It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re celebrating the final day before Christmas with something special! As we wait for Santa to drop down the chimney and leave lots of gifts under the tree, the elves are up to a little magic of their own. This fun annual holiday tradition is one that Kristy and her family love and cherish. Read all about the Christmas Eve elf boxes below.
One of my favorite traditions is our “Elf Parting Box” that we do every year. On Christmas Eve, the elves leave a special box for my kids, filled with items that represent their favorite character of the year. Some of the goodies inside include holiday pajamas, a book, an ornament for the tree, a plush toy, and hot cocoa with candy. I love how their tree has become a collection of meaningful ornaments, each marking a different phase in their lives, and it’s always so nice to look back on those memories. Even after they stop believing in the elves, I’ll keep this tradition alive. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of pajamas and some chocolate on Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?
These gingerbread man boxes are just adorable! They’re a festive way to store all the little goodies you’ve got. This year’s themes are Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Cozy pajamas are a must! This Hello Kitty set is purrrr-fect for Christmas morning, and these Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas are delightful treat.
A holiday-themed book is always a good idea! Meet the Scout Elves and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were this year’s choices.
Cute companions! These sweet plushes (Sonic and Hello Kitty, accordingly) will be their new besties, always ready for a little snuggle.
And, of course, new ornaments for the tree! Grab your themed Hello Kitty and Sonic ornaments and add them to the collection for the kids’ tree (if you have a dedicated one).
It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re celebrating the final day before Christmas with something special! As we wait for Santa to drop down the chimney and leave lots of gifts under the tree, the elves are up to a little magic of their own. This fun annual holiday tradition is one that Kristy and her family love and cherish. Read all about the Christmas Eve elf boxes below.
One of my favorite traditions is our “Elf Parting Box” that we do every year. On Christmas Eve, the elves leave a special box for my kids, filled with items that represent their favorite character of the year. Some of the goodies inside include holiday pajamas, a book, an ornament for the tree, a plush toy, and hot cocoa with candy. I love how their tree has become a collection of meaningful ornaments, each marking a different phase in their lives, and it’s always so nice to look back on those memories. Even after they stop believing in the elves, I’ll keep this tradition alive. After all, who doesn’t love a new pair of pajamas and some chocolate on Christmas? What are some of your favorite traditions?
These gingerbread man boxes are just adorable! They’re a festive way to store all the little goodies you’ve got. This year’s themes are Hello Kitty and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Cozy pajamas are a must! This Hello Kitty set is purrrr-fect for Christmas morning, and these Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas are delightful treat.
A holiday-themed book is always a good idea! Meet the Scout Elves and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever were this year’s choices.
Cute companions! These sweet plushes (Sonic and Hello Kitty, accordingly) will be their new besties, always ready for a little snuggle.
And, of course, new ornaments for the tree! Grab your themed Hello Kitty and Sonic ornaments and add them to the collection for the kids’ tree (if you have a dedicated one).
White elephant gifts are a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends, family , or coworkers. It takes the pressure off of having to find the perfect gift, because the expectation is that the gift is meant to be lighthearted and fun. Whether you like to go the gag gift route or you enjoy gifting something a bit more practical, these white elephant gift ideas from Amazon will do the trick! See our roundup below.
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1. Add a little dark humor to your every day with this daily calendar!
2. And watch your last nerve go up in flames with this funny candle.
3. Who doesn’t love a good dad joke?! Keep ’em coming with this Dad Joke 3000.
4. Want to know what the future holds? Consult Mr. Predicto for a glimpse of what’s coming.
5. Spread the positivity with this adorable positive duck!
6. The tool that does it al! This multitool is great for anyone to keep handy.
7. Take your drinking games to the next level with shot roulette!
8. Scritch-scratch! Get those hard-to-reach spots with this telescopic back scratcher.
9. Snuggle up like a little burrito with this burrito blanket!
10. Fling those frickin’ chickens! The fun never stops with this silly game.
11. When you just can’t take it anymore, this screaming goat will be there for you with a sympathetic scream.
12. Time doesn’t exist on the toilet . . . until now. Gift this toilet timer to the person who spends way too much time on the john.
