Holiday Gift Guide: Kids 3-7

Aside from one baby in the family, every kid I buy Christmas presents for is between 3 and 7 years old. While I could make some strong guesses about what older kids would like or what we loved in the very young years, this is what we love right now and what I'm buying this year. 

(Amazon-related posts do have some affiliate links but there is nothing here I haven't bought recently or in the past :)

Leap Frog Globe -- We got this two years ago and they play with it a lot. It is also priceless when it comes to homeschooling. If I can give you one piece of advice: make sure your child knows what a map and a globe are before they go to school. Every kid needs a globe, in my opinion, and this interactive one is perfect for preschool age and up. 

Kinetic Sand/Play Doh -- I think kids fall into two categories. They are either into kinetic sand or they're into play doh. Wells was into sand. Sutton is into play doh. Play dough is a lot less messy and I don't flip out if the dog accidentally eats a piece. 

Lincoln Logs -- They love these. We have a few sets and there's a reason they are classics. 

Magnatiles/blocks -- Anything magnetic is a winner. Magnatiles are always popular for a reason. 

Fort building kit. My niece and nephew are about the same ages as Wells and Sutton and I could think of no better gift. I wage battle against whatever forts are being built every single day. There is always one around. 

Playdoh cake oven. Sutton likes Playdoh and it's less clean-up than kinetic sand. This is the set I chose for her. I've never, in this many years, bought anything "Playdoh" for Christmas, so we'll see how it goes. 

Soccerball. This ended up not being the exact one I ordered but you cannot go wrong with a colorful soccerball. Wells needed a size up and all the kids in the neighborhood play with them. 

Beyblade arena. Wells has wanted one of these for a year or more. He has loved Beyblades and needs a place to battle. I remember watching boys play with these years ago in school, so it's a gift that isn't super trendy and kids love it. 

Lego 3 in 1 Creator sets. Wells always gets some legos for Christmas and birthdays...and Easter and everything in between. I don't go all out on expensive sets anymore because they pieces do just end up everywhere and all mixed together. These are always under $15. 

Playdoh dentist set. I got this for our 3 year old nephew. Sutton is obsessed with dentist-related items and I figure the more you can desensitize a toddler to the idea of the dentist, the better. 

Disney Princess doll. Sutton is really into Belle right now so I got her this and then also a mini Elsa one. She had a regular-sized Elsa Barbie last year from a friend and that doll fell victim to puppy Maverick. 

Melissa and Doug stickers. I was introduced to the wonder of Melissa and Doug stickers at our co-op this fall. Every kid loves stickers, and these are incredibly high-quality and a great value. I appreciate the way Melissa and Doug always has a boy version and a girl version of their toys. 

Honorable mentions include a snake bite kit because Wells thinks it would be very useful to carry around with him "just in case" and the Ninja Turtles Hungry, Hungry Hippos that I have not pulled the trigger on yet. They're in the cart.

Memes and Missouri

 

I know so many crunchy Christian moms who refuse to do Santa but at the same time, also refuse to use conventional medicine because "oils work". 

I had 2+ glasses of wine the other night and Scott told me I'd be hungover and I was like no, that's not why. I wake up every day feeling hungover lol. 

It comes up quick. ^ Thought I had a few more years. 

 Mine was a wedding gift and I still use it multiple times a week. 

A few weeks ago, Scott took the kids to Missouri with him for the weekend and left me with the dogs. I RANSACKED bedrooms. Nothing was safe. I literally left them with VERY LITTLE. They are absolutely trashed again and I don't know how it's possible. 

^^ The ratio is what's important. 

We went to Missouri for the long weekend. 

Maybe you can help me: I'm trying to decide what's best for us as we move into next year. 

We're committed to Kansas until June 2026 and Scott will be working there until at least the next June.

I'm trying to decide what's best. Homeschool, public school, moving back to our house in Missouri? Private school? Trying to go back to work? 

I have a flow chart and I'm so incredibly conflicted on what to do next. It all depends on what the army tells us is next, obviously.

When it comes to maybe, possibly sending kids to school, I keep thinking that I'm doing my part to advance their education and provide them with experiences this year, so what they may learn or not learn in the next few years won't make a huge difference overall. 

My only non-negotiable is that, for the neighborhood we currently live in, we're not going to use that public school. My friend worked there and I know too much about it. I don't really want to stay in a rental in Kansas, especially if Scott will be traveling a lot for his job next year. While it's been exactly what Wells has needed, developmentally, it's not ideal for many reasons other than that. (Do I like being 5 minutes from Walmart? Ugh yes. Do I like having outlets and Target and the zoo and every other fun activity and friends within 30 minutes? *sob* Yes.)

I do really envy the people who just put their kid in a school and keep them there, always. 

I packed enough food and clothes and whatever for 4+ days because the grocery store is 20 minutes in the opposite direction. 

This is so incredibly similar to our 18 months split between Colorado and Wyoming. I remember MAKING Thanksgiving dinner in WY and driving it back to CO one year.

