Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6th-10th and if you want to show your school spirit and gratitude for our educators and school professionals, a thoughtful gift is a great way to do so. See our Teacher Appreciation Week gift inspiration below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

If you want to make a whole week of it, doing a color a day for your teacher with each color having some kind of “theme” is a fun idea. Kristy did this for her daughter’s teacher! For red, the first day, it’s all about the teacher….the things she likes and things to spoil her with for the days she’s not teaching. Items include a Bogg bag, apple candle, Sol de Janeiro kit, and a self-care book.

Tag: “ Roses are RED & Apples are too! You’re the best teacher ever, we’re so thankful for you.”

Orange, day two, is focused on recognizing the growth she’s given the students. She also loves to garden, so this is perfect! Orange items include drinking glasses, a succulent, a personalized planter, a mister, and a seed kit.

Tags: “ ORANGE you just such a SUN-sational teacher!“ and “Thank you for helping us grow!“

Day three is yellow, a bright and shining color, so these items show her that she’s the star to the kids. Yellow gifts include a tote, lip balm, hand sanitizer, paper weights, a t-shirt, an essential oil pen, a pillow for the reading corner, and a coffee mug, of course!

Tags: “Thank you for being the STAR that taught them to SHINE“ and “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.”

Green, day four, is a day for the classroom! These gifts are things she can use in and around like classroom, like a utility cart, Sharpies, a label maker, a pencil sharpener, a journal, essential oils, and modular seats for the kids.

Tags: “Thank you for your Commit•Mint Involve•mint Encourage•mint Invest•mint” and “Green with envy are those who wish they had you for a teacher!“ 

Blue, the final day, is for all things lunch!! Items include a lunch carrier, a mini to-go Crockpot, a Bentgo container, a snacks bag, a sand art light that’s great for lunchtime relaxation or meditation, and a Stanley tumbler.

Tags: “Just something out of the blue to say we appreciate you!“ and “We appreciate you a whole bunch, so please enjoy some lunch!“ 

And if you’d rather do one gift on Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7th), a gift bag stuffed with self-care goodies is always a hit! Grab a tote and fill it with Sharpies, this cute acrylic desk sign, a canvas pouch with keychains, body scrub, body wash, lip balm, a lip mask, face masks, and a facial scrub!

blue green orange and red rainbow design decoration

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6th-10th and if you want to show your school spirit and gratitude for our educators and school professionals, a thoughtful gift is a great way to do so. See our Teacher Appreciation Week gift inspiration below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

If you want to make a whole week of it, doing a color a day for your teacher with each color having some kind of “theme” is a fun idea. Kristy did this for her daughter’s teacher! For red, the first day, it’s all about the teacher….the things she likes and things to spoil her with for the days she’s not teaching. Items include a Bogg bag, apple candle, Sol de Janeiro kit, and a self-care book.

Tag: “ Roses are RED & Apples are too! You’re the best teacher ever, we’re so thankful for you.”

Orange, day two, is focused on recognizing the growth she’s given the students. She also loves to garden, so this is perfect! Orange items include drinking glasses, a succulent, a personalized planter, a mister, and a seed kit.

Tags: “ ORANGE you just such a SUN-sational teacher!“ and “Thank you for helping us grow!“

Day three is yellow, a bright and shining color, so these items show her that she’s the star to the kids. Yellow gifts include a tote, lip balm, hand sanitizer, paper weights, a t-shirt, an essential oil pen, a pillow for the reading corner, and a coffee mug, of course!

Tags: “Thank you for being the STAR that taught them to SHINE“ and “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.”

Green, day four, is a day for the classroom! These gifts are things she can use in and around like classroom, like a utility cart, Sharpies, a label maker, a pencil sharpener, a journal, essential oils, and modular seats for the kids.

Tags: “Thank you for your Commit•Mint Involve•mint Encourage•mint Invest•mint” and “Green with envy are those who wish they had you for a teacher!“ 

Blue, the final day, is for all things lunch!! Items include a lunch carrier, a mini to-go Crockpot, a Bentgo container, a snacks bag, a sand art light that’s great for lunchtime relaxation or meditation, and a Stanley tumbler.

Tags: “Just something out of the blue to say we appreciate you!“ and “We appreciate you a whole bunch, so please enjoy some lunch!“ 

And if you’d rather do one gift on Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7th), a gift bag stuffed with self-care goodies is always a hit! Grab a tote and fill it with Sharpies, this cute acrylic desk sign, a canvas pouch with keychains, body scrub, body wash, lip balm, a lip mask, face masks, and a facial scrub!

Summer will be here before we know it and we’re already dreaming of all the ways we can update our wardrobes with the best styles of the season. From social festivities to days at the desk, and vacations by the water to early morning runs, Walmart has everything you need to make this a summer of fashion-forward moments. See our Walmart summer fashion inspiration below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Summer = party time! Grad parties, pool parties, backyard BBQs, and holiday soirées…summer is the season of celebrations. Make sure you’re party ready with one of these gorgeous getups.

Maybe you’re all work and no play. Which is okay, but don’t ignore the benefits of a healthy work-life balance! These dresses will have you looking chic in the office, and they can definitely be worn to date night after, too!

Pool days, beach trips, and lake vacations. Whatever your preferred form of water-centric recreation, get yourself a swimsuit to rock that will steal the show.

