Tag Archives: Christmas

The Best Gift Guide for Teen Girls

The Best Gift Guide for Teen Girls | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms | A gift list that is actually teen reviewed and approved! Something for every girl, something for every budget. #GiftGuide #GiftList #Holidays #Christmas

I’m not much for the Black Friday hoopla, but I can get down with Cyber Monday. You can’t beat shopping in your pajamas or while you’re at work . . . on break of course. So I’m making lists and checking them twice and hoping I can get some steals and deals for my teen girls. Even if these gifts don’t go on sale, there is a price point for everyone. All gifts have been Daughters of the Sisterhood approved, so behold in no particular order . . .

Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

A card game about kittens and explosions and sometimes goats. I mean, what more can we say? If we didn’t have you at exploding kittens, we should have nabbed you at goats.

In this highly-strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette, players draw cards until someone draws an Exploding Kitten, at which point they explode, they are dead, and they are out of the game — unless that player has a defuse card, which can defuse the Kitten using things like laser pointers, belly rubs, and catnip sandwiches. All of the other cards in the deck are used to move, mitigate, or avoid the Exploding Kittens.

It’s family-friendly for ages 7 and up, super portable, and provides hours of fun.

 

Panda Bank

Panda Bank | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

It’s hard to anticipate just how big of a hit this gift will be. It is so cute and entertaining though, it steals the show for not a lot of coin. See what I did there?

 

Mermaid Tail Blanket

Mermaid Tail Blanket | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

Do I even have to explain what is cool about this?? It comes in bunch of colors and for around twenty bucks, you should just order one for yourself, too. Seriously, you’ll have gift envy if you don’t.

 

Mermaid Pillow

Mermaid Pillow | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

And if you have a mermaid tail you might as well complete the look with the pillow. These things are addictively relaxing. You rub your hand over them to change the pattern and color of the sequins. Your teen could probably use the good, clean stress relief.

 

Infuser Water BottleInfuser Water Bottle | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

Flavored water is all the rage, and infusing it yourself is more economical and healthy. This 32 oz beauty comes in a variety of colors and features a securely locking lid so that your hydration doesn’t leak all over your backpack.

 

Dimmable Color Touch-Activated Lamp with Bluetooth SpeakerNight Light with Bluetooth Speaker | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

Honestly, you’d have any teen girl at Bluetooth speaker, but combining it with an adjustable color night light is so cool it will elevate you into the realm of best gift-giver ever. Even comes with the USB and AUX cords, and you can never have enough of those.

 

LED Photo Clip String Lights

LED String Photo Clip Lights | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

All you need to know is that girls love LED fairy lights and photo clip strings, so combining the two is a winner, winner chicken dinner.

 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera and Accessories

Polaroid Camera and Accessories | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

This would go super nicely with the LED Photo Clip String Lights featured above, just sayin’. My daughter loves the “old-timey” Polaroid pictures. Her words, not mine.

 

Funny Mug

Funny WiFi Mug | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

If you have a coffee or tea drinker on your list with a sense of humor, this mug will hit the spot . . . much like a warm latte on a cold day.

 

Iconic HatIconic Hat | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

I’m not sure why it’s a thing, but my girls say it is and I’m going with that. Plus, who doesn’t miss The Office? “I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” — Michael Scott

 

Echo DotAlexa Dot | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

This little gift is affordable, but bursting with “wow factor.” My daughter uses her’s to listen to music in the shower because she can control it with voice commands. She also calls out to add things to her calendar or one of her lists. Honestly, this gadget would really be a winner for anyone on your list.

 

Beats Wireless Headphones

Beats Wireless Headphones | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

I cannot say that these are affordable, but they will make you a hero. With the lack of headphone jack on the iPhone “version whatever,” maybe you could say they were practical? Maybe even necessary. Suuuurrree.

 

Unicorn Make-Up BrushesUnicorn Make-Up Brushes | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

Apparently, these are the brushes used by the Instagram make-up artists all the kids are following these days. Even better, they are SUPER affordable, beautiful, and get tons of high reviews.

 

Facial MasksFacial Masks | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

Girls love facial masks and this is a veritable bonanza. Enough said.

 

YETI Rambler TumblerYETI Rambler Tumbler | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

These things are so popular. I can see why. They keep your drinks hot or cold for hoooouuuurrrrss. One thing though, the lid is not leak-proof, but no one seems to care. After much research, this is the link on Amazon for the authentic product.

 

Milk and VineMilk and Vine | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

If you don’t understand the now defunct social media platform, Vine, you are definitely not going to understand the appeal of this book. I might not have even included it on the list if my college sophomore daughter had not just given it to her high school junior sister for her birthday. They LAUGHED and LAUGHED. One warning, it does have strong language and themes, but for under four dollars you can buy yourself the title of coolest aunt ever.

 

My Lame Life

My Lame Life | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

So while the previous book was for the older teen set, this one works well for the younger ones on your list. Just a well-written book where the characters’ voices ring true, especially the main character, Plum. What I appreciate most about this book is that the parents are not banished to the sideline as doofuses. They are a real part of Plum’s life, and of the story. In all, the relationships and story line make this an authentic, fun read.

