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diy potato stamped wrapping paper
a very cute and easy way to spruce up your plain gift wrap, OR the packaging paper that you get free in packages!!
every year i collect all the kraft paper from our packages for about a month before the holidays and then use to wrap our gifts — but i really wanted to spruce them up this year.
so i made some potato stamps and did patterned wrapping paper this year! i cut out shapes in potatoes to make the stamps, but obviously you can skip a step if you already have cute stamps. i then brushed on some acrylic paint and spent the next few hours stamping away like a jolly little elf!
i did a simple square to do an irish chain pattern, a quirky star and a fish of course.
i made some tin gift toppers too and my gifts look so special now! (you can see how i made them here)
why spend money on gift wrap that’ll be tossed immediately after opening!? save that pretty gift wrap for paper chains instead!
and if you don’t want to make your own i found a couple cute rubber stamps and more wrapping supplies that should arrive in time!!
cute wrapping supplies
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cute (and easy) ways to display holiday cards
i wasn’t sure where to put my holiday cards last year but then i had the idea to use this pretty brass garland i had from a few years ago and i think it looks so cute!!
sadly this garland is no longer sold but since it was so popular with you guys, i thought i’d look around for other card display ideas. i haven’t seen too many pretty options you can buy, but i did come across a lot of really cute diy ideas so i thought i’d round up what i found for you! the best part is a lot of these ideas involve things you probably already have around the house and don’t require much effort at all. hope it helps!
1. clip cards to a garland
so cute and easy if you already have your garland up somewhere! kelly of studio diy used pretty brass metal clips to attach to her garland but i’ve also seen people do it with clothespins too.
studio diy
2. roll out some ribbon
if you don’t have garland, just tape up some pretty ribbon and attach your cards with clips. so simple and cute. also really easy to just run the ribbon down a door or wall!
lesley graham
3. adorn cards on a wreath
same idea as the garland but with a wreath! great option if you don’t have too many holiday cards.
heathered nest
4. decorate a mirror
tape them around or on the sides of a mirror. bonus points if you use some festive washi tape.
lemon thistle
5. hang them on a ladder
if you have a pretty blanket ladder around this is such a cute idea. tie some string to it and then attach your cards with — you guessed it — clothespins or clips.
tatertots and jello
6. display them in a pretty basket
also makes it fun for you or for guests to look through them.
sunset
8. string them across a window
this could be so sweet in front of a kitchen window. all you need is some string and more clothespins.
country living
9. create a card tree
use string and clothespins to create a christmas tree on the wall. you could also simplify even more by just taping the cards to the wall in the shape of a tree. this would be so fun to do with kids!
design improvised
10. attach to string lights
just use any string lights you might already have!
pottery barn
11. diy wreath chandelier
this is a bit more ambitious but looks so cute, and even cuter with holiday cards added. see the tutorial here.
treehouse threads
hope that helps inspire your holiday card display!
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diy house portrait plate
want to make the sweetest and most meaningful gift for someone you love?! make them a custom plate of their house!!!!
i made this to commemorate our new home for the holidays, but it would also make such a beautiful gift for someone! AND it’s so easy to make too!!! i also sort of regret doing it in red now so i may have this one be our holiday plate and do another one in blue!
if you want to make your own, i’ve shared all the steps and supplies i used below!
step 1 : trace your house with a pencil
using a photo of your home (you could also just use your ipad), trace your house with pencil onto a piece of white tissue paper.
step 2 : draw your house onto a plate
tape the tissue paper onto a white plate and then trace over the house again with black sharpie. it will bleed through the tissue onto the plate. if you’re not confident with your drawing, do it twice!
then go over the design with a ceramic paint pen. i used this red color but blue would’ve been pretty too. don’t worry about it being perfect — it ends up looking so charming no matter what!
step 3 : add your finishing details
add embellishments, text, whatever special touches you want. if you don’t like something or mess up, you can erase with rubbing alcohol!
step 4 : bake your plate
bake according to the marker instructions — and once it’s done baking, i left mine to cool down in the oven.
