Category / family

by Kelly Mattei

Last Minute Great Gifts

Last minute great gifts. Still have some shopping to do? Here are some items for everyone on your list. Seriously, I’m trying to make your life easier by providing links, so all you have to do is click and purchase!

  • Push Pin Travel Map. A framed world map made for push pins to mark places visited? Yes, please! If someone on your list is a world traveler, this is a great gift! Purchase here.

  • Doodle Dazzles Shimmer Marker Set. I don’t even know where I saw these, but they are awesome! I like to “doodle” and practice different writing styles, and when I was in college, I would have loved these for personalizing gifts! They make a great stocking stuffer! Purchase here.

  • Scarf ring. Another great stocking stuffer! I was out at breakfast with a friend yesterday, and she was wearing a lovely scarf. The hostess at the restaurant admired it, and it occurred to me that not everyone has a scarf ring! I have some, and now I need to remember to use them! Get them here. Purchase here.

  • Space Heater. Sometimes, we don’t want to heat a whole big space; maybe I just want warm feet? Or maybe I just want a little warmth in the bathroom when I step out of the shower! My mother loved a good space heater when she was watching TV. Purchase here.

  • AirFort. What kid wouldn’t love an easily-inflatable “fort”? I know mine would have loved it when she was a little girl! She might even enjoy it now, and she’s 20! Connect them to a box fan, and they self-inflate! Great for indoor play! They come in lots of different styles…space shuttle, cottage, mushroom…check them out and purchase here.

  • Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I just got home from a “favorite things party,” and one of the hot items was a Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. My daughter has this product and loves it, but now that I know lots of other people love it too, I’m offering you the link! It’s to be applied at bedtime…wake up with soft lips! This makes a great stocking stuffer or gift. Purchase here.

  • Southern Cocktails. For your friend who loves to try new cocktail recipes, this book makes a great gift! Someone gave it to me, and I love it! From the editors of Southern Living. Purchase here.

  • Preseasoned Cast Iron Skillet. Every southerner needs a preseasoned cast iron skillet (or two!). Heck maybe everyone in the world should have one! They can be used stovetop, in the oven, or over a fire! And nothing cooks cornbread, skillet corn, sauteed or pan roasted veggies, or even latkes like a seasoned cast iron skillet! Seriously, if someone on your list doesn’t own one, this makes a great gift. Just make sure they have cleaning instructions, so they don’t mess it up! Get an inexpensive version here. Or support small business with Backcountry brand here.

  • Neroli Soap, Body Wash, and hand cream. I don’t know why, but my favorite scent is orange blossom, also known as neroli. Therefore, I love this soap. Someone gave it to me, and I think it makes a fantastic stocking stuffer! If neroli is not your preferred scent, they offer others. Get it here. Or get the bath gel here. Or hand and nail cream here.

Happy Shopping!

***As an Amazon Associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through the links I provide.

by Kelly Mattei

More Great Gifts for 2023

More great gifts for 2023…

December is here! It’s time to get serious about Christmas shopping! Get the gifts now! If you live in Charlotte and need help wrapping gifts, send me a message. I love wrapping gifts, so I’ll be happy to help if I can! Here are some great gifts:

  • Personalized Neon Sign. This is a great gift for kids, teens, and even great for college students. When our daughter lived in a dorm last year, I saw lots of these in dorm rooms. With prices starting under $30, they are a great personal gift. Highly recommend! Order now, because they are made to order. You pick the size, color, shape, and name, and they’ll make the sign and ship it to you. Delivery time varies by destination. Right now, to have it delivered to Charlotte, it will arrive between December 15 and 21, so serious…don’t wait. Just order it now here.

  • Beanie with Light. Someone on your list spend time outdoors at night? Maybe Dad likes to chop firewood at night? Maybe sis likes to go for a run at night? These beanies are awesome with their built-in headlamps. See great options for all here. Or see a more feminine option with pompom here.

