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6 Holiday Family Movie Night Ideas That Will Make Your Winter Extra Cozy

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There’s something magical about gathering together on a cold winter night for a cozy movie marathon. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning memorable movie nights with your loved ones. These family movie night ideas will bring warmth, laughter, and a touch of holiday spirit to your home. Here are six fun and festive ways to make your next family movie night unforgettable.

Create a Hot Chocolate Bar

A hot chocolate bar is a perfect addition to any family movie night, making it extra special for everyone. Set up a station with different types of hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles. Let the kids get creative and make their own custom hot cocoa creations while you watch your favorite holiday films. This is one of those family movie night ideas that’s sure to become a new tradition.

Build a Blanket Fort

Take your family movie night to the next level by building a cozy blanket fort in the living room. Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to create a magical space where everyone can snuggle up together. It’s a simple yet exciting way to make the experience more intimate and fun. This creative idea is perfect for making lasting memories and enjoying quality time with the kids.

Have a Themed Movie Marathon

Pick a holiday theme and choose movies that fit the vibe for a fun and festive movie marathon. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Christmas films, animated favorites, or heartwarming family stories, there’s something for everyone. Make a list of movies to watch and enjoy them back-to-back with snacks and cozy blankets. This is one of the best family movie night ideas for a full night of entertainment.

Make Homemade Popcorn Mixes

Movie night isn’t complete without popcorn, but you can make it even better by creating your own gourmet mixes. Set up a popcorn bar with different toppings like chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, and flavored seasonings. Everyone can build their own popcorn creation, adding a personalized touch to the night. This is a tasty and affordable way to elevate your family movie night experience.

Play Holiday Movie Bingo

Add an interactive twist to your family movie night with a game of holiday movie bingo. Create bingo cards with common holiday movie scenes or phrases, like “Santa Claus appears” or “a snowball fight.” As you watch, mark off the squares when you see the scenes play out. It’s a fun activity that keeps everyone engaged and adds a little friendly competition to your family movie night ideas.

Cozy Up with Matching Pajamas

For a truly special family movie night, have everyone wear matching holiday pajamas. It sets the tone for a cozy, unified experience and makes for adorable family photos. You can even surprise the kids with a new set of pajamas before the movie starts. This small but thoughtful touch can make the night feel even more magical and memorable.

Get Ready for a Cozy Winter Night In

These family movie night ideas are all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that everyone will love. Whether you’re building a fort, enjoying homemade snacks, or wearing matching PJs, the goal is to spend quality time together. Choose your favorite ideas from this list, and get ready for a cozy night full of laughter, love, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the winter season with the ones you love.

10 Adorable Halloween Costumes for Kids That They’ll Love Wearing on Amazon

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Halloween is the perfect time for children to dive into their imaginations and have fun dressing up. Finding the right Halloween costumes for kids can make the holiday even more exciting, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident in their outfits. With Amazon’s huge selection, you can easily find costumes that match your child’s interests and make them excited for trick-or-treating. From superheroes to cuddly animals, there’s something for every little one.

Cute Animal Outfits

Kids love dressing up as their favorite animals, and animal-themed costumes are always a hit. Options like fuzzy bears, playful kittens, or adorable bumblebees make them feel cute and comfy. These outfits are great for keeping little ones cozy while they enjoy Halloween fun. Amazon offers a wide range of animal costumes perfect for any kid.

Magical Character Costumes

Magical characters, from fairies to wizards, spark children’s imaginations. Kids can transform into their favorite fantasy characters, like a unicorn or a little witch. These costumes often come with fun accessories, like wings or wands, to make them feel even more magical. Browse Amazon to find enchanting Halloween costumes for kids that bring their fantasies to life.

Classic Superhero Suits

Superhero costumes never go out of style and are always popular among kids. Children love dressing as characters like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, or Black Panther. These costumes not only let them act like heroes but also give them confidence to conquer their night of trick-or-treating. Check out Amazon’s collection of superhero costumes to find your child’s favorite.

Fun Cartoon-Inspired Looks

Cartoon-themed costumes let kids dress up as their beloved TV characters. Whether it’s a Minion, Bluey, or a classic like Scooby-Doo, these costumes are easy crowd-pleasers. Cartoon outfits add a playful element to Halloween and make for great photo opportunities. Amazon has a variety of cartoon-inspired options to keep your child smiling all night.

