holiday gift ideas Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

September 14, 2020 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing shopping tips on gift ideas for Mother’s Day. All mothers deserve to be treated well when it’s a special occasion. Whether it’s her birthday, Mother’s Day Christmas or any other event, you want to make sure she gets a gift that shows how appreciated and loved she is.

Whether you’re buying a gift for your own mother or even for your daughter, there are lots of gifts to show them they are amazing. In addition to physical gifts, you could consider experiences or even favors that will make her happy.

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day:

Gifts Made By the Kids

When you want to give a mother a special gift, getting her children involved is always a good idea. If you’re an adult in their life, go with them to buy any material needed to make the gift. You can even help them make something. This can include a painted mug or drawing. If you decide to go shopping together, have the kids be on the lookout for other gifts mom may like. It’s a great opportunity for the kids to learn how to shop for someone else.

Photos and Paintings

Photos and paintings are excellent ideas for creating memories. Additionally, they can be displayed in the home. You can take favorite photos and have them turned into painted portraits. You could also book a photoshoot or get a gift voucher for a photo session. Professional family photos are great, but not everyone wants to spend money on themselves in that way.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Instead of giving a gift that has a one-time use, consider gifts that just keep giving. Monthly subscriptions are a great example. For example, if you sign someone up for a subscription for chocolate, wine or a magazine, they don’t just get one gift, but keep getting nice surprises the length of the subscription. How about a gift that can be used over and over. An e-reader or new bag are perfect gifts. Give gifts that can reused. Your gift could range from an e-reader to a new bag. Gifts that last a long time and can bring someone lots of pleasure will always make a good gift.

Some Personal Time

Most moms crave a little time to themselves. This can include relaxing at home with no disturbances. It could also mean going out with some friends. You can help by offering to babysit, take the kids out for the day, or arranging for mom to do something fun.

If you know a mother who deserves a treat, be sure to pick from our special gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Better yet, don’t wait for the next special occasion to come around, get her something just because.

18 Christmas Books for Children of Color

December 13, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

So, today I am sharing parenting tips on a list of Christmas books for children of color. I’m a big advocate of reading. It is an activity that was instilled in me as a child and I passed my love for reading on to my daughter. I’m now making it third generation, I’m passing my passion for reading to my granddaughter and grandson.

Reading is so important to all of our children’s education. It has been proven that children learn when they can relate. So, seeing images that look like them or someone they know is one of the ways that help children learn.

Christmas books for children of color:

Story Bird Dance and The Snowbird Ballet – First, this book is a perfect gift or Christmas book for the little ballerina. The recital for Story Bird Dance Academy is approaching. However, Jada is afraid to dance in front of the big kids. And, Nia doesn’t like her costume. How will they do in the recital. Appropriate for ages 6 – 8.

The Secret of Santa’s Songbird – A northern Cardinal named Chipper is slow at growing his feathers. He knows he different, but hopes to be like other birds. Chipper delivers a Christmas gift that nobody sees coming. Not even Santa. Appropriate for ages 6 – 8.

Adventures in Tutus – The Missing Christmas Gifts – Follow Cloclo and Riri on an adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa. They are wearing their tutus, and hope to meet Santa’s elves and reindeer. Appropriate for ages 5 – 8.

Sophie Washington Secret Santa –

A secret “Santa” has been mailing presents to sixth grader Sophie Washington. She has no clue who it could be since a gift exchange is not happening in school. Sophie and her friends think either Nathan Jones or Toby Johnson, two boys in Sophie’s class, may be the secret Santa. Sophie begins to unravel clues to discover her secret Santa. Appropriate for ages 8 – 12.

Pinata in a Pine Tree – Partridges are being replaced with Piñatas in this story of the 12 Days of Christmas. Appropriate for ages 4 – 7.

A World of Cookies for Santa – A World of Cookies for Santa takes children around the globe to discover cookie treats left for Santa around the globe on Christmas Eve. The book also has cookie recipes the children can make. Appropriate for children 5 – 8.

The Legend of the Poinsettia – This books explains how the flower of Christmas, the poinsettia, came to be. The poinsettia was a selfless gift from a little girl to Christ. Appropriate for ages 4 – 8 years.

Together for Kwanzaa – Kayla loves Kwanzaa. It is her favorite time of year. Her brother Khari is supposed to come home for the festivities, but a heavy snowstorm is coming. Will Khari miss Kwanzaa. Great book to introduce children to Kwanzaa. Appropriate for ages 3 – 7 .

