Protecting Your Pennies

Buy Smart. Plan. Play

Buy Smart

The Ultimate THM Grocery List

by Leave a Comment

Trying to figure out what to buy at the supermarket when you are a new Trim Healthy Mama? The ultimate THM grocery list will give you an idea of lots of things to stock your THM fridge and pantry.

The Ultimate THM Grocery List

As a THM veteran, shopping for on plan products has become second nature. But as a beginner I remember thinking “can I have this” with every turn of the grocery store aisle.

What kind of bread is allowed? Is Salmon an S or an E? What kind of store bought cereal is on plan? 

So I put together the ultimate THM grocery list to help you stock up on healthy, on plan products on your next grocery trip. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Free THM Resources for Beginners:

The Ultimate THM Grocery List

There are so many things that you can eat on the Trim Healthy Mama diet but finding those things can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for.

The ultimate THM grocery list makes it easy for you to find the basics to make THM easier when you are first starting out. 

Where Should I Shop For THM? 

Any supermarket will get you the Trim Healthy Mama basics. Of course there are certain items that you may only find at certain stores or even only online. But the special ingredients are just extras and not necessary for success. 

You can do this plan with ordinary things that you find at stores like Walmart, Aldi, Target or Kroger. 

If you want special THM branded items that you can’t buy at the grocery, you can get those directly on their website. 

THM On Plan Produce  

The produce department is your best friend on Trim Healthy Mama because virtually nothing is off limits. 

-Salad Greens, Cabbage, Spinach (FP)

– Berries (FP)

– Apples/Pineapple/Plums/Peaches/Bananas/Watermelon (E)

– Asparagus, Zucchini, Jicama, Okra, Eggplant, Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Brussels (FP)

-Tomato (FP) Use in moderation in an S 

– Corn, Potatoes (E) These are to be used in moderation 

– Avocado (S)

-Time savers like bagged salad or pre-cut cabbage/slaw are fine. Just watch for any off plan items like croutons/wonton strips etc. in the salad kits. 

THM On Plan Meat 

Lean Deli Meats (FP) – natural brands are best (I like to grab from the deli)  

Hot Dogs (S) – Look for options with 2 carbs or less per serving 
Serving Idea: Lavash Pigs N A Blanket

Beef (S) unless 96% lean. You can also rinse ground beef in hot water to use in any meal. 

Pork – All cuts are an S except for Pork Tenderloin. It is lean enough to be a FP. 

White Meat Chicken (breasts, unbreaded tenders) (FP) 

Dark Meat Chicken (legs, thighs) (S)

Bacon (S)

Turkey Bacon (S) but you could eat a couple slice in an E or FP. 

Rotisserie Chicken (white meat FP & dark meat S) 
Serving Idea: 1 chicken, 5 THM lunches

Half Ham/Spiral Ham (S)
Serving Idea: Dump the sugary packet and make this Instant Pot Holiday Ham

Fish

Shrimp (FP) 

Salmon (FP) If it has >5 grams of fat, it moves to an S. 

Most fish will be a FP. Lobster, Tuna Steak, Crab and Tilapia all fall in this category. Remember if you add butter or oil, you will likely move into S. 

THM On Plan Bread 

Sprouted, Dark Rye, true whole grain pumpernickel (no added wheat flour) and true sourdough breads are ok for Trim Healthy Mama in an E meal. You can find more info on acceptable brands and places to find the bread here. 

Two favorites are Ezekiel bread or Pepperidge Farms Sprouted. 

There are also some wrap/tortilla options that you can have on plan. Mission Carb Balance or the store brand alternatives are my favorite. Find that full list here. 

THM On Plan Canned Items 

Canned Vegetables – Avoid any seasoned varieties that may contain added sugar. 

Pasta Sauce (FP)- Look for no sugar added options like this. If you look at the nutrition label, all pasta sauce will show sugar because of the natural sugar in the tomatoes. You just want to avoid sugar as an ingredient.

Pasta – Dreamfields pasta is a PC FP (I buy it online or at Walmart). You can also have lentil or chickpea pastas like this & those would be an E. 

Brown Rice/ Wild Rice / Quinoa (E)

Tuna (FP) 

Pickles (FP) – Avoid sweet pickles 

Canned Soup – Lots of Progresso Light soups are on plan as a PC FP. Avoid any that are “creamy.” Some have noodles (like the chicken noodle) but the amount of noodles is minimal which is what it allows it to be ok. 

Salad Dressing – Look for a dressing that has 1-2 carbs. My favorite is Bolthouse Farms & it is actually in the produce refrigerator near the bagged salad. 

