One of my favorite things about being a mom is getting to celebrate all the holidays, creating new family traditions and making magical memories. I love seeing my girl’s faces light up when they wake up and walk downstairs to find a little present and some decorations. They know that a fun family-filled day is in store! I typically will put together a little basket full of goodies for the girls. The sizes vary from holiday to holiday and I usually include practical stuff, as well as something that will entertain them! It’s such a fun tradition that we have and we love getting to play Cupid and deliver Valentines baskets for the kids.

I wanted to share a few different options for Valentines baskets that you can put together to create a fun little present! You can completely customize this to your budget and your child’s interests. Some years I go all out and do a big Valentines basket full of goodies and others I will just get them a book, a pair of pajamas, and a low-sugar lollipop and tie it together with a pretty bow!

Valentines Baskets I Love

This year I purchased these stackable and foldable crates from Cotton On. I liked the color selection and that I can fold them when I don’t really need them. They are cute for Valentine’s Day, but I wouldn’t purchase again due to them being kind of flimsy.

I usually reuse the baskets every year for Christmas, Valentine’s and Easter, so it is typically a one time purchase. I also use them throughout the house when they aren’t needed for holidays so it’s a win-win!

Here are the baskets I typically use from Target! They have various sizes so you can really customize to what you need!

Valentines Day Pajamas

One thing I always include is a new pair of pajamas! I feel like my girls are always outgrowing them, so this is a great way to sneak in a practical gift! They love their themed, matching pajamas! So it’s a win for everyone! Here are some really cute options for both boys and girls!

You can shop the post here!

Valentine’s Day Books

Pick one of our Valentine’s Day books from our 20 Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day post HERE and add them to your basket! There is a variety of books depending on age or interest!

Valentines Basket Fillers

I added a few additional items for the girls based on what they needed and what interests they have right now! They are both obsessed with socks so I found some at Old Navy, but also am adding in some new underwear for Makena! We love these ones from Nordstrom!

You can also add anything from magnetic play scenes and playdough to flashcards and puzzles! It’s really up to you! You can see some additional items below that would be inexpensive, cute and fun for kids! But remember, you don’t have to go crazy!

Put everything in the basket! Add a little crinkle paper on the bottom and you are good to go!! Such a fun surprise for your kids to wake up to!

Here are my finished valentines baskets for my kids! Please excuse the poor lighting. I had to take photos once they were asleep so they couldn’t peak! Mom life!

I’m also going to make some delicious Valentine’s day pancakes using this recipe!

Hope you are all having a great week!!

xoxoxo

Kari

p.s. by purchasing form the links above we do make a small commission! Thank you !

The post Valentines Baskets for Kids appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

We put a lot of thought into each of these holiday gift guides and all of the products are items we either own, have purchased as gifts or come highly recommended. Some of these items might even be on our own personal wish list (wink..wink)!!

We hope you enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide: Bestie Edition

1. Blush Travel Jewelry Case from Darling Co. Shop // Love this super cute faux-leather jewelry case. It’s cute and compact, but perfect for keeping your accessories safe while traveling!
2. Ponytail Scarf by Free People // I love a good hair accessory. Whether it’s a headband, hair scarf or a hat, you can easily add some chicness to your outfit! Wrap it around a bun, a top knot or a low pony and you are ready to go! They also have it in a super cute leopard/rose color!
3. Chunky Knit Beanie from Abercrombie and Fitch // I have this beanie and wear it all the time when the weather gets colder! I love the chunky yarn and the classic neutral color!
4. Bala Bangles Wearable 1lb Weights // I love these one size fits all wearable weights! You can easily put them on during any workout, from yoga to running, to add an extra boost to your workout routine. Plus they have them in a ton of different colors!
5. 52 Lists for Calm Journal // I am a big fan of these journals and think they would be such a great gift for your bestie! The journal includes 52 prompts that allow for you to self-reflect while asking thought-provoking questions! It’s great for becoming mindful and reducing anxiety! There is also a 52 Lists for Happiness journal, and a 52 Lists for Togetherness Journal, as well as a few others!
6. Baggu Leopard Pouch Set // I’ve been using Baggu bags forever now and I love them. With three different sizes, you can keep everything neat and organized, a major must for moms! I keep some in my diaper bag, but they would be perfect for holding makeup, school supplies or anything else you may need on the go! And for $38 for all three, it’s definitely a budget-friendly gift!!
7. Ride or Die Bracelet from Little Words Project // This is an amazing gift for that ride or die lady in your life! I actually bought my bestie some a few weeks ago and she loved them! They are stretchy and only $20!! They also come in so many different colors and sayings! You can also register your bracelet on the Little Words Project website and be inducted into the Nice Girl Gang, a community of women dedicated to building each other up! Talk about women empowerment!
8. Osea Salts of the Earth Scrub // Give your bestie this luxurious salt scrub to keep her body smooth all winter long! It’s literally the greatest addition to my self-care routine right now! It smells heavenly and keeps the winter roughness away!
9. Madewell x Welly 18-Ounce Traveler Reusable Water Bottle // Love this water bottle! It’s super cute, keeps your water cold and keeps your skin hydrated! It’s made of renewable bamboo and premium stainless steel, and 1% of the sales go to clean water projects worldwide!

