Gifts – Memoirs of a Stay at Home Mom

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My Favorite Gifts for Kiddos

June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 sarahcarleypaul

I’m a mom of three boys — invites to kids’ birthday parties come with the territory. Ditto on my own boys’ parties. There’s not a month that we don’t have at least one shindig to attend, and I’m totally fine with that. I need the socializing as much as my kids do, and what better place to connect with other mom friends than at a place where there’s guiltless cake and probably wine of some sort? (I’m in the south — don’t judge.)

Because I’ve got three kids with ages ranging from 6 months to 8 years, I’ve definitely got my favorite “go-to” gifts for other kids. I try to stray from trendy items because:

A) Often times, they already have those toys, or

B) I’m not 100% sure what he or she is into.

Look, we all want our kids to enjoy themselves. And it is totally fine for our littles to be drawn to the latest, greatest, & loudest. But coming from a mom whose children are surrounded by loud toy guns, trucks, video games, and Legos (if you think Legos can’t be loud, then clearly you’ve never been around a boy with Legos), sometimes I prefer to give other kids fun activities (with minimal mess) and their moms a much-deserved break from all things battery operated.

The things I’ve got in store for you today still allow kids to be kids, but it also provides an opportunity for fun family experiences. I hope you find something cool for your little guy or gal’s next birthday party adventure!

Zoo passes
Fun subscription boxes

0-2

3-4

5-8

9-16+

9-16+

*The above boxes are from Kiwi & Co. I am not affiliated with nor am I receiving any sort of compensation from Kiwi & Co.
Movie passes with enough for drink/snack
Image found here: https://www.etsy.com/market/movie_ticket
Age appropriate arts & crafts sets.

Brit + Co Hand Stamping

Discovery Crane Tower

*Brit+Co Metal Stamp Necklace Kit

*Discovery Kids Crane Tower Set
Board games

The Oregon Trail

Where in the World is Carmen San Diego

Speak Out

*The Oregon Trail

*Where in the World is Carmen San Diego

Speak Out: Kids vs. Parents

I also love incorporating books of some sort into my gift, especially for little ones. What are some of your go-to gifts for kids? I’m always game to add to my list of ideas.

Decor, Entertaining, Family, Gifts, Heirlooms, Holidays, Links, Lists, Mom blog, Mom Life, Mood Boards, Motherhood, Parenting, Uncategorized

Mother’s Day Gift Guide pt. 4

May 1, 2018 sarahcarleypaul

Hey, y’all! So sorry for the long absence; the past few days have been absolutely crazy. However, I’m back with our fourth edition of the Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Today, I’m going to share with you two of my favorite brands from two of my favorite leading ladies: Joanna Gaines & Ree Drummond. I love these two mommas’ charming personalities and am constantly impressed by their moral compasses — even in the face of their individual fame.

Joanna’s line “Hearth & Hand” (a Target exclusive) is simple yet stunning; her attention to detail is absolutely exquisite. Ree’s “Pioneer Woman” takes a different approach, but is equally charming and detail oriented. I have provided two separate boards each complete with links to the products.

What momma wouldn’t love getting some new decor inspiration?! I know I sure would. Here’s to finding some beautiful ideas for mom that I just know she’ll enjoy for years to come.

mother's day4a — Joanna Gaines’ “Hearth & Hand”

mother's day4b — Ree Drummond’s “Pioneer Woman”

Previous Posts
Mother’s Day Gift Guide pt. 1
Mother’s Day Gift Guide pt. 2
Mother’s Day Gift Guide pt. 3

Family, Gifts, Holidays, Kids, Links, Lists, Mom blog, Mom Life, Mood Boards, Motherhood, Parenting, Women's health

Mother’s Day Gift Guide pt. 2

April 26, 2018 sarahcarleypaul

We’re back for the second part of the Mother’s Day gift guide. Most moms these days are either into fitness for fitness’ sake or, if they’re like me, are into fitness because: toddlers. Either way, there are so many great gift options available that encompass fitness and health. You don’t have to weigh mom down with dumbells and gym memberships in order to meet her interests (although if she’s into that, the what the hell). Today you can find neat water bottles that infuse natural fruit flavoring, punny tops that motivate, fitness trackers, etc., etc. I’ve rounded up a few of my personal favorites to show y’all today. I hope you find something for mom so she can have her cake and eat it too — so to speak.

Come back tomorrow for more great Mother’s Day goodies!

Previous Posts
Mother’s Day Gift Guide pt. 1

Family, Gifts, Holidays, Links, Lists, Mom Life, Mood Boards, Motherhood, Parenting, Uncategorized

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

April 24, 2018 sarahcarleypaul

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering where in the world the time has gone. How is it already late April?! Per usual, time has a way of making itself into an epic whirlwind. With that said, Mother’s Day is upon us. Hell, most you ARE mommas, so that isn’t exactly news to you. But some of you might be wondering what on earth to get for that special ladies (or several special ladies) in your life to show them your appreciation. I absolutely fall into that category; I could give my own mom a stick tied with a string and she’d manage to not only find a use for it, but she would also genuinely appreciate the “thought”.

Contrary to popular belief, people like this are not easy to buy for (I’m lookin’ at you, Elizabeth). In fact, the desire to find the perfect thing for that person only intensifies itself. Now, I’m lucky in that I know my mom pretty well and know what she likes, what she loves, and what she says she likes but really hates. But sometimes a brain fart squeaks its way into the forefront of the old brain box and *poof* you’re lost. This is where a gift guide comes in handy. I have compiled various lists of possible Mother’s Day gift items that might strike your fancy. If not, hopefully, it can point you in the right direction. Come back every day to see a different category!

Today we’re starting off with an old standby: jewelry. I love jewelry, but I’m not super keen on over-the-top, fancy stuff. I do have little ones, after all, and no nanny, so expensive baubles just aren’t my cup of tea. I adore sentimental jewelry, however. Below are a few of my absolute favorites — with links included!

mother's day1.png

Hope you find something wonderful from these suggestions and come back tomorrow for more gift ideas!