Pesto (S)

Jelly – Polaner’s or Simply Fruit – 1 Tsp okay for S or FP. 1 Tbsp for E

Jerky – Epic bars are a favorite (S)

Sugar Free Store Bought BBQ Sauces/Ketchup etc – These are generally not on plan because they are typically sweetened with off plan sweeteners. I choose to use them on occasion because I refuse to make my own ketchup but if you are a purist, keep in mind that they are probably not on plan. 

Peanut Butter (S) My favorite is this no stir, creamy option. You can check out a list of on plan options here but basically you just want the only ingredients to be peanuts &/or salt. 

Defatted Peanut Flour (FP)

Unsweetened Cocoa (FP)

Nutritional Yeast (FP) – Some people say it has a slight cheesy flavor
Serving Tip: Make Homemade THM Taco Seasoning

Oils – Olive & coconut oils are favorites. Avoid Vegetable Oil. 

Coconut Flour/Almond Flour 

THM On Plan Snacks 

Nuts (avoid glazed/sugary varieties) 
Serving Idea: easy toffee pecans or pumpkin spiced almonds. 

Pork Rinds (Avoid Flavored varieties like BBQ) 
Serving Idea: On Plan dips for Pork Rinds

Popcorn (Skinny Pop has premade and microwave options that are on plan) 

Popcorners (E) – Sea Salt variety

Crackers – Wasa crackers are one option – here is a list of lots of on plan chips & crackers. 

Brown Rice Cakes (E)

Chocolate – Must be 85% or higher if sweetened with Sugar. You can also use Lily’s chocolate bars – they are delicious and not as dark if you prefer a milk chocolate. 

For more on plan snack options, check out this list. 

THM on Plan Dairy 

Yogurt – Low fat no sugar added (FP), Full fat no sugar added (S). I like the Oikos Triple Zero brand or the Two Good brand. 

Milk – Regular Milk is a XO but there are other options as well. 
– Almond Milk – FP (Buy unsweetened) 
– Coconut Milk – FP (Unsweetened, refrigerated. Canned variety is an S) 
– Unsweetened Oat Milk – E 
– Goat Milk – XO 
– Unsweetened Cashew Milk – FP 

Cheese 
– Cottage Cheese – Full Fat (S); 1-2% can be used in an E. Daisy brand is my favorite because they don’t add “junk”
– Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese, Feta (S) 
– Parmesan (S) Small amounts can be use in an E or FP

Eggs
– Whole Eggs (S)
– Egg Whites (FP)

Butter (S) 

Coffee Creamer Options
– Nutpods (FP)
– Half & Half (S)
– Heavy Whipping Cream (S)

Fat Free Reddi Whip (FP) – Great to top berries or desserts. 

Cream Cheese (S)

Light Laughing Cow Cheese (FP) 

Double Fermented Kefir (FP)

THM On Plan Frozen Foods

Frozen Vegetables & Riced Vegetables – Avoid those with sauces added. 

Frozen Fruit

Tyson Blackened Chicken Tenders – Thank me later. These are amazing for quick meals. 

Ice Cream – there are a few store bought ice cream options. Halo Top is one variety. 
Check out more on plan ice cream here. 

*Remember that many supermarkets keep their sprouted bread in the freezer. 

THM On Plan Cereals / Oatmeal 

Love Grown O’s Power O’s (E)
I like to eat with half a banana, a bit of sweetener and unsweetened Almond Milk 

Ezekial Cereal (E)

Quick Cook or Regular Steel Cut Oats (E)

Old Fashioned Oats (E) 
Serving Idea: Bake it with Peaches or Pumpkin

Quaker Fiber & Protein Instant Oatmeal (E)

THM On Plan Sweeteners At Grocery Store

Sweet Leaf Sweet Drops – Great in coffee and desserts. 

Monk Fruit – This is my favorite brand.

Truvia 

Stevia 

Erythritol  

*You can buy any brand of the on plan sweeteners. Just watch because some brands will advertise as a blend. If that is the case, check the label because they may blend with off plan ingredients. 

THM On Plan Beverages

Sparkling Water (FP) – these are kind of an acquired taste because they are not packed with flavor but after drinking a few, I started to love them. Any unsweetened brand is on plan. I like La Croix, Bubbly, Aha and even store brands.

Bai, Bai Bubbles, Bai Tea (FP)
Serving Idea: Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet

True Lemon Brand Flavoring Packets (FP) – These cause a lot of confusion because they contain sugar. The amount is kept to 1 gram and that is why they are allowed on plan. 