Holiday Gift Guide: Toddler Edition (ages 12-24months)

1. Melissa and Doug Farm Animal Sorting Barn // This is a fun toy that my both my daughters love to play with! The pieces are extra thick so it makes it easy to hang on to, and it helps promote matching and sorting, as well as perfects fine motor skills!
2. Mommy and Baby Whale Rolling Toy // I love the quality of this toy! You can keep them together or take them apart and have two toys! It’s a great toy for imaginative play!
3. L’OVEDBABY Organic Cotton Thermal Footie // These are some of my favorite sleepers! They are so soft and warm, are made from organic cotton and they have gripped soles so babies won’t slip when walking in them!
4. Soft Stacking Blocks // These blocks are a huge hit in our household! I love the color palette of them and that they are BPA free and non-toxic, so I don’t have to worry when my baby puts them in her mouth!
5. Petit Collage Nesting and Stacking Blocks Playset with 3 Wooden Characters // Petit Collage is one of my all time favorite brands for toys! Not only is this a fun stacking toy, but my daughter’s love to play with the characters that come with it! It’s definitely a hit!
6. Brown and Pink Bear by Creative Co-Op // You can never go wrong with a cute stuffed animal! This one is high-quality, affordable and chic!
7. London Littles Rain Boots // We always get the girls a pair of rain boots for Christmas. It doesn’t rain that often in Carlsbad, but when it does, you better believe we are out and jumping in puddles! These boots are well-made, come in the cutest patterns and are super easy to clean!
8. Musical Llama Wooden Instrument // This is so cute and thoughtfully made! I love that it leaves room for lots of imagination and can easily grow with your child. It features a 5-bar xylophone, a maraca tail, 2 clacking saddle blankets, wooden mallets and more!
9. Honey Stick Crayons // These crayons are handmade using 100% pure New Zealand beeswax and Food Grade Pigments for Color. They are safe for infants, kids and children of all ages, and they smell good. And the chubby shape makes them easier for small hands to hold!
10. Let’s Find Momo Board Book // This is like a Where’s Waldo book, but instead you find Momo the dog in the different pictures. It has been a favorite book in our house for so many years and I can’t wait to get the newest edition coming soon!

