As the Holidays approach, many are hunting for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. I've got some really fun ideas to share, especially if you enjoy puzzles and plushies! (And who doesn't love puzzles and plushies?!) 

These gifts from YWOW and ONE ANIMATION are great, unique gift ideas for the person who has it all. Some even have a hint of nostalgia for us big kids. I know seeing the Kool Aid Man busting through walls takes me back to my own childhood. I can even hear the iconic, "Oh Yeahhhhh" in my head. 

If puzzles aren't your cup of tea, maybe you'd like the adorable Oddbods! They have assorted plushies and vehicles that are certain to bring the biggest smiles! 

All of these gift ideas can still be ordered in time for Christmas, and are conveniently sold on Amazon! Here's more info on some of my favorites! 

Running a home can be expensive, even if you’re good at budgeting. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected expenses that catch us off guard. Here are some ways to deal with these.

Appliance breakdowns
Our household appliances can be some of the costliest items we buy for the home, with washing machines, fridge-freezers, and dryers accounting for a big percentage of our appliance costs. We all rely on these items but never realize how much until they stop working. Buying a replacement is an unexpected expense most of us haven’t planned for. In winter, it’s no longer possible to dry clothes outside, so your dryer breaking down can make drying clothes difficult. Using a clothes horse to air clothes will take much longer, and can lead to dampness and mold in the house. There could be a simple fix, like a dryer heating element, for much less than it would cost to buy a new dryer.

Other household appliances may be cheaper to fix too, so it’s always worth looking at other solutions before buying a replacement.

Unexpected or higher than expected bills
Most of us are careful about leaving lights on, turning off computers and laptops when not in use, and monitoring our heating usage. Sometimes we still get unexpected bills, or our utility bills are much higher than we anticipated.
Most of these bills are higher in winter, so if you can, add a little to your budget the rest of the year to help save for higher bills in the winter.

Pet emergencies
Pets are often thought of as part of the family, so if anything happens to your pets, you’ll do whatever you can to help them. Often this includes expensive vet bills. All or most of these can be avoided by taking our pet insurance. We take out health insurance and life insurance for ourselves, so it makes sense to protect our pets too. Some plans will cover all the costs of your pet’s treatments, while others only cover most of them. This at least takes a lot of the financial pressure off you, as you’re less likely to feel the impact of paying monthly for pet insurance, compared to one lump sum for vet bills.

Car repairs
While car insurance will cover a lot if you’re the victim of an accident, repairs through general wear and tear can be difficult to plan for. Often we don’t realize there’s a problem until it stops the car from working as it should, or when getting an MOT. Just like preparing for unexpected household bills, you can try to save a little each month to help with future repairs.

Price increases
If prices are going up, but your pay rise isn’t matching this, it could be time to look at the things you buy and find alternatives. There might be cheaper brands you can try, or looking around second-hand shops could help you find what you’re looking for, in good condition but cheaper.
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Unexpected costs might fill you with dread. By preparing for them, they won’t be so daunting. Sometimes, items can be fixed instead of replaced, or by saving a little extra, you’ll be financially prepared to deal with them.

You know those blue tins, that promise to contain rich, flavorful, buttery cookies, but usually contain sewing supplies? (At least in my Granny's home, the Universe keep her soul, that's what was in the tin.) I absolutely LOVE those elusive cookies. They're so tasty, when you can find them instead of being disappointed by thread, needles, and pin cushions that look like tomatoes. 

Anyway. 

You know that flavor I mean....That rich, buttery goodness that hits your taste buds just right, from the very first bite. If you can't dig into a cookie, I have some GREAT news for you: Little Bites® ​ Butter Cookie Muffins are back, but for a limited time only! Now you can have all the buttery flavor you crave, in a convenient little pouch!

I know I talk a lot about how much I absolutely LOVE how easy and painless Superior Source makes getting those supplements in, without any pills to swallow. Their MicroLingual technology has been a game changer in my home over the past few years, since it allows us to all get the vitamins and nutrients we need without any gagging, complaining, or worse....Yes, we have been known to see vomit when it's time to take pills. Since Superior Source Vitamins dissolve completely and quickly under the tongue, this is a thing of the past. 

Today, I want to introduce something brand new and super exciting from my favorite vitamin brand: Organic Beet Root + Apple Cider Vinegar Powder. I know, I know....That doesn't sound very exciting. In fact, for many, apple cider vinegar is too much to handle. 

Thankfully, this awesome powder allows you to get all the benefits of ACV without any of the ick factor. (I actually like the taste of vinegar, but I'm weird.) Superior Source Beet Root + Apple Cider Vinegar powder delivers the nutritional benefits of beets and apple cider without juicing or drinking unpleasant tasting apple cider vinegar.

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE LIMITED EDITION, COLLECTIBLE STEELBOOK FEATURING FIVE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS AND BONUS CONTENT EXPLORING THEIR ICONIC ANIMATION AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ON BLU-RAY™ON NOVEMBER 2, 2021 FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT!

'Tis the season to enjoy the timeless holiday classics in The Original Christmas Specials Collection featuring five unforgettable stories. Produced by Rankin/Bass,Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,Santa Claus is Comin' To Town and The Little Drummer Boy feature iconic "Animagic" stop-motion animation and Frosty the Snowman and Cricket on the Hearth are beautifully animated. Starring the iconic voice talents of Fred Astaire,Jimmy Durante, Mickey Rooney, Danny Thomas, Burl Ives and many more, these favorites also feature some of the most beloved songs of the holiday season and are sure to entertain audiences of all ages for generations to come!

I remember gathering with my family as a kid, in front of our small by today's standards TV, complete with snacks and smiles to watch these classic Holiday stories. I had kind of a rotten childhood, and this is one of the few happier   memories that stands out.  Seeing this collection available to share with my own kids? 

Priceless.

My favorite Christmas Classic?

I've always been one to root for the underdog....Or in this case, underdeer....That's right. My favorite is definitely Rudolph. But I'd love to give you more info on these heartwarming features that are included in this fantastic steelbook set! 

                                     Images below courtesy of Rachel Souza