Holidays seem to come with a lot of stressors. One of those stressors usually has to do with something financial, or at least it does in my home. As mothers, parents in general, we want to give our children the best holidays possible. We want to make all their dreams come true, and make it the best time of year. However, sometimes that holiday magic is limited by factors that are sometimes beyond our control. Here are some tips on how to be a savvy local Santa!
If you are like me, I want to create that holiday magic.
Spark imagination and creativity in my home. I want things to run smoothly and for the days to be filled with so much holiday cheer that our faces hurt from smiling so much.
I want everyone to be thankful and happy; full of Christmas bliss.
I want my kids to be entertained for hours by the gifts they’ve received, so that way I can sit in peace for just a little while. However, I know that some of those expectations are very unrealistic, especially the one about the kids being entertained for hours. I am lucky if they are entertained long enough to brew my first cup of coffee! My hope is that this little list helps ease the burden of gift finding. I hope it inspires you to give not only your children the best holiday, but yourself the best one as well because you deserve it!
Let me just say that loud and clear for the mommas deleting things off their Christmas list or for the ones not making one at all…YOU DESERVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY!
No matter what your budget is this year, the holidays can still be as magical as ever. However, to do so, you may have to think a little outside of the usual Christmas wrapped box. I am talking about: DIYs, thrift store bargains, supporting other moms, donating to non-profits and gifts or services. Gifts don’t always have to cost a lot! If we teach our kids as they grow up that they don’t need the best and newest thing, that might take some of the pressure off all of us around the holidays.
So, without further ado here is my list of shops to help you be a savvy local Santa!
Rosewater Bookstore: Do you have someone in your family who loves to read!? If your answer is yes, then this is the place for you! This bookstore is run by a local nonprofit (South Louisville Community Ministries) and all of the proceeds from the book sales go right back into the community. The books range from used to brand-new, all donated to the store. The books are constantly changing, so if you see something you like, buy it!
Book prices are $5 and $7. Children’s books are $1!
Tickled Pink Thrift Store: This place has it all! It is full of vintage finds and diamonds in the rough. My family and I have love shopping here because it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Prices vary depending on the item that you fall in love with here. There are items that would be great for white elephant exchanges, history buffs, kids at heart, collectors, and honestly probably anyone on your gift list.
Southern Grit: Calling all mommas to support another momma! This business is run by, you guessed it, a local momma! She makes the cutest wooden gifts and they can be personalized for whomever is on your list! Special things she offers around the holidays are stocking name tags, DIY coloring ornaments for kids, and ornaments that have your loved one’s handwriting on them. The DIY ornaments are the perfect way to give a gift and create holiday memories! Throughout all seasons, she is my number one go to for home décor; including welcome signs and name signs.
Muehl Creations: This is a business ran by another local momma. She does the cutest personalized shirts for any occasion. So if you’re looking for matching family shirts or even just a cute holiday shirt for the kiddo/s- I would suggest checking out Muehl Creations. Her items are super affordable and extremely comfortable!
Re-Tail Thrift Store: Are you an animal lover or is someone on your list!? Shop here and support The Animal Care Society. This thrift store has not only gifts for your four-legged friends, but for your two-legged friends as well! Like most thrift stores, this one is always changing due to the donations that they receive, but I am confident you’ll be able to knock some gifts off your list by visiting here.
Some ideas for free gifts? Here are some of my favorite things to give:
- “Coupons”– Give them a card with an offering a service (ie mowing the lawn, raking leaves, shoveling snow, doing dishes, folding laundry).
- Ornaments– Make your own! Pinterest has great ideas on how to make them with pantry staple items.
- Regifting- Seriously! Some of the best gifts I have received have been ones that someone was gifted and “wasn’t their style”.
Lastly, what should you do if someone on your list is one of those people who already have everything they could need or want?
I would say donate to some local nonprofits in their name!
Fed With Faith, Arrow Fund, My Dog Eats First, I Would Rather Be Reading, and South Louisville Community Ministries are some of my personal favorites, but Louisville really does have so many good ones! So take these steps:
- Search the web for nonprofits in your area. Find one that connects with the person on your list
- Send the person a card telling them where you donated in their honor.
- Check that person off your list.
To close this out, I really want to stress that giving and receiving gifts is not the main thing to be focused on this holiday season. Regardless of what you can/do buy please remember that the most important part is spending time with your family!
Memories are the ultimate holiday magic. Use #MomsAroundLouisville to show us how you are being a savvy local Santa!