Holiday Gift Guide: Small Shop Edition

1. Promptly Journals Gratitude Journal // I first discovered Promptly Journals when I had my oldest daughter and bought their Childhood Journal (a baby book you write in from pregnancy to their 18th birthday). I loved the idea that they would one day get a book with all of these special memories written in it. They recently came out with a gratitude journal and I love all fo the prompts and daily reflections! This would make a great gift for so many different people.
2. Wiley Baby Everywhere Oil // I am obsessed with this oil! It is my daily go to for both me and my babies! It is non-greasy and leaves your skin feeling so soft and hydrated! I honestly always have a bottle on hand! This truly is the perfect gift!
3. Wylder Designs Digital Art // Such a great gift idea! I’ve had one made for my best friend and her husband as a wedding gift and Melissa and I also used Wylder Designs to create our blog photo! She is super fast, very talented and affordable! Check out @wylderdesigns on instagram!
4. The Adventures of Lily Huckleberry in Mexico Book // I love this travel book series for kids! Not only does it have fun characters and magical adventures, but it has a great underlying message to reach for the sky! It shows kids the beauty and diversity of the world, sparks their imaginations and gives them a brave female role model to look up too! I seriously love this series!
5. Jays and Jewels Rae Necklace // This necklace is so beautiful and can be gifted to so many different people in your life! It features a hand drawn sun and rainbow on a small circle disc, symbolizing kindness, hope, faith and love! It truly is the cutest!
6. Chalkfulloflove Rainbow Mug // This is the perfect mug for 2020. You known the saying that “after every storm comes a rainbow?” Well this super cute ceramic mug symbolizes hope, while providing the perfect cup for your morning coffee!
7. Slumberkins Bigfoot Stuffie and Book // We have quite a few of these at our house! These stuffies were created by a therapist and educator to help children master different social emotional skills. Each book contains a story with positive affirmations and a heart-warming story.
8. Kendra Beshk Tassel with Tag Keychain // These make the best gifts. The tassels come in so many colors and you can customize the hardware tags to say anything you want! I’ve given them to my husband, my besties and numerous family members! Love this small shop!
9. White Palm + Pampas Grass Small Bud Vase Arrangement // Currently obsessed with dried floral arrangements! I love when they have pampas grass and neutral colors and use them year-round in our house. They also last waaaaaaayyyy longer than regular floral arrangements! Such a versatile gift idea!

Hope these holiday gift guides help! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions! We are here to help!

And remember, you never have to purchase gifts if your personal situation doesn’t allow for it! We love a good handmade gift, some quality time or even a well-thought out spotify playlist dedicated to that individual!

xoxoxox,

Kari

p.s. we do make a very small amount of money if you click on our links and purchase within 24 hours! Just a little disclaimer!!

The post Holiday Gift Guides: Round Two! Bestie, Small Shop & Toddler Editions! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Holiday Gift Guide for the toddlers in your life!

Shopping for the toddlers in your life is so much fun! However, if you’re in a rut, and not sure what to get the toddlers in your life this upcoming holiday season, cue our holiday gift guides! We gotchu 🙂

It’s so easy to accumulate toys that get buried in toy boxes or simply not stimulating. The items included in this list are ones that my toddler chooses time and time again, other we have personally gifted, and others that are on the top of my wish list for my kids this Christmas. My 1-year-old daughter and I even enjoy playing with most of these, which just goes to show they will get tons of use throughout the years.

1. Savage Seed Vinyl Stickers // Vinyl stickers are a way to add personality and decorate a toddler’s things. We use vinyl stickers on kid’s water bottles, helmets, and lunch box. Having a positive phrase or rad design is a fun way to add flare. These are pretty inexpensive making it a perfect stocking stuffer or a nice gift for your toddler’s friends.

2. Wooden Magnetic Tiles // This open ended tile set will nurture your child’s imagination and creativity! My 4-year-old loves creating homes for figurines and countless other creations. ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Way to Play Road // Made from silicone this track is so versatile. It can be used in the bath, at the beach and of course at home. It’s another toy that provides room for so much imaginative play. The pieces can be a little hard to connect but teach good fine motor skills!

4. MiO House // 12 wooden pieces included for your toddler to create as their imagination desires. I really like how the house pieces allow the child to create different designs and no limited to the traditional house design. We own the Food Truck and Airplane and my kids gravitate towards them almost daily.

5. ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>The 5 Minute Journal) and love it!

6. Maileg Mice // Last year we started our Maileg Mice collection. My kids love how small they are and use them so much. I’ll be adding a couple more to their collection this year! To minimize the possibility of my kids wanting the same mouse I think getting a brother mouse and sister mouse is necessary 🙂

7. ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Wobbel Board // I’ve been wanting to get my kids a wobbel board for quite some time. I love that it’s an way for kids to move their bodies while indoors perfect for rainy days. It also promotes improved balance and coordination. This board on Amazon had great reviews and is under $70!

