Category / ideas

by Kelly Mattei

Safety/Wellness Items I Have Ordered for My College Daughter

Safety/wellness items I have ordered for my college daughter.

As parents, we never stop worrying, do we? Our daughter is a junior in college. A few weeks ago, she fell ill…mono/pneumonia/bronchitis. It was scary when I could hear deep wheezing through the phone, so I jumped on a plane and went down there. She is living in an apartment with three friends, but I was surprised they didn’t have some of the basics for illness/wellness and safety. I’m sharing, so you can double-check that your college student has the necessities if he/she gets sick. Here are some items I ordered or picked up for them while I was there:

  • Thermometer. I swear my daughter had one in her medicine box when she went to school, but it wasn’t there anymore, and none of the roommates could come up with one either. This is an absolute essential. In fact, go ahead and get two of them, because you know one will go missing.There are lots of them out there, but get the one I got from Amazon here. *Also, make sure they have the meds they need if they do get sick: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough and cold meds, etc.
  • COVID/Flu Home Test. Y’all, I had the flu in January. I feel pretty sure I acquired it standing in line at Customs when I came home from Mexico City. When I started feeling badly, I thought, “I guess I’ll be going to a germ infested doctor’s office tomorrow to get tested for flu.” But then I checked to see if there is a test on Amazon. There is, and it was delivered to my home overnight. With one sample, it tests for COVID, Flu A, and Flu B. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ITEM! Soon after receiving the test, I knew I had Flu A. After that, I knew I wanted to keep those tests on hand during flu season at my house. I also got one for our daughter at her college house. If she tests positive for flu A or B, she can call her doctor or an online doctor and get Tamiflu. ***Also, encourage your child to get a flu shot!*** Purchase the test here. (While you’re thinking about it, go ahead and order one or two for home…you’ll thank me this flu season if someone gets sick.)
  • Cold Mist Humidifier. As soon as my daughter was diagnosed with pneumonia, I knew she needed a humidifier. When I mentioned it, she said, “The doctor recommended it too.” I actually ordered one at a local drugstore for her to pick up, even though she was sick, just so she could have it quickly. This is one of those things we should just have anyway. Order one at Amazon here.
  • Pedialyte. A proven brand for replacing electrolytes and staying hydrated, Pedialyte makes powder packets that you mix with water. Powder mixes are easier to store than bulky bottles, and these last a long time. They’re good to have on hand for mono, pneumonia, flu, or even stomach issues. Get them from Amazon here.
  • Multivitamin. When I had mono as a teenager, the only things my old-school doctor recommended were lots of rest and a good multivitamin. These college students burn the candle at both ends. Get them a multivitamin, simply because you don’t really know what they’re eating or how much rest they are getting. Get a good one from Amazon here.
  • Ring Doorbell. While I was there, one of my daughter’s roommates mentioned that she would feel a lot safer if they had a Ring Doorbell, so you know I had to get one. I opted for the wireless one for easy installation. It’s not cheap, but it’s the lastest model and easy to install. Get it at Amazon here.
  • Window Alarms. Another safety feature? Window alarms. If your kids have a ground floor bedroom, they might feel safer with window alarms on the windows. For under $30, you get alarms for four windows. Get the ones I purchased here.
  • Portable Safe. I know, the words “portable” and “safe” don’t go together, but this one attached to a fixed item. She doesn’t have any real valuables, but she does have some small items that might walk away if someone didn’t ask to borrow them and forgot to return them. No, I don’t mean her roommates. I mean other people who visit. Sometimes, there are lots of people in their apartment. This safe attaches to the shelving in her closet and has a combination lock. Get it here.
  • She’s Birdie Personal Alarm. You’ve probably seen these before. Highly recommend. At about $30, it does offer a little peace of mind. Get it here.
  • Pepper Gel Spray. If you’re really concerned about safety, pepper gel spray can be a great thing to have. Instead of the old school liquid spray, this won’t blow back on the person spraying it. A friend told me about it over lunch yesterday when she was telling me a story about a guy walking into her daughter’s room! The guy was friends with someone else who lived there, but that’s not OK. Get the pepper gel spray here.***Just make sure they don’t try to board an airplane with it.***
  • Door Security Bar. After the Idaho murders, our daughter became more aware of real dangers. We have door security bars on all our exterior doors at home, but she wanted one for her bedroom door in her apartment. If your child lives somewhere that people might be in and out of the apartment or house at all hours, it could be a good idea to have one of these to secure the door. Get it here.

This list, obviously, is not a complete list of everything they need for health and wellness, but it’s a start! Don’t forget you can likely order groceries for them through Instacart! ***Also, remember to check/replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! *** Do what you can for your child!