Virgils Sodas (FP)

Zevia Soda (FP)

THM Alcohol 

Think you need to skip the alcohol all together while on THM? You don’t! 

Stick to unsweetened options like dry wine, spirits or even spiked seltzers. It is best to avoid beer but if you must have one, stick to the light version. 

For a full list of 20 alcohol options for Trim Healthy Mama, click here. 

Looking for something that isn’t included on the ultimate THM grocery list? You can look for it on the free THM Analyzer app or comment below & I’ll see if I can help you out!

THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21

by Leave a Comment

Save money on your favorite Trim Healthy Mama products this week. Here are the best THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21.

Best THM Deals @ Kroger THis Week - 1_17_21

When I was in my mid-20’s, I moved across the USA from Tennessee to Texas. I spent what seemed like a ton of money at the time to move. And I also quit my job before I left with no job in TX waiting on me. Smart, right?

So after spending a bunch of money and no way to replace it (remember no job!), I had to find a way to survive while I found employment.

I found out about these cool things called blogs and started reading some that taught you how to save money and coupon. I even took a class in Houston by one of my favorite bloggers, Tiffany at MyLitter. 

She taught me (and a bunch of others in the class) the grocery game. How to get tons of products for very little OOP (out of pocket) money. And it helped me eat and pay my bills during that time period!

And now that I’m a Trim Healthy Mama, I want to show you how to get the best THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21.

Never Miss a THM Deal – Join the Protecting Your THM Pennies Facebook page.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

THM Kroger Deals 1/17/21

*Prices listed are my local prices in West TN. Check your store for accurate pricing.

Bubbly Sparkling Water $3.99 (Buy 2)
Coupon 1: Save $3 on 2 (With Pickup or Delivery)
Coupon 2: Save .75 on 1 (Best Customer Bonus May not be available to everyone)
Expires: 2/7 
Total Cost: $4.23 or $2.11 per 8 pack

Chobani Complete Single Cup $1.25 (buy 4)
Coupon 1: Save $1 on 4
Ibotta Rebate: .75 Back 
Expires: 2/16
Total Cost: $4 OOP + .75 Back on Ibotta (.81 per cup)

Need a free Ibotta Account? Get one here & start earning rebates that transfer directly to your bank account or Paypal.

Simple Truth Organic Sprouted Bread $4.00
Coupon 1: Save 0.75 on 1
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $3.25
*This is probably my favorite on plan bread

Prego No Sugar Added Sauce $2.00 (buy 2)
Coupon 1:$1 off 2
Ibotta Rebate: .75 back
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $3 OOP + .75 Back on Ibotta ($1.12 per jar)

Bai or Bai Tea 18 oz Bottle $1.99 (Buy 2)
Coupon 1: .50 on 1 (will take off twice)
Ibotta Rebate: .50 back
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $2.98 OOP + .50 Back on Ibotta ($1.24 each)

Try this Bai Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.

Truvia Naturally Sweet Calorie-Free Stevia Sweetener 9.8 oz $6.49
Coupon 1: $1.50 off 
Ibotta Rebate: $1.50 off 
Expires:2/28
Total Cost: $4.99 OOP + 1.50 Back on Ibotta ($3.49)

Love Grown Original Power O’s Cereal 8 oz $4.59 (Personal Choice)
Coupon 1: $1 off
Ibotta Rebate: $1.50 Back
Expires:2/21
Total Cost: $3.59 + $1.50 Back on Ibotta ($2.09 per bx)

See how I like to eat Love Grown O’s on this THM No Cook Meal Plan.

Banza Chickpea Pasta $3.00 (Buy 2)
Coupon 1: Save $1 on 2
Ibotta Rebate: $1 back (will be redeemable 2 times per receipt)
Expires:1/26
Total Cost: $5 OOP +$2 Back on Ibotta ($1.50 per bx)

Lily’s Chocolate Bar $2.99
Coupon 1: Save $1 (Use up to 5 times)
Expires: 1/26
Total Cost: $1.99 per bar **Great Price**

Who says you can’t eat well on a budget!?!

Tips for Saving the Most Money

There are a few things to make your couponing journey a little easier & to ensure you get your deals. 

Download Ibotta & Check Rebates On Shopping Day

Sign up for a free account here. Ibotta rebates do expire so it is best to search the app on the date of your shopping trip to ensure everything is still available. 

It is no fun to think you are going to get a rebate only to find it expired after you bought the item. 

