12-6-25
What I Can’t Let Go Of:
Wait? Just 2 weeks until the kids all arrive???
How is that possible?
‘Nuff said!
On the Blog This Week
Give Back Giving
Why give a gift that stops at the unwrapping?
Learn about or Gifting With Purpose. And discover brands that give back — to communities, to the planet, to people in need — multiplying the value of every dollar.
A wonderful option for family and friends.
Also a smart, meaningful choice for colleagues, teams, and clients.
Brighten the Holidays for Loved Ones in Care Facilities
I get that inboxes are overflowing, so I’m including this again. Well, it’s just too Important to miss!
You’ll find two lists of practical and easy ways to add festive touches to small rooms without clutter and cords (keeping them save and the staff happy).
And there are four lists of suggestions for gift items they really use and enjoy: cozy, comfy gifts, personal care gifts, practical helper gifts, and engaging and entertaining gifts.
Plus a list of what NOT to bring! So important!
And suggestions everyone will love for kid-friendly visits.
This week I’m all about the gifting
Bringing the Holiday Cheer to Care Facilities
If you have a loved one in a care facility — short term or long — it is stressful! I get it. Truly I do. So I put together a post full of ideas for brightening the holidays for them.
Pop over to my ShopMy Collections of doable and easy decor I have curated for walls, doors and windows. And another collection of additional decor items specific for these small rooms.
There’s nothing like bringing the cheer to your loved ones that is safe and staff approved.
Cozy, Comfy Gifts They Will Love
In that same post, I included ideas for cozy, comfy gifts for these special loved ones. S
uch as this unbelievably cuddly lap blanket which is actually the same size as a baby blanket (larger throws are trip hazard). And it’s on sale at Pottery Barn, for just $30 and going fast!!!!
Pair it with aa bed jacket or cardigan, and your loved one will be cozy and stylish!.
Gifts that Engage and Entertain
And here are amazing items for engaging and entertaining gifts. Gifts for all levels of mobility and dexterity.
If your loved one has a mischievous twinkle in his eye, I strongly suggest these. My dad would have loved surprising the staff with silly arrangements. It would have been his personal challenge every day.
There are two amazing music players greatly simplified with large, easy buttons.
And how about a custom jigsaw puzzle, you can even specify how many pieces and the size of the pieces.
Practical Helper Gifts
Of course the practical gifts would include a few tech items– tech items that are super easy to use.
Starting with a large phone charging pad that also doubles as a stand for FaceTime and streaming.
Of course a lighted magnifying glass that’s true optical glass, not acrylic to minimize distortion and a bedside (or nightstand) caddy.
Perhaps most helpful of all are suggestions for “quiet toys” to keep young grands happy. And they can be enjoyed by grand and little together. Keep a lidded tub in the closet marked for these special visits. Everyone will enjoy these times more.
TIP: the kids will enjoy scanning the room with the magnetic-tipped grip stick to gather all the magnetic building forms and blocks.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- I’m still decorating my house for Christmas, and have been so happy with THESE beautiful ruffled velvet pillow covers. I got them in a couple versions of greens and gray. They’re so soft and cozy; perfect for winter. Give as a gift, or grab some for your own home!
- Gifts for the guys are always challenging for me. If your men are the outdoorsy types, THIS is a fun way to see what’s lurking in your yard at night. Also, I gifted THIS to Mr. Fix-it a couple months ago, and it’s his new favorite thing to use around the yard (note: you do need a battery for it also HERE)
- Happy girl and hubs are moving into their first home this weekend. I think gifting her with a vintage needlepoint sampler with a house on it and a cute saying/verse sounds like a perfect gift. Find vintage samplers HERE. Also going to order one of THESE ornaments.
- Last year I put a thrifted brass candlestick and THESE type of battery operated candles in each window. I loved them from the inside, but they weren’t as bright as I’d like from the outside. This year, I got THESE weighted candles and am much happier with the brightness from the outside. Bonus-they all go on at 4:30 and stay on for 6 hours.
- Now is the time to scoop up winter themed art and decor items for after Christmas decorating. You can find vintage winter art HERE. Or you can paint your own paint-by-number HERE (great gift idea too). Find vintage skates HERE.
- There are so many holiday “doings” to go to this month. It’s nice to have a couple festive pieces of clothes to wear. I got THIS cute, cozy vest in the green version. Perfect casual outfit to wear with jeans or leggings. I like to be warm, but not feel bulky in the winter. Vests like these are the perfect solution; I may need to get another color version:)
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
I always like to bring a little something for the hostess when we are invited to a holiday party. Nothing big but something that they might not buy for themselves and says “Thank You” for all your bringing us together.
- I knew twisted candles were a thing, however I never appreciated them until I bought myself a set just a few weeks ago. They just add something special to a table and elevate the look. These candles from McGee & Co are in a set of 6 and super affordable right now.
- I also found a laurel picture frame ornament that would be perfect for your hosts to put a picture from the event into it and remember the fun had by all for years to come.
- This potted faux rosemary would be something that can be enjoyed well after the holidays are over, as the only care it needs is to be enjoyed!
- Finally, also from McGee and Co., I always think a gift that is enjoyed by your sense of smell is so special. We never have a real tree, so I know “Handy” would love if we were gifted this Holiday Balsam Diffuser.
Everything I shared with you in On Sale Now at McGee & Co.
To all my shopping friends, I wanted to wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and I will be back here shopping with my friends in the New Year.
Anna – Sky Lark House
Macy’s has made some huge strides in offering high quality products at a great price point. After doing some comparison shopping, I find their current sale prices hard to beat! So, I rounded up some of my favorite holiday gift ideas.
- This Tommy Hilfiger sweater with the terrier is adorable and perfect for the holiday season.
- This Ralph Lauren purse is a classic design that will work with almost any wardrobe.
- If you are looking for something for your husband, brother, son or father – this leather money clip might be the answer.
- This Kate Spade necklace is perfect for your best friend, sister, aunt or mom.
- You can’t go wrong with gifting the cook in your life this Le Crueset cast iron dutch oven.
- If you want to go all out on a big Christmas gift, this set of Green Pan non-stick cookware is another good bet.
Wishing you a holiday overflowing with family & friends, love & laughter, blessings & bliss!
I volunteer at the Kauffman Center and worked at Tuba Christmas last year. It’s such a fun event!
Some of the best people watching! And everyone is so energized and happy to be there. What is not to love!