How We Hacked Our Way to A Pretty Cute Christmas Card

 

I had thought I'd been super on top of it, scheduling a holiday-card photo shoot early this fall. But then it didn't go as planned. (Here's why.) Then, life got busy, and December rolled around and I realized I had no good photos to use for a card. I thought about skipping cards entirely, but then decided I'd throw my own impromptu shoot together, and hack my way to a decent Christmas card. And it worked!

I decided to nab my pictures on a weekend in early December when we went to get our Christmas tree at our local garden center. I posed my (relatively uncooperative) kids in a series of festive-ish shots including in front of wreath- and pointsettia-displays, and nestled among some cut trees so it almost looked like we were in a forest. Then, they had the idea to sit in front of a pinecone display, and take some shots!

I shot and edited all of the pics on my phone (two wreath shots and a pointsettia made the final cut), and ordered the cards online later that afternoon. And I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out! (The only thing I don't love is the fact that they're wearing their winter coats. But it was freezing that day, so what can you do?) Not bad for an hour and an iPhone, huh?

I hope you're having a great holiday, whatever you're celebrating. We're in my childhood home in Maryland for Christmas, then heading back home tomorrow, and then off to Stowe, Vermont for a few days after that. (Skiing for my husband and the kids; reading in the lodge for me.)

Merry everything to all!

This Is My Go-To Teacher Gift For The Holidays

 
Around this time of year, most of us are frantically buying presents for a ton of different people. And if you're a parent, that list includes teachers. And for whatever reason, teacher gifts can be easy to forget. (Maybe because you have to give them a little early?) I used to get all the way to the day before winter break and realize I had forgotten to pick something up as I was getting the kids ready for school. I'd frantically write out a note, haul the kids to a local store to buy a gift card, and then assemble it all right before walking into school. And I mean, that's..fine. But ideally, I want to put a little more thought into it! So, now I do by having a go-to gift ready. It makes the process so much easier--and the teachers love it!

For each teacher, I now typically do a combo holiday present of a little beauty gift set and then also a small gift card. (And for the gift card, I almost always do Starbucks.) The beauty part is the fun, indulgent, pampering part (everyone loves a beauty gift). The coffee card is almost a necessity. I know from experience that taking care of kids--at least mine--requires a healthy dose of caffeine. ;)

Then, I wrap them up with a pretty bow, write a heartfelt card, and boom--I'm done. Everyone is happy. (And a little bit prettier and a lot more awake!)






This year, I ended up grabbing my gifts at BJ's Wholesale Club, where they had tons of great, affordable options, not just for teachers, but for everyone on your list. While there, I grabbed an adorable gift set from Soho with four makeup brushes and a super cute tumbler. (This would also be amazing present for a teen, a niece, a babysitter, etc.) I also bought a pack of eight Burt's Bees lip balms, because please show me someone who does not love--and need--lip balm. (They even have Starbucks gift cards at BJ's! Just saying...)

Other great, affordable options that I noticed (all under $20!): a four-piece set of Soho cosmetic bags, an Axe men's set, and a Paw Patrol bath set that my son would love. (And yes, I may have stealthily placed some of my favorites under an in-store Christmas tree display! #diditforthegram)

What are you guys doing for teacher's gifts this year?

Thank you to BJ's for partnering with me on this post. Hey BJ's members: You can get FREE same-day delivery this month with code BJSHOLIDAY. Enjoy! If you're not a member, click here to join.

Gift Guide: Alyssa's Favorite Things

Oprah's "Favorite Things" show was always one of my favorite episodes of television. And the "Favorite Things" issue of O magazine is one of the only magazines I actually still buy. Well, I also have a few favorite things of my own, and while I'm not saying I'm Oprah (!), I would like to share them with you! Here, a few of my absolute favorite finds (I personally own, use, and love all of them). Send this link to your significant other or generous parent, or buy some of these things for your BFF, mom, or maybe even, yourself.

Michele's Granola: I love granola, but I can't stand storebought granola. It's either too sugary or just ehh--never as good as homemade or as what you find at a restaurant. But since I don't have the time or patience to regularly make the homemade stuff, I was thrilled a few years back when I found Michele's Granola, which, I swear, is just as good as homemade. Not too sweet, and so, so yummy and fresh. I order it in three-packs on Amazon and it disappears in a flash. (Note: All of the flavors are really good--and actually not wildly different from each other--but my absolute favorites are Cinnamon Raisin and Original.)

