Big sigh of relief as many of us head into a busy (but FUN) weekend of holiday planning and celebrations.
Free for All Friday comes at the perfect time in the week for me. Monday through Thursday is always jam packed with activity and the rigorous exchange of ideas. On Fridays you, the readers of highlowaha, become the architects of the blog. You drive the swap of ideas, based on the the questions you ask, the tips you solicit, or the rants and raves you chose to make.
And yet, with all that latitude... I feel especially responsible for making sure our party guests get all their holiday needs met. After all, we're trying to make a good impression so that Lindsay, Emily, Sarah, Michelle, Nicole, and Cassie will come back to visit again and again (though, I don't think we need to worry about Cassie!). The value of this community grows with each creative and committed newcomer we welcome into our fold. For it is true, each time he or she shares a creative insight, we are the beneficiaries. So... with only Friday and Saturday left to this week's Friendship Party, lets all be on our best behavior and show these women once and for all what our community is made of.
All week long we've been talking inexpensive holiday gifts and tomorrow we will resume our discussion with $5.00 ideas. Today, in the spirit of Free for All Friday, I want to open the floor to any holiday related gift ideas or tips. For example, early in the week Lindsay said she would deem the week successful if she received ideas for somewhat sentimental holiday gifts she could present her group of friends (all of which will be graduating in the spring). Yesterday, Heather also made a plea for $10.00 gifts she could give her 39 year old brother and her 12 and 14 year old nephews. It would be great if we could lighten their loads by offering up some ideas.
Do you have a holiday trick of the trade worth sharing? If so, share with the rest of us. Here are some examples to get your wheels turning...
I found these Avery Marking Tags at Staples for $3.00. I thought they would be easy and fun ways to label Christmas presents. 100 come in a box.
I'm sure most of you have seen these fun holiday utensil holders. I love to stuff the toes with treats for our dinner guests. I spend the year looking for creative things that will fit. Variation: Target has infant mittens in their $1.00 bins. How about buying a couple sets of mittens and using those? They are about the right size and come in bright colors.
Our very own Nan came up with binder idea as a way to organize her holiday tasks. It is chock full of all her most essential information (think wedding planner meets North Pole). Her tabs include: Wish lists, Decorations, Recipes, On the Go, Purchases, Give Thanks, Next Year, Christmas Past. There's also a pencil case for holding receipts!
Finally, as announced in yesterday's post, Cassie P will be serving as Highlowaha Intern For a Day. She and a friend will be road tripping to Santa Claus, Indiana where they will mail Christmas cards from THE Santa Claus post office and where our cards will receive the authentic Santa Claus postmark. Look under Announcements for the address and date by which she needs your mail. TODAY, however, I want to brainstorm ideas - or challenges - sure to make their road trip memorable! Give us your ideas. What fun (and legal) things could we ask Cassie and her friend to do along the way? What might we want them to do once they arrive in Santa? Are there photos we want them to take to document their adventure? Put on your Ellen DeGeneres thinking caps and help us generate some fun.
Announcements:
- Owl's Nest Adventure: North Texans... shop at the Owl's Nest on Saturday and receive 10% off your purchases just by saying your with highlowaha. Search the store for fun and unique gift ideas and then post a short review of your item on Saturday's blog. Do those two things and receive a Highlowaha owl patch for your Patchwork Denim. Also search the store for the hidden Ray and earn an added bonus from me. So far, the only non-Texans for whom we will be seeking toy ideas are Kristen's 8 month old daughter and Amber's 9 month old girl (is 9 months correct Amber?). Anybody else.
- Patchwork Denim: Party goers and newcomers, this explanation is for you. "Patchwork" is your chance to earn patches for various Highlowaha fun activities and challenges. The goal...designate something your "patchwork denim" (ie. an apron, jeans, jacket, hat, bag) and jump right in to start collecting. The next patchwork event is Sunday, December 14 when we host Celebration of Lights. Check out the announcements in yesterday's (12/4) post to find out exactly what you need to do. It's easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Paint the Town Red: Do a random act of kindness. Drink a coke and pass along your reward code to Heather.