 

Cute SocksCute Socks | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms Teen Girl Gift Guide

If you don’t know that teen girls love socks, you don’t know teen girls. One of our previous gift lists was pick up by CNN and we were raked over the coals for socks being a crappy gift. Not. True. Trust us.

 

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links which means I get a few coins to complete my holiday shopping at no cost to you!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Ellen

Hey! Want to buy our new book? I Just Want to Be Perfect brings together 37 hilarious and relatable essays that showcase the foibles of ordinary women trying to be perfect.

I Just Want to Be Perfect

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

 

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Gadget Gifts to Thrill for Way Under $50

‘Tis the time in the season where we all hit gift gathering crunch time. Are you checking your lists and just now realizing there is nothing on there to “WOW” them? I mean, I know they really, really wanted that sweater and those boots, but will there be anything under the tree to surprise them and make them squeal “this is the best!”?

Virtual reality for under $10 anyone? It's holiday gift gathering crunch time. Here are some gadget gifts to thrill for way under $50. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Are you thinking, “That’s a great point, but I’m also tallying up my credit card statement and there’s not a lot of ‘flow’ left to my cash.”

Well, delight can come cheap and easy, my friend. That “may” have not come out exactly as we intended, but with this list you can be a hero on par with Santa for not a lot of reindeer chow.

 

3D Virtual Reality Headset

3d viewer

These right here are the entire reason this post was written. A friend told Ellen about them, and she was amazed! Every person Ellen has told about them has been amazed! Virtual reality for UNDER $10? It’s amazing!

So this is the world of Google Cardboard. You download the apps to your phone, pop it into this viewer, and you’re off to play games, explore ancient temples, or immerse yourself in the world of Star Wars. Just with this little thing. Really. These sturdy gems come fully assembled, and the only real complaint at this price point is that the cardboard hurts your nose. Some genius in the Amazon reviews discovered that slitting a Nerf dart along its length and slipping it over the cardboard edge provides the perfect cushion for your $8.99 wonder.

If you would like a bit more of a comfort upgrade, you can check out this plastic model. Still under $25!

VR plastic

 

Gyroscopic Wrist and Forearm Exerciser

gyroscopic exerciser

Got a baseball player, tennis player, golf pro, or musician on your list? This fun little gadget can get them in tip-top shape in the most conversation-igniting way possible. You basically have to provide resistance against its spinning. It’s more addicting than it sounds. Trust us.

 

Handbag Light with Automatic Sensor

handbag light

Never again get caught in the dark searching blindly through your handbag desperately trying to find your keys, cosmetics or other items that settle to the bottom of a cluttered purse. This little light is motion activated and turns off after a couple of seconds. Genius can be found in the simplest of ideas.

 

USB Leather Tassel Key Chain Charging Cable

USB tassel

Speaking of losing things, we feel like we keep buying USB cables because we keep leaving them like breadcrumbs everywhere we go. Even if we have a plug or car charger available to us, we don’t have a cable. This beauty clips onto your purse or backpack to always be handy in a form meets function kind of situation. Works for Android and iPhone (there’s even a lightning cable).

Okay, maybe the last three gifts weren’t so much “wows” as much as they were “that’s pretty cool.” But seriously, just get the virtual reality glasses, be a hero, and call it a day.

Happy Holidays!

Ellen and Erin

This post contains affiliate links because, hey, Santa could use a little help in our houses too.

Hey! Want to buy our new book? I Just Want to Be Perfect brings together 37 hilarious and relatable essays that showcase the foibles of ordinary women trying to be perfect.

I Just Want to Be Perfect

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

 

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Five Things Better to Give Than Presents

It’s that point in the busy holiday season where we are all calling which corner we want to rock in later when we get a free moment. We say that you can keep on railing against the gods of time suck or you can make some adjustments. While we can’t stuff your stockings,  hang your baubles, or roast your beast, we can help you find happiness amidst the hullabaloo. In fact, finding calm in the Christmas chaos is as easy as putting down the paper and scissors and putting on your thinking cap instead. We’re gonna keep this short and simple, folks, because quite frankly, who’s got the time, but here are five things better to give than presents. It truly is better to give than to receive, and these will bring you back to the holiday spirit in no time. Promise.
 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

1) The Gift of Experience

We both believe that experiences trump things. To that end, over the years, we have given concert tickets, special trips, museum visits, and special lessons. We could say that the memories from those special moments were as much a gift to us as to our kids. But spending special time with their awesome moms is the ultimate gift for our kiddos AND they usually end up with a souvenir AND we end up with great pictures! Consider this idea a win-win-win!

Bonus that these gifts don’t need to be wrapped either.

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

The lads and Ellen AND her kids had a brilliant Christmas.

2) The Gift of Tradition and Time Together

We both be-deck our halls and weight our trees with as many memories as the walls and limbs can stand, but we never underestimate the power of unplugging.Erin’s family kicks it old school with a new puzzle every year. After they work as a family to put it together, then they mount it, and use it for a Christmas decoration the following year. A foolproof plan for fun and festive flair!