Jennie Kwon Designs opal ring: Jennie Kwon's rings are so gorgeous! They're delicate, and justso interesting and special. My daughter picked out an opal ring (verrrry similar to the one shown above) for my husband to buy me for Mother's Day a few years and I wear it all the time. These rings aren't cheap, but they're very classic and well-made. You'll have it--and love it--forever!

Chloe Mini Marcie Crossbody bag: I was given the tan version of this a few years back, and ever since, it has become my everyday purse, even though I used to be a "big bag" kind of girl. It's tiny so it's great for days when you don't want to be laid down (shopping in the city, an amusement park, a concert, etc), but it's still deceptively roomy and holds way more than you'd think. Mine is almost always stuffed with a small wallet, a phone charger, an external battery, three lipsticks, my phone, my keys, and a few other little odds and ends. I get so much use out of it that I really want another one now. Maybe Santa will bring me this gorgeous gray version?

This Will Only Hurt A Little by Busy Philipps: I've mentioned this book before, but I absolutely love it. I'm a huge fan of Busy's InstaStories and this was basically like a bunch of long Stories strung together (but not in a "random" way!). Very funny, very moving, and lots of juicy, insider-y Hollywood info. Also, for the first time ever (!), I actually did the audiobook version of this, which I highly recommend.

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee, Cappucino, and Latte Maker: This has to be my #1 favorite thing that I bought in all of 2018. I had a one-to-two-Starbucks-lattes-a-day habit, and now I'm down to one or two a week. They've been replaced thanks to this machine, which makes lattes that I truly think taste exactly like my beloved Starbucks. And it's simpleto use! It takes three minutes to froth the milk/brew the K-cup, and you end up with the creamiest, foamiest, most amazing latte or cappucino (hot or iced) you've ever had. I'm obsessed. (P.S.: The best K-Cups I've found for making lattes are these from Target.)

MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote: I was given this a few years back and it's become my absolute favorite bag to travel with. I love it as an airplane carry-on, because it holds a ton and the bag itself is extremely lightweight. I've also used mine as an overnight bag and even a gym bag. It comes in about a jillion colors, and I actually own three of them now: this blue/black camo, a black, and a gray. Bonus: Today only you can get a free surprise gift with the purchase of any bag. Use code CYBERMONDAY.

Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Eye Serum: I love this eye cream. It's the only one I've ever used that led to a noticeable softening of the lines around my eyes (and pretty quickly, too!). It has this cool cold-to-the-touch applicator that helps, I think. And the formula itself acts almost like a primer to smooth out your lines. It's great under makeup. And though I can sometimes be sensitive to retinol (especially around my eyes), I've never had any issues with this one.

Nike Lunarepic Flyknit Sneaker: I've had these sneakers for a year or two now, and I wear them constantly. They are beyond comfortablee; when you wear them, you feel like you're walking on clouds! I think this exact style may be discontinued (wahh!), but I found a treasure trove of them on Amazon. I think I want another pair of the black in case my current ones ever give out. And I'm loving that gray/rainbow one, too.

Athleta Luxe Victory Hoodie: Two years ago, I received an Athleta Luxe hoodie as a gift, and it's pretty much allll I want to wear in the winter. It's lined in faux fur, so it's super cozy--nothing's better for the long walk to the gym or to school pick up. And it's cute! Regular sweatshirts just don't cut it after you've tried this one. Bonus: You can get 20% off today only with code BOOST.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan: I got this for Christmas last year and I have been obsessssed ever since. It's like wearing your softest, comfiest robe all day long, only it has a nice shape to it too, so it's actually cute and not at all schlubby. I wear it with jeans and a tank or tee during the day, and sometimes I even just wear it around the house as a cozy layer. Now I want another one! I already own it in a light gray; I'd love this deeper gray or maybe a black next. 

J.Crew Mockneck sweater: I bought two of these (baby blue and light gray) a few weeks back when J.Crew had a sale, and I've barely taken them off since. They are so soft, so warm, and so cozy. Love! Bonus: You can get 50% off (!) today only with code CYBER.

