When You Want To Give Something Other Than "Stuff"

By Meg Hodson

Giving presents to people is one of my favorite things to do. Whether it's Christmas, a birthday, or other special occasion, I love watching people open gifts! 

Naturally, with three young children and the holidays here, my mind shifts to, among other important parts of the season, what I can buy them for Christmas. I know my kids so well and have a lot of fun finding treasures that I know they will truly enjoy. Sometimes, I don't even have to try too hard; I love it when I am in a store and I see something that just screams "(insert child's name here)". 

But before all the fun shopping and gift discovering happens, my husband and I have a moment. It's a moment we have every year. We might be standing in one of our childrens' room. We might be in the play room. Or, we might be looking at the pile of giveaway items lingering in our garage. And the question is uttered: "Do we really need to buy them more stuff?"

We have grandparents, aunt, uncles, and friends that are going to shower them with "stuff". They've still got plenty of "stuff" that they use and enjoy. And let's face it, that "stuff" costs a lot of money. 

So, what have I done differently this year to keep the "stuff" in check? Here are a few choices I made:

1. Give Meaningful Gifts. What I mean by this is to seek out items they will like, but that also might make a difference in someone's life or give to charity. Numerous charities sell items that will benefit their cause. I recently discovered Across Africa, offering amazing handmade baskets, jewelry, bags and more. They benefit and support workers, essentially small business owners, in African countries. If you have that hard to buy for person or want to get something unique, this is the perfect site. My daughter is going to love her basket. I snapped up a make-up bag for my stocking, too. 

2. Give Time. Throughout the year, my husband and I schedule a few "Daddy/Daughter Dates", "Mommy/Son Dates", and so on. It might be lunch and rollerskating; it could be dinner and a movie. Bottom line is my children value that special one-on-one time. We tied in a few gifts this year coupled with these "dates". For example, we have a year pass to the science museum and my son can schedules "dates" with us to go. We also bought movie passes for my daughter (great stocking stuffer!) and again, when there is a movie she wants to see, she can schedule a "date" with one of us.

3. Give Back. I think this goes without saying, but if you only pick one day or a few hours with your children to donate your time to a charitable cause, they will understand the true meaning of giving. This year, my children participated in a blanket event, constructing tie blankets for children in need in our community. They also put together gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. With my children, I hope they value more the gifts they receive from us. 

Note: I was not compensated for companies mentioned in my post; I included links in case it was something you might be interested in.

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

What To Buy A 10 Year Old Girl

By Meg Hodson

Hmmm, what to get that favorite 9-12 year old in your life? Here are my favorite picks for the must-have gifts of 2014.

                   Tweet

1. Nikon CoolPix L30 Camera. Maybe the young girl in your life is going on a trip soon? Or she's a budding photographer? This great camera I found online for less than $100 and it comes in fun colors, too. 

2. Portable MP3 Player. A pink iPod touch. Enough said. 

3. EOS. For some reason, my 10 year old daughter and all her friends are obsessed with lip products and in particular, EOS. I sorta became obsessed with them, too, when I found out they were certified organic. With yummy flavors like Passionfruit, Sweet Mint, and Strawberry Sorbet, the little girl in your life will thank you.

4. Gnarly Whale Shampoo. I found out about this fun, eco-friendly line of hair products on Instagram. When I noticed they had a "cotton candy" scent, I knew it had to be a stocking stuffer for my daughter. 

5. Ruffle-Edged Robe. I love this robe from Target for two reasons: it's got a ruffled edge and it's a bar-goon at $14.99! 

6.  Dork Diaries Series. My daughter would definitely consider this her favorite "girlie book" series. The most recent release is Tales From A Not-So-Happily Ever After.

7. Ion Party Starter Wireless Speaker. This speaker comes complete with Bluetooth wireless technology and light show. I really hope Costco gets it back in stock....they have the best price!

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Free Download: Christmas Gift Tags!

By Meg Hodson

I take great pride in wrapping presents. I always like to put personal touches on them. I like to be creative. 

I was playing around making gift tags the other day and came up with these cute, oversized tags that would be perfect for large gifts, gift baskets, a bottle of wine, and more. So, I decided to share them with my faithful readers, too!  

Just click on this link to be taken to the free download:

Click Here For The Tags!

                      Tweet

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Mrs Cavanaugh's Chocolates: Perfect For The Holidays!

By Meg Hodson

I received a complimentary chocolate sampler from Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolates. All delicious opinions remain 100% my own.

The Christmas season is officially underway. With Thanksgiving occurring so late this year, I know for me, it always puts a rush on preparing, get togethers with family and friends, and gift giving. Add to that my family is going out of town for Christmas this year and the timeline is pushed up that much further.

