The silly season is right around the corner. Have you started your shopping or perhaps you enjoy the thrill of shopping on Christmas Eve and scooping up on the big sales. I can’t believe there was a time in my life where I waited until Christmas Eve to shop for everyone on my list. In one evening, I’d have all the shopping done in 3 hours and then spend the next few hours with a bottle of wine and rolls of wrapping paper.

Not anymore! With children, you have to plan quite some time in advance, and my days of a relaxing Christmas Eve shopping and wrapping presents are long done. The one salvation of Christmas shopping these days when you have children is the internet! No more paying a sitter so you can shop or asking your spouse to “baby sit” and then hear all the grumbling when you arrive home. Don’t you just love hearing those disparaging remarks after you’ve just spent 5 hours searching every store for the most popular toy of the season? “Why did it take you so long? Did you make the toys yourself?” Ugh!

No, this gal does her shopping online as often as possible. If you want to save time and money, shopping on the internet is the very best solution. As well, think outside the box and find unique gifts for your family and friends that tell them how much you care about their wellbeing. For instance, do you have anyone on your list who has trouble falling asleep? Any music lovers? Though earplugs seem like an odd holiday gift, you may just be giving them the gift of health and peace.

My favourite gift to give is the Shut Eye Shade Sleep Aid Kit. I have the eyeshade and it’s probably the most comfortable shade I’ve ever worn. It has a padded nose bridge and super soft, satiny material. It’s great for blocking out light and the included earplugs will block out the sound of snoring or outside noises. As an added bonus, I’ve noticed less creasing under my eyes by morning, which means you might be giving one of those ladies on your list the gift of a more youthful appearance in the morning.

The eyeshade has other uses as well. Consider ordering the luxurious eyeshade and placing it in a basket of bath goodies such as fragrant bubble bath, loofa, bottle of wine and a candle. Imagine taking a bubble bath with the eye shade to block out light and completely relax with no distractions. Foam earplugs might be a good item to throw in the basket or high fidelity musician’s earplugs if they enjoy turning up the tunes while bathing. The musician’s earplugs filter the sound to block dangerous decibels while allowing quality music.

There are many creative gifts online. Give the gift of pampering and hearing protection this year!

Cheers!

Meghan