Rebecca Kochanek, Author at Safe Harbor House

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

by Rebecca Kochanek | Dec 12, 2019 | Family Life, Family Living, Gratitude, Holidays, Married life, Parenting, Staying Healthy, Teens, Wellness, Words of Encouragement

Finding the perfect and unique stocking stuffers for the whole family can be hard, especially if that person has a unique taste or likes specific things. Let us help you come up with some creative ideas for stocking stuffers for the whole family. There are so many great stocking stuffer ideas for your budget. You don’t need to break the bank for fun gifts.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Men

My husband can be tough to shop for, so I ask him what he really wants and needs. Practical gifts are great, affordable stocking stuffers. Most of the time, it is either something related to gaming, mountain biking, or personal care.

If you are having a hard time coming up with practical ideas for the man in your life, here are some ideas for him.

Personal Care

Sometimes, we have to remind our men that their self-care matters. Now is the time to encourage them to prioritize their hygiene.

Beard oil. If your man has any kind of facial hair, this is a great gift that he can use all year round.
Groin Lotion. This is a great gift for those men who are active and want to keep themselves chafe-free and dry. [1]
Nail clippers. Men need to keep themselves groomed too. This is a great practical gift that he can keep in his car, bathroom or office. [2]
Body wipes. Again, hygiene is important for men to keep up on. This is another great gift for men who like to quickly freshen up. You can find these on Amazon or stores like Dollar Tree.

Fun

Silly and fun gifts are a great way to make someone laugh and bring a smile to their faces.

Funny socks They are fun, personal, and functional.
Poo-Pourri. No one likes walking into a smelly bathroom. We all know men are notorious for leaving bathrooms smelling gross, so this is a sure way to be effective and appreciated by everyone.
Mad-libs or other fun games. This is a great way to bring families together.
Food. You know what they say…the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Think about things such as candy or beef jerky.
Funny books. There are so many cute books that can be used as a stocking stuffers that fits the personality of just about anyone.

Functional

Functional gifts are a fantastic way to stock up on things needed throughout the year.

Nice socks. They are always needed and will definitely be used throughout the year.[3]
Hats and gloves. They are great for those who are outside a lot. These can be found anywhere at any price point.
Tools. They make the perfect gift for the boys who always need more. Buy something that he doesn’t have and is small enough to be a stocking stuffer. [4]
Hand and foot warmers. This is another good gift for those cold climates.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

Buying for multiple kids can get pricey. I am a mom of three boys who are ages nine, five and two. Here are some ideas for budget-friendly stocking stuffers for kids.

Fun

Puzzles. You can find some cute ones at the Dollar Tree for any age range.
Rubik’s cubes. These traditional stocking stuffers are great for brain development and keep your little one busy.
Washable paint. This is a great indoor activity for those cold winter days.
Drawing pads. Kids of all ages love to color and draw.
Treats. Kids love getting their favorite candy or treat in their stocking. Again, these can be found anywhere.
Small toys. Toys like slime, putty, hot wheels, balls, makeup, hair accessories, etc. are great stocking stuffers. These can be found at any price point at any store.

Functional

Just like adults, it’s important to make sure you are including functional gifts for your kids too.

Hats and gloves. They are probably always getting lost at school so now is a great time for replacements.
Toothbrush. It may sound silly, but this is another big need for kids. Feel free to make it fun by choosing one with their favorite character on it.
Movie tickets. Older kids will love this and it will show them that you are encouraging them to hang out with friends.
Bath products. Anything from bubbles for younger kids, bath paint for kids or bath bombs for older kids is a great stocking stuffer idea.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Her

When comes to stocking stuffers for her, ask what she likes and needs. My husband knows that I like books, coffee, and tea. I can usually expect at least one of those items every year in my stocking. You can go to so many places to get her something that she will like and still be on a budget, even for the girl that may have a little more expensive taste.

Personal Care

Women are easy when it comes to choosing some personal care items for her.

Face masks. Women love skincare and feeling fancy when they get to do a face mask. There are so many budget-friendly once at Walmart or on Amazon[5]
Body scrub. Women love to feel smooth after their bath routine.
Makeup. This can be tricky because every woman is different. Try your best to find a lipstick, lip gloss, chapstick or mascara that you know she likes. These are small and make great stocking stuffers for her.
A gift card to pamper herself. Some ideas are for her hair, nails, or eyebrows.