We both also give games. Sure, one might argue that our deeply rooted competitive natures might be at the heart of this one, but we offer this counter-argument. The Great Scrabble Rout of 2007? The Epic Camel Slaughter in Parcheesi? The time the four year old won the UNO tournament? These memories all rival any trip we have ever taken in the annals of family fun. So bottom line, you can think what you want. And if you are coming over this Christmas, be prepared to pick a card.

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Every year, Grandma likes a photo with all of her grandbabies. It goes reasonably well most of the time. Not this year, apparently, but most of the time.

3) The Gift of Memory

Each year we both work our Shutterfly accounts like a boss to create calendars with pictures from the past year to guide us through the new one. We also both make family yearbooks. Because we started blogging in 2011, Erin is a little behind so her family is getting the 2011 yearbook this Christmas. Resist the urge to point out that we are now in the fleeting days of 2016. She knows. She KNOWS!

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

We like the also ran photos more than the album-worthy ones. These are the memories we hope we don’t lose.

4) The Gift of Acknowledgment

Every year Erin’s kids pick someone who has been an angel to their family. Then they give a plate of cookies and an angel ornament to that person. The conversation as they decide who to pick each year is a gift to them all as they realize how many wonderful people they have in their life.

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

5) The Gift of Each Other

As a general rule, the best gifts don’t actually fit in a box or bag. When Erin’s kids were young, they spontaneously created a play one Christmas Eve.  Even as the kids have crossed over into Planet Teen, they have never given up creating a special performance for that night. It is, without question, the best gift Steve and Erin get all year and they are really hoping that one of the videos from these performances will hit it big on Youtube. Then it can keep on giving all the way to the Ivy League. How’s that for a Christmas wish?

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Watching a little girl get all her big cousins to play trains with her is wish fulfillment of a different but equally great kind.

But that’s not all.

Our trees are trimmed to the nines with handprints, school pictures, and handicrafts of all skill levels. Our schedules are crammed with band concerts and Christmas plays and choral recitals. Our houses are full of trays of cookies, homemade decorations, and gingerbread houses.

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Apparently when boys outgrow gingerbread houses, they get creative and start crafting things on their own. Like the TARDIS from DOCTOR Who.

We know that this is the good stuff.  So we clean up the glitter glue and the paper confetti on the floor, work our crockpots to the max to get dinner to the masses before each performance, and buy more cookie sheets to keep our little cookie sweat shops cranking.  The big wide world will be taking these kids soon enough.

For now, we will just take a deep breath, enjoy the chaos, and be grateful for our gifts.

 Holidays got you stressed and not your best? Here are five things better to give than presents. Parenting at Christmas made simple, easy, and full of the joy of the season. | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

And if none of this helps, we have found that nothing will help you get your holiday spirit on like a reluctant angel.

These are some things that have helped us find the happy sweet underbelly of Christmas in the midst of the madness. Think of them as the cookies before the main course. What? Cookies don’t come first? We’ll never tell. It’s the most wonderful time of the year after all.

A merry, merry Christmas to all!

Erin and Ellen

 

Hey! Want to buy our new book? I Just Want to Be Perfect brings together 37 hilarious and relatable essays that showcase the foibles of ordinary women trying to be perfect.

I Just Want to Be Perfect

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

 

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Best and Easiest Gift Exchange Idea Ever!

Holiday sanity can be achieved by simplifying your gift list. This Christmas gift guide will work for all of the people in your life. Best and easiest gift exchange idea ever! | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

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.

Socks are the Best and Easiest Gift Exchange Idea Ever! 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, and they don't add to clutter. | Christmas | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

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.

Wine Salad

 

If You Can Read This, Bring Me Chocolate

Wine not your friend’s thing?  Chocolate may hit the spot.

Chocolate socks

 

Taco Tuesday

Let’s be honest. Any day ending in “y” is a good day for tacos.

taco socks

 

Holy Guacamole

We know the guacamole is extra, but it’s totally worth it.

Avocado socks

 

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.

Dog Socks

 

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.

Dog in cone

 

Purr-fect

Let’s not give all the attention to the dogs, acknowledge your feline aficionados too. Once again, it’s a five pack.

cat socks

 

Purr-fectly Nerdy

For the friend who likes felines and funny. (And now these are in my cart.)

Nerdy cats

 

Something Fishy

Fur not your thing? Here’s a goldfish for you. I like how it’s a little more subtle.

Golldfish socks

 

Oh Deer!

I love how these are festive, but not so Christmas-y that you can’t wear them past December.

deer socks

 

Secret Sass

Business up top, sassy at the sole.

Secret Sass

 

High Praise

For the wonder woman in your life who likes to keep her awesome on the down low.

Running the world

 

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.

Wonder woman socks

 

Words of Wisdom

One final funny that doubles as pretty sound advice too.

Asshole socks

 

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!

