The present giving season is upon on us and it may be so arduous to determine what to get somebody. Don’t fear, we obtained you coated. Plus, we’re doing our e-book report on All Good Folks Right here by Ashley Flowers.

You will discover the podcast posts archive right here.

A giant thanks to our sponsors! Take a look at the presents from Shopify, Biom, Honeylove, and Masterclass.

And if you happen to’re searching for a particular code you heard on the podcast, you possibly can see a full record on this web page!

Present Notes:

Present concepts for folks:

Present certificates for locally-owned eating places

Present basket

Chopping board

Framed outdated photographs

Calendar

Present concepts for teenagers:

Heirloom toys

Something personalised like a puzzle

Doll that appears like them

Books

Season passes

Present concepts for siblings:

A bizarre cheese

Bottle of wine

Candle

Cookbook

Exercise

Books you will have learn with a post-it saying what you considered it

Introduction calendar

Present concepts for pals:

Wine

Candles

Experiences

Physique scrubs

Sugar scrubs

Soaps

Decoration

Present concepts for co-workers:

Handmade mug

Home made treats like: Pet Chow, Snowball Cookies, Peanut Brittle, and Oreo Truffles)

Present concepts for acquaintances like mailman, hair dresser, and so on.:

Suggestions/Money

Trainer Present Concepts

What to do if you happen to forgot to get somebody a present:

Preserve present playing cards in your purse for while you see somebody

Preserve a present stash of stuff you bought that you simply gained’t use

Miss an Episode? Get Caught Up!

Episode 208 Transcript:

Emma: You’re listening to the A Lovely Mess podcast, your cozy consolation pay attention. The present giving season is upon us, and it may be so arduous to determine what to get somebody. Don’t fear, we have now you coated. That is our present giving deep dive. 

Elsie: I like this topic. I’m so excited to do that episode! Searching for items is considered one of my favourite issues to do. 

Emma: Yeah, I’d say two out of the 2 of us you’re extra of an professional on it. You’re like a kind of the place you’ll be shopping for them all year long and saving them within the closet, like that complete factor, which is so sensible. And I simply get form of frantic on the finish. 

Elsie: It’s okay. Everybody does. Yeah. Okay. So earlier than we leap in, I simply needed to share slightly bit about our highly effective. And the very beginnings of the vacation season are going to date. Yeah. So this was so particular. We had a housewarming occasion., I did it after which yeah, quite a lot of podcast listeners have been writing into me on Instagram as a result of they noticed that I obtained our grandma to put on the matching Halloween costume.In order that was achieved. We did Halloween collectively. It was very chilly however wonderful. Oscar was so cute. The women have been each like, they like it! It’s like the right little Halloween neighborhood. So we had a phenomenal, great time. After which the following morning I wakened and at like 6:30 within the morning, began placing away the Halloween decorations and began getting out the Christmas decorations. So it’s the most great time of the 12 months. Okay, so as a result of we’re lastly accomplished with our section, we don’t have contractors in our home daily. We’re principally accomplished renovating. I really feel approach higher. I’m going to love, benefit from the full two months of Christmas decorations. So I believe we’re going to speak about it extra in an upcoming episode. However I believe there’s nothing improper with stretching it out so far as you humanly can if that’s what you need and for me, that’s what I would like. Prefer it brings me a lot pleasure. We began doing our snowflake home windows and masking each single window with home made snowflakes takes many, many, many days of labor. 

Emma: It takes a very long time. Yeah, making the snowflakes is definitely a fairly labor intensive in a enjoyable approach, but it surely’s such as you don’t wish to put the strain of, like, we’ve obtained to fill all these home windows in someday, as a result of I believe that may really make it not enjoyable. 

Elsie: Yeah, I believe that if I ever obtained to the place I might put up all my Christmas decorations in someday, you’ll know that a part of my soul had died. Like, I wouldn’t be me if I might try this.

Emma: I’d assume you’re occurring a visit and also you’re like, I’ll be gone for 3 weeks, so I need to put all of the decorations up as we speak or no matter. 

Elsie: Perhaps if I had a crew of like ten folks to assist me.

Emma  – Yeah, actual HGTV crew rapidly by some means simply out for Christmas. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Good. That’d be good. 

Elsie: It’s magical. And we’re so excited for Christmas. So we’re going to begin doing our Christmas episodes. I do know in a few weeks we’re doing the House Alone consolation rewatch. So that is your warning. If you wish to watch forward.

Emma: You might be getting an excellent warning this time. Normally we solely offer you like one week. heads up. This can be a good warning. This is sort of a few weeks away. Yeah, we’re on our recreation. Yeah, I need to say, your Halloween occasion or housewarming occasion, it felt like a Halloween occasion. 

Elsie: It was a Halloween occasion, it simply wasn’t a fancy dress occasion. 

Emma: Yeah, it wasn’t a fancy dress occasion, but it surely was epic. There was. We introduced Oscars, so we solely obtained to remain for about an hour and a half. Nevertheless it was packed. Folks have been having a lot enjoyable. Youngsters have been wild. Like was upstairs with Oscar for slightly bit in your third ground. And the youngsters have been beginning this rumor of there’s this, like, darkish nook as a result of it was nighttime and there’s a closet door. They usually have been making up this rumor among the many youngsters that, like, if you happen to open that door, you’ll die, or there’s a monster within the door. I heard a form of, like, evolving among the many older youngsters. And I didn’t appropriate them in any respect. I used to be like, I believe that’s true to me. I used to be like, yeah, I’ve heard that earlier than too, simply from the final child. Nevertheless it was superior. So I really feel like already there’s tales being advised about this home and yeah, it was epic. I additionally simply assume it was cool that you simply did a housewarming occasion as a result of it’s arduous to do stuff, squeeze it in across the holidays and renovating and dealing and children being at school and all of the issues.  And so I simply assume, I believe folks liked it. I believe folks love seeing your home. 