  • Turtleneck Tunic Sweater. I have several of these in black, green, and brown. I love them, obviously. Get one for Mom here. They run true to size.

  • Grabber Tool. Men love gadgets. I don’t know why, but they do. This would be a great gift for my husband or my brother. When my brother was a little boy, his favorite gift ever was probably a flashlight…and I’ll get to one of those next. For now, this grabber tool that offers a magnetic option will be a welcome gift this holiday season. Get it here. He will look for reasons to use it.

  • Superbright Handheld Flashlights. Men and boys love flashlights. This one isn’t a great idea for a young child, because the brightness is extreme, but it’s great for a man who hunts or camps. Heck, my husband doesn’t participate in either of those activities, but he loves a good flashlight to spot animals in trees. Get two in this package. Purchase here.

  • Flashlights for kids. Here are some options for kids. For very young kids, there’s the V-tech spin and learn color flashlight here. For older kids, get the Tokeyla rechargeable flashlight here.

  • Personalized Blanket. For another great personalized gift, a blanket might be a great idea for someone on your list. My daughter has a personalized blanket someone gave her ten years ago, and she still uses it all the time. Order soon to have it delivered by Christmas! Get it here.

  • Personalized Toiletry Kit for Men. This is a great gift for the man in your life, but order now for timely delivery. Purchase here.

  • Satin Pillowcase. This one is inexpensive, but it still helps keep hair smooth and shiny, and it helps keep skin looking younger. Get it here.

  • REST Cooling Comforter. Holy Cow! We got one of these several weeks ago, and I have never slept better! Get it here.

  • US Map Picture Frame. For the traveler on your list, this is a great gift! I’m getting one for our daughter. She has been to lots of states, and I hope to make sure she visits more soon! Place a photo in each state you’ve visited. It’s awesome. Get it here.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

by Kelly Mattei

Holiday Gifts for the Joe Namath Fan

Holiday Gifts for the Joe Namath Fan.

Lots of my readers love Joe Namath. My posts about his books and my adventure to his hometown of Beaver Falls are consistently the most-read posts on my blog…year after year. I love Joe too. If you’re looking for a gift for a Joe Namath fan on your list, I have some ideas…all of which I would love to receive myself (hint, hint).

  • All the Way: My Life in Four Quarters by Joe Namath. My friend, Linda, gave me this book for my birthday in 2019. Not kidding…I read it straight through in a day. The man has lived a fascinating life. It’s available in paperback, hardback, and even on Audible and Kindle. Highly recommend. Get it here. Or get a signed copy (what a great gift!) here.

  • Joe Namath Facsimile Signed NY Jets Jersey. Any good fan would love a Namath jersey. Can I get one to wear to his restaurant in Florida, in hopes he’ll be there and talk to me?!?! Lol! All kidding aside, this is a great gift at $74.99. Get it here. See other Namath jersey options on Amazon here.

  • Namath: a Biography by Mark Kriegel. Yes, I have read this one too. In fact, I have it in my living room. Another great one with some fun stories about Broadway Joe. Get it here.

  • Joe Namath Poster. Get it framed or leave it unframed. It’s a great gift for a Namath fan. Pricing starts at $15. Get it here.

  • Namath: My Son Joe by Rose Szolnoki. Written by Joe’s mom in 1975, this is a look at Joe Willie from a different perspective. Get it here.

Or check out lots of other Joe Namath gifts here. From bobbleheads to Christmas ornaments and books and posters and more…lots of great Namath merchandise.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

As an Amazon associate, I receive commission on items purchased through these links.

by Kelly Mattei

Have A Gamer On Your List?

Have a gamer on your list?

If so, this video game chair could be the perfect gift! For about $100, the gamer on your list gets a headrest, a footrest, and lumbar support! Get it while supplies last here.

by Kelly Mattei

Moms Make Things Happen

Moms make things happen.

