Archive for the ‘25 days of Christmas’ Category
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.
Left: Extra Petite; Right: Karla Reed
This is the time of year when there are parties galore. If you’re like me, one of the pressing questions is, “What am I going to wear?” And honestly, it’s more of making sure I dress appropriately for the occasion than anything else. As the office party tends to occur fairly early in the month (I would guess to avoid all of the time off everyone is taking), I figured we’ll start there! There are tons of fashion bloggers out on the interwebs, of which I am clearly not one, who have done a great job of putting together fantastic ensembles. Above are two inspirations that I found and really like from Jean of ExtraPetite.com and the Instagram of Karla Reed.
I do, however, have two skirt suggestions below. If sequins are a bit too much for your workplace, you can try the Forever 21 midi skirt on the left. I saw it in the store this weekend and the champagne colored one looks great. If the red one that Karla is sporting is no longer available, Forever 21 has an option there, too. Bonus: They’re both under $30.
Left: Contemporary Sheeny A-Line Skirt, $27.90; Right: Box Pleat A-Line Skirt, $27.90
We’ve got a budget, we might as well go ahead and get started using it. I’m going to share a few gift guides that are more related to the types of people that I have to purchase gifts for. Mom is up first!
I don’t know about your mother, but mine has pretty much everything. She’s at the point where she’s asking for a new dishwasher…again. We’ve already done that and as much as I am a huge proponent of giving people what they ask for, this is a little ridiculous. So for those of you who are like me and want to get a gift for the mom who has everything, here are a few ideas.
- Tickets to a show or concert – I have two words for you: Experience gifts. These gifts are where you should look for those hard-to-shop-for people in your life. My mother loves musicals and enjoys the occasional concert. So far, I’ve gotten her tickets to see Wicked, Grease and Chicago (the traveling shows). She’s loved each show. If you’re a big baller and you’re on the east coast, go ahead and plan a trip to New York to see a Broadway show. For a lower cost option, see what shows your local theaters have coming up for the rest of the season.
- Classes – Again, experiences. Wine tasting, pottery, crocheting – whatever she might be interested in. You could send her to a winery with a tasting and tour, the whole she-bang.
- Jewelry – My mother doesn’t believe a lady should leave the house without earrings. Unfortunately, she is constantly losing them. To avoid a meltdown on my part and heaps of guilt on hers, I avoid the expensive stuff. Instead, I head to places like The Limited (the Glimmer Flower Studs pictured above are currently on sale for $9.95) or Ann Taylor and get several pairs. She has more options and I’m not bothered when she inevitably uses them 3-6 months later.
- Photo Book – Artifact Uprising (from $17) – The selfies you snap with her and put on Instagram that she never sees, the pictures on Facebook of you and your siblings that she doesn’t know exist, the random shots you take of your kids that you forget to send… Parents tend to appreciate gifts like this, especially if you are not geographically close. Order by tomorrow and you’ll have your book in time for Christmas.
In case you’re wondering, I’m going with option #1 for Mommy (yes, I still call her Mommy) this year, along with #3 and a few other items.
Photos of tickets and wine from Pixabay.
As I Cee It 