So, anytime I can (1) order online and, (2) get a good deal, I am in. If you need chocolate this season, you might want to consider Mrs. Cavanaugh's. They have been making chocolates since 1964. I recently received a sampler and some of their delicious bars to sample. I am obviously not short on eager sampler volunteers in my household. 

The first part of my sample package that I loved was the packaging. I know it sounds a little odd that this is the first think I bring up in a chocolate review, but it is! The cute little box that the chocolates come in had that brushed foil overlay and the font reminded me of something from the 1950's. Don't get me wrong, I love modern, sleek packaging, too. But there was something sweet about finding this nostalgic package in my mailbox.

I received the 9 ounce "Most Famous" sampler, featuring milk and dark chocolate. I immediately noticed the "cheat sheet" insert, telling me what each chocolate was before trying it. Yep, no more surprises here if there is a flavor or allergic ingredient you don't care to have. 

The chocolate was perfect. Simple, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth flavors. The truffles in particular had a creamy texture inside and chocolate that didn't fall apart on the outside. 

The chocolate bars would make great stocking stuffers. They've must've known my favorite flavors because they sent me a chocolate mint, dark chocolate with almond, and caramel----all delicious!

Mrs. Cavanaugh's candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence....see for yourself. Readers receive "Buy 1 lb Get 1 lb FREE" of Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolates using promo code: usfamily14 

Happy chocolate eating!

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Gifts For The Guys

I struggle a lot for gift ideas for the men in my life:  husband, brother-in-law, etc.  Well, it's much easier now, thanks to this compilation of ideas, all brought to you from Uncommon Goods.  They did not sponsor this post, I just found their gifts for men creative, inspiring, and unique.  And this is just a small sampling of the hundreds of cool, creative ideas that they have to choose from.  Be sure to check out there site for a complete run down.  

1. F-Bomb Paperweight.  It's never easy dropping truth bombs in the office. But "f" bombs? Always explosive fun! Fred Conlon's recycled steel sculpture lightens up desk-side chats and tough conversations with a delightfully abstract expletive appropriate for any situation. Handmade in Utah.

2.  Golf Barbecue Tool Set. Golf and BBQ: separated at birth? Both involve the outdoors, great friends, and knowing in the clearest of terms that you wouldn't want to be doing anything else. These weekend favorites are combined in this three-piece stainless steel BBQ set with soft insulated handles that look just like golf grips. The tongs, spatula, and fork are perfect for the guy who loves the links, sausage or otherwise. Made in China.Sold as a set of three.

3.  NYC Map Tie. Subtly pay tribute to the city that never sleeps with a modern necktie that boasts a charming portrait of the Big Apple in a graphic aesthetic that is positively big-city chic! This high-design rendering of NYC appears to be a gridded graphic from afar, but up close street names, parks, and landmarks appear, allowing you to show a little urban pride even in the most no-nonsense corporate environment. Each cosmopolitan accessory is suited to liven up the business attire of the local as well as the fellow about town, the metropolitan enthusiast, or the civic aficionado. Designed by Josh Bach. Made in New York City.

4. Money clip.  Even if you're light on cash, you'll own a rich sense of humor with this cheeky, aluminum clip. Its engraved wisecrack says it all (and then some): 

5.  Stone Drink Dispenser.  You may not be able to get water from a stone, but you can tap your favorite spirits. Cut from cobbled granite and affixed with a stainless steel spigot with a beach stone lever, Jeff Henderson's sturdy and sophisticated drink dispenser adds instant pizazz to any event. Handmade in New Hampshire.

6.  Mix Tape Tumblers.  Take all-occasion glassware on a retro rewind with these colorful mixtape glasses. The blank tape allows partygoers to write their names or favorite power ballad on the cassette using the included wax pencil, giving you a personalized playlist and a great way to keep track of drinks. Glassware made in Louisiana, decorated in Maryland. 

7. iPhone charging doc. The epitome of modern electronic design is now paired up with the timeless, organic minimalism of nature. These docks for iPhone and iPod are handcrafted from natural driftwood, polished to a velvety smoothness by sand and surf before washing up on the stony shores of Maine. That's where Lee Goodwin and his team gather them, select each one for size and shape, and craft them to fit the contours and cord of your device. The juxtaposition of organic and artificial, contemporary and timeless transforms your personal electronics into a piece of functional art. Handmade in Maine.

8. United States of Beer Map. Celebrate America's amber waves of grain, as well as their finest amber ales. Each state on this hop-friendly map offers a spot to list your favorite local brewer, the date you tried it, and a flavor wheel to gauge your taste. Whether you're on a cross-country road trip or sampling some of America's finest from the comfort of your couch, this beer-lover's design allows you to sip from sea to shining sea and honor your favorite hops. Made in Portland, OR.

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!