2017 Kid's Holiday Gift Guide - Movie Fanatic Edition

With so many kids on our list we have to get creative on gift ideas.  Each year we try to be the cool aunt and uncle that is in tune with the kiddos.  One thing we all have in common is the love for movies.

***This is a sponsored post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.***

Why do movies make the perfect gift for kids?

I love how movies can bring families together.  This is the perfect gift that keeps on giving every time a family watches it over and over again.  I mean, winter break is two weeks long.  What is a kid to do while on winter break?  Watch the Despicable Me 3 movie collection.

Don't forget the popcorn.  Pair the My Little Pony Friendship Magic Holiday Hearts with a box of popcorn.  The perfect addition to a My Little Pony fanatic movie collection.

Movies are perfect as a stocking stuffers too.  The Lego Ninjago Movie and some movie figurines will be a hit with the kiddos.

Happy gifting!

Merry Christmas - 2016

Holiday Gift Guide 2015-GoPicnic Holiday Gift Box

***Disclosure-Sample product was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

 Are you still looking for a great gift idea for friends or family?   

How about a gourmet food basket?  How about a gift basket full of healthy goodies as a family gift?   

GoPicnic, is a ready-to-eat meal solution that is pre-packaged, requires no refrigeration or preparation. 

I first tried GoPicnic at a conference.  It was an easy, on the go meal that allowed us to grab and go.  

 Everything you need to fuel you.  Hardy and filling every time.  Plus the entire family will approve!

And now they are introducing The GoPicnic Holiday Gift Box. With over 60 meals, snacks, and sweet treats, The GoPicnic Holiday Gift Box is the ultimate holiday gift.

The GoPicnic Holiday Gift Box includes:

· 3 Turkey Slices & Cheddar Meals

· 3 Salami & Cheese Meals

· 3 Creamy Cinnamon Spread Breakfasts

· 3 Honey Turkey Stick Breakfasts

· 10 Cashew Medley Fruit and Nut Packs

· 10 Chocolate Pillows

· 10 Baja Blend Fruit and Nut Mix Packs

· 10 Zeppelin Lollipops

· 10 Jelly Jets Packs

Each item is individually wrapped, has a long shelf life, and is healthy.  They are available in Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Kosher, Vegan, and Vegetarian.

Holiday shoppers can purchase the gift box or buy individual GoPicnic items as stocking stuffers at Target or online at http://www.gopicnic.com/ and Amazon.com.

You can use the code, HOLIDAYBOX to get free shipping.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015-Peep This Stocking Stuffer

***Disclosure-I received samples for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience. 

Do you do stocking stuffers?  When do you put the gifts inside the stockings?  Does Santa "wink, wink" leave little gifts in there when he visits?

Growing up we did not have stockings.  This was not part of our traditions.  But now it is part of the traditions I am teaching my kids.  Stocking stuffers became bonus gifts.  Kids love to open presents.  Like they like playing with empty boxes or wrapping paper.  So, I started doing fun little gifts in my families stocking stuffers.  Normally it is a favorite snack or candy, nothing too big but lots of fun items.  Each year it gets a little harder to not get the same things from last year.

Here are some of my Stocking Stuffing Tips:

1)  You only have to buy stockings one time and you can continue to reuse the same ones.  So your original price is an investment.  You can also catch them on sale or purchase some for next year in the after Christmas Clearance sales.

2)  Decorating the stocking can be fairly simple.  Glitter pens can be found at the dollar store.  The main tip is practice on a piece of paper first.  And always let the glitter glue dry first before hanging.

3)  You do not have to spend a lot of money of stocking stuffers.  What is that saying... a way to a man's heart is through his stomach?  I believe this is true for my family.  I love getting their favorite food items, candy, or treats. 

There are several candy brands, like Peeps, that have treats perfect for stuffing in your stockings ranging for $3.50 and under.

PEEPS® holiday candies has a wide selection including:
-Large Banana Crème Flavored Minions
-Vanilla Crème Chicks Pops
-Marshmallow Minions
-Large Marshmallow Snowmen
-Candy Cane Flavored Marshmallow Chicks
-Gingerbread-Flavored Marshmallow Gingerbread Men
-Marshmallow Trees
-Marshmallow Snowmen
-Chocolate Mousse-Flavored Marshmallow Reindeers
-Holiday Pops
-Lollipops
-Holiday Plush toys
-MIKE AND IKE® MERRY MIX Candy

Sign up for the Peeps email newsletter to receive 20% off your next online order.  You can also get the latest deals, new product announcements and more.

Ice Land-Moody Gardens

***Disclosure-I was invited to a media event.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Heading down South for the holidays?  Galveston, TX?  Have you been to Moody Gardens?

Have you ever seen 2 MILLION POUNDS of ice?  I have!  A team of 30 professional ice carvers from Harbin, China have created Bikini Bottom Iceland. 

