Enjoy Low-Stress Celebrations with HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays {A Review + Giveaway} #hormelgatherings

**Product received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 



'Tis the season... for celebration! From Thanksgiving all the way to the new year, it seems like there is ALWAYS another party to go to. There are Thanksgiving feasts. Football games. Work parties. Family parties.  In my personal experience, no matter the occasion, every party seems to revolve around two things: the people... and the food!

Living far from family, that time with the people I care about is the greatest thing about this time of year. We can get so caught with life that before we know it the holiday season is upon us and we realize we've not spent the time with our loved ones that we'd like to throughout the year. Is it any wonder that so many live for this time of year?

Still, I don't know about you, but with the limited time we have together, I don't want to be stressed out over all the details. So often I find myself there. I worry so much about the food and the decor and the party itself, that I can't truly just let myself enjoy the company. Today, I'm sharing a three VERY simple tips for stress free party planning that I've learned over the years:

• Make It A Potluck. Not only are potlucks great to ensure that everyone at least has one thing they love on the menu, but it helps to take stress off the host too! 
• Accept Help. This is a toughie for me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. As women we often feel we should do it all on our own, but there is no shame in accepting help when offered--- being it cooking, cleaning after or taking the kids out to play while you work. 
• Keep It Simple. It can be tempting to try a grand new menu for the big event, but I find when I prepare recipes that I'm comfortable with and that's been well tested, I feel much more confident going into a meal! Aside from that, you don't have to have everything DIY--- fruit trays, veggie trays, meat trays--- these are all great options to save you time and your sanity by buying them premade. 

When it comes to making your special occasions even more special, nothing has you covered quite like HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays.

In our family, no appetizer seems to go over quite as well as a great meat and cheese tray, and with these HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays, it takes out all the prep work.  I recently picked one up at my local grocery store to keep my family settled before our big Thanksgiving feast... I must admit, it may have been a bigger hit than my turkey, and I make a pretty mean turkey I'm told! For my boys, it's all about the meat! There are a few different options to choose from, but they love the Salami and Pepperoni. They truly could eat nothing but! For my daughter and I, we go crazy for cheese and crackers. You can even get the larger options that include olives--- if you're into that sorta thing. But they truly have something for everyone!



One of the things I love about these trays is that they're ready to go, straight out of the package. Simple open them up, unwrap each meat/cheese and you're all set. Easy, peasy! We're a casual type family, and I'm all about less mess to clean up, so I like to serve ours straight in the included tray. Still, for something a little fancier you can easily put it on your own tray just as easily! Options... who doesn't love that?

Ready to get your celebrations started off with the perfect appetizer? You can learn more and find out where to buy HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays near you at the links below:

Visit the Hormel Website.

Like on Facebook.

Follow on Pinterest.

Follow on Youtube

And I am going to give one very lucky winner the chance to win a coupon for $15 off a HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays... that makes it FREE! Enter to win via the giveaway form below:

Entry-Form

Give the Gift of Magic with PackgeFromSanta.com #HolidayGiftGuide2017

Start a new and memorable tradition this Christmas with PackageFromSanta.com, the ONLY Santa memory service that does it ALL! Personalized LETTERS, PACKAGES, CALLS and VIDEOS from SANTA!

Do you want to see your children's face light up in amazement when they get a personalized letter from Santa Claus? Of course you do! This not just a letter from Santa. It's an amazing experience - it's joy, memories, wonder and happiness in a box! You can choose a specific letter theme and then customize it yourself to include details that only Santa would know!

Every package also comes with a FREE personalized CALL and VIDEO FROM SANTA that can be scheduled any time. This techy part of the PackageFromSanta.com was unreal! So surprisingly well done and high-end and my kids LOVED it!

It's such a joy to see my children continue to BELIEVE and PackageFromSanta.com really helped make the magic happen in my household this year! So grateful!

PFS has an A+ Rating with the BBB due to their unmatched high-touch customer service so you can be confident that you are making a wise purchase. They have real people on the phone ready to help answer questions. That's unheard of these days! Such a nice touch.

Click here to see a video to learn more about this very special Santa memory service that will be a part of my family for years to come!

The Silver Package ($24.95) comes in a red box & includes:

Personalized Letter from Santa
BONUS! Personalized Video from Santa (retail $9.99)
BONUS! Personalized Phone Call from Santa to a cell phone OR land line! (retail $9.99)
Personalized Nice List Certificate
Autographed Santa Claus Photo
Autographed Rudolph Photo
Genuine North Pole Stamp
...and so much more!

It also comes with a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Wow! They are THAT confident your child will LOVE it!

There are 3 different packages offered, so you can choose a price point that works with your budget. I will be reviewing the Silver package ($29.95).

Order this holiday must-have for your child at https://www.packagefromsanta.com/ and save 25% OFF your order when you use FAMS17 at checkout.

Step2 Grand Walk-In Wood Kitchen + Accessories Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide2017

  When you have a little one, a kitchen set is a staple in most playrooms. Boys and girls alike love to mimic their parents! That's why the brand new Grand Walk-In Wood Kitchen from Step2 is sure to be a huge hit with your little one this holiday season! Your child will be the envy of every little chef with this extra-large and luxurious wooden play kitchen by Step2. This beautiful, premium kid’s pretend play kitchen features a large walk-in U-shaped kitchen with look-through refrigerator and oversized oven to match the modern design of today's kitchens. Mini chefs can show off their culinary skills by “cooking” on the stylish stovetop burners and grill-top range with oversized clicker knobs. Once the dinnertime fun is done, place the dishes in the sink to be cleaned or store them in the cabinets. This kid’s wooden play kitchen will bring loads of fun to any playroom or bedroom.

Features

• Large oven and fridge each feature a window inset letting kids see all the fun taking place inside
• Sink with goose-neck style faucet lets kids clean up with easy when the dinner party is done
• Beautiful, premium painted wood kitchen will make local restaurateurs envious of your new space to play chef!
• “Glass” stove burner adds a realistic and modern touch to this deluxe kitchen
• Extended breakfast bar provides added space for late-morning risers to enjoy a warm cup of coffee
• Play kitchen includes 15-piece kitchen accessory set
• Adult assembly required
  

The Step2 Grand Walk-In Wood Kitchen comes with a 15-piece kitchen accessory set already, but if you want to add more accessories to your kitchen, Step2 has you covered with the Cooking Essentials 10-PC Stainless Steel Set and a 101 piece Play Food Assortment.