Don’t forget your coverup! These will come in handy when you’re trying to enjoy your liquid lunch at one of those “no shirt, no shoes, no service” places.

And if you’re team #summerbod, grab a few workout pieces that will make you excited to get your sweat on.

rear view of woman sitting on a rock

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta: an exuberant shade of fuchsia that calls to mind fearlessness, strength, and bravery. This stunning hue mixes warm and cool tones for the perfect balance of bright and bold. Keep touches of it throughout your home or add into your wardrobe and daily beauty routine to feel empowered and beautiful all year long. See some of our Viva Magenta picks below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Bring the color of the year into your home with subtle touches like sophisticated wine glasses, a perfectly perfect Perfect Pot, a soft throw pillow, or a cozy throw blanket.

Sprinkle it into your beauty routine with a gorgeous liquid lipstick, fun nail polish, or a silk scrunchie.

And if you want to add a little Viva Magenta to your wardrobe, a slouchy sweatshirt, fierce booties, or a bright beanie are all great options.

Shop Viva Magenta

Beanie
Beanie
Booties
Booties
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Silk Scrunchie
Silk Scrunchie
Nail Polish
Nail Polish
Liquid Lipstick
Liquid Lipstick
Throw Blanket
Throw Blanket
Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow
Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot
Wine Glasses
Wine Glasses
Beanie
Beanie
Booties
Booties
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Silk Scrunchie
Silk Scrunchie
Nail Polish
Nail Polish
Liquid Lipstick
Liquid Lipstick
Throw Blanket
Throw Blanket
Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow
Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot
Wine Glasses
Wine Glasses

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta: an exuberant shade of fuchsia that calls to mind fearlessness, strength, and bravery. This stunning hue mixes warm and cool tones for the perfect balance of bright and bold. Keep touches of it throughout your home or add into your wardrobe and daily beauty routine to feel empowered and beautiful all year long. See some of our Viva Magenta picks below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Bring the color of the year into your home with subtle touches like sophisticated wine glasses, a perfectly perfect Perfect Pot, a soft throw pillow, or a cozy throw blanket.

Sprinkle it into your beauty routine with a gorgeous liquid lipstick, fun nail polish, or a silk scrunchie.

And if you want to add a little Viva Magenta to your wardrobe, a slouchy sweatshirt, fierce booties, or a bright beanie are all great options.

Shop Viva Magenta

Beanie
Beanie
Booties
Booties
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Silk Scrunchie
Silk Scrunchie
Nail Polish
Nail Polish
Liquid Lipstick
Liquid Lipstick
Throw Blanket
Throw Blanket
Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow
Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot
Wine Glasses
Wine Glasses
Beanie
Beanie
Booties
Booties
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Silk Scrunchie
Silk Scrunchie
Nail Polish
Nail Polish
Liquid Lipstick
Liquid Lipstick
Throw Blanket
Throw Blanket
Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow
Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot
Wine Glasses
Wine Glasses

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta: an exuberant shade of fuchsia that calls to mind fearlessness, strength, and bravery. This stunning hue mixes warm and cool tones for the perfect balance of bright and bold. Keep touches of it throughout your home or add into your wardrobe and daily beauty routine to feel empowered and beautiful all year long. See some of our Viva Magenta picks below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Bring the color of the year into your home with subtle touches like sophisticated wine glasses, a perfectly perfect Perfect Pot, a soft throw pillow, or a cozy throw blanket.

Sprinkle it into your beauty routine with a gorgeous liquid lipstick, fun nail polish, or a silk scrunchie.

And if you want to add a little Viva Magenta to your wardrobe, a slouchy sweatshirt, fierce booties, or a bright beanie are all great options.

Shop Viva Magenta

Beanie
Beanie
Booties
Booties
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Silk Scrunchie
Silk Scrunchie
Nail Polish
Nail Polish
Liquid Lipstick
Liquid Lipstick
Throw Blanket
Throw Blanket
Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow
Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot
Wine Glasses
Wine Glasses
Beanie
Beanie
Booties
Booties
Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Silk Scrunchie
Silk Scrunchie
Nail Polish
Nail Polish
Liquid Lipstick
Liquid Lipstick
Throw Blanket
Throw Blanket
Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow
Perfect Pot
Perfect Pot
Wine Glasses
Wine Glasses

2022 is coming to a close and we cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. We accomplished a lot over the past twelve months, and we are so grateful for all of you who have supported us and followed along on the journey! We’re taking a look back at the highlights of this year: our top posts, best-selling items, favorite LTK posts, and more! See the best of 2022 below.

pexels-photo-3401897.jpeg
Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Top Blog Posts of 2022

We wrote about everything from beauty, fashion, and travel to holidays, hot sales, and home decor. See the posts that you thought were pretty awesome this year.

Number One

Elemis Products Review – Who doesn’t love a good beauty post?! When we try new products, we love to share our thoughts with the F&T community. Kristy shared her 60-day Elemis journey with us to see if these products lived up to the hype and were worth the price tag!

Number Two

Black Friday Sales – We LOVE a sale roundup – we’re always ready to shop ’til we drop! These sales were the best of the best on Black Friday, from all of our favorite retailers. Stay tuned for tons more of the best deals around in 2023.