Elsie: It felt like an excellent milestone. 

Emma: It was very heat. It was very cool to ask everybody over. And Oscar liked it. So he didn’t actually hear the rumors concerning the closet he didn’t perceive. 

Elsie: Oscar is an ideal age. Yeah, he likes to chase you and get squeezed. 

Emma: He simply runs round after which will get distracted by the snack desk once more. That’s just about it. Are issues. 

Elsie: Okay, so let’s leap into the present giving deep dive. So we’re going to undergo items for folks, youngsters, siblings, pals, coworkers. I believe we also needs to do like important others. After which like people who find themselves like an acquaintance, possibly extra within the tip class, like you will have a favourite espresso store you go to daily, your hairdresser, your mailman, the crossing guard, possibly at your child’s faculty, issues like that.

Emma: Daycare academics? 

Elsie: Sure. Lecturers for certain. After which we’re going to do our e-book report of All Good Folks Right here by Ashley Flowers. Let’s begin off with items for folks. 

Emma: Okay. So I previous couple of years I used to be simply going to speak about some items I did up to now as a result of I clearly don’t wish to spoil something for this 12 months as a result of I do know our dad and mom pay attention. So anyway, I believed I’d speak about some issues previous. So currently I’ve been doing extra items for them collectively the place it’s like not a present for dad and a present for mother. It’s a present for them as a pair, which I really feel like you could possibly go both approach, however our dad’s birthday in October, and I don’t know, I simply really feel like you possibly can form of unfold issues out. So one factor I did one 12 months was I obtained them, I believe 3 or 4 completely different present certificates to domestically owned eating places. So it was form of like shopping for them lunch a bunch of various occasions. And I attempted to select locations that I didn’t assume they’ve been earlier than. I don’t actually know. I believe considered one of them had been earlier than, however simply one thing the place it’s like, I do know my dad and mom wish to exit and get lunch. So simply one thing the place it’s form of encouraging them to attempt some completely different locations, and it’s cool to assist native eating places, clearly. In order that was a part of the enchantment and I believe they actually favored it too. 

Elsie: I’m a giant fan for folks of doing just like the present basket. That was my different one. A few years in the past we did Nashville present baskets. It was identical to all issues made in Nashville. They’ve the biscuit. Love the biscuit combine. And I believe there’s some form of chocolate and candles and I can’t actually bear in mind, however sizzling sauce for certain. So yeah, I believe that these are each actually, actually good dad or mum items. Yeah. 

Emma: Final 12 months I did my like in my thoughts it was like fancy meals basket. However actually what I did was I went to love our nicer grocery retailer. It’s like our well being meals retailer is named Mama Jean’s and I simply purchased, just like the fanciest olive oil and the fanciest honey, you recognize, simply stuff that such as you’ll use, however, like I don’t at all times purchase myself the fanciest model of no matter once I’m grocery procuring, you recognize? So it’s like a pleasant present, and you place all of it collectively in a basket and you can also make it cute. 

Elsie: That’s an Superb present. I positively condone meals items which can be fancy. I simply assume it’s so thrilling, like sweets. And I imply, clearly, you must examine and be sure that the particular person doesn’t have meals allergy symptoms or something particular.However like, I believe it’s the most effective. I like items that you should utilize which can be like, we’ll speak extra about this, however like issues that you simply don’t really feel like add litter to your private home. So like candles and meals are like some. And I like it when folks convey me wine, clearly flowers, issues like that, that you will take pleasure in it, however you don’t really feel like you need to preserve it without end. Like we don’t want a marriage registry stuffed with stuff coming into our home yearly after which feeling dangerous about it and like I do donate items and it’s best to too. However it’s form of unhappy. And also you do really feel slightly dangerous about it. 

Emma: Yeah. So I like items that you simply use consumables. 

Elsie: Okay. I’ve another factor for folks. So final 12 months I obtained our mother this chopping board from Etsy. I’m going to hyperlink it within the present notes. You’ve in all probability seen these earlier than, however all you need to do is discover a image of an outdated recipe. So I texted my dad and I requested him to discover a image from our nice grandma Lula of considered one of her recipes, after which he simply despatched me a cellphone image. After which I simply despatched it into the Etsy store. They usually have this sort of etching, like burn it into the wooden machine. The recipe card is like etched onto the chopping board. It was so fairly. And it occurred to be like a 12 months that our dad and mom had renovated their kitchen. Iit was excellent. It was such an excellent little present. And I’ve additionally seen folks body outdated recipes, like household recipes within the household’s handwriting. Framing these on the wall, I believe can be an awesome present. 

Emma: Like a flowery body. I like a recipe card that’s clearly slightly bit stained. You realize what I imply? Like they spilled one thing as they have been cooking like 20 years in the past, and you recognize what I imply? It’s simply so cute.

Elsie:  Sure. After which the final one is outdated household photographs. I believe you possibly can by no means have sufficient outdated household photographs framed in stunning frames in your house. I simply assume that’s at all times a profitable present. And looking for dad and mom is difficult. It’s one of many more difficult folks on most individuals’s record. 

Emma: They’ve every little thing. 

Elsie: Yeah, and that’s high-quality. And you’re feeling like because you’ve obtained them a present yearly, if you happen to’re like, you recognize, an grownup, you recognize, I imply, it’s like I’ve been shopping for my dad and mom Christmas presents for greater than 20 years, proper? So it’s like this, greater than 20 concepts which have been used. So yeah, I believe the outdated household photographs, it’s identical to a success, it may be very sentimental if somebody in your loved ones has handed on or for some purpose you have been telling a narrative or remembering somebody, that form of factor. 

