Christmas Planner Template

Christmas Planner Template

by | Nov 16, 2019 | Gift Guides, Parenting

Christmas Planner Template

 

I use both paper planners and digital planners depending on what I am doing. This year I nerded out and created a complete Christmas Planner Template because digital planners win every time there are numbers to be added.  Christmas lists and budgets and meals are items that are just complicated enough to need a digital Christmas Planner Template. I can't imagine adding up my budget by hand or erasing and re-adding the numbers every time a change is made.

If you, however, prefer paper even when numbers are involved, check out Stress Less this Christmas for a link to a beautiful paper Christmas Planner created by a friend of mine.

Otherwise, read on to find out how to completely organize your Christmas meals, gift lists, budget, and more with my Christmas Planner Template.

Christmas Planner Template

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar. 

 

This Christmas Planner Template was created to be used with a FREE AirTable Account. AirTable is a super cool organization system that is kinda like a spreadsheet system, but WAY BETTER!! Cells can be formatted to be checkboxes, multiple choice items, dates, times, text, and more. This is awesome for Christmas organization because you need to plan meals and other gatherings, make grocery lists, make gift lists, decide on a budget, and it sure does help if your lists can talk to each other.

 

The ability for the sheets to talk to each other is one of the coolest things about AirTable.

You make a list of recipients on one sheet, then you are able to choose the recipient on your Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other shopping sheets.

THEN, it gets even better. The gifts will also appear by the recipient on the Gift Recipient sheet.

You can plan your meals by occasion. It does not even have to be a full meal. You could set up a meal for the treats you need to bring to your daughter's classroom party.

You will then be able to select which meal or occasion every item on your grocery list goes with.

AirTable is also an APP that you can download on your phone so you will be able to take your lists with you everywhere you go. All the information will sync from your computer to your phone app.

Every good organization system needs a place for a “Brain Dump.” List everything you can think of that you need to get done. If you give it a date, that date will appear on your calendar.

This entire Christmas Planner Template works with a FREE AirTable Account.

Check out the Complete Holiday Sanity Saver Christmas Planner Template!

Still Prefer Paper?

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

by | Nov 2, 2019 | Gift Guides

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

 

It's coming….. I am already seeing a few stores with Christmas decorations. And it is never too early to get started especially if you want to take advantage of pre-Christmas sales or have something customized. Scroll down the Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for links to all of my Christmas Gift Guides with ideas for everyone on your list.

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

 

 

Gifts for Teens and College Students

Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Students

Gifts for Empty Nesters

Gifts for Women

Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for Men

The Complete Holiday Sanity Saver Christmas Planner Template

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Christmas Gifts for Women

Christmas Gifts for Women

by | Oct 31, 2019 | Gift Guides

Christmas Gifts for Women

 

Women can be easy to buy for or they can be hard to buy for – depending on the woman! I have curated a list of Christmas gifts for women that will give you lots of unique gift ideas whether you need gifts for women in their 40s or gifts for women over 50 or really, any woman. Because It's not about her age. It's about knowing the woman.

What does she love? What does she really dislike? What does she think is cheesy? What are her hobbies and interests?

Read the Christmas Gifts for Women guide below for ideas in many categories.

Christmas Gifts for Women

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.   

 

 

Christmas Gifts for Women Who Love to Read

This is gonna sound crazy, but if she loves to read, get her a book. The #1 fiction book in 2019 was Where the Crawdads Sing, but she may have already read that. If she hasn't, get her that one pronto. It is amazing!! (I am in the “loves to read” category.) Here is a link to the current best sellers on Amazon for more ideas.

This is a fun idea – a book seat/travel pillow. Great for reading in bed or saving your hands if they have carpal tunnel or arthritis. 

Nothing a reader likes better than a winter day, curled up under a blanket, reading and having this soothing rainy day reads candle burning.

This is cool – a book weight to hold the book open while you read.

Gifts for Women Who Love to Workout

Women who love to work out love performance tees and can never have enough of them. This Stella McCarthy tee is especially gorgeous in this blush-mauve color. (Woman who don't love to work out love them also because they are so comfy!)

She also cannot have enough stainless steel water bottles – like this Hydroflask.

Working out is great for you, but it also causes soreness. Give her a foam roller to work out those sore muscles.

A new yoga mat for the yogi. Jade Yoga makes some of the highest rated mats around. It is the brand I use.

