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So, I really haven’t posted much this month. No, it’s not because of recovery from the Election. Honestly, I have been incredibly busy (not necessarily in the best way), and I just haven’t found the time to frame and write some thoughts.
Also, I’m too stubborn to just have AI write these things. I could probably build a prompt based on my prior work (here and elsewhere) and have ChatGPT draft a post on a given topic from the computer’s estimation of my opinion, and style. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be fair… to me.
And, since I took that moment at selfishness, it’s time to give, many times older. As our Thanksgiving Dinner comas and Black Friday splurges lapse, we all might forget something on the old Christmas or Hannukah shopping lists.
Of course! The stocking stuffers (or, as we refer to them with our child, pocket gifts).
Sometimes, they’re books. Perhaps candy or cholates. Socks? Of course.
For my sisters and I, our “stockings” always have 2 essentials: pens, and tools. We’re all now in our 40’s, and we still look forward to Dad adding some piece of hand-operated hardware to our collections.
So, first, I recommend for just about everyone you’re responsible for the task of including these gifts (likely your children, or your siblings, nieces, or nephews) to pick up a small hand tool. Need help? Take advantage of Small Business Saturday this morning or afternoon and visit a local, independent hardware store. Not only can they actually provide pertinent advice, but they also usually have a bin with some value buy’s that will fit the price range you are looking for (by the way, locally-owned small hardware stores include locations of your local Ace and True Value centers).
Everyone needs more tools, even the little ones, so once you have that taken care of, here are some others finds I came across that may also be worth picking up.
Us Generation X folk remember the Erasermate pens you could actually (try to) erase. Thankfully, Pilot came along several years ago with a major improvement, the Frixion. This is the pen I use daily, especially because it will erase cleanly on every type of paper I’ve used. Their clicker comes in a 3-pack, and additional 3-packs of refills are available. You can also find multi-packs featuring a wide variety of colors.
Where is that Phone on Your Desk?
These magnetic phone holders (which you stick with adhesive to the back of your laptop screen) are great, especially when you put the holder so it sits right above your screen so you can sit your phone vertical and watch the game while you’re working.
Does She want Everything Stylish?
It’s not just the purse anymore. Everything inside the purse needs to keep up with style, so why not pick her up a First Aid Kit that will “fit” perfectly with everything else amidst her essentials.
Licensed branding is a big deal (just ask your Teens). So is “lip oil” for your daughters, sisters, and nieces. I have no idea what this is, but if she uses it, and she has a favorite character or celebrity who has branded it. Case in point: the Peanuts line available at Walgreens for the young ladies embracing their inner Red Haired Girl.
Yes, my child’s habits influenced this list, including her preference to clip various things (mostly small stuffed figures) on her backpack. Now, if I was still in High School, THIS is what I would want on my back. And, because I grew up in the 20th Century, we could’ve probably had it on us and not get suspended (especially for the kids who needed to light up a smoke where it wasn’t “banned”).
Before you say “No,” think of this as a tool.
Rechargeable handwarmers weren’t great in performance when they debuted, but their improvement has been respectful. This season, they’ve made the obvious pivot to also providing backup charging for your devices, especially helpful when you want to pack light amidst the winter cold.
That’s all for my suggestions. Going back to Small Business Saturday, if you need some other suggestions, check out this great Small Business Holiday Gift Guide, or this one from the businesses recovering in Asheville.
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