Fun

Treats. Again, this is an easy gift for her to enjoy.
Adult coloring books. They are a great way to help her relax. There are some funny ones on Amazon. This would be excellent with a fun set of gel pens.
Fun drinking glasses. Find a set that can be used for her favorite beverage.
Fun socks. Girls can appreciate fun socks too.
Handmade items. She will appreciate the meaning behind having something personally made for her.

Functional

Women need functional gifts too. Here are some ideas for women who need some practical items in their life.

Journals and supplies. These are great for her stocking stuffers because a lot of women use journaling as a way to destress.
Water bottle. You can get any style of water bottle at any price point. There are even nice ones that infuse fruit into the water.
Hats, gloves, and socks. Just like the rest of the family, the ladies need to stock up on their warm garments.
Metal straw. This is the perfect gift for those trying to be more eco-friendly. They are small and can be found on Amazon

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Your Fur Baby

Animals are family too. In our house, we include our two dogs in our Christmas festivities. You can find great toys and supplies at Amazon, Walmart, and Chewy.com.

Treats. Now is the time to stock up on their favorite treats or bones.
Outfits. Who doesn’t like dressing up their animals?!
Harness, leash, or collar. This is a great, functional gift that will surely make life easier.
Toys. It is fun to spoil our babies with new toys.

Remember, you don’t have to buy everything for your loved ones to make them feel special. Stocking stuffers are a great way to get them something that is unique and different. They will appreciate that you put a lot of thought into it.

Of course, it is important to be personal in your gift-giving. These are just a few ideas to help you get started when shopping for your family. Safe Harbor wishes you a merry Christmas and a safe shopping adventure!

Written by Jessica Christian, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.

Resources:

Safe Harbor blog posts and links mentioned:

How To Give Back During the Holidays

by Rebecca Kochanek | Dec 10, 2019 | Family Life, Featured Post, Gratitude, Healthy Lifestyles, Holidays, Nonprofit Life, Staying Healthy, Volunteers, Wellness, Words of Encouragement

The holidays are often a time of reflection and gratitude. As we reflect on our year and feel thankful for the people and resources that made our lives easier, it is important to think of how we can return that love to those who may not be so fortunate. Even if your year wasn’t so great, giving back can provide a sense of warmth and purpose from the knowledge you made someone’s holiday a little bit merrier. Here are some creative ways to give back during the holidays.

Donate to a Foodbank

We often take the blessings of abundance and indulgence of food for granted during the holidays. However, hunger in America is a fight that is not over yet. Giving your time and resources to a food bank is a great way to give back during the holidays. If you want to make sure that someone’s holiday isn’t full of the worry of where their next meal will come from, look into donating to your local food bank! Feeding America is an excellent resource to help you find a local food bank, as well as volunteer opportunities to give back this season. It can give you direct access to a nationwide network of food banks that feeds families through food pantries and meal programs.

Fill a Stocking…or a Shoebox

Another way to impact those in need is to donate new or lightly used toys. Clean out your kids’ toy box for toys they don’t use anymore. There is a kid out there that would love to have some toys this holiday season. Here are a few ways to make sure their holidays are bright:

Donate toys to resell charities (like Goodwill or the Salvation Army)
Donate toys to local homeless shelters
Donate toys to local preschools and nurseries
Donate toys and clothes to local church drives
Donate toys to Toys for Tots
Check out Operation Christmas Child and fill a shoebox with toys, clothes, and everyday necessities

Spend Time with Others

Are you looking to give time as a way to give back during the holidays? Do you want to make memories with your loved ones at the same time? One great way to give back during the holiday season is to visit patients in nursing homes or ill patients in hospitals. They will appreciate being remembered and appreciated. Take them treats, decorations, or even a Christmas card.

Wondering how to get involved? Locate a local nursing home or hospital and call ahead to schedule a visit. Make sure you ask about food rules if you are planning on bringing treats! Another great idea is to take your family or a group of friends to a local animal shelter and donate a few hours to cleaning up and playing with the shelter animals!