Emma: With the household photographs, these might be older, newer ones or identical to grandkid photos, no matter. However I additionally assume a calendar is a superb vacation present since you’re so near the brand new 12 months anyway, but it surely might simply be like photos of the grandkids. Earlier than I had youngsters, I made my mother like one which was like all photos of my canine and it was simply cute. It’s identical to one thing. It might be very sentimental, however you could possibly additionally make it form of humorous and foolish, and it’s one thing they’ll simply placed on their fridge. Or our mother would preserve it down in her portray room. So calendars and issues like that, there’s tons of like if you happen to go on any of these websites like Shutterfly or any of them, they’ve like choices of various issues you can also make with photographs, and you can too make them your self by hand, however you can too simply organize them off of there. Yeah, I like these. These are nice present concepts. 

Elsie: Okay, I believe we did actually good on the dad and mom part. Okay, so the following one is present concepts for teenagers. So I’m assuming that is like for a child in your life, not your individual youngster. Like your individual youngster is the simplest particular person on the planet to buy. Yeah, it’s really easy. I store for my youngsters. I already began it’s it’s prefer it’s extra of like what to not purchase them than what to purchase them. Prefer it’s such as you simply, you recognize them. So with regards to different folks’s youngsters, these are my suggestions for giving items which can be good for the dad and mom. That gained’t simply be, like, instantly donated.. 

Emma: Or they find yourself with doubles of one thing and also you didn’t understand. Generally Goldie already has that tiara and I didn’t understand she already had that one. 

Elsie: Yeah, nicely, while you solely have one section of your complete childhood, you do get quite a lot of repeat items. And that’s true. Okay, so right here’s my suggestions for teenagers. In case you have a baby to purchase for and also you both don’t know them tremendous nicely or they’re actually little so that they don’t have like a longtime factor but, proper? I at all times advocate asking the dad or mum, as a result of quite a lot of occasions the dad and mom will let you recognize precisely what to purchase, and it’s simply really easy. So if you happen to’re shopping for for slightly child or child you don’t know, nicely, right here’s my concepts. The primary one is heirloom toys. So I like toys which can be like wooden toys., particular dolls, like the kind of a phenomenal doll you’ll purchase on Etsy or from a small enterprise. I believe these are simply at all times nice. I at all times recognize getting them plastic. Lovely plastic toys aren’t ultimate. Nearly all of youngsters will get approach too many plastic toys, and it’s best to in all probability simply purchase them those with the factor they’re into at that second. Not identical to a random plastic toy. 

Emma: I actually additionally purchase quite a lot of, as a dad or mum, plastic toys from thrift shops as a result of they’re simple to scrub so you possibly can clear them off. And if it’s like the flavour of the month, motion determine or no matter, I don’t see any level in shopping for it model new. And it’s such as you purchase from the thrift retailer, you’re taking it again to the thrift retailer after they’re over it.

Elsie: Emma is such an excellent thrifter. After which the opposite factor that I believe is so candy for youthful youngsters is personalised stuff. So when you have an opportunity to get them, there’s these personalised puzzles we are able to hyperlink with the identify. These are actually nice items. Personalised blankets, dolls that appear to be the kid, issues like which can be actually, actually particular items to obtain. And I believe form of identical to at all times a winner. 

Emma: Yeah. The one two issues I’d add is clearly books is at all times an awesome present, once more examine with dad and mom, as a result of it’s very easy to purchase doubles. So you possibly can both say what books do they not have if you happen to really feel just like the dad or mum has a working record. In any other case I’d simply ship the dad or mum what you’re planning to purchase and so they can let you know in the event that they have already got it. I do know that makes it not as enjoyable, however I simply assume it’s an excellent tip as a result of when you find yourself with two of the identical e-book, then it’s clearly going to go on the donation pile as a result of in all probability don’t want each, except  one will get ruined or one thing. After which the opposite factor, and that is form of a much bigger ticket merchandise, but it surely additionally relies upon. You will get inventive and it’s positively a chat to the dad and mom state of affairs. However season passes to completely different locations. Like right here in Springfield, Missouri the place we stay, locations like Silver Greenback Metropolis, which is a extra reasonably priced native amusement park. It’s not like Disneyland or Disney World, but it surely nonetheless price cash. So season tickets to a spot like that or Child Museum.

Elsie: It’s like, yeehaw Disneyland. 

Emma: It’s. It’s actually cute and so they embellish for the seasons and it’s candy in order that there’s. Youngsters form of museum on the town referred to as the Discovery Middle. It’s a spot you possibly can take your youngsters, particularly within the winter when you possibly can’t go to the parks outdoors. That’s identical to one thing to do on a Saturday so having season tickets there may be very nice. So one thing like that may be a pleasant factor to provide as a present, the place it’s form of extra an expertise. It’s not going to be a plastic toy that simply will get used one time and possibly discarded. It’s going to be one thing dad and mom can take their youngsters to time and again, particularly if it’s one thing that they’ll use in like harsher months when you possibly can’t go to free parks outdoors. That’s a giant a part of our life in the summertime, and it’s over for some time now. 

Elsie: Yeah, I agree, I believe that that’s a really, superb tip. Yeah. Go searching for native issues you are able to do all year long. I believe that’s so sensible. 

Emma: Yeah. And a few could be actually costly. Like if you happen to have been going to get like a Disney park if you happen to lived close to there. However there’s numerous native issues, museums, child pleasant little issues that may be really actually reasonably priced. Yeah, numerous choices. 

Elsie: Yeah. Really, the mothers within the automobile line or the pickup line have been telling me which you can get Discovery Middle passes for half off on Black Friday. So it’s additionally an excellent factor to sale store for.

Emma: Yeah. That’s good. I didn’t even know that. 

