BUTTERCUP! You need to get these people in line. It may still feel a little early to be talking about Christmas, but around here, I know how quickly December sneaks up on us.
And this year, I’m starting with something I have always thought was fun but somehow never made a regular part of our Christmas traditions: Advent calendars! Because every Tom, Dick and Harry has been talking about them this week.
I don’t think I’ve ever actually had one myself, which seems a little crazy considering how much I love Christmas. So this year, I’m going to see what is out there—and I’m discovering that Advent calendars aren’t just for little kids anymore.
There are Advent calendars for moms, dads, grandparents, teens, gamers, readers, coffee lovers, cooks, DIYers, dog lovers and just about every hobby and personality you can imagine.
And yes, even the dogs can get in on the fun! One thing I can tell you is even though I’ve never had my own Advent Calendar David has had them several times and Charlie to.
This morning I would like to welcome you to our new Christmas Gift Guide: Advent Calendars & Stocking Stuffers series. Where we help Santa discover Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for everyone on his list.
To make shopping easier on everyone nstead of making one giant list of Christmas gifts, we’re going to break it down into people and interests. For each category, we’ll look for five Christmas gift ideas:
Three Advent Calendars– Something fun to open each day as Christmas gets closer. Two Stocking Stuffers- Those smaller gifts someone might not think to put on their Christmas list—but that could make them smile when they find them in their stocking.
Before you say I don’t have a Stocking. Hold up Buttercup we will be sharing different #Stockings as well. And we’re going to look for things at different price points because Christmas doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune.
Santa Help: Shop Smart!
As I’m preparing my own Christmas shopping list this year, my first go-to stores will be:
- Dollar Tree
- Aldi
- DD
- City Trends
- Five Below
- Walmart
I’m sure I’ll shop at other stores, too, but I want to get the biggest bang for my buck. Which is why I wanted to remind you that you don’t always have to shop at name-brand stores to find wonderful Christmas gifts.
Sometimes the best stocking stuffers and a unique gift someone hasn’t ever seen are the inexpensive little things you find while you’re wandering through a bargain store.
Let’s begin with a cute journal and add a favorite candy bar. Or cozy pair of socks inside a fun mug. Something related to someone’s favorite hobby. A little treat that says, “I saw this and thought of you.” Those little gifts can be just as meaningful as something expensive.
One of the things I love about this idea is that we can look for gifts that serve more than one purpose. For Mom, for example, an Advent calendar filled with little spa and self-care products isn’t just a Christmas countdown. It can encourage Mom to take a few minutes for herself every day.
A coffee or tea Advent calendar gives her something to look forward to each morning. A bookish Advent calendar celebrates her love of reading. And then we can add a journal and a little coffee, tea and chocolate “sit down for five minutes” gift.
Because let’s be honest—Mom deserves to be pampered twice. And maybe reminded that she is allowed to sit down for five minutes. Although, in this house that is debatable. How about in your home. Is mom allowed to sit down?
Here is the fun part as we share who were Shopping for? Because this year our family has changed in more ways than one. Has your home done this as well?
As this series rolls out, we’ll be looking for Advent calendars and stocking stuffers for:
- Mom (or Me!)
- Dad
- Grandparents
- New Moms
- Siblings
- Teens
- Charlie
- Kids
- Dog Lovers
- Dogs
- Readers
- Book Clubs
- Gamers
- Anime Fans
- Coffee Lovers
- Foodies, Cooks & Chefs
- DIYers
- Entrepreneurs
- Budget-Friendly Shoppers
- And the person who seems to do absolutely everything
That’s a lot of Christmas shopping—and hopefully a lot of Christmas inspiration! If there is someone else or something else you think should be on the list leave me a comment and I will get it added.
Would you help my family and Santa build the list. I want to hear from you. Where do you shop for Christmas? Do you have a favorite bargain store where you find amazing stocking stuffers?
Have you discovered an Advent calendar that your family absolutely loved? Are there stores I should be adding to my Christmas shopping list? Come share your favorites with us!
Because this isn’t just my Christmas Wish List. I want this to become a place where we can help one another find thoughtful gifts, fun Advent calendars and stocking stuffers without feeling like we have to spend a fortune.
So grab your Christmas list, pull up a chair, and let’s start shopping. Christmas is coming—and we’re going to be ready!
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
