So, I’ve done all this gift guides for everyone else at my house. Because, as an overwhelmed mom — Christmas is ENTIRELY about other people. Ordering Christmas cards, making bread to share, getting things wrapped, figuring out travel plans. I’m just no longer thinking about what I want. It’s all about everyone else.
Which, pretty well mimics what’s going on in my day to day.
My husband encouraged me to write my own Gift Guide. Frankly, the thought of photo editing a bunch of pictures together of the meager things I want makes me want to cry a little.
But I feel like Santa has all these elves, I really want a few of those of my very own!
Related post: Mom Gifts for Christmas
Wrapping Elf — Large gifts make me want to burst into tears. The idea of wrapping them up and hauling them under the tree is overwhelming. Yes, you could stick a blanket and a bow on it — but that’s just not as fun. Elves, get to it!
The Feelings Elf — This elf is meant to eat-up all the feelings you have about being an overwhelmed mom. Feelings like, being left out of a party, not being with family for Christmas, your family not even thinking about what to give you. That way you don’t have to dwell on them and you can just enjoy the holiday season. 🙂
The Gift Hiding Elf — I’m ALREADY overwhelmed by this and might I just say thank GOODNESS for Amazon boxes. What lies within my kids will never know. Is it bags of polenta, or is it their favorite toy waiting to be wrapped and put under the tree. Thank you Amazon!
The Gift Detector — This one finds JUST the right gift for every family member. He knows when he sees it, he finds it for the best price. He also knows if your daughter actually WILL play with that American Girl she really wants. He’s basically a genius.
The Taste Elf — this one tells you if the food is really worth the calories. I love appetizers and desserts SO much, sometimes I wish meals were just made up with those things. They’re not. This one gives you the skinny on what will keep you skinny.
So, those are the five things overwhelmed moms REALLY want for Christmas. I think they also wish someone would tell them what they’d REALLY like for Christmas. When my family asks me I’m always taken back. I just don’t know.
I will give you a few things that I have found to be super great gifts for myself:
A DSLR camera. Every mom just wants to bottle up time. Having a REALLY great camera to catch those moments is something I have been so happy that I’ve had. There are so many great photography books out there (this one’s my favorite, and got me started on my photography business). It’s easy to catch great shots of your kids to treasure forever. OR, get a single lens camera. Learn when to use the settings and feel great about yourself.
Also, if memories are your thing I love My Life in a Book. I just gave it to my dad so he can start on his life history in an easy-no-pressure way!
However, a DSLR might be more than you want — and guilt of NEVER printing photos is getting to you — just use this new camera I got through a sponsored opportunity with MomSelect and HP — the Sprocket 2 in 1. You can take photos (using the built-in 5 mp camera), print and even print from your smart phone. Finally, you can HAVE those memories, all to yourself. 🙂
It even has a selfie mirror so you can get group shots and print them too! I know I feel extreme guilt for never printing — so this is going to be AWESOME! 🙂 Don’t worry about it being to rough to manage, it’s all built to be SUPER easy!
I love this basket. I like to bring it with me when I organize a room so that I put things that don’t belong in a room to its correct home. They’re super soft, but also nice and sturdy. You could also use it for linens, stuffed animals, blankets. The options are limitless with something useful like this!
A small laptop or tablet that is JUST for you (if you don’t have a laptop I’d recommend the larger Galaxy, I have the 10″ galaxy plus a laptop and I wish I had the smaller galaxy). Stop letting your kids ruin your nice things. I also love using a keyboard with my tablet.
Essential Oils — I’ve been able to make my, and my family’s life better with essential oils. Whether it’s a spray to keep away the mosquitos, lavendar to stop the itching, deep blue to stop the hurt, or clary calm for that special time of the month. This is something I’m really glad that I have (even though I’m not the biggest fan of Doterra — I’d love to know what brands you like. I’ve never used the brand pictured, but it’s awfully cute!).
Nice pens — somehow when I write something down and the pen flows really well (instead of me needing to lick it — ew) it makes my day. Having a nice notebook and nice pens is something I really enjoy. These pens are also favorites of mine.
And then, 5 things that I think look lust-worthy. Many of these are complete pipe dreams, but a girl CAN dream, right?
Roomba — We have SO much tile, I just lust after these. Don’t you? I-yi-yi- they just SEEM like a dream.
Hair Removal — I’m so tired of the scragglies on my chin and 4 inch long hairs I somehow find growing off my face. BE GONE. I have no idea which one, I just dream about it. 🙂
Amazon Echo — I just want someone to answer when I ask it questions — is that so much to ask?
A new camera — obviously, we’ve blown off reality here. BUT, I would like a new SLR. This is for the blogger in me. See, I said camera up there. I really mean it. I love mine.
A new bike – Somehow, I feel like if I got a new bike I’d cruise around the neighborhood more. Go on bike rides. Go get puppies from little girls and take them to the glue factory…. just kidding. Anyway, just a dream of mine. 🙂
I’d love to know what your dreams are — Comment below, maybe I need some NEW dreams!
Don’t forget all the great ideas in my MomTools store — lots of great things for around the house that, while not “exactly” for “you” — might make your life a little easier! Also, be sure and check out my online store that has gift options for the young and old, small and tall….
And check out all of my gift guides:
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Jessica [Havok] says
Princess P wants a ream of paper, and you want a nice pen and some colorful notebooks…I’m sensing a trend, ha! Also, the second time I’ve seen you link to those Bamboo notebooks, but both times it has said unavailable. Have you tried Field Notes notebooks? They’re similarly sized (3.5×5.5) and while I’ve never tried them, I have not heard a single bad thing about them (which is why I asked for some for Christmas from the in-laws, ha). Plus, they come in multiple page styles (grid, dot, lined, blank) as well as a TON of different covers, that they actually release on a regular schedule.
Uh, not that I know a lot about different little notebooks or anything though…I don’t have a paper problem, noooooo xD
Out of all of your elves, I would gladly take a Feelings Elf. Maybe one that can help with the do-I-really-have-to-put-real-pants-on-to-see-my-grandma-thing. xD Would also accept a Wrapping Elf, because I am horrendous at it. Though I am wrapping a lot of squishy things this year (knit things), so bad wrapping is totally acceptable (I think).
Hilary says
I LOVE to color. It was one of my favorite things about teaching small kids in sunday school. 🙂 Well, poop — I didn’t know those notebooks weren’t available… I need a new jounral. I will have to check them out!
Anessa says
My wish list would consist of 2 nights a week with no electronics, a set of knives that never gets dull, one more dinner with my grandmother, and a never ending supply of clear sheet protectors for all the recipes I steal from magazines!
Hilary says
Dang girl. That IS A good wish list! I hope you get it!