I just read an article in Inc. Magazine about how United Airlines lost a teenager’s luggage containing $2000 of lacrosse gear and how her mom took matters into her own hands to get it back. Because her daughter had put an Apple Air Tag tracking device in her bag, Mom could see the bag was at baggage claim in Chicago, even though the airline said it had never left Baltimore. Tired of waiting for the airline to solve the problem, she cashed in some frequent flyer miles to fly from her home in Denver to Chicago, where the bag was sitting in unclaimed baggage area, retrieved the bag, and took the bag home with her. You go, girl! You can read the article here.

I have to tell you: I wasn’t surprised one bit to read that a mother who didn’t trust the airline to get the bag back to her daughter was the one who solved the problem in her own way. Moms make things happen. No, not every mom could or would go to extremes to help their kids, but lots of us would. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean helping them in ways that will hurt them. I don’t mean doing their homework. I don’t mean posting on the college parents’ page asking for tutors for their college student or trying to help them find friends. I don’t mean rescuing them from every bad situation. Kids need to learn to handle things on their own. However, sometimes a teen is not equipped to handle something.

And that’s where Mom comes in.

I truly believe being a mom is the single most important job in the world. Sure, we need a president. We need doctors. We need coaches and teachers, but Mom? A good mom is multi-talented and has knowledge about lots of things. A good mom nurtures, acting as a nurse. A good mom listens, acting as a counselor. A good mom encourages, acting as a coach. A good mom teaches, acting as a teacher. A good mom protects, acting as a security officer. A good mom guides, acting as a captain. A good mom instills morals/beliefs, acting as a spiritual leader. A good mom nourishes, acting as a chef. A good mom puts in the time. A good mom does it all. A good mom makes things happen.

One thing I know for sure: my daughter knows I always have her back. I always have her best interest at heart…just like my mom did before I lost her six years ago. She knows I will hop on a plane to help her. She also knows I will not live her life for her. I wouldn’t dream of calling or emailing a college professor. I won’t try to find friends for her or tutors. She has learned her own problem-solving skills by doing things herself…and by observing over the years.

But would I catch a flight to pick up her bag filled with lacrosse gear that had been abandoned by an airline in an airport? You bet your sweet bippy!

So am I surprised the mom in Denver flew to Chicago to fetch her daughter’s bag? Not one bit.

There are, however, some lessons to be learned here. First, when you fly, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR CHECKED BAG IS TAGGED FOR YOUR FINAL DESTINATION…look at the check bag tag and make sure it has “Los Angeles/LAX” (or your destination) on it before releasing it to an agent. Second lesson? Purchase some Apple Air Tags or Tile Pros to stick in your checked bags, so you know where they are! You won’t be surprised to know that, after reading about the girl’s luggage issues, I’m purchasing some Apple Air Tags and some Tile Pros for our family for Christmas. Purchase Tile Pros here. Purchase Apple Air Tags here. They make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

***As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through the links I provide.

by Kelly Mattei

Amazon Black Friday Deals

Amazon Black Friday Deals of all kinds! Scroll through to see deals on kitchen products, toys, electronics, and fun stuff!