13. What makes a better white elephant gift than a pair of comfy cozy elephant slippers??
Ever wonder what all the hype is about when it comes to the Bogg Bag? I don’t own one…yet…but the word is that the Bogg Bag is durable, leak-proof, it doesn’t tip over, and probably the best-selling point is that it’s washable! The original Bogg Bag averages around $90.00, which for me isn’t a price point that I would initially feel comfortable spending, but it does come with a set of two clear insert bags to hold items like a phone, keys, some snacks, etc. Both of the insert bags actually connect to the Bogg Bag holes which is a neat factor. Kristy does own one and she’s got the 4-1-1 on the bag and her favorite accessories!
A Bogg bag can be intimidating with the amount of space it has (especially the extra large ones) and if you’re like Kristy, you’re famous for throwing everything in there and then losing half of it. She’s found accessories to make the most out of your bag! I mean trays?! That’s a no brainer! She loves being able to put her drink, phone or lunch down without including the sand. The dividers also allow for keeping items organized – her obsession.
Now this slim drink holder is a MUST-have if you have a family with you! It can hold 10 cans or 6 bottles and the slim ice pack helps keeps it all cold for you!! It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag – it’s small and light enough to carry alongside your bag!
Kristy loves that she can also hide all of her belongings under the tray! Add the wallet organizer (great for your money or Wet Wipes like Kristy has below), a key holder (which can also be used for necessities like lip balm and hair ties), and a sunglasses holder!
Check out this BOGG Bag carabiner clip which is great for holding keys or your waterproof mini Bluetooth speaker. These tassel hangers also work well if you have lots of things to hang!
These clear bags keep her organized for the beach and are perfect for storing snacks, sunscreens, and accessories like sunglasses or hair clips! The see-through material makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, so no more digging around in the dark! They even come with fun, sparkly labels (snacks, sun, and stuff) so it really takes the guesswork out of it!
The Bogg Bag is the perfect bag for basically all things outdoors and makes a great gift especially for end of year teachers’ gifts! {Peep those cute tags she’s attaching – and stay tuned for our post on EOY gifts for teachers!}
The Bogg Bag is the bag to have and is well worth the price point with all of the features, accessories and versatility. A bag of all bags that is perfect for the single lady or the busy on-the-go mama!
Ever wonder what all the hype is about when it comes to the Bogg Bag? I don’t own one…yet…but the word is that the Bogg Bag is durable, leak-proof, it doesn’t tip over, and probably the best-selling point is that it’s washable! The original Bogg Bag averages around $90.00, which for me isn’t a price point that I would initially feel comfortable spending, but it does come with a set of two clear insert bags to hold items like a phone, keys, some snacks, etc. Both of the insert bags actually connect to the Bogg Bag holes which is a neat factor. Kristy does own one and she’s got the 4-1-1 on the bag and her favorite accessories!
A Bogg bag can be intimidating with the amount of space it has (especially the extra large ones) and if you’re like Kristy, you’re famous for throwing everything in there and then losing half of it. She’s found accessories to make the most out of your bag! I mean trays?! That’s a no brainer! She loves being able to put her drink, phone or lunch down without including the sand. The dividers also allow for keeping items organized – her obsession.
Now this slim drink holder is a MUST-have if you have a family with you! It can hold 10 cans or 6 bottles and the slim ice pack helps keeps it all cold for you!! It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag – it’s small and light enough to carry alongside your bag!
Kristy loves that she can also hide all of her belongings under the tray! Add the wallet organizer (great for your money or Wet Wipes like Kristy has below), a key holder (which can also be used for necessities like lip balm and hair ties), and a sunglasses holder!
Check out this BOGG Bag carabiner clip which is great for holding keys or your waterproof mini Bluetooth speaker. These tassel hangers also work well if you have lots of things to hang!
These clear bags keep her organized for the beach and are perfect for storing snacks, sunscreens, and accessories like sunglasses or hair clips! The see-through material makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, so no more digging around in the dark! They even come with fun, sparkly labels (snacks, sun, and stuff) so it really takes the guesswork out of it!
The Bogg Bag is the perfect bag for basically all things outdoors and makes a great gift especially for end of year teachers’ gifts! {Peep those cute tags she’s attaching – and stay tuned for our post on EOY gifts for teachers!}
The Bogg Bag is the bag to have and is well worth the price point with all of the features, accessories and versatility. A bag of all bags that is perfect for the single lady or the busy on-the-go mama!
Ever wonder what all the hype is about when it comes to the Bogg Bag? I don’t own one…yet…but the word is that the Bogg Bag is durable, leak-proof, it doesn’t tip over, and probably the best-selling point is that it’s washable! The original Bogg Bag averages around $90.00, which for me isn’t a price point that I would initially feel comfortable spending, but it does come with a set of two clear insert bags to hold items like a phone, keys, some snacks, etc. Both of the insert bags actually connect to the Bogg Bag holes which is a neat factor. Kristy does own one and she’s got the 4-1-1 on the bag and her favorite accessories!