Cooking Essentials 10-PC Stainless Steel Set

This Step2 Cooking Set includes mini stainless cookware that will bring a new level of realism to your child's pretend cooking time. This play set will go great with any play kitchen or playhouse. These pots and pans are sized to fit little hands and are crafted with a quality that will last for years! Made in China.

• Classic pots and pans are styled for realism
• Includes stock pot and two large pots with interchangeable lids, sauce pan, colander, spatula and two potholders
• Dishwasher safe

Play Food Assortment

This Step2 Play Food Set is a 101-pieces of pretend food that is a must have for playtime cooking. More accessories means more creative ideas from your little one when they play with their kitchen set. They'll expand their imaginations as they cook up some fun treats with this accessory set!

• Play food set includes a variety of foods from fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, breakfast items, snacks and desserts
• Food assortment contents may vary per order
• Enhances playtime experiences with Step2 kitchens and playhouses

I'm so excited to team up with Viva Veltoro, Thrifty Nifty Mommy and a few other great bloggers to bring you a giveaway for the Step2 Grand Walk-In Wood Kitchen PLUS the Cooking Essentials 10-PC Stainless Steel Set and the Play Food Assortment! If you'd like a chance to win, just enter using the Giveaway Tools entry form below. Giveaway is open to residents of the lower 48 US states who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 13th, 2017. Good luck!

Entry Form

Disclosure: Viva Veltoro, Thrifty Nifty Mommy and the participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Images and item description are courtesy of Step2. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. Please contact thriftyniftymommy {at}yahoo.com with any questions about this giveaway.

Fun for the Family with What Ya' Mouth Showdown Edition {+ Discount} #HolidayGiftGuide2017

**Game received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

Every year as I go about my Christmas shopping, I try to get each of my kids a few things from their list, some practical but fun items (like new PJs and toothbrushes of their favorite characters) and then something for the family. Sometimes this means a movie or two, or some new Christmas books but my favorite family gift is a great board game!

I LOVE board games. I remember playing them as a child and it was always something fun that the whole family could enjoy together. Perhaps some of my best memories with my grandma were from the time we found an old Girl Talk game at a yard sale, and she joined my sisters and I in the fun. Oh, the fun stories we learned from her childhood that day! I remember playing Yahtzee with my cousins. I remember playing life and having too many kids to fit in my car with my other cousins. The memories are endless.

These days there are many more games to choose from--- from the classics to trivia to something a little goofy! Today, I'm excited to share with you a game that fits into that latter category, Watch Ya' Mouth Throwdown Edition:



Watch Ya' Mouth Throwdown Edition is the evolution of the original, wildly popular, hilarious Watch Ya' Mouth game. Rather than just speak phrases, players now go head-to-head with hilarious and challenging tasks - while wearing mouthpieces. Throwdown Edition takes competition - and laughter - to the next level and builds on the multigenerational gaming phenomena.

Throwdown Edition has already been Awarded Top Holiday Toy of 2017 by Toy Insider & selected for the 2017 Amazon Holiday Toy List.

I first heard about the original Watch Ya' Mouth around this time last year. It seemed like that was the hot family game at the time... it was challenging and fun, and sure to have the whole family in giggles as they tried to understand what was being said. No wonder it became such a favorite.

The Throwdown Edition takes it to the next level. It uses the same recognizable mouthpiece, but incorporates more physical challenges that are sure to have the whole family falling over in laughter. I love that this truly is a game for everyone, young and old. No one is safe from the crazy challenges! This is one game that I know is going to create many lasting memories for years to come... just take a look:



Ready to start the fun with your family? You can take15% off with Coupon Code 15THROWDOWN Head on over to buy yours now: http://amzn.to/2i6NKwG

Bibles for the History Buff on Your List #HolidayGiftGuide2017

I believe that when it comes to learning the Bible, every person has their own individual style and needs. For me, I love a good devotional Bible. I tend to look more at that why and the overall messages to be learned, as I can relate to that better. I'm also very visual, and of course for that reason am drawn to journaling and coloring Bibles. My husband on the other hand is a history buff, he cares more about the who and the what and wants to know all the history behind it.

Needless to say, we look for very different things in a new Bible. I've talked about journaling Bibles in the past, and I've shared some devotional journals throughout the year too, but today I'm sharing two great Bibles that will be ideal for the history buff on your list.

First up, the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible:

The Bible was originally written to an ancient people removed from us by thousands of years and thousands of miles. The Scriptures include subtle culturally based nuances, undertones, and references to ancient events, literature and customs that were intuitively understood by those who first heard the Scriptures read. For us to hear the Scriptures as they did, we need a window into their world.

The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, with notes from Dr. John H. Walton (Wheaton College) in the Old Testament and Dr. Craig S. Keener (Asbury Theological Seminary) in the New Testament, brings to life the ancient world of Scripture for modern readers.

Features:

• The full text of the NIV
• Targeted book introductions explain the context in which each book of the Bible was written
• Insightful and informative verse-by-verse study notes reveal new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar passages
• Key Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament terms are explained and expanded upon in two helpful reference features
• Over 300 in-depth articles on key contextual topics
• 375 full-color photos, illustrations, and images from around the world
• Dozens of charts, maps, and diagrams in vivid color
• Words of Jesus in red
• Additional study Bible tools: cross references, a concordance, indexes and other helps

This Bible is absolutely stunning. The graphics are certain to please not only the history buff but anyone at all with an interest in culture or archaeology. It truly helps to give the greatest possible understanding of not just WHAT you're reading, but the historical and cultural context of it all. My husband has definitely taken to this Bible better than any others in the past. If you're looking for the perfect study Bible... this is IT.

Next up is The Chronological Study Bible:


The Chronological Study Bible presents the text of the New International Version in chronological order - the order in which the events actually happened - with notes, articles, and full-color graphics that connect the reader to the history and culture of Bible times and gives the reader a dramatic, "you are there" experience. Features include full-color illustrations of places, artifacts, and cultural phenomena, contextual articles that connect Biblical times and world history and culture, daily life notes, time panels and charts that show the flow of Biblical history, and in-text and full-color maps.

Now, when it comes to ME and history, I must admit I get a little confused. Because the Bible is a series of books, we often find that they jump back and forth in time a bit. For me, I love the idea that I can get a better picture of where these famous events we read about happened in relation to each other. It gives me a better understanding and just makes more sense. This one is also packed full of history and culture that likewise helps gives us the full picture. As I said, I'm not even a history person, but I too could appreciate these resources. 

Both of these Bible are ideal both for the history buff on your list, or anyone who wants to get a fuller understanding of Biblical times. Both are available to purchase now at your favorite Christian book retailers. 