Fairytale and Storybook Costumes

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Fairytale costumes let kids become the characters they’ve read about in their favorite books. From princesses like Cinderella to adventurous characters like Peter Pan, these costumes bring stories to life. They often include beautiful accessories, such as crowns or capes, for an added touch of magic. Find the perfect fairytale Halloween costumes for kids on Amazon.

Funny and Silly Outfits

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For kids who love to laugh, funny costumes are always a great choice. Outfits like hot dogs, dinosaurs, or inflatable aliens bring humor to Halloween festivities. These costumes are fun for kids and entertaining for everyone around them. Amazon has plenty of silly options to match your child’s quirky personality.

Disney-Themed Costumes

Disney-themed costumes let kids become their favorite princess, prince, or animated hero. Whether they love Elsa from Frozen or Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, these costumes are sure to impress. These outfits are well-loved for their vibrant colors and high-quality designs. Amazon offers a range of Disney costumes that are always a Halloween favorite.

Cozy Pajama Costumes

Pajama costumes combine comfort with creativity, making them perfect for younger kids. Options like animal onesies or glow-in-the-dark skeleton pajamas let kids stay warm and playful. These costumes are also great if your child needs to transition from trick-or-treating to bedtime. Search Amazon for cozy pajama-style Halloween costumes for kids.

Halloween-Themed Onesies

Onesies are perfect for kids who want an easy, all-in-one costume option. From pumpkin prints to bat designs, these costumes are simple yet festive. Onesies are ideal for toddlers who need to stay warm while enjoying the Halloween fun. Amazon has plenty of Halloween-themed onesies to make the holiday extra special.

Create Memories They’ll Cherish

Choosing the right Halloween costumes for kids helps make the holiday memorable for them and fun for everyone. Whether they prefer superheroes, animals, or magical characters, the right outfit can boost their excitement. Amazon offers a variety of adorable options to match any child’s interest or personality. With the perfect costume, your little one will be ready to enjoy every moment of Halloween night.

Deals and Freebies for Grandparents Day 2024

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Grandparents Day 2024 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and honor the special people who bring wisdom, love, and joy into our lives. This year, many stores and businesses are offering fantastic deals and freebies to make the occasion even more memorable. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or looking to plan a special outing, there are plenty of ways to save while treating your grandparents to something special. Discover the best discounts and unique offers available this year to make your celebration truly unforgettable.

Top Discounts to Celebrate Grandparents

Many retailers are providing exclusive discounts to help you celebrate Grandparents Day 2024 in style. From department stores offering markdowns on clothing and accessories to local boutiques with special promotions, there’s something for everyone. Online shops are also joining in with deals on personalized gifts, from photo books to engraved jewelry. Make sure to shop early to take full advantage of these limited-time offers and find the perfect gift at a fraction of the cost.

Amazing Freebies to Grab This Year

For those looking to enjoy Grandparents Day 2024 without spending too much, numerous businesses are giving away fantastic freebies. Some restaurants are offering free meals or desserts to grandparents dining with their families. Entertainment venues like museums and theaters may also have free entry or discounted tickets for seniors. Keep an eye on local listings and social media for surprise offers and giveaways that can make the day even more special.

Unique Gifts at Reduced Prices

Finding a unique gift for your grandparents doesn’t have to be expensive this year. Many stores are providing special deals on thoughtful presents, such as handcrafted items, subscription boxes, and experience gifts. You can find discounted rates on cooking classes, garden tours, or spa days to create lasting memories. Whether your grandparents are tech-savvy or prefer something more traditional, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available.

How to Make the Most of the Offers

To make the most of the deals and freebies for Grandparents Day 2024, it’s important to plan ahead. Start by creating a list of potential gifts or experiences that you think your grandparents would love. Check online and in-store promotions frequently, as some offers may only be available for a limited time. Sign up for newsletters and follow your favorite brands on social media to stay informed about special discounts and freebie alerts.

