It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wait, let me make that a little more accurate: It’s the most INSANE time of the year! Okay, now I feel like the Grinch. How about, it’s the most insanely wonderful, wonderfully insane time of the year? THAT feels right.
There is so much to do during the holidays that many of us try to pare down our to-do lists as much as possible. This can result in some great things for your well-being like booting the cookies from the roster that take 15 steps, a kajillion hours, and that special ginger picked by virgin elk herders in the Himalayas. However, it can also lead to some hasty decisions like cutting out your gift exchange with your girlfriends. While this may free up some minutes, it can also throw a sopping wet blanket on the spark of your joy.
Some of my best—fun, soul-nourishing, hilarious, sentimental—times are created during my gift exchanges with my friends, be they secret or open, local or spanning the country. So for me, the secret is not to slash my gift list, but to simplify . . . and to borrow a fantastic idea when I hear it. My friend, Andrea, hit on what could possible be the best gift exchange idea ever: SOCKS!
Hear me out. There are so many options, sizing isn’t stressful, they can be so thoughtfully personal, you can find FANTASTIC ones for under $10, Amazon is dripping with them (but you can also find great ones at Walmart and Target), and they don’t add to clutter. Socks are not just for girlfriends either; men, teens, and kids love them, too. This makes them a great gift exchange idea for extended family, the office, and school. See? Perfect. And whoever can find it in their being to complain about adding a pair of socks to their drawer really needs to be kicked out of your tribe. Look, either way, your gift list just got simplified.
So without further ado, here are my personal suggestions.
My Favorite Salad is Wine
Love these! They combine two of my favorite things: wine and humor! There has to be someone in your life who would appreciate them too.
If You Can Read This, Bring Me Chocolate
Wine not your friend’s thing? Chocolate may hit the spot.
Taco Tuesday
Let’s be honest. Any day ending in “y” is a good day for tacos.
Holy Guacamole
We know the guacamole is extra, but it’s totally worth it.
Bow Wow
Oh my goodness these are cute. And it’s a set! You could take care of 5 friends in one click! You can get on Amazon and search your desired breed too. I may or may not have these puggle socks in my cart.
What a Shame
Having a bad day? At least you’re not wearing a cone of shame . . . or at least I hope you’re not.
Purr-fect
Let’s not give all the attention to the dogs, acknowledge your feline aficionados too. Once again, it’s a five pack.
Purr-fectly Nerdy
For the friend who likes felines and funny. (And now these are in my cart.)
Something Fishy
Fur not your thing? Here’s a goldfish for you. I like how it’s a little more subtle.
Oh Deer!
I love how these are festive, but not so Christmas-y that you can’t wear them past December.
Secret Sass
Business up top, sassy at the sole.
High Praise
For the wonder woman in your life who likes to keep her awesome on the down low.
Ka-Pow!
For the wonder woman in your life who is not afraid to let her awesome flag fly. Give her the cape she deserves.
Words of Wisdom
One final funny that doubles as pretty sound advice too.
I could go on forever with these, but that last pair seems like a good place to stop. Don’t see anything you like here? Get yourself over to Amazon and search out any interest under the sun. I guarantee there’s a sock for that.
Here’s a little something extra for that person in your life you REALLY like. They’re all cozy in their new socks, why not give them a good—no great—book to cuddle up with? My friend, Ilana Wiles of Mommy Shorts, wrote a book that makes a perfect gift for anyone in your life who is a parent. This hardcover book is gorgeous and substantial. It’s filled with humor, truth, and actual real-life advice such as this gem for how to sneak in a nap: “I tell my son that his brother is better at giving back rubs than him. Then I close my eyes and enjoy the competition.” Get your copy of “The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting” here or fill out the form below to win one on us!
Happy Holidays!
-Ellen
This giveaway is for one copy of The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting. Open only to residents of the continental United States. Winner will be notified by email at the end of the giveaway and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is picked.
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