
Unicorn Makeup Brushes Set, 10pcs
Mermaid Makeup Brushes Set, 11pcs
Embrium 3-Pcs Cable Bite Protectors (Whale, Seal, Clownfish) Compatible with Apple iPhone 5, 5S, SE, 6, 6S, 7, 8, X
PopSockets PopGrip: Swappable Grip for Phones & Tablets – Cat Nap
Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup – Matte Shimmer 16 Colors, Nudes
For Teens 15-18:
Girls:
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, Superfruit – Pink Grapefruit, Mango, Coconut & Pear, Pomegranate – 4 Tubes
Bath and Body Works Hot Cocoa & Cream Super Smooth Shea Butter and Vitamin E Body Body Lotion, 8-Ounce
PopSockets PopGrip: Swappable Grip for Phones & Tablets – Gryffindor Gloss
Set of 2 Scunci Black and White Scrunchies
eos Super Soft Shea Sphere Lip Balm – Vanilla Mint | Deeply Hydrates and Seals in Moisture | Sustainably-Sourced Ingredients | 0.25 oz
OPI Nail Lacquer, Tutti Frutti Tonga
C.C Trendy Warm Chunky Soft Stretch Cable Knit Beanie Skully, Maroon
Funko Pop! Television: Stranger Things – Eleven in Mall Outfit
Boys:
The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information
LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon Microfighter Building Kit (92 Pieces)
Funko POP! TV: Strangers Things – Steve with Sunglasses
Star Wars Darth Vader Mens Casual Crew Sock Set – Pack of 2 (Mens Shoe Size 6-12)
DOSS SoundBox Touch Wireless Bluetooth V4.0 Portable Speaker with HD Sound and Bass, 12H Playtime, Built-in Mic, Portable Wireless Speaker Compatible with Phone, Tablet, and TV, Black
Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch Mega Gift Pack – the Premium Pick Maker – Leather Key Chain Pick Holder, 15 Pick Strips and a Guitar File – Blue
Cyxus Blue Light Filter Computer Glasses for Blocking Headache [Anti Eye Eyestrain] Transparent Lens Gaming Glasses, Unisex
For Women:
The Nightmare Before Christmas 6-pack Socks, Fits Women’s Size 4-10
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Body Cream, 8 Ounce
Vera Bradley Women’s Microfiber Zip ID Case, Cardinal Red
All I Need Is Coffee and Mascara – Makeup Addicts PopSockets Grip and Stand for Phones and Tablets
C.C. Trendy Warm Chunky Soft Stretch Cable Knit Beanie Skully, Maroon
Marc Jacobs Daisy for Women, 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
Burt’s Bees Essential Gift Set, 5 Travel Size Products – Deep Cleansing Cream, Hand Salve, Body Lotion, Foot Cream and Lip Balm
BEAKEY 5 Pcs Makeup Sponge Set Blender Beauty Foundation Blending Sponge, Flawless for Liquid, Cream, and Powder, Multi-colored Makeup Sponges
For Men:
RawChemistry Pheromone Cologne, for Him [Attract Formula] – Bold, Extra Strength Formula 1 oz.
Carhartt Men’s Extremes Cold Weather Boot Socks, Brown, Shoe: 6-12
The ORIGINAL Great Grill Scraper
The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information
ManBasics Stainless Steel Mens Nail Grooming Kit
Poo-Pourri Merry Spritzmas Vanilla Peppermint Scent, 4 oz, Before-You-Go Bathroom Spray
12-in-1 Survival Kit
Accoutrements Bacon Lip Balm
Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer Clipper, Battery-Operated
For Bookworms:
Nerdy Gifts Library Book Novelty Crew Socks
MyGift Dragon Guard Castle Decorative Resin Bookends/Pencil Holders
Rechargeable 6 LED Book Lights, Clip, 2.1 oz Lightweight, 20 Hours Reading, Classic Black
Meeall Vintage Feather Metal Bookmarks, 6 pcs
The Book Lover’s Journal (Reading Journal, Book Journal, Organizer)
For Creatives:
Spark Creativity: 50 Ways to Ignite Bright Ideas
365 Days of Art: A Creative Exercise for Every Day of the Year
Leather Journal, Antique Handmade, Unlined Paper, 7×5 Inches
Famous Painting Art Printed Funny Casual Cotton Crew Socks, 5 pair, Fits shoe size: mens 5-10, womens 6-11
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 72 Pack
For Outdoorsmen/Women:
Dizaul Solar Charger, 5000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank Waterproof/Shockproof/Dustproof Dual USB Battery Bank, Compatible with All Smartphones, GoPro, and GPS
HeatMax Hot Hands 2 Handwarmer (40 Pairs)
12-in-1 Survival Kit
Tiny Survival Guide: A Life Insurance Policy in Your Pocket – The Ultimate “Survive Anything” Everyday Carry: Emergency, Disaster Preparedness Micro-Guide
HEROCLIP Carabiner Clip and Hook (Medium) | For Camping, Backpack, and Garage
For Techies:
2019 New USB Clock Fan with Real Time Clock and Temperature Display Function, Silver, 1 Year Warranty (Temperature and Clock)
Novelty Socks Do Not Disturb Gaming Socks
Infinity Cube Fidget Toy, Sensory Tool EDC Fidgeting Game for Kids and Adults
Sock It To Me Circuit Board Mens Crew Socks, One Size
Smart Plug Works with Alexa Google Assistant IFTTT for Voice Control, Teckin Mini Smart Outlet Wifi plug with Timer Function, No Hub Required, White FCC ETL Certified (smart plug)
For Foodies:
The ORIGINAL Great Grill Scraper
Recipe Holder Stand for Smartphones and Tablets, Red, by Cestari Kitchen
Pampered Chef Nylon Pan Scrapers Set of 3 in Brown
Foodie Fight: A Trivia Game With Gameboard and Cards
The Negg Boiled Egg Peeler – Red
For Sports Fans:
Potty Putter Toilet Time Golf Game
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, 2 oz, Flushdown Scent
Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Magnetic Bottle Opener
NOTE: These come in every college football team you can think of.
BlenderBottle Collegiate Classic 28-Ounce Shaker Bottle, Clemson University Tigers
NOTE: This also comes in several team options.
Stained Baseball Coaster Set – 4 3.5″ Engraved Wood Sports Themed Coaster
Back Cover Copy:
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NOTE: These come in every college football team you can think of.
NOTE: This also comes in several team options.
As we enter into the month of Thanksgiving, I always look forward to spending more time as a family, eating a grand meal together, and heading into the Christmas season.
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