Holidays Archives

November 12, 2018 by Allie

How to Make Extra Money this Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here…and it’s time to go shopping! Whether you’re at the store picking up a turkey and sides for a Thanksgiving meal or buying gifts online for the kids, you can make extra money this holiday season using two of my favorite apps! This post contains referral links, and I may receive compensation if you sign up for these programs via those links.

Ebates gives you cash back when you shop online at over 2,500 stores, including Target, Kohl’s, and Best Buy. Before you visit a retailer’s website, log onto Ebates and search for the store’s name. If you click the store link through Ebates, you can earn anywhere from 1 to 25 percent cash back on your online purchases. You can move your earnings (as long as the total is $5 or more) into your PayPal account every 3 months.

Ibotta is one of my favorite rebate apps. It gives you cash back on everyday purchases at stores like Kroger, Whole Foods, and Walmart. Before you head to the store, visit the Ibotta app to find rebates on the items you typically buy. After your shopping trip, take a picture of your receipt and you’ll earn cash back on your purchases. When you reach $20 in rebates, you can move the money from Ibotta into your PayPal account.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season with a little extra cash in your pocket!

{This post is not sponsored by any company, but does contain referral links. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

July 2, 2018 by Allie

Toys They Still Love 6 Months After Christmas

When “Santa” brings new toys, they tend to get played with for 5 minutes before they end up collecting dust on a shelf in our playroom. But this year, there are a few toys that have remained in the boys regular rotation, even 6 months after Christmas! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Green Toys Train – My now 2.5 year old LOVES trains. And he has plenty of them. But even with his large Thomas and Friends collection, this Green Toys train is still one of his favorites, probably because it’s large enough to actually put stuff in. (It usually ends up carrying sand inside from the sandbox…)

Play Kitchen – I initially bought this to give the 2 year old his own kitchen to play in (and hopefully keep him out of mine.) It worked fantastically, especially with the realistic pots and pans. Even my 6 year old enjoys playing with it from time to time.

Crayola Silly Scents Markers – Art supplies are a huge hit at our house. We go through a lot of markers! These silly scents markers are so much fun for my 6 year old. He loves to bring me random markers and play “guess what this smell is”. Somehow, I always end up with a nose full of pickle or dirty socks. Lol

Wiggle Cars – These were a gift from my in-laws and the boys ride them around the house constantly! They were easily the best gift of Christmas 2017!

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon, but it does contain affiliate links to Amazon. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

December 14, 2017 by Allie

Holiday Gift Guide 2017 – Gifts for 6-8 Year Olds

If you’re having trouble finding Fingerlings (or whatever the hottest toy of the year is now…I can’t keep up…lol), here are some other gift ideas for 6-8 year olds that will definitely cost you less! (Any purchases made through the following affilate links provide a small compensation to this blog. Thank you for supporting PGM!)

If the weather is chilly where you are, and your child is obsessed with blankets and sleeping bags (maybe that’s just my son…), these Snuggie Tails blankets are so cute!

For something the whole family can enjoy, board games like Sorry, Pie Face, and Uno Attack are engaging and easy enough for young kids to play.

Crafts and Art Supplies are always a big hit at my house. My 6 year old is interested in making paper airplanes now. We also need to replenish markers around this time of year, and Crayola Silly Scents are a fun alternative to traditional markers.

If you’re looking for something more educational, fact books are perfect for those kids who constantly ask “Why?” And a good refresher for adults (like myself) who don’t really know…hahaha. Mad Libs are a fun way to work on grammar rules (what is a noun?, etc) without your child realizing it. They make a great stocking stuffer, too!

Check out other posts in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide series:

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon.com. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

December 11, 2017 by Allie

Holiday Gift Guide 2017 – Toddlers and Preschoolers

Toddlers and Preschoolers love to explore new things, and they learn about their world through play! Here are some fun gift ideas for your favorite 2-5 year old! (Any purchases made through the following affilate links provide a small compensation to this blog. Thank you for supporting PGM!)

A play kitchen is the quintessential toy for any young child. I know my sister and I spent hours playing with ours, and my two year old son is getting one this year! Don’t forget the pots and pans, plates and silverware, and some pretend food for your little chef to serve!

Got a little one who loves to watch you work with tools (and probably try to “help” too)? Get them their very own tool bench, and watch them learn motor skills, hand-eye coordination and more in a safe environment.

Another great gift to promote motor skills, hand-eye coordination and problem solving are the classic Lego Duplo sets. Both my boys (2 and 6) play with these on a regular basis, and I love that they’re large enough that I don’t have to worry about them being a choking hazard. (Unlike the tiny little Lego sets my older son has started getting into…so. many. little. pieces!)

Looking for something a bit more artsy? Play-Doh is fun for busy hands that like to get a little messy! Bonus: The little tubs make great stocking stuffers!