Stojo Biggie Collapsible Cup: Although I try to make most of my lattes at home now, when I do buy one when I'm out, I have it poured into this genius cup. A few months back, I was stressing at how many disposable cups I was going through each week, so I was searching for a solution. I just didn't love the idea of toting around a giant cup with me all the time. Enter this genius little cup. It's collapsible!! The entire thing folds into itself so that it's a little disc (about four inches across and one inch deep). When you get to the register, you just unfold it and hand it to the barista (who will inevitably coo about how awesome and adorable it is). It holds a grande size drink and can handle hot or cold drinks (it even comes with its own reusable straw). I have the blush pink and white, but there are tons of good colors. (The solid black one is so chic!) 

Happy shopping!

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Talking Holiday Tummies

Okay, let's just put it out there: Holiday eating and drinking--not to mention holiday stress--can lead to stomach issues. Or so I've heard. I mean, I don't ever have tummy troubles. But you know...I've heard some people do. ;) 

The fact is, people get 'em, and no matter how old you get, they can be super embarrassing to talk about. (Uh, apparently.) And the only thing worse than having tummy issues has to be when you're a guest in someone's home and have to drum up the nerve to ask if they have anything to alleviate those...issues. 

So don't let that happen to your guests. When we're entertaining this time of year, we tend to focus on the Martha Stewart aspects of it: planning the menu, Pinterest-ing our tablescape, choosing our outfits. We focus on the big things, but when we do, it's easy to forget the little touches that can truly make your guests feel at home--and comfortable. That's why, it's Entertainer-of-the-Year territory to quietly leave a little basket in the bathroom with a few necessities your guests might need or might be embarrassed to ask for. This year I'm including tampons, deodorant, Band Aids, pain relievers, and yep, tummy stuff. 

 

Turns out, BJ's was the perfect spot for this. They had all the brands and products I could have wanted, and I walked out of the store with Tums Smoothies Chewable Tablets, Gas-X Extra-Strength Softgels, and Immodium Multi-Symptom Relief. Best part is that they all came in huge jumbo packs, so I'll have a ton left over after my guests leave. I mean, NOT THAT I'M GOING TO NEED IT, of course. But you know. For the next party. ;)

Because, bottom line: Being a good hostess means never making your guest wonder where the heartburn meds are. (Bet Martha Stewart never told you that one.)

Thank you to BJ's for partnering with me on this post. Are you a BJ's member? If not, here's a cool deal: You can get a $25 gift card just for signing up! Click here for details.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July! What are you guys up to today? We celebrated early at our lakehouse this past weekend with friends, fireworks over the water, and sparklers. Today is round two, where I'm forcing my kids to wear red, white, and blue (obvs), and then we're taking them to their first Yankees game! It will be my first in years (I went through a phase about ten years ago when I was a huge fan though), so I'm excited, too. Will be sharing the day on my Stories of course, so please feel free to follow along! (And please also send good, thunderstorm-free weather thoughts!)

I'll also probably be doing a little shopping. (I can't resist the sales!) If you're up for that, too, here's a few discount codes for the sales I'm most excited about.

J.Crew: 30% off all full-price styles (plus 50% off select styles) with code ALLSTAR 

Ann Taylor: 40% off full-priced styles and an extra 60% off sale with code CELEBRATE

Madewell: 20% off with code SPARKLER

Old Navy: 20% off (no code needed)

Serena & Lily: 20% off with code 4TH

And before I go, here's a picture I just found of my kids from 4th of July...three years ago! Ahh! They were babies!!

Here's wishing you a day of bomb pops, hot dogs, fireworks, and fun!

My Holiday Wish List

If you need last-minute gifts for a friend, a sister, or yourself, I've got you covered. Here's what I'd personally love to find under the tree this year.

1. Halogen Wool & Cashmere Hi/Low Tunic Sweater: I already own this sweater in both black and navy, and I'd love another color like this soft pink. It's the perfect length (great with jeans or leggings), it's so soft, and best of all, it's on sale right now for $89!

2. Rebecca Minkoff Slouchy Beanie with Headphones: When I'm commuting or just walking around town, I'm always listening to podcasts. The headphones built in to this cute hat would make it so much easier--and so much warmer!

3. Coravin Wine System: When it comes to drinking wine, I have two problems: 1) I'm hit or miss with corkscrews, so I'm horrible at opening it, and 2) I rarely drink it at home, because I usually just want a single glass and don't want to open an entire bottle only to end up wasting it. But this cool gadget solves both of these problems. It inserts a tiny needle through the cork, so you can get only as much (or as little) wine as you want, and then the cork reseals itself, preserving the rest of the bottle!