A Bogg bag can be intimidating with the amount of space it has (especially the extra large ones) and if you’re like Kristy, you’re famous for throwing everything in there and then losing half of it. She’s found accessories to make the most out of your bag! I mean trays?! That’s a no brainer! She loves being able to put her drink, phone or lunch down without including the sand. The dividers also allow for keeping items organized – her obsession.
Now this slim drink holder is a MUST-have if you have a family with you! It can hold 10 cans or 6 bottles and the slim ice pack helps keeps it all cold for you!! It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in your bag – it’s small and light enough to carry alongside your bag!
Kristy loves that she can also hide all of her belongings under the tray! Add the wallet organizer (great for your money or Wet Wipes like Kristy has below), a key holder (which can also be used for necessities like lip balm and hair ties), and a sunglasses holder!
Check out this BOGG Bag carabiner clip which is great for holding keys or your waterproof mini Bluetooth speaker. These tassel hangers also work well if you have lots of things to hang!
These clear bags keep her organized for the beach and are perfect for storing snacks, sunscreens, and accessories like sunglasses or hair clips! The see-through material makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, so no more digging around in the dark! They even come with fun, sparkly labels (snacks, sun, and stuff) so it really takes the guesswork out of it!
The Bogg Bag is the perfect bag for basically all things outdoors and makes a great gift especially for end of year teachers’ gifts! {Peep those cute tags she’s attaching – and stay tuned for our post on EOY gifts for teachers!}
The Bogg Bag is the bag to have and is well worth the price point with all of the features, accessories and versatility. A bag of all bags that is perfect for the single lady or the busy on-the-go mama!
Summer camping means sing-alongs, ghost stories, and roasting marshmallows over the fire in the great outdoors. It also means dealing with the elements and being prepared for anything that may happen. While camping gives us the opportunity to get out in nature and find some tranquility, it is important to plan your camping trip accordingly so you can make the most of your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re spending a night, a weekend, or an entire week in the wilderness, we’ve rounded up some camping essentials you’ll definitely want to have on hand. See our roundup below.
1. Pull up a chair and grab yourself a drink! This camp chair comes equipped with a four-can cooler, cup holder, and side pocket so you can sit back and relax.
2. Repel pesky bugs while you light the way. This citronella candle lantern burns for 70+ hours so you can use it all weekend long.
3. These paper soap sheets are perfect for washing up on the go! The mini size makes it easy to pack for travel…just take sheet, add a little water, and soap up. Scrub-a-dub.
4. This compact and convenient portable water dispenser pops on top of a 5-gallon water jug and dispenses water with just the touch of a button.
5. This cast-iron cooker is great for making melty, gooey sandwiches over the fire! Grilled cheese, Nutella and fluff, or lunch meat with veggies…get delicious, toasty sandwiches in just minutes.
6. A solar-powered, portable oven? You better believe it! Pop this baby in the sun and cook a meal in as little as 20 minutes.
7. Meal prep is no problem with this camping table! Store your cooking tools and supplies on the double shelves and chop, slice, and dice away on the sturdy aluminum roll-top.
8. Camping with kids? This portable potty makes using the bathroom way less stressful for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to carry and easy to clean!
9. It’s a table, it’s a cooler, and it’s everything you need for an evening around the fire! This collapsible camping table holds all of your food and drink essentials.
10. If you’re planning a lengthy camping trip, or inviting lots of friends and family, having a tabletop griddle will make mealtime a breeze! Make breakfast, grill steaks, or serve up sizzling veggies. All you need to do is add propane.
11. Have family dinners or game night at this folding picnic table. It even comes with an umbrella to provide a little extra shade!
12. If you’re camping in the middle of the woods with no restroom facilities in sight, this 2-room shower tent will give you a private space to shower and change so you can feel refreshed and ready to go.
13. Add a little light to your cooler situation and say goodbye to fumbling for your favorite beverages in the dark!
14. This personal water filter can turn any water into drinking water. It removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics so you can hydrate safely.
15. A first-aid kit is a must! Whether you’re dealing with scrapes and cuts, a tricky splinter, or a minor burn, this kit has everything you need for easy first aid, and the travel size zipper pouch is practical and durable.
