Naturally, every year I am asked, "What do teachers REALLY want for Christmas gifts?" So let me tell you the truth! While we truly don't expect anything, it sure is a nice treat to be appreciated. And while truly any gift is appreciated, here are some things that we really like! (At least I am speaking for me and all of my teacher friends!) 1. Gift Cards This is probably the favorite gift given to any teacher. I like to do some investigating and find out the kids' teachers' "favorite things"! This makes gift giving pretty easy! One of the nicest gifts I have gotten over the years is a gift card from my entire class. One mother sent a letter to all the parents in our class (without me knowing) saying she wanted to get one large Visa gift card for me for Christmas. Parents mailed an amount to her and she purchased a large gift card! It was such a nice treat! But picking up a gift card to a restaurant, grocery store, gas station, Starbucks, or for a massage is sure to be a winner! 2. Pinterest Inspired Gifts Another fun idea is to do a quick search on Pinterest! (You can follow my Teacher Appreciate Idea board here!) I made a "For Your Mistle Toes" gift bag and included socks, nail polish, chocolate, and a gift card for a pedicure! I also made a "Thanks a Latte for All You Do" gift bag and included a thermal mug and chocolate! Sometime I even throw in a Starbucks gift card too! 3. A Kind Note I have said this before, but it remains true! A kind note from a family means the world! Believe it or not, throughout the school year, we get several mean notes/emails that bring us to tears. The kind notes are the things that get us through! I know many teachers at my school (myself included!) have a file of all the kind notes we have gotten over the years. You have no idea the joy you can bring by simply writing a kind note. 4. Chocolate While for me, this is not something I like (I know, don't unfollow me! But I don't like chocolate!!) MOST teachers do! Pick up a box of chocolates and attach a nice note! I can not say it enough - WE DO NOT EXPECT GIFTS! And we TRULY appreciate any nice gesture - no matter how big or small! But here is the inside scoop on what we really want!
Merry Christmas! Candace
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Christmas is my favorite time of the year! While yes, it is incredibly busy, it is also so magical! I am fairly certain that the love language I love the best is giving gifts! I LOVE to find the perfect gifts for people! I get just as much joy watching them open the gift as (hopefully!) they get receiving the gift! And while my children certainly LOVE to receive gifts, I want them to experience the joy of giving as well! I also want the to remember the fun things we did as a family! Check out the fun things we do every year as a family! Elf on the Shelf Yes, we are "that" family that embraces this silly, but fun, tradition! You can read all about what we do here. And you can follow my Pinterest board here for great ideas. If you don't have an Elf on the Shelf yet, it sure is a fun tradition in our house that the kids look forward to every year! The elf appears on December 1 every year with a gift that includes new pajamas for the kids, pop corn, hot chocolate, and a movie the whole family can enjoy! You've Been Socked Another fun tradition we do in our neighborhood is "You've Been Socked"! Buy an inexpensive stocking and fill it with goodies for a family in the neighborhood! Attached the "You've Been Socked" poem and make extra copies of the "We've Been Socked" paper. After the stocking is filled, deliver it to a family in your neighborhood! Ring their doorbell and run away so they don't know who "socked" them! They have 24 hours to "sock" someone else! Once you have been "socked", tape the "We've Been Socked" paper to your door. The Sparkle Box We haven't started this tradition yet, but I just ordered this book (The Sparkle Box) to do with our family this year. Several of my friends do this tradition and love it! Basically, you do kind things for others throughout the month of December. Every time you do something kind, the parents write it down and put it in the box. On Christmas morning, the kids open the box and read the kind things that have been done as a family. Christmas Book Advent Another fun thing we do is a Christmas Book Advent! I wrap 24 books (usually Christmas books), and each day we unwrap one and read it! I don't buy all new books, but I wrap our favorite Christmas books that we reread every year!! What are some traditions you do at your house?? Merry Christmas to you all!
Every year, I used to struggle with what to get my classroom kids for Christmas! Having 24+ students means that things can add up quickly! I used to get them all the same book! And while that is nice, I saw this idea on Pinterest a few years ago and really loved it! For around $1.50 per student, I can give them a cute gift that they really enjoy! Plus, many students don't have gloves (or socks if you choose) to keep them warm! Here's what you need: 1 Hershey bar per student 1 pair of socks or gloves per student Ribbon Snowman Face Template From label What to do?