If you’re feeling nostalgic, Fisher-Price has a line of “classic” toys that I remember from my own childhood. My 2 year old got this cash register as a birthday gift, and it’s easily one of his favorites!

Check out other posts in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide series:

White Elephant Gifts
Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Gifts for 6-8 Year Olds

December 4, 2017 by Allie

Holiday Gift Guide 2017 – White Elephant Gifts

Attending a White Elephant party this holiday season, and need a gift fast? Check out these fun ideas from Amazon! (Any purchases made through the following affilate links provide a small compensation to this blog. Thank you for supporting PGM!)

Crafting with Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat – Who knew all the pesky cat hair that sticks to your clothes could be so versatile?!

Bag of Unicorn Farts (Cotton Candy) – Gluten free, produced by free-range unicorns! For a more seasonal option, try Reindeer Farts (Peppermint flavored Cotton Candy)!

Accoutrements Handicorn – Does your hand lack a certain majestic quality? Then turn it into a unicorn! (Also available in a variety of other animals…maybe you prefer a cat, a pug, or a squirrel?)

Chia Pet Bob Ross – Chia Pets are classic gag gifts, in my opinion. You can’t really go wrong with this one.

Check out other posts in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide series:

November 5, 2014 by Allie

Available Now – Mabel’s Labels Limited Edition Holiday Products

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

From now until December 30th, Mabel’s Labels is offering their limited edition Stocking Stuffer Combos and Holiday Return Address Labels!

The Stocking Stuffer Combos make the perfect stocking stuffer, party favor, and personalized add-on to other gifts. Best of all, you only pay $30 for 6 sets! The Holiday Return Address Labels are adorable and come in a variety of exclusive limited-edition Holiday designs. Don’t miss your chance to shop these great offers!

In addition to these limited edition products, Mabel’s Labels now offers new e-gift cards! There’s no need to run around searching for the perfect gift, because cards are available in $25 increments up to $200!

Happy Holidays!

(I am an affiliate blogger for Mabel’s Labels. The post above contains affiliate links that support this blog. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)

December 5, 2013 by Allie

I Almost Forgot About Christmas Cards!

How are we less than 3 weeks away from Christmas already?! Wasn’t it just July?

If you’re in a mild panic because OMG CHRISTMAS CARDS NO TIME!!!!!!!!!!!, here are a few tips for great, quick, and inexpensive (all words I like to hear!) holiday cards to send to your loved ones!

1) Go check out Baby Rabies tutorial on taking the perfect photo HERE!

2) Pick out a card at Shutterfly. We ordered our cards from them last year, and they turned out wonderfully! (I’m also an affiliate blogger for them, so I get a little something if you click the links/image below…thanks for supporting PGM!) In addition to cards, they also sell other photo gifts – perfect for grandparents!

3) Enter your coupon codes for AWESOME SAVINGS! Check out their current special offers. Right now, Shutterfly has free shipping on orders over $49, and 50% off a LOT of stuff! (Offers change frequently – these offers were valid at the time of posting.)

If you’re really in a rush, Shutterfly will even send the cards to your family and friends for you! Now you’ve checked one more thing off your list! Happy Holidays!!

{I am an affiliate blogger for Shutterfly. This post contains affiliate links that support this blog. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.}

October 23, 2013 by Allie

Christmas Toy Wishlist for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Affiliate links ahead! Click and support PGM! Thank you!

Like any mom, I’m always on the hunt for a good deal! That’s why I’m going to shop for toys, books and more at zulily this Holiday Season! That’s where I can find quality products from name brands at amazingly discounted prices!

My little guy is 2 years old now, and definitely knows what he likes (and what he doesn’t)! He’s really into planes, trains, and automobiles, so the Deluxe Train Set from PlanToys, and WOW Toys Johnny Jungle Plane would be great gifts for him. He loves WOW Toys, and so do I. They are great quality, and require NO BATTERIES!

Keeping with the cars theme, he would love this SwingCar Ride-on toy from JOYBAY. I can see him racing through the house now. (We should probably make sure this stays an “outside only” toy…)

This Personalized Chalkboard Place Mat from Doodlebugz Crayola is the perfect item to keep him distracted at a restaurant, and bring out his artistic side! I’d rather him color with chalk than fingerpaint his mashed potatoes all over the table…

And what little kid doesn’t love a having a place to hide? Playhut’s Tunnel Crawl ‘N’ Play Tent is lightweight, and can be set up anywhere in seconds! (I’m sure the cat would think this is pretty fun, too!)

There are so many great gifts ideas for your kids at zulily! Get a headstart on your holiday shopping today! (Only 63 days until Christmas!!)

{I am an affiliate blogger for Zulily. This post contains affiliate links that support this blog. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.}