Okay you guys, the holidays are right around the corner and if you're like me, you're scratching your head trying to find something special for your nuggets! Have no fear- I got your back! Listen, we all know that our kids have a wish list that's about as long as a CVS receipt, and it changes nearly every week leading up to Christmas! Instead of focusing on their wish list, focus on what you wish for them! For me, I want my kids to feel special. Not just because I think they're the coolest kids around, but because they live in a world that will repeatedly tell them that they are everything but. As I've stewed about what gifts will make them special, I've settled on a few finds that are personal gifts for each kid. I've curated these three options that are not only affordable, but they're memorable. Years after the holiday your kid will still treasure what they get under the tree.
1. Chatbooks. You guys, listen to me. Chatbooks is a game-changer. Our phones are full of photos (and memes). Getting them off your phone and into the hands of your kiddos can be daunting. Who wants to wait in line at a store to print the photos- and then you just end up losing them in the hustle and bustle of the week. Chatbooks solves this problem. Download their app and you can link your instagram account so that they'll print into a series book and send out to you for $10 bucks! What I'm doing for my nuggets this year is giving them a personalized book, "Dad and Me" that has a whole smattering of photos from the past year. Chatbooks lets you pick personalized covers that are really beautiful, and for just a few dollars more you'll get a larger book or a hardback version! It took me less than 30 minutes to catalogue, build, and order the books- you could basically do it while watching tv or sitting on your throne!
2. Horray Heroes. If you're like me, you spend a good deal of the nightly routine watching your kids find the perfect story to read before bed. It can be, let's say, trying. Imagine though if you could put your kids into the story that you're going to read! That's what Horray Heroes does, and they do it so well! They'll create an avatar for your kid (James Cameron anyone?!) and insert your kid's name and avatar into a collection of stories. I love their new holiday books that have ten stories for you to choose from and they put your kids in the book! My kids are going to love reading about their own trip to meet Santa, or the abominable snowman! If you're looking for absolute quality design and storytelling, look no further than Horray Heroes. Don't forget to check out their sibling series and their forthcoming Dad series! Hello! I'll take them all! Oh and use DailyDad15 for 15% off your order!
3. The Painted Peg. I met the lady behind the Painted Peg at an event in October and fell in love with not only her little painted pegs, but the mission behind what she's creating! She creates hand-painted custom peg dolls that are perfect for little hands and big imaginations. And what's even more amazing is that she can make them 100% custom! She'll take the ideas and turn them into hand-painted pieces of art that can be played with your little ones or displayed for the not so little ones! You can swap out the heads and put them on different bodies, like a modern day, indestructible paper doll that is guaranteed to stand the test of time! My kids are going to love seeing themselves as a doctor, athlete, teacher, or even just in their pajamas!
So this year let's not just get our kids the latest and greatest from their Amazon shopping list. Let's get our kids something personalized, just for them. It's bound not only to make for a memorable holiday season, but it's going to be something that will stand the test of time!
Click on the photo below to watch my segment on Fresh Living!