Elsie: Wonders of wildlife too okay. So the following factor is present concepts for siblings. I’ve very sturdy emotions about this as a result of I’ve two little youngsters which can be siblings now, and so they’re sufficiently old to provide one another items. And right here’s my recommendation. Allow them to choose it doesn’t matter what they choose, regardless of how random. Don’t choose it for them such as you’re already choosing so many items to your youngsters. Allow them to select and let the magic occur and you may give them slightly nudge or remind them when it’s time if you must get one thing. Setting a price range’s good. Okay, so you recognize, how have you ever seen have you ever gotten considered one of these Amazon catalogs within the mail? All of the dad and mom are speaking about the way it’s like, it’s  probably the most annoying factor that may ever occur to you as a result of it’s like an enormous catalog of simply toys. And the youngsters are going by way of circling each single toy of their pursuits, which is loads. Anyway, it was cute. One among our daughters picked one thing from that for the opposite, and it was the sweetest. I suppose I can say what it’s. It’s like slightly plush Ninja Turtle set of identical to the 4 Ninja Turtles, and so they’re all like the lovable little form of squatty, child trying plushies. So it’s identical to, so candy. I believe that for teenagers, I additionally assume allow them to select for different folks. A few years in the past, I let Goldie select what we obtained for Aunt Emma and inform them what she picked for you. 

Emma: She obtained me in my measurement of frozen Elsa gown and I wore it many occasions. It was nice. 

Elsie: Did it make you so blissful since you knew that she actually picked. 

Emma: I knew she actually picked it. I knew you didn’t choose it. Yeah, and I obtained to put on it and have a tea occasion together with her. And she or he was like, oh, you’re sporting the Elsa gown. It was simply actually candy. 

Elsie: Yeah, I believe, like, as many individuals as they wish to choose issues for, I bear in mind as slightly youngster choosing like jewellery for my grandma and stuff and like possibly she didn’t put on it loads, but it surely was in her jewellery once I checked out it, it was actually candy. So yeah, for certain, let the youngsters choose their items in any respect prices, it doesn’t matter what it’s. Yeah, in no way prices like actually. 

Emma: Yeah, at a price range, however allow them to choose one thing that’s possibly wacky, but it surely’s high-quality. It’s cute. After which I additionally thought we should always speak slightly bit about siblings. Like grownup siblings, like us after which our brother. 

Elsie: Oh, is that what that is presupposed to be? 

Emma: Yeah, I believe it might be both. I believe it’s each, however I’ve talked about that slightly bit.

Elsie: In our household, either side, we do the factor the place we don’t get sibling presents as a result of we’re prioritizing like everybody simply spend your cash on the youngsters. Which I like, I do assist that function and I actually do cheat and purchase Emma a presents anyway. I simply can’t give it to her at Christmas. No matter. It’s high-quality. 

Emma: I cheated some years too, however once more, didn’t give it at Christmas. Yeah, I really feel such as you convey it at Thanksgiving. You’re like ekking it in there. It’s high-quality. I believe it’s one thing to debate. And we used to provide items like we’d purchase our brother a present. In some unspecified time in the future, particularly as soon as everybody began having youngsters, we have been like, hey, let’s have a dialogue about this. What if we simply stopped? We all know we love one another, however we simply don’t purchase one another’s items, and we simply give attention to the youngsters and mother and pop and that’s it, you recognize? And I believe it was an excellent transfer and it was a straightforward dialog. So and it relieved quite a lot of stress, not even monetarily. I believe it does financially try this. However even simply choosing stuff and feeling such as you need every little thing to be particular, it’s form of good to be extra centered on that at birthdays, I believe. 

Elsie: Yeah, I believe that if you happen to don’t know what to get and you find yourself getting like a Starbucks present card or one thing, it does really feel prefer it’s simply form of like losing cash. It’s simply making your whole Christmas price range a lot larger. Nevertheless it’s probably not significant and to not I suppose possibly, possibly it’s for somebody, however for me, not respectable present playing cards. Once I get a present card to a restaurant like Starbucks, it’s not significant prefer it’s not the identical factor as if somebody picked out one thing bizarre for me, proper? So I believe I’d slightly simply get fewer items which can be just like the bizarre, personalised particular, you recognize what I imply?  Yeah, and I believe quite a lot of the issues we stated about items for folks form of apply. If you will do items or siblings, issues that you simply devour. So like a extremely bizarre cheese, an awesome bottle of wine,  a candle, like these are issues,, that and one thing that speaks to flavors they like since they like issues that they like, one thing like, high-quality, you are able to do like a cookbook or an exercise, a date night time. Okay, so final 12 months I went to inform the present I obtained for you final 12 months. Okay, I wrapped up for Emma all of my favourite novels from the 12 months. 

Emma: This was superior. It’s the greatest regifting ever. 

Elsie: I didn’t purchase something, they have been all simply sitting on my cabinets already. After which I wrote slightly post-it observe within the entrance of every one about like type of what temper this e-book was for. And it was so enjoyable. I’ll in all probability do it once more. I believe for siblings, the very best technique is to do one thing weirdly private that exhibits that you simply like, actually know them and love them and form of doesn’t matter how a lot it price.

Emma: Yeah. And I’ll say of the occasions we’ve cheated up to now and also you cheated it this 12 months already. One factor we did was advents. I believe shopping for somebody in introduction and giving it to them like at Thanksgiving or simply forward to allow them to take pleasure in it the entire month. And quite a lot of occasions advents are like actually small issues or they’re consumables. They’re like little items of sweet or one thing that you simply devour and I believe that’s a extremely enjoyable present. One 12 months I gave our brother he has canine like a canine introduction, so it’s like opening slightly canine deal with daily. It’s simply one thing like foolish. And I actually assume a giant a part of it, it’s like enjoyable to open an introduction daily. So it’s such as you simply are giving them a present the place daily they really feel considered. And so I believe if you happen to’re going to cheat otherwise you’re shopping for a present, I believe advents are form of enjoyable. However I’ll say it’s such as you give it to them forward of time. It’s not like one thing you open on Christmas Day. 

Elsie: That’s true. The subsequent one is present concepts for pals. So I’ve already stated this like 5 occasions already, however nothing that’s going to be litter. Let’s give them helpful issues like wine, favourite candles, experiences and books, issues like that. 