Remember that at this time, Ibotta doesn’t allow the pick up receipt from Kroger. This means you have to shop in store and get a traditional receipt for the Ibotta rebate items.

Check the Current Sales Price + Coupon Expiration

The expiration date listed is for the coupon. However, if the item is on sale right now, buying it before the next sales cycle would be beneficial to get the best price. For example, the Lily’s bars are on sale this week so when you combine with the coupon, you get the best possible price. 

Never Miss a THM Deal – Join the Protecting Your THM Pennies Facebook page.

Skin Care Routine in Your 30’s Under $10 Per Product

by Leave a Comment

A quick and easy, once a week skin care routine to use in your 30’s. It is so affordable with each product being $10 or less!

Easy Skincare Routine in Your 30's For Glowing & Youthful Skin - All products are Under $10

When I am working I often have background noise on in the background. In the mornings, the Today Show is what I always have on. I love the mix of real news, uplifting stories, and style/self care segments. 

A couple of months ago, they had a beauty segment about 6 steps anyone can follow to get glowing skin.  That sounds great and all but it isn’t what hooked me. 

What grabbed my attention was that this plan was for those of us (like all of us) that have limited time during the week for self care and our facial routine.

Bobbie Thomas  talked about how this is a great routine for those of us that consider a makeup wipe our evening face care routine. Uhm, slow hand raise. And I am absolutely terrible about not even using the makeup wipe and sleeping in my makeup. I know, I know. My mom tells me all the time how awful this is. 

So this segment grabbed my attention. She promoted it as a once a week routine to renew your glow and take care of your face. 

Once a week was doable so I decided to try it. 

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Check out these 30 gift ideas for women in their 30’s!

Skin Care Routine in Your 30’s Under $10 Per Product

So once a week she wants you to do a series of things to your face to remove old makeup, exfoliate, work on fine lines, moisturize and glow. 

I love that it is a simple routine and although it has several steps, it is quick. And it is economical. Bobbie Thomas showed 3 different options for each item that she suggested. I chose to try out the least expensive product for each one. 

Here is what you do to complete this 6 step skin care routine in your 30’s Under $10 per product (and I recommend running a bath and relaxing while you do it!). 

  1. Melts – Pond’s Cleansing Balm                                                                                                                                                               Pond's Cleansing Balm

    Melts were not only a product that I had never tried but also one I had not even heard of. And it is probably my favorite item in this list! 

    I was pretty hesitant about trying the Pond’s Cleansing balm. Mostly because I grew up watching my Mom take her makeup off with the traditional Pond’s Cold Cream and I don’t like that product. 

    But the cleansing balm is totally different! You apply a small amount to dry skin until it “melts” into your skin. It does a really nice job removing mascara and other makeup without leaving residue.

    It has a pleasant and soft scent (not overpowering like the original cold cream). It also leaves your skin feeling very soft and moisturized. 

  2.  Exfoliating – Bliss Jelly Glow Peel                                                                                                                                                      Bliss Jelly Glow Peel Exfoliator

    This product was another one that I had not tried before. A jelly peel is just what the name suggests. The product is jelly like.

    When you rub it in, you will feel a very light exfoliate but it definitely doesn’t have that sandpaper feel that some scrubs have. It is much more gentle and comfortable to use.

    When you wash the jelly off, it kind of rolls off. The texture is very different from a traditional exfoliator. The peel has a pleasant light fruit scent.

  3. Bakuchiol – Bakuchiol Regenerating Facial Sheet Mask 

    Bakuchiol Regenerating Facial Sheet Mask
    I was familiar with sheet masks so this wasn’t different for me. This is the longest part of this skin care routine because you need to wear the mask for about 15 or 20 minutes (this is where that bubble bath comes in). Bakuchiol is a plant based alternative to Retinol which will help with the fine lines that start to pop up in your 30’s! 

  4. Sunscreen – Pond’s Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF

    Pond's SPF Moisturizer
    The sunscreen on the Today show segment is >$10 and I like the sunscreen that I use so I didn’t try this part out.  

    The Pond’s with SPF is the moisturizer that I use daily and it is >$10!

  5. Illuminators – Milani Soft Focus Glow 

    Milani Soft Glow Illuminator
    They said to mix with your moisturizer on the Today show before applying to your skin. I may have used too much regular moisturizer the first time but I couldn’t see any illuminating effects when using this method. 

    I ended up trying it like this and love it. Apply moisturizer/sunscreen combo. Once that is dry, I apply the Milani to my cheekbones to give a gently highlight and shimmer. 