Signing off until tomorrow.
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26 comments:
hmmm... heather-
sometimes the best thing to get a 39yo man is a gift card. its seriously the most un-thoughtful gift, i know. but my dad always seems to appreciate that the most.
BUT is he into colts football like you guys? or any fave sports team. $10 limit, though, right? HAHA you could probably get a bumper sticker of his fave sports team for $10!! geez, im not helping am I?!
I'm still searchin for that perfect gift idea for the two gift exchanges I have to go to. They are all women at both. one has various ages, the other is all college students. $10 max for both... Nothing has jumped out at me as something I want to do. (except for the coffee mug w/ goodies; I am likin it so far).
AND SEND THOSE LETTERS MY WAY!!! DONT wait or your mail wont make it to me in time. I head that way on DEC 15TH, and thats comin fast. MAIL TODAY! :-D
so you dont have to go searching:
103 Meadow Drive
Sellersburg, IN 47172
Two great comments were made on yesterday's post late last night. If you haven't already taken a look, you should check it out.
Also, Lindsay... here's the first of what I hope will be a few holiday gift ideas for you and your friends. How about giving each friend (including you) one of those red and white (relatively inexpensive) Christmas stockings. Then, the goal will be that each year, each of you sends a small stocking stuffer to one another? Giving one friend an inexpensive stocking stuffer might not seem like all that much, but receiving a stocking full of stocking stuffers from your girlfriends would be great fun.
I am older now and years away from having graduated. For quite a few years, my college friends and I tried to continue sending full blown gifts. It gets harder to and more expensive as life goes on and your Christmas list gets longer. Maybe stocking stuffers are a more manageable route.
You could even get together one night to have the inaugural Christmas stocking decorating party. Paint pens, glitter, hot glue, cocoa and cookies... what could be better!!!!!?!
Since there have been alot of people suggesting that they are thinking of sharing baked goods this year, I figured I'd throw this out there: orientaltrading.com has a snowman cookie plate that is super cute. It is $5.99+shipping. There is also a cute saying on the plate. It reads:
“This holiday plate is meant for sharing, with a friend like you who’s always caring, Enjoy this treat, and when you’re through, pass it to someone as dear as you.”
I realize that is a tick above our $5.00 limit today, but thought it might be worthy anyway.
CASSIE: How ambitious are you feeling? Everybody knows there are 12 days to Christmas. . .can you find 12 random people (gas stations, post office, whatever) along your road trip to post on this site??
Going back to the EncourageMints idea from yesterday. . .what type of paint works best on glass??
Don't forget to add Stacie's 9 year old girl to the list for the Owl's Nest!
Cassie, I think a great gift for a college aged student is a care package of sorts with a survival kit for the spring semester...are they all in your program with you and graduating this May? If so you could really ham up the Senior Survival Kit for your LAST SEMESTER!
I know my brother is a hard one...39, just finishing his nursing degree though so maybe you have some tips there Cassie...what will he need as he starts out in the field for the first time?
AZLori...I can't believe for you it was only $44. I overnighted last week and it was $72!!!!! For all those curious though I got the expedited fees back since it STILL hasn't arrived to the Strubles so it only ended up costing me $12 which they won't refund since they don't guarantee delivery unless you buy insurance or something of that nature and those are their normal shipping fees...I really can't explain but heck I was glad to get back the $60. I'm starting to think my package was lost and even if it wasn't wondering if my truffles have held up a week of being on the road somewhere.
Wow! Heather you were dedicated! $72.00...I would have probably laughed at the post poffice person...if I didn't pass out from shock first! Did you go to the post office or like a UPS store type thing? They always charge more. I can't believe it is still not there! Maybe it will make it in time to compete with Cheryl's entry if mine doesn't...mustard vs late entry...maple syrup!
OOHH!! Heather- he might need an NCLEX-RN book! They are more than $10 though, probably around $40. Though he might already have one if you ask, a second is always helpful.
OR you could get him some scrubs! Though they are usually more than $10 you can sometimes find a store that sells them for cheaper, and on clearance you might not spend too much more than 10.