Number Three

Live Life in the Loop – You guys were clearly looking to get a little loopy this year! Loopy cases are super fun, super chic phone cases with a built-in finger loop so you can #stopthedrop and make your life a little easier…without sacrificing style, of course.

Number Four

Our Place Home Cook Duo – We’re all about finding ways to declutter, simplify, and beautify. The Home Cook Duo from Our Place does all three. See how this gorgeous pot and pan combo can save you time, space, and sanity.

Number Five

Home Decor Subscription Box – We love Decocrated and it looks like you do, too! This home decor subscription box brings the best in interior design right to your door every season. Plus, the holiday add-on boxes are full of fun themed decor to spice up your home each holiday.

Top-Selling Items 2022

We searched, shopped, and then posted! These deals we shared with you were the top three best-selling items of 2022. You guys have great taste!!

You all were practicing good hygiene and great style this year!! These soft spun cotton bath towels from Macy’s were the top-selling item of 2022!

Everyone knows camping is better with lots of friends (more people to feed to the bears first, right??) and the F&T community clearly agrees! This 20-person tent from Walmart was our second best-seller.

If you know, you know. The bag that took the world by storm also caught your eye – the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag was the third most-purchased item this year!!

Top Retailers 2022

We showcase a lot of our favorite items from tons of different retailers here on the blog, but we also share amazing deals on our Facebook page. Like and follow us to get the most up-to-date deals and sales, and then check out what your favorite retailers of 2022 were across all of our platforms! We obviously all love Amazon and Walmart, but these retailers also held a special place in our hearts this year:

#1Target

#2Macy’s

#3Nike

Your Favorite LTK Posts of 2022

We really started to grow our LTK platform in 2022 and you all had some posts you definitely loved! Hot date night outfits, comfy jumpsuits, adorable loungewear, cozy sweaters, and more…these were the top three LTK posts this year.

Number One

Coordinating outfits for family photos are so much fun! You all thought this cream, blue, and brown outfit inspiration for fall family photos was the cream of the crop!

Number Two

We all know someone who is graduating from something, and coming up with a useful yet thoughtful gift can be a struggle! You guys loved this graduation gift guide full of great gift ideas.

Number Three

Kristy created this darling princess dress up station for her daughter, and it turns out that you thought it was pretty darn perfect, too!

And there you have it!! The best of the best from 2022. Thanks for following along…let us know what your favorites were this year! See all of you in 2023 xoxo.

people walking on the street

2022 is coming to a close and we cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. We accomplished a lot over the past twelve months, and we are so grateful for all of you who have supported us and followed along on the journey! We’re taking a look back at the highlights of this year: our top posts, best-selling items, favorite LTK posts, and more! See the best of 2022 below.

pexels-photo-3401897.jpeg
Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Top Blog Posts of 2022

We wrote about everything from beauty, fashion, and travel to holidays, hot sales, and home decor. See the posts that you thought were pretty awesome this year.

Number One

Elemis Products Review – Who doesn’t love a good beauty post?! When we try new products, we love to share our thoughts with the F&T community. Kristy shared her 60-day Elemis journey with us to see if these products lived up to the hype and were worth the price tag!

Number Two

Black Friday Sales – We LOVE a sale roundup – we’re always ready to shop ’til we drop! These sales were the best of the best on Black Friday, from all of our favorite retailers. Stay tuned for tons more of the best deals around in 2023.

Number Three

Live Life in the Loop – You guys were clearly looking to get a little loopy this year! Loopy cases are super fun, super chic phone cases with a built-in finger loop so you can #stopthedrop and make your life a little easier…without sacrificing style, of course.

Number Four

Our Place Home Cook Duo – We’re all about finding ways to declutter, simplify, and beautify. The Home Cook Duo from Our Place does all three. See how this gorgeous pot and pan combo can save you time, space, and sanity.

Number Five

Home Decor Subscription Box – We love Decocrated and it looks like you do, too! This home decor subscription box brings the best in interior design right to your door every season. Plus, the holiday add-on boxes are full of fun themed decor to spice up your home each holiday.

Top-Selling Items 2022

We searched, shopped, and then posted! These deals we shared with you were the top three best-selling items of 2022. You guys have great taste!!

You all were practicing good hygiene and great style this year!! These soft spun cotton bath towels from Macy’s were the top-selling item of 2022!

Everyone knows camping is better with lots of friends (more people to feed to the bears first, right??) and the F&T community clearly agrees! This 20-person tent from Walmart was our second best-seller.

If you know, you know. The bag that took the world by storm also caught your eye – the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag was the third most-purchased item this year!!

Top Retailers 2022

We showcase a lot of our favorite items from tons of different retailers here on the blog, but we also share amazing deals on our Facebook page. Like and follow us to get the most up-to-date deals and sales, and then check out what your favorite retailers of 2022 were across all of our platforms! We obviously all love Amazon and Walmart, but these retailers also held a special place in our hearts this year:

#1Target

#2Macy’s

#3Nike

Your Favorite LTK Posts of 2022

We really started to grow our LTK platform in 2022 and you all had some posts you definitely loved! Hot date night outfits, comfy jumpsuits, adorable loungewear, cozy sweaters, and more…these were the top three LTK posts this year.

Number One

Coordinating outfits for family photos are so much fun! You all thought this cream, blue, and brown outfit inspiration for fall family photos was the cream of the crop!

