After what felt like a VERY long hiatus from our blog, we are back!
Christmas is always on our mind….yes, even in August. We are returning to offer up our five picks for the month. These picks are sometimes products we like, sometimes ideas related to our favorite holiday and sometimes just inspiration we have come across. Enjoy this installment of FIVE for AUGUST from the Christmas Gals!
PRE-ORDER ADVENT CALENDARS
Its become a more modern tradition to have themed advent calendars. Pick any movie or toy, we can almost guarantee there is an advent calendar themed around the characters or topics. Many of these advent calendars are in great demand and sell out almost immediately. HINT: Lego and Harry Potter Advent Calendars have sold out within the first three days of availibility for the past several years! Pre-order some of these kid favorites today!
EARLY BIRD DEALS
We believe there are two types of people in this world.
First, there are those that despise seeing Christmas décor and trees put out in stores early in the fall.
And, second, there are people who are excited by it!
Fact: the only reason retailers put Christmas out so early is because people are buying it! And we are clearly guilty of being those people who love it! As we write this, its still fairly early in the season, and delays in production and shipping this year will definitely cause a delay for many stores introducing their seasonal pieces. We found a few favorites already, though.
This adorable farmhouse wreath hanger we spotted at Michael’s for only $9.99. Look for additional coupons and promotions to cut that price even more.
The retro deer wood décor was spotted at Hobby Lobby. From now through December, most Christmas décor will be marked down 40% making this little guy only $4.79!
We may even consider taking up baking as a hobby if we can look cute in this festive tartan apron spotted at JoAnn’s. Available for $29.99, but be sure to apply some of the coupons and promotions available through JoAnn’s for special savings!
HINT: If you see something you love early – BUY IT! Delays in production and shipping have caused a shortage of stock. Don’t expect an overabundance of products this year.
GUMBALL MACHINE
Christmas Gal Maureen snagged a vintage gumball machine this summer on Facebook Marketplace. Its red, so naturally this was intended as a Christmas decoration. We have both been enamored by the versatility of this throwback décor piece, though. Kids may be disappointed that we aren’t actually loading gum into these, but we are excited to come across some wonderful inspiration for this piece.
Vintage metal gumball machines are easily sourced on Facebook Marketplace or at local flea markets and antique stores. Typically expect to pay between $40 and $70. New machines can be purchased for around $60 online!
IMPROVE YOUR LIGHT GAME
Christmas lights have come a long way from the C7 oversized (and super hot) bulbs from our childhood. Today, technology meets lighting for a tremendous selection of colors, patterns and movement.
We have been drooling over these Kurt Adler Twinkly LED Starter Kit 105-Light Wifi-Enabled Light Set. You can set colors, patterns and even sync your lights to music, all from your smart phone.
You may suffer a little sticker shock from the price of $132, but check back on the price. This morning, the set was $30 off! It was a limited time offer, and one that may come back over the next few weeks.
CRAFT TIME
We are always looking for craft ideas, especially those that keep the little hands in our homes busy. This Christmas inspired craft can be done year round, but used as a unique decoration during the holiday season.
These beautiful stars are created by piecing together wood coffee stirrers and then painting your favorite color. We found 1,000 stirrers online for less than $7….yes, ONE THOUSAND! Break out the glue gun and you are on your way to creating these delicate and festive decorations!