4. Eberjey Gisele PJ Set: I was recently given the nightshirt version of this as a gift, and I love it; it is made from what is seriously the softest fabric I have ever felt. But in the winter I need some bottoms, so I'd love to add this pj set to my collection. (Because you know how much I like pjs that are comfy and cute these days, right?) 

5. Balenciaga Metallic Edge Nano City AJ Crossbody Bag: This is a definite splurge, but oh em gee, I love it! Here's why: I've always loved Balenciaga bags, and these days I live for a little crossbody bag, and this is both! A mini Balenciaga crossbody in dove gray leather with GOLD HARDWARE! Isn't it beautiful? [insert heart-eyes emoji here]

6. Mossimo Embellished Satin Sneakers: Ok, truth be told, these are the one thing on this list that I actually already own. (Or will own very soon. I fell in love with them while putting this post together and was really worried they'd sell out, so I ordered them for myself--and also a friend!--immediately. They're in transit!) Because, how great are they? They're comfy slip-on sneakers in blush pink embellished with crystals and pearls, and they cost (drumroll)...$27.99!  

7. Sandisk iXpand Base for iPhone: One of my biggest fears in life is losing my digital photos. Yes, I have the Cloud, but you never know with that! And yes I have them backed up, but I'd be lying if I said I consistently and regularly back them up. That's why I need this cool device. It makes backing up your photos as easy is plugging in your phone. That's because every time you plug it in to charge (so every night, or possibly even more often for me), it automatically backs up all of your photos onto the base. So awesome!

8. Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge Rockstar: I love my iPhone 7+, but I passionately hate that they combined the place where you plug in your headphone and charger. I often find myself on the train or in an Uber with a portable charger in one hand, my headphones in the other, and my phone sitting there between them with 20% juice. I usually end up charging the phone and sitting there in silence. It's the worst! This genius little gadget would save me. It has two little ports, so you can charge and listen with your headphones at the same time. Heaven!

9. Hermes Apple Watch: Another dream item, but...a girl can dream, right? I love my (regular, old) Apple Watch, but I can tell it's on its last legs. I love the buttery black leather band of this one--and it even comes in the signature orange box!

10. Madewell Simple Crossbody Bag: Just realized that I have two Madewell items on this list. And two crossbody bags. And, um...two pink sherpa items...! But it's so cute, no? And not super pricey. Bonus! You can get 20 percent off with code ADDTOCART.

11. Nike Air Zoom Fearless Flyknit Sneakers: I'm obsessed with my black Flyknit Nikes. (They are sooo comfortable!) I've been on the hunt for more colors, and obviously, I love the shade of these. And they're on sale!

12. Madewell Pink Sherpa Popover Top: (What can I say, I like pink, okay??) This looks like an old school Patagonia in a pretty rose shade. So perfect for super cold days. And once again, you can get 20 percent off with code ADDTOCART.

And if you want more ideas, here's what was on my holiday wish list last year, in 2015, and in 2014. And here are the best beauty gifts available right now!

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Holiday Gift Guide: The 12 Best Beauty Gifts

1. Sephora sponge set // 2. Fresh lip set // 3. Elizabeth & James fragrance set // 4. Sephora palette // 5. Urban Decay Naked set // 6. Real Techniques sponge Set // 7. Peter Thomas Roth face mask set // 8. Drunk Elephant set // 9. Too Faced palette // 10. Pinrose fragrance twirler // 11. Diptyque candle set // 12. Ouai x Dyson set

Who doesn't love a beauty gift for the holidays? And there are so many good ones this year! I've spent the last few months attending holiday preview after holiday preview--so I've seen a ton--and these are my 12 favorites. Well, they're 12 of my favorites. I couldn't narrow it down, so I'll be doing a part two of the beauty gift guide soon!

For now, here's some fun ideas for your sister, your BFF, or (let's be honest) yourself. Enjoy!

1. Sephora Fox In The Box Sponge Set, $18. I practically cooed when I saw this at the Sephora holiday event. It's three makeup sponges in an adorable little fox box. CUTE OVERLOAD.