Number Two

We all know someone who is graduating from something, and coming up with a useful yet thoughtful gift can be a struggle! You guys loved this graduation gift guide full of great gift ideas.

Number Three

Kristy created this darling princess dress up station for her daughter, and it turns out that you thought it was pretty darn perfect, too!

And there you have it!! The best of the best from 2022. Thanks for following along…let us know what your favorites were this year! See all of you in 2023 xoxo.

At Frugal and Thriving, our mission is to bring you the best finds in fashion, beauty, home decor, and so much more for prices that won’t break the bank! We promote only products that we love that we know you’ll love too. Our post series, Frugal and Thriving Favorites, highlights some of our top recent purchases that we want to share with you!! This month, we’re putting a fun holiday spin on it and giving you a peek at some of our new favorite gifts we received this year for the holidays and letting you know just why we love them! Take a look below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Kristy’s Beauty Pops: These beauty pops are like a facial in a box! I love the way they make my skin look and feel.

Krista’s Cheeseboard Inspiration: I’m obsessed with these charcuterie board cards! 50 different charcuterie board ideas with recipes and how to set up – a charcuterie lover’s dream! 

Faith’s Pajamas: These satin pjs are classy and cozy! The material is so soft and silky, and it makes me feel so luxurious! The rhinestone buttons are a fun accent and really make these pjs pop. I do find them to run a little large (I’m wearing an XS) so I would recommend sizing down!

Kristy’s Initial Necklace: This initial necklace is so subtle yet so stylish! I love how it adds a little bit of personality to my everyday look without being overwhelming.

Krista’s Heating Pad: I love this neck and shoulder heating pad. It’s perfect for those that carry all that tension in their neck/shoulders like I do. It is also weighted (very lightly) so it stays on the spots needed! 

Faith’s Coffee Table Tray: I absolutely love this sleek coffee table tray! The gold finished rim has a black mirrored interior and it perfectly complements the rest of my decor. It’s also pretty roomy so I can easily fit a plant, a candle, and some coasters.

Kristy’s Portable Charger: This portable charger is a life saver! I’m going to take it with me everywhere I go – I’m always on my phone and it’s always running out of battery. This little guy is a game changer.

Krista’s Tea Infuser: I love tea and I LOVE manatees – so combining them both with this absolutely adorable tea infuser is a win-win for me!

Faith’s Yoga Cards: These yoga pose cards are so fun! There’s 100 different cards so you can pull one a day and practice that pose, or choose a handful and create your own yoga flow with them! 

Kristy’s Slippers: The comfiest slippers ever!! They’re easy to slip on and perfect for wearing around the house…and they look adorable with all my loungewear.

Thanks for reading!! We’d love to hear some of your favorite holiday gifts in the comments xo.

At Frugal and Thriving, our mission is to bring you the best finds in fashion, beauty, home decor, and so much more for prices that won’t break the bank! We promote only products that we love that we know you’ll love too. Our post series, Frugal and Thriving Favorites, highlights some of our top recent purchases that we want to share with you!! This month, we’re putting a fun holiday spin on it and giving you a peek at some of our new favorite gifts we received this year for the holidays and letting you know just why we love them! Take a look below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Kristy’s Beauty Pops: These beauty pops are like a facial in a box! I love the way they make my skin look and feel.

Krista’s Cheeseboard Inspiration: I’m obsessed with these charcuterie board cards! 50 different charcuterie board ideas with recipes and how to set up – a charcuterie lover’s dream! 

Faith’s Pajamas: These satin pjs are classy and cozy! The material is so soft and silky, and it makes me feel so luxurious! The rhinestone buttons are a fun accent and really make these pjs pop. I do find them to run a little large (I’m wearing an XS) so I would recommend sizing down!

Kristy’s Initial Necklace: This initial necklace is so subtle yet so stylish! I love how it adds a little bit of personality to my everyday look without being overwhelming.

Krista’s Heating Pad: I love this neck and shoulder heating pad. It’s perfect for those that carry all that tension in their neck/shoulders like I do. It is also weighted (very lightly) so it stays on the spots needed! 

Faith’s Coffee Table Tray: I absolutely love this sleek coffee table tray! The gold finished rim has a black mirrored interior and it perfectly complements the rest of my decor. It’s also pretty roomy so I can easily fit a plant, a candle, and some coasters.

Kristy’s Portable Charger: This portable charger is a life saver! I’m going to take it with me everywhere I go – I’m always on my phone and it’s always running out of battery. This little guy is a game changer.

Krista’s Tea Infuser: I love tea and I LOVE manatees – so combining them both with this absolutely adorable tea infuser is a win-win for me!

Faith’s Yoga Cards: These yoga pose cards are so fun! There’s 100 different cards so you can pull one a day and practice that pose, or choose a handful and create your own yoga flow with them! 

Kristy’s Slippers: The comfiest slippers ever!! They’re easy to slip on and perfect for wearing around the house…and they look adorable with all my loungewear.

Thanks for reading!! We’d love to hear some of your favorite holiday gifts in the comments xo.

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and as we approach Christmas Eve, the excitement and anticipation are as palpable as ever! The elves are wrapping the last gifts and loading Santa’s sleigh, and the reindeer are warming up their legs for the long journey ahead. While the North Pole is in full swing, Kristy’s family is celebrating with some pretty fun traditions. See their Christmas Eve customs below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

First thing’s first – what are we wearing?! Coordinating family outfits are a must-have for our Christmas Eve get-together, and this year we went with a camel, black, and cream color palette. Gorgeous hues for the winter, we also used these outfits for new family photos at a Christmas tree farm!

