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Tips for Choosing Gifts for Your Husband

This post on choosing gifts for your husband is sponsored by The Good Stuff by Coupons.com. Opinions are all my own.

Valentines Day is right around the corner, and so is my husbands birthday. The time for choosing gifts is at hand! Here’s a little secret though, I’m not very good at picking out gifts.

Related: Secret Santa Ideas for Every Budget

I really struggle with this. Not because I don’t like giving gifts, but finding the perfect one is always hard. We want to find our spouse something they will love, will use, and tells them how much we love them. That’s a whole lot to be asking for though!

Perhaps you struggle with this too? I can only assume you do, which is why you ended up here. Our problem is our passion. We love so much, and want that adequately expressed when choosing gifts. So step one for us all, is to let go of perfection.

Let Go of Perfection

If we get hung up on finding the “perfect” gift, we will never get a gift. We may find ourselves so frustrated that we end up buying something just to buy something that has no sentimental attachment at all. So now that we can let go of finding the perfect gift, let’s figure out how to find a perfect gift without the expectation.

Listen

Part of choosing a gift for someone is actually knowing that person. In a marriage with children, it’s really easy to get into a day to day routine. He gets up and showers, and goes to work. You get up send kids off to school, and clean house, work, and make meals. He comes home, you eat, play a family game, or watch a movie. Then you all go to bed. Before you need to choose a gift again, take time to really listen to your spouse. Not just their words, but their body language and daily routine. Listen to what excites them, and brings them joy in their daily routine.

Write a Dream List

If you are still struggling to choose a gift after listening to your spouse, invite them to write a dream list. I’ve been writing a list of 100 things I would like to do, see, accomplish in my life. The more things that are added the more I’ve realized what a perfect gift list this also is. If anyone wanted to gift me something that meant something, they would just have to read through that list. Having your husband write a list serves two-fold – you get a list of potential perfect gifts, and he gets to dream some.

Give Them Time

If all else fails and you just can’t find the right gift, just give them your time. From my experience, a day or night where you give all your attention to your husband, will mean the world to them. Grab a babysitter for the kids, and if you can finagle it, make it an overnight sitter. Spend the whole day letting your husband choose what you do, where you eat, and then end the night either out at a hotel, or back home if the kids are elsewhere. Trust me, your husband will love this.

When it comes down to it, as long as you choose a gift for your husband with love and the desire to see him happy, any gift you choose is going to be the perfect gift. Of course there is always just asking your husband what he wants as well – open communication and all that.

January 30, 2019
7 Mothers Day Gifts She’ll Love!

I love to celebrate my own mother on Mothers Day, but now that I am a mother myself I also like to take this day to reflect on how I can be better. I won’t lie, though – I enjoy being shown just a little extra love, even if it’s just homemade cards – a little something to show that what I do does matter. This post contains affiliate links and I will receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

Breakfast in Bed

Let her sleep in – even if she’s not actually sleeping. Allowing mom to relax in bed for just this one day will rejuvenate her mind and body. She’ll be happier, and so will everyone else. Make it extra special with a homemade chocolate butterfly <-tutorial! Top it on a yogurt parfait, her favorite breakfast smoothie, or just decorate the side of her plate with it. Just remember, Mom’s don’t want to come out and clean up the breakfast mess after they’ve eaten.

Family Photo’s

Mom’s want pictures of their family – nice pictures. There are so many different ways to go about this. You can send her a photo book with her favorite photos, or purchase a beautiful canvas from your last photo session. On hard days Mom will love looking at those photos to remind her how much love she is surrounded by. Don’t have a recent professional photo? Schedule one and surprise Mom with it. Trust me, she’ll be happy to have one less thing to schedule herself.

Homemade Cards

Moms don’t need expensive gifts to feel loved. A hand drawn card made with love will always mean more to mom than anything else. Help the kids decorate some cardstock, pull out the stickers, markers, paints! Just be sure to clean up when you’re done.

Jewelry

Depending on the Mom, jewelry can be a wonderfully tangible gift. Not every mom will appreciate this type of gift, though. If she wears jewelery frequently then it’s the gift for her. If you think she would enjoy a new piece, even if she doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry, make sure it has some meaning. A piece with her children’s birthstones, or something like these state necklaces to remind her of home.

Flowers

Mom’s love flowers. Pick them from your own backyard, or personalize a bouquet from a local shop. Every time she sees these flowers she’ll be reminded of the love she has from her family and it will bring a smile to her face. If you have a garden loving Mom, get her some flowers to plant that will last even longer!

