Christmas Gift Guide 2023: Gifts for Kids of All Ages

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The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about gifts for the kids in your life. Make your list and check it twice because the deals have been rolling in hot. Many stores have opted to start their Black Friday deals early and extend them. Whether you're shopping for a baby, a little girl, a little boy, or a teenager, we've got you covered with our Christmas gift guide for 2023.

For Babies and Toddlers | Ages Infant to 48 months

There are so many neat items for you to get for your baby this holiday season. Infants to early crawlers need fun and bright toys to help them explore and grow their little brains. Here are some of my favorites that I have enjoyed with all of my babies.

Fisher-Price Baby Playmat Deluxe Kick

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Baby Activity Center

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set

Little Tikes First Slip And Slide : Perfect for indoor and outdoor play. We bought this for my son’s 1st birthday, and we enjoyed it until he was 3! Well worth the money.

VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker

Radio Flyer Convertible Stroller Wagon: This is a two-in-one gift, perfect for parents and kids. This covered wagon is great for taking to the park or a walk around the neighborhood. I loved our wagon when the kids were smaller. It made getting things done with littles so much easier.

Flyer Glider Jr., Lean to Steer Toddler Scooter, Red, for Kids Ages 2-5 Years - The new design of this scooter is adorable. Very similar to the older model with the new Flyer branding.

For Little Girls | Ages 5 - 10

  • Dolls: Dolls are always a popular gift for little girls, and there are so many different types to choose from. From classic dolls like Barbie and American Girl to more modern dolls like LOL Surprise! and the New Little Mermaid Collection, there's sure to be a doll that your little girl will love.

  • Arts and crafts supplies: Arts and crafts supplies are a great way to keep kids entertained for hours on end. There are so many different types of supplies to choose from, so you can find something that your child is interested in. For example, if your child loves to draw, you could get them a set of colored pencils or markers. Or, if your child loves to paint, you could get them a set of watercolors or acrylics.

  • Books: Books are always one of my favorites to gift, and there are so many different types of books to choose from. From picture books to chapter books to graphic novels, there's sure to be a book that your child will love.

  • Outdoor toys: Outdoor toys are a great way to get kids active and playing. There are so many different types of outdoor toys to choose from, such as balls, bikes, and scooters. Some of our favorites from the year are the Droyd Romper (ages 3-5),

  • Games: Games are a great way to keep kids entertained and learning. There are many different types of games to choose from, such as board games, card games, and video games.

Special Deal: Gabb Wireless get $25 OFF your first order!

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For Little Boys | Ages 5-10

  • Toy cars and trucks: Toy cars and trucks are always a popular gift for little boys. There are so many different types of toy cars and trucks to choose from, so you can find something that your child is interested in. 

For example, if your child loves to play with construction vehicles, then the Tonka truck line would be great, maybe they enjoy race cars Or, if your child loves to play with race cars, you could get them a set of race cars. Some of our personal favorite brands are Hot Wheels, Monster Jam, Driven by Battat, and Tonka.

  • Action figures: Action figures are another popular gift for little boys, however, you’ll find that the girls are really enjoying them as well. There are so many different types of action figures to choose from, so you can find something that your child is interested in. 

Some of the most popular are Marvel and Anime figures. You’ll also find that dinosaurs come in action-figure style sets as well. There are many brands to choose from when looking for action figures 

  • Building sets: Building sets are a great way to keep kids entertained and learning. There are so many different types of building sets to choose from, such as Legos, K'Nex, and Mega Bloks.

  • Sports equipment: Sports equipment is a great gift for kids who love sports. There are so many different types of sports equipment to choose from, such as baseball bats, basketballs, and footballs. We purchased the kids a trampoline last Christmas and it was a huge hit for them.

  • Video games: Video games are a great way to keep kids entertained and learning. Be sure to know which game system the child has before purchasing or grab a gaming gift card and allow them to choose! 

For Teenagers

Teens can be a hard group to shop for because they want a little of everything but have no fear here is a great place to start for inspiration.

Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Headphones - I love my Beats, they are truly great when I’m working out or just need to zone out.

Apple AirPods - Apple users, you need your AirPods! I love them.