I went with a camel cowlneck sweater dress with black tights and black knee-high boots, and I chose a cream quarter zip pullover with black jeans for my husband! For my kiddos, complementary outfits – a black sweater and camel pants for my son and a black and cream checkered dress with black leggings for my daughter.

Every year on Christmas Eve, our Elves on the Shelf bring my children the “elf box”. After spending all night with family, my kids come home to find the boxes waiting under the tree. They are filled with all of the necessities for Christmas Eve night and specially curated to their favorite obsessions of the moment.

My favorite part of these boxes is the special ornaments they receive for their Christmas tree! Every year when we decorate their tree, we can reflect back on the year we were obsessed with Minnie Mouse or Spiderman…cue the tears. The boxes always have a new pair of pajamas to wear for Christmas morning, a Christmas book we can read before bed, some hot cocoa to go with the Christmas story, and a little figure or plush of their favorite character (since they can’t play or go to sleep with the ornaments). This year our elves brought a little memorabilia to remind the kiddos that they’ll be back next year, and it’s so adorable! 

It’s been our favorite tradition for the last 6 years and I can’t imagine it’s going to stop, even when they’re adults and they have their own kids!!

And while traditions are usually tried-and-true, sometimes you need to introduce new ones to spice things up! This year, we’re implementing the Saran Wrap gift ball, and this one is definitely going to be a quick family favorite. How does it work? You take a bunch of small gag gifts (pictured below), and you wrap them in Saran Wrap around and around and around until you have a giant wrapped ball of goodies!

Everyone sits in a circle and the first person to go dons oven mitts (yes, they must be worn!). The person to the starter’s left rolls two dice until they roll doubles – as they’re rolling, the oven mitt wearer unwraps the ball to reveal gifts, and whatever they unwrap they keep! Once the dice roller rolls doubles, the ball is passed to left and the game continues until all the gifts have been unwrapped! This is definitely going to make for a few laughs and a lot of chaos.

These are some of the things wrapped up in this year’s Saran Wrap ball! I included candy, gift cards, scratch off tickets, beauty products, games, and more!! I’m so excited to start a new family tradition and make tons more memories.

Thanks for reading! What are some of your holiday family traditions? Let us know in the comments below xo.

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and as we approach Christmas Eve, the excitement and anticipation are as palpable as ever! The elves are wrapping the last gifts and loading Santa’s sleigh, and the reindeer are warming up their legs for the long journey ahead. While the North Pole is in full swing, Kristy’s family is celebrating with some pretty fun traditions. See their Christmas Eve customs below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

First thing’s first – what are we wearing?! Coordinating family outfits are a must-have for our Christmas Eve get-together, and this year we went with a camel, black, and cream color palette. Gorgeous hues for the winter, we also used these outfits for new family photos at a Christmas tree farm!

I went with a camel cowlneck sweater dress with black tights and black knee-high boots, and I chose a cream quarter zip pullover with black jeans for my husband! For my kiddos, complementary outfits – a black sweater and camel pants for my son and a black and cream checkered dress with black leggings for my daughter.

Every year on Christmas Eve, our Elves on the Shelf bring my children the “elf box”. After spending all night with family, my kids come home to find the boxes waiting under the tree. They are filled with all of the necessities for Christmas Eve night and specially curated to their favorite obsessions of the moment.

My favorite part of these boxes is the special ornaments they receive for their Christmas tree! Every year when we decorate their tree, we can reflect back on the year we were obsessed with Minnie Mouse or Spiderman…cue the tears. The boxes always have a new pair of pajamas to wear for Christmas morning, a Christmas book we can read before bed, some hot cocoa to go with the Christmas story, and a little figure or plush of their favorite character (since they can’t play or go to sleep with the ornaments). This year our elves brought a little memorabilia to remind the kiddos that they’ll be back next year, and it’s so adorable! 

It’s been our favorite tradition for the last 6 years and I can’t imagine it’s going to stop, even when they’re adults and they have their own kids!!

And while traditions are usually tried-and-true, sometimes you need to introduce new ones to spice things up! This year, we’re implementing the Saran Wrap gift ball, and this one is definitely going to be a quick family favorite. How does it work? You take a bunch of small gag gifts (pictured below), and you wrap them in Saran Wrap around and around and around until you have a giant wrapped ball of goodies!

Everyone sits in a circle and the first person to go dons oven mitts (yes, they must be worn!). The person to the starter’s left rolls two dice until they roll doubles – as they’re rolling, the oven mitt wearer unwraps the ball to reveal gifts, and whatever they unwrap they keep! Once the dice roller rolls doubles, the ball is passed to left and the game continues until all the gifts have been unwrapped! This is definitely going to make for a few laughs and a lot of chaos.

These are some of the things wrapped up in this year’s Saran Wrap ball! I included candy, gift cards, scratch off tickets, beauty products, games, and more!! I’m so excited to start a new family tradition and make tons more memories.

Thanks for reading! What are some of your holiday family traditions? Let us know in the comments below xo.

