Category: Christmas Gift Ideas
Why My Kids are Getting Zero Presents This Christmas (Includes 30 Unforgettable Local Experiences)
This year, there will be nothing under my Christmas tree. No gadgets, no updated devices, no video games, no toys. And I say that with purpose, not neglect. Because what my children truly need, what they have always needed, isn’t another object. It’s our time, our presence, and our attention.
Read moreLooking for the Perfect Holiday Treat for Your Teen or Tween? Give & JULIET Tickets!
The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, cherish one another, and create memories that last a lifetime. This year, why not go beyond the usual gifts and treat your teen or tween to something truly special, a night (or matinee!) out at Broadway’s hit musical, & JULIET, part of the 25–26 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series at The Stranahan Theatre from Dec. 16–21, 2025.
Read moreThese 7 Holiday Gifts Could Help Ward Off Dementia
What if one of the simplest habits in the world, slowing down to savor your morning coffee or pausing to breathe in the scent of roses, could actually support your brain health? It sounds poetic, but emerging neuroscience suggests it might also be practical.
Read moreCyber Week Promo Code for Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and more! (Ends: 12/7)
This holiday season, give the gift of unforgettable experiences! Feld Entertainment®, the global leader in live, family entertainment, is spreading extra cheer with its Cyber Week Sale, offering up to 35% off ticket face value to some of America’s most beloved live shows.
From the jaw-dropping excitement of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, to the roaring energy of Monster Jam® and the Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM (SMX), to the dazzling magic of Disney On Ice, there’s something for every family to enjoy!
Read moreCyber Week Sale on Disney on Ice, Monster Jam and More
Feld Entertainment® welcomes the holiday season with a special Cyber Week sale, bringing families closer to the unforgettable experience of live entertainment. The global leader in live, family entertainment is offering a festive way to embrace holiday gift-giving with the most anticipated live shows and events including Monster Jam® and Disney On Ice!
Read more5 Fun but Educational Gifts for Children
Finding the perfect gift for a child can be challenging. You want to ensure it’s enjoyable while still being valuable for their development. These five fun but educational gifts for children offer both entertainment and learning opportunities, ensuring children get the best of both worlds.
Read moreGiveaway: Perfect Christmas Gifts (or stocking stuffer) for Girls and Kids!
My latest obsessions, headbands & literary classics! Headbands because I adore a little something that makes it look like I actually tried to do my hair, lol! It doesn’t get any better than a messy bun and a headband. 
And literary classics, the kiddos and I have decided that from now on in the evenings, in addition to saying the Rosary we will be reading a chapter or two out of a classic book that has also been made into a movie. Thus, once we have finished reading said book we can have a family movie night and then discuss how the book and movie differed.

I am happy to state that we followed through and our first book we completed was The Little Prince. Last Friday we watched the movie and then discussed the similarities and differences once everyone stopped crying, yes, it was that good! As my son stated, in-between tears, “that was the best book and movie I have ever heard and seen”. I am not going to lie, that put a huge smile on this momma’s face.
Our next book, Treasure Island….

And check this out, in addition to the book and movie combo, Marzipantz Knit & Crochet Dolls has this adorable Pete the Pirate Doll that would be the perfect addition!!

This is why Marzipantz Knit & Crochet Dolls shop is my pick for the perfect Christmas Gifts (or add on/stocking stuffer) for girls and kids!
Total disclosure, I have already purchased one of Marzipantz dolls, Saint Kateri for my daughter’s birthday and it is absolutely adorable!!! I am such a sucker for a book, movie, doll combination for kiddo’s birthdays and Christmas gifts.

How lucky am I to have found a store that feeds both my obsessions, headbands & literary characters?
Luck was meant to be shared! 😉
GIVEAWAY
Marzipantz Knit & Crochet dolls is giving away one of their awesome headbands (winner picks which one)! You can keep it all for yourself or use it as a Christmas gift, your choice…all you have to do to be entered to win is:

1.Give Marzipantz shop some Facebook & love, www.facebook.com/marzipantzknitandcrochet & Instagram love www.instagram.com/marzipantzknitandcrochet
2. Share this post with a Facebook Friend.
3. Checkout the shop here, www.etsy.com/shop/marzipantz and comment below sharing what your favorite item is in the shop
Winner will be randomly selected Monday the 28th
Good Luck!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Are you ready to make a memory that is sure to go down in history? As many of you know I have always been a HUGE proponent for giving the gift of an experience for Christmas. Giving the gift of a beautiful experience that a child can treasure for a lifetime is ultimately priceless, especially when they get to share that experience with a loved one. To this day I still treasure my first live performance show, the ballet, The Nutcracker, at Stranahan Theater with my mother and grandmother, it was seriously an experience like none other and one I enjoy sharing even to this day. My grandmother has since passed and that memory is one I cling to, getting all dressed up, chatting during intermission and the feeling of being part of something special, it was magical! And I can’t wait to share that same magical feeling with my children. The most famous reindeer of all is coming to Stranahan!!

