One last thing…

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on December 23, 2008

Have you completed your shopping yet? Are you still looking for the perfect gift for your parents, grandparents, or maybe a friend who has everything, and need a gift now?

How about an Amazon gift card, so they can pick any one of these highly recommended (
by me, of course) items…

Or what about a highly fashionable item to add to any chic accessory collection…

A Mommy Tag Necklace from Emmie Kate would make a perfect gift for any mom left on your list. Heck, if you receive any money for Christmas this year, you should treat yourself to any of Emmie Kate‘s fantastic pieces! Just go and explore for a bit…. You will find necklaces, custom bracelets, photo gifts, and incredible heirloom gifts!

The Casio Baby-G Watches are not only functional, but they are cute, sassy and come in a variety of colors and styles. Perfect for the sporty mom, hip school teacher, or mom-to-be (think timing contractions). Slim, water resistant, and always accurate, this watch is a great gift for any on-the-go gal.

This Cranberry Satchel is to die for… Actually just about every Belisi design would be a terrific addition to any woman’s handbag repatoire. These handbags are sophisticated, classy and affordable! Browse through the designer handbags at Belisi and let me know which one you drool over!

And for that guy who’s stocking you still need to fill…

What traveling guy wouldn’t love to keep a picture of you or his kiddos close by? With the Planetjill Photo Luggage Tag, from Emmie Kate, he can do just that. Emmie Kate actually has some great gift ideas for guys, gals, children, teens and grandparents…. You are sure to find a great gift.

The Axe Touch Men’s Grooming Set would fill a stocking nicely, and keep your man smelling sexy! You can find Axe grooming sets at retailers just about every were… They offer a wide variety of cleansers, skin products, and “shower tools.”

I hope I’m the only one scrambling for those last-minute gifts, but in case I’m not (wink, wink), I hope these suggestions help some!


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Countdown to Christmas

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on December 19, 2008

I have been pretty good about not saving everything ’til the last minute… I have just about all of my shopping done, and my house is just about ready for my in-laws visit. I do still have to wrap gifts and bake some pies, but that’s the fun part of Christmas prep, right?

If you are any thing like the typical me, you like to put things off until the last minute. Well, you only have 3 full days left before Christmas, and now is the time to head out and grab those last minute gifts for the kiddos. To ease the stress of shopping, here are just a few quick ideas…

Did you know that Build-A-Bear has an e-gift card? You can customize your card just for your recipient in five easy steps, and it’s super easy to send your favorite kiddos just enough to purchase their very own Hal & Holly Moose, Lil’ Honey Cub or a High School Musical Bear.

My kiddos received Hal & Holly and were just thrilled! They will certainly be a fun way to be reminded of the Christmas season all through the year, as I’m afraid there is no way I’m going to be able to pack these babies away with the rest of our Christmas decorations, come next week. But, that’s okay – they are super cute!

Gift cards of any kind make the perfect gift when in a pinch. I know there is a whole lot of controversy around giving gift cards, with the way our economy is going, but if you purchase Visa gift cards, or even gift cards from Walmart, you can save yourself a big headache. Besides, wouldn’t you rather recieve a gift card then an item you’ll just tuck in the closet?

At Safeway (and its family of grocery stores – Vons, Dominick’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Pavilions, Carrs and Genuardi’s) they are helping Moms avoid stress and save time and money, by allowing us to earn double PowerPump Gas Rewards for every $100 in gift cards purchased with our Club Card at Safeway stores. You can pick up gift cards from over 300 retailers, restaurants, sports and entertainment companies (including Best Buy, The Home Depot, Macy’s, iTunes, plus many more!).

To find a participating store near you, go to www.Safeway.com/PowerPump and enter your zip code. Not only can you buy gift cards as presents this season, but they can also be great for personal use to receive the extra benefit of double gas rewards at the pump. The offer of double PowerPump gas rewards on gift cards will only be available through the holidays, so purchase those cards and save!

ornaments

How about a little gift for yourself come the new year? I have two $25 Build-A-Bear gift cards and a Walmart $100 gift card to give to some of my friends! That’s right…. Stay tuned to find out how you can win!

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Good Books Make Great Gifts

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on December 10, 2008

Books are always great gift ideas. Here are some of my favorite children’s books, novels, and cookbooks. Make sure you scroll over the title to read why they are my favorites.



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Robots and Flying Things

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on December 10, 2008

WowWee, known for their innovative hi-tech robotic and entertainment products, have created some of the most fun toys on my kids’ wish lists. Perhaps you will find one of their robots to be just what is missing from your Christmas gift list!

From the life-like White Tiger Cub to the talking Romio Mini Tribot, WowWee as created more than just your average robots. All of them have big personalities and will charm any one, old and young alike. The Tiger Cub even snores when he’s sleeping (for only five minutes, though – don’t worry!)… How cute is that?

And, for the girls on your gift list, how about Flying Tinkerbell? WowWee has captured the magic of Disney and has created a rechargeable, and easy-to-use, remote controlled indoor flyer. This fun little fairy is perfect for the younger set, but is made of foam, so don’t let it get in to the wrong hands. Around here we have to keep her away from Noah… He would take a bite out of her, guaranteed!

WowWee as many robots and flying things that will make your little (and big) friends smile, so be sure to check them out!

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Gifts to Make your Nintendo Junkie Grin!

December 9, 2008

Tweet Everyone’s video game library should be stocked with games that encourage learning, adventure, and inspire action. Some of the best games to play on our favorite video game console can be found below. Our favorites are marked, so make sure you check those out first! . Amazon.com Widgets Amazon.com Widgets . Family Game Night [...]

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Is that a lunch bag you’re carrying? (A Giveaway!)