Mommy Shorts Collage Sensible Moms

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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Post contains affiliate links.

 

Hey! Want to buy our book? I Just Want to Be Perfect brings together 37 hilarious and relatable essays that showcase the foibles of ordinary women trying to be perfect.

I Just Want to Be Perfect

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

 

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How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Our trees might be rejected as centerfolds for Southern Living, but they take center stage in our hearts because they are chock full of memories.

Don’t get us wrong. We love the balanced, color-coordinated perfection of department store trees. We praise our friends and family who are able to miraculously pull off similar feats without an ounce of snark in our hearts. In fact, Ellen has a second tree in her dining room that is pretty darn coordinated and themed . . .

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

And THIS is Erin’s version of a themed tree. Yeah, that is Yoda up there reigning over a tree full of Star Wars and Star Trek ornaments. May the force be with you.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

But these aren’t the trees that our celebrations center around. Our main family trees are more than just decorations, they tell the stories of our lives. Each baby, marriage, vacation, and milestone is represented. Our lives are messy jumbles of events and joys and our trees have evolved into reflections of that.

We are behind on our photo albums, and there are more than a few children between us without completed any baby books, but dammit, decorating our Christmas trees is like the best walk down memory lane each and every year.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Erin

1. Caorach—That’s Gaelic for sheep if you were curious. When Steve and I were traveling through Ireland on our honeymoon, I was impressed by the beautiful countryside, the friendly people, and the sheep. Lots of sheep. This little fella has been part of our flock for 16 years now and I love seeing his simple unfinished wood wrapped in Irish wool every Christmas. It always takes me back to that special time when we were just starting out.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

2. Whatever, Martha! Oh, sisters are the absolute best, and I have been particularly blessed to have a great one. But in addition to being a long distance swimmer and full-time university professor, my sister is crafty. I did not get this gene, but it doesn’t usually smack me in the face until Christmas arrives. This is when we receive my sister’s beautiful gifts handmade with love. They contrast nicely with my gifts which usually look like my seven year old wrapped them. I love everything she has made us, but these are particularly cute. She made these for everyone (and I have a big family!) customized with hair color, eye color, glasses, and colors of their favorite sports team. Aren’t they adorable?? Don’t you all want to hate her just a little bit?

10 Christmas Ornaments We Love---Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

3. Angelface — When I was a little girl, my dad went to a Christmas party and one of his friends gave him 2 angels to give to me and my sister on Christmas day. My sister’s had blond hair and hung side by side with my angel at the top of our tree under our star until I married Steve and took my angel with me. This humble little angel is probably one of my oldest possessions and I love seeing her on our tree every year and remembering all of her Christmases past.

10 Christmas Ornaments We Love---Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

4. Sisters Are Special—The Series— Remember what I said about sisters?? This is just one of a series of ornaments we gave each other. They are all pretty cute and extol the virtues of sisterhood, but this is the only photo one.
10 Christmas Ornaments---Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

5. Family — Steve and I moved away from Maryland to mid-coast Maine a month after we were married. When we moved back home to Maryland, we had two kids and I was 8 months pregnant with the 3rd. We moved into a small apartment right before Christmas, and I couldn’t get to any of our Christmas decorations. I shoved a small artificial tree that someone was throwing away into a Nordstrom box, and bought a strand of lights (the tree was so small it only needed one). Then I took the box of extra photos (you know, the ones you didn’t use for albums or gifts before everything went digital) and started making ornaments. I showed you one of Ace as a baby here, but we still hang all of those crappy ornaments from our first Christmas in Maryland on our tree. It makes me happy to see how young we were and remember myself as a young mom determined to have a tree no matter what.

erin family

 

 

Ellen

6. Bermuda Moon Gate — My husband, Frank, and I got this on our honeymoon in–wait for it–Bermuda. Its complete circle symbolizes unity, peace, and happiness. The idea was brought to Bermuda in the 1800s by a sea captain who had visited Asia, but the island quickly adopted it as their own. Newlyweds who pass through a moon gate hand-in-hand are said to have everlasting happiness and good fortune. We were married twenty-one years ago, so I guess  they were onto something.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

7. You Can Find A Gift Shop Anywhere — After I graduated from medical school, Frank and I went to Italy. Not surprisingly, one of the most breathtaking sights was St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the views of Rome from the roof and the cupola were equally spectacular. Imagine our surprise when we turned from the panoramic vistas to find a gift shop on the roof (I hear they also have a coffee bar now, too). We purchased this mosaic cross and it has had a place of honor at the top of tree ever since.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

8. Sharing Family History — My grandparents and their families were from Chincoteague Island, Virginia. While growing up, I spent every summer visiting down there. This ornament commemorates taking my first born daughter there when she was one year old. She never got to meet my grandparents, but she did get to meet my Great-Aunt Ruth and enjoyed herself immensely on her first beach trip.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

