I know I have lots to update you all on… But, this is not that post. Imagine my surprise utter shock, that December has arrived, again. Everyone is asking for gift ideas for my children, asking if I’ve finished my shopping, or if I’ve *gasp* started. I want to share with you all some of my favorite brands and companies to support.
With six lovely, lively, loud, grabby-fingered, low-blood-sugar-whining, running-between-racks, “are we done yet”-asking, children…
I like to do as much shopping from home as I possibly can!
**Disclosure: Many of the links in this post are affiliate links, and will be noted as such when you mouse over them. Some of these links are sponsored, and and some of them are just things I love and recommend. Please read my full disclosure statement here. If you have any questions about our use or recommendation of these things, feel free to contact me. I’m more than happy to answer your questions.**
Educational Gifts
Educational gifts don’t have to be boring! We’re a homeschool family, so of course I love sneaking in learning games or books that compliment topics we’re studying whenever possible. If your children attend school outside of home, these things may help you enhance the items they’re learning at school, without over-working them.
Tracey Tutor We use and love the Tracey Tutor reading programs. We highly recommend it because of the effective and ‘fluff-free’ way it is presented. If you’re not looking for an entire program you may want to check out these tools that help reinforce skills:
- Lots of Letters All of my children enjoy building words with this set! It comes in a divided case that makes it really portable.
- My Tracey Board My children love writing with dry-erase pens. The guidelines on the Tracey Board really help with encouraging great penmanship.
Math Games There are so many fun games that double as math skill-builders. Here are just a few:
- WEDGitS Geometry, problem solving, and (quiet) busy hands!
- Pizza Fractions Is your child having trouble understanding fractions? This is a hands-on, fun way of practicing.
- Learn By Doing Kits Do you have children that are interested in electronics? My oldest son spent HOURS at the Applied Inspirations booth at the Teach Them Diligently Convention. Right now if you purchase Part 2 of the LED Scope kit, you will get Part 1 for FREE!
Art Supplies are great gift ideas. I prefer to splurge on quality supplies. Good tools make a difference in the finished product!
- Creating A Masterpiece I love the way artistic discipline is taught through this DVD series! Follow their Facebook page for news on current challenges and promotions.
- Crayon Rocks These are fun and no need to worry about broken crayon tips.
- Watercolor Pencils Worried about letting your children have cups full of paint and water? Watercolor pencils are a good compromise. The Inktense sets give vibrant color. Be sure to pick up a water brush for each person, too.
Faith-based Gifts
Here is just a sampling of some of our favorite things:
- What’s in the Bible These videos are a great introduction for the entire family to understanding the bible. They’re fun and full of catchy tunes and rhymes that help you memorize biblical facts.
- We Choose Virtues Posters and virtue cards for helping your children learn about character traits.
- The Child Training Bible and The Virtue Training Bible These reference charts and indexing tools are invaluable to Christian families. Their current promotions and info on products are available by following their Facebook page.
- ShatterPoint Entertainment Do you have brick builders in your family? Check out what the family behind SPE Films has done with the popular blocks! From movies to accessory kits, you’ll find some great gift ideas here.
- Picture Smart Bible Looking for a tool to use with your children for deeper understanding of biblical passages? Take a look at the Picture Smart bible materials. Follow their Facebook page for news on current promotions.
In The Car
We love listening to audio dramas and audio books. Adding to this collections is always on my gifting list:
- Your Story Hour These are great sets to teach history through engaging stories. Our children have learned a lot about Teddy Roosevelt after hearing the collection of his stories.
- The Brinkman Adventures With missions being the central point of our studies this year, The Brinkman Adventures have been a fun way to learn about other mission fields and missionaries stories.
Just For Mom
Here are some products/events that have been important to me. Some of these companies are running specials right now, so even though I haven’t completed my full write up for them, I wanted to share these with you while they’re discounted:
- MuTu System Purchasing the MuTu program was my first step towards getting fit this summer. I can not tell you how much following Wendy’s instruction has helped me regain my self-confidence in the way I carry myself and care for my body.
- Trim Healthy Mama I began reading this book with an ounce of hope and close to 30 pounds of skepticism. As I started to apply the principles shared within the pages, I started dropping pounds and inches without the feeling of deprivation I’d had using a certain points-based system. I am now back within the ‘normal’ weight range (-28 pounds from July) for my height and have lost six inches from my waist! Their Facebook page and group has a wealth of info and encouragement, too.
- Kit Naturals These aren’t just for mom, but they are a great indulgent treat for a momma’s skin! I’ve been using they’re Bountiful Balm and their creams for the past couple of months and they’re excellent. Hydrating without feeling heavy or oily. Orange Dream is my favorite (but the empty jar of Luscious Lavender says otherwise). Follow their Facebook page to hear about the current specials!
- Pulling at Strings Of course this knitting momma has a favorite online yarn shop. Build your wishlist to share with those asking for your gift ideas! Be sure to follow their Facebook page to learn about current discounts and club information.
- Real Refreshment Retreat Some time away to regroup and recharge for homeschooling moms.
- Pick Your Plum This sales site has a cornucopia of items, from DIY craft supplies, to great clothing pieces, to awesome gift-able items! Be sure to check them out each morning, most deals sell out quickly.
- Teach Them Diligently Convention and Marketplace Online Another recommendation that isn’t just for mommas! This event and the family behind it has been a great blessing to our family. I truly believe that the convention is a worthwhile investment for any Christian family, not just homeschoolers. The Marketplace offers great prices on many of the items you’re looking for.
Well, that’s just a sampling. I hope to share more with you all soon.
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