December 4, 2008

Tweet Amazon.com WidgetsJust recently my good friend, Lori, told me about the new lunch bag lines from Mario Batali and Elle. I was so impressed with the chic designs that I jumped on the chance to sample one of my choosing when Lori asked me. I chose a large Elle tote from the myriad of [...]

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My Kids Leap for LeapFrog! (A Giveaway)

December 4, 2008

Tweet There are not many “toys” that my kiddos have that can keep them entertained for hours at a time. LeapFrog learning systems are such toys. You know what? As a mom, and my kiddos’ teacher, I am so happy that they can learn – I mean, play – so effortlessly. With games that help [...]

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What are you giving your kiddos for Christmas?

December 3, 2008

Tweet Whether you’ve got older kiddos for whom to buy or younger ones, We’ve got some ideas… Let’s talk about some of the hottest items, toys and otherwise, for the kids on our lists. You can see my picks below, Kristin’s here and Erika’s here! Happy Shopping!! I’m sure you’ve heard all the rage about [...]

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A Tama-what? (A Giveaway!)

December 3, 2008

Tweet I missed out on the virtual pet craze in the 90s (too old without kids of my own, I guess) and have a hard time spelling Tamagotchi even now! What I do know is that, for the first time ever, kiddos can raise multiple Tamagotchi characters in one egg with the Tamagotchi Connection V5 [...]

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For Your Princess (A Giveaway!)

December 3, 2008

Tweet Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake is sure to be a hit this Christmas. This magical dance adventure would make a wonderful gift for your little ballerina. It’s sure to mesmerize her, as it has mine, while it inspires and stimulates her young mind. (You can see my full review here.) Win it! Enter to [...]

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JumpStart 3D Adventure (A Giveaway!)

December 3, 2008

Tweet Are you looking for a gift for a little guy who loves to play on the computer? Both educational and fun, Jumpstart 3D Virtual World is perfect for ages 3-5. In My First Adventure, your little explorer can run, jump and swim through an amazing 3D virtual world. Josh, my 4 year old, really [...]

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Holiday Gift Guides Galore

November 30, 2008

Tweet Do you know what items are hot this Holiday season? Did you post tips on where to find the best gifts for the people on your Christmas list? Did you put together a Gift Guide for easy reference? If you answered YES to any of the questions above, we want to hear from you! [...]

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Mom-powered Alternatives to Big Retailers

November 28, 2008

Tweet I stayed away from the crowds and madness this morning, but in honor of Black Friday, I have posted a widget below, created by Megan Calhoun of TwitterMoms fame, that includes 250+ mom-powered alternatives to big box retailers. You’ll find literally hundreds of places to shop (and great gift ideas) here, all of which [...]

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Give the Gift of Music

November 24, 2008

Tweet Whether you are looking for games, CDs, or DVDs that tap in to your music loving senses, you are sure to find something that hits the spot with my suggestions below! Wii Music has us all moving our bodies and making music. Up to four of us jam together using the Wii Remote and [...]

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Stocking Stuffers

November 13, 2008

Tweet Now it’s time to pull out those stockings, the wrapping paper, and gift baskets, and put together all of those gifts! Whether you are looking for gifts to fill the stockings, or one to compliment a larger gift, I’m sure you will find some ideas here. Give a special someone a sweet treat with [...]

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Entertaining and Hostess Gifts

November 13, 2008

Tweet Whether you are the one hosting the parties and the overnight guests, or the one being served, you will need plenty of ideas to make it through the holidays. Are you looking for the perfect gift to give your husband’s boss, or the hostess of your holiday neighborhood get-together? Look no further. I have [...]

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Christmas Traditions Enhance the Season

November 11, 2008

Tweet I asked Ray if he would be willing to share with you a bit about holiday traditions in general, and ours in particular. The following is the result. (If you’re kiddos believe Santa is real, you may not want them to read this… You’ve been warned!) What’s more appropriate at the celebration of the [...]

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Send out those Christmas cards, but don’t forget the Thank You’s! (A Giveaway)

November 11, 2008

Tweet Paper Shouts is run by mommy-preneur, Shannon Malliet, and is a great place to find unique posh notes for life’s big moments, including the holidays! At Paper Shouts you can find custom holiday cards and invitations, perfect for those Christmas cards and holiday party invites. In addition, Paper Shouts creates personalized note cards and [...]

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Start a collection of Keepsake Ornaments for each of your Kiddos

November 11, 2008

Tweet For as long as I can remember, I have received (or even made or bought myself) a new tree ornament. The first year Ray and I were married, I purchased one with our names and the year etched on it. Each year my kiddos have each received a special ornament that revealed their character. [...]

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What are the holidays with out a whole lot of baking? (A Giveaway)

November 11, 2008

Tweet Holiday baking has always been a huge part of the Christmas season. My mom, sisters and I get together once or twice before Thanksgiving, and again just before Christmas, throw on some aprons, and spend the entire day baking away! Of course, we must try everything as it comes out of the oven! So, [...]

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Pondering the Miracle (while snug in your PJs) on Christmas Eve (Lands’ End Giveaway!)

November 11, 2008

Tweet Growing up, Christmas Eve was never really celebrated like Christmas Day… We would visit Grandparents and head home to go to bed early, thinking Christmas morning would come faster if we were sleeping. The on Christmas morning we would take time to remember what Christmas is all about. As Ray mentioned, I was a [...]

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Get ready…

November 9, 2008

Tweet This week I will be rolling out my 2nd annual Christmas Gift Guide. I know, I’m a little early considering I was adamant about waiting until after Thanksgiving last year! This year, however, I have the privilege of teaming up with two of my favorite mommy bloggers. These hot mamas have become good friends [...]

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