I always enjoy seeing what others buy their kids for Christmas. Especially stocking stuffers. So I thought it would be fun to share what we bought our daughters this year!
I find it can be so easy to buy little things just for the sake of filling the stockings.
Over the years, I have found myself becoming more intentional with what I buy. I like to buy some practical items, consumable items and just for fun items.
How do you like to fill stockings?
In the past, I have done almost identical things for both of my daughters. However, this year, they have significantly different likes. (The almost 12 year old is waaay over toys. haha!)
Without further ado, here are the items I bought for my daughters. Age 7 and age 11.
My daughters love decorating gingerbread houses every year before Christmas. Probably, most likely, because they get to consume candy. But I also like to think it's because of the creative process and making something cute.
We like to make a special evening or weekend day out of it by adding hot chocolate and having Christmas carols playing in the background.
This year, I thought it would be fun to create little gingerbread house kits. I even had fun creating a Build Your Own Gingerbread House tag to make them way more official. Lol.
To assemble them, add 8 square graham crackers or 4 of the large rectangle ones if they are the brand name ones by Christie (pictured below). I like the brand name ones best because you can cut the large rectangle on the top half on an angle so it has a point. This is so the roof crackers have a sturdier resting point.
After this, fill the bag with an assortment of candy. I bought all of ours from Bulk Barn. Seal the sandwich bag.
Once you've printed out the tag, cut it out, fold it in half, then staple it to the top of the sandwich bag. Ta da!
The icing I used didn't fit inside the bags, however, you could create a mini piping bag filled with icing that should fit nicely if you're giving it as a gift!
You can make your own icing or you can buy it like I do. The premade icing in a can by Betty Crocker and the likes, also works really well!
I think it would be so fun to have a Gingerbread House making party with a bunch of friends! Young or old!
What are your holiday traditions that you find yourself doing every year?
I think this Homemade Sore Muscle Soak would make a perfect gift for someone on your list! Or perhaps it would make a great addition to a spa basket you can make up?
I often find myself with sore muscles in the fall. I think it's because we're out hiking more and working outside more. 🙂 Because of this, I find it really nice to have a warm bath with some of my homemade sore muscle soak! This one smells delicious because it uses fresh mint and lavender (or essential oils). Here's how you can easily make up your own batch of homemade sore muscle soak:
¼ cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped OR 7-10 drops of peppermint oil
¼ cup of fresh lavender, chopped OR 7-10 drops of lavender oil
DIRECTIONS:
Begin by mixing your Epsom salt and baking soda in a bowl. Mix well.
Chop your herbs fine and add them to the mixture. Or, add your oils at this time. For the mixture you see here, I used fresh mint and used lavender oil in place of the fresh lavender.
Continue mixing well. The moisture from the herbs and oils may cause some clumping. This is not a big deal. Just use your spoon to break through the clumps.
Store the mixture in a glass jar with lid or air tight container. I like to let it sit for a few hours before using.
To use your homemade sore muscle soak, just pour it into a running bath. The lavender will help you relax and ease muscle tension, the mint will help revitalize, and the Epsom salt and baking soda will help with inflammation and pain.
When done, drain your tub as usual. You may wish to remove any larger herb clippings by hand to avoid drain issues.
I always enjoy seeing what others buy their kids for Christmas. Especially stocking stuffers. So I thought it would be fun to share what I bought my daughters.
I find it can be so easy to buy little things just for the sake of filling the stockings.
Over the years, I have found myself becoming more intentional with what I buy. I like to buy some practical items, consumable items and just for fun items.
How do you like to fill stockings?
In the past, I have done almost identical things for both of my daughters. However, this year, they have significantly different likes. (The almost 11 year old is waaay over toys and bath items. haha!)
Without further ado, here are the items I bought for my daughters. Age 6 and age 10.
If you are in need of a simple, thoughtful gift idea, I present you with... gifts in a mug. 🙂 Once I started creating one gift in a mug, the ideas kept flowing! The options are endless!
These are a perfect gift idea for friends, teachers, your boss, really, anyone!
The idea is simple. Pick a cute mug, then fill it with your recipient's favorite things.
To help you get your wheels turning, I want to show you three simple ideas that can be done on any budget.
I found my supplies at Walmart, Amazon, Dollarama and my house.
Gift in a Mug #1 - Self Care Mug
This coffee mug gift idea includes a face mask, cozy socks, lip balm, hand cream, and a milk chocolate bar. This would make for a great gift idea for a friend, mother in law or teacher!
Mug - Walmart Fuzzy socks - Dollarama Hand cream - Walmart (was in a set of four, perfect for splitting up!) Lip balm - Walmart Chocolate bar - Walmart Face mask - Walmart
Gift in a Mug #2 - Desk Essentials
This coffee mug gift idea is perfect for someone who works in an office or from home. Anyone really! For this gift in a mug, I put in a mini stapler, hand cream, two pens, gum, a chocolate bar, a small notebook and a small day planner. Because the notebook and day planner don't fit in the mug, I am just going to place them underneath the mug and wrap it all together in some cellophane.
This idea makes me so happy! It would be perfect for a hostess gift or for a holiday party. Swap the Christmasy items for more neutral items and you could have the cutest birthday present for a friend. To this gift in a mug, I added a mug cake package, a fork, a napkin and a couple of candles. Simple and cheap.
Mug - Walmart Mug Cake - Amazon Fork - my party stash Napkin - my party stash Candles - my party stash
Other gift in a mug ideas I had:
Hot chocolate mug: a mug, a packet or two of hot chocolate, a candy cane, a special treat, marshmallows, a chocolate covered stirring spoon.
