It has been a month in this new year. Which means I have had ample time to see what gifts my people actually used and which ones were most likely not necessary. Maybe it is just me, but no matter how much I plan or how many spreadsheets I create to stay on budget, I still feel like I spent too much and missed the mark.
One practice that has served me well is the Gift Spreadsheet. I keep it year over year. It is informal, just more of a list with the cost of the items. I try to make it even as possible for Piccola and Bambino, but that cab be a hurdle on its own. Trying to balance the number of boxes each child opens with the total cost of gifts requires me to utilize a financial management part of my brain that I frankly do not enjoy.
When the kiddos were little we had a rule one gift from each person, extended family included. Now that they are older this has been difficult to maintain. Stockings are filled with the little things they use everyday. This year included: Mighty Pimple Patches, Aquaphor Healing Balm Sticks, Rev Energy Gum, Toblerone Chocolate Bars and an assortment of gift cards.
Out of town relatives tend to send cards. I put those envelopes in the tree and they are the last to be opened on Christmas day. I have thoughts on gift cards, checks and all of the non- gift gifts. But I think I will save that for another day.
Below are the gifts that I have seen my people actually use and enjoy! In case you need a Valentine’s gift, or if you have a birthday yet to come this year, these are a few things I recommend, and probably will gift again.
Piccola’s Picks (17 year old, High School Senior)
Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece Oversized Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Piccola likes the Fireberry/Black
Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece Women’s High-Waisted Oversized Sweatpants
Piccola has declared these are her absolute favorite and she would like more. She has the Sail/Black color
FP Movement Quilted Carryall
I gave this bag as a gift to a few people. Piccola has the Off White, but I gifted the Navy Baby to a few friends. It is a great bag, I wish I would have gifted one to myself!
Bambino’s Picks (15 Year Old High School Freshman)
Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Men’s Full-Zip Hoodie
Bambino keeps it simple with this one, Dark Grey Heather/Matte Silver/White
https://www.nike.com/t/sportswear-club-fleece-mens-full-zip-hoodie-nR8tst/BV2645-480
Command the Day Duffle Bag
A gift that is used daily by Bambino
I gave it to him, and wondered if he would enjoy it. He calls it his “light” baseball bag. He takes it to school daily. It is just the right size to carry everything he needs but no so huge that it is a burden. It is light weight and well made. I was kinda surprised how much he liked this one. Bambino did not ask for a bag, I just thought it would be a good idea. Turns out I was right. (It looks like they might be sold out of this specific bag.)
https://shop.lululemon.com/c/bags/_/N-1z0xcmkZ1z0xl1iZ8rd
KontrolFreek FPS Freek Galaxy Performance Thumbsticks
Two years in a row he has loved these. He made a point to ask for them and has asked that when I do not know what else to give him, a package of these always works.
Kontrolfreek.com
My Husband’s Gift:
Men’s DreamKnit™ Joggers
My husband is selective about clothes. These won his approval; it feels like a major triumph for me in my gift giving abilities!
My Mom’s Gift:
Brighton Apple Watch Bands
My mom specifically asked for the “Pretty Tough” band, and she loves it. One of my favorite things about Brighton is that she could go back to the store, and they sized the band for her. Brighton is one of my all-time favorites for customer service!
Fun Gift:
Solo Stove Mesa
This fell into the category of what to give to people in your life who you just would like to show a little kindness. I was looking for something that they probably did not own and that would be fun to use when they entertain. All the Solo Stove products look awesome! I will definitely go back to this brand when I am looking for a unique gift option.
https://www.solostove.com/en-us/p/mesa?sku=SSMESA-FG-SS
That is it in a nutshell. As a side-note, my family does ask for “gift lists”. It is a great place to start finding my people presents they will enjoy. I struggle when they only ask for one thing, and they wait until a week before the holidays to tell me their ultimate gift. Next year, I have an idea for a new plan. I have a few thoughts, keep your eye open for another article soon about the etiquette of giving gifts!
Thank you for taking the time to read these words. If I could ask you to please leave comments and share with your people that might enjoy a little Hopeful Hostess message on Thursdays.
If you have am Etiquette question, please reach out to me here: https://thehopefulhostess.com/contact/
By the way, I love to collect etiquette books! My collection of antique etiquette books is one of my prize possessions. If you have a favorite etiquette book, please leave a comment, and let me know what it is and why you love it!
Have a wonderful week and until next Thursday, stay Hopeful!
Mona
The Hopeful Hostess 
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