Holiday gift guide: under $30

 It's December 7th and I will OFFICIALLY have all of my Christmas shopping done by tonight! (just a few last photo projects to finish) Phew. It took me so much longer than usual to shop this year and I blame in on our ever growing family (but having 6 nieces/nephews to shop for is SO fun) and December just sneaking up on my this year. Anyone else feel like that?

  Anyways! In case you still need to shop (or create your own wishlist for loved ones), I've round up some great gifts for under $30. Think teachers, neighbors, friends, gift exchanges, co-workers, sisters in law, etc. Lots of great ideas for just about everyone! 

  I decided to put together a smaller under $30 gift guide for kids, too! Justin and I actually don't buy our kids big gifts at Christmas (is that awful? They get so many gifts from loved ones!) In case you're in the same boat or have other little ones on your Christmas list, I've included some of our favorite smaller kid gifts. Most are unique enough that the kid on your list likely doesn't have them! Happy shopping :)

(if you do lots of shopping online for gifts, be sure to use ebates! You just search whatever site you're shopping on Ebates and they'll give you a percent back from your purchase. No catch- they just mail you a check! And if you refer a friend, you automatically get $25)

Marble photo holder with prints. I am OBSESSED with these cute (and unique!) photo holders. Handmade in Vietnam, they make a great gift for anyone. Your husband to use on his desk at work, paired with cute recipe cards for a friend who loves to cook, grandma who loves to set out family photos, or even paired with a Starbucks gift card for your favorite teacher/babysitter/neighbor. (If you want to pair it with prints, my favorites are from Chatbooks!) One holder is only $22 (or you can buy a set of 3!)

Loved mug. Maybe mugs are overdone right now? But I love this one. How fun to gift it to someone with maybe some chocolates or another treat inside as a reminder (whenever they use it!) that they are loved. This one is another favorite- and these keychains. My favorite quote!

May Designs notebook. Starting at $15, these GORGEOUS and customizable notebooks make the best gifts. I discovered them last year when on Noonday secret sister gifted me one and I was surprised by how much I loved and used it. And if you aren't on a budget, the leather folios go great with the little notebooks!

10oz tumbler. While they offer other sizes (and koozies!) I love this smaller tumbler. It's perfect for one cup of coffee or just a smaller drink. And its ADORABLE! You can customize the background, (and add a monogram for $5). Such a fun idea!

Fun planter. (with real or fake plant!) I'm still a sucker for a cute planter. If you (or the person you're gifting) doesn't have a green thumb, you can fill it with a succulent (ikea has cheap ones!) or even artificial greenery. Don't love the cute turtle? These gold planters are fun, too!

chatbooks. Make a book of photos for your bff, your husband, grandparents, or one of your annual beach vacation. Super affordable and fun to have! (Bonus: if you order TODAY Thursday, December 7th, Chatbooks will email you a $5 gift card!)

Fingerless mittens. Everyone loves a good pair of gloves. This pair is a combo of mittens and fingerless gloves which is my fav!

Noonday Collection accessories! I mean, you knew I would include my favorite Noonday items under $30, right? The Metric Cuff is a bestseller and I bought this Dancing Charm bracelet for Caleb's preschool teachers. I love how unique the Cow Horn Hoops are and they make a great gift for someone who loves funky pieces. If you want to stay clear from jewelry, I have this Haitian Leather Tassel on my leather tote and its so colorful and cute. The Huipil Luggage Tag is perfect for pairing with a gift card (it acts as a gift card holder!) or cute passport cover.

A good book. I've received books as gifts a few times over the last year and each time, its felt like a treat! Maybe people shy away from giving books because it can be a tricky gift, but I also think it can be fun. If you want a lighthearted book nearly everyone will love, The Rosie Project is my all time favorite. For a non-fiction, practical book- Emily Ley's newest has some amazing reviews!

Notecards. My favorite Etsy shop owner makes really, really pretty notecards and sells them in sets of four (or eight). So pretty! I love the idea of pairing them with some vintage stamps or your favorite pens (I like these). If you know someone who sews/knits/bakes, she also makes little tags to include with their creations.

gift cards. Why do gift cards get such a bad rap? I don't think they're impersonal at all! Target, Starbucks (or a local coffee shop!), a pastry shop, Etsy, Noonday Collection, etc ALL make fun add-on gifts!