9. Talking Easter on Christmas — In 2007, we were lucky enough to go to the White House Easter Egg Roll. And yes, it was fabulous. Thank you Aunt Allaire for the tickets. There were children’s authors, the Easter Bunny, Hannah Montana, and the Jonas Brothers. This was when the wrecking ball was just a gleam in Miley’s eye. It really was like a festive old timey country fair . . . well, except for the aforementioned Disney-fest.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

10. New York Whirlwind — This ornament commemorates the awesome two day New York City vacation I took with my daughters in 2011. In just over 48 hours, we visited my sorority sister in Princeton, NJ, caught the train to Penn Station, rode a taxi to our swanky Times Square hotel ,The Sanctuary, took the subway to the Staten Island Ferry, rode the (free!) ferry round-trip to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, lunched at Mars 2021, rode the Ferris wheel at Toys R Us, dropped a fortune at the M&M store, got swept up into The Transformers: Dark of the Moon premier, ate at the Shake Shack with Aunt Donna, got caught up in a Year of the Rabbit party in our hotel lobby, ate breakfast at a diner, went to the Top of the Rock, took a carriage ride through Central Park, sat five rows back at Wicked, dined at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, took the subway to Penn Station, and got our fannies home. I can DO tourist.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

Bonus

My 14-year-old wanted me to include her favorite ornament. It makes her happy year after year because it never loses its bubble bath scent. And because she makes my heart happy, I’m including it. Plus maybe this will make her like the blog better. She’s not a huge fan.

How Our Christmas Ornaments Tell the Stories of Our Lives - Some Christmas trees are perfectly beautiful, and some tell a perfectly wonderful story. - Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

Is your tree a Pinterest dream or a hodgepodge?

Tell us about YOUR favorite ornament!

From The Sisterhood to you, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with love and happiness.

Ellen and Erin

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Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

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The Last Christmas Pageant

It was an especially busy week last week. Winter concerts backed up to fall sports banquets (don’t even ask) which piled on top of all of our regularly scheduled things to create a perfect storm of frenzied activity that looks, even in hindsight, exhausting. So it’s no wonder that I almost forgot about the Christmas pageant altogether and even more believable that I nearly overlooked that it would in fact be our very last one too.

The Last Christmas pageant

In our school, the kids participate in a Christmas pageant from preschool through third grade. This means, if you are a person who likes to keep count, that my family has been in a Christmas pageant every year for nearly forever. We have pinned more than our fair share of ears on our little stable animals, rehearsed lines, practiced songs, and eased stage fright worries. One of the gifts of a larger family is that we move more slowly through childhood. We don’t simply move on from some ages and stages like more economically sized broods. Life and logistics means that we get to stay here a little longer, that our big kids get to linger in little kid land an extra beat, that we get chance after chance after chance to straighten those robes and adjust those halos.

But our youngest son is in third grade now, so this year represents a chapter turning. He has worked himself up from the most reluctant angel to a fairly recalcitrant cow to a barely mumbling narrator to nab himself a primo role as the wiseman Caspar this year. On the one hand, I marvel that the boy finally fits that crown on his head, that he actually delivered his lines, that he sang his song so loud and clear. My heart swells, love grows, pride overflows. On the other hand, well, I miss that little bugger of an angel.Parenting through the lasts is just as important as the firsts. The Last Christmas Pageant | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

For me, this yearly ritual has been a bit like visiting a favorite vacation spot. We have measured ourselves against this familiar signpost for so long that leaving this Christmas pageant stage behind is going to be a bit of an adjustment. The tree can sparkle like Clark Griswold himself lit her up and the cookies can arrange themsleves in their pretty tins, but the season has not really begun until I see some angels squirming onstage and hear some off-key but earnest singing. This has been as important to my holiday heart as cookies or carols, uncomfortable chairs be damned. My heart has needed the messy, loud, uncontainable thing I witness at these performances to degrinchify it and get it back to the size it should be just in time for Christmas.

But I am going to have to find a new frame of reference, because this Christmas pageant ship has sailed.  Lucky for me, I am getting really good at the whole bending, changing, and growing up thing. This time last year my oldest was a senior and getting ready for college. I wasn’t making resolutions because I was just hoping I could become the mom he needed me to be, the one that could let him go.

Now, my oldest son is home after finishing his first semester of college and we are all a little in awe that we are here.  We are a new improved version of the “us” I have always known and loved, but we are all getting to now the new individuals we have become in our time apart.  Moving beyond the Christmas pageant phase of our life is not the same as moving a kid out of the house, I know, but parts of it feel the same. Just like last year, I feel us all stepping forward into a brave new world.

Now we are no longer a “little kid” family. Toys R Us is not the mothership anymore. We are growing up from top to bottom, so I’ve decided to take my cues from the carol “Auld Lang Syne.” Not just a song about old friends,  I like what it says about being graceful and open to the passage of time. I like the parts about moving into the future without denying the past. Sure there has to be a last Christmas pageant, just like there was a first, but there is no use fighting it or crying about it.

Auld Lang Syne. Time goes by. So it does and so do we right along with it.  There is nothing to do but turn this chapter and wait eagerly for what is to come.

