Category: At Home

2 Year Old Christmas Gift Guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Toddlers

They call them the terrible 2’s, but if you follow this gift guide, you will have all the tools you need to support your child’s explosion of imagination, increasing coordination, and maybe even avoid those “terribles” that people always talk about.

The toys on this list have been used and tested with all 3 of my children and my older ones have grown past 2 with them and still love them. Enjoy the list and don’t forget to send to family and friends if they need ideas too.

Best Gifts for 2 Year Old Toddler

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission).

You can find my complete Amazon 2 Year Old Gift Guide here.

Mini Backpack

Kinetic Sand

Doll Stroller

Play Sink

Watering Can

Ice Cream Set

Nesting Dolls

Mini Trampoline

Shape & Color Sorting Toy

Kids Kitchen Helper Set

Animal Figurines

Balance Bike

Tea Set

Stepping Stones

Transferring Practice Pitchers

Train Set

Jumbo Tweezers

Wobble Board

Spray Bottle & Squeegee

Tool Kit

Hoola Hoops

Play Kitchen

Play Cutting Food

Shopping Cart

Toddler Utensils

Scooter

Buckle Toy

Duplo

Skoolys

Picasso Tiles

Doll Accessories

Christmas Gift Guide for HER!

Looking for a gift for the wife, mother, woman in your life? You’ve come to the right place. Everything on this list has been either tested and loved by me (a woman, wife & mother) OR it is something that I myself am asking for this year. I hope you get some good ideas for the loved one in your life, or some ideas to add to you own list!! I’ve added some links to make things a bit easier, some of them are affiliates.

  1. Stanley Cup – A water bottle that holds 40oz but also fits into your cup holder! AND it has a straw. I’m in heaven. If you already have a nice water bottle and don’t want to spend the money on another but you can’t fit it in your cup holder, then you can look into getting an adapter instead – I have this one.
  2. Puzzle Bags – Calling all organizers! These bags are great – I use them not only for puzzles but also for lego sets, calico critters, other figurines & sets that I want to keep together as well as manuals, cords and such.
  3. Charging Station – this was such a game changer in organizing all the electronics and cords in my house. They are all now neatly hidden, the kids know where to put their tablets when their done, and it comes with cords so that you don’t have to buy extra.
  4. Dry Shampoo – A must have – no explanation needed. I like this brand bc it’s more natural. This one has a tint for brunettes.
  5. Nail Dip Kit – These days I would prefer to spend my money on my kids, but I would still love to have my nails looking nice. This dip kit comes with everything you need to pamper yourself a little.
  6. Heated Mug – Any mom can relate to the fact that sometimes it takes ALL day to get to the point where you can actually sit and enjoy your coffee. This mug keeps it nice and cozy.
  7. Kitchen Aid Mixer Lid – Sometimes I just want to put the cookie dough in the fridge for a few hours before I’m ready to bake, or I might need to store some shredded chicken before I have time to make chicken salad. Whatever the reason, sometimes I just need a lid! And this is great because it also doubles as a splash guard for when you’re mixing something messy like four or liquids. This is the one for the tilt mixers and this is the one for the lift mixers.
  8. All Clad Pots & Pans – I really like the All Clad D5 line. This is my favorite pot that we have in my house – it’s just fantastic.
  9. A Good Sports Bra – If you want one with awesome support, try this (it runs small so size up!). If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish but still has a decent amount of support, then this one is your pick.
  10. Leggings – No matter how many she has, she could probably still use another pair, LOL! I really like this brand for everyday and these for more winter thermal. I used to like KolorfulKoala but honestly I can’t recommend that brand anymore – I returned my last pair.
  11. Cheese Board – I love entertaining, and a good cheeseboard/snack tray is essential. I like slate so that you can do chalk labeling, and personally I like the ones with handles so that they are easily moved.
  12. Cord Free Portable Charger – It’s convenient, eliminates and cord & is small enough to fit in a small purse.
  13. Glass Tupperware – I LOOOVE glass tupperware. It’s so much better for you health wise, easier to clean, and just nice. I like this set because it has a variety of shapes (both round and rectangle) as well as different sizes.
  14. Cleaning Service – Seriously, if I could only get one thing, I think this would be it. If you’re in Cincinnati, I’d recommend the Mindful Maid Cleaning Company, if not, then I would suggest going on your local Facebook moms group for some recommendations.
  15. Qeepsake monthly subscription and book – this makes it so easy to actually do something with all the pictures that you take as well as keep special memories that you don’t want to forget!
  16. Claw clips – definitely the ‘in’ hair item right now – I have several and love them
  17. Sono Speaker(s) – this is a splurge, but I’ll tell you what, it’s worth every penny. I love that they can connect throughout the house if you want, or you could just do one. I use mine when I’m cleaning the house, doing dishes and of course for dance parties with the kids.
  18. Belt Bag – AKA a fanny pack – This one from Lululemon is great, I’ve had mine for about 2 years now and it has held up great. You can use it cross body or at the waist.
  19. Comfy sneaker – You can’t go wrong with a classic white sneaker. These ones are so comfy!
  20. Laminator & Laminating Sheets – I use this all the time for preschool with my kiddos – if you follow me chances are you like to do preschool or activities with your kiddos too. If you already have the laminator, then just a pack of the sheets would be perfect!
  21. Truffle Oil – If you like truffle, then this is a game changer to have in your kitchen. If not as a main gift, a small truffle salt would make a great stocking stuffer.