 

Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree: Preparing Pine Cones for Decorating

Next up in our Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree series is a simple decoration that many of us can find in our very own backyards--- pine cones!

Christmas image created by Awesomecontent - Freepik.com

Seems simple enough, right? Gather them up, pop them on the tree! Done and done...

Well, not quite...

Pine cones ARE a great natural decoration, but with nature comes bugs! Yuck! The last thing you want to do is bring any unwanted pests into the tree. So, how do you get rid of the bugs?

Preparing Pine Cones for Decorating.

• pine cones
• foil
• baking sheets

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil. 
3. Lay the pine cones out on the baking sheet, careful not to overcrowd.
4. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, checking frequently. The pine cones should open a bit and the sap dry out. 

That's it for your basic all natural pine cones! The cost of this project? Absolutely FREE!

If you'd like to give it a little gloss, you can spray with a clear spray to help protect. You can even add in some fun color with some cheap spray paint, if desired for a different look. Personally, I just place these onto the tree as they are, but you can also tie on some ribbon if you'd like for them to hang. These are also great for other decorating uses--- fill a jar with natural pine cones, crafting, wreath decorating, the options are really endless! With this simple method you can have all the pine cones you want... with none of the bugs.

Looking for more Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree ideas? Visit the links below for more posts in this series, and stay tuned for more:

DIY Popcorn Garland
DIY Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

Journaling Bibles for the Teen Girl on Your List {A Review + Giveaway Hop Event} #HolidayGiftGuide2017 #GobbleUp #THBhop

Welcome to the Gobble Up Giveaways Hop brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers!

Hosted By: Mama's Geeky & Women and Their Pretties

Co-Hosted By: Teacups and Fairy Tales

Each giveaway has a value of a minimum of $15, however some are worth much more. Be sure to enter to win all of them because there is no limit to how many you can win. GOOD LUCK!

**********************************

**Bibles received for consideration. Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

 Having been doing this Bible journaling thing for some time now, I often have people coming to me and asking for recommendations on Bibles and supplies. Sometimes they're looking for ideas in general, and other times they have a much more specific style they are seeking. One of the recommendations I've been asked MOST often is a 'what is the best Bible for a teen girl?'

You see, as Bible journaling has become more and more popular, Christians of ALL ages have wanted to join in. Even my 10 year old son has a journaling Bible of his own. Still, while I had a few Bibles I would recommend, until recently, there wasn't really much that was SPECIFICALLY designed for teenagers. Until now!

Today, I am very excited to introduce to you two fantastic new journaling Bibles just for teenage girls!

First up is the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Teen Girls:

Express your creativity while you reflect on the precious truths of Scripture with the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Teen Girls. With special ready-to-color artwork, this artistic edition features thick white paper and extra-wide margins leaving ample space for your own creative illustrations or journal entries. So gather your art supplies. No matter your artistic level, you will enjoy the hands-on experience with the visual beauty of Scripture.

Features:

• Hundreds of verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art with 100 new illustrated verses added especially for teen girls
• 8-point type size
• Single-column text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Lightly ruled wide margins and high-quality paper for notes, journal entries, or artwork

To be honest, every time I was asked that question above in the past, The Beautiful World Coloring Bible was the Bible that I would recommend anyway. I always felt like that beauty in that Bible would be most appealing to teenagers even more so than even other coloring bibles I'd experienced. This version is specifically designed for them with even more illustrated verses designed with teenage girls in mind.



In addition to the stunning predrawn coloring pages, this Bible offers plenty of blank margins too. Whether it's taking notes about what they are reading or creating even more artwork to expand upon those already there, they have plenty of space to do so. I love the options it gives to do whatever you choose among the pages. Speaking of options, there are several stunning cover options to choose from to best fit your teen's individual style, and each one is just as stunning as the next!

Some great pens, colored pencils and this Bible? The perfect gift for the budding artist or Bible journaler on your list. It is available to purchase now at your favorite book retailers.




Next up is something a little bit different, the NIV Journal the Word™ Bible for Teen Girls:

Reflect, respond, and grow closer to your heavenly Father. With hundreds of journaling prompts and plenty of space for notes, art, and doodles, the NIV Journal the Word™ Bible for Teen Girls provides a place to capture your thoughts while reading Scripture. Journal your feelings, dreams, and hopes. Create art, color, and doodle. However you wish to creatively express yourself, engage with God’s heart and get to know the One who knows and loves you.

Features:

• Hundreds of thought-provoking questions for teen girls to reflect on and respond to
• 8-point type size 
• Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections
• Thicker white paper for enduring note-taking
• Full text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) translation
• Words of Jesus in red
• Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
• Ribbon marker

Now, typically when I think about Bible journaling, I think of art journaling. For me, that's what I personally enjoy. I love reading my Bible and creating visual representations on what I have read to look back on as a quick VISUAL reminder time and time again. Still, that type of Bible art journaling is not for everyone. Perhaps you're not an artist and don't care to be, or perhaps it's the idea of painting and/or the possibility of covering words that just doesn't sit well with you. Or maybe you'd just prefer writing. The truth is, Bible journaling can be absolutely anything you want it to be.

For the writer, this is the Bible I'd recommend. Rather than artwork to color, this Bible features journaling prompts to read, reflect and write about. You could of course still incorporate some artwork into these prompts as well if you'd like, but there IS less room on the pages with these prompts. There are also many blank pages that allow you to do your own journaling in addition to the prompts, or even as overflow from those previous prompts if needed.

For the teen girl who loves a more typical style of journaling, this is a must see. It is available to purchase now at your favorite Christian book retailers.

No matter the type of journaling your teenager or the teenager on your list prefers, these Bible options have every style covered. AND one very lucky reader is going to win their choice! Enter using the giveaway form below:

Entry-Form

Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree: DIY Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

Next up in our Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree Series is one that takes me back to my childhood a bit. My mom was a crafter before crafting was cool, and so it seemed every year--- or many years anyway, we would be in the kitchen baking our own ornaments as gifts, etc. Mostly, that would involve salt dough ornaments, but sometimes we would mix it up with cinnamon dough.

Once I decided that it was going to be a homemade tree this year, I knew that this was going to be the perfect addition. It has such a classic look to it, AND it smells amazing too.