Emma: For those who’re doing like a much bigger group, like a e-book membership or all your pals who you recognize, you get collectively periodically or no matter, I love to do a flowery DIY factor. Like if you happen to do like a physique scrub or a sugar scrub to your lips, or like cleaning soap, one thing the place it’s such as you’re form of giving all of them the identical factor, and also you possibly had an evening the place you made them , however you possibly can bundle them actually cute, and you are able to do enjoyable sense, like you could possibly do a pumpkin factor or no matter you assume your pals are going to love. And it’s identical to, once more, one thing that can get use so it’s not going to be one thing they should preserve without end. However I additionally assume it’s form of private to provide some form of fancy toiletry principally is what it’s and it’s enjoyable.

Elsie: I like that, that’s so cute. 

Emma: Now we have a ton of these on the weblog too, so we’ll hyperlink a few of these within the present notes. For those who’re like, how do I make a sugar scrubs simple? It’s tremendous simple and it’s actually enjoyable. You may put them in cute little jars and it’s simply enjoyable. It’s like a enjoyable little present. 

Elsie: Sure. One among my favourite items that individuals at all times give me is ornaments. Folks at all times give me like ornaments that match my themed timber. And I believe if you happen to like, know your good friend nicely, there’s so many cute persona ornaments as of late. Like you’ll find an decoration for something, form of something. So I believe that that’s a extremely enjoyable present. And it’s one thing that you simply’ll immediately use, lovable. Yeah. So items for co-workers, I discover this very robust. So I’m going to defer it to Emma as a result of she at all times has the best job  giving items. And quite a lot of occasions she has accomplished it for each of us and I put my identify on it. 

Emma: These are extra like if you happen to’re a boss giving items. Sure, as a result of we used to have larger staffs in each our corporations. And so yeah, I’d do like slightly present bag. However I believe in these eventualities, when you have some price range, it is a actually nice alternative to assist handmade artist, however you need to plan forward. So I’ll often like the principle present and the present basket for our staff, our workers was often a home made mug, and I’d get all of them from one artist and I’d attempt to organize them approach forward as a result of typically handmade artist want quite a lot of heads up if you happen to’re ordering like 20. Simply additionally heads up if you happen to’re ordering something breakable, at all times order a couple of further as a result of handmade artists are unbelievable folks, however issues break within the mail and it’s not their fault. So like, simply order greater than you want and you may at all times preserve them in the event that they don’t break. However often I’ve one thing break when it’s issues like that. However I’ve numerous pals in our former workers who, like, nonetheless have the mugs that I’ve picked from through the years. And like individuals who labored for us for a very long time, they’ve form of a group of mugs I’ve been picked out. Yearly I do know which handmade artists I supported. And it was actually enjoyable and so they make such stunning mugs. So I believe that’s actually enjoyable. But in addition so far as like coworkers and I believe this works for different folks too. We’re about to speak about your hairdresser and different folks like that in your life. I love to do home made treats as a result of I really feel like coworkers, it’s a state of affairs the place it feels completely regular and secure to provide somebody like a giant bag of pet chow or home made, like peppermint bark, or your greatest home made fudge or no matter. Like when you have some form of specialty. My sister in legislation at all times makes home made candies like buckeyes, and so they’re scrumptious. So like giving somebody just a bit handmade deal with that they’ll eat, or they’ll share with their youngsters or share with their household. I believe it’s an awesome present and simply festive, but it surely doesn’t actually price that a lot. And you can also make an enormous batch of pet chow one night time and take a look at your greatest to not eat all of it your self earlier than you give it away to your pals or your coworkers. I believe that’s an awesome little present, and you may embrace a observe of a way they helped you that 12 months on the workplace or no matter,  simply it’s simply considerate. Nevertheless it’s additionally like they’re going to eat it and that’s it. No massive deal. 

Elsie: Let’s put within the present notes, the pet chow recipe, after which a pair different like she has like actually good snowball cookies and put a few quite a lot of like home made treats, Christmas cookies.

Emma: Peanut brittle. 

Elsie: Oh yeah. Now we have a extremely good peanut brittle. The Oreo truffles. 

Emma: Oh yeah. The Oreo truffles. Yeah. Oh, man. Make me Oreo Truffles, anybody? For those who’re listening, make me Oreo Truffles. 

Elsie: I believe that they’re like the final word Christmasy factor to make. 

Emma: They’re so enjoyable. It’s so festive. And you’ll share it if you happen to don’t wish to eat all of them. And it’s simply enjoyable. 

Elsie: Yeah. So items for acquaintances just like the mailman, hairdresser, faculty academics. So let’s speak about that. So I shared final 12 months we have now a giant tipping custom that we do at Christmas time the place we simply have a price range and we have now money and we give massive tricks to like all the locations that we go all 12 months spherical, like we go to the identical espresso store in our neighborhood. And so we’ll positively do one there after which your favourite eating places and locations like that. After which a few of them could be random, typically you possibly can identical to watch for a second that feels proper or, there’s the folks with the bells in entrance of the mall and all completely different alternatives to provide throughout the vacation season. However I believe that’s a extremely good custom. In case you have price range and also you simply wish to do one thing, it’s an excellent instance for youngsters. It’s actually particular for our youngsters to study tipping and like, I like it, like when somebody’s taking part in stay music, occurred extra in Nashville, I’m not going to lie. However folks don’t play stay music in eating places right here as a lot. Nevertheless it’s like, so enjoyable to let your youngsters go give them a tip of their jar. Okay, so so far as academics, hair folks like all of this. So on Childhood Magic, I wrote a publish about items for academics, and I did like an enormous ballot and heard from it felt like 100 completely different academics and everybody stated principally the identical factor. So I wish to simply give the memo loud and clear. Let’s cross on the reality. Their record of what they don’t need is unfortunately form of like every little thing that academics typically get. Issues like mugs, meals, items and trainer themed objects. The factor that they need is money. The factor that they need is just about simply money. And if you happen to don’t wish to try this, then the following neatest thing is present card playing cards. And the most effective form of present playing cards are the open ended ones, not the hyper particular ones. So I actually assume money is a superb factor to provide to folks this time of 12 months. You may nonetheless put it in a cute envelope. Yeah, you possibly can nonetheless have your child or preschooler assist make a card. Yeah, you possibly can write one thing particular, write one thing in it, and then you definately put the money. Yeah, I believe that it’s the factor to do.So yeah, I believe that’s an excellent factor to recollect if you happen to get hair, eyelashes, nails, no matter particular person in your life you see recurrently. I do assume it’s very nice if you happen to can bear in mind, like when you have a cleansing particular person in your home, if you happen to can bear in mind to provide them an excellent massive tip for the top of the 12 months. I simply assume it’s such a loving, variety factor to do. 