Stocking Stuffers for Women Who Love to Work Out

The awesome Invisibobble hair ties have a strong hold, will not damage hair, or get sweat-soaked.

Keep her safe when she is running or biking at night with these LED slap-it bracelets.

The absolute latest Apple AirPods are now noise cancelling. I include them as a stocking stuffer because they are small, but they would make a great gift for anyone on your list.

This pack of 1475 Fitness stickers for her planner will make planning her workouts, keeping a food diary, and reaching her goals even more fun.

Gifts for Women Who Love to Craft

A Silhouette or Cricut machine is the ultimate crafting tool. If she likes crafting, she needs one of these babies.

Martha Stewart's latest book, The Martha Manual, will give her hours to sit by the Christmas fire and dream up new projects.

How about this Super Amazing Craft Storage Cart or any of the high quality craft storage items from the Container Store.

Every serious (and not so serious) crafter needs a self-healing cutting mat for rotary or utility knife cutting to avoid damaging other surfaces.

Combine her love of crafting with her love of the word with this  Journaling Bible.

And if you give a crafting gal a Journaling Bible, then she is going to need the Starter Journaling Kit to go with it.

And the Bible Journaling Workbook for ideas.

And this Happy Hand Lettering Guide as well.

Gifts for Women who Love a Pretty Desktop

I love everything Rifle Paper Company and these journals are no exception. I have a set that I take notes in, using each one for a different topic.

These Rose Gold Office Supplies will brighten her desk and her mood as she works.

She absolutely needs tassel paper clips to organize groups of paper.

AND she needs these Rifle Paper Company Binder Clips to go with everything else.

Christmas Gifts for Women Who Travel

LONGCHAMP TOTE

Longchamp Totes are the ultimate travel totes.

 

Nordstrom has a great selection of Passport holders and luggage tags.

If she is running through (or sitting for hours) in airports, she is going to need a portable charger. It is so much better to have your own charging device than fight for a plug with every other traveler in a crowded waiting area.

Travel makeup bags get dirty quickly. If she is on the road a lot, she may need an upgrade. I love this travel makeup bag with a separate compartment in the bottom for brushes.

More Christmas Gifts for Women Ideas

GLOVES

Everyone needs a pair of gloves to replace the ones they lost last year.

 

A 365 Day Perpetual Calendar for her desk or bathroom counter will be an encouragement that lasts the entire year.

 

 

 

TILE BLUETOOTH TRACKERS

A Tile Bluetooth Tracker because “Where did I put my keys?”

 

 

 

 

BATH BOMBS

A soak in the tub on a winter day with a fragrant bath bomb is heaven

 

 

 

 

PREMIUM CHOCOLATES

Premium Belgium Chocolates in pretty packages.

 

 

ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

An Essential Oil Diffuser will help her relax and brighten up her room.

 

 

PERSONALIZED POST IT NOTES

Zazzle has hundreds of options for personalized post-it-notes.

 

 

CHAMPAGNE BEARS

Champagne Gummy Bears – Mmmmm…..

 

PAJAMAS

The best part of winter is fun, cozy pajamas. And there is no such thing as too many.

 

RAIN BOOTS

Classic Hunter Boots are the best in bad weather.

 

Cozy slippers for the winter are a must. I get a new pair every year because I absolutely wear them out!

 

SILK PILLOW CASE

How about a luxurious Silk Pillowcase?

 

 

CASHMERE SCARF

A beautiful Cashmere Scarf. Nordstrom has many reasonably priced cashmere items.

 

This monogrammed tray is some kinda gorgeous.

TRIO OF REED DIFFUSERS

This trio of petite Reed Diffusers will give her a diffuser for several rooms.

 

SCENTED CANDLES

Beautiful scented candles freshen up any room.

 

 

 

 

More Gift Guides:

Gifts for Teens and College Students

Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Students

Gifts for Empty Nesters

What are you wanting or buying for others for Christmas this year? Comment below.

 

Photo copyright:  https://www.123rf.com/profile_kesu87

 

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Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men and Gifts for Him

Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men and Gifts for Him

by | Oct 29, 2019 | Gift Guides

 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men and Gifts for Him

 

Men are not the easiest to buy for. Sometimes it seems like we give them the same things every year. Sometimes that is what they want – a refill on their shaving supplies and a new shirt. Other years it is fun to think of some unique gifts for him. Read the stocking stuffer ideas for men and gifts for him guide below for some new ideas.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.   

