Magnolia Mamas : Gift Giving

Showing posts with label Gift Giving. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Teen Gift Idea {Favorite Color Gift Basket}

Last weekend my daughter was headed to a birthday party for one of her friends so that was a good excuse for us to go shopping! When I asked her what she wanted to get her friend she told me about the cutest idea she had seen online for a favorite color gift basket. After finding out what her friend's favorite color was (Aqua) we made our way to Target and went on the hunt for all things Aqua.

We hit up the accessories section, make up, nail polish, snacks, candy, school supplies and more! This gift was so much fun to shop for and even my son had fun looking for items that would match.

We took it all home, styled it cute in the basket with shredded paper filler on the bottom and then wrapped it up with clear wrapping paper and a big matching bow. It was the cutest and easiest thing to put together and I'm pretty sure we'll be giving this gift to all of my girls' friends in the near future!

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Cute Gift Card Idea for Teachers

Today and tomorrow are my kids' class holiday parties and then they are out of school for two weeks!!! I'm so excited and can't wait to have them home over Christmas. Since I'm one of the room moms for their classes I'm helping with the teacher gifts from the class. I know teachers love gift cards so instead of doing one large gift card I decided to put together these little gift card trees.

It's such a cute and easy gift card idea if you have a group going in together for one large gift.

I found the mini trees at Target this year (I got them from Walmart last year) and added a ribbon to the top. Then I gathered gift cards to all of our teachers' favorite places. We collected money from parents at the beginning of the year to help with things like class parties and teacher gifts, but you could even ask parents to donate a gift card towards the group gift.

Some are smaller amounts ($5 to Starbucks or $10 to Chick-fil-a) and some are a larger amounts to their favorite restaurant or store. I just try to get enough to fill up the tree! I removed the cards from their packaging, write the value of the card on the back with a Sharpie, and tie them on the trees to be the "ornaments."

These gift card trees are such an easy thing to put together and fun for the teachers to receive because not only are the getting gift cards to a lot of their favorite places, but they also get to keep the mini tree for their classroom or their home!

Monday, November 26, 2018

Tween Girl Gift Guide

Thanksgiving break is behind us and that means we are in full blown Christmas mode now. Our decorations are up, our trees are trimmed and the shopping has begun!

When my girls were little they would be excited about the latest American Girl catalog arriving so they could circle all their favorites and wish for what Santa would bring them. My oh my how times have changed. Now I get texts from them with links to specific items they want. A part of me misses those days of a catalog and marker, but I will say it is nice to have specific links to shop from. I like knowing for sure that I'm getting what they want. I have no shortage of ideas for them this year and they are probably the easiest ones on my list to shop for!

I put together a quick little Tween Girl Gift Guide in case any of you are in search of the perfect gift for the tween in your life. Maybe a niece, neighbor, friend or daughter that you just aren't quite sure what to get. Heck, Half the things on their list could easily be on my list, too! They have nice taste!

1. Water Bottles - They carry water bottles with them everyday to school and sports, so having a new one is always fun. Their favorites are Swell, Corcksicle, or this Contigo style.

2. Wireless Headphones - They are constantly listing to their music or watching YouTube videos!

3. Vans - How very hip of them, right? Vans aren't just for skaters anymore. All the kids are wearing these now.

4. Sherpa Pullovers - We shared about these pullovers a while back and the kids still love them. At this price, I'm going to grab them another and throw a monogram on it!

5. Facial Cleansing Brush - Never too early to start practicing good skincare practices. Plus, these make washing your face fun!

6. Caboodles - They are back! I remember my caboodle and when I saw these were making a comeback I couldn't wait to introduce my girls to the organizational goodness. I can just imagine them getting all of their hair and makeup stuff in all the little compartments.

7. Kendra Scott Necklace - Talk about nice taste, right?! I love that my oldest loves jewelry though and the birthstone line is perfect for girls this age. Plus, it will be a special piece they can wear into their teen years.

8. Flair pens - It's way more fun to take notes and do homework with fun pens!

9. Uggs - A pricey item, but the quality can't be beat and the comfort is top notch. Did you know Dick's Sporting Goods carries Uggs? I didn't until last week and today they have 25% off your order including the Uggs! If you are thinking of purchasing now is definitely the time!

10. Grab and Go Hair Ties - The latest in a ponytail holder!

11. Crocs - I know. I thought the same thing. These can't possibly be coming back, but they are! All the middle schoolers are sporting Crocs with charms. My kids wore these when they were little and I can't believe they are making a comeback. Amazon has at the best price I've been able to find!

