Instead of hoping for snow this year, we poked fun at the sun. We brought some craft sand inside and made a Christmas village display at the beach. The blue bead tides and candy cane eating shark toys sat on our mantle as we added photos of our faces to the scene. When we went to the actual beach, the lifeguard stand was decorated with Christmas lights and wreaths painted on extra lifesavers.

There were a few Christmas photo shoots going on near the shore. Some of them were funny photos with rolled up pant leg Santas standing near their Mrs. Claus or elf counterparts. The other half were serious families with large color coordinated outfits that would go in hanging frames or generational photo books. We just took selfie photos of our sandmen (or Sandmounds) and patted them into a mountain of shells and sticks before we left. We talked about who had the best one and “if they became magical, like Frosty”. Would it be called Sandy?

We had our gingerbread men, hot chocolate, and Christmas feast food with the option of chocolate popsicles late at night when the humid heat kept us awake. We could go outside late in the evening and listen to crickets chirp while we set up a picnic blanket. There wasn’t any sunlight in our eyes and lanterns kept at a distance set up a calm mood. We could sit or lie down or play a card game.  Our far out friends and family gave us beach bags and totes stuffed with gifts when their ugly sweaters went out of season (It was really useful when you could take a nap on your own while the games quieted down).

The nights after Christmas were filled with oscillating fans and leftover chocolate popsicles. At one point, we planned an indoor snowball fight with fake cotton snowballs and blankets to hide behind. The second we started throwing, the heat had already won the battle. All of us were spread out on the floor like leftover snow angels.

New Year’s heat kept us inside after we were drained by the constant loss of sweat and the fireworks popping in the middle of the night. We watched the ball drop and blew bubbles with whatever air was left in us to save for the mess of confetti and fireworks. I thought of eating twelve ice cubes under the table for the celebration, but I feel like I would be the only one to choke. We decided it was safe to drink at least twelve glasses of water tomorrow. To keep it fun, the person who drank less than twelve glasses of water had to get pelted with the cotton snowballs. Everybody started on their first glass after that.

Although we couldn’t bring winter wonderland to us we still had a blast and made some memories that couldn’t be outdone. Some days gave us moments to rest and the others let us have some fun. When life got busy again, we thought of some ideas for another heatwave holiday.

 What are some of yours?

Photo by Alexey Demidov on Unsplash

The post Green Winter Memory – Some Ideas for a Warm Winter Season appeared first on GirlSpring.

The trees are twinkling

The lights are sparkling

The snowflakes are falling

Children waiting in line to sit on Santa’s lap

Parents shopping for presents in department stores

Carolers singing their favorite songs to strangers

Inflatable elves are waving from store fronts

Plastic reindeer are bounding in your neighbor’s yard

Plush snowmen are adjourning the surface of every restaurant counter

The lights and noise are mesmerizing

They are distracting 

In a forgotten corner a little baby lays in a manger

He is precious and small

Yet he is King of Israel 

He is the greatest gift given to the world

He is absolute perfection

He is love incarnate 

He is the only hope we need

He is the only peace we have

He is the only joy we know

He is all we need

He is all we desire

He is all we crave

He came to join us

He came to love us

He came to save us

The lights and noise try to be mesmerizing

They try to be distracting

Do not let them

Do not let the baby stay in the dusty corner

Do not forget the real reason to celebrate

The post The Forgotten Reason appeared first on GirlSpring.

Consider practical gifts that cater to their interests and routines. Simple items such as handmade coupons for chores, a favorite homemade treat, or a personalized photo frame can add a special touch. Each gift can reflect a shared moment or a unique aspect of their lives, emphasizing the thoughtfulness behind it.

Additionally, experiences can be valuable gifts. A picnic at a local park or a movie night at home can create lasting memories without significant expense. It’s the experiences and the moments spent together that often bring families closer.

Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas

Finding budget-friendly gifts for parents can be fulfilling and meaningful. Thoughtful ideas can show appreciation without straining finances. Here are some economically viable options that focus on personal touch, experiences, and practical use.

DIY Gifts

Creating a DIY gift adds a personal touch that store-bought items cannot match. Parents often cherish handmade items more due to the effort and thought invested.

• Photo Album: Compile family photos into an album or scrapbook. This nostalgic gift can spark cherished memories.
• Homemade Treats: Bake cookies or prepare a jar of homemade jam. Presenting these in decorative packaging adds a festive touch.
• Customized Coupons: Design coupons for services such as a home-cooked meal, errands, or a day out. It’s a way to offer time and effort rather than money.