Wow Heather, what a USPS story. No truffles yet, we'll keep you posted. Maybe I'll start something on our blog - where's the truffle. I'm happy that you did get your money back.
A thought for presents under the $10 mark - EBAY. I love Ebay. You need to read things carefully, but you can find a great deal.
And - Overstock.com is good too- they run lots of deals. I'm all about saving money right now.
Also, this is the final first round of the Super Bowl Competition. We're looking forward to mustard snacks.
The competition starts up again on Dec 30. with Richard v. Tera
I am thinkin bout the whole senior year/last semester survival kit... What to put it in? What to put in it? And a clever saying for on the outside?
Cassie, a few items of items to include:
standard school supplies (highlights, pencils, post its, index cards)
a fun card with important dates/deadlines you have in your program
a can of red bull/Rockstar/or whatever it is that you guys drink now for energy (ours would have been mountain dew but that was back in the ice age)
Some fun snack/baked item
A mix cd of fun/stress relieving tunes
I'll keep thinking.
Kristen, you can use Sharpies as well.
They also sell paint pens in the paint supply section of both Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I'm not sure of the brand name, but I know they are in the paint supply section.
Cassie, here are my ideas for a last semester care package.
Agreement to go out to dinner once a month- time to just vent and be with friends
Voucher to proof read any grad school applications (if any of them are going to be applying)
Empty photo album with a note attached saying you will fill it with fun from your last semester
Gift card to starbucks for all those late nights and early mornings
I'll keep thinking.
Lindsay -
Here is an idea for a meaningful gift to your friends.
My husband is a frat boy. There are about 10 of them who are still really close. Instead of buying each other gifts, they all are matched with another person in the group.
I know...sounds typical. BUT...instad of buying them a "real" gift, they get each other gag gifts. All of the gifts have some sort of meaning and a lot of laughs are shared. It also brings up past events that they reminisce about...a great way to share the holidays with one another!
You could get your friends all a stocking and fill it with things that remind you of them. Some could be funny, some serious.
Good luck!
Just because I feel lost ( I've been out of the loop and not reading posts enough) heres some ideas I have for younger kids:
Girls aged 8-14 are in love with High School Musical.
Girls aged 10-16 are very in to the "peace" sign stuff
All of the kids LOVE itunes gift cards and they cost anywhere from $10 up.
Avon also has some cute lip balm and hand creams that have Christmas motifs and if you get a little purse from the dollar store you can fill it with fun stuff that they will love.
Boys unless they are 18 and over have been out of my league for a few years now.... My nephews are into "Star Wars".
I knew a girl that went to IKEA and purchased Irish coffee mugs and clear glass cereal bowl. She painted them with Christmas trees and stars. They were so cute. I still have a set and I have to say the art work is easy and I think of her each year at Christmas.
I think people really love home made gifts. It's a labor of love.
My head is swirling with all the incredible ideas being shared.
Some of my own additional thoughts...
Cassie... Peggy sent me a homemade card once that has a coffee cup on it and the outside reads."Let's Venti" It's adorable. I am holding onto it with the intention of giving it to someone with an invitation to join me at Starbucks. To date... nothing worth venting about. This idea is a fun combination of some others that were suggested.
I'm really into giving experiences. I was thinking this morning of an idea for all you music people out there. You could make a mix of Christmas music and present it to friends with a couple fun pens. The note on top could serve as an invitation to join you for a cozy evening of writing Christmas cards together. I think it could be done for less than $5.00, but the memories... priceless.
Finally... Sharpie markers also makes paint pens (I know, a great stocking stuffer for us each of us to request from Santa). I've purchased a few in the past few months and I love the way they work. The tips also come in varying thicknesses.
One more thing. Nicole... if you're out there... I haven't forgotten about your request for a fun "slogan" you could attach to your glass jars filled with chocolate chip cookies.
So far the only thing I could come up with is a tag saying something about these being "Santa's Secret Recipe." Or maybe you could say something about "Baked in Santa's Oven"
Could some of you other creative minds think on this and let Nicole know what you come up with.