Pull-back cars. Tyler was gifted these last Christmas and the boys LOVE them. They're big enough for them to grip, made of a soft rubber-like material, and are so fun to pull back and race on our hardwood floors. (I've found them at Target, too, if you want to see them in person!)

Poke-a-dot books. Need a fun busy book for a toddler? These are super fun and sort of a better version of bubble wrap because kids can endlessly 'poke' the dots.

Craft kits. I love everything by Alex Kids. Their sets are fun and playful, and really budget friendly. We have this Paper bag puppet kit and its so cute!

Play tunnel. We have this play tent and I've been on the hunt for an inexpensive (and condensable) tunnel to use with it. This ikea one is just the right size and only $15!

Mini lantern. The boys LOVE playing with flash lights and lanterns (and turning off the lights to do so). We've gone through 3 toy flashlights/lanterns already and I love this one for a replacement because its a great size and an even better price if it gets broken!

gift cards. Kids (and their parents!) love getting smaller gift cards to Chick Fil A, Target, an ice cream or donut shop, or even local bowling alleys!











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Holiday Gift Guide: for her.

  I have another gift guide for you today! This years' Gift Guide For Her seems to really have something for just about any sister/friend/mom/cousin/etc on your list. And lots of different price points! I will share my favorite gifts under $30 next week, but most on this list are still really reasonable. And, as usual, everything on the list is something I truly love/would love to have and I'm not being paid to tell you that. I'm positive I missed lots of other great gift ideas- be sure to leave a comment let me know your favorites :)

  (Be sure to check the guides from the 2015 and 2016- so many other fun ideas that I still love. My favorites giving keys, Rustic leather tote, and address stamp)

Legacy prayer journal. You all know I love Val Marie Paper and the journals she creates. Her newest collection of Legacy prayer journals are amazing. They make a good keepsake and are super meaningful. Great for moms or moms to be! Sisters, sisters-in-law, and friends- basically anyone with/or hoping for kids.

Codeword Hats. Super fun area code hats that give back to the community of each specific area code. I love these! I don't wear hats, but I can think of a dozen people that would love these unique hats. Bonus? The company donates 30% of each hat sale to the nearest children's hospital! (and if you don't see your area code, you can request it here!)

Pom Throw blanket. These are cozy and cute (and come in three fun colors!) I also really love this cute Christmas banner and am trying to convince myself to buy it :)

Large letter board.  I know, I'm really late to this trend. But big letter boards are super fun! You can find them at most craft stores (not the best quality) or at Letterfolk (crazy expensive. I like this one from Amazon the best- its big, has great ratings, and I've seen it in person and can attest to how great it seems! Know someone who already has a letter board? These letter sets make a great smaller gift!

Real Food cookbook. I've had this checked out from my library for a month and will be so sad to give it back that I added it to my Christmas list. It's the best cookbook I've seen that focuses on real food, but also normal food. Do you know what I mean? I especially love the chapters on lunchbox ideas for kids!

Polaroid daily calendar. I'm stealing this idea from John & Sherry, but its too good not to share with you. I love the idea of making it an annual family gift (grandparents, cousins, aunts, etc). It's small, personal, and each daily photo makes a great keepsake or actual photo to hang!

Wood sign. My absolute favorite shop has new (and budget friendly!) signs. This bathroom one is another favorite of mine.

Leather earrings. I'm obsessed with these gold-tipped, lightweight earrings. I recently lost one from my pair and have been at a loss the past couple of weeks while I wait for my new pair to come in! The neutral color and light-weight make them perfect for almost everyone. I promise, anyone can pull them off! (if you really don't love statement earrings, these marble studs are perfectly classy and timeless)

wool wrap sweater. If you have a sister-in-law or a big gift to buy someone, this lightweight sweater is EVERYTHING. It's a bit on the pricey side, but everything from Lululemon is worth the cost. AND ITS MACHINE WASHABLE. I have a few Lulu sweaters/hoodies that I wear/wash a ton and they hold up really, really well. It comes in a few colors, but Heathered Starlight is my favorite. So pretty!

Embroidered long sleeve. Such a pretty top with a simple loved embroidery! Its a little on the pricey side, but Walk In Love is known for their outstanding quality. This top is a less expensive option and I live this short-sleeved one, too! (I would size up to make sure they're extra cozy)












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Holiday gift guide: for little ones.