These ideas allow for creativity while being considerate of a limited budget.

Experiential Gifts

Experiences can be more memorable than material items. Gifting experiences can create lasting memories without a large expenditure.

• Nature Walks: Plan a day at a local park or nature reserve. Pack a picnic to enjoy together.
• Local Events: Look for free or low-cost community events like concerts, art fairs, or theater performances. Sharing these experiences can foster closeness.
• Game Night: Host a game night at home with board games or trivia. Prepare snacks and beverages for a fun, relaxing evening.

These options emphasize quality time spent together rather than physical gifts.

Practical & Useful Presents

Gifts that serve a purpose can be appreciated more than decorative items. Practical gifts provide value in daily life.

• Kitchen Gadgets: Useful tools like a high-quality vegetable peeler or a spice holder can make cooking easier.
• Gardening Supplies: If they enjoy gardening, consider items like seeds, gloves, or tools. These gifts encourage hobbies and outdoor activities.
• Personal Care Items: Quality lotions or custom-made soaps can promote relaxation and self-care. You can also go for natural oils that are known for nourishing hair and skin (see this one, for example).

Selecting practical gifts shows consideration for their daily needs, adding to the gift’s value.

Thoughtful Touches

Small gestures can have a significant impact when it comes to gift-giving. Unique, personalized gifts show care and consideration that parents appreciate. Here are a few ideas that combine creativity and sentiment.

Personalized Items

Creating personalized gifts allows for a unique touch that resonates deeply. Options include custom-made items like mugs, keychains, or photo frames featuring family portraits or meaningful quotes. Consider getting an inexpensive frame from the dollar store and printing a poem you’ve written or an artwork you created. Parents love things like this!

Engraved items such as jewelry or keepsakes can capture special dates or initials. Many online platforms offer user-friendly services for customization. The result is a gift that feels personal and thoughtfully crafted.

These gifts not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also carry emotional value. Parents cherish these tangible reminders of love and connection.

Memory Books and Albums

Memory books and albums are an excellent way to compile treasured moments. Parents appreciate curated collections of photos and mementos highlighting family milestones.

Creating a digital photo book through services like Shutterfly or Snapfish allows for easy organization and layout design. Alternatively, handmade scrapbooks offer a personal touch, filled with handwritten notes and decorative elements.

In addition to pictures, including ticket stubs, letters, or small keepsakes enhances the nostalgia factor. These collections serve as a beautiful way for parents to reminisce and cherish past experiences.

Subscription Services

Subscription services are practical yet thoughtful gifts that can bring joy throughout the year. They can cater to a variety of interests, whether parents prefer gourmet food, books, or streaming services.

For instance, a monthly subscription box for coffee lovers or a book club membership can enhance daily routines. These services provide ongoing enjoyment and introduce elements of surprise and discovery.

Choosing a subscription that aligns with their hobbies reflects thoughtfulness. Parents will appreciate the continuous reminder of the giver’s consideration as they receive new items each month.

It’s the thought that counts

This isn’t always true, but with your parents it is. They would much rather spend time with you and know that you care about them than any gift you can buy. If you really want to buy something though, the tips above should help!

The post Low Cost Gift Ideas for Parents: Thoughtful Presents That Won’t Break the Bank appeared first on GirlSpring.

Looking for some Christmas gift ideas this holiday season? Well, good thing you found this article! Below you will find some great gift ideas for all ages! 

Toddlers

• Building Blocks
• Clothes
• Water Toys
• Musical Instruments
• Puzzles
• Playdough
• Stuffed Animals

Pre-teen Boys

• Headphones 
• Gaming Set
• Ipad
• Video Games
• Books
• Clothes
• Concert Tickets
• Sports Tickets 

Pre-teen Girls

• Computer
• Phone
• Ipad
• Lip Gloss
• Art Supplies
• Concert Tickets
• Gift Cards

Teen Boys 

• Portable Speaker
• LED Lights
• Drone
• Skateboard
• Sports Gear
• Books
• Hoodies
• Sneakers

Teen girls 

• Jewelery 
• Hoodies 
• Sweaters
• Makeup Kit
• Skincare Sets
• Hairstyling tools
• Perfume
• Fairy Lights
• Art Supplies
• Books

Adult Men

• Streaming Devices
• Headset
• Fitness Equipment 
• Grilling Tools
• Wallets
• Sweaters
• Shoes
• Books
• Collector’s Items 
• Cologne

Adult Women

• Perfume
• Handbags
• Watches
• Athleisure Wear
• Digital Camera
• Spa Day Package
• Concert Tickets
• Tote Bags 
• Shoes
• Sunglasses

There’s something for everyone on your list! These Christmas gift ideas are sure to bring joy to all your loved ones this year!