Celebrate Grandparents Day 2024 with Style and Savings

Grandparents Day 2024 is not just a day to show love and appreciation; it’s also an opportunity to create wonderful memories with your grandparents without breaking the bank. With so many deals and freebies available, you can plan a celebration that’s both meaningful and affordable. From special discounts on gifts to complimentary meals and activities, there are countless ways to make this Grandparents Day unforgettable. Take advantage of these great offers and give your grandparents the celebration they truly deserve.

3 Lessons I Learned Buying Christmas Gifts for Teens

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3 Lessons I Learned Buying Christmas Gifts for Teens

Christmas gift shopping for my kids used to be easy and frugal. I’d buy toys I could find on sale. If an item was outside our limited budget, I wasn’t above buying it secondhand. My kids knew I did this, and they didn’t mind because they got the item they wanted.

However, now all three are teens and tweens, and their lists are more expensive and particular. Because of this, I upped my Christmas budget to $150 per child plus stockings, which for our budget, is a lot. However, because of the 3 lessons I learned buying Christmas gifts for teens, I likely won’t spend the same amount next year.

Our Gift Situation

I should clarify that the presents my husband and I give our kids are not their only gifts. My mom gives them several gifts, as do their godparents. Our gifts are only a portion of what they receive.

3 Lessons I Learned Buying Christmas Gifts for Teens

I had determined now that the kids are older (18.5, 14, and 12.5), I would have to spend more to make them happy. However, I learned this year that the assumption is incorrect, so I will likely reduce the Christmas budget next year.

Buy from the List

The one piece of advice I want to give all parents of teens is to buy gifts your teen asks for on their Christmas list. Those gifts were a huge hit; the kids loved them! When we strayed from the list and got something we thought a teen would like, they were disappointed. Buy from the list!

Shop Black Friday Sales

My next piece of advice is to shop Black Friday sales. (Remember, since COVID-19, these sales no longer start the day after Thanksgiving. They often begin a week or two BEFORE Thanksgiving.) Black Friday sales are essential if your child asks for a pricey gift that you can’t afford.

For instance, my 18-year-old wanted Apple Air Pods. As I was only spending $150 per child, these were out of my budget unless I only got him one gift. Yet, a Black Friday sale allowed me to snag some for $80. Because of the deal, he got Apple Air Pods and other presents.

Sometimes Less Is More

3 Lessons I Learned Buying Christmas Gifts for Teens

Finally, spend the amount you have to spend, but don’t increase your budget because you’re worried about your kids’ expectations, as I was. I learned this year that a few gifts the kids really want are all they need. In fact, one of my kids said, “I got too many gifts this year.” Lesson learned.

Final Thoughts

The 3 lessons I learned buying Christmas gifts for teens this year will help me save money and buy presents my kids want next year. Yes, buying gifts for teens is different than buying gifts for younger kids, but don’t make the experience more challenging. Instead, buy from your kids’ list and stick to the budget. and you will both have a good holiday.

Read More

What to Do When You’re Overspending at Christmas

Favorite Family Christmas Traditions–Modernized

Our Favorite Stocking Stuffers for Teens

The Best Gifts for Teachers

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The Best Gifts for Teachers

‘Tis the time of the year when people like to give gifts to those who help them in their and their children’s lives, such as teachers. I was a teacher for many years, and while I appreciated the gifts I received, many were duplicates or items I didn’t need. I felt bad giving them away or donating them, but there are only so many coffee mugs a person can have (and I don’t even drink coffee!). So, if you’re looking for the best gifts for teachers, here’s what I’d recommend.

Thank You Note

One of the best gifts for teachers is also an economical option—a simple thank-you note. You may not realize this, but teachers frequently have to handle upset parents or students. They also face administrative pressure. So, getting a heartfelt thank-you note stating why you appreciate your teacher is a welcome gift because teachers don’t hear thank you nearly enough.

Gift Cards

Most people don’t know their teachers well enough to know exactly what gift to buy, and even if they do, the teacher may get gifts from several students, so the chance of a repeat gift is high. Avoid that situation by giving the teacher a gift card. Then, the teacher can buy what she needs, for herself or the classroom. Popular gift card choices include bookstores, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Classroom Enrichment

Another idea is to buy something the teacher needs for the classroom.