Holy Cow! There have been about 5 comments since I started typing! Lots of great comments today! My brain just isn't working and I'm struggling against having that Bah, Humbug! attitude. Home with a sick kid today but the bright side of that is I'll get a lot of cleaning done. :)
I'm confused. Is the letter that's coming from the Santa Claus town from Santa Claus to the person of choice? I want to get mine done this weekend. We send money for postage, right but don't put postage on it?
I was going to use FedEx from work to send my package but it was $44. So, I went to the post office and the kind lady helped me get it in the right box- actually envelope- and ship it for $24. Or something close to that.
I will need to map Cassie route for stunt ideas. I like the 12 days of Christmas suggestion.
I'll check in later.
oh- maybe I just need to refresh my page.
I'm with Maureen and Cheryl... I think I've lost a few brain cells, (probably because I have two teenagers) I'm in a whirlwind here of keeping up with everything that's going on. Information overload.... at it's best!!!
I was pricing things today, as I'm trying to finish Christmas shopping... TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby have tons of 'gift ideas' under $10.
But I think it's so nice when someone creates a thoughtful gift... I was reading somewhere that those personalized gift certificates of: One free, Out for coffee and conversation, One slurpie at Sonics after power shopping at Walmart, One free Netflex with popcorn on me! I'll help you wash your car if you supply the Cokes (don't forget the reward ##'s)
We all obviously have computers! Right??... Go to WORD or any print program and type up gift certificates with true meaning for the receipient, give an expiration date, and follow through to spend actual time with those who spice up your life. Wrap it up with a bow, tie a candy cane on top, and give it with a big hug and a bigger smile, saying I like you! You make my heart sing!!!
Corny... I know, but I'm tired of shopping, trying to find the perfect most expensive gifts... are they really worth it? {the gifts or the friendship???)
Heather: Yes, the 39 year old brother is a toughy... but you mentioned he is finishing up his nursing degree. I have a friend who has a personalized stethoscope. She loves it! Now, would a 39 year old boy love it, I dont know... but it would definately be a way to show him how proud you are of him for getting that nursing degree... and he would never get them confused with someone elses... and he would definately use them! As to how much they would cost though I dont know and they are probably over the 10 dollar limit... but its a thought!
And as Cassie said scrubs are also always a good idea! and there websites out there where you can design your own!
Cassie: I know Im going into my last semester and I would LOVE to recieve a final semester survival kit! I think its a really cute idea! And be on the lookout for an envelope from me!
Also, I just posted on the last blog as well because I forgot (oops) please read it if you get the chance because I posted a new idea... one that I really like! :)
Have a Sharpie lover in your life? You can get the regular sharpies customized with fun sayings, names, pics, etc. Go to the Sharpies website for a fun holiday stocking stuffer.
Stacie Walker... if you are out there... read Sarah's idea from yesterday!!!!!
What a whirl-wind of a week ... thank you CKB and Katie K :)
A few random thoughts:
~ NURSE: scrubs = always a good idea
~ 9 YR OLD: "certificate" giving her the opportunity to take X number of friends to the movies, lunch, mall, or other fun place
~ I was in the Post Office today ... and locked my keys in my car ... thank goodness for AAA
~ SURVIVAL KIT: "countdown" ... type up the count down in word, cut out into 2x2 or 3x3 squares, whole punch, and put on a circle clip that you can get in the office section of target or walmart
gift idea for the 9 year old...a date to build-a-bear! if you're out of town and can't go with her, get her a gift card. they have a lot of things that are on sale there for the holidays.
IDEAS FOR COLLEGE SURVIVAL KIT:
-Some sort of headache medicine
-Stress Ball
-Gum
-A few "pick me up" sayings from the giver
-maybe even some sort of small celebratory beverage to culminate finals week
Heather,
A great gift for your brother might be a pocket sized pharmacopedia book. I have one it cost around $10, it is handy for new nurses to get their meds straight. My (faux) little sister loves hers, she is in her clinicals now.
Hope that is helpful, sorry I haven't posted in a while the holidays may be getting the best of me :) However, my christmas cards are nearly complete!!!
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