If you are looking for some new products to try, this Skin Care Routine in Your 30’s Under $10 Per Product is worthy of review. Do you have any favorite beauty products that are $10 or less? Tell me about them in the comments! 

Other Popular Articles

Dress Your Kids in Boutique Clothing for 1/2 the Cost

Save Hundreds on Your Lunch Break 

Mother’s Day Gifts on Amazon that Don’t Suck

30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Women in Their 30s

by Leave a Comment

These 30 Christmas gift ideas for women in their 30s are at the top of their list this holiday season. And now you know what to get them (or what to put on your own list)!

30 Christmas Gift Ideas for woman in 30s

I don’t know about you but this time of year I am always struggling what to buy others and even what to put on my own Christmas list. 

My sister is a 30 something year old as am I. So as I was trying to come up with gift ideas for her and things to put on my own list, I thought I would share some of my favorite things this year with you. 

These presents range from about 5-$10 to total splurges (and everything in between)! There is surely something in your budget that will be well received and loved this Christmas season.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Check out this easy face care routine that I use for women in their 30’s.

30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Women in Their 30s

The year of 2020. Ah, what a year. Where else better to start in the list of 30 Christmas gift ideas for women in their 30s than the pajama aisle! 

1. Women’s Perfectly Cozy Pajama Set

Target. Target. Target. Oh how I love thee. These pajamas are amazing! so soft, comfortable and reasonably priced! I’ve literally worn these every single night since I got them. 

My husband grabbed them the other morning & was like can I please wash these. Haha – only if you can get them dried by 9 pm. 

Fit: the fit is generous. I wouldn’t say big but definitely a comfy/pj style fit. I’m a medium & 5’4. They are a bit long on me which doesn’t really matter to me because they are pj’s but these would be great for taller women that don’t want their ankles hanging out. 

They also have flannel and nightgown options in this same “Perfectly Cozy” line. I asked my husband for the leopard print PJs for Christmas.

2. Hanacure All In One Facial Set 

When women hit their 30s and especially mid 30s into the 40s, tiny fine lines start popping up that you are not used to. Skip the Botox and try this home facial kit. 

Admittedly it is is a little strange but better than a bunch of needles to the face! You simply paint the product onto your face using an included brush. Then I hop in the tub with a good podcast. 

Here is the weird part, as the product starts to dry it pulls your skin and feels tight. You are supposed to keep your facial muscles still – no talking, smiling etc. 

I don’t think it hurts at all. Just feels tight. I do it at night because my face is typically a little red immediately after doing a mask. 

When I wake up the next morning I can tell such a difference. My mom is in her early 60’s and she uses it and always gets compliments about how she looks much younger than her actual age. 

This is definitely a worthy splurge and one kit will be 4 applications. I space mine out to around 1 a month so that would last me for four months! Pretty economical when you look at it like that. 

3. Apple AirPods Pro

When you are in your 30s, sometimes you buy a little splurge for yourself! Sometime during the COVID lockdown, these ear pods made their way into my cart. Great for women that love listening to music or those true crime podcasts! 

I use them on my walks, at my desk and even in the bath tub! Don’t skimp on these and get the lower cost model. The AirPods Pro have the cushioned ear piece and that comfort is worth the extra money!

4. C.C. Ponytail/Messy Bun Caps

Love these messy bun/pony tail caps. They are great for early morning at the ball field or Saturday morning errands. 

Being able to pull her ponytail through the top is so much more comfortable & just makes it look cuter! Don’t love the leopard? They have tons of different colors and prints. 

5. Boxycharm Subscription Box

Boxycharm is one that I have subscribed to before but there are tons of options out there. In the monthly Boxycharm box, she will receive 5 full size makeup or skincare products. 

I love getting to try new products and the fun of the surprise every month is exciting. Several items that I received over the months became favorites and I wouldn’t have known about them without this subscription service. 

6. Brumate Slim Can Coozie

If she loves the Truly or White Claw spiked seltzers, she will love this can coozie! The stainless steel design keeps your drink cold and the slim design fits the cans perfectly. 

7. Bissell Crosswave

I know, I know. It is a big joke to give a woman a vacuum cleaner. But this is one of my top picks because it is so amazing. You can read the complete review of this product from my perspective here.

It is a time saver and cleans so much better than my steam mop does.

8. Bamboo Charcuterie Board

Women of this age grew up eating Lunchables at school every day. And now they love the grown up appetizer version of their old lunch staple. 

This charcuterie board has a hidden utensil drawer that holds the spreaders and cutlery. Here are some ideas for things to put on a charcuterie platter.

9. Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask

This product is so moisturizing and easy to use. It is great especially in the winter months when your skin faces all the harsh elements of winter. 

The little bottle goes a long way too & will last much longer than you might expect.  

10. Sweet Water Candles 

A nice burning candle and a bubble bath is one of my very favorite ways to relax. These candles are hand poured in Pennsylvania & I always like supporting American made. 

11. Belif Eye Bomb 

I received this product in an Influenster Vox Box and it is amazing. After a particularly stressful week, I noticed the skin around my eyes was looking tired & the fine lines seemed a little more bold then normal. 

After just a couple of applications, I could see a difference in the appearance of my face. It also has a nice and light scent without being overpowering. 

The product is very moisturizing and a good consistency without being greasy. 

12. Love Beauty and Planet Hand Cream 

The size and price of this hand cream makes it a great stocking stuffer. It is a clean product that is Vegan, Dye-free and paraben free. I love it because it has a light scent that smells nice but doesn’t overwhelm. 

It is a good consistency without being greasy or watery. My skin is looking much better being hydrated!

13. Dry Bar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

Love the idea of a blow out but no time to do it or hate spending the money on it? This Dry Bar blow out brush combines a blow dryer and a round brush in one. 

It works great to add volume and make my daughter’s very thin hair look fuller and healthier. I found it to be a bit more of a learning curve for my thick and wavy hair. But once you get it down, it offers a sleek look. 

14. Aerogarden Havest Elite 360 Herb Garden

This one is on my list for this year! It is a counter top unit with a sleek design that grows herbs using an LED light. Which makes it perfect for growing in apartments or condos with low natural light! 

They have larger units if you have a bit more space and want to grow up to 24 different pods. The idea of having fresh herbs at my fingertips without the worry of killing them sounds lovely. The units even have a vacation mode! 

15. Ello Stemless Wine Glasses

When we were on vacation a couple of years ago, the condo that we stayed in had these wine glasses. I used them once and was hooked. 

You get a wine glass made of glass that is wrapped up in a silicone cover to protect it. Making it great for outdoor use by the pool or even just indoors without a coaster. 

The cute colors don’t hurt either! Not a wine drinker? They have glass tumblers with the same silicone cover, great for water or sweet tea.

16. Tile Pro Pack

Always losing keys, purse or iPad? I know I do and these tile locators allow you to track any of your lost items with the app. 

Such a a great tool to help on those busy mornings when you don’t have time to look for those lost keys. 

17. Modern Monet – Adult Paint By Number

A few years ago, the adult coloring books were all the rage. This year the stakes have been raised with this Modern Monet kit. Everything that you need to create your masterpiece is included. 

18. Weighted Blanket

This one from West Elm is definitely a splurge but I love that it is so beautiful in addition to being functional. If the splurge isn’t in your budget, you can still have a more moderately priced weighted blanket this year for less.

19.  Ugg Slippers

If she loves her boots, these house slippers will amaze her on the weekends. They have tons of styles and colors from the traditional brown Ugg color with cream fur to more fun and wild options like leopard or multi colored sequins.

20. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

I have been really wanting to break away from the coffee maker that I use. This Ninja looks amazing and delivers coffee house style mugs of deliciousness to you at home. The fact that it does iced & hot coffee is enough to make me want it – not to mention all the other benefits like no pods. 

21. Pomchies Face Masks

Ok, I don’t know if this is actually going to be on her Christmas list but I have to mention it. These are absolutely, hands down the best facial covering out there. My step daughter came home from college with some and I immediately ordered a cart full for me and another daughter. 

The masks are made of a swim wear material. The most comfortable & breathable mask you will ever wear and they dry super quick when you need to wash them with no shrinkage. 

Throw a 2 pack in her stocking. It is 2020 after all – kinda like underwear, you just gotta have it. 

22. A Mother’s Necklace

I was looking through a group that I’m in on Facebook and people were stating their Christmas wishes. Tons of mamas wanted a necklace with their children’s names on it. 

I have a piece from Lisa Leonard that represents my kids and love it. My favorites are the bar necklaces personalized with names or the necklace with just the children’s birthstone for a little more subtle look.

23. Wine

She needs something to go in those cute wine glasses you got from #15 in the list! A nice red or white from Wine.com is a great place to start looking for the perfect bottle. 

24. Le Creuset Dutch Oven 

She can make soup or even sourdough bread in this versatile piece of cookware. There is no seasoning of the pan like you have to do for cast iron – making it easier to care for. 