***I am an Amazon Associate, so I am compensate for items purchased through my links.***

by Kelly Mattei

You Are Not Going to College with Your Child

You are not going to college with your child.

Why am I saying that? Well, because it seems lots of parents think they need to be involved with their child’s college experience. I’m here to tell you: you do not need to know anything, Mom. Even if you went to your child’s orientation session (or plan to attend), you don’t need to remember the information. College is your child’s job. It’s not your job. If you keep assisting your child with everything he/she needs to do/know, your child will never learn to do it on his/her own. Stick with me, and at the end of this piece, I will tell you what you can do to make your child’s transition to college more successful.

I think parents became more “helicopterish” with their college students when colleges and universities started offering orientation sessions for parents. No, just no. It makes me sick. I have said before that I went with my daughter two years ago, but I only went because it seemed everyone else was going, and I didn’t want her to feel like an orphan! I skipped out at lunch on the first day and never looked back. I simply couldn’t take it. It made me crazy that parents were asking questions kids should have been asking for themselves. If I had a second child, he/she would be going it alone, and I would feel great about it. You know why? Well, I truly believe those parent sessions are simply babysitting sessions to keep parents busy after they have traveled there. It wasn’t terrible, but I did not need to know the information they were putting out there. Where to park? I don’t care. Where to eat? I don’t care. I have already graduated from college…way back in the 1980s…and I figured it all out myself.

In 1985, my parents didn’t go to orientation with me! No way! I drove myself two hours to the university, found the dorm without a navigation system in my car, learned what I needed to know, made my schedule, and drove myself home…alone. In fact, I don’t recall seeing one parent at orientation at The University of Alabama in 1985!

And while I’m at it, allow me to also remind you that you don’t need to make your child’s academic schedule. Again, he/she needs to learn how to do it on his/her own. I see parents on the parent pages regularly talking about helping their kids make their schedules. What??? I don’t even know what classes my daughter is taking! And my parents never knew what classes I was taking!

Take a deep breath, Mom. Your child can navigate college without you. If you don’t believe that, maybe your child shouldn’t be going too far from home. Mine goes to a school 450 miles away, and it’s the greatest thing I ever did for her…letting her do college on her own. She takes care of herself and handles everything on her own, and we don’t waste our time talking about school. We talk about life and fun things, instead!

So, how can you help your child with the transition to college? I’m not a counselor or psychologist, but I am a mom, so I know a little bit. Here’s what you can do:

  • Help them prepare to outfit their dorm room. Gather what they need, and purchase what you don’t have. (Amazon Prime Days are coming up in mid-July, and there will be lots of dorm stuff on sale…a great time to get good prices! Come back to my site to get information on some special deals!)
  • Answer the phone when they call you…anytime, day or night. That first semester can be difficult, so they might need a sounding board. Be there for them. Be supportive. Be positive and encouraging.
  • Make sure they know what to do in emergency situations.
  • Provide whatever they need.
  • Most of all:

Let your little birdie fly! It might not be easy, but it’s important! They can do this! And you can too!

by Kelly Mattei

Come On Over!

Come on over!

A friend just posted on Facebook that she is happy to be back in her home after living in a hotel for 333 days. Yes,…333 days! A pipe burst on an upper floor in their home on Christmas Day 2022, and they lost most of what they had. In her post, she seemed truly grateful to be spending time in her home again…so grateful, in fact, that they had Thanksgiving on a folding card table using dishes from Dollar Tree. She was determined to have Thanksgiving in her own home, and she did. She also added a reminder to invite people over…telling friends to do it now. Don’t wait until everything is perfect in your home, because it will never be perfect. Have friends and family over now.

I’m sure she has no idea how much I appreciated her words of wisdom. Often, I get lazy or simply forget to invite friends, neighbors, and family over, but I’m going to change that. What am I waiting for? My friend’s “entertain now” theory goes right along with “wear the shiny shoes now,” which I do. Or “use the silver now,” which I also do more often after dining at a friend’s house; she told me she uses hers all the time. Really…what is the point in having something if we don’t use it? If we keep waiting for the perfect time, we will never use it!

Because of my friend’s post, I am planning to invite my friends over more often in 2024. I will invite them for cocktails or lunch or dinner or brunch. I will invite them for coffee or football games or even baseball or basketball games. Can I guarantee I will always serve the best food? No. We might have charcuterie, or we might have steaks. Maybe we will have whatever is in the refrigerator/pantry! Can I guarantee we will have the best wine? No. I can’t even guarantee it will be fun, but it’s likely to be fun, and we are likely to have good conversation. Just know in advance, though, that I might be wearing my shiny shoes and using the real silver…or I might be wearing sweats and using Christmas plates in July…one never knows with me!

