3 Monkeys Mustard

Feeling a little strapped this year, and agreeing with the family to go light on the Christmas gifts, I've been taking time to notice the simple luxuries in life that would make GREAT gifts for people on your "I don't know what to get them" list:

3 Monkeys Mustard: Sweet & Spicy. This knocks your socks off in an awesome way. At $8.25 a jar, it's a great gift that goes a long way. It complements pretzels and makes a great addition to a chicken marinade, among other things.

Craft Store gift cards. Archiver's carries an amazing collection of paper (among other things) and Michael's carries just about anything you would need for crafts (except fabric) and has 40% off coupons pretty much every week. Make the crafty person in your life smile!

Traveling Coffee Mug. Make sure it's one that you can fit your hand into so it can get cleaned well- or, if it's for a guy, who cares how big it is? He'll just throw the whole "Not Dishwasher Safe" item into the dishwasher. Everyone could use another fun traveling coffee mug. When I say nice, I'm thinking those $15 ones at Target that have with random designs on them.

Fun Flannel Sheets. If you don't put on flannel sheets when the cold nights come, you'll never experience the true joy of crawling into your bed at night, and the pain of having to get out of bed in the morning. Seriously, most people don't pamper themselves with fun flannel sheets... why don't you give someone a smile for these cold winter months? =)

Bird Seed. Yes. A gift to feed the birds. Seed can get expensive, so why not gift your "hard to shop for person" a bird feeder and seed? Who knows what birds will come and visit during these cold winter months! Entertainment for hours- or at least a few minutes while they try and figure out what bird was just at their feeder!

And finally, give the gift of creativity. If you have an amazing way with painting, drawing, or any media (JSA), or can take pieces of wood and craft an amazing birdhouse, bird feeder, or piece of home decor, DO IT! Nothing beats a gift crafted from the heart.

If you want to make a difference out of our country, check out: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ if you'd like to send your money to a world wise cause. Or check out: http://www.compassion.com/ if you'd like to begin sponsoring a child from another country. My 6 kiddos and I all share the same birth date. It's the one thing we have in common (other than lovin' Jesus!) and getting letters from them is truly amazing. One of my current Compassion Children from El Salvador, wants me to explain what a Raccoon is! I sent her pictures of my raccoon rehabbing adventures. Seriously, we CAN make a difference!

Happy Almost Holidays my friends, and remember, simple is better!