Be Ready to Give Randomly

Giving back doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. Random acts of kindness are an easy and fun way to give back during the holidays. Here are a few random acts of kindness ideas to make a stranger happy:

Stock up on small sum gift cards (5-10 dollars) to give them out to people you see often. Whether it’s a complete stranger who looks like they’re having a rough day or your favorite barista who always spells your name right, having easy-to-hand-out gifts on hand can really make someone’s day.
Make care packs for the homeless. Fill small bags with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, protein bars, and other daily necessities. Keep them in the car so you can be ready to hand them out. You can also drop them off at local shelters in your area.
This one’s super easy: Pay for the person behind you in line at the drive-through. They will never see you again, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you did something kind for someone else.
In a similar vein: pay for a coffee for the person behind you in line at a café! It’s a fun way to get to know a stranger, or simply to make someone smile.
The next time you tip your waiter, increase your tipping (make it 50-100%) and leave your waiter a note to have a happy holiday season!

How to Give Back to Safe Harbor

If you enjoy our articles and resources here at Safe Harbor International Ministries, consider giving back to us during the holidays to help support our future efforts! Here are some ways to support SHIM:

Donations

Whether you donate monetary support or choose to donate your resources or time instead, Safe Harbor would greatly appreciate your efforts in making a difference in the lives of families and individuals affected by our ministries. Your donations will go towards our efforts of making Harbor House a reality, supporting mentorships, training programs, and supporting volunteer efforts and internships.

Amazon Smiles

AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to a charity. Safe Harbor is now affiliated with AmazonSmile! All you have to do is shop with smile.amazon.com and choose Safe Harbor International Ministries as your charity. Your donation will be made at no extra cost to you!

Shop for Handmade Items

Looking for a unique Christmas Gift? Check out our shop full of amazing handmade items at From Mama’s Garden. The proceeds will help to give back to communities that are in need of counseling, social services, and supportive services. All handmade items are made by volunteers and family members who donate their time and skills to benefit our communities.

Volunteer

Are you considering giving back to Safe Harbor for an extended period of time? We have plenty of opportunities available. Whether you’re interested in fundraising, support groups, education, training, writing, crafts, or quilt making, Safe Harbor could use your help! Look on our volunteer page for applications for a variety of opportunities!

If you’re looking for an opportunity to do some good this holiday season, this is your reminder that it may be easier than you think. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or a full-blown volunteership, you’ll find that the heart of this season truly is in the joy of loving others. No matter how you choose to give back, Safe Harbor would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Written by Brooke Smoke, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. Edited by Rebecca Kochanek, an Office Admin intern.

References:

Safe Harbor links:

How to Appreciate Your Spouse During the Holidays

by Rebecca Kochanek | Dec 9, 2019 | Dating, Family Life, Family Living, Featured Post, Gratitude, Healthy Lifestyles, Holidays, Married life, Parenting, Staying Healthy, Wellness, Words of Encouragement

It is so important to remember to appreciate your spouse during the holidays.

Due to the stress of the holidays being in full swing, it can be easy to forget the importance of remembering our spouse during the holidays. When we are swamped, we tend to forget that stress impacts our relationships in a major way. It can be hard to stay connected to one another during the holidays. You are running all over the place, trying to figure out gift ideas, dinners, and talking about which in-laws are you going to this year.

Husbands and wives are busy all year round. It doesn’t matter if you both work or one stays home, everyone needs to feel appreciated. Here are some ideas on how to appreciate your spouse during the holidays.

Things that You Can Do to Appreciate Each Other

“We have so many obligations. How do we remain a team during this time of year?”

Talk more. Tell each other how much you appreciate how much the other person does for you and your family.
Don’t shop together. It might sound romantic, but with all the crowds, it can make it very stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask your spouse to watch the kids so unnecessary sickness and stress can be avoided.
Instead of worrying about the perfect gift for each other, try making time for a date night. You can plan something extravagant and new, or lowkey and cozy. What matters is being intentional about spending time together.
Tell them that you appreciate them and all that they do.
Help them make dinner. In fact, this can be a great lowkey night.
Write a handwritten letter that allows you to express your gratitude for them. If you have kids, help them write one for your spouse too. Plan a time when the two of you can just sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and catch up. You’ll be surprised at what’s on their mind, and really listening to him/her can make them feel heard, loved, and appreciated.
Spice things up in the bedroom. Intimacy is vital to a healthy relationship, so make sure you prioritize this time with your spouse.
Surprise them with a small treat just because you want to see them smile. It can be a coffee from a coffee shop, or their favorite snack from your run to the store.

How to Appreciate Him

Some people think that men don’t need to hear that they are appreciated. This is false. Men love to feel respected and validated for all of the hard work they do. [1].