If I invite you over in 2024, just know you don’t have to be dressed up. Just come hang out with us. Come laugh with us. And if I don’t invite you? Well, send me a text and invite yourself! We don’t even need to have an occasion. In college, we had a party called “No Occasion Tuesday,” just because. At 56, I look back and think “no occasion” is the perfect reason to get together with friends.

I hope to see lots of friends at our house in 2024!

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

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

Sorority Girl Christmas Gifts

Sorority girl Christmas gifts.

If you have a young lady on your Christmas list who pledged a sorority this year, your shopping can be easy! The Sorority Shop on Amazon has lots of sorority gifts. Check out The Sorority Shop here.

Here are some popular items:

  • Sorority Necklace with Gemstone. Pictured below are necklaces for different sororities, but Sorority Shop offers necklace for almost all national sororities. They make great gifts, and they are priced right at about $20! Get them here.
  • Sorority Drinkware. College girls, in general, love insulated cups. I don’t know when this trend started, because when I was in college, we didn’t carry giant cups with us everywhere…unless it was a party, and then they didn’t have water in them! These days, they love the insulated cups, and you can get one with sorority letters on it. See them here.
  • Throw blankets. Doesn’t everyone love a good throw blanket? College sorority girls will love these for their dorm rooms/apartments. Get them here.
  • Sorority Keychains. This is always a great gift, and Sorority Shop has several different styles. Check out the offerings here.

There are lots more great gifts on The Sorority Shop at Amazon!

FOR SORORITY AND FRATERNITY APPAREL GIFTS AND MORE, CLICK HERE.

If you’re a Prime member, remember, you get free shipping on Prime items! Check out The Sorority Shop here.

SORORITY AND FRATERNITY APPAREL GIFTS AND MORE TO COME TOMORROW!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

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!

by Kelly Mattei

Active Game Gifts

Active game gifts.

Lots of people love active games! Maybe you need one or two for family fun this holiday season? Or maybe someone on your list would love an active game as a gift? See some options below:

  • Tower Ball. I just heard about this one recently. Looks like a little skill is involved, but it looks like lots of fun! Get it here.

  • Cornhole. An old school favorite, Cornhole is fun for big groups, small groups, and can even be played alone! Kids and adults love it. Coming in under $80, this kit is a deal. Get it here.

  • Badminton/Pickleball Set. Badminton is an oldie but goodie. Add in the face that you can also play pickleball with this set, and it’s a bargain! All ages. Purchase here.

  • Spike Ball. Spike ball is a newer game, but people who have played it tell me they love it. I have friends whose college-age kids took Spike Ball to college with them. Get it here.

  • Beer Pong. Amazon has a Portable Beer Pong Table. I know lots of people who would love this gift…a folding table with precut cup holes to help prevent spills! If you have someone on your list who plays beer pong with friends or family, this is a fantastic gift! Four different styles/colors are offered. See them here.

  • Paddle Smash. I saw this one on Shark Tank, where they called it a smash up of Spikeball and Cornhole! It was a hit with the Sharks, and it would be a hit at a family gathering or party. Get it here.

  • Ladder Toss. Remember this game? Loads of fun and competitive! Great for kids or adults…or both! It’s an inexpensive gift at about $31. Get it here!

All of the above are great for holiday gatherings or as gifts for friends and family members!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

MORE Stocking Stuffers 2023…

MORE Stocking Stuffers 2023…

After listing 18 stocking stuffer ideas a day or so ago, readers submitted me some more ideas.

Here we go…

  • RFID Credit Card Holder. I got one of these small credit card holders for myself before I traveled recently. I have heard so much about criminals using scanners to steal credit card information at sporting events and tourist areas lately, so I decided to protect myself. I got it in yellow, so I could see it easily in my handbag. At only $16.99, it’s a deal. Great for any girl/woman in your family. Get it here.
  • Headlamp. Everyone can use a headlamp at some point around the house. My husband uses one all the time when he’s working on something, so I don’t have to hold the flashlight. Y’all have seen the meme that says, “You think you scare me? I used to hold the flashlight for my dad.” Anyone who has ever done that understands. Energizer makes a great one for just $15.99 for TWO headlamps at Amazon. Dads will love it. And don’t all boys love flashlights of any kind? Get it here.
  • Midcentury Christmas Stocking Stuffer book. Anyone who grew up when I did (60s/70s) will be thrilled to get this stocking stuffer book filled with photos from that great time! Get it here.
  • Genuine Fred Roll o’ Notes. Can-shaped roll of sticky notes? Yes, please. For just $9.99, pick one: fruit cocktail, noodles, beans, or sushi. The recipient will think it’s funny…and useful! Get them here.
  • Football books. Because I love college football, my friend, Maureen, told me to purchase The System during a book fair at our daughters’ school. I loved it, and I’m about to read it again. I recommend it to everyone who likes college football. Have a college football fan on your list? This is a great stocking stuffer. Get it here. There’s also The Big Book of College Football Trivia that would be a pleaser. Get it here.
  • Shower Steamers. I have posted about these before, but I mention them again, because they are awesome. Even my college-age daughter thinks they’re awesome! I’m always proud when I surprise her with something she actually likes. These make your shower feel like a spa! Great for anyone on your list who can use a spa feeling at the end of a long day. Right now they’re just $12.99. Purchase here.
  • Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow. If someone on your list is a fan of Gilmore Girls (like me), they would love this pop-up book. It’s fun and engaging, and it’s only $16.14. Get it here.