DIY Cinnamon Dough Ornaments

• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons glue
• twine/ribbon
• drinking straw
• cookie cutters
• plastic wrap
• rolling pin
• baking sheets

1. First up, you'll need to buy your supplies of course. But the topic of this series is a FRUGAL homemade Christmas tree, so to make the most use of your budget, I would suggest heading to your local Dollar Tree or other dollar store. Cinnamon and even applesauce can get rather pricey elsewhere, but you can use off brand, cheapest you can find. I was able to find everything I needed at the Dollar Tree for around $3-4. Chances are you have all the baking needs already, but you can also find baking sheets at Dollar Tree as well. I personally purchased my cookie cutters for about $1.50 for a big bag of assorted styles. They can usually be found individually for around $1 too. 
2. Now, that you have everything, it's time to make your dough. Mix the applesauce and cinnamon into a bowls until well blended. Add glue. (The glue is optional, but is supposed to help them stay together.) You may have to use your hands to thoroughly blend.  Form into a ball.
3. Now roll the dough out between two pieces of plastic wrap. You'll want them between 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. The thinner they are the less time they take to dry and the more you can get, but they more fragile they will be too. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. 
4. Place on cookie sheet. Use a straw to add the hole for hanging, careful to leave plenty of room at the edge. 
5. Bake for about 2 1/2 hours at 200 degrees. Time will vary based on thickness and your oven. Mine did not take nearly that long, so just keep a watchful eye on them. If you'd prefer, you can also just sit out at room temperature for a few days to allow to dry thoroughly, no baking required... or use a food dehydrator. Baking however is the fastest method! 
6. After they are dried and cooled, it's time to hand. Use some thin ribbon or twine. (I purchased this simple twine again at the Dollar Tree, it was in the tool section.) They are ready to hang!

These simple ornaments not only look great, but they make the house smell great too. It's not an overwhelming cinnamon smell, but just a little hint as you walk by. And while they are actually baking? Amazing! 

While we chose to keep them very simple, you can add paint, glitter or whatever you'd like to make them your own.

Looking for more fun ways to decorate your tree on a tight budget? Check out this post on how to create a DIY popcorn garland, and stay tuned for more in this Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree series. 

The Perfect Gift For the Lego Fan: A Brick Loot Review + Discount #HolidayGiftGuide2017

**Box received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Every year at Christmas my son's list looks pretty similar---

• Latest Video Game
• Books
• Legos
• Legos
• Legos

Like many 10 year old boys, he is ALL about the Legos. To be honest, my Shaun has always been very particular about toys. I'm not sure if that's his autism shining through, or just him in general, but each year even if he asks for other toys, it's only the Legos and the plush that get touched after a week. But Legos... now those are very different. A quick look into his room and you will discover piles of Lego creations everywhere. Right now he's been working on a fun town scene with lots of people and even a monster causing trouble.

Aside from building with Legos, he just loves all things Legos in general--- books, magazines, collectible you name it.

Does this sound like someone on your list? If so, I have the PERFECT gift this year: Brick Loot.

Brick Loot is a box subscription company for LEGO and Brick fanatics! Subscribers will receive a monthly box filled with unique, custom and never-before-seen items including Custom LEGO Kits, LEGO Minifigures and more. Brick Loot boxes are filled with 4-8 items that were hand picked by Brick specialists who scour the world for the newest and coolest products for you to collect.

Sounds pretty amazing, right? The perfect kid gift!? Well, is it any wonder than to say that this brilliant subscription box was thought up by a 9-year-old!? That- to me and my son both- makes it that much cooler.

What I love about Brick Loot is that it's a gift that keeps on giving. Most years we do a mix of Lego Creator bricks and building sets. He loves the sets, but for him, once they're together, he mostly tends to keep them that way...so within a week or two it's back to boredom. With Brick Loot, he can open one box at Christmas, with perfectly coordinating pieces, then come January, a brand new box has been delivered! Fun, right? But, what's inside? Here's a look into November's 'sweet' box:

As you can see, this particular box had a candy theme, and we loved it! As I said, right now my son's room is a little Lego town with people and shops... this was the perfect addition to that. What town is complete without it's very own candy store!? He also had a little park already so the cotton candy cart works very well with his existing hot dog cart. I loved that everything is perfectly coordinated and that we get not just toys, but collectibles too. This box even came with a candy tray so we can make our very own Lego candy!

Each month is a new theme and new surprise, but taking a look at past boxes, each one is every bit as fun! If you have a Lego lover on your list, this is one gift that they would love to find under the tree and at their doorstep each month!

AND you can save 12% off Brick Loot using code usfamily12. Hurry on over to get yours ordered now! 

5 Unique Ways To Celebrate Advent {+ Save On the Illustrated Faith Monthly Devotional Kit: Advent} #IF_Advent #BibleJournaling

**Kit received as part of the Dayspring Illustrated Faith Launch Team. Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

• Help kids write Christmas lists.
• Buy the gifts.
• Wrap the gifts.
• Trim the tree.
• Clean the house.
• Pack for trips.
• Move the elf.

Do you ever feel like the Christmas season is just one big, long to do list?

Every time we cross off one thing, it seems we've piled on three more. They say it's the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also the busiest by far. So busy in fact that at times it can be truly hard to find time to just stop and remember what it is we're celebrating. Sometimes, we just need a moment in the midst of the craziness to bring it back to God.

As Christians, I think this is why the season of Advent is so important.

Growing up, Advent was not something we celebrated. I grew up in a Christian home and went to church, but it wasn't something that any of the churches celebrated. To be honest, while I'd heard f advent, I'd thought this was merely a Catholic tradition. But after some research I realized that this tradition is truly a great way for EVERY Christian to focus their hearts and minds on Christ as the holidays approach. While the traditional lighting of candles might be a great tradition for your family, it is not the ONLY way to celebrate Advent. Today, I'm sharing a few quick ideas:

5 Unique Ways to Celebrate the Advent Season

1. Set Up a Nativity. This is such an easy way to bring Christ into your holidays. Read the Christmas story as you decorate so that you can truly remember why we're celebrating. 
2. Countdown With Books. This one is mostly for the kids, but can be great for the whole family. Leading up to Christmas, let your kids unwrap one gift--- a book with great messages about Christ's birth and the spirit of the season. You can make this once a week, the 7 days leading up or more... depending on your budget and the number of books you can find. 
3. Do an Advent Devotional/Bible Study. There are many great options out there, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs. Spend a little time each day studying and reading.
4. Pray Through Advent. Create a list of topics to pray for throughout the month. Pray about the church, your family, friends, the holiday itself. Pray for the community, those who are suffering this Christmas, etc. Try to pray for people/things that you might not throughout the rest of the year.
5. Journal Advent. Of course, this list would not be complete without Bible journaling. Journaling can be such a fun and creative way to draw closer to God throughout the year, and the Christmas season is no different. Take a little time each week to journal through the holiday season--- you can even tie in the prayers and the Bible study in with your journaling as well.