Find that one gift that he’s been talking about or leaving hints for.
Make him his favorite food.
Compliment your man on his outfit or his cologne. They need confidence boosters too!
Give him the day off by encouraging him to go out with friends and do something he wants to do.
Don’t be afraid to praise all of his work in front of your friends. Brag about him in a social media post.
Give him some extra affection through a long passionate kiss or a nice long back massage.
Buy something new to wear in the bedroom for him.
Take the kids out of the house and let him have alone time
Give him a “just because” gift.
Send him a flirty text while he’s at work; don’t be afraid to let him know how much you love and appreciate him.

How to Appreciate Her

Women do a lot every single day to take care of you and the home. Give her a kiss and a long hug, and compliment the work she’s been doing. Working women and women who stay at home both feel stressed and need praise.

Give her a massage
Take the kids for a couple of hours so she can take a bath and relax (Bonus points: Bring her wine or her favorite tea to enjoy)
Hold her hand while you take a walk, or just sitting on the couch
Write a love letter to her
Compliment her
Do her least favorite chore for her
Make her favorite meal
Have a meaningful conversation and ask her how her day was
Give her a “just because” gift
Let her sleep in [3]

My husband will bring home a cup of coffee for me because he knows I have had a long day. He knows that coffee makes my day after dealing with kids, school, and work.

When my husband had a long day at work, I make sure that I encourage him to take time to himself. Sometimes this is telling him to go for a bike ride. Some nights, it is making sure his favorite dessert is made. Small gestures go a long way when it comes to showing love and appreciation.

It is important to verbally express your gratitude for your spouse in front of your kids. They will pick up on it and express their gratitude too. It will make the dynamic of your family flourish.

There are many things we can do to show our appreciation for the ones we love. Yes, it can be hard, but we need to make time for our spouses and show them how much we love them. Every day is so precious and being selfless by making someone else feel good is one of the best feelings.

Strive to give more than you take. Relationships thrive when you do your best to serve without expecting anything in return. It is hard to be selfless, but the results are worth it. Remember to appreciate your spouse, especially during the holidays.

Written by Jessica Christian, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. Edited by Rebecca Kochanek.

References:

Safe Harbor blog posts mentioned in This article:

Ways to Thank Your Mail Carrier this Season

by Rebecca Kochanek | Dec 7, 2019 | Family Living, Gratitude, Holidays, Staying Healthy, Volunteers

Ways to thank your mail carrier during the holidays:

During the holidays, mail carriers work hard to make sure your daily post can be something you depend on. Though this can become easy to take for granted, stopping to take a minute to thank your mail carrier can be a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work during the holiday season! Not sure what to do to thank them? Below are some creative ways to thank your mail carrier this season.

Stop!
Before you read on, here’s what you need to know:

The USPS has a strict rule that carriers are only permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion (such as Christmas). Cash and cash equivalents must never be accepted by the carriers in any amount. [1] To avoid the awkward situation of your mail person having to reimburse you for your gift, try to stick to these regulations. To be safe, cash and gift cards are not options for gifts listed below.

How to thank your mail carrier:

Baked Goods

Homemade baked goods are a great way to give back. Cookies, brownies, and other fun Christmas treats are some ideas that fit into this category. If you’re not great at cooking, try wrapping up a package of store-bought cookies, or another premade treat. It’s the thought that counts, and putting a little extra effort into the packaging can make your mailman’s day.

A Thank You Note

Creating a cute thank you note can be an excellent opportunity to show how much you appreciate your mail carrier. Try adding a candy and a pun. This is a cute way to show your gratitude, and hopefully put a smile on your mail carrier’s face!

Coffee or Hot Chocolate

During these colder days, a little warmth can be extra appreciated. Stocking your mail carrier up on hot chocolate mix or ground coffee is another great way to show you care.

Water and Other Refreshments

Mail carriers have a tiring job. Try leaving a bucket full of water, snacks, and other refreshments for your delivery driver by your door. This will show that you are grateful for the effort they put into making your holidays seamless.

Write an Actual Letter

Many people see the same postal delivery person on a weekly or even daily basis. If you’re looking to gift them something a little more personal, try writing them a heartfelt letter. You could thank your mail carrier for all the times they made sure your mail got to you on time, and the effort they put in every day to make your holidays a little easier.

