Forgotten Gifts

It seems like it happens to me every year. I hide gifts in random places around the house and after the Holiday has passed, I find gifts that I forgot to put under the tree! So far I have found some Crayola markers/crayons/pencil crayons and the big item - the Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug (mouse)! I don't know how I forgot about the Wheely Bug, it was supposed to be my toddlers big gift!

I also have some other toys that were going to be for my toddler but I purposely forgot to put them under the tree so that she wouldn't have a huge pile of stuff when the others only got a few things.

Have you ever done this? Do  you save the forgotten gifts for the next occasion or do you give them to the kids right away?

Merry Christmas! Whats under my tree?

The day many of us have been waiting for is finally here! I hope you all have a fantastic and safe Holiday!

I feel a little embarrassed sharing this, but money has been tight for a long time but this is the first time I was not able to spend any money on gifts in the months leading up to today. I've been saving things all year from things people gave me, giveaway wins and a few that I bought at low clearance prices, plus some things that were sent for review are in there. My Mom also gave me some things to put in their stockings, like the toothbrushes and candy.

I know some people intentionally only give each person a small number of gifts, and I wish I had gotten my kids into that tradition when they were too young to know any better. They are used to receiving more than this, so I hope they won't be disappointed. I know they will be getting more once we head to my Moms for dinner too though.

I guess I didn't do too bad, especially considering that my estimate for what I spent is under $10! I didn't even buy wrapping paper! I had a very small bit of it left from last year that I used up, and everything else went into re-used gift bags. My Mom's gift was just in a cardboard box which she didn't seem to be too happy about, but you are just going to rip the paper off and throw it away anyway so why does it matter? 

Here is what I put under the tree tonight:

For my 10 year old:
Kingdom Hearts PSP game, prints, magnets, & postcards (giveaway win)
Cuponk Hasbro Game (Review)
toothbrush (Mom purchased)
random candies/chocolates (Mom purchased)

For my 9 year old:
Spin Master Hawk Eye RC Video Helicopter (giveaway win)
Zibits (giveaway win/review)
toothbrush (Mom purchased)

random candies/chocolates (Mom purchased)

For both boys:
Hasbro U Build It Battleship (from sister in law)
Nerf Dart Gun set (Gifted to me)

For my 6 year old:
Squinkies Teapot Playset & Bubble Pack (giveaway win/Review)
Curious George soundtrack (giveaway win)
book, Hayseeds Last Race (giveaway win)
Madeline on DVD (giveaway win)
Spinbrush My Way toothbrush (Review)
Quagmire color changing shirt (Review)
Polly Pocket DVD (from sister in law)

random candies/chocolates (Mom purchased)

For my toddler:
Couple of My Little Pony Newborn Cuties (purchased for approx $2 ea.)
Anywhere Collection stainless steel dishes (giveaway win)
Baby Genius Whack a Ball Maze & Underwater DVD  (giveaway win)
two Wubzy DVDs (giveaway win)
toothbrush (Mom purchased)

For Both Girls:
Littlest Pet Shop Playset & figures (Gifted to me & purchased figures for approx $2 ea)

For myself:
Anne Geddes Book (giveaway win)
Glittersniffer eye makeup (giveaway win)
Reindeer Iron Candle Holder  (giveaway win)

Labeled as to the Family:
Beamz Player (Review)

For My Mom:
Scentsy warmer + scent bricks (giveaway win)

For my sister in law:
Dream Griddle Prank Pack (Review) which contained some goodies from Eden Fantasys that I had received for free with their recent Facebook Friends promotion. She had insisted that I not bring her a gift, but didn't mind when I told her I was given these items. Plus, I just had to see her face both when she saw the Prank Pack and the gifts. It was great!

I've got some gift card purchases I am planning to make through CSN stores, but need to wait until next week since the GC's don't cover Canadian shipping so they will be late gifts or possibly saved for the boys Birthdays.

My gift from my Mom was a new coffee maker, but she already gave it to me since mine was broken. My sister in law gifted me her jacket today after I commented that I liked it so very happy about that too since a coffee maker and a jacket were the two things I needed the most!

PS: I'm not officially taking a break for the Holidays and will continue posting my reviews but I am holding my giveaways off until after the New Year. Be sure to check out my reviews since I will be posting extra entries and giveaway announcements in them!