  • Kitchenaid Mixers. It’s rare to see a Kitchenaid Mixer on sale, but some are 27% off now. If someone on your list loves to bake, this could be a great gift. I love mine. See Kitchenaid sale items here.
  • Bose Headphones and more. Get up to 40% off some Bose headphones, noise cancelling earbuds, and other products! Have a college student or frequent traveler on your list? Noise cancelling headphones and earbuds are great for dorms and airplanes. See their sale items here.
  • LG Televisions. Someone on your list asking for a quality television? LG is awesome. Yes, they’re pricey, but lots of people say they are worth every penny. Now, you can get them on sale at Amazon…up to 39% OFF! See them here.
  • Fitbit Fitness Trackers. For the people on your list who like to keep track of their exercise…or the one who should be keeping track of it…Fitbit offers some great gifts. And now, they are up to 38% off at Amazon! See their offerings here.
  • DeLonghi Kitchen Appliance. Get up to 42% off DeLonghi kitchen appliances, including some coffeemakers, espresso machines, grills, and more. See what they’re offering here.
  • Bluey Character Toys. Does a child on your list love Bluey? Chance are…if there’s a child on your list, Bluey is a favorite. Lots of Bluey products are on sale…up to 48% off. See the specials here.
  • Peppa Pig Toys. I know Peppa Pig is a favorite of children everywhere. If there is a child on your list who loves Peppa, here’s an opportunity to take advantage of some deals on Peppa Pig toys. See them here.
  • Designer Sale. If someone on your list likes high end handbags, clothes, and shoes, you need to check out the designer pages on Amazon…something you might not even know about! Some items are pre-loved, but right now, you can take advantage of some discounts. For info, click here.
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen). Get an Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for as low as $179! That’s an incredible deal! See them here.
  • E-scooters, E-bikes, and Electric Go Karts. Up to 61% off e-scooters, e-bikes, and electric go karts for all ages at Amazon. College students love e-scooters. Folks of all ages love e-bikes. See them here.
  • FOCO Licensed College Apparel and Accessories. Lots of licensed apparel and accessories on sale! If someone on your list has a favorite college team, you might be able to get them something here. Click here.
  • FUNBOY Products. Y’all, I love FUNBOY products…from pool floats to sleds, they’re a hit at my house! Check out their Amazon store and see their featured deals here.
  • Hammerhead Sled. Y’all, our daughter is 20 years old and has gotten a sled for Christmas every year of her life. She has a few of these Hammerhead sleds, because they are the best, fastest, zippiest ever! You can get it for half price right now while supplies last! See it here.

There you have it…get busy shopping to take advantage of these deals.

***As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions on products purchased through my links.***

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

by Kelly Mattei

DEAL on Rubbermaid Commercial-Grade Laundry Cart

Y’all know I encourage folks to purchase this on a regular basis. It’s a great cart for moving college students into and out of dorms. It’s great for moving towels to and from the pool deck. It’s great for moving laundry or other items around your house without having to carry them. Highly recommend, and it’s on sale ($127.93 instead of $200) until November 28, while supplies last! Get it here.

by Kelly Mattei

Outdoor Bluetooth Projector BIG Deal TODAY ONLY

TODAY ONLY! If someone on your list would like a wifi/bluetooth compatible OUTDOOR PROJECTOR, I have a promo code that takes 80% off this great one! It’s compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers, etc…so you can watch all your shows/movies/sports from your apps, projected onto a screen or wall outdoors with your friends! It’s normally $399, but YOU can get it now with my link for just about $80!!! Discount will reflect AT CHECKOUT. Click this link: https://amzn.to/47K3UDn

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*As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission on purchases made through my links.*

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by Kelly Mattei

Gifts for Patio Entertainers

Gifts for patio entertainers.

We love spending time on our patio…with friends and family. Anything that makes that outdoor time more fun or more comfortable could be a great purchase and would make a fantastic gift! Here are some ideas:

  • Smart TV. Seriously, if you have a smart TV and wi-fi, you can watch almost anything…and you can watch it outdoors! Just set it up on a table outside, use your apps, and watch the sporting events or movies as a group…all on your patio! This is a great gift for dad or anyone else who loves hanging outside. Amazon Fire TVs start as low as $80, but look at all the Fire options here.
  • Solo Stove. I know I have mentioned this several times, but I simply want everyone to have one! They put out good heat without a lot of smoke, and even I can get a nice fire going in ours! We have the Solo Bonfire fire pit, but take a look at everything they offer on Amazon here. From tabletop fire pits to larger fire pits to grills and pizza ovens…yes, pizza ovens…Solo has it going on.
  • Double Hammock with Stand. Someone on your list would love this for their patio! Get here.
  • Outdoor Puffy Waterproof Camping Blanket. It’s important to stay cozy when you’re outdoors! These make great gifts for anyone who spends time outdoors…on the patio, at sporting events, and more. Get here.
  • S’mores Station. This is just a great gift. Don’t we all remember making S’Mores when we were kids? Making them over the Solo Stove (shown above) is great fun! Surely, someone on your list will appreciate this! Get here.
  • Telescope. If you have someone on your list who is a big nerd like me, a telescope makes a great gift for stargazing! See offerings on Amazon here.
  • Yeti Rambler Mugs. Unbreakable coffee mugs? Doesn’t everyone on your list want these? Or give them to the person on your list who hosts gatherings on their patio frequently. Get here.
  • Outdoor Folding Rocking Chair. In case someone on your list needs extra seating on their patio, these are good to have on hand! Invite the whole neighborhood! Get here.
  • Yeti Cooler. A great gift for anyone who spends time outdoors…at sporting events, on the patio, camping…anywhere. Beer? Wine? Keep it all here. Get here.
  • Yeti Wine Glasses. Give this to someone who likes to keep their wine chilled on your patio. Get here.
  • Portable Beer Pong Table. This is always fun, but this table is even portable, so you can take it to the party with you! Easy set up! Get it here.

There are some great ideas for gifts for people on your list who like to spend time with friends and family outdoors.

Happy Holiday Shopping.

by Kelly Mattei

Shoe and Accessory Holiday Deals on Amazon

Shoe and accessory holiday deals on Amazon.

I’m just going to get right to it. Here are some great, fashionable deals on gifts for the women on your list:

  • Voile Blanche Women’s Loden Chelsea Boots. Lug-sole ankle boots are everywhere this season. If someone on your list would like them, you can get them for $159 (at time of writing), instead of the original price of $265! Purchase here.

  • ALC Romeo Bag. A great bag that’s originally $395, but on sale for $276.50. I got my daughter one like it last year when I realized she didn’t have a black handbag. Get one before they’re gone here.

  • Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Prong Earrings. Don’t know what to get for Mom? If she has pierced ears, she’ll likely love these cute earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane. At $37, they are a steal! Get them here.

  • See by Chloe Wedge Espadrille. Regularly $325, these cute espadrille wedges are a purchase at $168 for the black ones. They’ll be great for spring and summer, and the recipient will likely love them! Get them here. Or get gold ones for $156 here!

  • KULE Tennis Scarf. This great scarf from KULE is 50% off and will make a great gift for the tennis player on your list. Get it here.

  • More Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings. These are great for just about woman on your list! Priced at just $44, get them here.

  • Schutz Tractor Loafers. More lug soles. These are well-made shoes by a well-known brand, and they are 40% off right now! They’ll make a great gift! Get them here.

  • Lip Glorifier Balm. This lightweight balm infuses lips with light color and an elegant scent. Comes in four colors and is $47. Get it here.

  • Le Specs SOMETHING Sunglasses. If you have a Clemson fan, LSU fan, or Washington fan on your list, these sunglasses could be a great gift! Priced at $55.30 (reg $79), you can get them for a great price! See them here.

  • Stuart Weitzman Maverick Bedford Moto Booties. Stuart Weitzman? Yes, please! These Moto Booties are on trend and on sale…33% off! The coolest woman on your Christmas list will thank you! Get them here.

  • Simon Penny Mules. For the woman on your list who loves penny mules, this is a great gift, and it’s a great deal! Priced at $297, which is 40% off the original price of $495! Get them here.

  • Lizzie Fortunato Lush Earrings in Kiwi. I love these earrings. In fact, I’m adding them to my Christmas list! Get them here.

  • Stuart Weitzman Bedford Lace-Up Booties. Yep, Weitzman again…this time in a lace-up bootie. Very cute and very on-trend! Get them here.

There you go! Some great gift ideas (and deals) for the women on your list!

Happy Holiday Shopping!