Kids will love the colors and the longer battery life. Plus, parents will love no longer hearing “My phone died” when you were unable to reach them. This phone case does double duty – protecting the phone and acting as a battery. I can attest that my daughter’s Mophie has taken some hard hits and held up well. And it was a life saver this morning when she said “My battery is almost dead.”
You know how some gifts are much bigger hits than you anticipated? That happened last year with these stocking stuffers. I thought they were fun, but they were played with pretty much all winter and made random appearances throughout the year. These are fun for any age. There area lot of different animals, from unicorns to sharks to to pigs in Hawaiian shirts to holiday options like snowmen, reindeer, and more, so options to match each person’s interests.
12 Days of Beauty Faves
My daughter’s fact lit up when she saw this at Target. It could be great to give as a gift as is and see if the recipient can do one door per day during the 12 Days of Christmas. Another option: all these items are stocking stuffer size. You could be done with just one purchase if you have someone who loves beauty and bath products.
Day Out
Experiences create memories that last longer than most things and let’s face it, the time your kiddo is under the same roof is dwindling. Think about what your tween or teen loves and give a coupon good for a day, or more, out. Get ideas and specifics on experiences as gifts here.
Hint: If you can, schedule the outing for over the holiday break. School pressures aren’t so time consuming and it’s a bit easier to relax together.
My teen loves Alex & Ani bracelets, and I love that they have empowering messaging behind them. They’re a great way to reflect what’s important to your tween or teen, be it a favorite baseball team (Go Cubs!), memorable trip from this year, cause near and dear to their heart, or favorite animal (elephant for my girl).
These are not cheap, but some models were more affordable than I had realized. Make your tween or teen the documentarian of the family gatherings and have them put together movies of the fun. It’s also great for capturing their adventures, be it sledding, skiing or surfing somewhere warm.
Duffel Bag – for gym, dance, practice, yoga, travel anything
Teenagers are notoriously hard on their bags, and famously forgetful when it comes to leaving nasty items inside of them. Getting a fresh one is a gift to both of you, really. However, even if a new one isn’t needed for those activities, it may be good to have a clean one on hand for travel, including college visits. These cute Vera Bradley options are popular among my daughter’s friends.
Star Wars Lightsaber Growing Lab
I would want this even if didn’t have the fun Yoda quote on the front because I love products that make science fun. Add in keeping kids busy over break, and it’s a win for everyone.
Lin-Manuel Miranda has a pretty significant following of tween and teen fans, and the music he collaborated on for Moana is pretty great. It also includes some empowering messages great for tweens and teens.
For a few other fun Star Wars and Disney gift suggestions, check out fun ideas from my friend and Disney aficionado, Sherry Boswell, here.
This post contains affiliate links that support my coffee fund which keeps me energized for writing more posts.
You May Also Like: Great gifts for Hamilton fans
Prior Post: Fun facts about my favorite parts of Moana
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]]>I’m a big believe in the idea that talking about tough things can be incredibly helpful, which is why I’m excited to be part of this video featuring Karen Cahn, Founder & CEO VProud, offering the best tricks and tips for co-parenting during the holidays from both her personal experience and that of other VProud community members. (Yours truly appears in the video below around 4:40.)
It’s really honest, and includes some straight talk about just how tough the first year can be. Hint: It’s tough, really, really tough, and she doesn’t sugar coat that fact. But you’re going to make it through, as are your kids and your ex, so you might as well do so in a way that’s best for all involved. That doesn’t necessarily mean that these tips are the easiest things to do, but they really will help.
You can see the video here. (There are some swear words so this may not be best to watch at work and around littles)
I echo all the sentiments shared, especially that this can be an okay and even fun time of year. Thinking positively! Your children will absolutely pick up on your feelings, positive and negative, so while you want to be honest with kids, you also want them to know that everyone involved is going to be okay and some fun times will be enjoyed. That’s easier to do whenever everyone is following the tip of acting like grown-ups and while you cannot control how others act (no matter how much you’d like to), you can absolutely control yourself.
One tricky paradox of co-parenting around the holidays is that you’re dealing with a lot of people, but you’re also going to have moments when you feel really lonely. If you take advantage of that alone time to do things that make you feel awesome and practice good self-care, it will put you in a much better place for dealing with others.
I’m a big believer in self-care in general, but especially around the holidays. It’s important, regardless of your marital status.
It’s so easy to get run down at the holidays and when your tank is on empty, it’s tough to have anything left to give your kids let alone deal with your ex and other current or former relatives. I’m a fan of activities that I find hard to do when I have my daughter, but whatever replenishes your reserves is good, be it yoga class, curling up with a great book, binge watching a great show, taking a bath, anything that helps you relax. Also, sleep. Definitely sleep.
Hoping everyone enjoys a beautiful holiday season! (And as the video says, it is a season, not a day!)
PRIOR POST: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Coloring Sheets and Activities
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