The holidays are definitely a great excuse to treat yo self, and that includes indulging on the sweets! Whether you’ve got a holiday party with friends or family, showing up with some delicious cookies in hand is sure to make you the guest of honor. Kristy spent some serious time baking treats for her whole family, and these cookie recipes are definitely drool-worthy. And everyone knows dessert goes straight to the soul, so go ahead and enjoy guilt-free. See Kristy’s holiday cookie recipes below.

Cool Whip Cookies

These cool whip cookies are fluffy and a fabulous treat for the family! The best part? You can use any kind of cake mix to tailor them to your favorite flavor.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of cake mix – any flavor (I used red velvet)
  • 8oz cool whip 
  • 1 egg 
  • Powdered sugar

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
  • Drop by spoonful into powdered sugar 
  • Place on cookie sheet (I lined with parchment paper) 
  • Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes and cool before removing from cookie sheet

Cinnamon Nut Palmiers

These flaky cinnamon-tastic Palmiers are a little sweet, a little nutty, and a whole lotta yummy.

Ingredients:

  • Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (I used candied pecans)
  • 1/4 cup sugar, divided 
  • 1 large egg 
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400° 
  • Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sugar on work surface, unfold pastry sheets and roll into 16″x12” rectangle 
  • Whisk together egg and 1 tbsp water, brush the tops of pastry sheet with 1/2 the egg mixture 
  • Combine cinnamon, pecans, and 2 tbsp of sugar and sprinkle over pastry 
  • Starting at each shorter end, roll the pastry up tightly, jelly roll fashion to meet in the center – brush each pastry with remaining egg mixture
  • Cut each roll into 1/2” thick slices and place 2” apart on lightly greased baking sheet 
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until golden
  • Cool cookies for 5 minutes before removing them from baking sheet
  • Cool for an additional 10-15 minutes

Cherry Truffles

A fruity, rich treat for all of your holiday parties! These cherry truffles are creamy and chocolate-y and are sugary with a slightly tart twist.

Ingredients:

  • 8oz cream cheese 
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels, melted
  • 3/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup cherry preserves (I used Bonne Maman) 
  • Powdered sugar 

Directions:

  • Beat cream cheese at medium with an electric mixer until fluffy
  • Add in melted chocolate, beating until smooth
  • Stir in cookie crumbs and cherry preserves
  • Cover and chill for one hour
  • Shape mixture into 1” balls and roll into powdered sugar 
  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A must-have classic! The chocolate chip cookie is the accountable cookie that always tastes delicious and always feels like home. Make sure you have a good supply of these on-hand for the holidays!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar 
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter 
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (I swear by Watkins clear vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour 
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda 
  • 4oz milk or semisweet chocolate chunks 
  • 4oz dark chocolate chunks 

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, salt, and butter until a paste has formed
  • Whisk in the egg and vanilla, beating until light ribbons fall off the whisk.
  • Sift in the flour and baking soda, then fold mixture with a spatula (be careful not to over mix) 
  • Fold in the chocolate chunks 
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes 
  • Preheat oven to 350° 
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper 
  • Scoop dough with ice cream scoop and place on baking sheet 4” apart (2” from edges so cookies can spread evenly) 
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges have started to lightly brown 
  • Let cool completely and enjoy!

The holidays are definitely a great excuse to treat yo self, and that includes indulging on the sweets! Whether you’ve got a holiday party with friends or family, showing up with some delicious cookies in hand is sure to make you the guest of honor. Kristy spent some serious time baking treats for her whole family, and these cookie recipes are definitely drool-worthy. And everyone knows dessert goes straight to the soul, so go ahead and enjoy guilt-free. See Kristy’s holiday cookie recipes below.

Cool Whip Cookies

These cool whip cookies are fluffy and a fabulous treat for the family! The best part? You can use any kind of cake mix to tailor them to your favorite flavor.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of cake mix – any flavor (I used red velvet)
  • 8oz cool whip 
  • 1 egg 
  • Powdered sugar

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
  • Drop by spoonful into powdered sugar 
  • Place on cookie sheet (I lined with parchment paper) 
  • Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes and cool before removing from cookie sheet

Cinnamon Nut Palmiers

These flaky cinnamon-tastic Palmiers are a little sweet, a little nutty, and a whole lotta yummy.

Ingredients:

  • Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (I used candied pecans)
  • 1/4 cup sugar, divided 
  • 1 large egg 
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400° 
  • Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sugar on work surface, unfold pastry sheets and roll into 16″x12” rectangle 
  • Whisk together egg and 1 tbsp water, brush the tops of pastry sheet with 1/2 the egg mixture 
  • Combine cinnamon, pecans, and 2 tbsp of sugar and sprinkle over pastry 
  • Starting at each shorter end, roll the pastry up tightly, jelly roll fashion to meet in the center – brush each pastry with remaining egg mixture
  • Cut each roll into 1/2” thick slices and place 2” apart on lightly greased baking sheet 
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until golden
  • Cool cookies for 5 minutes before removing them from baking sheet
  • Cool for an additional 10-15 minutes

Cherry Truffles

A fruity, rich treat for all of your holiday parties! These cherry truffles are creamy and chocolate-y and are sugary with a slightly tart twist.