12. Vera Bradley - Something that doesn't go out of style is Vera Bradley! From backpacks to lunch boxes and crossbody bags to makeup pouches...they'll love it all!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

5 Reasons a Springfree Trampoline Would Make the BEST Christmas Gift

Thank you Springfree Trampoline for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and ideas are our own!

Ok Mamas...it's crunch time! With less than 6 weeks away from Christmas, holiday shopping needs to get started! We've already started getting a few things here and there, but are no where near being close to done and we need to get on the ball.

Every year we try to have one larger gift that is for all of the kids. Something that hopefully they will all play together with and something that will encourage that awesome sibling love we know they have for each other deep down.

This year the talk of a trampoline has come up time and time again. We've told them that Santa might not be able to pull this one off. However, that hasn't stopped them from wishing and hoping and helping come up with 5 reasons a Springfree Trampoline would make the BEST Christmas gift this year.

1. Wow Factor

You can't argue the wow factor of a trampoline. This is definitely the gift that is going to stand out in their little minds as the big one. The one they were so excited about and the one that they couldn't believe really happened. If you are looking to make a big impact this Christmas, a trampoline is certainly the way to go!

2. Gets Them Moving

No more couch potatoes! Trampolines get them moving. We were surprised to learn that just 10 minutes of bouncing is the equivalent of a 30 minute run. Hello?! That is reason enough for us to think this is a good idea. Watch out kids, the Mamas are about to get our fitness on in 1/3 of the time.

In all actuality though, it is great for the kids too and will keep everyone moving and staying healthy. So much better than staring at an iPad.

3. Healthy Technology Balance

And speaking of iPads, one thing we were most impressed with is a way to re-direct their love of a device. The reality is that in today's world technology is just part of it. However, with Springfree's tgoma accessory it turns the trampoline into a Smart Trampoline! How cool is that?! Four sensors on the mat connect wirelessly to a tablet like an iPad. The sensors track movement and games are used to motivate kids to jump and play longer, parents can use the fitness app part of it and there are even educational games that would make learning fun through play. We just love this aspect of Springfree and fee like it is something that totally sets them apart. It's not that you'll be adding more screen time, but rather re-directing it in a way that is going to make them motivated to get outside and be active.

4. Safety First

One of the biggest concerns most parents have with trampolines is the safety of them. However, with Springfree Trampolines that worry goes out the window. These trampolines were designed by an engineer so that his kids would have a safer option and that is just what these are. You can learn more HERE, but basically they use flexible rods instead of springs, has a flexible safety enclosure, a hidden frame and soft edge with no hard areas meaning you can jump to the very edge and still not risk getting hurt.

5. Family Time

One of the best things about a trampoline is that it is great for all ages. Our littlest Mini Magnolia had a blast jumping around just as our Middle School Magnolia loved practicing her flips and tumbling tricks.

We can't really think of another game, toy, or piece of equipment that would be so fitting for so many age ranges. That fact alone simply makes us consider this as a gift. Knowing that all of our kids would be able to use this together would encourage family time and sweet sibling smiles. Heck, us Mamas might be known to jump around from time to time and we are sure the Mr. Magnolias would be all about showing what they've got. It would be fun for everyone!

Gifting Options and Black Friday Sale

If you are considering a trampoline for Christmas, Springfree makes is really easy. They have a bunch of different gifting options available and a special Santa Contract. They go out of their way to help you keep this a surprise up until the very last minute and their elves do all the work!

For all of you savvy shoppers out there, just a little FYI. Springfree's Black Friday deal starts this Thursday! They are offering 3 accessories for FREE and that could really mean HUGE savings. Those aren't cheap, so if you are considering buying a trampoline this would definitely be the time to do it. You can learn more about the sale HERE. My kiddos love the accessories and that is part of what makes Springfree so unique!

If you do consider a trampoline or just want to learn more about them there are several locations around Atlanta where you can take your kids in to jump and test them out. Even if you aren't local you can see all of the locations HERE.

Come spend the day with us on:

Friday, July 28, 2017

Back-to-School Teacher Gift Baskets

The time as come for back to school. We were all digging in our heels and trying to make summer break last as long as possible, but we are into our last few days before the first day of school. We had meet and greet at our school yesterday where the kids got to meet their new teachers and see their new classrooms. We're thrilled with their teachers and after meeting them all three of my kids said they couldn't wait for school to start on Monday! I just know they are going to have a great year.