Ok, to be honest this year's gift guides have been SO much harder to make. I find myself writing down gifts ideas I've already used the past two years- because we really love them so much! So, if you haven't seen them, be sure to read the Little Ones gift guides from 2015 and 2016. (The Ikea play kitchen, LL Bean totes, and play makeup are probably my top 3!)

  Even still, I was able to come up with some great gift ideas that we really do love. Everything on this list is something we either have already or is on our boys' Christmas lists! There's a bit of a trend towards more learning toys/less clutter, which is maybe indicative of our stage of life? Don't get me wrong, we absolutely love Paw Patrol and plan to round out Caleb's collection of each pup and their vehicle this year!

  I'm positive I'm missing lots of great gift ideas for little ones, so leave me a comment and let me know what gifts you're loving this year!

Tegu tiles. Hands down, these are some of the coolest toys! Everything Tegu makes is ethical and innovative- which makes them worth the higher price tag. They are definitely on my boys' Christmas lists because I can only imagine how much fun they would have build and creating with these blocks (especially Tyler!).

Kinetic sand. One of my favorite things to gift it to others!! It's not messy and great for molding/building castles and other designs. Also doesn't take up tons of space! (you can find it basically anywhere toys are sold and I love this kit from Lakeshore) Making your own Kinetic sand box is even cheaper than buying a kit (the sand lasts longer and its easier to store!). Here is what we used to make our kinetic sandbox:  sand, molds, storage container. All of that adds up to about $23, or $32 if you buy two bags of sand!

Seedling creative kits. I am obsessed with everything by this fun company! They have something for pretty much any toddler/elementary aged kid and every gift is super unique. I love that they tap into adventure and imagination and all are really hands on!

Secret message T-shirt. I love how super simple this shirt and the hidden message inside. My 3 year-old would LOVE it and I can just picture him at school showing his teachers the hidden message!

Twilight constellation turtle. I'm not sure any pictures will do this little turtle justice! The turtle has constellation cut-outs on its shell and when you turn it on- stars and the moon project onto the wall or ceiling in one of three colors. It is SO cool. One of Caleb's friends has had one forever and every time we visit Caleb plays with it non-stop. We finally added it to his wishlist and Justin's parents gifted it to him over the summer. Both boys still love it! It's fun to take in the basement with the lights off and have the boys chase the moon or put into their play tent.

Dress up sets. Melissa and Doug has some of our favorite sets (the fire fighter, chef, and construction worker get endless love in our house), but I also love to gift this cape/mask set from a local Indy area boutique (it's only $12!)! Truly, dress up sets are in our all-time most loved toys. Both boys wear and love them and I don't see them growing out of them anytime soon!

Imagination magnets. Maybe I'm just really into learning toys lately? These are on Caleb's Christmas list!

Amazon kids tablet. So, this is super pricey and probably every family but ours' already has one or something similar. But we only just bought one for our long road trip over Thanksgiving and I can't say enough great things about it! Our kids don't play on our iPad often (I usually forget we have it), but Caleb loves having his 'very own' tablet to play games and watch shows on for long road trips. I especially love all the parental controls and time limits you can set on the Amazon tablet!

bean bag chair. How fun are these? Since taking the rocking chair out of Caleb's room (and soon Tyler's!), there's been an awkward space I haven't known how to fill. My friend Sara gave me this idea and these are now on my boys' Christmas lists!

Experiences. We are big fans of zoo and museum memberships, but there are also a lot of other great experiences you can gift to the kiddos in your life. We're considering taking Caleb to Paw Patrol Live and any live show (Disney on Ice, Wild Kratts, etc) would be so fun for almost any aged kid! Gift cards for bowling, the ice rink, trampoline park, or even an amusement park would make really fun gifts as well. (If you live in Indy, the Children's Museum prices are going up in 2018! You can get the lower price before the end of the year- and if you tell them I referred you, I get a discount too!)

Holiday Gift Guide. {under $30}

  Raise your hand if you love a good deal! If you have a teacher to shop for, need some stocking stuffers, or just want to treat your closest friends without breaking the bank, here are 6 deals you might love. Know of some great ones I missed? Let me know!!

Grace, Not Perfection// For only $10 (today only!) this book would make a great gift for any girlfriend, sister, or mom. Emily also has the most adorable office supplies (I use this notepad for every date night out).