Holiday Gift Guide Review - Easy free Santa Letters

My kids usually get letters from Santa through Canada Post, but their letters were sent late and they have not yet received a response. My son has been checking the mail daily wondering where his letter is so I had to look for a quick solution and I'm happy to say that I found one, and on Monday morning each of my kids will be receiving their letters from Santa, courtesy of EasyFreeSantaLetter.com

Faster than magic Elf dust and as easy as 1, 2, 3! Simply point and click and you’ll receive your FREE printable Santa Letter instantly, personally addressed to your little one by the big guy himself. No waiting by the mailbox!

Looking for something much more magical? For only $2.99 choose from our many beautiful designs to create a unique Letter from Santa Claus full of special details about your child that only Santa could know. Watch your child’s eyes light up brighter than Rudolph’s nose! Create yours today!

I picked out a different letter for each of my children so that their letter will seem as though it truly was written just for them. Each letter can be customized based on your choice from a list of available letters and designs. Once you have made your choices, you will fill in your child's name, age, gender, hometown, their caregiver (ex: Mom, Dad etc), and the name you would like to be used for Santa Claus.

There are two free letters available, as well as several professional quality, highly detailed, personalized letters complete with 2 realistic personalized envelopes. Each magical letter purchased also comes with a free Nice List Certificate!

The entire process is very quick, in just minutes you can have your own printable letter from Santa which is a very good thing for those of us who wait until the last minute, especially at this busy time of the year!

Holiday Gift Guide - 12 tips for holiday wrapping & a 3 day giveaway for Canadians

I was recently invited to have lunch with Lynn Spence and although I wasn't able to make it, she sent me a package full of the Scotch Tape goodies pictured here and will be sending a package to one of my readers too! Since I am running behind, this giveaway will have the shortest duration than any of my other giveaways in hopes that my winner will be able to receive and use their new goodies for their holiday wrapping - just 3 days!  Please check out Lynn's 12 tips for holiday wrapping before entering the giveaway below.

Lynn’s tips for holiday decorating:

1. Stock Up – Before you start wrapping, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Quality scissors and tape will make the gift wrapping experience a breeze (see proof points below):
2. Stay Sharp – Have a sharp pair of scissors, such as Scotch Precision Ultra Edge Scissors, for cutting paper and other materials. It will allow you to achieve greater precision with your cuts. And if tape on your scissors is a pet peeve, Scotch Precision Ultra Edge Non-Stick Scissors use non-stick technology that means no more sticky build up on blades. 
3. One of a Kind Tags – You can make your own gift tags by using the back of old holiday cards. Cut pictures or words from magazines, and paste them on the gift card to make it festive. Voila! Your own customized gift tag.
4. Go Glam – Add luxury to your packages with glamorous materials such as metallic papers that will make anyone feel spoiled. Fashioned inspired animal print or sophisticated quilted paper will look luxurious under the tree.
5. Mix It Up – Move away from traditional wrapping paper by incorporating new textures such as rice, foil and matte papers into your wrapping repertoire. Mixed colours and patterns are also a great way to add visual interest to your presents.
6. Au Natural – For a more organic, eco look, use recycled papers or materials such as linen, Kraft paper, fabric remnants, burlap or a fabulous vintage scarf.
7. In Lieu of Glue – For tasks where you’d traditional use glue, reach for Scotch® Double-Sided Tape, a no-mess alternative for light duty attaching and mounting tasks.
8. Fit to Be Tied – Homemade bows are easier to make than you think. Simply tie the ribbon as you would a shoelace, and use fresh greens or other ornamentation to “dress up” the package. The recipient will surely be impressed with the “professional look” of the present!
9. Stay Seamless – Scotch GiftWrap Tape features a unique satin finish that disappears on most gift wrap papers. Makes all your gifts look great! Easy to dispense and sticks securely.
10. Make It Last – The joy of giving is always in style but before you start wrapping gifts, make sure you stock up on quality tape like Scotch Brand to ensure your packages stay sealed until its time to unwrap them.
11. Waste Not, Want Not – Get creative with scraps of paper, ribbons and other found items to add pizzazz to your wrapping and help the environment by keeping these items out of the waste basket.
12. ‘Tis the Season – Before you start gift wrapping, put on some holiday music, relax and have fun! Remember – it’s the thought that counts!

About Lynn:

Lynn Spence really knows home décor. She acts as a regular style expert on Citytv's CityLine, Around the House and Fashion Friday. Through her passion and enthusiasm for style and design, she creates inspirational ideas and solutions to appeal to the viewer’s lifestyle.

She is known for her past work as the decorating editor for Chatelaine Magazine producing decorating editorials and covers. After two years with the magazine she returned to a freelance career as a contributing editor for Canadian Home and Country Magazine and continues to style photo shoots for various magazines.

