For the last couple months I've added a simple facial glow serum to my routine (morning and night) that I've been making at home with a combination of oils. I recently posted about this on Instagram stories and had a lot of folks interested in the details so I thought it was worth sharing here. I've tried a lot products (insert may have a problem) over the years and I'm surprisingly really loving it and as is my skin (literally soaking it right up). Everyone's skin is different, mine is dry and I live in a cold climate, but definitely recommend giving it a try if you are looking for something new (especially great to combat winter drying). 

1. A Journal 
My older boys got these last year and they love the ritual and reflection as well as looking back on what he wrote.  Q&A a Day For Kids - A 3 year journal. 

2. Bath Bombs
All 3 of my boys are obsessed with bath bombs and I'm in favor of anything that takes the battle out of bathing! We've tried many brands but the bath bombs from Lush are at the top of the list. 

3. Old School Pocket Toys 
Who needs technology when you have old school pocket games :-). Really though my boys get a kick out of these are highly entertained - like this Fuzzy Face magnet game or these handheld water games. 

4. Glider Planes
I love "old school" toys like a glider plane or small novelty toy they have to put together.  They are usually inexpensive but also keep the kids engage and tinkering. My boys would love this Rhode Island Novelty Glider Set ​

5. DVDs
Anyone else still have a DVD player? We do and everyone in our house always gets a new movie in their stocking and we usually end up watching them Christmas night. My kids are big into older movies like the Sandlot, Cool Runnings, Rookie of the Year, Mighty Ducks etc.. This collection was a huge hit last year. 

6. Water Bottle
I always like giving water bottles because it seems to encourage my kids to drink water and because we are always loosing them and can never have enough. 

7. Squiggle Wiggle Writer
Not only are these Squiggle Wiggle Writers fun for kids to play with, but my son's OT says they're great for practicing fine motor skills, so win-win. 

8. Flashlight
My almost 3 year old is obsessed with flashlights - these little ones from Melissa & Doug are so cute and the perfect size for stockings 

9. A Small Gift Card
My 8 year old likes to be independent so I'm going to include a small gift for something he can pick out on his own.. I'm thinking either our local bakery he likes to bike to for bagels or our local book store. 

10. Mad Libs Junior 
My boys get such a kick of filling these in. It's great practice for their reading and writing and gets them spending time together #bigwin.  I just ordered this Super Silly Mad Libs Junior.

11. Homemade Coupons for Activities 
I've seen this all over Pinterest and I'm going to give it a whirl. Who wouldn't want a "get out of time out free" pass,  a "movie night with mom", a "stay up late pass" or a "no chores for a day" pass?  Skies the limit with these and I think they're a lot of fun. You find so many examples but here's a simple printable. 

12. Deck of Cards
I'm having fun teaching my older boys traditional card games like Rummy and Kings in the Corner. I feel like we are always missing a card or two though some I'm going to give them each a deck of playing cards like these fun Paw Patrol Card

13. Sunglasses 
Sunglasses are always a big hit with my boys and it seems we can never have too many pairs. A great way to give them something fun and fashionable and keep their little eyes protected.

14. Family Dinner Box of Questions 
Anyone else have kiddos that come home and share virtually nothing about their day?! This Melissa & Doug Family Dinner Box of Questions Game are really fun. My middle guy got these in his stocking last year and they were a big hit!

15. Gift of Charity 
Consider making a donation in your child's name to a non-profit organization important to your family. Also consider a global giving gift card or homemade gift card and let your child choose an organization.

16. Joke Book
My middle son loves telling jokes, I just picked up this Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids book and I think he's going to love it and be building his joke repertoire  for hours. 

17. A New Toothbrush 
You can always use a toothbrush. My boys love these light-up toothbrushes that turn red when they've brushed long enough, and I love that it makes them want to brush their teeth.

18. A Good Book 
Nothing like a good book for whatever level they're at. My youngest loves these Poke-a-Dot books, and my older boys are in to chapter books; they love the Magic Tree House Series, the Flashback Four Series and pretty much anything sports related. 

19. Thinking Putty 
My older boys love Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty and it's great for keeping his busy body occupied. The mini containers are a great size and price for stocking stuffers.

20. Measuring Cups & Spoons 
Most of the time I love getting my kiddos involved in the cooking and meal prep process. It can be a fun and simple activity to do together. My boys older boys have loved getting accessories like measuring cups, measuring spoons and aprons and it's got them excited about getting involved.  I love these measuring cups and spoons for kids.

21. Chapstick/Lip Balm
My boys always like to have chapstick in their backpacks, especially during these cold and dry winter months in Maine. Burt's Bees always seems to be our go-to, but there are tons of options out there. 

22. Silicone Straws
My boys and I love drinking from straws. After years of buying plastic and paper I'm done! We have both silicone and stainless straws and they're a big hit! 

23. Wiki Stix
My son plays with Wiki Stix at OT and loves them. Great for fine motor and fun for tinkering. 

24. Brain Quest 
Anyone else remember doing these as a kid. We're planning some fun road trips this year so I plan to get my big kids each a Brain Quest set in their stocking to keep them occupied. 

25. A Sweet Treat
I say all things in moderation. I don't do a lot of candy in my kiddos stocking but a sweet treat or two is fun. I'm a fan of YumEarth - they've got some great candy cane lolly pops and winter themed gummies that I'm including this year. 


What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear about them! Happy Holiday season; thanks as always for stopping by.

My kiddos have been back in school for 4 weeks now (time is flying by) -  most days it feels good to be back into a routine. Those unstructured summer days seem like a distant memory. We're busy with soccer & flag football games and trying to enjoy my favorite season in Maine. Four weeks in with a 3rd and 1st grader, I thought I share some of my favorite products we're using during these school days. 

Seriously though I love a good pair of jeans - When I'm not in workout clothes or athleisure wear, you can pretty much bank that I'll have on a favorite pair of denim - pairing it with a white t-shirt and sneakers or dressing them up for date night. I do believe that one quality pair of jeans that fits you perfectly is far better than a closet full of cheap jeans you don't love. With that said, you really can find a great pair of jeans at a variety of price points. It takes some time to find the brands and styles that best fit your body but once you do you'll wear them on repeat.  

What do you do when you have a whole bunch of ripe/almost overripe bananas lying around? The kids are ALL at school right now, so I'm trying to scrub the house and continue my efforts to purge with no little people around. We have a big surplus of bananas from a soccer tournament last weekend and I'm going to use them up before they go bad or attract fruit flies (it's hot here this week).