Ingredients:

  • 8oz cream cheese 
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels, melted
  • 3/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup cherry preserves (I used Bonne Maman) 
  • Powdered sugar 

Directions:

  • Beat cream cheese at medium with an electric mixer until fluffy
  • Add in melted chocolate, beating until smooth
  • Stir in cookie crumbs and cherry preserves
  • Cover and chill for one hour
  • Shape mixture into 1” balls and roll into powdered sugar 
  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A must-have classic! The chocolate chip cookie is the accountable cookie that always tastes delicious and always feels like home. Make sure you have a good supply of these on-hand for the holidays!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar 
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter 
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (I swear by Watkins clear vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour 
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda 
  • 4oz milk or semisweet chocolate chunks 
  • 4oz dark chocolate chunks 

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, salt, and butter until a paste has formed
  • Whisk in the egg and vanilla, beating until light ribbons fall off the whisk.
  • Sift in the flour and baking soda, then fold mixture with a spatula (be careful not to over mix) 
  • Fold in the chocolate chunks 
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes 
  • Preheat oven to 350° 
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper 
  • Scoop dough with ice cream scoop and place on baking sheet 4” apart (2” from edges so cookies can spread evenly) 
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges have started to lightly brown 
  • Let cool completely and enjoy!

It’s not too late to deck the halls!! If you’re hosting this holiday season but feel like you could use just a few more things to make your home more festive, Amazon has got you covered! These last-minute holiday decor items are gorgeous, inexpensive, and sure to bring the Christmas cheer! See our roundup of last-minute holiday decor from Amazon below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Dress up your shelves and tables with these sleek tree figurines, a seasonally scented candle, or this foliage-topped lantern!

Adorn your walls or mantle with this mistletoe sign, a red berry wreath, or these cozy cable-knit stockings.

And get ready to snuggle with this red “believe” pillow cover and plaid blanket, or this black Christmas tree pillow cover and green knit throw.

Shop Last-Minute Holiday Decor

Tree Figurines
Tree Figurines
Mistletoe Sign
Mistletoe Sign
Stockings
Stockings
Candle
Candle
Christmas Lantern
Christmas Lantern
Green Knit Throw
Green Knit Throw
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Red Berry Wreath
Red Berry Wreath
Plaid Throw Blanket
Plaid Throw Blanket
“Believe” Pillow Cover
“Believe” Pillow Cover
Tree Figurines
Tree Figurines
Mistletoe Sign
Mistletoe Sign
Stockings
Stockings
Candle
Candle
Christmas Lantern
Christmas Lantern
Green Knit Throw
Green Knit Throw
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Red Berry Wreath
Red Berry Wreath
Plaid Throw Blanket
Plaid Throw Blanket
“Believe” Pillow Cover
“Believe” Pillow Cover

It’s not too late to deck the halls!! If you’re hosting this holiday season but feel like you could use just a few more things to make your home more festive, Amazon has got you covered! These last-minute holiday decor items are gorgeous, inexpensive, and sure to bring the Christmas cheer! See our roundup of last-minute holiday decor from Amazon below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Dress up your shelves and tables with these sleek tree figurines, a seasonally scented candle, or this foliage-topped lantern!

Adorn your walls or mantle with this mistletoe sign, a red berry wreath, or these cozy cable-knit stockings.

And get ready to snuggle with this red “believe” pillow cover and plaid blanket, or this black Christmas tree pillow cover and green knit throw.

Shop Last-Minute Holiday Decor

Tree Figurines
Tree Figurines
Mistletoe Sign
Mistletoe Sign
Stockings
Stockings
Candle
Candle
Christmas Lantern
Christmas Lantern
Green Knit Throw
Green Knit Throw
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Red Berry Wreath
Red Berry Wreath
Plaid Throw Blanket
Plaid Throw Blanket
“Believe” Pillow Cover
“Believe” Pillow Cover
Tree Figurines
Tree Figurines
Mistletoe Sign
Mistletoe Sign
Stockings
Stockings
Candle
Candle
Christmas Lantern
Christmas Lantern
Green Knit Throw
Green Knit Throw
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Christmas Tree Pillow Cover
Red Berry Wreath
Red Berry Wreath
Plaid Throw Blanket
Plaid Throw Blanket
“Believe” Pillow Cover
“Believe” Pillow Cover

Once the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, it’s time to fill them with lots of little gifts that will put a smile on your family members’ faces. These stocking stuffers from Amazon are inexpensive but super convenient, and they will all ship and arrive before Christmas! Shop our stocking stuffer gift guide below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Stuff those stocking with useful little goodies like an electric lighter, beard bib, spiral hair ties, or multitool pen; a fun gift like a Monopoly card game, Sriracha slap game, or a craft cocktail kit; a cozy gift like fuzzy socks or silky scrunchies; or a beauty product like beard oil, a lip mask, or facial spray.

And check out Kristy’s roundup of hundreds of stocking stuffers from Amazon here!!

Shop All 2022 Gift Guides

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more gift guides all holiday season long!

a row of christmas stockings hanging on wooden wall

Once the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, it’s time to fill them with lots of little gifts that will put a smile on your family members’ faces. These stocking stuffers from Amazon are inexpensive but super convenient, and they will all ship and arrive before Christmas! Shop our stocking stuffer gift guide below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Stuff those stocking with useful little goodies like an electric lighter, beard bib, spiral hair ties, or multitool pen; a fun gift like a Monopoly card game, Sriracha slap game, or a craft cocktail kit; a cozy gift like fuzzy socks or silky scrunchies; or a beauty product like beard oil, a lip mask, or facial spray.