9. Holiday gift guide for the man in your life!

This holiday gift guide is for the special man in your life–adult son, father, husband, brother, boyfriend, etc.! My husband will mostly wear whatever I buy him so shopping for him is great! If your man isn’t as down for anything like mine, I hope this holiday gift guide helps you out!

1. Corduroy Shacket // As temperatures drop, freshen up your man’s wardrobe with a corduroy shacket—think sweater and jacket!! I love that corduroy is back this season.
2. designs to fit your lifestyle!
3. Beanie // As the days get cooler, you can’t go wrong with gifting a beanie. Keep them nice and warm and IMO every man looks a little cuter with a beanie.
4. Jeans // Updating his denim is always a good idea (my husband has jeans from years ago with a broken zipper that he still wears!) and with all of the Black Friday sales you can even get him a a couple different washes and cuts!!
5. No Bull Cross Trainers // I have been seeing No Bull ads all over social media and decided to look into them. They have great reviews and come in so many styles and colors. I like how they categorize them based on fitness activity! My husband loves shoes and I think he’d love these!!
6. Holiday gift guide for your parents and in-laws!

   Parents and in-laws can be harder to shop for. They seem to already have everything or need high priced items, at least from my experience. I decided to think of what I’d like in a couple decades and this holiday gift guide was the result! This list includes a combination of practical and fun items which I think is a great combo for all of our parents/in-laws 🙂

   

   1. Caraway Fry Pan // Did you know that most frying pans contain harmful ingredients in their non-stick coating?? So scary and sad that most day to day items disrupt our health…buuuur that’s another topic/future post, but since it something I’m passionate about I want all of my loved ones to reduce their exposure to all harmful chemicals. This Caraway pan is non toxic, made without harmful chemicals and a perfect gift for your parents and in-laws!

   2. Aloha Collection Mid Black Seashore Bag // Can anyone really have too many bags? I love the fresh prints of the Aloha Collection bags and love that they are waterproof! If you’ve ever had a product leak in your suitcase you know why waterproof bags are necessary!

   3. Photo Book // My parents love photos especially of their kids/grandchildren. A photo book is sentimental and will bring them joy time and time again! Or print your own photos from Parabo Press (they regularly offer promo for free prints and you just pay for shipping), Costco (free shipping, yay!) or Amazon Prints (I recently just discovered them!) and create a photo album.

   5. Branch Basics Oxygen Boost // Another non-toxic product to update your parents cleaning shell and ditch the chemicals! This cleaner has dozens of raving reviews from reviving a gross grout to removing stains from white clothes, it seems very effective. A cleaner that is effective and non-toxic is a double win in my books!

   7. this green one and ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Letterboard // I love letterboards. They are a fun way to decorate for any season since you can change the lettering countless times! They have a cool retro vibe that parents/in-laws would appreciate.

   Humble Reminder

   I know it goes without saying, but I wanted to offer a humble reminder of gift giving within your means.

   Gift giving is very special especially around the holiday. However 2020 has been hard on many of us financially, so although while your heart would love to gift all your loved ones with gifts, staying within your means is much more important and something your loved ones would want for you. Hope this doesn’t come off too preachy but I know the pressure to give can be real and this holiday gift guide is not intended to make you feel like you need to give something tangible. The intangible things such as time, experiences, and love mean so so much.

   On a lighter note…

   One more thing, and I promise it’s on a lighter note. If possible, please support small, local businesses when shopping. Yes, I’ve included links to Amazon and bigger stores so you can see the products and read reviews. Many small businesses depend on their holiday revenue to make it, so please check with your local boutiques/small shops first! Many of the items on these lists are most likely found in a small shop near your or online.

   Thank You!

   If you’re still here reading, thank you! Phew, that was a LOT! I hope that these lists helped you find the perfect gift for your loved one!

   Also, stay tuned, Kari will be sharing a holiday gift guide for besties, babies, and small shops later this week! I can’t wait to see what she found.

   Have a beautiful day, my beautiful friends! So grateful for you. -Melissa

   Disclaimer: We do make a small commission if you purchase items from some of the links. Thanks for the support

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