The All I’ll Ever Want Christmas Doll – Nella’s family is poor, but she’s hoping Santa will bring her and her sisters a beautiful Baby Betty doll. Will Santa grant her wish? Appropriate for ages 4 – 8 years.

I Got the Christmas Spirit – It’s the holiday season! A mother and daughter are enjoying the lights and sounds of the season. She’s also enjoying chestnuts roasting, carolers, and sleigh bells ringing. She finally goes to see Santa, and gives him her Christmas wish. What is her wish? Appropriate for ages 3 – 6 years.

The Night Before Christmas – Teenager, Noland Nixon retells The Night Before Christmas illustrations of an African-American family. Appropriate for ages 6 – 8.

The Day Santa Got Sick – What happens to the toys if Santa gets sick and can’t drive the sleigh? That is exactly what happens one Christmas Eve. But, a little girl elf and Mrs. Claus save the day. Find out how. Appropriate for ages 5 – 8.

Messy Bessey’s Holiday’s – Bessey and her mother love to bake cookies for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. After they bake the delicious treats, they clean up the kitchen, and than deliver the cookies to their neighbors.

How to Build an Elf Trap – If you want to catch an elf, you will need more than candy canes and ribbons! Get help building your Elf Trap with precise calculations and the right engineering. Appropriate for ages 4 – 7 years.

My Christmas Story Tree – An adorable board book takes toddlers through the decorating of a family Christmas tree. Beautifully illustrated with glitter and glitz. Appropriate for ages Preschool – 2.

12 Days of Big Hair – Another great books that teaches African American girls to love their natural hair. Everyone knows the 12 Days of Christmas. However, The 12 Days of Christmas with replaced with a natural hair twist. So, Effie’s Big Hair teaches her that her big hair is beautiful. Appropriate for ages 5 – 8.

The Nutcracker in Harlem – Next, a little girls finds her voice as a musician in this rendition of the Nutcracker. The setting is Harlem. Appropriate for ages 4 – 8 years.

A Piece of Black Cake for Santa – So, Femi and her friends want to leave Santa Caribbean treats this year. One of the treats is Black Cake. They also share some of their favorite winter activities at the Christmas fair. Appropriate for ages 5 – 8.

Finally, these Christmas books for children of color will make great Christmas gifts. So, add a few to your child’s reading list. Also, you may like 24 Winter Books for Kids.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: children's books, educational activities, holiday books, holiday gift ideas

Teaching Your Children the Meaning of Christmas

November 18, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on teaching children the meaning of Christmas. Do you think Christmas has become too commercialized? Have we truly lost the meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, and giving to others? I want to share an experience that I had picking a child to sponsor from the Angel Tree in Walmart. Sponsoring a child from either Walmart or Kmart each year has brought me joy for years, but I choose to walk away last year without purchasing a gift.

I choose to walk away from the Angel Tree for the following reasons:

The children were asking for expensive game systems and games. I did a calculation on at least 2 or 3 children’s wish list and they totaled hundred of dollars each. I could have selected a few items from the Angel Card, but I was left wondering what we’re teaching our children.

You’re asking for charity that equates to hundreds of dollars and obviously feeling no guilt about the list you have submitted. I have sponsored a child for years, and that was the first year that I witnessed these types of items on their wish list. I felt bad that I walked away, but I was so shocked that I felt it was best for me to leave the store. Can anyone say holiday stress?

I understand that many parents are out of work, and they will be unable to meet their children’s wish list. But if you’re unable to buy expensive gifts don’t expect others to take up your slack. Our priorities in this country puzzle me. We act as if someone owes us something, and it seems this type of thinking is being passed on to our children.

I understand the children want the latest toys and gadgets, but my thought is that their parents should try to buy these items used if possible. My issue is about values, no more and certainly no less. Simply put, don’t pass the financial burden on to your fellow citizens who are trying to be charitable.

To keep cost down during the holidays I started making many of my gifts. Also, I buy clearance items at the end of the season for the following year. I crochet and make scrapbooks and gift baskets for adult members of my family. Also, I set a budget of $50.00 for each of the teenage children in the form of a mall gift certificate.

I don’t have time to bang my head trying to figure out what the teen would like. Can somebody say holiday stress again! The siblings in my family stopped exchanging gifts years ago. We only purchase for the children now. That really helped eliminate holiday debt. Furthermore, I have a Christmas Club where I set aside money each week throughout the year for my grandchildren’s gifts. I host Christmas dinner or a gathering for my siblings, and I’m grateful for their company. That is gift enough for all of us. I refuse to belong to the debt club. I relinquished my membership years ago, and I surely will not go into debt for someone else.