Apple Watch Series 9 - I love my apple watch and I wear it 90% of the time, You can find a variety of bands

Apple iPad (10 generation)

Fitbit Charge 6 - For my fitness focused people this is a great option. The Fitbit is one of the best fitness trackers in my opinion. Their app is very user friendly and helps you manage your and maintain your fitness goals.

Xbox Series X or Series S 

PS5

  • Gift cards: Gift cards are always a great option for teenagers, because they can use them to buy whatever they want. You can get them gift cards to their favorite stores, restaurants, or online retailers.My go-to never fails are Apple, Amazon, and food related gift card. Be sure to check with their parents and see if they’re saving up for a special item and you can get a gift card for that specific store.

  • Clothes: Clothes are always a popular gift for teenagers. You can get them clothes that they can wear to school, on the weekends, or out with friends.

  • Shoes: Shoes are another popular gift for teenagers. You can get them shoes that they can wear for sports, school, or just hanging out.

  • Electronics: Electronics are always a popular gift for teenagers. You can get them electronics such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

  • Experiences: Experiences are a great way to give teenagers something to remember. You can get them tickets to concerts, sporting events, or amusement parks. Create a themed gift box for them to open so the gift feels extra special especially when it isn’t a tangible item or happening soon.

We hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect gifts for the kids in your life this Christmas!

Be sure to follow me on Amazon, LTK, and Instagram for all of the latest deals and lists!

2023 South Carolina State Fair | Columbia, SC

Meet me at the Rocket! 

Sc State fair

The South Carolina State Fair is here, but it won’t be for long (October 11-22, 2023)! It’s a great place to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including rides, games, food, and entertainment. The fair is held every year at the fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina.

Here are some of the things you can expect to see and do at the South Carolina State Fair:

  • Rides: there are a variety of rides for all ages, and the best part is that they are sectioned off!

  • Games: There are also various games at the fair, where you can try to win prizes.

  • Food: The fair is known for its delicious food - my favorite Fiske fries and fresh squeezed lemonade. Check out the map to plan your eating adventures! 

  • Entertainment: FREE Circus shows, exhibits, live music, and animals! 

I remember going to the state fair as a little girl, and it has always brought me so much joy. Now, I get to make these memories with my kids. If you want to get the best experience, be sure to plan your day. There is so much to do outside of enjoying the rides. Stroll through the Cantey Building to view fine art, photography, or local student’s artwork. Next, you’ll want to head to the Goodman Building to see the sand sculpture - its a must!

What’s New:

Donut Dog

Introducing DeAnna’s Donut Dog, the mouthwatering sensation that includes a homemade long john donut and an all-beef hot dog, topped with bacon and donut glaze for an extraordinary flavor explosion. DeAnna’s Donut Dog proudly holds the prestigious title of “Best New Food” at the 2022 Florida State and Steele County Fairs. Its undeniable popularity makes it an absolute must-try at this year’s S.C. State Fair.

Mexican Street Corn Sundae


Indulge in a mouthwatering delight of this signature creation made with fresh-cut fries layered with warm chile con queso cheese, sweet corn, Mexican spices, crumbled cheese, cilantro lime crema, crushed corn chips, and topped with your choice of cajun shrimp or sirloin steak.

Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake

Experience the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and luscious cream cheese icing – adding a creamy, tangy twist to a freshly made funnel cake. This is the ultimate autumn indulgence.



The South Carolina State Fair is a great place to have fun and make memories with family and friends. Be sure to check it out this year!

Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to the South Carolina State Fair:

  • Buy your tickets in advance to save money.

  • Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.

  • Remember the clear bag policy.

  • Have fun!

Family Halloween Costume Ideas

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Halloween is just around the corner, so it's time to start thinking about costumes! If you're looking for some family-friendly ideas or group Halloween costumes, then look no further; any of these will be a crowd-pleaser for sure! I’ve had so much fun creating these over the years; one year, my daughters and I did DIY Lego brick costumes.

Where's Waldo?

Where's Waldo is a classic children's book character who is always getting lost in crowds. He's the perfect costume for a family of four, as each person can dress up as a different character from the book. The dad can be Waldo, the mom can be Wenda, the son can be Wally, and the daughter can be Woof. You can also do this as a solo costume, it works great when your job requires a lot of moving around. 