I've shared this idea several times before, but I always like to make little gift baskets to take to the teachers on this day. It helps let them know just how excited the kids are to be in their class and really sets the tone for how much we appreciate them all year long!

What we put in the baskets will vary from year to year and since we've been so busy recently, this year I made it easy on myself. I got some great gift basket supplies from Oriental Trading. They have a huge selection of items for teachers and classroom supplies. I went with Sharpies, large colorful binder clips, magnetic hooks and fun washi tape.

I always pick up baskets for this project at the Dollar Store and while I was there I grabbed a few other items to help fill the baskets. Pain relief for those days that noisy children might give them headaches, gum, notepads, and other little goodies. We arrange everything in a basket, wrap it up with clear cellophane and tie it with a pretty bow!

The kids love helping to put these baskets together for their teachers and they are always even more excited to give it to them. I feel like this is a great ice breaker for kids that might be a little nervous or timid to meet their teachers because it gives them a purpose and makes them excited to walk into their room and present the gift to their teachers.

It's always a pleasant surprise for the teachers and puts a smile on their faces. They love being shown how much we appreciate them from day one.

Carrie Beth

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**Some of these items were gifted to us through our partnership with Oriental Trading. All thoughts and opinions are our own. **

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Have a Slammin' Summer!

The countdown is on and we are just a few days away from school. For weeks now our calendar has been filled with end of school year festivities. Field days, art shows, and now it's time for the final hurrah - the last day of school!

Little Cute celebrates her last day tomorrow. On her field day she and her classmates each exchanged fun summer gifts. She came up with the idea to give each of her friends some fun squirt guns. The last day of school is going to be extremely low key filled with lots of playground play and movie watching.

A few of us are sending in some yummy snacks for the kids to enjoy through out the day. I know I won't have time to make anything homemade, so I went for the next best easiest thing - a pouch snack!

Yummy, organic and healthy snack for older kids. Packed with protein, fruits, and vegetables.

My kids love these Slammers snack pouches. They taste yummy, and they always try to copy what the kid on the front of their pouch snack is doing when they eat them. (Where/how this started I have no idea, but they think it's a fun game.)

Great organic kids fruit snack pouches. Great snack option for older kids! Packed with protein!

I love them because...
1: It's a pouch snack! Hello super easy, mess free and healthy snack!
2: The kids have no idea they are eating a healthy serving of organic fruits, vegetables and protein each time they consume one. My kids think these are a huge treat! (And what mom would I be if I spoiled that joy for them?)

I have a hard time keeping them in the pantry so sometimes I have to hide them so they won't eat an entire box in a day. So, I knew L.C. would be excited to bring them into class for her friends, and I know her teachers will be excited that it doesn't contain frosting, candy, or - their personal favorite - frozen treats on a stick.

Fun printable for the end of the school year. Great way to kick off summer with a treat!

I whipped up this fun "Slammin'" themed printable to coordinate with the pouches. (Note: You can't tell in photos, but there is an outline of an electric guitar behind the wording as well.)

With a quick attachment with some gold and black curling ribbon they are ready to go.

We are all set to celebrate and we can't wait to check off the last day of preschool for the school year!

Download the "Slammin' Summer" printable HERE.

Have a Slammin' Summer Printable and gift idea for end of year party gifts. Great end of school year treat! (Free printable!)

When does your Slammin' summer start?

To learn more about Slammers Snack Pouches:

Have a Slammin' Summer! Great end of the school year treat idea with free printable. Coordinates well with Slammers Organic pouch snacks. Great treat idea for older kids!

**We received this product as part of the Go Gourmet/Slammers Snacks ambassador program. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

8 GREAT Birthday Gift Ideas For 8 Year Olds

Yesterday I shared Blondie's Minute-To-Win-It birthday party and today the birthday fun continues. 8 is GREAT so I wanted to share 8 great gift ideas for girls in this age range. It can kind of be a tricky age. They are usually too old for toys, but too young for some stuff, so finding something in-between to get them excited about isn't always easy. However, here are eight ideas that are a hit with the girls I know!

1. Bead/Bracelet set - Girls this age love making jewelry and beading kits are perfect because it contains everything they need all in one box. We have recently loved this Emoji Bracelet Kit. It makes 5 bracelets so they can make some with friends or sisters.

2. Books - You can't go wrong with fun books and and for my sweet Blondie this Curlee Girlee book by Atara Twersky was the prefect choice.