Kids themed: a mug, a Pez candy dispenser, a special pen, a notebook, small kid things from the dollar store.
Craft supplies: a mug, fun craft supplies for an adult or a child.
Liqueurs in a mug: a couple of those tiny liqueurs that would taste yummy in coffee or hot chocolate.
Kitchen Essentials: I have seen mini whisks, tongs and the like at Superstore. These would be cute tucked into a mug with a dish cloth!
The ideas are endless!
I hope my ideas will help you out if you want to try gifting a Gift in a Mug this year!
7 Simple Ways to Enjoy Christmas on a Tight Budget
Christmas has a way of arriving when your money is already spoken for. Between groceries, bills and all the usual family expenses, finding extra room for gifts and celebrations can feel like a lot.
If you’re facing Christmas on a tight budget this year, you can still make it a season worth looking forward to. You don’t need matching everything, a pile of presents or a calendar full of paid activities to make it special.
A few favourite traditions, thoughtful gifts and time together can go a long way. Here are some simple ways to enjoy Christmas while keeping your spending manageable.
1. Decide What You Can Afford First
Before you start shopping or making plans, take a look at what you can comfortably spend.
Cover your regular expenses first, then work out what’s available for Christmas. Include gifts, food, wrapping supplies, travel and any activities you’re considering. Those smaller costs can add up quickly!
Creating a holiday budget gives you a starting point and makes it easier to decide where your money will go.
If the numbers are tight, give yourself permission to scale back. A smaller Christmas is a perfectly good Christmas.
2. Choose What Matters Most to Your Family
Think about the parts of Christmas your family looks forward to most. You could even ask everyone to name one favourite thing.
Maybe it’s decorating the tree, baking a particular cookie or watching the same movie every Christmas Eve. You might find that some of the things you’ve been spending money on aren’t anyone’s favourite.
Put your time and budget toward the traditions you actually enjoy. Let the rest be optional.
3. Start a Few Simple Christmas Traditions
Traditions don’t have to cost much to become something your family looks forward to every year. Often, it’s the familiar little things that stick.
Here are a few ideas:
Have a decorating day. Growing up, we waited until December 1st to decorate. That was also our cue to turn up the Christmas music!
Make Christmas cards. Use paper, colouring supplies and craft materials you already have.
Bake together. Pick one favourite cookie recipe instead of buying ingredients for several different kinds.
Decorate cookies. Homemade cookies and a little icing can make a fun afternoon activity.
Write letters to Santa. Younger kids can draw pictures or tell you what they’d like you to write.
Read Christmas books. Borrow a stack from the library and read together throughout December.
Plan a Christmas movie night. Add popcorn, blankets and everyone’s comfiest pajamas.
Look at Christmas lights. Walk around your neighbourhood or take a short drive and vote for your favourite display.
Make a small holiday bucket list. Choose a few things you’ll enjoy using these holiday calendar ideas.
Give Christmas PJ's on Christmas eve: For the last few years, I have been wrapping up a pair of Christmas pajamas for both girls that I got on sale and giving it to them on Christmas eve. They love to wake up Christmas morning in their new Christmas pajamas!
One of my favourite childhood traditions was searching for our Christmas tree. The outing was a big part of what made it special.
You don’t need to try everything on this list. Pick a couple that fit your family, your energy and your budget.
4. Keep Gift Giving Manageable
When you’re celebrating Christmas on a tight budget, it helps to set gift expectations early.
That might mean drawing names with extended family, setting a lower spending limit or agreeing to buy only for the kids. Having the conversation before everyone starts shopping makes things easier.
Homemade Christmas gifts can also be a thoughtful option. A batch of someone’s favourite cookies, a printed photo with a handwritten note or an offer to babysit can all make lovely gifts.
Check the cost of supplies before committing to a project, though. Homemade gifts save the most when you can use ingredients and materials you already have.
5. Enjoy Free Christmas Activities
You don’t need a ticketed event every weekend to enjoy the season.
Check your library, community centre and local event listings for free activities. You might find a Christmas storytime, a community light display or a holiday concert.
There’s plenty to enjoy at home, too. Put on Christmas music while you make dinner, work on a puzzle together or let the kids help decorate with things you already own.
Leave some space in your calendar for these quieter moments. They count just as much.
6. Add Extra Cash If You Have the Time
If there’s a gap between your Christmas plans and your budget, earning a little extra money may help.
Start with what feels manageable. You could sell unused toys, clothing or household items, offer snow shovelling or cleaning, or look into seasonal work if your schedule allows.
Be realistic about the time and costs involved. An already busy season doesn’t need to become exhausting, and scaling back your plans is an option too.
7. Give in Ways That Fit Your Budget
Giving can be a meaningful part of Christmas without adding another expense.
You could check in on a neighbour, help someone shovel their walkway or volunteer with a local organization that needs a hand. Kids can make cards for someone who could use a little encouragement.
And if your own family needs support this year, it’s okay to receive it. You don’t have to stretch an already tight budget to prove you’re generous.
Make Room for a Christmas You Can Enjoy
You don’t have to do everything to make Christmas special. Choose a few things your family loves, spend what you can afford and leave room to enjoy the season together.
Years from now, the cookies you baked or the funny thing that happened while decorating the tree may be what everyone remembers most.
What’s one free or inexpensive Christmas tradition your family looks forward to every year? What are your favourite ways to celebrate Christmas on a tight budget?