I used to cover each Hershey bar with white paper every year and DRAW on the faces! This year, I got smart! I created this Snowman Face Template to make the process go faster! I purchased gloves in a three pack from Wal-Mart for $1.47! Can't beat that! After I cover each Hershey bar with the Snowman Face Template, I put the gloves on top, tie the fingers with ribbon, and attach a label to the back that says "Merry Christmas from Mrs. Post"! Easy peasy! I used to use socks for the hats, but using gloves is a less expensive option! To my teacher tribe, I hope this makes gift giving a little easier for you!! Merry Christmas to you all! These are some of the things at the top of Henry's wish list this Christmas! Hopefully, this helps with the little guys in your life as well! Henry is not only obsessed with all things Star Wars, but he has recently loved telling time! This was the watch he got for his birthday a month ago! He loves it! Star Wars Legos are another thing at the top of Henry's Christmas wish list! He would really like one that costs about $400.... I told him Santa doesn't have that much money! ;) Like many other boys, Henry is loving Steph Curry! Old Navy recently started carrying an NBA line - perfect gifts at a great price! How cool is this sleeping bag from Pottery Barn Kids?!? I absolutely love it! This one is a bit of a splurge, but you can check out some less expensive ones here. This scooter will make a great gift! It is lightweight, doesn't take up much room, and provides hours of entertainment! WIN, WIN, WIN! This silly little toy, Bop-It, is no bigger than the size of my hand, yet it provides tons of fun! I can't lie.... it totally brings out my competitive side! It would also fit great in a stocking! We have this exact balance bike and love it! I cannot say enough good things about it! My kids both started riding their bikes without training wheels early because of this balance bike! It really helps them learn to balance! I don't know about you, but my kids love playing with and making slime!! This slime kit is sure to be a favorite gift! Both boys and girls alike love Nerf guns! In fact, today, Henry and Lucy were having the best time chasing each other around and shooting one another with their Nerf guns! It was hysterical to watch! (And nothing got broken!!! Woohoo!!) Hope this makes shopping for all those sweet boys a bit easier!
When I received these Sorel boots in the mail last week, I was so excited to put together some outfits! They are very comfortable with a heel that is not thigh! They are also waterproof to keep my feet warm and toasty this winter!
While my Sorel boots are a bit of an investment, Target has made an incredibly similar pair at a much lower price tag!
There are so many toys that Lucy loves and plays with! But here are a few of her favorite things and a few things that are on her current Christmas list!! Henry has recently become obsessed with Legos!! Last year, it was tons of work for both Brit and I! I have lost track of the sheer number of hours that went in to constructing those Lego sets! This year for Christmas, Lucy has requested "Girl Legos"! So.... I found some "Girl Legos"! These silly little princess dolls provide hours of entertainment for Lucy! You can switch out their hair accessories as well as their clothes! They are small (so they don't take up too much room!!) and would also make a great stocking stuffer! Here's a great inexpensive gift for any child - window markers! You can write right on a window! How fun is that?!? Plus, they clean up easily! I have not figured out the obsession with Hatchimals! But darnit.... Lucy played the Santa card! "Mommy, can I please ask Santa for some Hatchimals?" Well, shoot! Well played, Lucy, well played! We got the kids an easel for Christmas a few years ago, and I cannot believe how much it is used! Not only is the easel great for the kids to using for drawing and painting, but it is also great for me to use for birthday parties! If you have a child (or grandchild or niece or nephew, etc...) that is not riding a bike yet, I cannot recommend a balance bike more! Lucy got a balance bike for Christmas two years ago and still loves it! Plus, last summer, as a 4 year old, she learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels! She took right off because she had the balance thing down! We have this kitchen set for Lucy, and it is still used quite a bit! I really wanted the Pottery Barn one, but I just couldn't justify the cost. This kitchen set is just as cute at a fraction of the cost! This one is adorable as well! Lucy loves her shopping cart! It looks just like the real thing but smaller! She can even carry her babies! I just love to watch the kids pretend! If your kids love to color as much as mine, they will love this playhouse! It is made of cardboard, but it is big enough that they can actually fit inside! Plus, the entire playhouse can be colored! One of Lucy's favorite things is matching her dolls! This pajama set is perfect for those American Girl Dolls!! Not only is this pajama set adorable, it is also a great value and holds up! I hope this list makes shopping a little easier for those special little girls in your life!
One of the fun traditions that we do at our house every December 1-24 is the Elf on the Shelf! There are so many different traditions done with this silly elf, and I am sure it is different in each family! I even do this in my classroom as well! Nothing like making a threat saying that our elf may have to deliver a message to Santa if behavior doesn't shape up! ;) Elf on the Shelf at Home At home, our Elf on the Shelf comes to visit every year from December 1-24 (when he has to go back to the North Pole to help Santa get ready for Christmas!) Our Elf on the Shelf always brings a gift for the kids - new pajamas, a Christmas movie to watch with the family, popcorn, and hot chocolate! Every night the Elf on the Shelf moves in to a different spot! Now this is the fun part! You can follow my Pinterest board here to see some of the creative ideas that I have found! I will be honest, there has been more than one night when I have been almost to sleep and realized that I hadn't moved the elf!! Elf on the Shelf in the Classroom So.... I totally love Elf on the Shelf in the classroom too! The morning of the elf's delivery, I put a wrapped box in the freezer! Then my principal delivers the package that afternoon! We go on and on about how cold it is and how it was just delivered from the North Pole! He does all kind of fun stuff! Here are some of my favorite things! 1. He brings a package with cups, glitter (AKA "Magic Dust"), Tic Tacs (AKA "Magic Seeds") and a note telling us to "plant the magic seeds". Each child plants them in their cup. Magically, the next school day the Tic Tac has grown into a candy cane! Also on this day, the elf makes a zipline in our classroom out of a candy can. 2. The elf makes a bed in our tissue box. 3. The elf uses fake snow and makes a snow angel. 4. The elf reads books with the stuffed animals in our room. So many fun things to do!!! I love the magic that this time of year brings!