And check out Kristy’s roundup of hundreds of stocking stuffers from Amazon here!!

Shop All 2022 Gift Guides

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more gift guides all holiday season long!

Christmas is almost here and if you’re celebrating in the classroom, the office, or around the neighborhood, having a fun treat to hand out will make you feel like Santa! These DIY holiday goody bags are perfect for spreading some festive cheer. See our holiday goody bag ideas below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Get all of your supplies set up and ready for filling! Grab cute Christmas bags and an assortment of holiday-themed snacks and fun toys to load them up!

We love these mini plaid stockings for bags! They are the perfect size for stuffing with sweet treats and handing out around town (or the classroom or office).

Who doesn’t love popcorn?! These gourmet popcorn cones come in four different delicious flavors and are the perfect portion for snacking.

Do you want to build a snowman?? These mini marshmallow packs are a fun snack for the kiddos.

The holiday fidget popper set also came with these adorable tags! These are great for writing out names or a sentimental greeting!

Once your bags are all filled, pop the tags on and get ready to hand them out! Whether they’re going to the classroom, the office, or neighbors and friends, everyone will love these sweet holiday treats!

Christmas is almost here and if you’re celebrating in the classroom, the office, or around the neighborhood, having a fun treat to hand out will make you feel like Santa! These DIY holiday goody bags are perfect for spreading some festive cheer. See our holiday goody bag ideas below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Get all of your supplies set up and ready for filling! Grab cute Christmas bags and an assortment of holiday-themed snacks and fun toys to load them up!

We love these mini plaid stockings for bags! They are the perfect size for stuffing with sweet treats and handing out around town (or the classroom or office).

Who doesn’t love popcorn?! These gourmet popcorn cones come in four different delicious flavors and are the perfect portion for snacking.

Do you want to build a snowman?? These mini marshmallow packs are a fun snack for the kiddos.

The holiday fidget popper set also came with these adorable tags! These are great for writing out names or a sentimental greeting!

Once your bags are all filled, pop the tags on and get ready to hand them out! Whether they’re going to the classroom, the office, or neighbors and friends, everyone will love these sweet holiday treats!

Giving a thoughtful, quality gift doesn’t have to break the bank. Sticking to a budget while holiday shopping isn’t always easy, but these gifts under $50 are inexpensive yet convenient and will help you stay on track! See our under $50 gift guide below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Give the gift of fun with this meme card game which is great for parties or this oversized dice set which is perfect for backyard play!

Give the gift of rest and relaxation with this fleece blanket, this massage gun, this oil diffuser, or this luxurious votive candle set.

Give a techy gift with an Echo dot or a portable charger!

And give a gift for sipping with these insulated wine cups, this wine chiller, or a trusty Hydro Flask.

Shop All 2022 Gift Guides

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more gift guides all holiday season long!

gift boxes on white table near pine branches

Giving a thoughtful, quality gift doesn’t have to break the bank. Sticking to a budget while holiday shopping isn’t always easy, but these gifts under $50 are inexpensive yet convenient and will help you stay on track! See our under $50 gift guide below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Give the gift of fun with this meme card game which is great for parties or this oversized dice set which is perfect for backyard play!

Give the gift of rest and relaxation with this fleece blanket, this massage gun, this oil diffuser, or this luxurious votive candle set.

Give a techy gift with an Echo dot or a portable charger!

And give a gift for sipping with these insulated wine cups, this wine chiller, or a trusty Hydro Flask.

Shop All 2022 Gift Guides

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more gift guides all holiday season long!

As much as we love shopping for frugal finds, especially when it comes to gift shopping for the holidays, sometimes there are certain people or occasions that you just want to spend a little extra for. Indulging in a luxurious gift, for yourself or someone else, is definitely deserved every so often!! These gifts are a little on the pricier side, but they are worth every penny. See our splurge gift guide below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

For the kitchen, this KitchenAid mixer and Vitamix immersion blender will make cooking and baking a breeze!

For hosting, an outdoor Solo Stove, a countertop ice maker, or this Nespresso machine will satisfy your guests and have them counting down to the next dinner party!

For a little self-indulgence, a towel warmer, temperature control mug, Hatch sound machine, or air purifier will keep your home cozy and clean.

And for traveling, good quality luggage or wireless Beats headphones will make trips away effortless and exciting.

Shop All 2022 Gift Guides

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more gift guides all holiday season long!

assorted gift boxes on red surface

As much as we love shopping for frugal finds, especially when it comes to gift shopping for the holidays, sometimes there are certain people or occasions that you just want to spend a little extra for. Indulging in a luxurious gift, for yourself or someone else, is definitely deserved every so often!! These gifts are a little on the pricier side, but they are worth every penny. See our splurge gift guide below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

For the kitchen, this KitchenAid mixer and Vitamix immersion blender will make cooking and baking a breeze!

For hosting, an outdoor Solo Stove, a countertop ice maker, or this Nespresso machine will satisfy your guests and have them counting down to the next dinner party!

For a little self-indulgence, a towel warmer, temperature control mug, Hatch sound machine, or air purifier will keep your home cozy and clean.

And for traveling, good quality luggage or wireless Beats headphones will make trips away effortless and exciting.

Shop All 2022 Gift Guides

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more gift guides all holiday season long!