Fashion

Every Mom would love a new outfit. Chances are she rarely buys something for herself that she truly loves. Unless you know her style, though, I don’t recommend purchasing the outfit yourself. Rather pick out a gift card from a place like eShakti that will allow her to customize her choice of outfit just the way she likes it.

Clean House

The number one thing I want every single year on Mothers Day is a clean house. One that I didn’t have to clean. Preferably one that was cleaned by a happy smiling family. It’s not a gift if you do it grudgingly and with a bad attitude. With that in mind, if you don’t want to clean the house either, you can always hire it out to a cleaning service. Mom won’t care who does it, as long as it’s not her.

Now you know what to get Mom! Don’t be like me, and wait too long to order. I have the bad habit of wanting to buy something online, but forget it takes a few days for shipping. Order early to have it in time for your mom!

What will You be Sending Mom this Mothers Day?

May 1, 2017
Candy Cane Reindeer with Reindeer Tags + More Reindeer Treats

Add these Reindeer Tags to a fun treat like Candy Cane Reindeer on Christmas Eve, and watch your kids light up with the Christmas magic as they find a treat left by Santa’s Reindeer.

GRAB YOUR CANDY CANE REINDEER TAGS HERE

Last year it was a few nights before Christmas eve when I had the fun thought to leave treats in the kid’s stockings from Santa’s Reindeer. It was a last minute thing, and while fun to do, I wasn’t able to take pictures that truly showed how fun it was. This year I gave myself a bit more time to get it together, and as I thought about it I knew I had to get my sister involved! So I called her up and asked if she would design some Reindeer Tags for my Candy Cane Reindeer.

Didn’t she do a fabulous job? I play at art sometimes, but my sister is a true artist. She whipped this drawing out a day after we talked. I love how proud the Reindeer looks, I pretend because he knows what an important job he has pulling Santa’s sleigh.

Having just the 3-year-old at home these days meant I could actually make the Reindeer and take the pictures with him hanging around. After all, he can’t read yet and was fairly entertained with the extra Candy Canes I passed his way (he made a full garage out of them to park all his cars). So I spent my afternoon making some cute reindeer to attach the beautiful tags my dear sister made, and which you can purchase a download of from her Etsy store AlgaeArtandCrafts.

All you need to make Candy Cane Reindeer are Candy Canes, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and a little hot glue. I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking here. A little ribbon is all you need to add the touch of the gift tag.

I saw this really cute idea over on A Day In Motherhood for Reindeer Food. You could leave it out with the milk and cookies for Santa, in hopes for the Reindeer to leave a little goodie. Or you could make Reindeer Chow Muddy Buddies found on This Silly Girl’s Life. While these are great for the kids to help make on Christmas Eve, you may want to check some of these other Reindeer ideas out to leave for the kids attached with the Reindeer Tags.

Reindeer Noses from The Thankful House

Reindeer Candy Cane Pudding Cups from Snack Pack

Reindeer Chuppa Chups from Brisbane Kids

Nutter Butter Reindeer from Cook Crave Inspire

Reindeer Hot Chocolate from Thrifty Jinxy

Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies from Jelly Bean Trail

If you’re not into leaving more treats, because we all know the sugar overload will be ever present already, Santa’s Reindeer could also leave a fun game or hat to wear. Like this Rolla-Reindeer from Seven Thirty Three or this simple Reindeer Hat from Education.com.

What would you attach these Candy Cane Reindeer Gift Tags to?

December 15, 2015
Mini Apple Pies for Custodian Week

Sunday night I got an email from the kids school. It’s Custodian Week, and they were letting us know all the ways they will be celebrating the 4 custodians who take care of the building, and if there was anyone who would like to help provide treats. I love celebrating those who are often overlooked, so of course I said yes, an then started planning these Mini Apple Pies.

It’s fall, so naturally apples came to my mind, but since it’s a school celebration, apples made even more sense! I signed up to bring our custodians treats on Tuesday, giving myself 1 whole day to plan, shop and bake these mini Apple Pies.

Being Monday, I figured it was a great Family Home Evening to get the kids involved in making something for their school. They loved adding the spices to the apples, and cutting out the crusts. While I tend to get a bit anxious with the kids in the kitchen, this actually was the perfect recipe to get us all involved.