I have more gift ideas for her HERE!!

5 Year Old Christmas Gift Guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for 5 Year Old’s

It’s crazy the amount of growing up that a 5 year old does. A combination of starting school, brain development, emotional awareness and much more. But it’s important to remember that 5 year old’s are still kids and they need to have some hands on imaginary play. Let them have that playful attitude for as long as you can! I currently have a 5 year old, and this list includes things that she has continued to love throughout her 5th year as well as things she is getting this year for Christmas.

Kindergarten Gift Guide – Best Toys for 5 Year Old‘s

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission). You can find my other Amazon Gift Guides here.

Digital Camera

Our Generation Doll – Click the title link not the picture for a better price

Doll Outfits & Accessories – Click title link for a better price (instead of the picture)

Dentist Playdo

Lego Friends Kit

Homer Learning Membership

YOTO Story Player

Roller Blades

Calico Critters

Zingo

Leapfrog Reading System

Walkie Talkies

Cash Register

Little Passports Subscription – My favorite is the Early Explorers! The World edition is good too

Click the link instead of the picture for a much better price.

Jump Rope

Bike & Helmet

Bike/Scooter Ramp

Guess Who

Lava Lamp

Sand Art Kit

How To Draw Book

Reading Light

Mancala

Guitar & Lessons (or another instrument that they may be interested in)

Trampoline

Tablet & Headphones

Tracing Light Pad & Tracing Paper

Barbie

Gymnastics Leotard – or an accessory for whatever activity/sport they are into

Big Kid Markers

Swivel Ride On Toy

Bento Box & Thermos

1 Year Old Christmas Gift Guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Babies/Toddlers

At one year, your toddler can do a lot more than he/she could just a couple of months ago. Each day they are learning something new, and constantly entering a new stage. They change so much from age 1-2. Toys can be tricky since they can outgrow them each time they move to a new stage of development, so I put this list together to provide a list that my kids have loved throughout their whole first year. (and even beyond!). Make sure you send the list to your family and friends too!

Best Gifts for 1 Year Old Baby/Toddler

(This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. This means at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission).

You can find my complete Amazon 1 Year Old Gift Guide here.

Duplo Set

Bubble Machine

Ball Pit

Slide

Poke A Dot Book

Toddler Drinking Cups

Toddler Utensils

Sit & Stand Scooter

Barn & Animals Set

Sensory Bin Tools

Water Table

Comfy Toddler Chair

3 Drawer Object Permanence Box

Push Wagon

Play Sink

Mini Flashlight

4-in-1 Trike

Shopping Cart

Pounding Toy

Pretend Wallet

Walking Sneakers

Animal Figurines

Skoolys

Lock Practice Puzzle

Large Lacing Beads

Horizontal Dowel

Egg Matching

Cutting Play Food

Pop Up Toy

Car Ramp Racer

Carrot Size Sorting

Stacking Boxes

Shaker Eggs

Fine Knob Puzzles

Pull Toy

The ULTIMATE Holiday Planner!!

IT’S HERE!! I am so excited to share this Christmas/Holiday planner with you all.

If you’ve dreamed of a peaceful, stress free, holiday season where you actually get to enjoy the magic Christmas, then this planner is for you!! Keep track of your budget, gifts, stocking stuffers, menus, décor ideas and more. This planner includes October, November & December calendars to help break up the stressful planning into manageable chunks.