Cultivate What Matters// This is my new favorite shop for small gifts for friends- it has so many great options! I love this set for $25- you basically 4 gifts in one bundle. Either of these prints (1//2) make great stocking stuffers and I love this set to gift to friends (and they're all under $10!)

Twin Sparrow// These sweet $12 leather keychains are so sweet and classic. I love that you can pick a word that fits whoever you're shopping for! Bonus? One of my most favorite friends from college is the creative mind behind them and I love how she genuinely pours love and prayer into all of her work.

Colorful jewelry roll// For only $20, you could tuck a gift card inside or leave it empty and have a cute (and unique!) teacher gift.

Measuring spoons// I don't know about you, but I can always use another set of measuring cups and spoons. These are super cute, would go in anyone's kitchen, and won't break the bank at $10!

Colorful pencil pouch// So cute, comes in lots of colors, and you can even personalize one. Only $25!

Holiday Gift Guide. (for her)

  It's officially Christmas shopping season! In case you need a few ideas for your sister, best friend, or even yourself- I'm sharing some of my favorites this year. There is pretty much something for everyone and at every price point. If you especially love a bargain or are shopping for a little one, check the $30 and under and little ones gift guides!

  What's on your Christmas list this year? I'd love to hear! And be sure to click through to each shop to check out their Cyber Monday deals- most expire tonight at midnight and you don't want to miss out.

1. Between You And Me Signs// Looking for a bigger gift that will last for years? Tara and her husband make the most gorgeous signs (and have been doing so for years before they became super trendy!). They have smaller signs that start as low as $60 and collections that go up to $300- basically something for every price point. These make a great heirloom-type gift for a mom or sister or close friend! (I have this one in Tyler's nursery and can attest to how pretty and well made it is! And I'm eyeing this one for our living room.)

2. Graphic Tees// These long sleeve tees make the cutest layering pieces for cold weather! Bonus: Mandy donates $ from every purchase to a different organization every month.

3.  Gorgeous Jewelry// Classic earrings that literally anyone would love. (Need a more funky option? This leather pair is amazing!)

4. Prayer journal// I'm pretty sure I include these journals each year, and there's a good reason. I truly, truly love these. They are a great tool for focusing on prayer and being intentional. They make such a great gift and Val creates a ton of different types (pregnancy, singleness, marriage, thankful and kid's  and men's prayer journals). Stay tuned for a fun giveaway!

5. The Jones Market// Candis makes lovely and simple jewelry that is tug-able and durable (perfect for moms, but really anyone!). There is such a range of options, from beaded infinity necklaces to adorable bracelets and keychains (stocking stuffers!). My current favorite? This oversized tote!

6. Dear Mushka// I have had my eye on this shop since I noticed some of my favorite bloggers wearing pieces a few years ago. I just love that each piece has a story and meaning and they are so well priced (most is under $30!). This Hope necklace may be my current fav, but there are a ton of different and creative pieces to choose from!

7. Giving Keys// Have you heard of these? You can read more about the story behind them here! My friend Meg gifted me a Peace key months ago and I wear it almost daily. It's a great reminder to hold onto God's peace and not anxiety. There are a dozen words to choose from and I love the idea of passing your key and your word onto someone else when you don't need it anymore! I have this one, but there are a lot of gifts under $50 to choose from!

8. Mom Sweats// I'm not sure why, but I am obsessed with these sweats. They're a little pricier for sweatpants (or maybe I'm cheap?) but I definitely have them on my own Christmas list!

9. Sseko Designs// The cutest sandals (and other leather goods!) that help send Ugandan girls to college. How fun, right?! 

10. The Flourish Market// This shop actually has a little of everything, in every price point! From shoes and clothing to home goods and jewelry- there is something for just about anyone on your Christmas list. Everything is fair trade and ethically made!

11. World Vision// If you're like me, you may have lots of people on your Christmas list this year that don't actually need anything. If that's the case, consider giving a gift in their name through World Vision. There are a ton of different options/causes and each comes with a printable gift card that explains how your gift will make a difference for someone around the world! (ps. you can do this any time of year, not just at Christmas!)

12. S'well Bottle// I know there are a million awesome water bottles these days that will keep things hot/cold forever. But these are the cutest of them all! 

13. Address stamp// Have I included this before? Probably, because I love it! It makes the perfect housewarming gift or present for the girl who already has everything.

14. Speak Out// This game seems HILARIOUS! I don't have it, but I would love to play it and it seems perfect for family gift exchange or to give someone who loves silly things.