Mini Apple Pies

makes 6 mini pies

Ingredients

2 Gala Apples

3 TBS Sugar

1 tsp Corn Starch

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 pkg refrigerated Pie Crusts

1 egg
1 TBS water

mini pie tins

Directions

Preheat Oven to 450 F

1. Dice apples into small bite size pieces – 1/2 inch at the biggest.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add apples, sugar, corn starch, cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cook until apples are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Unroll 1 pie crust. Using a glass cup, we cut out 6 mini pie crusts. You can also use the top of the pie tin as a guide.

5. Push crusts into pie tin. Fill with apple filling.
6, Unroll 2nd pie crust. Using a smaller glass cup (or bottom of pie tin), cut out 6 more circles.

7. Fold them in half and cut slits for vents during baking.

8. Top pie filling with 2nd crust and seal edges.

9. Mix egg with water. Brush pies with egg wash

10. Place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until crusts are golden brown.
11. Let cool for 10 minutes, then enjoy.

To make into a gift bag, We put an apple in the bottom of a bag, placed a cardboard circle on top, then the mini apple pie. Tie off with a ribbon and you have a fun baked treat to give. If doing this, let the pies cool completely before placing inside the bags.

Since we only have 4 custodians, we had 2 pies left to enjoy between 5 people. One child claimed a dislike for pie, so 4 of us split the remaining mini pies. They were oh so yummy, and I was given a few scowls for not having more to share with them.

How do you like your apples?

September 16, 2015
4 Ideas to Share the Christmas Experience

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser, Hallmark’s #NorthPoleFun. All opinions are mine alone.

I love this time of year! I know I’ve talked about how Fall is my favorite season, but the transition from fall to winter is right up there. Snow falling, Christmas carols playing, and lots of family time spent together. I really don’t think anything beats spending time with family. This Christmas I want to spend more time sharing experiences.

Here are simple ways you can share the Christmas experience with your family and friends with gifts from a Hallmark Northpole!

Traditions

A couple years ago I decided I wanted to start collecting Christmas stories. One’s that we would pull out each winter and cuddle up as a family to read. It’s the ideal holiday scene isn’t it? Families in warm pajamas, a fire lit, the tree glowing, and a good story being read. Instead of just buying a bunch all at once, I wanted to make it a tradition where each year we pick one new book to add.

This year we bought Once Upon A Northpole Christmas with the Find Me Santa Snowflake. We couldn’t have picked a better book to start out this season with the idea of experiences. Once Upon a Northpole tells the story of how one Christmas there almost wasn’t enough magic – but one little elf with the help of his friends wrote notes to all the kids to help bring it back.

Time with Family

While picking up our book I came across this fun Bake like an Elf set. Princess V and I have started cooking together, and even started her own cooking show, so I knew this was going to be the perfect gift to get her. Originally I was going to wait until Christmas to give it to her, but she was invited to a talent show, so what better way to share her new talent then with some Christmas cookies?

Oh she and I had so much fun using the stocking and mitten measuring cups to make cookies for her friends.

Share Traditions and Treats with friends

We’ve done a lot of moving, but this summer was easily our furthest move from all our friends and family. When we met another family at church with kids all the same ages, going to the same school, with our oldest in the same class – we became fast friends. Making friends so quickly really helped us with this move. I wanted to let them know just how much their friendship meant to us, so we decided to share our Christmas experience with them.

We found Snowby the Polar Bear: Snowby’s New Friend with a plush Snowby to pass on the tradition of a new Christmas book to our new friends. Then we baked up some cookies, because really – is it Christmas without cookies?

Games

We picked up all these fun items at Walmart down what I’m dubbing the “Northpole” aisle. There was so much goodness down here, it was hard not to leave with a little of everything. Princess R and Little Prince were having a blast turning on every single Dance Like and Elf music player, and throwing the Magic Snowballs around.

I may head back and grab one of the family games like Rooftop Drop or Peppermint Ring Fling without kids so we can surprise them one night.

How will you share the Christmas Experience this year?

November 10, 2014
Reconnect with Friendship cards and a #tbt Photo Display #ConnectingFriends #shop
I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and it’s advertiser. #ConnectingFriends.

So here’s a little update for you all – back in January I made a resolution. One big important resolution that I decided was my ultimate goal for the year. Everything else would just be on the side. What was that goal you ask? Here’s a little hint – Hallmark’s helping me achieve it!