Emma: I’ll additionally say, I believe it completely works any time after Thanksgiving, as a result of then they’ll use it throughout their vacation season, which could be a very costly time of 12 months.. So simply, you recognize, in my view, I believe it’s completely high-quality to provide somebody a vacation present, a Christmas present the day after Thanksgiving, if that’s like while you’re blissful to see them, that’s high-quality. Simply give it to them early, even if you happen to’re going to see them a bunch extra, as a result of then they’ll use it throughout their season. As a result of it may be a hectic season for lots of people. So yeah, and the one different factor I’d say is I do assume it’s form of good to maintain further present playing cards like Starbucks, Amazon or no matter in your purse as a result of inevitably, a minimum of me, there’s somebody I form of forgot, however I’m like, oh yeah, I do see this particular person loads. They do really assist me. They supply some service and I do know them, however I form of forgot to place them on the record. So simply having one thing in your purse and you may simply write on it and yeah, it’s not going to be probably the most particular factor, like making a home made card for the trainer was, however a minimum of you possibly can really feel like you will have a pair further issues in your purse for a second like that. If, in case you neglect one thing, I often do present playing cards for our mail characters additionally as a result of I don’t often get to fulfill them nose to nose, so I really feel slightly uncomfortable leaving money out. So I often do present playing cards there simply because then I can go away the present playing cards out. And if one thing did occur, it’s like, nicely, nicely, it was a present card, no matter, you recognize? They often get it although. Yeah, I do know, as a result of typically they’ll inform me later and it’s very nice. 

Elsie:  Okay. So what to do if you happen to forgot to provide somebody a present. Okay. So I’ve a present stash. 

Emma: So this is sort of a actual particular person, not identical to the stash of present playing cards in your purse state of affairs. 

Elsie: Oh, yeah. I believe that the stash in your purse is nice as a result of then it’s at all times there if you happen to’re  already out someplace.

Emma: If it’s like your barista  that you simply see on a regular basis and also you simply form of forgot, don’t give them a Starbucks card. 

Elsie: What I’m considering is that always at Christmas there can be somebody current that you simply weren’t anticipating. And you discover out on the final minute often. And there’s nothing worse than having one particular person at a Christmas when everybody’s opening items. One one who doesn’t get any items is so unhappy. So I believe any form of present is so a lot better than nothing. So, okay, what I’ve is slightly present stash and I’ve had this for years. It’s 100% beneficial. Everybody wants to do that.  So it’s identical to within the prime shelf in my basement. It’s like nothing particular, nothing fancy. However what I preserve there may be further stuff  I don’t want. Like if I get a cute PR bundle or like, no matter, a present that I have already got replicas of items for our youngsters, issues like that. Then I’d throw them up there. It’s like you should utilize it for regifting. And I don’t assume regifting is dangerous so long as it’s like one thing that you’d nonetheless need. I don’t assume it’s dangerous in any respect. It’s such as you get a espresso mug, but it surely’s simply not the colour for you. Regift it to another person. There’s nothing improper with it. And the opposite factor I sustain there may be further youngsters toys as a result of youngsters birthday events are so frequent proper now due to our youngsters’ ages and so they form of all like the identical issues. So simply purchase further like coloring books and just like the sorts of issues that you simply put within the items and simply preserve a bunch of them up there, and then you definately don’t should go to the shop only for these issues, which is so a lot better than having to run to the shop simply to get a child’s party present or no matter. So the stash and the opposite factor that I’ve given folks as a final minute present fairly typically is wine, as a result of I at all times have wine. Wine is an effective present. At my housewarming occasion of the night time, we’ve obtained so many bottles of wine and I believed it was like, so enjoyable in a while to undergo them and see what they have been. And yeah, it’s an excellent present. I imply, clearly so long as you don’t give it to a sober particular person. So issues like that. I believe are actually candy. Do you will have any tips? 

Emma: No I believe your closet’s actually wonderful and sensible, so no I don’t actually have something further. 

Elsie: It’s actually useful as a result of like, I don’t know, I believe that while you run to the shop final minute throughout the holidays, like for me there’s nothing worse than final minute procuring. I actually don’t prefer it. And I do know some folks like take pleasure in it and it’s like a sport to them to reserve it until the final minute.  And I identical to fully don’t relate with that. I would like every little thing wrapped beneath our tree on November 1st. Really, yesterday was November 1st so let’s say December 1st. Okay, I used to be getting slightly forward of myself. 

Emma: December 1st is extra practical. 

Elsie: Extra practical. Yeah, yeah. 

Emma: Oh, inform them concerning the youngsters advents. 