If you want to go a little further, you may even want to address your letter of gratitude to the office that your mail carrier works at. Your letter could be a great opportunity to outline for their superiors the hard work your mail carrier does. This letter will be put in your mail carrier’s personnel file once it has been read by their superiors. [2]

No matter how you show your appreciation, a little extra effort can go a long way to making your mail carrier sure that their hard work is not going unnoticed. For more ideas to give back to your mail person, check out Safe Harbor’s “Random Acts of Kindness” board on Pinterest!

We hope that this post inspired you with some ways to thank your mail carrier this season!

Written by Brooke Smoke, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.

References:

Safe Harbor blog posts and links mentioned:

Yummy Holiday Recipe Ideas for Everyone

by Rebecca Kochanek | Nov 22, 2019 | Family Life, Family Living, Featured Post, Holidays, Mental health, Staying Healthy, Wellness, Words of Encouragement

The holiday season is officially in full swing. Families are hanging decorations and preparing their Christmas trees. They are hanging stockings and planning meal spreads for their friends and family.

Here are some yummy holiday recipe ideas for everyone:

Gingerbread Cookies

This Christmas classic is one that is loved by families and children.

Ingredients

3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter softened
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Icing for decoration
Sprinkles, for decorating

Preheat oven to 350° and line two large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface and roll until 1/4″ thick. Cut out gingerbread men with a 3″ wide cutter and transfer to baking sheets.

Bake until slightly puffed and set; 9 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Repeat with the remaining disc of dough. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Having your house smell like apples and cinnamon makes everything feel cozy and perfect on a cold winter day. Here is one of my favorite apple cinnamon muffin recipes.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 apples – peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, grease muffin pan, stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix in oil, egg, and milk. Fold in apples. Spoon in the batter into muffin pan; you can use cupcake liners as well to line your pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

This rich and creamy pie has become a personal staple in my home for the holidays. I make two for Thanksgiving and two for Christmas. I can promise that one slice will fill you up!

Fudge Layer Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
2 ounces of bittersweet chocolate chips or cocoa powder
⅓ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon corn syrup
2 tablespoons of peanut butter

In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, chocolate, milk, and corn syrup together, stirring occasionally, to the softball stage or about 234 F to 240 F on a candy thermometer.

Graham Cracker Crust:

You can use graham crackers, vanilla wafers or chessmen cookies. I personally use chessmen cookies.

Mix 1 1/4 cups graham cracker, chessmen cookies or vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine

Pat into a 9-inch pie plate and chill for about 30 minutes before filling.

Peanut Butter Filling:

8-ounces or soften cream cheese
A 16-ounce jar of creamy peanut butter, use half if you want a lighter taste
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup milk
2 cups whipped topping, you can use cool whip or make it from scratch, this is completely up to you.

After the crust is finished chilling, pour the fudge layer and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. scoop in the peanut butter layer and smooth it out evenly. Spread a layer of cool whip on top. Finally, sprinkle with Reese’s cups and drizzle with chocolate and caramel syrup. This is best chilled before serving.

Chocolate Fudge

There are so many options when it comes to what kind of fudge to make. Fudge is a dessert that is fun to make as gifts or for a sweet touch at family dinners.

Ingredients

Cooking spray
2 3/4 c. chocolate chips
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp. heavy cream
4 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3 tbsp. Christmas sprinkles

Pumpkin Roll

This is one of my husband’s favorites, and is a great alternative to pumpkin pie.

Ingredients for the cake

3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
3/4 cup 115g all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs at room temperature
1 cup 225g granulated sugar
2/3 cup 175g canned pumpkin

1 package 8oz/227g cream cheese, softened
1 cup 125g powdered sugar
6 tablespoons 84g butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
More powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven at 375 F, grease a 13×18 inch pan lined with parchment paper; grease and flour it. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt, in a small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl, until thick and pale yellow. Mix in pumpkin and flour, and spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 13-15 minutes, after removing from oven, quickly remove cake and place on prepared kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, and roll from the narrow end until the cake is covered with the towel. Let cool on a cooling rack.

For the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Things to Remember:

Remember that it is ok to indulge a little this holiday season. Food is a major way for friends and family to come together. You deserve to enjoy a sweet treat!

Written by Jessica Christian, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.

References:

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NOTICE TO USERS
Safe Harbor posts are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, medication, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition. Safe Harbor is not authorized to make recommendations about medication or serve as a substitute for professional advice. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on Safe Harbor International Ministries site.