Check out more great holiday content here!

The post Easy Christmas Gift Ideas for Everyone appeared first on GirlSpring.

Wreath

1. Draw a dark green circle. Make it thick, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
2. Draw lighter green pine needles pointing in 1 direction around the circle
3. Add lighter and darker pine needles for a fuller wreath.
4. Color in accessories like pinecones, berries, and a ribbon
5. Shade the accessories with lighter and darker hues. Add a festive message on the ribbon or around the wreath.

Now, I just realized that my tutorial looks like the Olympic Rings. Wreaths are popular and versatile decorations year round, so you can use this technique to make cards for many different occasions.

Snowman

1. Draw 2 or 3 big, white-ish circles. The color doesn’t have to be perfectly white, it can be grey, bluish, or pinkish. The circle on top is smaller. It can sit on a mound of snow.
2. Shade the circles. Where is the light coming from? In general, the bottom of the circles is darker than the top. Use different shades of the same hue and a gentle circular motion to shade.
3. Color in the snowman’s features and outfit. Think beyond the traditional snowman and go all out with the fashion! Mine is going skiing.
4. Shade and add texture to the snowman’s outfit. Short strokes achieve a nice, knitted effect. Blurring in strokes works for fur.

Christmas Tree

1. Draw a dark green triangle for the base of the tree.
2. Draw pine branches in layers. Use a lighter green and decrease the thickness and you go up.
3. Shade where the layer gets overlapped and highlight where the layer sticks out.
4. Color in ornaments and tree decorations. Shade the ornaments with different textures. Use small dots for a sparkles and shades of the same hue for a shiny, metallic finish.

Winter Landscape

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can tackle a winter landscape. You can start out very simple with the sky and snow and work your way up to the mountain-scape or the ski resort of your dreams.

James Julier (James Julier Art Tutorials on YouTube) helped me get into landscape drawing and his tutorials are very thorough. I was able to independently draw landscapes after watching a few of his videos.

I hope you liked these holiday card ideas. Happy drawing!

The post Holiday Card Ideas that are Easy and Fun appeared first on GirlSpring.

Source: Freepik

As the scent of pine fills the air and the festive lights begin to twinkle, everything instantly starts to feel like Christmas. The scent of freshly baked cookies, the warmth of hands clasped around steaming mugs of cocoa, and the joyful burst of laughter from living rooms all paint the picture of pure holiday joy. It’s a season of family and friends coming together, indulging in beloved traditions of unfolding old stories, exchanging many a thoughtful gift following fun Secret Santa rules, and making merry. 

Gift exchanges are the magical highlight of the holiday season! The thrill of unwrapping something specially chosen for you makes the moment even more special. Whether it’s a beautifully embroidered scarf, an exclusive subscription to a book club, or a cozy winter getaway, each gift seamlessly fits into your life, adding a layer of holiday charm to each day.

While receiving gifts from your loved ones is always heartwarming, the excitement can fade away quickly when you receive something you wouldn’t choose for yourself or already own. We’ve all been there—receiving a meaningful gift that, despite the love behind it, just doesn’t quite excite you.

Instead of saying, “Wow, I love it,” you just try to escape the situation with vague smiles and courtesy thank yous.

Christmas Shop With Ease

While gift exchange is a delightful tradition, gift shopping is definitely not. From the excitement of picking a unique treasure to finding something that actually matches your personality, gift hunting is daunting for your loved ones.

What if you could share your dreamy wish list with your loved ones and make gift-hunting a fun adventure for them? With platforms like MyRegistry, you can easily create your dreamy holiday gift list and share it with your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a Secret Santa exchange or a festive white elephant party, their Secret Santa Generator can match you with the perfect gifter and ensure you get something special.

Therefore, this holiday season, let’s help you craft your dreamy holiday gift list to make it even more special. Your wish list won’t only guide your loved ones toward perfect gifts but also ensure you receive gifts full of unforgettable memories!