15. Photos// Have a friend that loves to take photos or just bought a new home? I love the idea of buying one (or a handful!) of white frames and adding a gift card to a great printing service like Mpix.com. That way they can start to fill their walls with gorgeous photos (like their recent wedding or baby or move or vacation or whatever). Cute, right?!

Holiday Gift Guide. {little ones}

Ok, I'm definitely no expert on gifting for littles. But after 2 1/2 years of receiving gifts for my little ones, I have a good handle on the gifts we've loved and used the most! I've rounded up some of our favorites, ranging from super pricey to perfect for budget buying and handmade shops to big retailers. Whether you need ideas for your own little one or just a simple gift for a friend- I've covering it all.

{be sure to click through to each shop to see their great Cyber Monday deals! I'm not getting paid to advertise any of these things at all- I just genuinely love them!} And be sure to read last year's gift guide if you need more ideas!

1. Cubbie Lee Toys// My favorite shop on the list this year! Some of our college friends started their own toy company and it is WONDERFUL! (Really, I am saying that unbiasedly- I've already ordered gifts for my nieces and nephews without any incentive at all!) They have all the classic toys at incredibly affordable prices. The tea set, train collection, and animal truck are my favs! For the next week, you can save 15% on your entire Amazon order with coupon code CUB15OFF

2.  SoapSox// I love these cute bath toys! They were on Shark Tank a few years ago and I bought some for my niece and nephew, so I can attest to how fun they are. These oversized bath sponges come in different animal or disney characters and add lots of fun to any kiddos bathtime!

3. Free Day Popcorn// This makes the PERFECT stocking stuffer! You can buy one ear of popping corn for less than $3 and it would be a ton of fun for a family movie night. You simply put the entire ear of corn in your microwave and watch it pop! They also sell regular popping corn kernels and I hear everything from their farm is delicious.

4. Hooray Mail// If a grandparent or long-distance family member needs a great gift idea, this one is awesome. You can choose a 3, 6, or 12 month mail subscription and Hooray Mail will send personalized and age-specific activities in the mail to your kiddo with the sender's information on the return address! I bought this for my nephew this summer and it was a fun way to give a gift that lasts more than one day, doesn't take up a lot of space in the house, and gives them something to look forward to each month.

5. Graphic tees// These adorable shirts from Milk & Honey are adorable! My kiddos receive compliments every time they wear them and they are super soft. I also love all of the fun sayings on these tees (Caleb and I talk about this one every time he wears it).

6. Just Like Mommy Cosmetics// I don't have a daughter or wear makeup, but I can't even handle how cute this shop is. My sister bought a cosmetic set for my niece a few years ago and it looks SO real! It looks like the shop will be reopening in the next week and it seems like the owner is a bit hard to get ahold of, but I promise it's worth the wait if you order anything for your little girl. So many cute makeup pieces that actually do look just like mommy's!

7. Reusable stickers// Another great stocking stuffer! We saw this at a friend's house last week and I immediately added it to Caleb's Christmas list. For only $5, it is perfect for a toddler who doesn't quite understand real stickers. These are reusable and last for a long time!

8. Star From Afar// It's on my list again because I love it! It makes the perfect kid for littles on your list that are too little to truly care about what gifts they receive this year (think babies!). And you can get free shipping if you order today by noon!

9. Ikea play kitchen// Another repeat on my list because it is hands down the most used toy we own. My mom gifted it to use last year and I have been so surprised how much use it gets. Caleb still loves it and even Tyler plays with it each day. It's just the right size (not too bulky or heavy), durable (love that its wooden!), and has the perfect amount of compartments to open and close and store things. If there is one big gift you put on your kiddos list this year, this should be it!

10. Museum or Zoo passes// As much as we love and use all of our favorite toys at home, we also love getting out of the house and experiencing things. So many zoos and local children's museums sell yearly memberships AND daily passes that make awesome gifts! We love both our zoo and museum. Each has so much to do that our kiddos really never get tired of visiting them.

