Earlier this week I headed over to Walmart to see if I could fill a stocking for under $25. I decided to take it just one step further and see if I could fill two stockings (one for each of my children) for under $25. Because I know they’re going to get plenty of toys this year, I opted for useful items I thought they would still enjoy.

Each of the stockings I purchased (one in red and one in green) were just $1.97 each.  We love books in our home, however, most of the books were and are my son’s, so I headed to the children’s book section and found an adorable holiday-themed snowman book for just $2.50. In the same section (which in our store is located in the midst of the toys), I found some flash cards for my son for just $2.50. We’re working on preparing him for kindergarten so I thought this would be something fun and educational for him.  Surprisingly, both of my children enjoy brushing their teeth.  In the stocking stuffer section I found a variety of adorable, character-themed toothbrush sets for just $5, so I bought one for each of them. Lastly, I found a set of hair ties for my daughter for just $2.98. The grand total?  $21.92 plus tax. I’m likely going to run back and pick up one more thing for my son so they each have the same number of items (children notice things like that).  And to finish my stockings off, I’ll write their names in puffy paint before I hang them.

If you head over to Walmart, you’ll find that their recommended stocking stuffers are clearly labeled with prices in boxes throughout the store. I actually think many of their ideas are unique and ones I hadn’t thought about. Other ideas that came to mind include pajamas, slippers, gift cards (particularly for my son), DVDs, and video games. As we’re getting close to Christmas, I highly recommend shopping now as items are starting to disappear. You can also browse Walmart’s Stocking Stuffer ideas online.

Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

During the holiday season, cookies seem to abound. I’m still trying to figure out how to get invited to one of those cookie exchanges I keep reading about!  Hershey’s is sponsoring 1,000 cookie exchange parties for people across the country to encourage people to spend time together and exercise their baking skills.  If you’re like me (and haven’t been invited to one of these infamous parties), you can still enjoy delicious cookies in your own home (or why not just create your own party?).

Hershey’s has an entire site dedicated holiday cooking recipes and party planning tips.  The site is very interactive (it’s a Ning site) and members (membership is free) can discuss holiday baking secrets, share recipes, and share photos from parties.

Just in time for the holiday season are their famous festive blue and silver and red and green Hershey’s Kisses.  And if you simply don’t have time to bake, why not include them as a stocking stuffer?

Here are the cookies I made, using the basic Chocolate Thumbprint recipe, courtesy of Hershey’s:

For more delicious recipes, check out Hershey’s Kitchens!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Yesterday we spent the day at Disneyland and by 5:00 pm I was freezing (it was in the 50′s).  It didn’t help that I had Havianas and a light sweater on.  It’s Southern California right?  So why in the world am I talking about sunscreen as a gift idea when it’s so obviously winter?  Because it’s actually a great stocking stuffer that we all need throughout the entire year. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with over one million diagnosed every year (The Skin Cancer Foundation).  And while I could share a ton of scary facts with you about the disease, I’d rather just encourage you to cover up and protect yourself.  Southern California enjoys nearly 200 days of sunshine a year, and that fact alone is more than enough to convince me to wear sunscreen every day.  And I don’t have to be sitting at the beach to reap the effects of the sun’s rays. I’ve shared with you how much I like KINeSYS‘ sunscreen.  Not only does it provide UVA and UVB sun protection, it’s easy to apply and as natural as sunscreen can get.  KINeSYS is oil, alcohol, PABA, and preservative-free.    The sunscreen is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and water and sweat-resistant.  The kids’ version smells really nice and I LOVE the ability to spray it on (as opposed to trying to spread a cream all over a wiggly toddler).  It feels a little oily going on, but once your skin absorbs it you won’t even notice it.  For more information, check out my full review here.  You can purchase KINeSYS sunscreen directly from the site or from retailers nationwide. Win It! One of you will win a 4 oz Kid’s Spray & 1oz Hydrating Moisturizer w/SPF 15.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with an interesting fact you found on the site. Comments will close on December 7, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Add the “Holiday Gift Guide” button to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure it’s up for the duration of the gift guide!) Check out my Holiday Gift Guide and leave a comment on that site about a product you like! (Maximum of 1 Comment for this). Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaysurvivalguide Enter Shannon’s giveaways (Maximum of 1 Comment for this). Subscribe to my feed via email or reader. Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways. Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

One of the most unique gift ideas I’ve seen this season is a Sock Gram.  Sometimes I feel like we’ve gone away from traditions like sending cards.  Everything is so technical these days. The company created the Sock Gram out of a desire to send a greeting and a small gift to a friend or family member.  Have you ever wanted to recognize a special occasion or moment without purchasing an expensive gift?  Maybe you wanted to send a card and a small gift?  Have you ever thought about sending a pair of socks?  I know I hadn’t but I think it’s an adorable idea (and it’s practical!).

So what is a Sock Gram?  Simply put it’s an adorable pair of socks (they have tons to choose from), a personalized card, and Medi-Spa Foot Balm (or stickers) all neatly wrapped as a pretty gift.  For less than $10 (although some Sock Grams are priced a bit higher) it can even be used as a stocking stuffer.  On the site you’ll find socks for men, women, children, and babies.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many different types of socks.  Check out these Gingerbread and Candy Socks I received:

I like the presentation, the functionality, and the uniqueness of this gift.  Oh…and the price is just right!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

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