Ready to start journaling through advent? The new Illustrated Faith Monthly Devotional Kit- Advent- is a fantastic starting point. Take a look:

In the Illustrated Faith 'Advent' devotional kit, Shanna and her friend, Ali, invite you to join them with eight advent devotionals to read and reflect upon throughout the first twenty-four days of December (one devotional every three days). After each devotional, record your thoughts in your journaling Bible, Illustrated Faith praise book, or personal journal.  And, as Shanna suggests,"Grab some hot cocoa and your Bible and let's rejoice in this season together!"



My first year journaling through the Christmas I found myself journaling the more common Christmas verses. The gospel recollections of Christ's birth, etc. This was great of course, and I still enjoy rereading these every year, but if you've not yet worked through one Bible, you'll find that in the year(s) to come, there's only so much room to do so. What I loved about this kit was that it took a look at some verses that I had never really thought of as appropriate for the holiday. It has helped me to expand my Bible reading to beyond the obvious to grow even closer to God as the holidays draw near.

This month, we have a little change in that the kit features 8 devotionals, with no journaling cards. Personally, I really love this. While I do appreciate the journaling cards in most kits, I also find that I prefer to journal straight into my Bible instead, so we still get the same number of gorgeous designs, but more reading to go with them. Personal tip: these make great tip ins! Typically, I use washi to apply them either to the same page I'm journaling, or the opposite page. This allows me to easily flip open to re-read what inspired that journaling. For some pages I just use these as bookmarks, though there's always that chance they could fall out this way.

Aside from that, it is the same format as in recent kits featuring a small stamp set, 2 sheets of stickers, washi and die cuts. The designs are fun and festive--- ornaments and mugs. Now, these mugs may say cocoa and tea, but the coffee girl in me likes to think of them as coffee anyway. This might in fact be my favorite washi yet! This kit also coordinates beautifully with the existing advent collection so you can mix and match and really have fun with it!



I for one am really loving this kit and look forward to counting down to Christmas through journaling. Advent is available to purchase now at Dayspring.



AND from now through November 26th, you can get 30% off SITEWIDE with code FRIDAY17! Talk about an amazing deal! Hurry over before the deal ends.

Swim Like a Mermaid with Sun Tail Mermaid #HolidayGiftGuide2017

**Product received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

Do you have a little girl that dreams of being a mermaid? Or perhaps its yourself who is a little mermaid crazed?

Chances are, if its not us or our daughters, most of us probably have at least the one person in our lives that is absolutely, positively mermaid obsessed. Let's be honest, how could you not fall in love with them though? They're beautiful, they're magical...and they're fun! It truly is no wonder that so many girls young and old have found themselves dreaming of swimming as a mermaid.

This Christmas I am excited to share with you a gift that can actually make that dream come true, Sun Tail Mermaid Tails:



Sun Tail Mermaid has created the world's best swimmable mermaid tails and mermaid flippers. Their mermaid tails are soft, comfortable, and come in a wide variety of designs and colors. They are made of high quality swimsuit fabric with 4-way stretch.

Sun Tail Mermaid's monofins are extremely comfortable and virtually unbreakable. Their patented monofin is several steps ahead of everyone else in engineering, durability, comfort, and functionality. The propulsion and control is exceptional. The monofins come in a wide range of beautiful colors, so you can match your mermaid tails or look amazing wearing it alone.



That's right, your little ones can actually SWIM like a mermaid! How fun is that? Now, my daughter has had her share of mermaid fins, but in the style of blankets and costumes. Those of course are fun, but still... not quite a true mermaid experience. Every time we grab on of these out, my daughter starts asking, can I take it in the water? With Sun Tail Mermaid tails, I can finally say YES!



These truly look just as I would envision a mermaid's tail to look--- beautiful and even magical. They have many colors to choose from, from solid colors to mixed. Personally, I couldn't help but fall in love with the Aurora Borealis Mermaid Tail. How absolutely gorgeous!? But they're not just gorgeous, they are great quality--- very well made and sure to last through many, many summers to come. We cannot wait to use them when the time comes!



Now, the mermaid tales and monofin sets are designed for the experienced swimmer, but they also offer toddler tails for the younger and smaller girls, and even shark fins too! No matter your preference, you can receive a 10% discount on your order at www.SunTailMermaid.com by using coupon code: BestGiftEver

You can learn more and connect at the links below:


https://www.suntailmermaid.com/
https://www.facebook.com/suntailmermaid

The Perfect Gift For the Man In Your Life: JORD Watches {+ a $100 JORD Giveaway} #HolidayGiftGuide2017

**Product received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

I don't know about you, but for me, the hardest person on my list to shop for is ALWAYS my husband. To be honest, I find men in general to be harder to shop for. Women are easy--- candles, jewelry, a great scarf... and done. Men? Not so much!

Each year I find myself stressing over finding the perfect gift. Do you feel the same?

Today, I am excited to share an excellent gift perfect for the hard to buy for man on YOUR list, JORD Watches.

What are JORD watches?

Hand-crafted wood timepieces. Raw material, refined design JORD is run by artists, designers, marketers, and minders. We spend our days creating, considering, arguing, and hopefully agreeing. Then we'll scrap it all for the joy of starting new. We have fun. This is our journey. We are focused on creating timepieces that are modeled after a modern lifestyle. We value sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living. We make our watches for people who don't just have somewhere to be, they have somewhere to go. The value of a watch is not in being able to tell how much time has passed, but in being aware of the need to make that time count. Moments are bigger than minutes and your watch should tell more than time.

There's just something timeless about the gift of a watch... no pun intended! Seriously though, a man's watch can become somewhat of an heirloom piece. From our very first Christmas together, 11 years ago, I knew that one day I wanted to get my husband a watch that he could keep for years to come. Still, I never could find just the right one. I wanted something that suited my husband--- modern but classic, unique but timeless.

That is exactly what I found in JORD. The actual styles of the watches are quite timeless, they offer a variety of faces to best go with the look that fits your man's tastes. But what sets them apart if the unique wooden handcrafting. That unique takes brings them much more current and offers a great look too. With various wood finishes you can again choose just the right look. Aside from the style though, the quality is great. This is a watch that is made to last. It also comes packaged beautifully, ready to give!