Parenting through the lasts is just as important as the firsts. The Last Christmas Pageant | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

-Erin

 

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

 

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The Perfect Gift: Jord Watches

The best gift for those hardest to shop for on your list, man or woman. | Jord Watch | Gift Guide | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

‘Tis the season for gift guides, and we are pros at it. We have lists for the teens in your life: boys and girls. We have a guide for men and a specific one for kitchen gadgets.

But there is one gift we want to recommend that is so fabulous, it could be on any of the lists we’ve published: Jord Watches!

The best gift for those hardest to shop for on your list, man or woman. | Jord Watch | Gift Guide | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

The best gift for those hardest to shop for on your list, man or woman. | Jord Watch | Gift Guide | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

These beauties are made from all natural, untreated wood except for the the clasp and back which are stainless steel. How unique is that?  And just look at how they’re packaged! The gorgeous gift box is silky smooth wood with a lid that slides back to reveal your timepiece nestled on its very own pillow. It really broadcasts from the moment it’s unwrapped that this is something special.

And it truly is. This is the gift for the people on your list who:

  • You love the most and want to “wow.”
  • Are the hardest to buy for because they have everything.
  • Are very style conscious.
  • Like only natural products to touch their skin.

Jord was kind enough to share two watches with us for our honest opinion, and honestly, we love them! We wear them all of the time, but it was so much easier to have our lovely daughters model them for photos. Now the only problem is they want to wear them all of the time. We should have known better, but there are birthdays and graduation coming up in the new year. Hmmmmm.

Erin received this stylish Zebrawood one from the Cora series:

The best gift for those hardest to shop for on your list, man or woman. | Jord Watch | Gift Guide | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

From Erin:

I keep having to steal this watch back from my daughter. It is stunning when you put it up against her gorgeous red hair, so I understand why she would want it. But as a teacher by day, I love looking down at my wrist and seeing this watch’s pretty face to keep me on track. It totally brightens my every day, so she can’t have it to herself just yet.

Ellen received one from the Dover series:

The best gift for those hardest to shop for on your list, man or woman. | Jord Watch | Gift Guide | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

From Ellen:

I love being able to see the inner workings of my Dover watch. After years of using my cellphone as my timepiece, it’s nice to get back to something that feels so organic. I get compliments every time I wear it, including one from my hipster graphic designer brother-in-law. He noticed it right away at Thanksgiving. It’s not often I feel that cool.

So seriously, if you love someone, get them the perfect gift: Jord Watches. Shipping is free, even internationally, and Jord will even size it for you before it is sent out. With its one year guarantee, you can feel secure giving the gift of style this holiday season.

Happy Holidays,

Ellen and Erin

Watches Made From Wood

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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Stages of Shutterfly Deadline Delusion

Stages of Shutterfly Deadline Delusion: Photo books are such personal, wonderful gifts . . . that will drive you to the brink of insanity as you try to make that Shutterfly deadline. |Christmas| Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

So you decided one fine December that it would be super swell to make photo books as holiday gifts for the grandparents, siblings, and aunts. And it was . . . but it was so much work. So. Much. Work.

But they loved them, and they fawned over you, and now it’s your thing. Your stressful, time-sucking thing. But you know in your heart it doesn’t have to be that hard. If you just knocked them out earlier in the year it wouldn’t be so bad. Right? RIGHT?! New Year’s resolution time: jump on Shutterfly in January and BOOM, Christmas shopping will be done before the calendar even flips a page.

But things come up, time gets away from you, and then suddenly . . .