Shop Camping Essentials
Camping Tips
- Bring a battery-powered table fan to keep bugs away from food
- Use walkway solar-powered lights for safety & ambiance
- Bring battery-free entertainment (card games/board games)
- Bring comfort items to prevent homesickness with little ones
- Lavender dryer sheets will help to repel bugs and make your clothes smell nice
Indoor Camping
If you don’t have the time to whisk your family away to the woods, or you really just don’t love the outdoors, you can have your own camping adventure indoors! Grab some pillows and blankets to make a fort or invest in one of these fun indoor tents, pick your favorite movies to watch or books to read around an artificial campfire, and make some delicious Teddy Grahams S’mores in the oven! See the recipe below.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 1 can of Pillsbury pizza crust
- 1 box Teddy Grahams (you can use any flavor you like – we used honey)
- 1 bag Hershey’s milk chocolate snack bars
- Butter
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Lay out pizza crust
- Cut into strips with pizza cutter
- Place one Teddy Graham, a few marshmallows, and chocolate on pizza crust strip
- Fold strip over so top of Teddy Graham sticks out
- Use a fork to seal edges of pizza crust strip
- Brush crust with butter
- Place on foil-covered baking sheet
- Bake for 12 minutes or until crust is golden brown and chocolate is melted
- Place on a plate and enjoy!!
Summer camping means sing-alongs, ghost stories, and roasting marshmallows over the fire in the great outdoors. It also means dealing with the elements and being prepared for anything that may happen. While camping gives us the opportunity to get out in nature and find some tranquility, it is important to plan your camping trip accordingly so you can make the most of your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re spending a night, a weekend, or an entire week in the wilderness, we’ve rounded up some camping essentials you’ll definitely want to have on hand. See our roundup below.
1. Pull up a chair and grab yourself a drink! This camp chair comes equipped with a four-can cooler, cup holder, and side pocket so you can sit back and relax.
2. Repel pesky bugs while you light the way. This citronella candle lantern burns for 70+ hours so you can use it all weekend long.
3. These paper soap sheets are perfect for washing up on the go! The mini size makes it easy to pack for travel…just take sheet, add a little water, and soap up. Scrub-a-dub.
4. This compact and convenient portable water dispenser pops on top of a 5-gallon water jug and dispenses water with just the touch of a button.
5. This cast-iron cooker is great for making melty, gooey sandwiches over the fire! Grilled cheese, Nutella and fluff, or lunch meat with veggies…get delicious, toasty sandwiches in just minutes.
6. A solar-powered, portable oven? You better believe it! Pop this baby in the sun and cook a meal in as little as 20 minutes.
7. Meal prep is no problem with this camping table! Store your cooking tools and supplies on the double shelves and chop, slice, and dice away on the sturdy aluminum roll-top.
8. Camping with kids? This portable potty makes using the bathroom way less stressful for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to carry and easy to clean!
9. It’s a table, it’s a cooler, and it’s everything you need for an evening around the fire! This collapsible camping table holds all of your food and drink essentials.
10. If you’re planning a lengthy camping trip, or inviting lots of friends and family, having a tabletop griddle will make mealtime a breeze! Make breakfast, grill steaks, or serve up sizzling veggies. All you need to do is add propane.
11. Have family dinners or game night at this folding picnic table. It even comes with an umbrella to provide a little extra shade!
12. If you’re camping in the middle of the woods with no restroom facilities in sight, this 2-room shower tent will give you a private space to shower and change so you can feel refreshed and ready to go.
13. Add a little light to your cooler situation and say goodbye to fumbling for your favorite beverages in the dark!
14. This personal water filter can turn any water into drinking water. It removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics so you can hydrate safely.
15. A first-aid kit is a must! Whether you’re dealing with scrapes and cuts, a tricky splinter, or a minor burn, this kit has everything you need for easy first aid, and the travel size zipper pouch is practical and durable.