If you're looking for a great gift that will last for years, JORD Watches has you covered. But they don't just offer men's watches, ladies can find great watches for themselves too.

And my readers get to save 25% off with the exclusive code 'amoderndayfairytale'.

And one VERY lucky reader is going to win a $100 credit to JORD Watches! Visit this link to enter to win!

Register to Win $100 Store Credit at JORD Watches - Hand-crafted wood timepieces

Ladies Wood Watch Wood Watches by JORD

A Frugal Homemade Christmas Tree: DIY Popcorn Garland

Every year in about August or September, I start thinking ahead to Christmas. Yes, I'm that person. But here's the thing... I love Christmas! I love the celebrations, I love the meaning behind the season, and I love decorating.

When it comes to decorating- particularly the tree- I like to keep things interesting. Each year I try to come up with a new theme or color scheme so that it never looks quite the same. You might recall last year my tree theme was 'Shine Your Light' with silver and gold. In years past, I'd had red and aqua, a Frozen inspired tree, and even just a simple classic Christmas with red and green and lots of sparkles. I love coming up with these new ideas. I love mixing and matching what I have and buying just a few extras each year to complete the desired look.

But this year my Christmas budget was even tighter than usual. I did not have any extra money at all to put towards decorations, so I had to get a little more creative. I decided to go with a very traditional homemade look.... all in all, I spend between $5-10 on my entire tree! Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing what I did so that you too can experience a good ol' fashioned frugal Christmas tree. First up, the inspiration for it all--- popcorn garland!

Popcorn garland is such a traditional Christmas look, but shockingly something that I had never done. While I did not start out with the intention of this homemade tree look, I DID know that I wanted popcorn one way or another, and I am SO thrilled with how it turned out! Check it out:

DIY Popcorn Garland

• popcorn
• thread
• needle
• clear spray (optional)

1. First and foremost, you'll want to pop your popcorn. They say one cup covers about 3-4 feet of string. To be honest, I just eyeballed it though and ended up with entirely too much, but you do want to have a little extra anyway to make up for any broken pieces, etc.
   I highly recommend using just simple stove top popcorn. This takes a little longer, but you're going to get a lot more for the money. At our local store we can get a bag for about $2, and we used less than half a bag for the garland. In a pinch though, you can use microwave, just look for the non-salted, non-buttered variety. 
2. Once it's popped, let it sit for a few days. Everything I read said about 2 days or so, I waited about 4. This allows the popcorn to stale a bit, and makes it less likely to break as you're stringing it. 
3. After it has sat out, it's time to get started, but first you'll need to choose your thread. Some use embroidery floss or even fishing line, but I used a classic thread--- easy to find and very inexpensive- you might even have it on hand already. You can also mix it up with a colored thread too, keep it festive in case any gaps show through.
4. Thread your needles just as you would for any sewing project, tying a knot at the end. It is much easier to work with shorter strands, so I suggest keeping them manageable, and leaving enough of a tail at the end that they can be easily tied together. 
5. Start stringing! Pick the best pieces from your popped popcorn. Some suggest sorting before you start, but I found it easier and faster to do so as I went. You'll want to look for nice thick pieces that you can string easily. Push the needle through the thickest part of the popcorn, avoiding any kernels that are tough to break though. Be sure to keep your thread nice and even as you go. Once you get to the end of that strand, knot it and move on to the next.
6. At the end, tie them together to make one or several longer strands.
7. If desired, spray your finished garland with a clear spray carefully to help protect it. This *may* help your garland to last through another year, or even give it a nice little shine. Personally, I decided to keep mine as it was, and will be feeding it to the birds after the holidays. 
8. Finally, add it to the tree! You'll want it on after the lights, but before any decorations. 

That's it. It takes a little bit of time, but is really very easy and VERY inexpensive. Overall, it should cost around $4 or so--- assuming you don't already have the needle and thread on hand. Not only does it look great, but I really love the tradition of this. My daughter is a little too young to string, but she helped hand us the popcorn while my son and I sat, watching Christmas movies and stringing popcorn. It's such a great family activity that we all really enjoyed! While it may not always go on my tree, I think this will become a regular in our family Christmases from now on.

The popcorn garland was my inspiration, but the homemade frugal Christmas doesn't end here! Stay tuned for more great ideas including: cinnamon dough ornaments, cardboard/wrapping paper ornaments and prepping pinecones for Christmas decor.

Have you tried a popcorn garland before? How did it turn out? What other frugal tree ideas do YOU have? 

Gift Ideas for the Tween on Your List {+ a Deal from SmitCo LLC} #HolidayGiftGuide2017

**Product received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Personally, I'm an early shopper, so I'm just about finished, but there are a few people on my list I still need to figure out just the right gift for.... like the tween girls.

Shopping for tweens can be a little interesting. Oftentimes, they are just a little too old for most toys, but still like fun things, not just gift cards and electronics or even clothes as many teenagers do. So, what are some fun gift ideas for the tweens on YOUR list? Here are a few quick ideas:

• Jewelry. Girls of all ages can enjoy jewelry. Keep it young and fun, age appropriate. 
• Makeup/Nailcare Sets. Always check with parents for kiddos that are not your own of course, but I know at this age anything beauty related was always a hit. The same goes for my nieces as well. 
• Favorite Books. If the girl on your list is a reader, pick a favorite book series for her to enjoy. 
• Room Decor. I loved decorating and redecorating when I was younger... think fun pillows or throws, cute mirrors, etc. 
• Journals. Maybe it's the writer in me, but I always loved getting journals as a kid. These days, you can find them in just about any style to match her tastes.

Today, I want to share with you a fantastic company that can help you check the tween girl on YOUR list: Smitco LLC. In the past, I've had the chance to try out some of their nail polish sets that were and still are a favorite in my house... but this year, it's all about their journals.

Now, let's be honest... you can get journals just about anywhere so why choose SmitCo? What makes them special?


First and foremost, the styles are just adorable! From emojis and unicorns to hearts and stars, there are designs to match each personality. They also have options. Want something that locks to keep others out? They have those! Want more of a journal with no lock? Yes, those too. I was sent one of their fun journals to check out for myself. Take a look:



WHILE OTHER GIRL DIARIES ARE SMALL AND THIN, this journal is 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inch with 80 lined pages, a fancy bookmark and A COVER THAT LIGHTS UP! Most young girls and/or teens have secrets and this hardcover diary will keep it safe because of the invisible ink pen and black light. Nobody will be able to see what she wrote unless they have a black light! PLEASE NOTE that there are 3 alkaline batteries in the pen and 1 lithium metal battery in the light up book

Not only is this style super fun--- I don't know a girl of any age under 12 that isn't crazy about emojis--- to include my 4 year old, but the invisible ink? Genius! I loved that type of stuff as a kid! It's as fun as a toy, but a little more grown up so they can have that sense of--- well, being grown up! And most importantly, they can keep all their secret thoughts a secret! How fun!