  1. It’s dawn on December 5th when you realize the 50% discount–THE BEST OFFER OF THE YEAR–ends at midnight.
  2. Procrastination be damned and with Shutterfly as your witness, you will get the photo books done today!
  3. But first Facebook.
  4. NO! FOCUS! Must start culling through 30 bajillion photos. Because digital.
  5. Declare Part B of your new New Year’s resolution is to delete bad photos as you go along.
  6. (No, you won’t.)
  7. Figure out that NOT ONE of the 50 pictures you shot on burst for the family portrait has everyone looking good (or at least looking at the camera) at the same time.
  8. Spend an hour on PicMonkey frankensteining a photo that is album cover worthy.
  9. Hell, while you’re at it, touch up your roots and whiten your teeth in that one fab picture of yourself in front of the tree.
  10. Crap, you need to get the kids to school.
  11. Okay, focus. Just pick some pictures so a book can actually happen.
  12. Start upload of 331 photos.
  13. Celebrate with your 4th cup of coffee before 10:00 AM because now you can begin the fun stuff of designing your book.
  14. Come back with your 5th mug of coffee and realize not all of the photos are on the site  because your internet connection glitched in the middle of your upload.
  15. Go through the tiny thumbnails and figure out what’s missing.
  16. Schedule an appointment with the eye doctor to see if you need glasses.
  17. Start another upload.
  18. Swear you’ll upload your pictures immediately after Christmas this year.
  19. (No you won’t.)
  20. While upload is completing (you won’t dare walk away this time because your broken spirit is too heavy to drag along), pick out the perfect theme.
  21. Treat yourself to a 6th cup of coffee because you picked out the perfect theme in three minutes.
  22. Oh nardbolts, it is one that costs extra.
  23. Go back and settle on a different theme. Convince yourself that your basic family will like the basic theme.
  24. Check on the upload.
  25. Accidentally pause upload because your hands are shaking.
  26. Make yourself a sandwich to soak up the caffeine.
  27. Start the book.
  28. Forty minutes later panic–because while they are PERFECTLY placed–you only have three pictures in your album and it’s now time to pick the kids up from school.
  29. Grind on the homework/dinner/practice/bedtime hamster wheel.
  30. Grab a latte to get you through.
  31. Four hours later get back on Shutterfly.
  32. Add a shot of Bailey’s to your coffee because you realize you only have 45% of one page created.
  33. Pass out on the keyboard because you are EXHAUSTED.
  34. Wake up at 4:00 AM. Succumb to gnashing of teeth and rending of garments BECAUSE YOU MISSED THE DEADLINE!
  35. Start Google search  to see how much you could get for a kidney to pay for full price photo books.
  36. Check email and see–can it be true??–the 50% deal has been extended by ONE DAY.
  37. Fall to your knees weeping the praises of Shutterfly and promising to use this second chance to end your procrastinating ways once and for all.
  38. (No you won’t.)
  39. Get the kids to school and crank up that Keurig because momma’s got a photo book to complete.
  40. Bust through 30 pages like a woman possessed by ignoring your family and squashing all semblances of holiday cheer. Hit submit at 11:52 PM.
  41. Revel in those eight minutes to spare.
  42. Be stricken with complete amnesia when those glorious orange boxes show up on your doorstep.
  43. Bask in your praises on Christmas morning.
  44. Repeat steps 1 through 43 next year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

Ellen 

You can follow us on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Check out our books, “I Just Want to Be Alone” and “You Have Lipstick on Your Teeth.”

 

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2015 Teen Gift Guide

Teens are a notoriously tough crowd, so we get the sheer panic at trying to buy a gift for them. A stack of gift cards or a card stuffed with cash would certainly be appreciated, but there is no need to shy away from at least trying to surprise them. In the past, we have created lists just for teen girls and teen guys, but this year there is something for everyone in our teen gift guide. Miracles can happen. Perhaps you will find just the right gift to make your holiday sparkle a little brighter this year. Take a look!

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Just For Fun

Don’t forget that teens are just kids who shave and drive. Get them back in touch with their inner child with some of these fun gifts!

Aquapod Bottle Launcher, Fluorescent Orange

Kids love to shoot stuff in the air. Don’t question, just put it in your cart.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Hubsan X4 Quadcopter with FPV Camera Toy

Drones are the like video games in three dimensions. These will make good memories and help preserve them too with its onboard camera. Love it!Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Hog Wild Toys Air Strike Catapult 

Even your towering six-footer is still a kid at heart. He’ll love this economical and super awesome catapult. Just warn the cat or dog to take cover. Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Areaware Medium Cubebot Multi Color Puzzle

These little puzzles are addictive and fun to put together if you, gulp, have more than one teen in your household.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Leonardo da Vinci Magnetic Finger Puppet

These magnetic finger puppets are a hoot! Literary giants, scientific minds, and even their famous forefathers can be theirs. Fun stocking stuffers!

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Looking more fun ideas? Check out this list for your favorite Doctor Who fan.

 For Music Lovers

DOBANI Small Thumb Piano

Teens enjoy making noise, so make it melodius with this mini instrument. A pocket-sized piano is just as much fun as it sounds.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Kikkerland Make Your Own Music Box Kit

Some teens are industrious and like a project. This is one of the best ones we have seen with an end project that won’t burn down your house or end up in the trash.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Waterproof Apple iPod Shuffle

Teens love water and electronics, but these two things don’t mix well.  An especially good idea for your favorite lifeguard or swimmer, this shuffle will deliver their tunes and help keep their other electronics safe.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Tech Any Teen Would Love

Rode VMGO Video Mic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone

This is the perfect gift for any audiovisually inclined teen. The microphone works easily with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras alike. This mean that whether he’s recording his video game reviews or she’s showing off her dance moves, your future YouTube sensation will have supersonic, crystal clear audio.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Cobra Electronics CPP 7500 JumPack Portable Power Pack

Teens love electronics. Keep them charged and ready with a portable power pack.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Pulse Dimmable LED Light with Wireless Bluetooth Speakers 

Screw these into any can or track lighting, and you have awesome Bluetooth speakers plus a light show. By downloading an app, you control it all from your smartphone. Teens will appreciate the two-in-one approach to the fun.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player

Let them take their beloved Netflix everywhere they go. Great price point for bringing all the joy. Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Printer

Just use the app to connect this printer to any smartphone. Simply choose a photo and it will create a small, instant Instax print of the photo. Lots of people can connect to it at once which makes it great for parties and a winner for any tech-y, photo-loving teen.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Games Teens Play

Here’s a tip: a plain old deck of Bicycle Standard Index Playing Cards  is a great stocking stuffer. Our teens love good old-fashioned cards, but if you want to get a little fancier, here are some winners we like.