This planner comes with 52 pages that you can use in whichever way you prefer. If you like a digital experience, then export the download to an app like GoodNotes and plan away. Are you more of a paper and pen kind of person (like me)? Print out the pages and start prepping for the season. There are 2 formats depending on how you would like to keep your pages – 1 is a regular set up 8.5″x11″ page and the other has increased margin space for if you want to hole punch and put into a binder.

No matter which way you use, this planner is guaranteed to provide less stress during the holiday season, and allow you to spend time on what really matters. SHOP NOW!

Know someone who would enjoy this? I’d appreciate if you shared it with them, or even purchased one for them as a gift! You can get ready for Christmas together!

Pages include:

-Cover

-Christmas Countdown

-Countdown to Christmas checklist by week (3 pages)

-Monthly Calendars (Oct – Dec 3 pages)

-Weekly Calendar (print/copy as many times as needed)

-Daily Calendar (for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day – 3 pages)

-Deal Day Lists (October Deal Days, Black Friday & Cyber Monday – 3 pages)

-Elf on the Shelf Planner

-Christmas Events & Activities Log

-Christmas Bucketlist (Graphic & Fillable – 2 pages)

-Gratitude Journal

-Brain Dump

-To-Do List

-Budget Tracker

-Savings Tracker

-Christmas Card Planner

-Christmas Season/Eve Box Planner

-St. Nick Day Gift Tracker and Plan

-Adult Wish List (print as many as desired)

-Child Wish List (print as many as desired)

-Gift ideas List

-Stocking Stuffer Tracker

-Family Gift Tracker

-Gift Tracker

-Décor Planning Sheet

-DIY Project Planner

-Christmas Movies to Watch

-Holiday Party Planner

-Meal Plan Sheets (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Brunch & Christmas Dinner – 4 pages)

-Holiday Baking Plan

-Recipe Cards (2 pages – 4″x6″ version & full page version)

-Grocery List

-12 Days of Christmas Planner (for the 12 days post Christmas)

-Thank You Notes

-New Year Resolutions

-Post Christmas Reflections

-Notes (2 pages – 1 lined & 1 blank)

-Dividers (16 tabs, some prefilled, some blank for customization)

Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

I tinkered around with this cookie recipe around Christmas time 2020 when I was on bedrest, pregnant with my third baby. It was such a hit it became my husbands favorite Christmas cookie of all time, and definitely is one of my favorites as well. The way I make it is to become a chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips. I think they come out the best that way. You could add walnuts as well if you are a nut lover.

This recipe is pretty simple and yields about 3 dozen cookies. You can see us making them in action here.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients

1 cup + 2T butter, softened  (you basically want it room temperature – not cold, not melting – this is important)

3/4 cup white sugar 

3/4 cup brown sugar 

2 eggs 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

⅔ cup cocoa powder 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

¼ teaspoon salt 

2 cups white chocolate chips 

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Directions

Preheat oven to 350 

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the first 5 ingredients until light and fluffy.

Combine the rest of the ingredients except for the white chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Once combined, gradually add the mix into the butter/sugar mixture until well blended.

Mix in the white chocolate chips.

Use a cookie scoop (I use this 1.5 Tbsp one) to drop cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. 

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or just until set (they will finish cooking as they cool on the cookie sheet). Once cooled for a little, transfer to a wire rack to completely cool.

That’s it! I hope you enjoy these as much as my family does. 

25 Days of Christmas Countdown

Another year, and another Christmas bucketlist countdown!

Every year I come up with a slightly different list of 24 activities that I want to do with my family. I take that list and it becomes like our advent calendar for the year. You can see my 2020 Bucketlist here which is slightly different than this years. Both are available as a free printable.

This year I will again be making a Christmas chain and I have an easy printable for that too. You can see my bucketlist explanation and tutorial to make the chain in this video. In past years I have also written the activities on small slips of paper and tucked them into the pockets of our advent calendar (I have this one). Each day one of the girls gets to put a figurine up and the other one gets to grab the ‘activity’ of the day.

Grab one (or both) of my Christmas Bucketlist countdowns here!! If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up for the newsletter and the password will be emailed directly to you.

If you are looking for some advent activities, I have a little compilation of those here too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!