Want to check them out for yourself? You can see more great gifts from SmitCo and get 20% Off you purchase too! Go to: http://amzn.to/2a3d3v8 and use coupon code N3CQD6AE on checkout

For The Little Ones: A $450+ Holiday Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide2017

Little Ones Image HERE The holiday season is such a wonderful time, especially when you have a little one in the house! We've teamed up with some of our favorite parenting blogs to bring you a HUGE giveaway with products to delight your baby or toddler this holiday season. Check out the great brands that are participating and the items one lucky winner will receive:

 

stuckonyou pajamas - Australia based Stuck On You was founded in 1995 by Carrie Felton, a mom of three boys. A global leader in personalized products for baby & beyond, Stuck On You products are available in more than 15 countries. Felton created Stuck On You to celebrate the individuality of every name, bring joy to new parents with unique, timeless products for every child, save families time, energy and money and help them to lead a more organized life. In addition to a broad offering of labels, the Stuck On You collection includes activity and personalized books, durable and stylish bags, lunchboxes and drink bottles, stationery, bag tags and gorgeous gifts for all ages. We think stuckonyou's Winter Pajamas are just the cutest, so our winner will receive a pair of their choice! Each set includes a long sleeve top and striped long pants. They're made with cotton elastane, with added stretch for comfort. The bottoms feature an elasticated drawstring waist. You can personalize the cozy shirt with a design, name, and font of your choice! With so many of our cute, original designs to choose from, it's easy to choose the right combination for your child. These sets retail for $39.95 each.

 

pediped footwear - Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling have made the award-winning company the fastest growing children's footwear brand in the United States. pediped® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped® shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. pediped is sold in over 750 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between its three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. The award-winning footwear is available in EU sizes 17 to 38 (US newborn to 6 Youth). Our kids live in pediped Force Flex shoes so we want to give a pair to you! These athletic style shoes with Velcro closure are ultra light-weight and come in sizes 24-36 (US 7.5 to 4). They've got a man-made and mesh upper, breathable mesh lining, and flexible natural rubber and phylon sole. They retail for $60.



Little Partners - Founded in 1992 by a mom and Montessori-trained educator, Little Partners strives to help parents and caregivers create environments that nurture young children and provide ample opportunities for kids to learn through play and creativity. The company’s flagship product, the Original Learning Tower (which we LOVE - check out our Original Learning Tower review), was created when our founder’s daughter, Hanna, was 18 months old. Wanting to nurture Hanna's desire to "do it herself," our founder, Carol created The Learning Tower, an adjustable height kitchen platform, offering quality, safety, and flexibility. Today, Little Partners’ collection has grown to include a variety of products designed to nurture a child's blossoming independence while helping to inspire, delight, and engage children’s interest in learning as well as provide opportunities for parents and children to interact. Our winner will receive an amazing Tri-Side Learn & Play Art Center. It includes three different surfaces for ultimate creative expression, giving young artists space and versatility to color, paint, play, and experiment in whatever medium they choose. The three sides include a chalkboard, a felt board, and a magnetic dry erase board with a refillable roll for parchment paper. Each side’s height is independently adjustable, allowing multiple children to collaborate and play at the same time. Four non-spill paint containers and a large bottom shelf will help your little artist keep all of his or her supplies organized and easily accessible for when inspiration strikes. The Tri-Side Learn & Play Art Center retails for $179.99. You can find it on their website or Amazon.com.




Step2 - Step2 is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of plastics. It’s their mission to be the leading innovator of children's products that build imaginations and enrich the family's celebration of childhood. Step2 fosters learning and development through creative play in children from toddler to school age years. We absolutely love Step2 products and are excited to give our winner the adorable and entertaining Step2 My First Christmas Tree. Amber from Viva Veltoro just posted a review of the Step2 My First Christmas Tree, so be sure to check out her post to see it in action. Children can enjoy all the magic of the Christmas experience with this pretend play Step2 Christmas Tree toy. Kiddos will light up with joy as they get to pick and choose the ornaments for their very own Christmas tree. Once all of the ornaments are in place, kiddos can reach up high and put the star on the top. With the star in place, little holiday fans can start their miniature train set and put out the cookies for Santa! Made in USA of US and imported parts.




HALO - Founded by Bill Schmid and his wife after the loss of their firstborn to SIDS, HALO has a singular mission: to help make safe sleep easier for families. For more than 20 years, HALO offers parents everything they need for safe sleep. The HALO® SleepSack® Swaddle and SleepSack Wearable Blankets grow with baby to toddlerhood, the best-selling HALO Bassinest® Swivel Sleeper provides mothers with safe and close sleep for their newborn, and the brand new HALO SnoozyPod™ helps parents seamlessly transition baby or toddlers to a new sleep environment. HALO products are used in over 1500 hospitals nationwide to help parents practice safe sleep for baby. Anything that helps baby sleep soundly in his or her crib is a welcome lifesaver for parents! The HALO SnoozyPod™ vibrating, all-in-one bedtime soother is the first device to combine soothing sounds and an amber glow night light with gentle vibration to lull infants and toddlers to their best sleep. Designed to fit most cribs, toddler and twin beds, the SnoozyPod contains calming vibration, comforting sounds, and star and moon projection night light. The star and moon projection night light uses a soft amber LED bulb that will not interrupt baby’s circadian rhythm. In addition, SnoozyPod is Bluetooth enabled, so caretakers can activate the functions from anywhere in the home, without encouraging wakefulness by entering baby's room. The soothing sounds can be played for 30-minutes, or set to play all night long to help quiet household noises that may disrupt sleep. The SnoozyPod fits snugly under the mattress leaving a safe, flat, firm surface for your child to comfortably sleep. Undoubtedly their most popular and well-known product, the Halo® SleepSack® wearable blanket replaces loose blankets in the crib that can cover your baby's face and interfere with breathing. In addition to sleeping safer, it helps babies sleep better, too. It's a warm cuddly blanket they can't kick off; ensuring baby sleeps soundly throughout the night.