The Settlers of Catan

Even sulky teens can’t resist the great combination of luck and strategy in this game. Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Pandemic Board Game

Your teens will love it as much as ours do.  They love teaming up as disease-fighting specialists in this one. If the disease spreads, everybody loses. If they contain the outbreak, they all win. Family fun and peace in one box. Fa-la-la-la-la. Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Poleish Sports Standard Game Set

Looking for some active fun? This game combines elements of virtually all outdoor games and lawn sports. Throwing, catching, strategy, teamwork, offense, and defense are part of every toss in game play.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Set: The Family Game of Visual Perception

This game stimulates your mind and some conversation. It’s smart without being too braggy about it. Teens gobble this one right up.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Not finding any games that look like a good fit?

Check out our mega list chock full of some of our favorites here.

Book Recommendations

Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe

This guide is THE book for the teen who still loves his or her comics. The cool infographics on every page visually represent the kind of minutiae that feeds the soul of a true fan.  Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

The Martian by Andy Weir

Watney’s humor and humanity breathe life into this well-paced and thoughtfully constructed story about a man’s struggle for survival in an unforgiving environment. His plucky ultimate underdog self will win teen hearts as the real science sprinkled throughout engages their minds.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

This story of first love is peopled with high schoolers the way we remember them and know them now. Funny, sweet, vulnerable, flawed, and deeply striving for love, acceptance, and independence, these are characters to cheer for and your teens will. The Barnes and Noble sales rack calls this a teen romance. It’s so much more. A buoyant, wonderful read that makes a perfect gift.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Anything by Nicholas Sparks has the power to charm lovesick teens. Trust us. A walk down any high school hallway bears this one out.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

These books not quite right?

Check out some of our other booklists here and here and here and here.

Or just see our teen/tween booklists here and here.

Some Pretty Things

Alex and Ani “Bangle Bar” Birthstone Bracelet

With a sweet price point under $30, these bracelets make a lovely gift. Girls can stack them to infinity and beyond, so don’t feel like you have to just buy one.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 

Michael Kors Womens Watch

A splurge for sure, this watch is at the top of many a teen wishlist this season. If you are in the mood to spoil a special girl, have at it.
Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Tory Birch Bangle Fitbit Bracelet

Pretty and practical, this is a gift that hits it out of the ballpark on both fronts.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Boot Cuff Socks

All teens are into footwear. These are essential for pairing with the cutest of boots. Buy them in bulk and win her heart forever.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Hunter Womens Original Boot

Another indulgent purchase that will win you brownie points. Girls love these boots. Find a coupon or a sale and be the hero this Christmas.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Thick Knitted Winter Warm Infinity Scarf 

Scarves are still in. Find a pretty one and you have a lovely present you know she is going to love.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette

Top of the wish list for make-up. If your girl is into skincare, this one is sure to please.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Need even more suggestions?

Check out our list just for girls from last season. 

For Older Teens

Spotify membership

If you have a music-loving teen, this gift is thoughtful and practical. No ads, total control over what songs they hear, and the ability to keep the music playing even without phone service  make Spotify a winner.

Collegiate belts

Let your favorite guy or gal show off their school pride with a belt that shouts their spirit.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Collegiate tumblers and mugs

Hydration needs are real. Meet the need to show off their school pride and stay healthy. These are great and nearly indestructible.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Photo Fleece blanket

Make a cozy study blanket with favorite photos. Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

NutriBullet

Perfect for blending their own healthy smoothies, this is a gift they will appreciate and use for many years to come.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

MeGooDo LED Mini Portable Projector

College kids tend to watch TV on their laptops. This portable projector means they can watch with friends. Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Keurig Mini

Give them a little something to make their own morning jolt.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

For Active and Adventurous Teens

GoPro HERO3+: Silver Edition

This one is a bit of a splurge but action-oriented teens will appreciate the ability to record every minute of their big adventures.
Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

 Liquid Image All-Sport HD Camera Goggle

Same idea as above but it requires no extra equipment. You favorite skier might be thrilled to find this one under the tree.
Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Garmin Forerunner 15

Got an athlete? This combination step tracker + GPS sport watch tracks steps, pace, distance covered and calories burned. It will even tell you to get up and get moving if you have been hanging around too long.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Kitschy and Kool Finds

Star Wars Star Wars Chewbacca Adult Fleece Bathrobe

Because Star Wars, duh?

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

BlackRapid 35″ Shot Camera Strap  

Made from super-strong, orange nylon webbing, this camera strap attaches to the camera’s tripod socket. Hanging upside down at your side rather than around your neck and available in two versions, one that goes over your shoulder and another that goes across your body like a typical R-strap, this is a special gift for your photo-junkie teen.

Holiday gift guide for teens and tweens | Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms

Hope these help you have the happiest of holidays!

-Erin and Ellen

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small compensation from Amazon if you make a purchase using them. Thanks for shopping!

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