Hello hello and happy Monday! If you are a mom, I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day and felt all the love from your people.
Whew-- it is only May 7th (as I write this) and May-cember is already in full swing around here.
I know it is happening to every parent right now-- all the graduations, Kindergarten Beginner's Day, dance recitals, summer camp sign ups, end of year projects at school, Muffins for Mom, Donuts for Dad, end of year parties, First Holy Communions, etc. Don't get me wrong-- I LOVE it, but there was one day last week where I fell asleep at 7:30 pm. 😂 Surely I'm not alone out here!!
Speaking of all those fun end of the year activities, today the Not Just a Mom crew are sharing our go-to gift ideas.
Need a gift for a teacher? A high school graduate? College grad? Today Dara, Sarah, Jennifer, Joanne, Adrienne and I are here to share our go to gift ideas.
When I give gifts, I try my hardest to make it specific to what the person's tastes are. For example, at our kids schools the teachers fill out a survey of their favorite things. I will take that list and try to buy a gift based off something they like. If they love knitting, I'll grab a variety of knitting yarn colors. If her favorite store is J. Crew, maybe I'll grab some jewelry with a gift receipt (I ALWAYS get the gift receipt if I can). They like red wine? Maybe a Total Wine gift card. You get the idea. But sometimes I might not know the person I'm gifting that well, and I have to go with a generic gift. If I have to go with a generic gift, these are my top 5 go-to's:
1. A Monogrammed Tumbler-- I don't care how many of these I already have, I am always grateful for another one.
2. Nice Water Bottle-- I love a water bottle that has a lid so I can throw it in my bag and go about my day. Depending on who you are shopping for, maybe they'd like something bright and cheery like a Lilly water bottle?
Or maybe they'd prefer a Hydroflask?
3. A Candle-- I love a good candle and Bath & Body Works never steers me wrong. Apparently their 3 wick candles are on super sale right now!
4. A Soft Blanket with a Barnes & Noble Gift Card-- This combination was one of my favorite gifts I ever received as a teacher. I still think of the sweet family who gave me this gift every time I use my cozy blanket. Since I loved this idea so much, I have given this combination to a few people over the years. It's always a hit!
5. Amazon Gift Card-- When in doubt, you can't go wrong with an Amazon gift card. There's something for everyone.
Like I said, I usually try really hard to make my gifts as personalized as possible and I always get the gift receipt (if I can). Tell me one of your top go-to gifts in the comments below! Next month the Not Just a Mom crew is blogging our dream travel locations. I am already giddy thinking about that one-- hah!
Great ideas! I love the fun Amazon gift card packaging too.
ReplyDeleteIt makes it just a little more "fun"!
DeleteThanks for sharing- love all of your ideas- BIG fan here of insulated cups :)
ReplyDeleteSAME! We can never have too many around here
DeleteI think I gave away four blankets at Christmas this year. I love them, doesn't everyone else too!?
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly! The more the merrier!
DeleteAh, a cozy blanket (with or without a gift card) is such a welcomed gift!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!! Everybody loves to be cozy :)
DeleteI think more schools should have surveys for the teachers! I do remember my son's second grade teacher posting notes on the wall at parent/ teacher night with a big sign that said "wish list" and I LOVED that! I had to make a total guess for all 12 of my son's teachers this year so they all got the same thing; a handmade card and a coffeeshop gift card.
ReplyDeleteMy kids school did a survey before Christmas. I completely forgot.
ReplyDeleteMay-cember! I haven't heard of that...but definitely relatable. There's no tired like teacher tired at the beginning and end of the year...combined with busy kids and all the things, I'm forever tired. I love all your gift ideas. I still love getting an Amazon gift card...makes me feel less guilty about purchases. haha
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a lovely post. I must say these are perfect for the summer season that would never go out of the style and fashion. Style is expressed through the clothing and accessories you wear and the way you’re groomed. I am a mother and I always love to get the best for my kids and recently I am obsessed with kids jewelry trends going around. I would definitely buy one for my little one.
ReplyDelete