Board Games

Educational board games like Ticket to Ride and 10 Days in Europe might be welcome because the kids can use them during rainy days when they can’t go out to recess.

Books

The Best Gifts for Teachers

Many elementary school teachers have small libraries in their classrooms. A gift of books can help the teacher expand his library at no out-of-pocket cost to him.

Some teachers have classroom wish lists on sites like Amazon. If your child’s teacher has one, you’ll find plenty of welcome gift ideas.

Necessities

While teachers get too many mugs as gifts, they can likely always use what goes in them. For example, coffee is a favorite among teachers, and so is tea. Likewise, you and your child can make a cute hot chocolate kit for the teacher.

At Christmas, teachers frequently get home baked goods like cookies, fudge, and brownies. If they get these gifts from a handful of students, they likely will have more than they can (or should) eat before they go bad. Instead, consider buying cookie or brownie kits so the teachers can make the baked goods when they want them—maybe even in four months!

Final Thoughts

The best gifts for teachers are not mugs or homemade treats (though those are good). Instead, thank you notes, gift cards, and resources for the classroom will likely make the teacher’s holiday season and continue to give for both the teacher and the students long after the holidays are over.

Read More

The Best (and Worst) Baby Shower Gifts

What to Do When You’re Overspending at Christmas

Favorite Family Christmas Traditions–Modernized!

5 Ways to Buy Legos at a Discount

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Buy Legos at a Discount

A few years ago, my daughter began a Lego obsession.  She asked for Lego Friends sets for her birthday, and she was surprisingly quick at putting the sets together.  Not long after, she advanced to Lego sets for teens like Lego Architecture sets with hundreds of pieces.  If your child is a fellow Lego enthusiast, I don’t need to tell you how quickly the prices for these sets add up.  Luckily, there are several ways to buy Legos at a discount.

How to Buy Legos at a Discount

You can buy Legos at a discount, but you have to be patient and use one or more of these methods.

Buy on Sale

Yes, Legos do sometimes go on sale.  Often, especially during the holiday season or when a Lego model is discontinued, you can find the sets for 20% off.  The best places to look are Target, Walmart, and Lego.com.

In addition, Lego.com sometimes offers free small Lego kits when you buy a set from them.  Last Easter my daughter got two free, small sets when she purchased a larger one.

Buy at Costco

Costco doesn’t always carry Legos, but they do during the holidays.  These sets are cheaper than you can buy them elsewhere, but they do sell out quickly.  Keep an eye out for Lego sets in October at Costco.

Join Buy Nothing Groups

Buy Legos at a Discount

If you’re not looking for a particular set but just pieces, consider joining a local Buy Nothing group.  People frequently sell large bags of miscellaneous Lego pieces at a low price.  This can be an excellent way to start a Lego collection.

Other Things to Consider

You can utilize two other strategies to lower the overall price of Lego sets.

Help Your Child Save for a Lego Set

One of my friend’s sons wanted to buy a Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon kit.  These retail for about $130.  My friend didn’t want to spend that much on one set, so she made a deal with her eight-year-old son.  If he saved $65 for the set, she would chip in the other $65.  She was impressed with how hard he worked and how much he saved to afford the set.

If your child wants an expensive set and you have the money to split the cost with him, this agreement can be an excellent way to teach your child how to save.

Can Sell to Recoup Money

Remember, your child won’t always want to build Legos.  When she is 16, she may have outgrown Legos.  If she has kept all the pieces to her sets as well as kept the boxes in good condition, she should be able to sell the sets and recoup some of her money, unlike many other toys.

Final Thoughts

If your child wants some expensive Lego sets, try utilizing some of these strategies to save money.  But remember, start your search earlier.  You’ll likely need some time to buy the Lego set at a discount.  You’ll need to search the sales and perhaps offer your child a money matching proposition to be able to afford the larger sets.

Read More

5 Toys That Won’t Break the Bank

My #1 Brand of Choice for Long-Lasting Toys for Toddlers

My Favorite Toys for Kids Under 5 Years

What To Do When You Are Overspending at Christmas

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Overspending at Christmas

I have a confession.

I overspent my Christmas budget.

(And I’m not done shopping.)