My ULTIMATE Resolution this year has been to reconnect with my family, mainly my siblings. As we’ve all grown up and flown the coop, we’ve also lost touch with each other. Not completely out of touch, but enough that I haven’t felt I really know my siblings anymore. When I think back on our childhood, it makes me cry a little on the inside to see how out of touch we are now.

So the goal has been made…it’s now May….and I’m not doing so swimmingly. With May however, comes Mother’s Day and two of my siblings’ birthdays! Big Brother Nate, and little sis Megan. Since I don’t feel I know what they like anymore, it makes sending a birthday gift a bit more difficult. Sure sure I could call them up…but well….it’s been awhile. Actually little sis Megan has been in more touch lately, she even helped edit this post.

Trying to reconnect with people you once were really close to can be hard. Harder than I thought it would be at least. It could just be my personality – a little more reserved, thoughtful, and a dislike for talking on phones – or it could be the large distance separating some of us. Either way, I thought the best place to start my reconnection was with a good old #TBT(that’s Throwback Thursday for the non hash tag users).

As I started reliving a bunch of memories from my photos, an idea began forming. The best way to begin a reconnection, is with our old connection. We are siblings after all with plenty of memories to share. So I headed to my scrapbooks and old photo albums, had a couple kids join me, and we looked through those captured memories. I pulled out a couple of my absolute favorites featuring Little Sis and my Mom, then headed out to Walmart’s photo lab to make copies.

Before we made it to the photo lab, we stopped to grab some Hallmark Cards. I knew they would have exactly what I needed to rekindle these important connections, and I was right. Of course with Mothers Day this past weekend, it was easy to find one of those for my mom – finding the right one for little sis Megan took a bit more searching…and possibly a shattered “cupcake bank” by a 4 year old… I knew though as soon as I had it, that it was THE card for her.

We then headed over to the photo lab to get the photo’s copied, but when I got there….my ideas changed and morphed because guess what?! You can actually print more than just photos…I almost got little sis a canvas, but decided to go with a mounted picture instead. Since she’s in college and all, I just figured it would be a better choice for her living situation. I was just thrilled I could get it all done within a few minutes, and have the mounted photo in my hands as I walked out.

My mom’s gift I decided to make a #TBT display of her photo’s. The card I found for her mentions the memories and things a mom does. It fit so in line with all the memories shared in the picture display. Here’s a quick run down of this super simple craft you can make for anyone, anytime of the year!

Supplies you’ll need:
- poster paper
- scrapbook paper
- 4×6 photos (3×5 would also work)
- poster board
- glue stick
- other stickers, glitter, embellishments as desired
Cut a strip of the poster paper 6 inches deep down the longest side of the paper. Then fold it accordion style every 6 inches. You should now have a 6×6 inch square accordion folds. Cover each square in a different color scrapbook paper that looks good to you.

Cut a 6×6 inch square out of the poster board. glue this to the front end of your accordion book. Decorate how you will. On the inside of your book you can now attach the photo’s in any way you choose to create a fun display full of memories.

I’m so excited with how these turned out, that I can’t wait to send little sis Megan her birthday present this week! I just know she’s going to love the card, hopefully she’ll wear the button…and the photo is one she told me she loves of us together. She doesn’t remember Dad taking the photo, but I do. It was a good memory indeed.

Mom got her card and #TBT photo display already, and loved it. Looking through old memories, and then thinking of all the new ones we still get to make – that is what I’m striving for. Of course, Hallmark’s going to help us make some of those memories, because did you know there is a Hallmark Card Rewards Program?

Hallmark Card Rewards Program

For every 5 Hallmark cards you purchase you can earn a reward! Just make sure you “redeem” each card before you send it out – Hey Mom, I’m going to come by and grab the UPC off your card, OK?
Take a look at some of the current rewards you can earn!

Make sure you check out http://www.connectionsfromhallmark.com/?utm_source=cbias&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=momday to sign up for Hallmark Rewards, and to see great content from other bloggers. Join in the #ConnectingFriends conversation on Twitter!
May 12, 2014
Last FLASH SALE from Flirty Aprons

70% OFF your purchase!!

use code HOLIDAY70
code good through 12/18

This is the LAST and the very best Flash Sale from Flirty Aprons I have seen all year. This sale only lasts through Wednesday 12/18, so get your orders in. I would honestly suggest buying a couple to put away and use for gifts throughout the year. Birthdays, anniversaries, house warming, weddings, the list goes on. Or just buy yourself a new fun and flirty apron.

