This year, we made it a special afternoon event to decorate the tree. Along with a buffet of hot chocolate, apple cider and panettone, we spent a lazy Sunday afternoon hanging up the Christmas lights and reminiscing over the different ornaments that we've collected over the years (some were hand-made years ago!). During the last week, we've all been wrapping, wrapping and wrapping gifts to tuck under and around the adorned tree. Here's a picture of this holiday tradition taken on Christmas Eve.
Share your Christmas tree pictures and stories. Email me or leave a comment below.
Got 3 hours left before the party? Drop into these shops, you will find everything you need for everyone on your list. Lookup the shops nearest to you, plan your route and go for it!
If you have an extra 30 minutes, checkout these budgeting tips.
#1:Beauty Shops
For: Mom, Sister, Girlfriend, Wife, Grandmother, Mother-in-law
Try: Gift sets, Lotions, Hand creams, Handwash, Candles, Fragrances
At:
Jurlique
Gift Challenge: The person I need gift suggestions for is... me. My husband needs to have some ideas for what to get me and I simply don't know what to say. I'm a stay at home mom with 2 small children. I'm not really into beauty products or spa treatments and I don't like to get things I would normally buy for myself (like clothes, kitchen stuff although I do like to cook and I love pretty things of all kinds). Books are ok but I'd prefer to get something more unique from my husband. But he is so frustrated without any suggestions! I'd love jewelry of almost any kind but our limit is probably $100-150 and less would be better. Can you help me come up with some ideas to give him?
You are not the first person to let me know this week that it's hard to come up with a wishlist for yourself. Here are some suggestions, see what you think and if you like them, just forward onto your husband. He will be very happy to buy you something you want.
Pretty Gadgets for the Kitchen
Gift Challenge: The person I need gift suggestions for is... me. My husband needs to have some ideas for what to get me and I simply don't know what to say. I'm a stay at home mom with 2 small children. I'm not really into beauty products or spa treatments and I don't like to get things I would normally buy for myself (like clothes, kitchen stuff although I do like to cook and I love pretty things of all kinds). Books are ok but I'd prefer to get something more unique from my husband. But he is so frustrated without any suggestions! I'd love jewelry of almost any kind but our limit is probably $100-150 and less would be better. Can you help me come up with some ideas to give him?
You are not the first person to let me know this week that it's hard to come up with a wishlist for yourself. Here are some suggestions, see what you think and if you like them, just forward onto your husband. He will be very happy to buy you something you want.
Jewelry:
White Pearl Earrings, dangling: $46
So these past few days I've been wrapping, wrapping and wrapping more presents. Early in the morning, when it's quiet and I'm still half asleep is the best time to wrap presents (the worst being 20 mins before your guests arrive on Dec 24th!). Here are a couple of essentials that will help you make the most of your time. Stop by your local convenient store, stationary shop or craft supplies store for these goods:
Basics:
1) Wrapping paper: 4 rolls
2) Tissue wrapping paper for odd sized items: 2 packets
3) Scissors or 3m's fantastic gift wrap cutter: really a must have if you have more than 10 gifts
4) Ruler: to help you save paper and accurately size each sheet of wrapping
5) Tape: 3 rolls
6) Self-adhesive To and From labels: 2 packets
It's very nerdy, yes. But this is the only way to keep track of everyone, every dollar and ensure that every surprise gets delivered on time. Here's an excel template that will help you manage your gift list.
December 2008
The race to shop for Christmas gifts has officially started. Beat the budget and the calendar this year. This month I'm looking for $5, $10 and $15 gifts. Feel free to leave comments and share your ideas and finds. As always, you can keep me posted by email as well shoplittlegifts@gmail.com.
-Sweettooth