Everyone needs a pair of gloves to replace the ones they lost last year.

 

We all have dry lips in the winter, so put some lip balm in their stockings to help supply their coat pocket, desk drawer, bathroom cabinet….

A magnetic wrist band for your handy man to keep up with screws and nails.

 

 

 

 

 Travel kits are great to have to throw in your luggage.

 

 

 

 

These LED Slap On Arm Bands keep runners and bikers safe when they go out at night. 

A 4 in 1 Pocket Screwdriver is a great thing for the desk drawer at work, the console of the car, or anywhere something might need to be put back together.

 

 

 

A Tile Bluetooth Tracker because “Where did I put my keys?”

 

 

 

 

How about a fun tool like a digital tape measure?

 

 

 

This Rapid Car Charger has 5 ports and charges up to twice as fast as most chargers.

We have life hammers in all of our cars. These hammers can help you escape your car in an emergency. They will cut a seat belt and break a car window

Is he a Star Wars fan? How about these Yoda quote pencils? They also have a set of Ron Burgundy pencils (in burgandy, of course).

An ice scraper is a necessity in some areas especially if they have to park outside. This very reasonably priced one will slide right down in their stockings and will replace the one they lost or broke last year. It comes in a variety of colors.

Gifts for Him

 

 A Yeti Lowball Rambler Tumbler with lid will not leave his side this winter. It keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold and never sweats.

 

 A portable charger can be a life saver.

 

 

 

 

The guys will love a quarter zip sweater. Popular brands are Patagonia, Northface, and Vinyard Vines. 

A Jim Beanie from North Face will keep his head warm while walking into work, going to the game, playing with the kids, and working in the yard.

 

 

 

 

LOUNGE PANTS

Comfy lounge pants for hanging around the house when it is cold outside. Also great for family pictures on Christmas morning.

 

 

 

SHAVING KIT

Great shaving kits like this one from Kiehl's are always appreciated.

 

 

 

WORKOUT GEAR

Gear, hoodies, dry-fit shirts and shorts are awesome for the guy that loves to work out.

 

NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

We love these headphones at our house. They can't be beat for listening to something on your computer or phone, but they are especially wonderful on a flight.

 

YETI HOPPER

Have ice for days with the completely leak-proof Yeti Hopper.

 

Give him a great book like the latest John Grisham novel, The Guardians 

Nice workout socks like these from Bombas will be worn everyday whether they are working out, lounging around, or every day with tennis shoes.

LEATHER BELT

He can always use a new leather belt like this one from BOSS.

 

A wheeled carry on will be greatly appreciated by the frequent traveler.

 

My husband loves this thing – it's the ultimate charging dock and charging station with 8 AC outlets and 6 USB ports. The top is also a wireless charging station.

 

 

I don't know quite what to think of this item. It looks ridiculous, but having seen the mess in my son's college apartment from the shaving debris, I get it. This could be one of those “hint” gifts…. It is the Beard Bib from Shark Tank!

Barbecue season will be here before you know it and new BBQ Tools will make grilling more fun.

 

Gifts for Teens and College Students

Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Students

Gifts for Empty Nesters

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Stocking Stuffers for Teenagers and College Students

Stocking Stuffers for Teenagers and College Students

by | Oct 23, 2019 | Gift Guides

Stocking Stuffers for Teenagers and College Students

 

I have been buying stocking stuffers for teenagers and college students for over 10 years. I have bought every stocking stuffer known to man and have figured out which ones the kids like and which ones they don't. We have also started a few family traditions, like 2 of the kids want a baggette in their stockings every year. Weird, I know, but we have an amazing bread bakery near us and my kids want their own baggettes for Christmas!!

Read on for my best stocking stuffer ideas for teenagers and college students!

 

Need even more ideas? Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Stocking Stuffers for Teenagers and College Students

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.  

BANANAGRAMS GAME

My family and kids love the Bananagrams game. We play it a lot over the Christmas holidays. It is a great stocking stuffer because, well, it fits in a stocking and your college student can easily pack it to take back to school. 

 

 

Give them gloves they won't have to remove to text – these touchscreen gloves! They are so reasonably priced you can buy them for the whole family. They come in S-XL and in a variety of colors. I just bought a whole mess of them for myself and as stocking stuffers. (I am already wearing mine. They are AWESOME – they are thick and warm and I can actually use my iphone with them!!)