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Home Maid Simple*

December 16, 2013
Unique GIfts from Layla Grace

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Home Maid Simple

I never like waiting to the last minute to buy our Christmas presents, but here it is, the beginning of December, and I’m searching the internet for the perfect gift for everyone on our list. If you are looking for something special, and unique I would check out Layla Grace.

Just how cute are these ruffly pettiskirts? I know my girls would be going crazy over them.

To help you find something for everyone on your list, Layla Grayce is offering 15% off holiday gifts through 12/15 with promo code HOLIDAYS.

These glass frames would also make a great gift to a loved one, don’t you think?

Don’t miss your chance to shop and save on candles, home decor, fashion accessories and more. Happy Shopping!

December 3, 2013
5 Best homemade Fathers Day Gifts

I just love Fathers Day! Holidays like this one, though make me want to get a little more simple and homemade. We buy nice things for birthdays and Christmas, but when it comes to celebrating parenthood, I like it to come a little more from the heart. These 5 homemade Fathers Day Gifts speak to Dad from the heart of children.

5 Best Homemade Fathers Day Gifts

1. Car Shirt from The Blue Basket

Perfect for the overworked Dad taking naps on the floor. Minimal effort for Dad, but the kids will remember an activity like this their entire lives!

2. Tie Basket from Me – directions below.

An easy way to keepsake kids handprints while making a useful treat basket for Dad.

3. Father’s Day Photo Collage from Positively Splendid

I love this sentimental display of love from children. This would be great for any Dad’s office desk, or nightstand

4. Father’s Day Treat Jar from My Sisters Suitcase

One of my favorite LDS Children’s hymns is “I’m so glad when Daddy comes home”. Putting the words onto a jar full of kisses will make anyone smile.

5. Father’s Day Shirt and Tie from Paper Crave

Sometimes a good mix of homemade and store-bought is needed. These treat bags are the perfect way to wrap Dad’s gift.

Last year I had fun putting together the Tie Basket with the Princesses. They got to put their hands in some paint, and leave their mark around the terra cotta pot. I cut a simple tie out of fabric and hot glued it on. We then filled it with Mark’s favorite treats.

I absolutely love all these ideas I’ve come across over the years – and thanks to Pinterest can actually find again!. This year I did something similar to Positively Splendid’s Photo Collage. Instead of a single collage though, I made a photo book . Included in it, I asked the Princesses a few different questions about their Daddy. Things like

What’s your favorite thing about Daddy? and Why is Daddy your Superhero?

I learned that I need to talk to them each separately. Otherwise, they end up all saying the same thing

Daddy gets us apples and bananas when they’re too high.

I had so much fun making this book for Mark, and going through old pictures of the kids. Now I’m trying to make one for my own Father and Mark’s Dad. Unfortunately, I’m always a little late on my timing, so the photo books are going to get here after Fathers Day, but they will be worth the wait!

Are you looking for a few more fun and creative Fathers Day Ideas? Check out the free PDF file from Disney Planes full of Fathers Day Activities.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad’s out there!

June 13, 2013
Valentines Gift Basket {Giveaway}

Time sure does fly by! I keep seeing pins everywhere for Valentines Day, and some of my favorite bloggers have been posting Valentines Day Craft Ideas, Printable Cards, and Treats. Then I looked at the Calendar.

Yup, only 3 weeks until Valentines Day (which also means 3 weeks until I have a 5 year old). So, what to do for Valentines Day? My first stop was to get some “cards” for Princess V’s class. They really push reading here, so I thought these Owl bookmarks from Living Locurto were perfect

(FYI, go to her website, and these are FREE to print out! Plus many more!)

Of course we needed to find a good treat to celebrate the day too. I like to start the morning with heart shaped pancakes or French Toast, and some Strawberry syrup. With strawberries and raspberries on the side. Later in the day this Valentine Popcorn Munch would make a sweet treat

For more Valentines Day Ideas, visit my Pinterest Board.

Are you ready to share the love? Holiday Gifts and Baskets is giving away one of their Valentines Day Gift Baskets valued up to $60. Pretty Sweet, right? Look what you have to choose from –

Option 1 – Deluxe Fruit and Sweets

Option 2 – Monkey Business Kids

Option 3 – Sweet Treat

Option 4 – Fields of Lavender Spa

Entering is really simple! Just read the rules, and then follow the Rafflecopter form.

Giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ (48contiguous states, sorry Alaska and Hawaii). Entries close February 7th at midnight. Winner is chosen randomly and will be given 3 days to respond via email before a new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 28, 2013