Scooby Doo

Velma and daphne halloween costume

Scooby Doo is another classic children's character who is always getting into trouble. He's the perfect costume for a family or group of friends. The main characters include Scooby Doo (dog), Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

charlie brown halloween costumes

Charlie Brown and The Peanuts are classics, and it was so much fun to recreate these looks. This is perfect for a large group or family. You can choose from a variety of options.

Chick-Fil-A Crew

@_thechristianway

The Christian Way is a faith and lifestyle blogger. Military wife and mommy of two, she shares real-life moments and colorful living, in hopes of helping other people embrace messy and unpredictable life experiences.

Who doesn’t love Chick-fil-A? This is a great family costume that can also be used for Cow Day to score some free food! These costumes are straightforward to recreate with a bit of fabric you can iron on the spots!

Pixar Cars

Pixar Cars is a popular children's movie that shares the story of the popular racing car Lighting McQueen, and my son is obsessed! It's the perfect costume for a family as each person can dress up as a different character from the movie: the most popular Lightning McQueen, Mater, Finn McMissile, and Sally Carrera.

Construction Crew Halloween Costumes

Construction Crew

This one requires a little creativity, but it can be done. My son loves building and I wanted to be sure I could make something happen with this idea. I found this construction cone costume and costume jacket for him. If you have more people, throw in a traffic light, or a stop sign.

Take an adventure to Neverland with this fun family costume idea.

Character Highlights:

Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook

Creator: @_thechristianway

The Flintstones

Wilma and fred flintstones costumes

I grew up watching The Flintstones and choosing any one of these characters was a lot of fun! Are you team Flintstones or Rubble? 

Toy Story

Minions

It’s so easy to have fun with this costume. You probably already own a pair of jeans; you can grab the accessories here, and you’re good to go. Grab a few pals and have a blast!

May the 4th be with you!

Creator: @_thechristianway

Take a trip down the yellow brick road with The Wizard of Oz. You can have so much fun when putting this look together.

Character highlights:

Dorothy, The Tin Man, The Cowardly Lion, The Wizard of Oz. Scarecrow, Glinda, and The Wicked Witch of the West.

Creator: @_thechristianway

Super Mario Brothers

The Addams Family

The Addams Family is iconic and makes a great group costume idea; below are great examples for Wednesday and Pugsley Addams!

Character Highlights:

Wednesday, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Gomez, Cousin Itt, Lurch, and Grandmama.

These are just a few ideas for family Halloween costumes to get you started. With a bit of creativity, you can come up with your own unique and memorable costumes that the whole family will enjoy. So, get started planning your outfits today!

Take a look at my Amazon Storefront for more inspiration. 

My Fall 2023 TBR List | Read With Me

The temperatures are slowly dropping here in South Carolina, and girlies have all grabbed their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but I’m eager to cozy up with a good book. I’m still in my ‘Well-Read Black Girl Era,’ and I LOVE it here! Even though I do more listening than reading, I can’t wait to pull out the book tags and highlighters to enjoy these.

  • "A Worthy Love" by A.E. Valdez: Publicly humiliated, Marisa Banks is blindsided by the news that the man she’s been dating for months is married. Being called names she wouldn't wish on anyone in front of a room full of people by her boyfriend’s wife is enough to shake her identity to its foundations. In an attempt to rebuild, she makes a few questionable decisions. 

After searching TikTok for hours for romance recs, this book kept coming up. I can’t wait to grab a glass of wine, burn a candle and indulge! 

  • "The Kingmaker" by Kennedy Ryan: In a world of haves and have-nots, Maxim Cade's family and their oil empire have it all…and he wants nothing to do with it. At odds with his mogul father, he's determined to build his own empire, even if it means traveling far from home, painted as the black sheep.

Kennedy is my girl! I fell in love with her work after listening to Before I Let Go. Omg, that book had me torn up! I felt every emotion, I needed those words. They were so powerful and I’ve enjoyed everything else I’ve read from her thus far! 


  • "By The Book" by Jasmine Guillory: Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of the few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

This was another TikTok recommendation, for a feel good, black girl magic book. I recently read one of Jasmine Guillory’s books ‘While We Were Dating’ and I knew I needed to check out more of her work!


My reading as of late has been so heavy, so I’m looking forward to some fun, love, and make me blush type of books!


What books are you planning on reading this fall?

My Latest Reads

On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi 

Don’t Cry For Me by Daniel Black 

The Son of Mr. Suleman by Eric Jerome Dickey