Flashback to May 2018: 

^^^Back in 2018, unloading baby stuff and very much trying to finish Wells' nursery in Wyoming while I was very much still living and working in Colorado Springs, 4 hours away. I was about 30 weeks pregnant. 

Friday recommendations, 11/28

1. All Her Fault. I'm late to the game because I don't like waiting week-to-week for episodes. But I watched this whole series in 2 nights, staying up til midnight both nights. It's 8 episodes I think? Anyway. Really good! Cannot recommend enough if you need something to binge this weekend. 

2. Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Scott asked me what day has the better deals? I don't know. I feel like the closer to Christmas, the more desperate every retailer becomes. 

Here is my own wishlist, as well as perfect gifts you might not know you wanted or maybe even needed (like, I really needed that cordless mixer). 

I'm all in on the Aerie-AE stuff right now simply because I kept thinking about it and I've been wearing their clothes for over 20 years, give or take a few years. They have never actually disappointed me. 

I've posted some "that's not actual a sale" Stories on Instagram. This WAS actually a sale so I snatched up some shirts the other night on the app. 

And yeah, that's 12:23 am because I was up watching All Her Fault. 

3. I downloaded this FREE Advent program from Awana, through the M is for Mama newsletter. It's very cute and looks do-able for a 3 and 7 year old. Now taking wagers on whether we will make it 3 days, 1 week or 3 weeks. Who can say...

4. I created this Rounding anchor chart for Teachers Pay Teachers. In the classroom, rounding was the hardest, most abstract concept to teach. Wells "gets" it well enough, but I remember I had to create my own place value chart too, back in the day. I just couldn't find resources that actually were efficient and useful in the best possible way. 

5. I went on a spree last night, commenting on way too many Instagram reels, disassociating in front of an episode of Stranger things that was Not That Great. So I noticed some patterns and I have a lot of hot takes lately. #1 on this list is "please let your kids just believe in Santa". I will follow up on this with an actual post because it's something I'm pretty passionate about during this phase of parenthood. Refer back to my Halloween post if you want a taste of how I just feel like kids should get to be kids, for goodness sake.

Linking up!

My Favorite Things: Holiday Edition

These are items I've gotten that I literally reach for day after day. It's not "oh that's cute it'd make a great gift!", it's "I will use this until it wears out so it's 100% a great gift". 

If you need some inspiration!

Hydroflask mug. This is one of those random things I didn't know I needed but I end up using it all the time. It doesn't have the stainless-feel to it like a regular hydroflask. It's actually soft to the touch. I got this for a gift last year. I saw someone post once that SAHMs should really be using travel mugs to keep drinks warm at home and now that's what I do, especially during the colder months. 

Cordless Hand Mixer. I can't remember if I got this last year or the year before because these last few years have really run together, BUT this is life changing. I don't like using a stand mixer because it takes up too much space. I hated using a corded mixer because the cord gets tangled and messy as it drags on the counter. This is amazing and is a must-buy if you use a mixer a lot. 

Long sleeve tee. While I spend summer always searching for the perfect short sleeve tee (TBD), I'm usually looking for a long sleeve tee by this point in the year. This one is a true favorite. I have it in brown but would definitely like to grab another color or two for Christmas. I'm really into basics in my wardrobe at this point. Don't believe influencers when they tell you to go to Gap or Madewell...I've tried those. This is better. 

Sweatpants. Okay, here's the path you're gonna take: American Eagle > Women > Pants & Sweatpants > scroll to the Everyday Luxe Jogger. They are not joggers. They are a true sweatpants and you will buy multiple pairs like I did because you were so impressed. I have dark brown and maroon but now they have black and gray and green!

Wireless keyboard and mouse. This is super similar to the one I have. Typing on a laptop is kind of the worst, right? I love the round keys. 

Suede boots. These are perfect for you if you do not want to spend the money on Uggs. They are an ankle boot and can absolutely be an outside shoe, although I usually don't go farther than the yard. I wear them mostly in the house and I love that they don't stretch out like clog-like shoes do. 

I posted what I want for Christmas a few weeks ago but would love to make an addendum: I checked out that planner IRL and it has too many boss-babe-esque quotes for me. So...still on the hunt for a planner if you have recommendations. 

Thanksgiving meal plan and Memes

I don't have any fantastic Thanksgiving food advice. I don't think I have any great ideas for what to make. I generally am not a Thanksgiving food person. Here is what we're making though. 

We will probably deep-fry a small turkey, to start. (I have a REALLY gross story about last year's deep-frying...maybe later.)

I like sautéed green beans with garlic and almonds. I found this recipe years ago and will have to share my twist on it. It's a great side for steak or holidays.

I will do mashed potatoes (but I actually might cheat and do instant potatoes and instant gravy?).

Scott wanted this corn souffle. 

And then I was going to make cheesecake cups since Scott's birthday is Wednesday and that's what he wants instead of cake. 