And there is a lifetime (yes lifetime) warranty on the product. Doesn’t get much better! Oh and the colors! I smile every time my red pot hits the stove. 

25. Diamond Stud Earrings

Everyday earrings that look classy and nice and that can be worn all the time are a stable for a 30 something year old. 

I like these mostly because they are reasonably priced. You can spend thousands of dollars on diamond studs but for me, I like something small and affordable (but still with some glitz).

I’m just always scared I will lose earrings and if I lost one that was crazy expensive I would be devastated. 

26. Datebox Club

This is something I have wanted to try for a while. Now more than ever since date nights out are a little harder to do these days. 

This subscription service sends you a monthly box filled with ideas and supplies for a date night at home with your significant other. I would love to receive this as a romantic gesture – how fun and sweet to have date nights planned. 

27. Echelon Stationary Bike

An interactive smart bike is definitely an investment but I absolutely love it. You can read all about why I chose and Echelon over a Peloton here.

28. Bartesian 

If she likes cocktails at home (and don’t we all – hello 2020 where no bars/restaurants are allowed), she will love this innovative gadget. 

It makes cocktails and margaritas with the push of a button. Pretty much a Keurig meets happy hour. 

29. Marley Spoon Subscription

Your 30s usually come with lots of responsibility. Maybe a busy job, a family and a mortgage. The stress of getting it all done can be overwhelming and Marley Spoon makes it easier. 

I’ve personally used Marley Spoon. It is a food/meal service company where you go online, select a few recipes that look good & then Marley Spoon sends you a box with the recipe and all the ingredients. 

No grocery shopping. No buying a lifetime supply of some weird ingredient that you may never use again. Just exactly what you need to try new recipes and have a mindless dinner each night. 

30. A Me Time Experience

I wrote a post about what moms really want on mother’s day and I feel like it holds pretty true for any gift giving season. You can read that whole post here for more ideas on what moms really want.

Wrap up a hotel reservation print out, a bottle of wine and some cozy slippers or a gift certificate to the spa. She will love it. 

24 Days of Christmas Books Tradition – A Unique Advent Calendar Countdown

by 6 Comments

Traditions have come to be one of my favorite aspects of a holiday. The familiarity and anticipation of making a special dish or doing a family activity year after year is so special.

Our newest holiday activity is our 24 days of Christmas books tradition – a simple and educational twist on an advent calendar.

No Toys, No Junk, No candy Christmas Advent Calendar for Kids

24 Days of Christmas Books Tradition Advent Calendar - Easy Holiday Tradition for Kids - Educational Christmas Activity for Kids to Countdown Christmas in December

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Last year I started this new countdown to Christmas for our family. I wrapped 24 Christmas books and put them under the tree. Every night before bed, the kids got to choose a package to unwrap and we read it together.

Sometimes a cup of hot cocoa or a warm chocolate chip cookie was included as a treat to go along with our book. It’s so fun!

I have tried other advent calendars in the past but it seemed like I was just spending $20 on junk that was not getting played with or used. With the books, I felt good about buying something that we would definitely use and is educational for the kids.

24 Days of Christmas Books Tradition

The best thing about this tradition is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot. My plan to obtain the books for this DIY Advent Calendar is simple and easy.

1. Use What You Have. Find Christmas books that you already have at your home. I was shocked to find we already had 19! We love books, what can I say?

2. Shop for Cheap Books. Go to Thrift stores or use Facebook/Online Garage sales to find seasonal books. I can often find these for just a dollar or two which makes it an inexpensive option.

3. Buy a Few New. I am using Amazon for this because I find their prices on books to be pretty good and they are delivered right to my door.  If I am going to buy something new for my kiddos, books are always something that I don’t feel too guilty about and there are many on Amazon for $3-4 dollars.

4. Library You could even use the library to expand your Christmas book selection for free! Just make sure you use care not to get tape on the books (so that you don’t damage the cover). And be sure to keep up with the return due date so that you don’t get charged any late fees. 

Creating the Christmas Advent Book Calendar

My daughter absolutely loved this activity last year. She spent tons of time picking out the package that she wanted to open.

It is like 24 days of Christmas blind bags (are your kids obsessed like mine?) with an educational twist. And instead of some dinky toy, we get to read a book together as a family.

First, find 24 Christmas books.

Next, wrap each book individually.

Each night leading up to Christmas, your child selects one book to unwrap and then you read it together.

It is so much fun! And while it may seem like a lot of work to wrap 24 books, it goes really quick and adds so much excitement to the evenings leading up to Christmas.