Your kids will love to see SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, and Squidward.

I had so much fun.  I really felt like I was there with these ice sculptures.  They even have a slide!

It is an experience you have to experience yourself.  

Tips to visiting Iceland:

1)  Wear gloves.  I forgot my tech gloves.  I had to keep taking them off and putting them back on.

2)  Wear socks and tennis shoes or boots.  I wore my Mary Janes with slip on socks that did not keep my toes warm at all.

3)  Bring a camera.  You will want to take several pics and selfies.

Everyone who enters will be given a parka to use in Iceland.  It is a full length hoodie that zips up.

Admission:  Adult: $26.95  Senior (65+)/Child (4-12): $21.95

Save $5 on Value Days:  Sunday-Thursday: Nov. 15 - Dec. 17 (Excludes Thanksgiving)

For more information, go to www.moodygardens.com

Holiday Gift Ideas

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experiences.

We love popcorn at our house.  And of course, we love to try new flavors.  Are you ready for this Holiday Season 2015?  I love the holidays.  And yes, I am already thinking of the perfect gifts to get my family. 

KingofPOP.com and its sister site, GourmetGiftBaskets.com, have the NEW HOT FLAVORS of popcorn:

-Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Infused Caramel Popcorn
-Cinnamon Bun Popcorn
-Herb Roasted Vegetables Popcorn
-Buttered Corn On The Cob Popcorn
-Sweet Onion Popcorn
-Garlic Parmesan Popcorn

And if you are looking for gift ideas for this holiday season, check this out:

1. Care Packages-Once the kids grow up, it gets more and more difficult to find the perfect gifts for them.  I have a few nieces and nephews that are in college and care packages are perfect for them.

Ingredients:
• Parmesan Garlic & Herb Pita Chips by Wildcat Mountain 
• Sea Salt Chips by Kettle
• Blue Raspberry Airhead by Van Melle 
• Buffalo Popcorn by KingOfPOP.com 
• Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Pieces by Harvey's Pretzels 
• Traditional Chex Mix by General Mills
• Sour Patch Kids by Kraft Foods 
• Strawberry Airhead by Van Melle 
• Pepperoni Pizza Combos by Mars 
• Andy Capp's Cheddar Fries by Conagra Foods 
• Oreo's by Nabisco 
• Plain M&Ms by Mars 
• Rice Krispies Treats by Kellogg's 
• Chocolate Chip Cookies by Kimball Lake Bakery 

I know some people who have too many people to get gifts for, so they stopped giving individual gifts.  This is perfect to send to a family.  There is something for everyone.  And no one will feel left out.

And if you have popcorn lovers in your family, how about sending them popcorn.

Anyone craving Thanksgiving dinner now?  I know some of us wish we could be with our family and I know we can't always do that.  How about sending them a little Thanksgiving Popcorn Feast which includes turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and strawberry cheesecake.  

Our favorite was Apple pie...yum!

All of these choices and many more can be found at GourmetGiftBaskets.com and KingOfPop.com.

Gift Idea for a Holiday Host or Hostess

***Disclosure-Sample product was provided for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The holidays are here.  Time for all the holiday parties we attend.  Do you have your schedule booked with parties to attend?  There is always something going on everyday on the weekends and sometimes on the weekdays.  As a guest of a party do you take a gift for the host/hostess?  We haven't really been invited to any adult parties lately, so I wasn't sure what to take to an adult party for the host/hostess.  A suggestion was made to take some wine.  Wine, ok?

Fat Louis - Greetings from France

2011 French White Wine

Description-Beautiful gold shade with nostalgic aromas of fresh fruit. Subtle pear, apple, and orange blossom are complemented by friendly acidity and a balanced finish.

Grape Varietals-50% White Grenache, 30% White Carignan, 20% Sauvignon

Gastronomic Companion-As an aperitif, with shellfish or grilled fish

Vinification-Fermentation at low temperature for 15 days to allow the full expression of flavors

Maturation-In steel vats

I like fruity drinks, so my choice will always be for some fruity.  Curious Cork Wines offers unique, premium, and authentic wines from Europe.  They have a variety of wines to chose from. 

-Think of the host/hostess.
-Do you know what will be served? Menu?

How would you like to win a gift card to purchase a bottle of your own?  Enter now.

How to enter:

1)  Must be a blog follower.  Leave a comment with your follower name. (1 entry)
2)  Go to Curious Cork Wines and tell me which one you would pick. (1 entry)
3)  Share.  (1 entry/per share/per day-make sure to tag #independentmami and link to this post, come back and leave link of the share)
4) Tweet.   (1 entry/per tweet/unlimited-make sure to tag @independentmami and link to this post, come back and leave link of the tweet)

This giveaway ends 12/22 at midnight.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  US only.  The sponsor will handle fulfillment of the prize.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Independentmami reserves the right to disqualify any entries.