Shop Camping Essentials
Camping Tips
- Bring a battery-powered table fan to keep bugs away from food
- Use walkway solar-powered lights for safety & ambiance
- Bring battery-free entertainment (card games/board games)
- Bring comfort items to prevent homesickness with little ones
- Lavender dryer sheets will help to repel bugs and make your clothes smell nice
Indoor Camping
If you don’t have the time to whisk your family away to the woods, or you really just don’t love the outdoors, you can have your own camping adventure indoors! Grab some pillows and blankets to make a fort or invest in one of these fun indoor tents, pick your favorite movies to watch or books to read around an artificial campfire, and make some delicious Teddy Grahams S’mores in the oven! See the recipe below.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 1 can of Pillsbury pizza crust
- 1 box Teddy Grahams (you can use any flavor you like – we used honey)
- 1 bag Hershey’s milk chocolate snack bars
- Butter
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Lay out pizza crust
- Cut into strips with pizza cutter
- Place one Teddy Graham, a few marshmallows, and chocolate on pizza crust strip
- Fold strip over so top of Teddy Graham sticks out
- Use a fork to seal edges of pizza crust strip
- Brush crust with butter
- Place on foil-covered baking sheet
- Bake for 12 minutes or until crust is golden brown and chocolate is melted
- Place on a plate and enjoy!!
Ah, the great outdoors. Fresh air, forest landscapes, and fireside sing-alongs…camping, hiking, fishing, and stargazing. Getting out into the wild and appreciating nature can be so healing and renewing. So grab your s’mores ingredients and your best scary stories because we’ve rounded up all your camping and hiking essentials to help you prepare for a weekend away in the woods.
Essential Equipment
When preparing for your hiking or camping adventure it’s important to pack all the necessities. Obviously a tent, blanket, bug repellant, and survival kit are the basics. Add in cookware, a portable grill, coffee maker, water filter, and beverage holders to ensure your nutritional needs are met, and don’t forget your backpack (you can fit most of your gear in here)!
Emergency Survival Kit | Cookware Set | Outdoor Blanket | Instant Coffee Maker | Thermos | Camping Stove | Backpack | LifeStraw Water Filter | Termacell Mosquito Repellant | Tent | Insulated Water Bottle
Outdoor Apparel
Proper outdoor apparel is definitely important for a successful open-air excursion. You want to bring comfortable clothes made out of breathable and protective fabrics. Layers are a great idea as temperatures can change drastically from morning to night. Proper footwear made with good grip and waterproof materials will keep your feet cushioned, and a fanny pack is great if you need to carry important items with you but don’t want the weight of a bulky backpack.
Women’s Sweatshirt | Women’s Cargo Pants | Women’s T-shirt | Women’s Longsleeve Shirt | Women’s Camo Leggings | Women’s Boots | Women’s Hiking Sneakers | Fanny Pack | Men’s Lonsleeve Shirt | Men’s Athletic Pants | Men’s Shortsleeve | Men’s Cargo Pants | Men’s Hiking Boots | Men’s Hiking Sneakers | Baseball Cap
Thanks for reading! Let us know what you love about outdoor getaways and what essentials you bring xo.
Ah, the great outdoors. Fresh air, forest landscapes, and fireside sing-alongs…camping, hiking, fishing, and stargazing. Getting out into the wild and appreciating nature can be so healing and renewing. So grab your s’mores ingredients and your best scary stories because we’ve rounded up all your camping and hiking essentials to help you prepare for a weekend away in the woods.
Essential Equipment
When preparing for your hiking or camping adventure it’s important to pack all the necessities. Obviously a tent, blanket, bug repellant, and survival kit are the basics. Add in cookware, a portable grill, coffee maker, water filter, and beverage holders to ensure your nutritional needs are met, and don’t forget your backpack (you can fit most of your gear in here)!
Emergency Survival Kit | Cookware Set | Outdoor Blanket | Instant Coffee Maker | Thermos | Camping Stove | Backpack | LifeStraw Water Filter | Termacell Mosquito Repellant | Tent | Insulated Water Bottle
Outdoor Apparel
Proper outdoor apparel is definitely important for a successful open-air excursion. You want to bring comfortable clothes made out of breathable and protective fabrics. Layers are a great idea as temperatures can change drastically from morning to night. Proper footwear made with good grip and waterproof materials will keep your feet cushioned, and a fanny pack is great if you need to carry important items with you but don’t want the weight of a bulky backpack.
Women’s Sweatshirt | Women’s Cargo Pants | Women’s T-shirt | Women’s Longsleeve Shirt | Women’s Camo Leggings | Women’s Boots | Women’s Hiking Sneakers | Fanny Pack | Men’s Lonsleeve Shirt | Men’s Athletic Pants | Men’s Shortsleeve | Men’s Cargo Pants | Men’s Hiking Boots | Men’s Hiking Sneakers | Baseball Cap
Thanks for reading! Let us know what you love about outdoor getaways and what essentials you bring xo.
frugal and thriving LLC