As a child the Christmas season didn’t officially begin in our house until that highest rated CBS Christmas special of all time, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer aired. The excitement and anticipation was always off the chart that night. My sibling and I would sit way too close to the television set, eager to see if the story may playout differently this year, but every year my eyes would tear up when they met Charlie-in- the-box on the Island of Misfit toys.
After learning of the Island of Misfit Toys I remember vowing to always take good care of my toys, and for the most part, I did. As an adult I really appreciate ALL the valuable lessons hidden in that critically acclaimed show….true friendship, how our unique traits should be treasured, the importance of diversity, not bullying, responsibility, etc. Come to think of it, there are some lessons in the show that even we grown-ups might need to go back and review. And review we can!




RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (www.rudolphthemusical.com) is coming to Stranahan Theater!! November 25 for two performances ONLY!!!
Performance Schedule for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL at the Stranahan Theater
Friday, November 25, 2016 1:00 PM
Friday, November 25, 2016 4:00 PM
Tickets for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL start at $28 and are available online at http://www.BroadwayInToledo.com , at the Stranahan Theater box office, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, or by calling 419.381.8851. (Looking to make this a scouting, playgroup, youth group, or club event? Group tickets of 10 or more can be ordered by calling 866.314.7687).
If you are looking for the perfect souvenir to help your child commemorate the experience then check this out……
Rudolph’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. A new illustrated storybook, T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games, will be available this year only at the stage show performances. A portion of the proceeds from all sales of the books will be donated to PACER.
***Please Note: Theaterleague.com, BroadwayInToledo.com, and the Stranahan Theater box office are the only official sources for tickets to RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and all of the shows in the 2016-17 Broadway in Toledo. If you purchase tickets through another source, you may pay over-inflated prices and your tickets will not be guaranteed. ***
What is your favorite scene from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
2016 Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway: Perfect Gift Idea for Couples
This Christmas Gift Guide is an awesome resource to help you determine the perfect gift for each of the loves in your life-family, friends, neighbors, teachers, & we can’t forget Fido, or any other furry family members. Since this season is often an overwhelming one for most I have decided to give you something fun to look forward to, how does a giveaway sound? Giveaway DEETS will be at the bottom of each post….so, without further ado…
This week’s Christmas Gift Idea is for the Couples in your life….parents, sister & brother-in-law, in-laws, neighbors, that couple in your church group, friends, etc. This gift offers them the opportunity to eat, drink, play, and watch, all under the same roof!! And it is something both the ladies & gents will enjoy….

The Perfect Gift for Couples: A Gift Card to Dave & Buster’s!
Why?
- Because though everyone has the best intentions sometimes a cooking class, a night at the shooting range, and/or camping gear don’t always go over well with the couple as a whole.
- Because Toledo now has a Dave & Buster’s!!!
- Because what couple doesn’t need a date night?


- Because of the fun local flavor Dave & Buster’s added to the décor.



EAT….
- Because it is so nice to get a break from having to plan a meal, make a meal, & then cleanup said meal! Oh, and the food is unbelievably delicious! The menu is off the hook….they literally have something for everyone; carnivores, herbivores, and they offer an allergy friendly menu too!


- Because 2 for Tuesdays: $2 Tacos, $2 Select Beers, & 2 FREE Plays with $10 Power Card (open-7pm)


DRINK…..

- Because Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4-7pm

- Because ½ off cocktails, $2.50 domestics pints, $1 off 22oz drafts, $1 off glasses of wine & $3 off bottles of wine.

PLAY…..



- Because ½ priced games on Wednesdays, Woohoo!!!! (And the possibility to win COOL prizes…this isn’t your kid’s prize options, wink-wink)


WATCH…..
- Because there are no shortages of screen so you can watch whatever you please! For once there will be no arguing over the remote!

Bonus: If you offer to babysit for free the night the couple uses your gift card your gift will officially get bumped to THE BEST gift in the world!
GIVEAWAY:

Win a $25 Gift Card to Dave & Buster’s
How to enter:
1.Share this post with a friend
2. Comment below stating which game you dominate at Dave & Buster’s….or in general 😉
Winner randomly selected November 7th
Cheers!