Blondie was born with super curly hair and over the years it has gotten blonder and longer making it much more difficult to manage. I should have bought stock in the Johnson's detangling spray because we go through that stuff like crazy. Every morning is quite the ordeal to brush out her crazy bed-head and there have been a time or two that she has longed for nice straight hair. However, the older she gets the more she appreciates that her hair makes her who she is and this book is the perfect read for her! It helps teach young girls to embrace and love who they are...in my girl's case...curly hair and all!

3. Shoes - For girls, like mine, that love clothing, shoes and accessories, new shoes are always a big hit. This time of year cute flip-flops are super easy to buy as gifts. Since Blondie has lots of hand-me-down things from her older sister I decided to get her something that was specifically just for her. She is our soccer girl so Boo-Boo actually picked her out a pair of soccer slides in her favorite color to give her.

4. Usborne Sticker Books - She received one of these from a friend has has had the best time with it. This is a gift that would be good for younger ages all the way up to 10 year olds, in my opinion. She got one of the dolly sticker books were you pick outfits and accessories for the girls in different settings (skiing, the beach, etc.), but there are tons of different sticker books available.

There are cute ones for boys, too that I am going to order for my son like sports, robots, and cars. See all of their sticker books HERE.

5. Beach towels/goggles/shades - Just in time for Spring Break and Summer is right around the corner, fun beach towels, new goggles or fun sunnies are always appreciated in my house. We spend a lot of time at the pool and lake in the summer so these items always get put to good use.

6. Headbands/Accessories - Fun headband and accessories always make a great gift. She loves the non-slip headbands and wears them almost daily. They come in a million different colors and designs so there are always new ones to be had! She wears them for school, for soccer, or just when we are around the house even. These Sweaty Bands are our favorite.

7. Fitbit - The one thing that she really wanted for her birthday was a Fitbit. I was a little worried that she might be too young for this, but several of her friends at school have them and she was really hoping to get one for her birthday. She has LOVED it! She got the older model of the Fitbit Charge.

I do not have a Fitbit, so I wasn't sure exactly how everything worked, but we figured it out together. I found setting up the app on her iPod was a little tricky because you have to be 13 years old to have an account, but I just changed her birthdate to get it set up and really there is nothing she needs to do on there anyway. I just needed the account to get it set up initially. She loves tracking her steps, seeing how active she is each day, and I think it would be a great gift for any kid her age or older. What better way to encourage kids to get up, get moving, and be active than with some fun technology!

8. Gift Cards - When in doubt, gift cards are always a great gift. Most kids this age love going to pick things out at their favorite stores. Target is always great one, but also other places you might not think of like Starbucks, the movies, a favorite ice cream shop, or even iTunes gift cards are a hit!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Cookies & Cocoa {Printable}

The countdown is on! Our holiday break is just a few days away and I am beyond excited! Two whole weeks of lounging, snuggling, and doing all the holiday things. That's all my mind can even think about right now.

With the break just around the corner, it's put this week into overdrive. We've had holiday parties, school programs, and end of season activities soaking up every free minute on top of the usual. Luckily, a few weeks ago I had the foresight to see how busy this week might get, and I was able to get my gift and party planning organized just before my brain became complete mush from holiday overload.

Giving gifts is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. The Cutes we decided to spread a little holiday cheer and get their classmates a fun little treat to enjoy over the break. We did a little brainstorming, and while most ideas thrown out there involved all things Frozen and ninja warriors (#boymom), we came up with a fun "Cookies & Cocoa" themed gift after seeing these adorable Santa themed milk bottles.

The Cutes were instantly down with anything involving both cookies, marshmallows, and chocolate all in one so it was decided a winner.

Originally I had planned on making one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes, but then life happened, and I started to get a little stressed about it. Fortunately, the good bakers of Publix decided to show me the light, and I found some yummy holiday sprinkled sugar cookies. With that little switch of plans this gift might go down as the easiest little gift to date.

When I ordered the milk bottles, I also stumbled upon some cute packaging to pair with it.

These little scalloped popcorn boxes were too cute to pass up, and the perfect size for what we had in mind.

When everything arrived, all I had to do was add in some pre-mixed cocoa, a few marshmallows, and our sugar cookies.

Now because I am me, I did whip up a quick coordinating gift tag printable to top it all off. I grabbed some cute ribbon, my favorite clear bags that I use for no-fuss packaging , and began my assembly line.

In just a few minutes I had the cutest little "Cookies & Cocoa" gifts I ever did see...

Today we will be delivering our little gifts to all of our sweet little friends in L.C's class first, and I just know that they will be just as excited to receive as we are to give!