it’s not food safe, i made this just to display!
ps. you can watch a video of how i did this here.
supplies i used
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printable letter to santa
what’s cuter than a cute letter to santa?! a fill in the blank version of course! i love giving prompts to my kids because i feel like it inspires way more creativity and cute responses. i’ve already shared a free printable letter to santa, but i felt like making a new one for my own kids, so obviously i thought to share with you too!
if you’re looking for a simple, cute way to help your kids write to santa this year, this free santa letter template is perfect. if your kids write a wishlist every year, i think doing it in this format is the best – not only are they forced to be gracious and polite about it, but there are only three lines so they can’t ask for 17 things either lol.
(but also, let me know if you want a backside version with extra lines for more gift requests!)
we print ours out and fill them in at the kitchen table with eggnog (always) and christmas music.
scroll down to download your free fill in the blank letter to santa printable!
fyi, i printed mine onto colored cardstock but you can obviously just print on regular white copy paper as well!
click here to download the printable
for best results, download and print versus printing
directly from your browser window
printables are for personal use only
redistribution is strictly prohibited
if you’re looking for more free christmas printables for kids, i have a bunch more linked here!
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holiday gift guides 2025 : ideas for everyone on your list
in case you want one big list of all the gift guides we created this year, here it is — hope you find lots of special gifts for your loved ones!
click on the guide you want to shop
for the entertainer
always one of my favorite gift guides to make because i loooove pretty hosting things even when i barely host anyone at all! lots of different easy gifts for the host or hostess in your lives!
for the in-laws
i feel like in-laws are especially hard to shop for because you may not be comfortable asking them what they’d actually want, or maybe you don’t want to spend a ton of money but still want to give them something meaningful — so i found lots of different types of gifts at different price points!
for the cook
for all your loved ones who are always in the kitchen, i gathered a bunch of unique, stylish finds in all different price points that would make such good gifts if i do say so myself.
for him
this is always the hardest gift guide for me! i try to find things that aren’t all cliche “guy stuff” but still be… guy stuff ?! i think i found lots of cool things that i know my husband and brother would for sure like!
for her
i made sure for this gift guide for her that i would only choose things that i would want, so i hope you like it too!! lots of different price points for gifts for your sister, wife, mom, aunt, girlfriends … anyone, really!
for the little kids
all kinds of adorable play things for the little ones!
for the big kids
for the older kids! i even made an effort to include some tween gifts!
for the babies
babies don’t need much — but a little special something is always fun because who doesn’t like cute baby things!!?!
stocking stuffers
lots of ideas for grownups and for kids!
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holiday gift guide 2025 : stocking stuffers for kids and adults
i always find the stocking stuffer gift guides to be the hardest because i have too many ideas and i can’t stay focused on any of them haha — but here it is! lots of ideas for grownups and for kids! hope this helps you!
click on the section you want to jump to
stocking stuffers for kids
super smalls
make it splash mini bead kit
a very cute ocean themed bead kit! they have lots of other options too
amazon
japanese candy kit
we loooove these japanese candy kits. they are the most fun. the burger is by far our favorite!
amazon
shark chopsticks
the cutest shark chopsticks (that are so easy to use) for kids — arlo loves his!!
amazon
yoto story cards
i love little gifts that add to a collection — that’s why i love the yoto player because we can continue to gift him story cards to go with it!
amazon
busy ideas for bored kids activity cards
i know no kid has ever said they were bored, but just in caseeee
amazon
glow in the dark groovy stress ball
my kid and husband love this ball so much, it’s squishy enough to be a sensory ball but also fun to throw around
amazon
viewfinder with custom reel
this viewfinder comes with a custom reel, which could be so cute of family photos!!
amazon
welly bandages
cute bandaids are always a good stocking stuffer because they need them and you can get them something they’re into!