Elsie: Okay. Final 12 months I observed when our youngsters have been having Christmas morning and opening all of their little items that there have been so many, like smaller toys that form of obtained glazed overed and the larger toys that like the large ones which can be like those you run to, just like the bicycle or like for considered one of our daughters, it’s just like the princess clothes, like sure issues. The factor that they have been asking for that’s the factor on Christmas morning that they’re going to be obsessive about. And quite a lot of smaller issues can simply get overshadowed. So I had obtained like a bunch of lovable little bathtub toys and issues that match their themes of what they like however they simply might care much less about all that stuff. And a few of it ended up staying in a field within the pink home for a extremely very long time, till we not too long ago discovered it. So this 12 months I made a decision for small toys to do a small toy introduction, and it’s just about spending the identical amount of cash and the identical effort however simply distributing it otherwise. So I did it for Nova and Marigold and in addition Oscar, and possibly subsequent 12 months I’ll do it for our new niece, when she’s slightly bit larger. However yeah, just like the youngsters I didn’t do it for possibly. Perhaps I ought to take into consideration including the youngsters and teenage.

Emma: Youngsters can get costly as a result of they need skincare. 

Elsie: That’s true. Okay. Anyway, so we’re speaking about little youngsters proper now. So what the items are is small toys. And what I did was I purchased for every child like 3 or 4 units of small toys. And that can final for the 24 days of December for an introduction. So each is individually wrapped and numbered. So daily they’ll get slightly toy. So for our princess daughter, it’s all like, you recognize, the little folks, princesses and Disney stuff. And for our superhero child, it’s all  similar factor, however superheroes. And for Oscar, it’s a mix of Paw Patrol and vehicles.. And it seems like costly and form of extreme to provide a toy daily. However in actuality, it was in all probability round $100 or so for all three youngsters. Like, it actually isn’t that a lot cash, and I believe the enjoyment that they’ll get out of it will likely be loads larger than giving all of them these items without delay.

Emma:  Yeah, I don’t say if you happen to really feel prefer it’s, you recognize, I don’t know, like typically you purchase a kind of units and it may be like $30 and you’re feeling like all I obtained was like these 5 to eight little figures, you recognize? And it’s form of foolish. I really assume it’s an awesome thought to provide like, one a day for an entire week, otherwise you’re doing the entire introduction as a result of then it simply will get unfold out since you do spend like no matter amount of cash, you recognize, $30 no matter on the set. And typically, you recognize, there’s going to be favorites from the set. After which there’s the opposite ones, just like the villain or the no matter. And so it’s form of good to provide them their one a day as a result of they get overshadowed instantly by Chase, as a result of he’s on the case. Yeah. You bought to provide humdinger some day. So all of the non Paw Patrol dad and mom are like what are you speaking about. Like don’t even fear about it. You don’t wish to know.

Elsie:  Yeah. Don’t fear about it. Yeah okay. Effectively if you happen to use any of the following pointers we’d love to listen to from you. And we’d love to listen to your greatest suggestions. We’re positively at all times studying. And I really feel like present giving is a talent, and it’s one thing that I wish to get slightly bit higher at yearly as a result of I really feel like doing it effectively. It’s pleasurable and magical, and doing it in a crunch is form of prefer it’s miserable how hectic it could possibly get, like rapidly. Give your self the present if you happen to can, of spreading it out and having fun with it this season as a result of it’s so a lot. And yeah, we all know it may be actually overwhelming. Okay. So subsequent up we’re going to do a e-book report of all good folks right here by Ashley Flowers. I simply completed this e-book so I really feel very ready this time. 

Emma: I learn it slightly bit in the past now, possibly a month or two in the past. I can’t bear in mind extra into the spooky season. And I like Ashley Flowers. For those who don’t know, she’s one of many hosts of the Crime Junkie podcast and so they have like an entire community of exhibits. So I believe she has form of different exhibits that she does as nicely. However if you happen to like true crime, you in all probability have heard of Ashley Flowers. I do know I’ve, I’m a criminal offense junkie. So anyway, this e-book got here out a pair years in the past. 

Elsie: I’d say that each one good folks here’s a JonBenet Ramsey adjoining thriller. It appears very in step with that true crime story. 

Emma: Assume it’s form of her idea of what occurred with JonBenet, in my view. I don’t know if that’s true, identical to that’s my idea.

Elsie: Yeah. Like to start with a part of the e-book, I used to be like, fixated on, like how carefully it resembled it. After which later within the e-book, I really feel prefer it takes its personal twists and turns. 

Emma: Yeah, it has issues. However she’s accomplished her personal fictional world. 

Elsie: Yeah. It’s fixing a thriller in a small city with an identical factor like that. After which it finally ends up being extra of a serial killer state of affairs with numerous little ladies. So yeah,it’s a tousled e-book. I believed it was enjoyable. I believed it was a web page turner. Yeah. And I loved it. And it was, I don’t know, for me, it was like fairly good. Yeah, that’s my synopsis. 

Emma: Yeah I’d agree too. I actually favored all of the characters. It felt like very actual life. The primary protagonist, who’s type of fixing the thriller, is sort of a form of struggling journalist. She’s gotten laid off and she or he’s making an attempt to get type of reinstated type of factor. Or I suppose you could possibly say she’s freelancing now, I suppose, and she or he’s additionally dwelling with an uncle who I can’t bear in mind if he has dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Elsie: I believe dementia, they preserve saying analysis, so possibly they by no means explicitly. 