Overspending At Christmas

I did everything right. I made a list of who I was shopping for and created an overall budget. All was going well until I deviated from my plan.

Typically I plan a vacation for Christmas. I prefer to gift experiences to my family over wrapped presents. Last year, we went to Disney World. The year before, we went to Great Wolf Lodge.

However, this year, my daughter wanted a saddle, and my son had been asking for some 1000+ piece Lego sets. These were items I’d buy for my kids outside of Christmas, so I thought let’s go ahead and have Santa buy them. We’ll stay home this year and spend our budget on Christmas presents.

I also expected this would create a more relaxed Christmas. I wouldn’t have to coordinate the logistics of travel, and I wasn’t planning to buy much for Christmas. After all, the presents I was going to buy weren’t extra for the sake of Christmas.

I was wrong.

It’s not more relaxed and I’m buying more presents than what was on my list.

Creating A Budget Buffer

Something I always do is that I plan to go over budget ahead of time. I do this by creating a budget buffer – usually 5 to 10% of my overall budget. Because overspending at Christmas is not an unrealistic scenario.

Since we’re home this year, I’ve been more inclined to accept invitations to Christmas parties. Also, because we are home, we’re going to my in-laws Christmas morning. This added additional people to shop for that were not on my original list.

But good plans are fluid, so I adjusted the budget per person to accommodate the extras.

Another thing that surprised me is my kids wanted to buy presents for other people. I appreciate this, and it was a simple budget obstacle to overcome.

They pitched ideas on what they would do in exchange for extra money. I was able to secure some “maid” service for the next few weeks in exchange for some small gifts. The amounts were small enough that it didn’t set me over budget because I had built in a buffer for unexpected purchases.

Plan For Budget Obstacles

What I didn’t expect was nostalgia to travel over Christmas. Impulsively, I booked a 3-day trip to Legoland. I paid the full price for the hotel room and park tickets. I was able to use miles for two of our plane tickets and paid for the other two. This was the primary reason that led to my overspending at Christmas.

So what am I going to do now that I’m WAY over budget?

Good plans should be fluid and be able to accommodate roadblocks.

I have to sacrifice in other areas of my budget. I reduced the amount my husband is allowed to spend on me and I pulled from our travel savings account to cover the hotel and tickets.

To pay for the plane tickets, I pulled from January’s budget by cutting expenses. Food was cut back, clothing was eliminated, and I cut the flash cash budget in half.

What I Learned

Through this process, I have been reminded of how grateful I am that:

1) I have set my budget up to accommodate impulse decisions – knowing this is standard behavior for me,
2) I have diversified my income so that I know I can generate some back-up income when I needed, and
3) I am committed to remaining debt-free. A few years ago, I would’ve slapped the trip on a credit card and not thought twice about taking two years to pay for it.

 

Have you gone over budget this Christmas? How do you handle impulse purchases? Is your budget set up to accommodate your personality? Let us know in the comments.

Read more:

5 Ways to Buy Cheap Christmas Gifts for Kids

Three Things You Can Do to Make Money for Christmas

Favorite Family Christmas Traditions, Modernized!

 

Unique Mother’s Day Activities for Celebrating Mom

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unique mother's day activities

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and if you have been celebrating a few years, you might be stuck on what to do this year.  Breakfast in bed, lunch out, and spa days are wonderful and are a bit too common to use every year. Rather than sticking to a boring routine, here are some ideas for unique Mother’s Day activities that I have used over the years.

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Keep Them Busy This Year With Cheap Holiday Activities for Kids

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holiday activities for kids

Soon your kids will have a lengthy holiday break and it will be up to you to keep them occupied. You don’t have to spend a lot of money taking them to see the latest light show or event. Here are some creative and cheap holiday activities for kids to help you keep your kids happy (and keep your sanity) over the holidays.

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How to Have a Fun Frugal Halloween

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frugal halloween ideas

Your kids are probably getting excited at the thought of all the trick or treating candy, but they are probably planning their costume, too. Costumes can get expensive with some as high as $100. That’s a lot of money for some families to spend on something your child will likely wear just once and then outgrow. But don’t worry. There are a number of great frugal Halloween ideas that will keep your kids happy without spending the money you are saving for Christmas.

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