Are you (or they) nostalgic for their Lego days? These cute Lego ornaments are fun to quickly put together and hang on the tree to commemorate the year.

LIP BALM

Everyone needs lip balm and they need one for their desk, their purse, their car, their bathroom drawer, their coat pocket…..

 

A Tile Bluetooth Tracker because “Where did I put my keys?” 

 

 

A 4 in 1 Pocket Screwdriver is a great thing for a college student to have in their dorm room.

 

 

Give them a Christmas Mad Libs book for some silly fun with family and friends. 

 

 

It is much easier to keep a good grip on a phone with a finger ring stand. It can also be used to prop up the phone.
Monogram luggage tags by Zazzle. Are they doing a semester abroad or going with the choir to contest? A luggage tag that will help their bag stand out is a must. 
Speaking of travel, how about a passport holder? Nordstrom has a large selection for both guys and gals.
 Travel kits are great to have to throw in your luggage especially for quick trips to grandma's or other holiday travel.

 

 

 

Pretty journals will fit right in a stocking.
I am all about Bombas Socks. Our whole family wears them. They have awesome no-slip no shows, calf socks, ski socks, and even these Sesame Street 50th Anniversary socks for both guys and girls.
They think they don't need a flashlight because they have one in their phone, but I get my kids flashlights anyway for their bedside tables and glove compartments for emergencies. A small powerful light can come in super handy.
A nail polish set like this one from Deborah Libman and a spa gift card will put her over the moon.
The girls will love a soak in the tub on a winter day with a fragrant bath bomb.

 

 

 

If they are going to be instagram presentable, they need proper lighting for their selfies. This USB rechargeable selfie ring fits on a phone or computer to brighten up any photo or video.
Great shaving kits like this one from Kiehl's are always appreciated.

 

 

An ice scraper is a necessity in some areas especially if they have to park outside. This very reasonably priced one will slide right down in their stockings and will replace the one they lost or broke last year. It comes in a variety of colors.
A laptop keyboard lamp makes working in a dark room easier – great for not disturbing a sleeping roommate.
A wet brush is by far the best way to detangle wet hair. Anyone with long or hard to untangle hair will appreciate one of these.
An ornament to commemorate the year or a special event in their lives is a fun and special gift. And you can now get Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments on Amazon – how cool is that?

What are your ideas for stocking stuffers for teenagers and college students? Comment below. 

 

MORE GIFT IDEAS:

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Gift Ideas for Teens and College Students

Gift Ideas for Teens and College Students

by | Oct 16, 2019 | Gift Guides

30 Ideas for Best Gifts for Teens and Best Gifts for College Students

Shopping for teens and college students can be fun and challenging. It seems that the older kids get, the smaller and more expensive the presents are. I remember needing two rolls of wrapping paper to wrap a giant plastic car for my toddlers. Now I sometimes need barely a square of wrapping paper and the gift costs 5 times what the giant plastic car cost. But, if you know where to look, there are many gifts for this age group that do not need a charging cable. Read through this list of Best Gifts for Teens and Best Gifts for College Students for awesome present ideas that will not break the bank.

Need more gift ideas for teens and college Students?

Over 20 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teens and College Students

 Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide

Ultimate Graduation Gift Guide

Graduation Jewelry Gift Ideas

10 Incredible Graduation Gifts for Girls

Graduation Gifts for Guys

Graduation Gifts They Will Actually Use

Best Gifts for Teens and Best Gifts for College Students

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.  

 Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys and College Guys

Teenage boys can be SO HARD to buy for. Here are some unique gift ideas for teenage boys.

A hoodie with their favorite sport's team logo. 

If your teen or college student (boy or girl) does not have a pair of AirPods, I promise you they want them.

Nice workout socks like these from Bombas will be worn everyday whether they are working out, lounging around, or every day with tennis shoes.

11 in 1 Wallet Multitool

This 11 in 1 Wallet Multitool would make a good stocking stuffer for all of the men in your life. It's a screwdriver, bottle opener, cutting tool, wrench, and more.

Hydroflask has figured out what other makers of stainless steel water bottles have not by making the opening large enough for ice cubes. These stainless steel bottle are the best! Our family loves them. (The girls love them too!)

Bath and Body Gift sets like this one from Kiehl's will definitely be used. Every guy needs soap and shaving cream. Having nice products will make them feel good and confident.