Parents get real because the world doesn’t owe you or your children anything. We must learn to make our way in this great country. If times get a little rough be grateful for any assistance you receive; however, don’t take advantage. Teach your children that the holidays are not only about receiving, but giving and spending time with family and friends.

Focus on keeping your children warm, keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. Coats, shoes, hats, gloves and necessities for school should be at the top of the lists if you’re seeking charity. If you want a fellow citizen to purchase a toy or electronic item, it should be reasonable. Just saying!

Finally, what’s your thoughts on the commercialization of Christmas? Do you go into debt on Christmas gifts? I would love to hear your opinion about the Angel Tree I encountered. Please leave us a comment.

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: charity, Christmas, holiday gift ideas

Product Reviews: Wine Country Gift Baskets

February 11, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

I received this gift tower from a co-worker and I was delighted. When I removed the gift tower from the box, I was delightfully surprised. You can see from the picture that it is not your average gift basket. It was a tower of 6 boxes. It was so pretty I didn’t want to open it. So, I placed it on my kitchen counter and admired it for days.

The boxes are beautiful, and the ribbon gave the tower a finishing touch. As a result, my curiosity peaked as I looked at the pretty boxes. They leave you wondering what’s in them because the boxes don’t give any hints. I think that’s the point of the packaging. The packaging was so beautiful, I decided to do a review of the gift just for you.

After a few days I couldn’t resist opening the boxes. I had to find out what was in them. So I decided to open the top box on the tower. What do you think was in the box? If you guessed Ghirardelli chocolate squares you were right. Chocolate lovers know how good Ghirardelli chocolate is. They were devoured in a few days, much to my delight.

Because of my excitement, I decided to open one box per week. During my endeavors, I discovered chocolate Italian pralines, candy apple caramels, butterscotch hard candies, yogurt covered pretzels and spice cookies. I have to say this is one of the best gift baskets that I’ve ever received.

Wondering about the maker, Wine Country Gift Baskets? This company is based out of California. It is known for their wine gift baskets and stellar customer service. They have a large selection of towers and other gift baskets to choose from and ship via FedEx Ground. They offer a variety of prices to accommodate everyone’s budget.

This gift tower just happens to be one of my favorite reviews. So, add Wine Country Gift Baskets to your on-line Brands for gifts. If you’re looking for something unique, consider this gift basket tower. I highly recommend it.

Check out our Ultimate Kitchens Water Infuser Pitcher Review

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: gift baskets, gift ideas, holiday gift ideas

Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardeners

November 24, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing holiday gift ideas for gardeners. Any gift that I can use in my backyard vegetable garden is a great gift to me. They will help you select the perfect gifts for your gardening friends. I’ve found that my most memorable gifts have been homemade items and gift baskets that I’ve put together for my family and friends. Furthermore, I’m a huge garden and birding lover. I assure you, if your family and/or friends are garden and bird lovers, they will love these gifts too.

We have put together a list of holiday gift ideas for gardeners:

Packets of seeds – You can’t go wrong here. Sunflowers, flowers for borders, and vegetable seeds are great gift ideas.
Garden Tools – Every gardener needs tools. Pruners, hand trowel, hand rake, hand shovel, and a bulb planter are ideal.
Kneeling Pad – I use mine regularly. Helps protect the knees when planting and pulling weeds.
Gardening Gloves – I go through several pair each season.
Gardening Hat and Sunblock – Protecting yourself from the sun is a most for the gardener.
Gift Certificate to a Local Nursery – We love to browse any place that has vegetables and flowers for sell. I’ve found that nurseries have unique items that you can’t find at most garden centers such as Lowes, Wal-Mart and Home Depot.

Tool Caddy – We love organization, a tool caddy keeps our gloves and tools in one place.
Garden Cart – It’s easier on the back when you can sit and pull weeds. Check out the Garden Hopper at Amazon, I’m sure this item is on every gardener’s wish list.
Flower pots – We love to place geraniums in clay or decorative pots. I also love large pots on my deck for petunias. They won’t fit into a gift basket, but they will look wonderful with a pretty bow. My favorite pots came from Big Lots and Dollar General.
Indoor Heat Pad and Grow Lights – I sow my seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. For successful germination, heat is a most. Seed germination heats pads and indoor grow lights will make excellent gifts.
Peat Pots or Seed Starting Kits – Gardeners love to germinate their seeds in peat pots.

Last, we hope that you find one or two selections from our holiday gift ideas for gardeners beneficial. Also, check out my ideas for a bird lovers gift basket.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: gardener gifts, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts for gardeners