Category / gifts

by Kelly Mattei

Moms After Christmas Day (again!)

Moms after Christmas Day (again!).

Two years ago, I wrote a piece the day after Christmas titled Moms After Christmas Day. You can see it here. It’s recognition of all the extra work moms do during the holidays…the list-making, the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking, the baking, the scheduling…and that’s in addition to our regular roles! Lots of moms even take on extra part-time jobs just to make Christmas happen for their families. And no matter how old our children get, moms still want the holidays to feel special.

My husband and I have one daughter. She’s 20 now and a sophomore in college, so Christmas at our house looks a lot different than it did 15 years ago. It’s still fun, but it’s fun in a different way. And you know what? There’s still a lot of preparation that goes into it. As the mom of the house, I still do all the preparation. I’m fortunate to have a sweet husband who will help me upon request, but truthfully, the ultimate responsibility of the holiday is mine. I orchestrate everything. I purchase everything. I wrap everything. I cook everything. I even play bartender! Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy every minute of it. I really do. I finally feel like I have everything planned out in advance now, so I don’t end up dropping the ball on anything. I wrap the gifts as I purchase them, and I love wrapping and making bows…it gets me into the spirit of the holiday. And the meal prep? Well, I even got that right this year! In fact, this year, the timing of the meal even worked out perfectly! We weren’t waiting for biscuits to finish baking. We weren’t waiting for any particular dish to be ready. Somehow, I managed to make it happen on time! And after the meal? I directed the cleanup efforts…and the whole family participated! One cleared the table. One loaded the dishwasher. One put away everything else.

And today? The day after Christmas? I have rested. It’s raining, so I have the perfect excuse to stay in my pajamas. In fact, right now, it’s 3:40pm, and I am still in my pajamas. Am I embarrassed about that? Not one bit. In fact, I’m a little bit proud that I have been lazy after being so busy for the holidays. In fact, it’s my gift to myself. I have watched a little television. I have talked on the phone. Well, I have done two loads of laundry, but that’s all the work I have done…and frankly, because I enjoy doing laundry, it’s not really work at all. There aren’t many household chores I enjoy, but I do enjoy doing laundry…including ironing or steaming. Just don’t ask me to vacuum.

Our daughter is out and about this afternoon. That’s a lot different than just a few years ago when the new toys were still exciting. I do regret that she didn’t get any toys this year. In fact, she told me a college friend’s mom insists that everyone in the family should get at least one toy every year. I love that! The friend got a pogo stick this year, and I immediately wished I had gotten one for our daughter! She was quite good at pogo back in the day, so it would be fun to see her do it again. So my daughter and I have made a pact that all of us will get at least one toy next year. We will see what we come up with!

Today has been a lazy day, but tomorrow, I will hit the ground running. There are more things to prepare for before the New Year’s celebration, including a big party on the 30th, so there won’t be any laziness tomorrow! Until then, I’ll be searching for the next movie to stream. Or maybe I can watch a few episodes of some favorite old shows? First, though, I’m taking a shower and putting on some real clothes. It’s time.

by Kelly Mattei

Wrapping Gifts

Wrapping gifts.

I love wrapping Christmas gifts. I am the person who, usually, wraps them as I get them. That way, I’m not all in a kerfuffle on Christmas Eve trying to balance my glass of Prosecco and wrap gifts at the same time. I learned several years ago that wrapping in advance was the way to go, because I fell ice skating on Christmas Eve and broke my wrist but still had gifts to wrap! Try wrapping gifts with a broken wrist! So yes, I try to do it as soon as I walk in the house with the gift.

Throughout life, I haven’t been known for my gift-wrapping skills. My mother made me start wrapping birthday gifts for my friends when I was in kindergarten, but that doesn’t mean I was good at it. When I was in middle school and high school, however, I would purchase gifts at department stores that offered free gift wrap…just show the receipt with the gift and get everything wrapped for free! Ahhh…the good old days, when department stores hired school teachers as temporary gift-wrappers during the holidays. We would arrive at the gift-wrap department to see our teachers working hard behind the counter…tearing paper off the big rolls and speedily wrapping our gifts for our parents.

These days, I love shopping at locally-owned boutiques that offer gift-wrapping services (The Buttercup on Providence Rd in Charlotte!), but I also love wrapping gifts. My skills have improved over the years, but I have never claimed to be really good at it…until now!

Earlier this week, I went to a Favorite Things party, where each attendee brought a wrapped gift…something they love…and put it with all the other gifts. Each person picked a number, and in numbered order, they picked a gift out of the pile. My “favorite thing” contribution to the pile was a book from Southern Living called Southern Cocktails, which you can purchase here. When the recipient picked it up, she remarked that it was beautifully wrapped, and as silly as it sounds, I found myself feeling elated to hear that! I guess my skills have improved over time! I had wrapped it in a vintage-print paper with a red and green hand-tied bow, and I was so proud that you’d have thought I had discovered a cure for polio! Of course, I held in my elation, because how silly would it have been for me to look too proud of my wrapping?!? Once she removed the wrapping, the recipient also loved the book! It has some great recipes for cocktails, so I highly recommend it.

Personally, I have always thought of gift-wrapping as an art. I don’t consider myself an artist, but I think I do a pretty good job! And all my gifts for this Christmas are wrapped, so if you need help with wrapping, and you live in Charlotte, I’m happy to come over and help!

You’ll just need to supply the gifts, the wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, and a bottle of Prosecco.

***My links for Amazon are affiliate links, so I will receive a commission for items purchase through the links.

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

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

Air Purifier Promo Code…TODAY ONLY!

Does someone on your list need an air purifier for a room/dorm? If you know a future college student, this is a great gift. TODAY ONLY, get 70% off (MAKING THE PRICE JUST ABOUT $50 instead of $165, while supplies last. ***DISCOUNT WILL REFLECT AT CHECKOUT*** Get this air purifier using my link: https://amzn.to/3QOthgI (If discount doesn’t reflect at check out, use PROMO CODE: 7035CVJC)

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