oeuf nyc
le well rounded markers
the cuuuutest set of markers. you can also click them together to create different colors and patterns
amazon
sounds fishy game
another cute game for kids (it says 10+) and adults — everyone tries to figure out who’s bluffing
amazon
voice changer
arlo loves this thing! it’s basically his own little talk boy (i just wish you could have a whole tape of recordings)
amazon
dabble & dollop mini bath bombs
these bath bombs come in the cutest colors and smell really good too
amazon
yumearth candy canes
you can’t have a stocking without candy canes inside and i feel like these slightly “better for you” ones can be tough to find in the store
target
magnetic blocks
magnetic blocks are always fun — these ones come in pretty colors and a cute little container
nordstrom
everybody night light
cutest night lights! they come on automatically when the sun goes down and lights are turned off.
stocking stuffers for adults
amazon
shower steamers
some pretty rose-scented shower steamers — also come in lots of other nice options!
etsy
sun and moon ornament
a nice ornament is always a good gift and i love this cute sun and moon one
amazon
maldon sea salt flakes
i’ll probably never stop including these sea salt flakes on gift guides because it’s such an easy gift everyone would use
amazon
herbes of provence
this little herbes of provence + crock would make a great stocking stuffer for any cooks you know, my favorite spice forever!
amazon
gourmet caramels
it is my firm belief that no stocking is complete without some kind of candy inside
amazon
coop’s hot fudge
the most delicious hot fudge sauce — they have lots of flavors if they’re not a fan of peppermint
amazon
zitsticka patches
what grown-up wouldn’t want zit patches?! these work soooo well. they’re expensive but they WORK. i will say the packaging seems super excessive and i wish they would change that
amazon
tatcha the serum stick
a serum stick for smoothing fine lines and brightening the face — love all things tatcha!
amazon
deodorant wipes
these deodorant wipes are so great for traveling or just to throw in your bag
hope that helps! and btw — i’m always adding stocking stuffer ideas to my amazon favorites list as well!
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holiday gift guide 2025 : for the babies
another gift guide! this one is for the babies, they don’t need much — but a little special something is always fun because who doesn’t like cute baby things!!?!
etsy
hand embroidered baby swaddle
the hand stitching on this custom swaddle is gorge. they also come in so many pretty patterns
lovevery
lovevery subscription box
we love these for izzy — a subscription box with toys and activities based on their exact age.
almost makes perfect
baby on board magnet
not to toot my own horn (pun intended) but i think this car magnet would make a great gift!!
west elm
memory box
i love having a box for throwing memories and little treasures into. this is so nice and comes with so much — an envelope for their first haircut, a bag for their first pair of shoes, a matchbox for their first teeth, lots more cute things 🥹
etsy
hand-stitched personalized ornament
these special ornaments would be such a thoughtful gift, we have them (as you might see in the photo!!) and they’re just so meaningful
amazon
gourmet for baby contrast cards
these are just fun — black and white contrast cards featuring fancy foods
amazon
wooden shopping cart
more ideas for those babies who are just learning to walk — this cart is so sweet
pottery barn kids
plush duckling rocker
forever in love with this rocker — and you can add their name to it!!
amazon
touch light board
this musical doodle board is so cool — they draw right on the gel pad! great for on the go and restaurants etc. and no mess for the parents, how considerate of you
amazon
baby phone toy
babies loooove phones — this one has a mirror for “selfies” and cute filters and plays fun sounds
custom board book
this is definitely one of my fave products from artifact uprising, the quality is so good and they are so simple and well designed. here’s how i made mine!
and for even more book options — i also have a bunch of cute ones saved here.
i can’t stand the cuteness!! hope this helps!