Friday Recommendations, 11/21

1. Empties. Here's some products I've used up lately! And I'm not trying to play fast and loose with affiliate-linking here but I've bought most of these items multiple times and I can tell if they're seriously on sale for Black Friday. 

It physically hurt to save bottles and jars and bags I was done with because I love finishing a product and throwing it away, but I knew I'd forget to talk about any of these things if I didn't.

Some of this is worth it, some I would not buy again. 

 

I generally really do like Truly Free products. It's worth the box and the subscription!

However, this softening rinse...didn't do anything? I don't know. Apparently it was supposed to? 

In addition, I used their laundry detergent that I got in my last box but they forgot to send a jug for it so I mixed it up in this softening rinse jug once the rinse was gone. I didn't love it either. Sorry, I'll be Team Persil now because it just works so well. 

This is amazing though! I love the dishwasher soap. It's a powder, which I've never actually used before. Usually I go for the gels or liquids. 

If you find yourself ordering Truly Free, add this to the box for sure. 

I don't know what this was supposed to do but it didn't do anything. And I took it for the entire 30 days or whatever it was because I was insistent on using it up. I'm not saying the ingredients aren't helpful; I'm saying I didn't notice a real difference in anything. 

I love this natural deodorant. It does actually work! Its active ingredient is baking soda. My only complaint is that it doesn't last very long; like, I use it up pretty quickly for $14 worth of deodorant. Currently on sale though for Black Friday!

My favorite hand soap. The only place I can find it is Amazon, sadly. I used to buy it at Walmart (in Pittsburgh? 2019ish?) but they don't sell it in-store that I've seen lately. 

I usually buy lemon but the grapefruit is the one on sale right now. 

These are a great alternative to Crest White Strips. Perfect for sensitive teeth and cheaper, too. Usually they're about $22 for 9 days of strips. These are only $15 right now!

This was such a fortuitous find! It's light, has helpful active ingredients, and I put it on before bed and sometimes with my vitamin C serum in the morning. 

This is not on sale right now but you can do 30% off with subscribe and save (do I take advantage of that feature? all the time)

2.  Intensity by Dean Koontz. I read this book in 2 hours on Monday night. Here's the thing: it takes place in the mid-1990s and the ready availability of cell phones would have made this plot impossible to write post-2005. So..take that for what it's worth. I saw some reviews saying it was too wordy; yeah, I can see that, but this is a story that has two main characters so you're in their heads for most of book. (I read once that this is why they had trouble adapting Dexter to the screen--so much of the book was his inner monologue.)

Anyway, it plays out like a movie. It all visualizing and not a ton of dialogue. The first 35%, I think my hands were sweating a little bit because it's a definite thriller. Once you start, there's no point in putting it down. Like the movie 1917, this book is one continuous scene. I did guess the big "twist" at the end kind of early. It was the first Dean Koontz I've read and I only put it on hold in the Libby app because I saw a reel saying it was a thriller you may be able to get right away since it's older. I still waited two months. 

3. Landman is back. This is such a good show. It's interesting and FUNNY and kind of insanely dramatic. If you missed season one, it's worth catching up now. 

4. There is no way to segue from Landman to The Magic Treehouse but I wrote up this novel study for Wells. I tried a fancy, multi-modal novel study a few weeks ago with another book and what I realized is that I would prefer he read and retain the book, not do all the extra fluff I paid too much for from another website. 

Linking up for Friday Favorites!

Holiday Wish List

 

1. Beeswax wax melts or a beeswax candle. I have heard so many good reviews of melting beeswax, compared to regular candles or melts. I made a note months ago to put one on my Christmas list.

2. A new cozy winter-themed blanket.  We have another like this and it's been a favorite for 10 years now. 

3. I always find myself ordering a new planner over Christmas break. While I have enjoyed my Erin Condren this past year, I want something large and flat for next year. I've always liked the Blue Sky planners. 

4. Hourglass blush. I prefer a powder blush. This is my favorite one and I've been out for awhile. 

5. A heated neck wrap is an absolute must, in my opinion. Last year, a parent at school gave me a $10 one from TJ Maxx and I have used that thing no less than 300 times in the last 350ish days. It is so great for those I-slept-wrong injuries and also for tension and stress relief. Now it has a hole in it so I'd like another one. 

6. A Clare V. Moyen Messenger is something I've been eyeing up for awhile. Scott told me he wanted nothing for his birthday, which is next week, and then he asked me "....what do you want? So I can financially prepare" because my birthday is in January. This would be it but I don't know that I'm ready to insist on it, you know? I also kind of have a thing for the green one. 

What's on your wish list this year? 

Meal Plan and Memes

 Continuing with some general dinner inspiration...here's last week's meal plan:

Here are the recipes for the Steak with Gnocchi and the Honey Garlic Chicken. 

Some of these memes are kinda niche, so it's a peek into my algorithm for sure. 

(Did I already post this one? Too much good material out there.)

(Have I posted this one before?)

"Gisele never cooked for us" LOLOL