Win It!
One of my Canadian readers will receive a gift wrapped package valued at $50 which includes: Scotch: Magic Tape, Double-Sided Tape, Giftwrap Tape, Pop-Up Tape Handband Dispenser, Precision Ultra Edge Non-stick Scissors and Tape Dispenser Refills
Open to Canada Only, Ends December 20th

How to Enter:
Visit Scotch Tape Canada and tell me another product that you would like to try

Extra Entries:

Tell me which one of the above tips is your favorite, or tell me one of your own tips
Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

Follow me on Networked Blogs, Add me as a friend, or Like Misfit Momma on Facebook

Enter any of my other current giveaways for an extra entry each

Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email {One entry, even if you do both}

Add my button to your blog and let me know where to find it

Follow @Missy_wpg on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway once per day:

Christmas Gift Wrapping ideas from Lynn Spence and a #giveaway! #win a gift wrapped package valued at $50 ~ http://dld.bz/AP2U Ends 12/20

Guest Post: Wines for the Top 10 Tough-To-Buy-For People on Your Holiday List

Pairing wines with personalities for gift shoppers—there’s an app for that (and a web site)

New York, November 18, 2010 -- “Wine is one of the few presents that makes both the giver and the receiver look good,” says Natalie MacLean, the red-nosed e-sommelier behind www.nataliemaclean.com, one of the largest wine web sites. “You look like you spent a bundle on the gift (even if you didn’t) and the recipients are happy that you think they know something about wine (even if they don’t).”

This holiday season, anyone can tap into MacLean’s expertise via her free web site and mobile apps for iPhone, BlackBerry, Droid and other smartphones. They help consumers with a whole new type of pairing: wine with the people on your Christmas shopping list. The app and site also pair wines to thousands of dishes, including holiday favorites, such as turkey, goose, duck, and even partridge in a pear tree.

“When you give wine, doubles are fine, there are no wrong sizes and you can always find something good in stock,” MacLean adds. “Vintage gifts will get anyone into the holiday spirits.”

Natalie’s Top Ten Gift Wines for Your ...

1. Hairdresser: For the person who combines humor and optimism every time she styles your mop. Go for a light, gulpable wine like a dry rosé. It’s versatile and fuss-free—a great quaff for your coif.

2. Psychiatrist: Of course, he’ll analyze whatever you give him so choose a wine that’s all about balance. Easy-drinking pinot noir is medium-bodied yet packed with flavor. Surprise him with a large-format bottle, like a magnum. Big thinking means big progress for you. This wine also works for psychologists, marriage counselors and bartenders.

3. The Boss: Pick too pricey a wine and your boss will think your last raise was too much; go cheap, and she’ll think you lack judgement. Focus on a label with a lot of white space since that makes the bottle look more expensive. A castle in the distance also works, but avoid fluffy animals.

4. Personal Trainer: Think a muscular, robust red would work? Hold that position. Instead, try riesling: this light white wine pairs well with a health-nut diet of salad and seafood, plus it’s low in alcohol. You can also give it to Pilates instructors, yoga masters and Tai Chi coaches.

5. Financial Planner: You and he both know it’s going to take decades before your portfolio recovers after the crash of 2008. With that long-term view, vintage port makes the perfect gift. This fortified wine from northern Portugal, with its long aging potential, will be around for both of you into your retirements.

6. Travel Agent: She’s been everywhere and seen everything, so go local with your choice of wine. Even better, if you live close to the winery, get the bottle signed by the winemaker.

7. Teacher: If you can’t find a suitably obscure wine with a Latin name, there’s always cream sherry. It’s the tipple of Oxford dons, not to mention the centerpiece of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Case of the Amontillado.

8. Mail Deliverer: Go for a winery that’s consistent year after year in producing a wine that can be enjoyed in snow, rain, sleet or hail. Try an Australian shiraz or Argentine malbec.

9. Mechanic: Yes, there’s a wine called Red Truck, but try to be more imaginative. Why not give a wine made by Mario Andretti in California or Ferrari in Italy?

10. Online Date: So you’re on your second or third rendezvous with the person you met on eHarmony or Dating.com. If you’re not sure yet whether marriage is a possibility, try something middle-of-the-road, like merlot. Yes, it’s the soft jazz of wine, but until you know, play it safe.

And after all that shopping, don’t forget yourself: even Santa’s little helpers need more than milk and cookies. Try something with high-alcohol like Italian Amarone or Rhone syrah: these big reds easily drown out tone-deaf caroling and pair beautifully with tired feet.

For Natalie’s favorite wineries, tasting notes and recipe matches for all the wine types mentioned above, please visit: http://bit.ly/GiftWines