The holidays are a time for giving which, if we’re being honest, can be a blessing and a curse. When you have little ones, family is often very excited to shower them with gifts (blessing). However, those gifts are often not at all what you want (curse). Here’s my advice, be honest and ask for what you want. In fact, go a step further and proactively create wishlists for your kids. Take the guesswork out of what your family should buy.

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Last year I created a spreadsheet of “approved” toys and emailed it to our family with the request that they kindly stick to the list. I also let them know that anything not on the list would be at risk of being donated. Harsh? Perhaps. But I also didn’t want anyone wasting money on things that would be immediately exiting our house.

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For those curious, you can find that list linked below.

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This year I’ve used Amazon’s gift registry feature to create and share a list. If you're family is Amazon savvy then I think this is a really great option. You can find more info about how to create and share your own list through this link...

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While this advice has been massively helpful as a mama it's also something I’ve begun to adopt for myself. I’ve learned the hard way that people can’t read my mind (who knew?!). If there’s something specific you want or need, ask for it. If you’d rather have an experience than a present, share that. It’s far better to get ahead of these things than to feign enthusiasm at receiving an unwanted gift.

In case you are struggling with what exactly it is you want to ask for, don’t worry, I’ve created a handful of wishlists that will set you on the right path. For babies and toddlers, you’ll find toys that don't look terrible, aren't annoying and often Montessori based. And for you, I’ve rounded up items that are both lovely and practical.

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I adore a good coffee book. They make excellent decor and when well selected, make a statement about your interests and values. You know what I mean if you’ve ever walked into a designer’s home and seen their shelves lined with thick books on architecture, typography and contemporary art. You immediately get a sense for who that person is. In that same vein I think it can be very powerful to surround your personal space with books featuring strong women and mothers. Aesthetic and inspiring. Here are a few books that I’m eyeing that you might want to add to your own wishlist.

During the holidays there can be a lot of pressure to pack your schedule with gatherings, special events, and familial obligations. When you’re raising a little one and desperate to keep them on some sort of schedule, it can all feel very stressful.

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You may have figured this out already but I am not a “throw caution to the wind” kinda gal. So, similar to my previous advice, I advocate for being proactive and taking the lead. Rather than letting your extended family schedule you, make the schedule for your family* (*to the best extent possible). Grant and I travel home for about 1 week at Christmas time each year. Once Libby arrived I started creating spreadsheets that mapped out our daily activities and worked them around her naps. Before traveling home we’d share this list with our families, brief them on our plans and do our best to get everyone on board.
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Whether or not others choose to comply, the real value is in feeling like you have some sort of control and say in how you spend your time. If you’d like to follow in my type A footsteps, you can download my scheduling template below.

If I’m in the midst of any mindless task, there’s a 90% chance you’ll catch me with AirPods in, listening to a podcast. One that I’m revisiting right now is The Longest Shortest Time. This podcast “about the surprises and absurdities of raising other humans” is no longer airing new episodes but the ones they have are absolute gems. It’s insightful, delightful, honest, and fun - the perfect combo to carry you through this crazy time of year.