 

Gift Ideas for College Students, Teenage Boys, and Teenage Girls 

 

Here are some fun ideas for all of the teens and college students on your list

“Stranger Things” is an original series on Netflix about a group of teenagers in the 1980s. The 80s culture is spot on and the characters are relatable for teens and the adults who were teens in the 80s. (I'm raising my hand!) A Stranger Things Trivial Pursuit game would be such a fun by the fire or snow day gift for any teen. There is even a portal in the game to send players to the “Down Under.”

Phones never have enough battery and a portable phone charger is a must. Mine has saved me more times than I can count.

An air lounger is perfect for the backyard, the beach, the quad on campus, or the family room. My daughter had one she used to take to track meets. You do not have to blow these up. Just swing through the air and fold into position.

Help them keep their phone where they can see it so they are not fumbling around the car for it. Whether they are using the GPS or listening to music, a car phone vent mount will make their day.

The Harry Potter books these kids grew up reading are now available in full-color, beautifully illustrated editions. You can buy a set of books 1-3 or buy them individually. The fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was just released in October 2019.

We have life hammers in all of our cars. These hammers can help you escape your car in an emergency. They will cut a seat belt and break a car window

Everyone needs a new pair of house shoes. House shoes keep your feet warm in the winter and are great to slip on in the dorm to keep your feet off the perhaps less-than-super-clean floors.  

Do they like movies? Challenge them to see the top 100 movies of all time with this movie bucket list scratch off poster.

Give the high school kids a Planning for College Planner. It will help them organize the entire college search and application process in one place – including building their resume beginning as a high school freshman.

 

Best Gifts Ideas for College Girls and Teenage Girls

The girls are easier and often more fun to buy for – there are so many possibilities.

Any college girl would LOVE this steamer. My husband and I have one of these in our bathroom. It is AMAZING. Wrinkles gone in a flash without setting up an ironing board. (Some of the guys might appreciate it as well. My sons think they are good with a bottle of Downey Spray….)

My daughter and I both love our real acrylic makeup storage units. Real acrylic ones are sturdy and last for years (instead of months with cheap plastic ones). 

Love these new travel jewelry cases by Stackers. Any woman in your life would love one of these!

I love everything made by The Rifle Paper Company – gorgeous covers and thick, bleed-free paper. I have this set of notebooks. They each have a topic for my notes and journaling. Any girl would feel special to whip one of these out in class.

A beautiful and fun set of gel pens would go great with the Rifle Paper Notebooks.

Teens and college girls are always taking their makeup places – to a friend's house or back and forth from college. A new makeup bag would fit the bill. I like how this one has a separate zip pouch at the bottom for brushes or whatever she would like to separate from her other items.

An eye shadow pallette or any make up set from a premium brand like MAC will be loved!

Everyone needs a felt letter board. These are so fun for commemorating events in pictures. (See my daughter holding one on her first day of school here.) They are also fun for encouraging messages!

“Meh” is one of the many things I hear my daughter say that I was not aware were words. May as well put it on a coffee mug.

How about a high school bucket list book? 97 Things to do Before You Finish High School sounds like an instagram worthy project.

Drop these super fun lipstick highlighters in their stockings!

Give her an easy way to spend some time with God with this 3 Minute Devotions Guide.

Subscription Care Packages for College Students

 Give the gift that gives all year. A monthly or quarterly subscription box. Every month or quarter the gift recipient will receive a box from the subscription service filled with goodies for them to enjoy.

My daughter LOVES her Fab, Fit Fun subscription. Every quarter a box arrives with full size beauty products, accessories, and other goodies for her to enjoy. Use PUMPKINSPICE for $10 off your gift box.

For those who want to be stylish, but desire vegan and cruelty free products, give a Love Goodly subscription.

Snack Nation provides healthy snack box subscriptions in three categories – tasting, deluxe, and gluten free. Perfect for a student who is having difficulty finding healthy treats on campus.

Do you have ideas for the Best Gifts for Teens and the Best Gifts for College Students? Share them in the comment section below.

 

Join the Community

Join the Almost Empty Nest Community and receive FREE ACCESS to the Almost Empty Nest Printables Library. The Printables Library includes every printable on Almost Empty Nest - A Year of Care Package Printables, Gift Tags, College Preparation Checklists, Additional Care Package Printables (Birthday, March Madness, the Super Bowl), Bible Verse printables and more.

Click Here

If your prefer not to join, you may purchase the printables through the same link above.

More Gift Ideas:

crockpot meals for two

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