The World of Eric Carle: The World of Eric Carle embodies the joys of playful learning and an appreciation of art and nature that generations have experienced through Eric Carle’s timeless stories and unique artwork. The World of Eric Carle inspires children to be creative, expressive and imaginative, encouraging them to explore and enjoy the world around them, while fostering lifetime personal values. The Ride 'n' Roll Caterpillar Ride On from The World of Eric Carle is absolutely adorable and provides endless hours of safe, ride-on fun for toddlers! The soft memory foam seat keeps your child safe and secure and the smooth wooden handle will help them to keep a firm grip. The Ride 'n' Roll Caterpillar also helps your child develop coordination, motor skills, and balance!

One person will take home all of these fabulous gifts!

Open to the continental US, ages 18 and up. Ends 11/30/17 at 11:59 PM EST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Viva Veltoro, Thrifty Nifty Mommy and the participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Images and item descriptions are courtesy of the sponsors. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. Please contact thriftyniftymommy {at}yahoo.com with any questions about this giveaway.

Finding the Right Bible for Your Child {+ A Kids Bible Giveaway} #HolidayGiftGuide2017

Welcome to the In Everything Give Thanks Giveaway Hop hosted by MamaTheFox.com

From now through November 30, hop along to all participating bloggers to enter to win some great family friendly giveaways, just in time for the holidays! There is no limit to how many you can win, so hop along and enter them all.

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**Bibles received for consideration. Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts are 100% my own. 

We all know that Jesus is the Reason for the Season, and I always try to keep this in my mind as I am planning for the holidays. I try to remind me kids throughout the season, but let's be honest... sometimes the excitement of presents can get in the way for them. So, every year, I try to get them a special gift to remind them just that. Some years it might be a devotional, some days a new storybook, or even a Bible.

But, when it comes to choosing Bibles for kids, what do you look for? Today I'm sharing a few thoughts:

• Think About Their Interests. Did you know there are Bibles for pretty much anything your child might be interested in these days? Minecraft, Legos, princesses... I've seen them ALL. If it grabs their interest, it's more likely to make them want to pick it up. 
• Consider Their Reading Level. It's okay to get them a 'real' Bible before they are ready- either as a keepsake to save until that time or to read together, but if you want something that they can read on their own, be mindful of where they are. If they're not ready for a real Bible just yet, a storybook Bible is still a great option. 
• Consider the Translation. Find a translation that you think they will understand and enjoy. If they participate in Sunday School, etc you might consider finding out if there is a preferred translation there. 
• Keep It Fun AND Educational. Who says its can't be both, right? There are so many great kids Bibles out there to choose from that there truly is no reason not to find something fun and unique that fits your child's interests and curiosity. 

Today, I want to share with a few great gift options when it comes to kids' Bibles.

First up, the NKJV Color Code Bible:

Over 1600 passages are color-coded on important faith themes. The first New King James Version for Kids highlighted in full-color, this Bible will be simple for kids to read and understand. 

With topics arranged by color, you will learn about salvation and how to put God’s word into your daily faith walk. The topics/colors are:

Gold: God

Navy: Sin, evil,

Red: Jesus

Orange: washed clean from sin, new life

Green: growth in your new life as a Christian and Faith Walk

Blue: Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving

Purple: Heaven

A vibrant 64 pages in the beginning of the Bible will explain the color system as well as offer expanded study help features especially for a child’s creative and imaginative mind!

The large, readable type, bold in-text subject headings, individual Bible book introductions, and color-highlighted verses all make this Bible a fantastic purchase for any child!

Full of bright colors, memorization aids, and the never-ending truth of God’s Good News, the Color Code Bible is an exciting new way to study God’s Word for everybody.

Now, typically the NKJV would not be my first choice for a kids' Bible as I personally find it a little mire difficult to understand, however many still prefer this more classic translation and that's okay. This is a great Bible for them... but even if it's not the prefer translation, the style of this Bible might just change your mind! I've seen it suggested before that as you read your Bible it can be very helpful to have a set of highlighters or pens in various colors and mark everything by categories. This Bible has already done the work for you! As your child reads, they will discover highlighted passages about the topics listed above. Not only does this help them to gain a better understanding of exactly what it is they are reading, for my son who is very much a visual person, it seemed to help keep him interested too... more so than just looking at a plain white page! 

But I must admit, that's not even my favorite part of this particular Bible. Before the Old Testament even begins there is a TON of information about the Bible in general. It tells you the importance of the bible, what category each book falls into (history, poetry, prophecy, Gospels, church history, letters, etc. It tells you all about who wrote the Bible. It tells you WHY you should read the Bible. And of course it gives an in depth description of each color code talked about. It even offers various reading plans that your child can stick to.

This truly is a great study Bible, packed full of useful tools to help your child fully understand the Bible. It is available to purchase now at your favorite Christian book retailers.



Next up, the NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible:

How come people lived so long back then? Why did God allow the flood? Is Jesus real?

Kids have LOTS of questions about the Bible and God. The NIrV Kid’s Quest Study Bible is a great resource for kids eager to learn more.

Features include:

• Over 500 real questions and answers from kids
• “Quest Challenges” that help kids apply the Bible’s teachings to their own lives by pointing to Scripture
• Book introductions that help explain what each book of the Bible is about
• A dictionary and a subject guide that help kids find what they’re looking for
• A fresh, colorful design with cartoons that makes the Bible fun to look at and use
• The complete NIrV translation—the NIV for kids! This translation is written at a third grade reading level for children just beginning to explore the Bible on their own

Isn’t it exciting to discover the world, ask how things work, and learn about God and the Bible? With a bright, colorful design, reading and using the Bible is fun.


This is most certainly the Bible for the kid with all the questions. Let's be honest--- that's most kids, isn't it? Kids are still learning and exploring their world, and that means they want to know it all! As they read through this Bible they will find the answers to all of those questions. In fact, each book starts with a series of important questions: who wrote it? what's it about? who was it written for? and when was it written? These questions will get the reading started off on the right foot. The questions continue on as they read. Some of the questions are related exactly to what they are reading- the Bible questions. Others are more general kid questions that can be answered USING the scriptures they are reading. For instance, 'why do I have to brush my teeth?'. Not the typical Bible question, but certainly one MY kids have asked... this Bible uses scriptures to help answer those burning questions. There are also Quest Challenges throughout that both answer important questions and give a real life application to experience the answers for themselves. This certainly helps to bring the Bible more relevance to their life every day. 

If you have a curious child with lots of questions on your list, this is THE must have Bible for them. It is available to purchase at your favorite Christian book retailer.




And one very lucky reader is going to win the Color Code Bible for themselves. Enter using the giveaway form below:

Entry-Form

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.