Some of you may be of an age where you remember getting large, color catalogs from places like Sears and Roebuck and JCPenny in the mail. As a youngster, I loved perusing them and my children seem to have inherited the trait.
When the boys were small but old enough to read, they would confiscate the beloved tomes as soon as they arrived. I now know, as an adult, that the big companies sent those glossy bits of wonderment out WAY too early for a reason. Marketing. And it worked.
It wasn’t long after the catalogs hit my sons’ hot little hands that the air was filled with their gleeful cries of, “Look at this, Mom! Isn’t this cool?” or “Dad, this is just what I’ve been looking for!”.
To keep the verbal onslaught on our ears down, we devised a plan. Each child was given a notebook and was told to write down the things they liked. These were items they would be happy to receive as a gift. They were told that they would not receive everything on the list but that we, as their parents, would earnestly try to give them gifts they really wanted.
They went right to work and, I must say, my husband and I enjoyed countless uninterrupted hours of quiet. Until we asked to see their lists.
It was like a presentation for a multi-million-dollar grant! We didn’t get a list; we got spreadsheets! Reference numbers. Page numbers. Preferred colors and/or sizes. Everything was even ranked in order of desirability.
Honestly, I was impressed. And it became a family joke to be good-naturedly laughed at. But the kids learned something from the exercise. And we made it a family tradition for many years.
Alas, very few businesses go to the expense of printing and mailing out that kind of physical glossy treasures anymore. I feel we may have lost something in their demise. But, in the digital age, we can approximate the same sort of experience and get similar results.
To that end, here is my list. These are not things I expect someone else to buy for me. Rather, they are items I might purchase for myself or for friends. I am an online Walmart shopper and that is where I found these treasures. Take a look. You may find something you would like to find under your tree.
Happy Shopping!
- Clothing
Look at this adorable party dress! This is definitely something I would wear as I serve up the holiday dinner. And it’s informal enough to wear to an actual party!
- Jewelry
Everyone who knows me knows I love jewelry! These hoops would go very nicely with that cute party dress we already talked about.
SuperJeweler 1/4 Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings, 3/4 Inch for Women – Walmart.com
- Dinnerware
I love dishes and have way too many, but I always bring out the good stuff when it is dinner party time. This year, I think I’ll dress up the table a bit more with gold chargers. That should bring out the gold rims on my Old Country Roses dinnerware.
Decorative Metallic Round Plastic Charger Plate, 13-Inch, Gold – Walmart.com
- Christmas Decorations
I update my Christmas decorations from time to time but one thing that is a must on my tree is small twinklie lights. Either clear or colored, they just add a touch of fantasy to the tree that I love.
- Gifts for Children
Some of my most fun times spent with family and friends have been while playing card and/or board games.
Sorry! Kids Board Game, Family Board Games for Kids and Adults, 2 to 4 Players – Walmart.com
Masterpieces World of Animals – Four 100 Pieces Puzzles – Walmart.com
- Gifts for Men
What a great gift for any man! Keeping that hair and beard neat is just part of daily life and this kit makes the job easier. I can tell you, any of the men in my life would love this one.
- Gifts for Women
I love the colors in this set! And if you click the link, you will find that there are other color options. Something for every woman on your list!
- Stationary and/or Cards
In this age of texting and emails, a lot of people have given up on letter writing. But there are still a few of us die-hards who love to give and receive mail handwritten on nice stationery.
- Christmas Welcome Mat
A new mat at the front door is a quick way to spruce up the entry for your guests. Isn’t this one adorable?
Indoor / Outdoor Carpet Porch Front Door Christmas Doormat Carpet Floor Mat 40x60cm – Walmart.com
- Kitchen Towels
Not everyone decorates their kitchen, but some nice new kitchen towels and pot holders can help set the mood in the kitchen and keep the Christmas Spirit alive, even as you work.
- Napkins
There is nothing quite so classy as good cloth dinner napkins! These will go well with my new chargers on the Christmas table.
- Candles
Scented candles, strategically placed about the room, add a touch of glamour to the festivities and go well with those twinklie lights on the tree. Plus, they make the room smell so good.
I hope you found something that will go well under your Christmas tree! I know I did. Merry Christmas Season!
Thanks for sharing your gift ideas! I love shopping at Walmart, they have so many great deals! Happy holidays!
I especially love shopping online!
I love this story! I hope you kept the spreadsheet for family memories. Merry Christmas!
Unfortunately, like many things in life, they have gone by the wayside…