It has been a busy day around here.
Here’s what I accomplished.
-Made a grocery list
-Planned actual meals that I have every intention of cooking this week
-Went to the store and bought things on aforementioned list
-Bought Christmas lights at Lowes because I remembered we threw ours out last year
-Returned some things to Target
-Exchanged some things at Old Navy
-Found some red cyclamen at Home Depot to replace dead mums on my porch
-Planted the cyclamen and threw dead mums in shrubs with dead pumpkins
-Did 184 loads of laundry
-Answered 431 emails
-Took Caroline to the dentist after I almost forgot she had an appointment
-Started hanging Christmas lights and didn’t fall off the ladder
-Cooked pork chops for dinner
-Sold white couch on local Facebook trading site
Please note that of all the things on that list, I am most proud of selling the couch. I was totally honest about its current condition but there are still good couch times to be had for someone who wants to recover it or get new slipcovers made. I’m just not that person. And Piper and Mabel are not those dogs.
And after all that, I realized that I have been meaning to post a little gift guide for those of you who may have a pre-teen in your life who’s in want of a Christmas gift. This list weighs heavily on the female side because it’s what I know, but there are a few things that would work for boys too. Or you can just follow Gulley’s advice and buy them Under Armour. The more neon, the better.
1. kindle fire
Caroline got one of these a few years ago and she has loved it. It became a game-changer in terms of how much reading she does. I’m still a fan of the paper book, but my child loves her Kindle.
2. memorex home karaoke system
I’m a sucker for a karaoke system and you can plug your own device into this to sing along to your favorite songs.
Caroline has two of these now and she still gets them out from time to time. I honestly don’t think these have an age limit because even P likes to fly them.
4. spirograph deluxe design set
I’d forgotten all about the spirograph, but I was a big fan back in 1979.
These are on Caroline’s wish list. She wrote “pens that everyone has” and this is what she told me when I asked for clarification.
A great pair of rain boots makes a perfect gift and they’ll last forever.
7. clarisonic cleansing system
I have loved my Clarisonic ever since I bought it and it’s a great gift idea for a girl who’s just beginning to understand the importance of good skincare.
Gulley’s son, Will, wished for this and I think it’s a brilliant idea. They also have tabletop foosball and ping pong.
9. ulta glam and glow blockbuster kit
When I was in seventh grade I won a drawing in my Home Ec class and received a huge palette of Mary Kay eyeshadows. Otherwise known as the greatest day of my life. And the catalyst for me to learn that you don’t need to always match your eyeshadow to your outfit.
This reminds me of that Mary Kay set. Perfect for girls who like to play with makeup.
Gulley and I saw this while we were out shopping and agreed it looked like fun. Great game for the family when you’re sitting around drinking hot chocolate on Christmas morning.
Feel free to leave more suggestions in the comments. I have a feeling a lot of us are trying to come up with some good ideas.