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We’ve already talked about holiday music, now it’s time for the movies. I absolutely love Christmas movies. I mean, just love them. The cheesier, the better. I especially love the made-for-tv romantic ones. I’m thinking I might make a separate list of those, because those are a whole ‘nother ball game. For now, let’s stick to the big ones.
- The Holiday – I watch this movie every year. I’ve already watched it this holiday season. I love everything about it and I especially love Cameron Diaz’s wardrobe and her hair. And also Jude Law’s gorgeous blue eyes.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas – Obviously.
- Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Because this is my most favoritest Christmas movie ever. I loved it as a child when it was a tradition to watch with my mother and I love it now. I think my sister even watches it with her brood each year. This movie has somehow managed to entertain generations…. because it is amazing.
- This Christmas – I really enjoy watching this movie. It’s got heart and humor and a fantastic soundtrack. Who could ask for anything more?
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas – I certainly couldn’t forget this classic. This one is my mom’s favorite and we will probably make time to watch it together this year.
Nephews #1 & 2 are solidly in their teenage years. Each year, it gets more difficult to buy gifts for the older one, especially. He doesn’t have specific things that he’s into like #2 does. Assuming that happens with the teenagers in your life, too, here are some suggestions that I hope will help or, at the very least, get your imagination going.
- Gift Cards – The ideas will get better, I promise. But let’s be honest here. Teenagers don’t like gift cards – they LOVE them. While I generally feel that they can be a cop-out, I do get them one or two because they ask for them. I do not, however, believe in VISA/MasterCard-type gift cards that are essentially cash. I do store specific – iTunes, apparel, Best Buy, XBOX.
- Music – This is not my suggestion to buy the Big Sean album. I just like the cover art. Though Nephew #1 does enjoy rap music, and if I did get that album, I would buy the clean/edited version. Since most people are using phones or iPods for music, you can always gift the album via iTunes. There’s an option to buy it for someone.
- Clothes – Nephew #1 likes to look hip and cool with no clue how to do so (Nephew #2 is just starting to get into clothes), so you know what that means? I’ve been in charge of his wardrobe for a few years now. Given that I haven’t been fired yet, I must be doing something right. His clothes tend to come from Aeropostale, Hollister (sweater pictured above is $19.98, reg. $39.95) and Pac Sun (sweatshirt pictured above, Y&R, $24.97, reg. $49.95), among others.
- Cologne – Not only does #1 like to dress well, he’s all about being clean and smelling good these days (Hallelujah!). You can get cologne at all price points. His mom has bought him Nautica and CK fragrances. I’ve purchased Nautica at Walgreens (available online for $19.99).
- Vintage Game System – All the boys are equally into video games, but #2 likes Nintendo systems, as well as older systems that existed before his time. Dollar General has a SEGA Genesis for $40.
- Beats by Dre (from $199.95) – One of the boys has a set of Beats and he adores them, and has surprisingly taken good care of them. As a result, we’ve heard several acapella versions of Hotline Bling.
- Smartphone VR – This generation of teens loves tech gadgets and there are VR sets for your smartphones all over the place. What I like is that they don’t seem to cost too much. You can get a Google Cardboard compatible one here for $29.95.
That’s right. I’m revisiting the giving aspect of the holiday season. I figure if I”m going to do a few gift guides, I can also toss these ideas out, too. For the most part, people are more in the giving spirit at this time of year. So why not more than one post?
If you want to give, but you aren’t sure where to turn, you’re welcome to look into the options below.
- Toys for Tots – The Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that you’ll see and hear a lot about this season. Each year, they collect new toys to donate to children. There may be a box at your employer’s location and there are a few retailers that have boxes as well, including Toys R Us. You can also locate a drop off in your area.
- Shelters – You can search local shelters in your area to donate to or consider adopting a family at a transitional housing location. It could be gifts or winter accessories (scarves, hats, gloves). If you’re crafty, you could make those items and donate them. It wouldn’t cost you much more than some time.
- Everyday citizens – There are a high number of residents in Baltimore that are currently experiencing homelessness. One of my previous jobs was located right in the heart of downtown and I encountered several of these individuals every day. I know that a lot of people are wary about giving to these people, afraid of being scammed or what might happen with the money. My opinion is that your intention of giving is what matters, what someone does with that… it’s out of your control. With that said, that isn’t going to change many minds. I know that. So, another option – gift cards! In the past, I’ve bought several small denomination gift cards to Subway and given those out. I’m not endorsing Subway; I chose it because there were 2 locations within a 5 minute walking distance from where I was handing them out.
The logo belongs to Toys for Tots. Which is why I didn’t alter it.
As I Cee It 