2. Fresh Sugar Lip Lovelies Set, $26. Fresh always has such awesome holiday gifts. I loved this one because I'm obsessed with the Sugar products (this one has a lip scrub, a lip balm, and a tinted balm), and I love the pretty Christmas-cracker packaging.

3. Elizabeth & James A Little Bit of Nirvana set, $48. Somewhat surprisingly, Mary Kate and Ashley really know how to make a fragrance! Here you get four minis--one of each of their Nirvana scents. My favorite is Nirvana Black. It's so sexy!

4. Sephora Into The Stars Palette, $49.50. I'm such a sucker for the massive makeup palettes that Sephora comes out with each year. This year's is really good! It has 130 different shades for eyes, lips, and cheeks--and costs less than $50.

5. Urban Decay Naked 4Some Set, $185. The Urban Decay Naked 3 eyeshadow palette--full of gorgeous rosy, super flattering colors--is my all-time favorite palette. But they are seriously all amazing.  In this set, you get full-sized versions of all four palettes. (And it's a deal! If you bought them separately, you'd pay $216.) *FYI: If you just want the #3 palette that I love, you can find it here.

6. Real Techniques Ultimate Sponge Set, $50. Any beauty girl loves a brand new (clean!) sponge for her foundation. This set comes with 12 different versions, so she'll always have a fresh one.

7. Peter Thomas Roth Meet Your Mask Samplet Kit, $25. Peter Thomas Roth masks are legendary, (Rose Stem Cell is my fave), and this kit has six different minis, so you can try them all.

8. Drunk Elephant A Skin Story Vol 1: Hot Date, $99. Such a good gift for anyone who is into clean, more natural, but still really, really effective skincare. (Or really, anyone who just wants to have great skin! I'm not exclusive to natural skincare, by any means, but I love this brand.) The set comes with four cult products: T.L.C Frambroos Glycolic Night Serum, Beste Jelly Cleanser, Lala Retro Whipped Cream, and Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil.

9. Too Faced Pretty Little Planner, $42. There's 15 eyeshadows (ranging from brights to neutrals), a Better Than Sex mascara (really good!), and an actual agenda with stickers, all tucked into the cutest little case. It's a $198 value for less than $50. 

10. Pinrose Twirl Whirl Rollerball Trio, $24. You get three perfume rollerballs in what is perhaps the happiest, silliest, most awesome packaging of all time.

11. Diptyque 3 Candles Holiday Gift Set, $210. Yes, it's super pricey. But the candles smell amazing, and they're sooo cool-looking. (Love the black and gold designs with the pops of color on the interior!)

12. Ouai and Dyson Blown-A-Ouai Set, $399. Ugh. This is SO good. I want it for myself! You get a bunch of awesome luxe hair products from hairstylist Jen Atkin's cool-girl line Ouai, plus THE hot blowdryer from Dyson that every pro stylist uses now. (And since the Dyson dryer usually costs $399 on its own, you are getting all of the products, plus a sleek carrying case, for FREE!)

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Here's How To Get *FREE* Mrs. Meyer's Holiday Products From Grove Collaborative

Years ago, when I first moved to New York, I worked at the flagship, 5th avenue location of a national clothing store during the holiday season. Needless to say, working there during the holidays was rough in many ways. It was crowded, there were never-ending lines of cranky people, and the hours were long enough that I often found myself folding sweaters late into the night while my friends were enjoying themselves at holiday parties. But there was one aspect I loved: The store I worked at sold incredibly beautiful holiday candles, which they scattered all around the store during the season, and kept burning all day long. It was heaven. Because I love holiday scents. 

I love the crisp smell of a fresh Frasier fir that hits you when you open your door. I love walking into someone's home and smelling mulled spices. I love the bracing smell of peppermint. If that's you, too--and if you love free stuff like me--you will love the holiday deal I have for you today. (Details below...)

Many of you guys have heard me talk about Grove Collaborative before, but if you're new here: Grove Collaborative is a site that carries natural products for home and body, and somehow, manages to offer these high-end, normally-pricy brands at very competitive, very affordable prices. (They carry lines like Mrs. Meyer's, Method, Caldrea, Seventh Generation, Acure Organics, Burt's Bees, and many more.)

The other awesome thing about Grove is that, from time to time, they offer these kind of unbelievably amazing, limited-time free gifts just for trying out the site. And I have a good one for you today where you can get the limited-edition Mrs. Meyer's holiday scents for FREE!