Crafting a Thoughtful Gift List that Makes Every Gift a Delightful Surprise

• Gifts that Mirror Your Personality

A truly meaningful gift feels like an extension of you! They make you feel cherished and add joy to your life for more than one holiday season. Adding items that seamlessly fit into your personality will make a perfect gift choice for your wish list. Whether it’s fitness equipment for your health journey, a gratitude journal for wellness, or a set of handcrafted knives for culinary adventures, they all will allow you to pursue your passions. Adding such items invites your loved ones to give you something that you truly desire and will appreciate.

• Strengthening Bonds with Presents

More than gifts, it’s the memories that we cherish. Why not add items to your gift list that’ll allow you to collect beautiful memories and strengthen your bond with your loved ones? Whether it’s engraved wine glasses to celebrate special occasions, board games to enjoy during family get-togethers, or hobby kits like painting sets, knitting kits, or gardening supplies to have fun with your family, adding such items will help you make lots of cherished memories. These gifts become a symbol of love and togetherness and make every holiday moment feel extraordinary.

• Practical Gifts for Convenience

The holiday season reminds us of the simple joys of life! Whether it’s spending time with your loved ones, sharing heartfelt anecdotes, or indulging in traditional home-cooked food, it all reminds us of what truly matters: love and the warmth of being together. Why not add items to your holiday gift list that won’t just bring joy to your everyday rituals but will also remind you of the people who make your life special? You can go for everyday, practical essentials like ergonomic chairs for your home office, cozy weighted blankets for chilly winter, or a set of artisanal candles to fill your home with love. Every time you use these items, you’ll think of the love and care your loved ones infuse into your life.

• Local Treasures: Gifts that Stand Out

Just as unique as you are, so should be the gifts you receive! Local boutiques and artisans pour all their love into creating one-of-a-kind treasures that perfectly match your personality and charm. By including gifts like a hand-stitched leather journal, a collection of artisanal teas, or a handwoven blanket, you receive something as unique as you while supporting small businesses. Adding local items to your gift list not only makes your presents special and meaningful but also spreads delight across your loved ones to these creators.

• Two Gifts in One: Experiences and Lasting Memories

While material gifts often end up gathering dust, experiential gifts give you memories that forever remain etched in your heart and linger long after the season ends. Imagine walking around the streets of Japan during the scenic cherry blossom, the calmness you feel within you after a cozy weekend spa retreat, or the shared moments of teary-eyed laughter after a family photography session. This is the magic experiential gifts weave into your life. Whether it’s a trip to the continent, a sumptuous retreat, or a sweet photo session with family, they go way beyond the moment of receiving the tickets or passes.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are the time to celebrate love, share laughter, cherish bonds, and create lasting memories with meaningful gifts. By sharing your dream holiday gift list with your loved ones, you can add a layer of magic to the celebrations and make them far more memorable. Your gift list ensures you receive items that’ll delight you long after the holiday season and give your loved ones a sneak peek into what your heart truly desires. Here’s to an unforgettable holiday season filled with love, laughter, and gifts that truly warm your heart!

The post The Secret to Perfect Gifts: Creating a Thoughtful Gift List appeared first on GirlSpring.

Worse, if you’re like me and don’t celebrate any winter holidays, you might feel excluded from the festivities and extra bored. Here are some underrated, inclusive, activities to starve out the winter blues.

Appreciating the Trees

Trees have it rough during the winter. They lose their leaves, face the cold, and worst of all, get chopped down to be used as decorations! Instead of killing trees, go outside and admire them. The contrast of dark branches against a gray winter sky is elegant and satisfying. While the wind nips at your cheeks and cardinals sing, you will feel refreshed and energized after a walk in the woods.

Visiting Colleges

I know what you’re thinking, but don’t get stressed. We’re not visiting the college for educational purposes, but because colleges are basically parks with buildings. Especially if you haven’t been there before, the campus will be a refreshing change of scenery if you’ve exhausted all the local attractions. Run across the quad, take pictures of interesting buildings, and learn a bit about their history. Who knows? You might end up applying there!

Indoor Sports

While you’re at the college, consider visiting their gym. Most colleges have really nice sports facilities like indoor tracks or pools or even tennis courts! Pick up a new sport like squash or badminton so you can exercise when it’s too cold outside. You can get serious and hone your techniques over the break, or simply play with your friends for fun.