Gift guide. {what's on my list}

  So, I had a bigger gift guide planned with lots of good stuff and wanted to have it up two weeks ago. Then I had a baby, forgot about it and, when I remembered, decided to simplify it and only include the things that are on my Christmas list. I mean, why not? These are all goodies that I would love to receive or that I'm giving as gifts this year. And you'll notice a trend- lots are from small businesses because I just love supporting them! This list sort of covers everything though- from clothes and totes, home goods, and books to tech-y things, hobby stuff, and even gift cards! And just a little reminder {because I caught myself nearly missing this myself!}- today is the last day to order from most places to have it arrive by Christmas. So hop to it! Finish up your shopping! {and on that note, I'm off to order that last few things for my own Christmas shopping!}

Emily Mcdowell// I love Emily's sense of humor and how she approaches taboo topics. These tea towels are my fav right now!

MamaSaid// I'm in love with this top!

leather tote// So, technically this isn't on my list since I already own one. But you guys! If you know someone who loves classic, quality pieces- get her this. It's amazing! {find a coupon code here!}

prayer journal// Hands down, my favorite thing to gift. I've been using mine for over a year now and can't so enough good things about having this!

candles// here are my 3 favorites: 1// 2// 3//

gift cards// So, gift cards get a bad rap. And I think that's dumb. Some people think they're super impersonal, but I LOVE them! I am stingy when it comes to shopping for myself, so having a gift card is such a treat. For instance, having a newborn during winter means being a bit housebound- but a trip through Starbucks drive-thru or a little vacation down the aisles of Target are basically amazing to a mom! You can find gift cards for just about everything these days and these are some of my favorites: etsy// starbucks// target// Patachou {a local Indy eatery}// loft. 

selfie stick// So, I don't have this on my list. But I should because it's sort of amazing. 

books// these two {1// 2//} are my current favorites to gift to others and these two {1// 2//} are on my list

mug// I actually need to purge some of my mugs because the collection is getting a bit out of control, but if I had room I'd add this one to my collection. And, if I'm being practical, I really could use another one of these because they genuinely keep my tea/hot chocolate warm for HOURS. Yes, please. 

mom necklace// I had one of these when Caleb was born, but it didn't hold up well. I'd love to upgrade to a nicer one {and add a T for Tyler!}. I have my eye on this one!

Project Life// I'm obsessed with Project Life and think its just a super doable way to document every day moments. I have the Emily Ley baby set for Tyler, but still need to get a book and I need to start another book of Caleb/general family stuffs!

Toms// I struggle when it comes to finding shoes I like that I can wear every day. I don't wear Uggs or booties or any of the trendy shoes- I tend to stick to simpler options. I also hate wearing socks, so flats and slip-ons are my besties. Toms for the win! 

clothes// Turns out being pregnant/nursing for the last 14 months means my wardrobe sort of stinks. I need to completely revamp it and these are some classics I'm loving: 1// 2// 3// 4// 5// 

Mpix// I just placed a big order of Caleb's newborn photos and remembered why I love this printer so much! The cheaper sites are my go-to for phone/day-today photos, but when I'm printing professional shots I stick with Mpix {so much better quality!}. I try to print photos once a month, so a gift card is such a huge help and a treat to print a few extras to help build our gallery walls. 

Holiday Gift Guide. {little ones}

  Ok, I'm definitely no expert on gifting for littles. But after 1 1/2 years of receiving gifts for my little one, I have a good handle on the gifts we've loved and used the most! I've rounded up some of our favorites, ranging from super pricey to perfect for budget buying and handmade shops to big retailers. Whether you need ideas for your own little one or just a simple gift for a friend- I've covering it all.

{be sure to click through to each shop to see their great Cyber Monday deals! I'm not getting paid to advertise any of these things at all- I just genuinely love them! :D}

Star From Afar// You guys. I am SO in love with this new Christmas tradition. Think Elf on the Shelf- but with a much better message! The kit comes with a full nativity set and the best book that describes the meaning of Christmas in really, really simple language. The story talks about how the three wise men followed the star and eventually found Jesus in the manger, which gives parents a starting point for taking the star from the nativity and moving it around the home each day leading up until Christmas. Each day, your kiddos look for the star and when they find it, they move the three wise men to it. On Christmas morning, you move the star to the top of the stable and lead the wise men to baby Jesus in the manger! I love this! It keeps the whimsy and fun of other traditions and mixes them with the opportunity to help kids appreciate and understand the Advent season from a really young age. 

  As Caleb gets older, I think I'll put pieces of candy with the Star each morning and we'll read the short and simple daily Bible verses given in the book around the table at supper each night. Until then, we'll keep it a bit more simple and toddler-ish. I'll share more tomorrow! Bonus! Natalie, the amazingly sweet creator of Star From Afar, is giving away one kit to a reader! Be sure to check Instagram this week to see how you can win one!

