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I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! There is so much to be thankful for this year. My family had a great and busy day. We stayed home for Thanksgiving this year, and it was the first one we celebrated in our house. I made most of the dinner (Christian always helps me with the turkey), and the kids kept up their tradition of refusing to eat any of it except the rolls. Theresa was the exception to that and ate a lot, so she got to try the pumpkin pie.
We also have a new member to our family! Meet Typhoon, “Ty”! We adopted her the night before Thanksgiving and will see how everyone adjusts this next month. The kids love her but are also a little scared when she tries to play- she’s a 3 month old lab/hound mix that is teething, so she nips when trying to play. Snowy gets annoyed with her easily as well, but she did play with her the night we brought her home and are hopeful that she’ll warm up to her soon.
Christmas Shopping
As today is black Friday, I wanted to share some ideas on places to shop for Christmas gifts. I was hoping to have this posted this morning, but as you can imagine with a new puppy in the house, things are a little hectic. Below you will see ideas for Catholic stores that I enjoy shopping at and have gotten gifts in the past from. I am also sharing A Very Catholic Christmas Gift Catalog by Catholics Online! This gift guide features many Catholic shops and gift ideas for all ages! It features so many Catholic shops (I believe a lot of them are having sales this weekend too!). I hope it helps you find a gift you need, as well as help support some small Catholic businesses!
I also want to add, if you are a Catholic blogger, author, business, etc. and are looking for some more support, consider joining the Catholics Online group! You get access to a private Facebook group when you join and the support of all the other members. This group has helped me out so much!
5 of my favorite gifts listed in the Catalog
My favorite ideas shared in the catalog (these are also shops I have personally shopped at) are listed below!
Keep in mind who I am shopping for: 5 kids, ages 5 and under. But also my parents, husband, siblings, etc.
- Dolls from Sketch and Sentiment. Liz is wonderful to work with! I have purchased saint dolls from her in the past, and she also created a custom one of our little saint for me last year (would make a meaningful gift for a grieving mom). She also makes Christmas ornaments including ones of military bases.
- Shining Light Dolls toys- I love everything from Shining Light Dolls! I’ve ordered dolls, plushes, puzzles, memory games, wooden toys, and a teether! They are such high quality toys and the dolls are the perfect size for little hands. You can check them out here, and use code NOTTFAMILY to save 10% off your order!
- Catholic Saint Memory Game by Just Love Prints– We own this one and my kids love it! They ask to play over and over again. It’s also a great opportunity for them to get exposed to some saints!
- Be Yourself Boys Journal by Amy Brooks- I got this for my nephew for Christmas this year and was able to glance through it before sending it. Amy does a wonderful job engaging her audience and making learning about our faith exciting for boys! Filled with different teaching points, she also provides activities to better implement what they learned (and makes them fun!)
- Socks from Sock Religious– I have a few pairs from them and have purchased these for my kids in the past. I love them because there are so many options for different saints and the kids always enjoy seeing what saint is on my sock.
Gift Ideas not in the Catalog
- Catholic Coffee– I have tried the Saint Therese blend and The St. Nicholas blend, and both were great! Know a sleep deprived parent? This is the perfect gift! Use code NOTT15 for 15% off your order!
- Jewelry from The One Simple Life Shop– I have several pieces from here, and just purchased 2 necklaces for my older girls for Christmas this year. Carla is the woman behind the shop, and she has become a good friend!
- Fawnly – She has the most beautiful swaddles and blankets! I have gotten a few from her already.
I hope this has helped you find some great ideas for your loved ones! I am also planning to share some ideas that don’t cost anything but time, but for now, I have a baby that needs me. I hope you all have a great rest of your weekend!