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holiday gift guide 2025 : for the big kids
gift guide for the older kids! i even made an effort to include some tween gifts, but obv i’m not an expert so i did my best! enjoyyyyy 🙂
amazon
the cosmic book of space, aliens and beyond
arlo has LOVED and spent so many hours with these books. lots of fun drawing prompts and really will get their creative juices flowing
amazon
the monster book of zombies, spooks and ghouls
he loved the alien one so much we got the zombie one too
amazon
me: a fill-in journal for kids
my book about me was a favorite childhood activity and this is a kind of even better version
amazon
things to do
and a good thing to make them read whenever they’re complaining about being bored lol
amazon
the adventure challenge
also great for combatting boredom lol — filled with 30 scratch-off challenges!
amazon
joke box
arlo loves a prank more than most things haha — if your kid has the mischievous gene they’ll love it
amazon
pushpeel sensory activity board
this is a great toy for them to get the fidgets out, it’s been great as a travel and restaurant toy for our kids
amazon
fahlo voyage bracelet
for the shark-loving kiddos, these bracelets are so cool!! each one tracks a shark, sharing photos and stats of their journey, and also contributes to shark conservation. also come in lots of cute colors
amazon
monikers
ok so i’ve never actually played this, but i love the box design lol and they have a bunch of extensions or spin offs so it must be fun! (for 8+)
kiwico
kiwico crates
these are the perfect gifts — a subscription box with STEM based activities for whatever age your child is. you can also just buy the crates a la carte. arlo has always loved every box we’ve ever done
amazon
electronic money bank
arlo’s money bank! this thing is so fun. maybe put some cash in it to get them started too haha
magnolia
mini basketball hoop
good-looking basketball hoops can be hard to find, but this one definitely is! and it looks like it’ll actually last
amazon
yoto audiobook player
we have both the regular sized yoto and the mini. the mini is way easier for travel and it still has the same controls and you can get cute jackets in super pretty colors like the green one that comes in this bundle!
ps. if you buy from the yoto store directly, they have way more story cards.
uncommon goods
junior chain reaction construction set
for the little engineers, a cute set for building their very own rube goldberg-style creations
amazon
magnetic building tiles
magnet tiles are the best, and these ones are so pretty and super versatile
target
toy doll cottage
my best friend has this dollhouse for her kids and im obsessed, its SO CUTE!
uncommon goods
diy shoe and bag charm making kit
apparently shoe styling is a thing right now?? this set comes with some super cute charms
amazon
diy nail polish color maker set
another fun diy idea — they can make their own nail polish colors and it even comes with labels to name them. so cute.
amazon
body art markers
temporary tattoo markers! these colors are really pretty and it comes with stencils you can use too
wayfair
5-in-1 game table
this is awesome — a table with billiards, slide hockey, soccer, table tennis, and basketball all in one!
target
nex playground
this looks really fun and is well-reviewed! a game system for the whole family with interactive motion games. it comes with a couple games to get you started
let me know what your kids end up loving. happy shopping!!
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holiday gift guide 2025 : for her
i made sure for this gift guide for her that i would only choose things that i would want, so i hope you like it too!! lots of different price points for gifts for your sister, wife, mom, aunt, girlfriends — enjoy!!
anthropologie
floral paper making kit
this is such a fun idea! a kit for them to make pretty greeting cards with flower petals
amazon
the art of memory collecting
this is so cute! this book is full of ways to use your special photos and other personal treasures
etsy
custom first date portrait
a personalized water color painting of a special scene, such a thoughtful idea
etsy
custom matchbox art print
this one’s really cute too — send in their favorite things and this artist will create matchboxes of them!
williams sonoma
vintage etched coupe glasses
i love etched glassware!! these are gorgeous and so special.
pomegranate
pomegranate sketch cobalt blue mugs
because starting your day with coffee in a beautiful mug makes your day so much better!!
greenrow
paloma ruffle napkins
i know they’re pricey but i’m in love with these napkins and i strongly believe they would be too!
l.l. bean
boat and tote
i personally think everyone could benefit from this tote and bonus points if you get it monogrammed for them
piglet in bed
stripe cotton robe
a pretty robe that looks sooo cozy — and comes in several cute striped colors
ugg
tasman maxi curly slippers
i mean, i want these slippers i can wear outside so i assume i’m not the only one!!
merit
the color trio
i love merit products so much, this set comes with a face balm, lip oil and lip liner all in a color of your choosing
terrain
golden bird ornaments
love this ornament set — you could give both to someone or give one to your bff and keep one for yourself, like home alone 2!
hope that helps with your shopping this year!! let me know what caught your eye!