  • Pink Picasso Paint-by-number Kits. Again, this is something I have recommended before, and I stand by it. I have a friend who loves these. Great stocking stuffer for kids/teens/moms who need to relax…or for seniors who need an “activity.” My grandmother would have loved this. Back in the day, we sent her coloring books, but she would have loved this. Get it here.
  • FLIKR Personal Concrete Fireplace. I love this. A reader sent me a message about how much she loves using her FLIKR Personal Concrete Fireplace. It can be used indoors or outdoors and burns Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, making it a clean burn and easy to use! On just five ounces of alcohol, it will burn for 50 minutes! (Do not add alcohol while flame is burning!) It even comes with a snuffer! It’s small, only five inches in diameter and five inches tall, but great for ambiance, roasting marshmallows, or providing a little heat. I’m ordering one now. It might be a little heavy in a stocking, so secure the stocking. The company has an outstanding reputation, and this concrete fireplace gets 4.6 stars on Amazon. Get it for as low as $94 here. Or if you’d like to spend less, you can get something similar on Amazon from The Fire Company for just $29 here.
  • Plantar Fasciitis Socks. These aren’t cute, sparkly, or fun, but they can make a big different for someone on your list who suffers from plantar fasciitis…like me. I purchased these for myself to help my plantar fasciitis, and indirectly, my sciatica. I feel like they have helped, so I wear them all the time. Get six pairs starting at $17.99, and they’ll fit right into Christmas stockings. The recipient will be grateful. Purchase here.
  • Car Cleaning Gel. It seems everyone is going crazy over this car cleaning gel, so I purchased some to put in the Christmas stockings of my husband and daughter. It gets great reviews and seems to be popular. At $6.99, I think it’s worth a try! Get it
  • Kendra Scott Necklaces. Until someone told me today, I had no idea Kendra Scott made a football necklace! It’s super cute! See it here. Lots of ladies love Kendra Scott necklaces…good, quality gifts. For more personalize Kendra Scott necklaces, the initial necklaces are great stocking stuffers. See them here. Or check out the whole line here. Some items are on sale right now!

  • Glow City Glow-in-the-Dark Balls. I think these could be fun for the whole family. Get a glow-in-the-dark football or basketball for yard play in the evenings. We have a big park across the street from our house, and I think the neighborhood kids (and adults) would love these. Get the basketball here. Or the football here. They come delated, so they should it in a stocking.
  • Seven Lady 3-D Nightlights. These awesome 3-D night lights offer a baseball player scene, a basketball player scene, and a solar system scene…with remote control and color-changing capabilities. Order whichever one your friend or family member would like. And they’re only $13.99! Get them here.

  • Winter Pom Pom Beanie. I love a good winter pom pom beanie, and I knit my own. However, I can’t knit them for the whole world, so you’ll have to order them for the people on your Christmas list. A great one is the Livingston Winter Beanie with Pom Pom…and it’s lined! Priced at $18.99, it comes in 15 colors! Get it here.

  • Genuine Fred MANATEA infuser. For the tea drinker on your list, this is a great gift…a manatee shaped infuser! They’ll love it, and it’s only $9.96! Get it here.
  • Dry Divas Shower Caps. Y’all, I have been using Dry Divas shower caps for six years. I am a believer in this product! They’re supposed to last three years, but I know I have at least one that’s six years old…and still in great shape. Before I had Dry Divas, I had trouble finding shower caps that actually stayed snug and kept all my hair dry. These are the real deal. Prices start at $25, and it’s worth every penny. If you have someone on your list who likes a good shower cap, this could be a gem for them. To see the one pictured below, click here. To see lots of different colors, click here.
  • Genuine Fred Gifts. Honestly, Genuine Fred has lots of awesome stocking stuffers on their Amazon page. I highly recommend visiting it for fun/funny ideas. See it here.

Those should keep you busy shopping for some stocking stuffers for a while. I’ll have more ideas in a couple of days! Before that, I plan to share all my favorite items I have purchased from Amazon in the last year or two, so check back!

Happy Shopping!