Emma: Perhaps it’s unclear, however he’s clearly having episodes the place he’s not in his proper thoughts and she or he’s making an attempt to assist him at this stage of his life as a result of his spouse has handed away. And so he’s simply on his personal. And there’s moments the place he will get misplaced and she or he seems like she must be residence extra. And all of that was like, actually good and fascinating. I believed, very actual life. You actually really feel for her. You are feeling for her uncle. You need her to succeed. However she form of has quite a lot of challenges with preserving a job and in addition keeping track of her uncle and taking good care of life, you recognize? So yeah. After which, yeah, I felt prefer it was a really, like one idea on what might have occurred to JonBenet, however a fictionalized model of it. And I believed that was enjoyable. I believe that’s a extremely well-known case that most individuals find out about. Even if you happen to don’t like true crime, you’ve in all probability heard of it. So I believed it was form of fascinating to place it right into a e-book. Like, I form of like the concept of a real crime podcaster who’s identical to, I’m going to take a bunch of well-known issues and like, do fictionalized variations of them. Like, that’s really an fascinating, like, writing train in my thoughts. Yeah, that sounds form of enjoyable. And I’d be curious about studying just about any of these, so I believed this was very pleasurable. So I’ll say a few issues that could be spoilers. So if you happen to haven’t learn the e-book, cease right here for certain, as a result of there’s some particular issues that you simply don’t wish to know except you’re going to learn it as a result of  you don’t wish to wreck it. I believed there was too many twists on the finish, although, in my view, as a result of it’s identical to you form of have the twist the place it’s not the brother and you discover out it’s the serial killer, after which you will have another twist the place it’s really the dad. And to me, it was one to many the place I used to be like, I like that you simply stored us guessing until the top. That’s fascinating as a result of it’s extra enjoyable than if you recognize what’s going to occur. I suppose it simply felt too coincidental that the serial killer was about to get her, however then her dad unintentionally kills her, you recognize, as a result of it was an accident. So I simply felt prefer it was one too many twists for me. However I nonetheless liked the trip. 

Elsie: Thriller books are at all times one too many twists for me. Like, at all times.. I believe it’s like, simply not my favourite studying area. 

Emma: I believe I don’t worth shock as a lot as different folks. Like I don’t care if you happen to get me, you recognize what I imply? Like, I’m like, I’m in it for the trip. 

Elsie: I believe it’s like, arduous for me to droop perception that any of it might be actual once I comprehend it’s like a plotted novel. It simply makes the thriller much less mysterious to me. 

Emma: Yeah, as a result of, you recognize, they know the ending and so they’re placing in foreshadowing, however they’re additionally placing in purple herrings to get you, you recognize. Yeah. That’s true. I did assume it was actually enjoyable, although. I favored quite a lot of the scenes. Like she had interviewed the serial killer years earlier than, simply form of randomly. I believed that was very fascinating. I favored them form of determining his complete deal and breaking into his storage unit. I believed that was fascinating. Yeah, I additionally felt prefer it’s not set in Missouri, however it’s form of set within the Midwest, the final Midwest, and it felt very actual to me. And actually, I used to be picturing the place our grandma used to stay, Buffalo, Missouri. I used to be picturing that quite a lot of the time she was within the small city as a result of I don’t know why. That’s identical to form of my quintessential small city.. So it felt very acquainted and salt of the earth down residence, no matter you wish to say. Like, it felt very actual to me. So I favored that too. However yeah, one too many twists. However I like the trip. 

Elsie: Yeah, I’d give it 4. I did give it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. Yeah, I believed it was good. 

Emma: I like seeing your Goodreads stars. You’re fairly into it. 

Elsie: My Goodreads evaluations are form of bullsh*t. I believe I’ve an excessive amount of compassion and love for authors. And like, I simply additionally identical to, don’t like being imply. So if I ever give one thing a 3, it really means I hated it. And typically I don’t even just like the fours. 

Emma: I don’t speak about books if I didn’t take pleasure in it as a result of I’m like, why would I speak about it? What am I, a critic like? Probably not.

Elsie: I believe that that’s in all probability what I must do sooner or later. However I don’t know, I like Goodreads.  It’s an excellent e-book. So I’m not saying it’s not good. For those who’re very into mysteries, then you definately’ll take pleasure in like it.

Emma: I believed it was actually pleasurable,  regardless that I didn’t love the ending. To me, that isn’t a giant deal. Like, I really feel like that’s one a part of the entire thing to me, the ending. So I don’t know. I nonetheless assume it’s a extremely enjoyable trip. It was enjoyable too, as a result of my husband had learn it earlier than me. He’d really purchased this e-book for me for Christmas final 12 months. That is what number of books I’ve on my to be studying shelf is approach too many and I simply preserve shopping for increasingly more. I don’t know what’s improper with me, however I identical to shopping for books. What can I say? So I’ve approach too many. I’ll by no means get to all of them, however in my thoughts that form of provides me all this hope for the long run. I’m like, take a look at all these books. Even when my life falls aside. Look what number of books I’ve to learn, I don’t know. It’s my security internet. Anyway, he purchased this for me virtually an entire 12 months in the past, and in some unspecified time in the future this 12 months he learn it. In order you noticed me studying it, like at night time in mattress, he’d be like, what half are you at? And we might simply, like, speak. About slightly bit as a result of he knew what the ending was going to be, and he was form of like seeing not if I used to be figuring it out essentially, however identical to what was my learn on sure folks or no matter. And it was enjoyable to speak about. So I’ll say, studying it with another person is form of pleasurable. I might see it being a extremely enjoyable e-book membership learn. So long as you don’t have one one who, like, insists on studying every little thing forward of everybody as a result of then they should be quiet the remainder of the time as a result of it’s fairly the ending. However yeah. 

Elsie: Yay! Okay, so we’ll go now to a joke or a reality with Nova. Hey Nova, what do you will have for us this week? 

Nova: I’ve a joke and a reality. 

Elsie: A joke and a reality? Okay. 

Nova: What’s the egg’s worst day? 

Elsie: What’s the egg’s worst day? I don’t know. 

Nova: Fry -day!  

Elsie: Oh, that’s an excellent one. 

Nova: And right here’s my reality. Do you know feminine lions often are those who hunt for meals? 

Elsie: Good!  I didn’t know that. That’s fairly cool. Alright, have an excellent week, everybody! 

Nova: Bye!

Elsie: Thanks a lot for listening. We’ll be again subsequent week and we’re answering your questions all concerning the holidays. It’s a vacation Q and A.