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holiday gift guide 2025 : for him
this is always the hardest gift guide for me! i try to find things that aren’t all cliche “guy stuff” but still be… guy stuff ?! i think i found lots of cool things that i know my husband and brother would for sure like!
amazon
smart meat thermometer
this thermometer will actually tell you how long to cook your meat and how long to let it rest!
williams sonoma
smithey seasoned cast iron chef skillet
a niiiice skillet for the guy who likes to cook
uncommon goods
make your own hot sauce kit
guys love hot sauce right? (well mine hates spicy lol) the cutest hot sauce making kit, i feel like this would be so fun
universal yums
gift box
for the guys with a sweet tooth, snacks and candy subscription boxes from all over the world!! my husband would love this.
uncommon goods
pistachio pedestal
for the pistachio lovers out there, here’s a beautiful way to display them lol
amazon
magnetic bottle hanger
sorry sorry so cliche that men like beer but what other gift guide would i put this on?! lol — these are magnetic strips that attach to the ceiling of the fridge and hold beer bottles!
amazon
portable neck fan
guys just loooove to complain about how hot it is right?! i got gid a portable neck fan and we use it often!!
therabody
smartgoggles
smart goggles that massage, heat and vibrate to help with stress, headaches and sleep quality, yes please
beam
dream sleeping powder
and if they have any trouble sleeping, i’ve been using this powder at night and love it — it tastes shockingly good!!!!!
amazon
vinyl record player
a well reviewed record player and maybe gift it with one album they’d love?!
Lo & sons
catalina deluxe weekender bag
we are huge fans of this weekender bag. love the bottom compartment for shoes or anything.
BÉIS
the dopp kit
a dopp kit that opens wide is so clutch, this one also has a bottom compartment and is a really nice big size.
amazon
cadence daily routine set
these magnetic containers are so useful and also happen to look good
amazon
firsthand supply hair paste
i just love the packaging of this hair paste, and they make paste for all hair types!
amazon
scopearound otoscope
lol gid has this camera otoscope and is obsessed. he loves cleaning out all our ears haha — i asked him if other men would want this and he said yes, especially if they’re dads.
l.l.bean
crewneck sweater
just a very cute sweater! who wouldn’t love a nice sweater, besides someone evil?!?
rothy’s
the men’s cozy clog
cute cozy clogs — all of rothy’s shoes are super comfy and sustainably made!
TOMMY JOHN
second skin mid-length boxer brief
gid loves these boxer briefs! you can buy them individually or they also sell them in packs
target
men’s crew socks
idk about you but my husband is particular about socks and lots of other things haha — he has tried so many pairs of socks over the years but really likes these crew socks — they’re much simpler and less expensive than the popular ones. gid’s review: “the logo is hidden, they’re the perfect weight and they don’t have that dorky arch thing”
amazon
rfid blocking slim leather wallet
an rfid blocking wallet that also pops up your credit cards!! i got gid this wallet for xmas one year and he’s soooo picky and GUESS WHAT HE LOVES IT.
etsy
custom embroidered hat
this is still the best gift i’ve ever gotten gid — an embroidered hat with arlos drawing on it! they have lots of options.
amazon
usb flashlight
i dont know why guys love flashlights but they really do, this one is really sleek and rechargeable
amazon
sonos ray soundbar
we have this soundbar and are so happy with it! i love that it’s compact and white, guys will love that it’s a soundbar.
uncommon goods
create your own video game set
a cute little console that builds and runs retro arcade games! it says it’s for kids but my big kid husband likes it too haha
huckberry
digital video camera
aren’t we all trying to encourage our husbands to document us more? no need to be subtle! lol
amazon
smart moleskin notebook set
a smart moleskin notebook with pen! i know my guy would love this
that’s what i got this year! let me know what you’re gifting!