The three Mrs. Meyer's limited-edition holiday scents (Peppermint, Iowa Pine, and Orange Clove) are so good, and make washing dishes or wiping down countertops noticeably less grueling. 

If you'd like to try them out for free, I've partnered with Grove once again to bring you this deal, which they are only offering through November 19. 

With your first order of $20 from Grove Collaborative using this affiliate link, you will get the following (full-size!) items for FREE in your choice of scent:

• Free Mrs. Meyer’s Holiday hand soap

• Free Mrs. Meyer’s Holiday dish soap

• Free Mrs. Meyer’s Holiday multi-surface spray

• Free Grove seasonal kitchen towel

• Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial (VIPs get free shipping on every order, free gifts, exclusive sales, and more)

The products are worth over $30, so it's a great way to check out some really nice home products that you might otherwise never have tried.

*FYI, if you're already a Grove Collaborative customer, you aren't eligble for the deal above (sorry!). BUT *if you use this link,* you'll get a FREE set of Grove's awesome Walnut Scrubber sponges.

You can cancel anytime, so honestly, it's worth at least placing one $20 order and getting all the free stuff! Then you can decide later whether or not you want to continue ordering through them. (That's what I planned to do when I got my own deal way back when, but I've totally stayed on and I order all of my cleaning products through Grove now.)

I'll also be doing a Facebook Live later this week talking about this deal, these products, and Grove, so make sure you've liked and followed me on Facebook so that you get a notification. It should be fun!

Don't forget: This offer ends November 19th, so grab your free products now!

Note: This is not a sponsored post and I was not paid to feature these products, however I will receive a small affiliate commission from any purchases.

Happy Holidays!

Just popping in to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" to those celebrating today--and to show you our finished holiday cards! As you may remember, we recently did a holiday photo shoot with my kids, and here's the final result...

Once again, we went with Minted for our cards this year, and--once again--I was so, so happy with the results. I love that Minted offers so many cute designs, that they can print the return address on the envelope (lifesaver!), and that there are really cool ways to customize your cards. I went with the "Whirlwind Christmas" design, and chose to personalize ours a bit further by including two more photos on the back, plus a short update about what my kids are doing these days. (If you're interested, here are some past holiday cards: 2015, 2014, and my "work" card from 2015--still a favorite!).

Whatever you're up to today, I hope it's amazing! Have a wonderful holiday.

Disclosure: Minted--a brand I have long used and loved--gifted me these cards, so that I could consider them for coverage on this site. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids (That You Can STILL Get In Time!)

Shopkins socks // Matchbox cars // tights // Shopkins ornament // Star Wars ornament // Mickey Band-Aids // brick silverware // Beanie Boo // Spiderman // superhero underwear // Goody elastics // Whiffer Sniffer sno-cone and banana // Lip Smackers // crazy straws // Trolls blind bag

Okay, slackers, I'm talking to you today. (And believe me: I include myself in this group!) If you still need to buy stocking stuffers for your kids, I've got you covered. Pretty much everything below will get here by Christmas for free. (Target has free two-day delivery if you order by 12/21. And then, of course, Amazon has two-day shipping with Prime.) 

I also tried to include a mix of items that are practical-but-fun and just plain fun, which is what I do with my own kids' stockings. (Personally, I am not into putting totally useless junk into stockings that will just get thrown away.)

Happy shopping!

1) Socks - I got my son this Spiderman set. There's also Trolls, Harry Potter, and more.

2) Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars - I got my son this set. I'm planning to open the package, put two or three in his stocking, and then save the others for future gifts or plane trips!

3) Tights - Cat & Jack (Target's new-ish kids brand) has great ones. I got my daughter this LOL pair and this smiley face pair.

4) Ornaments - Each Christmas, I get each of my kids an ornament based on something they're really into that year. I figure it will be fun to look back on these as they get older! (It's also an easy stocking stuffer!) So here's some ideas if your kids are into Star Wars, Shopkins, Spiderman, or Disney princesses.

5) Band-Aids - I never seem to have enough Band-Aids in the house--and my kids get super bummed over a plain one. Go get a few cute ones! There's Mickey, Monster High, Star Wars, and so much more. (These look like strips of bacon!)