MamaSaid Tees// So I'm just in love with these shirts. If you have a kiddo on your Christmas list, these are perfect! They're fun and have a great message. {I bought this one for Caleb and will snatch a onesie up once they're restocked!} They even have really really cute adult tops {I put this on my own Christmas list!} and I extra love them because one of the owners is from Indy! 

Baby Jack & Co// Ok, these make awesome gifts for babies and moms-to-be. Who doesn't love a cute lovey? But the best part is their mission to give back to kiddos who need a little extra love- by donating to hospitals, military bases, fire stations, and more. My sister gifted us one for the new baby and I genuinely love the look and quality. But I extra love the company and the work their doing the chance I have to #spreadthelovey {the cute name of their campaign} by gifting these cute blankets!

Bannor Toys// I'll be honest, we don't own a single thing from Bannor Toys. But it's been on Caleb's Christmas list for the last two years! I love that everything is handmade, non toxic, and just really unique. Caleb would love this Rough Terrain Jeep Set! 

Knob Puzzles// Most of Caleb's favorite toys are from Melissa & Doug- especially his knob puzzles. He received a few as gifts last Christmas {when he was 6 months old} and still loves them. They are a go-to gift for holidays and first birthday for us! He also really, really loves this car transporter he got on his birthday! 

Milestone Journal// So this might be more for moms than kids, but I still love it. I'm seriously thinking of buying one for myself and baby number two- it is so simple and uncluttered. It would go perfect with a basic Project Life baby album!

Anywhere chair// Before Caleb was even born, I knew we'd buy him one of these. They're a bit pricey, but my niece and nephew love theirs. So when my in-laws asked for gift ideas last year, I suggested this {knowing we'd buy one if they didn't!} and they generously gifted it to Caleb. And no surprise, he is obsessed. He climbs all over it, uses it to make forts, and sweetly snuggles in it when he's sleepy. We love it!

Play kitchen// Truth? This is what I want to give Caleb this Christmas. But Justin thinks its a bit silly and girly {um, no}, so our only chance of getting one is as a gift {hint hint grandmas!}. But he loves play kitchen and plays forever with them when he can. This Ikea one is my favorite because it's affordable, simple, wooden, and has plenty of different parts to play with! Plus, if you're the creative type, there are about a million tutorials for how to hack it and make it extra adorable. 

Hooded towel// Another gift we've loved and used the heck out of! Caleb was gifted a Nursery wrap last Christmas and we've used it for baths, swim class, water park visits, everything. He's outgrown that size now the he's 1 1/2, but was gifted a kid's size beach wrap for his birthday that will last him for years. We love the beach wraps a bit more than the actual bath wraps, but use them for baths! They're a bit thicker and sturdier. It's become one of our go-to 1st birthday gifts to give! 

Highlights magazine// Yes, the same magazine you remember from when you were a kid. Except its more awesome now! They're super affordable and have different options for kids as young as infants. I'm crossing my fingers Caleb's receives a subscription this year!

LL Bean Tote// Ok ok, another gift more for parents than kids. But its awesome! We bought Caleb a Large monogrammed tote last Christmas {and are making it a 1st Christmas tradition for each kid} and love it. He has his own bag for traveling and it's super roomy. We use it for overnight trips to grandma's, week long vacations at the lake, and day trips to the water park. It's crazy durable {isn't everything LL Bean makes??} and when the bags are zipped, they stack perfectly. Love these things! 

EzPz placemats// We're getting closer an closer to taking the tray off Caleb's high chair and just pulling him up to the table, but he still has a tendency to pick up/throw/bang around his plates and bowls. These tricky little placemats are the best of both worlds! Since they're made of silicone, they sort of suction to the table and make it nearly impossible for a kiddo to pick it up. But the bowl and plate shapes help them get used to eating like a big kid! Win-win. 

Books// So I didn't include these in the fancy schmancy collages, but we LOVE books. Before Caleb was born, I remember Justin telling me I was cut off from picking up any more books at yard sales or putting any on our Christmas lists. That's changed! We go to the library every week, but still loving having our own books on hand. And we read them over and over and over every single day. Caleb asks for them by name and truly knows the words to most of them by now! Here are 5 of our favorites: 1// 2// 3// 4// 5//.