New Books for Christmas 2019 (2020 Update Below)

Since my oldest will be 6 this year, I am updating and adding a few new books this year. We will still reuse quite a few of the books listed below but will add a couple of new ones to keep things fresh and age appropriate. 

Here are the books on my list: 

Katie the Candy Cane Fairy

The Mouse in the Hammock, a Christmas Tale

Bear Stays Up for Christmas

Poke A Dot – The Night Before Christmas – This one looks like something my 2 year old will adore. 

2020 Update

Here are the updates that I made this year to our library. 

Splat the Cat Christmas Countdown

Cocoa’s Cranky Christmas 

A Very Fiona Christmas

One Baby Jesus

What If I Don’t Want to Do 24 Days of Books?

Don’t! You can totally customize this to whatever time period that seems reasonable for you. I think 12 days would be a nice intro into this DIY Christmas Advent Calendar. 

Original Books for Christmas Advent Calendar

Here are ideas for books that we are reading this holiday season or that we may purchase. After shopping our house for Christmas books, I will search some thrift stores and Amazon for a few fresh books to put into the mix. I hope you try this 24 days of Christmas books tradition!

Look & Find Christmas Bible Stories – We have the Rudolph version but I love this biblical version to remind us of the reason for the season.

Touch & Feel Christmas – I got this for my daughter a few years ago and now it is perfect for our newest little one. And my older one still loves to touch and feel the book! So it entertains us all.

Frosty The Snowman Board Book – No list is complete without the classic Frosty the Snowman. I like this one because it plays music and my kids just love to push a button!

Frozen Olaf’s Night Before Christmas – A friend gave us this book last year and it is a favorite. If you have a Frozen obsessed little one, I think they will love this book/cd combo.

My Snowman Book – Not really Christmas but I usually include it since it goes with the winter theme. It is a cute little book with vibrant pictures. I bought this a few years ago for my oldest that will now be passed down to the baby.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – A couple of years ago, my daughter discovered the Grinch movie at Christmas time. In June, we were still watching Grinch at least a couple of times a week. Despite that extreme we didn’t ruin a good thing. We still love this book!

Llama Llama Jingle Bells – The entire Llama Llama series is so good. Those silly llamas always have us giggling.

The Berenstain Bears & the Joy of Giving – The message in the Berenstain series is a good one that I like sharing with my kids.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – You will be reminded of your childhood while reading to your kids with this book. It is a great price too!

Elmo’s Countdown to Christmas – Lift the flap books are great to keep the attention of younger kids. This will be a new one for us but it gets great reviews.

The Sweet Smell of Chrismas – Eeek! It is a scratch and sniff Christmas book! Did you have this as a kid? Scents of hot chocolate, Christmas trees, apple pie & more.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas – Since the Fancy Nancy show debuted on Disney Jr. my daughter has been obsessed. The Halloween book was a winner, so this one is going on my list. There is also a Disney Jr. Fancy Nancy Ice Skating book if you don’t mind a winter theme.

Happy Holidays, Bubble Guppies – A lift flap book! We have a non-holiday Bubble Guppies lift flap book and it is always fun to read.

Weird but True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts – This National Geographic kids book would be fun for the Elementary school child. I may add this to our list in the next year or two.

The Begginer’s Bible, The Very First Christmas – A great way to teach younger kids why we celebrate Christmas. This book is such a great price!

A Charlie Brown Christmas – I love bringing some of my childhood memories into my kid’s childhood.

Pete the Cat’s 12 Days of Groovy Christmas – We have other Pete books and they are so funny. We may try this one for our preschooler this year.

Merry Christmas, Mouse – The mouse series is so much fun. I love how they do one for most holidays.

Paw Patrol Holiday Helpers – Paw Patrol is one of those cartoons that actually doesn’t get on my nerves! Here is a cute little holiday book with your kid’s favorite pups.

Just A Snowman – The Little Critter books are a cute series and always so affordable.

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas – The story of one family that is having trouble getting their act together. The author possibly modeled this after my family?! It feels like that sometime. We enjoy this funny take on a classic.

River Rose and the Magical Christmas – The Today show featured this book written by Kelly Clarkson. It also comes with a link to listen to a song recorded by Kelly.

The 12 Engines of Christmas – This Thomas the Train book will entertain both my kids which is always a win.

Christmas Cookie Day – Like many, making Christmas cookies is one of our most anticipated traditions.

This twist on a traditional advent calendar was a complete success at my house last year. Will you try this 24 days of Christmas books tradition this year? Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

If you love to give books as gifts, check out this unique baby shower gift idea.