6) Cute silverware - Fun flatware is such a simple little thing, but it makes meal time more fun and they get really excited about it! Here's some cute pairs with Star Wars, Minnie Mouse, and Minions. My favorite is probably this Lego set--it's really cute. (This one, too!)

7) Mini stuffed animals - Cuddly, cute, and always welcome. Beanie Boos are huge with boys and girls; my son is getting this round Spiderman.

8) Underwear - My son actually asked for new underwear this year! He's getting Thomas, but onviously there's zillions of other characters and designs out there. And a multi-pack is pretty cheap.

9) Hair elastics - Useful and fun. And they don't have to be expensive. Just grab a pack of colorful elastics from Target or Amazon. My go-to brands are Goody and Scunci.

10) Whiffer Sniffers - Both of my kids are so into these now. They are cute little plush food-shaped characters that smell like whatever they look like. (So cookie, banana, snow cone, etc.) Kids clip them on their backpacks and they are all the rage right now! 

11) Lip balm - Little kids love it--and they need it, too. The flavored ones are super fun. For kids, I love Lip Smackers or Pucker Pops. 

12) Crazy straws - Always fun!

13) Blind bags - These are little mystery bags that have a single toy inside. You know the type of toy that it will be (i.e. Splashlings, Trolls, Playmobil), but you don't know the specific one until you open it up. Kids love the surprise. These cute Shopkins blind "bags" are shaped like ornaments.

For more stocking stuffer ideas, check out last year's post on stocking stuffers for kids--that aren't a bunch of junk! And then, don't miss my other 2016 gift guides featuring the best toys, beauty gifts, gifts under $50, gifts for girls, and gifts for boys. 

Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Little Boys

Yes, I'm doing a little gender stereotyping here, but I can't help it--I'm going by what my little guy likes. (And he likes many different things! Case in point: This year, in addition to cars and space books, he actually asked for a tea set...! Santa is bringing him this one, FYI.) So, as you're shopping, here's some fun stuff that moves, fixes, or explores for your little dude. (Or little girl! I bet, she'll love a lot of this stuff, too.) 

{top row}

Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit - Again, no, this does not have to be just for boys. (My daughter loves it, too!) But it just happens to be one of my go-to birthday gifts for boys. It's good for ages 5 and up (but will interest kids as old as 12 or so), and uses common household items for the experiments, so it's not like you have to throw it away when the ingredients run out.

Bob the Builder RC Super Scoop - Your little guy can use the remote to make him go, dig, stand up, and do other fun things. You don't usually see remote-control toys that aren't race cars, so this is kind of fun and different.

Intelex Hooty Owl Warmer - This little stuffed animal is filled with calming lavender. You can warm him in the microwave to keep your kid cozy at night and help him fall asleep or insert a cold pack to soothe ouchies. (Also comes in purple!)

PlayTape Classic Roads Series - It's a roll of tape that looks like a street! So smart. Just run it down a hallway, through a bedroom, in a hotel room, wherever, and you've got an instant race track to play on. It would make a fun stocking stuffer. Or give it to a kid in a gift bag with a few Hot Wheels cars and boom--you're done.

{middle row}

Hannah Andersson Star Wars Holiday Pajamas - Star Wars characters as ornaments on comfy two-piece pjs. Too cute!

Black & Decker Jr. Mega Tools Kit - This is another go-to birthday gift for me. Little boys love it. Last time we gave it to someone, my three-year-old saw it and cried because he wanted to keep it. So they'll be one under the tree for him this year.

{bottom row}

Thomas and Friends 3-Piece Adventure Kit - This set is brilliant in its simplicity. You get a flashlight, a camera, and binoculars--all stuff that little kids love to play with--all emblazoned with their favorite character and all for just $20. So. Smart. (Even better: The same set comes in tons of other characters, too. There's Batman (and weirdly that one's only $10!), Frozen, Spider-Man, and many more.)

Bug's World Real Insects Collection - My curious little boy it going to love this one. It has ten real insects encased in lucite, plus a magnifying glass to check them out up close.

Step2 Hot Wheels Extreme Thrill Coaster - Hard to tell in the photo above, but this is big. As in, you'd better have a yard for this one! There's a ride-on car and then there's a structure with a (very tame) roller coaster-like drop. Please don't tell my kids that this exists. (Note: The Hot Wheels one is the new, slightly souped-up version. This is the previous one that is basically the same thing--but it's over $100 cheaper!)

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