It's no secret that Christmas is my favorite time of the year - especially for decorating! I hope this gives you some inspiration for your home!
Family Room
Most ornaments were purchased from our local floral shop, but I have found a few similar ones below!
This nativity set has been in Briton's family for years, and I am honored to have it in our home!
Our mantle may be my favorite part of our Christmas decorations!
Similar Stockings // Trees // Candlesticks // Similar Stocking Holders // Similar Wreath
Kitchen
I like to decorate just a bit in the kitchen as well! I purchased the "JOY" letters from Hobby Lobby! Here is a similar sign.
A fun tradition that we do in our family is the advent calendar! We fill the pockets with lottery tickets. Each day we scratch them as a family and do something fun at the end with our winnings - IF we have any! ;)
Dining Room
Guest Room
With most of our family living in town, we don't get many guests, but that doesn't stop my from putting a few Christmas things in there too!
Henry's Room
The kids love having a Christmas tree in their rooms! One trick I do to save time is wrap the trees in Press 'n' Seal at the end of the season! Then when Christmas time rolls around, all I have to do is pull the trees out of the attic and unwrap them!
Henry's room has a "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles" theme! Most ornaments were purchased at Pottery Barn Kids!
I also like to use Christmas pillows in the kids' rooms for another fun touch!
Lucy's Room
Lucy shares my love for pink!
Most of Lucy's ornaments and decor were purchased at Hobby Lobby and Pier 1.
Lucy even insisted on a Christmas tree for her dollhouse!
Basement
Most ornaments purchased at Hobby Lobby!
Outdoors
We don't do much outdoors! So if you put beautiful Christmas lights around your house - WELL DONE!!
I purchased this wreath from Pier 1 about 8 years ago, but I still love it! Here is a very similar one!
My topiaries are older ones I got from a garage sale. Here are some similar ones.
Similar Rug // Lighted Garland
I love these giant ornaments! I got them from Hobby Lobby!
Merry Christmas to your family!!!
With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start thinking of all things holidays! We host both my family and Brit's family Christmas every year! I like to use my every day dishes and jazz up the place setting just a bit! I always set up a fun table for the kids as well! I found this reindeer tic tac toe game that keeps them busy for, let's be honest, one or two minutes! ;)
Tablecloth // Santa Bowl // Plates // Similar Napkins // Napkin Ring // Similar Silverware Holder I asked Briton and some other men in my life, "What are some things you love?" Here were some of their answers!! You may want to add some of these thing to your Christmas shopping list! :) Briton works outside quite a bit and relies on these gloves to keep his hands nice and toasty! These gloves would make great stocking stuffers too! If you know Briton at all, you would know that he is man that requires very little maintenance and rarely spends money on himself. His mom got him these pants for her birthday, and he loves them! He wears these pants out and loves them for travel too! Brit is also a huge fan of these shirts! He wears them underneath his shirts during the fall and winter. He also wears these shirts when he plays basketball every Saturday morning! This grill basket is AMAZING! We use it every time we grill during the summer! Just throw in some veggies and you are good to go! I usually line it with foil first to make clean up a breeze! This little Leatherman is pretty much the handiest tool ever!!! Brit carries this on his keychain and is always ready for whatever comes his way!! This is also small enough to make a great stocking stuffer too! For those techy men in your life, the Amazon Fire Stick is a super popular gift! It is similar to an Apple TV at a much lower price point! Watch thousands of channels and have access to tons of apps too! Do you have a sports' fan at your house?? Old Navy now carries an NFL and NBA line for both men, women, boys, and girls!! During the winter, I can always be found wearing my Ugg boots! Brit totally used to give me a hard time because he doesn't like the way they look! Last year for his birthday, I splurged and bought him some Ugg slippers. Now, he TOTALLY gets why I love my Ugg boots so much!! You know you married a good man when he still snow blows his parents' and grandparents' sidewalks and driveways every winter! This hat was a Christmas gift a few years ago! It is worn every time he is out in the cold! My brother-in-law asked for a nice cocktail shaker couple of years ago for Christmas. I love this shaker from Pottery Barn because it can be personalized! You might need a great bar tool kit to go with this too! Hope this helps!
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AuthorHi! I'm Candace! Wife, mom of two, teacher, and lover of all things fabulous! Here's to home, dishes, & fashionable wishes! Archives
December 2017
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