Watching Youtube

The crazy thing is, attention span rates have decreased so much that it’s sometimes hard to even finish a complete Youtube video! Instead of scrolling through Shorts, find something that interests you and watch it all the way through. Youtube can teach you how to deeply analyze your favorite movie, paint realistic pictures, or even make a website! You’ll feel proud after learning and doing what you’ve been putting off.

Studying

Yes, you read that right! While midterms may be over, finals and AP tests will be here before you know it. Review topics that have slipped from your brain or get a headstart on really tricky ones. Even if you’re not a junior or a senior, you might want to start thinking about standardized tests like the ACT and prepare for them when you have time. If you’re feeling distracted because your friends are partying, turn off that Instagram think about how smart you’ll seem when you get good grades!

Volunteering

Donate some of your time and effort to help others. Many charities and organizations host events in the winter. Find one you’re interested in and contact one of their members to let you in. You’ll befriend fellow volunteers and make change in the community.

Hopefully, you found something interesting on the list and feel ready to power through winter. Good luck on midterms and have a happy break!

And while you’re at it, check out Girl Spring contributor Anna’s article on how to fight procrastination during winter break!

The post More Serenity, Less Ennui appeared first on GirlSpring.

Camera

Let’s be real, we live in a generation where we love to document it. So, what better gift than something you can use to document it? There are endless options out there for this one. You could do a Polaroid camera, which never goes out of style. A video camera if you or someone you know loves to make videos more than pictures. Or, the most trendy one right now is a digital camera. The best thing about these options is they are usually very affordable. You can even find them at many thrift stores for cheap. 

Shoes

This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s also one you can’t go wrong with. Some trending options this year are mini uggs, platform converse, and Nike air forces (as always). There are so many different color variations for all the listed above. Especially the converse. You can even customize a pair to have your name on them, a certain design, etc. 

Room decor

Highschool is a typical time in which people want to give their room a bit of a makeover. But this can add up very quickly. So, by getting some of it as gifts it can help you to create your (or someone else’s) dream room. This could be things such as comforters, throw pillows, neon signs, galaxy lights, etc. Pinterest always has some really great ideas for room decoration inspiration.

Skincare/makeup

A vast majority of teen girls love anything to do with skincare or makeup. Especially during the holiday season, it’s easy to find gifts in this category. You can find so many different kinds of kits filled with different brands such as Drunk Elephant, Elf, etc. Something else really good about this is the price range. If you are on a tighter budget you can find some really affordable options that are still just as great. On the other hand, you can also fund some more expensive variations with maybe more items or bigger sizes. You can find these gift sets anywhere such as Ulta beauty, Sephora, online, or even in some local drugstores. 

Music

This is a very broad gift idea, which makes it even easier to find the perfect gift for whoever you are searching for. If you know someone who loves record players, you could get them one. Or, if they already have one you can get some new records to add to their collection. There are also some really cute gift ideas on pinterest for making a custom CD for someone, or really cute music decor. This is a really great customizable gift option, as everyone has a different music taste.

The post Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on GirlSpring.

Artwork created by the article’s author, Trina Hannah!

As the winter season is approaching us, it can be hard to keep that same glow you feel from the summer and spring. This can apply to you even if you’re in a warmer state, where let’s say it doesn’t snow, or the temperature doesn’t drop that much. Regardless of where you live, it can be easy to get into a rut as the days get shorter and it starts to get darker outside earlier. However, here are some tips to help you avoid that feeling this winter season:

Keep being active

1. It can be really easy to get less active in the colder months where the days are shorter. Getting out of bed even can be a challenge within itself. That is exactly why you should find some fun and simple ways to keep your body moving. This can be things such as going for a short walk, doing an at home workout, or practicing something for your sport. Or if you are looking for something different and a bit simpler, you could try something like yoga or even just stretching. The hardest part about getting up and doing anything is just getting yourself to do it, but once you do it you will feel so much better.

 Wear what makes you feel good

2. Have you ever heard of the saying “When you look good, you feel good”? This is a popular saying for a reason. It is one hundred percent true. So wear whatever makes you feel good. This could be sweatpants and a hoodie, or a dress. You do you!

Don’t stay inside all day

3. It can be easy to keep yourself indoors a lot especially if it’s cold out. But it is important to still get out of your house even if it is only for an hour. You could even just go to grab a coffee with a friend and sit down and catch up. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy whatsoever, just something to look forward to and get you out of your house for a bit. 

Celebrate the season

4. There are many wonderful things that come along with the winter season. Such as the holidays if you celebrate, Christmas and Hanukkah are just two examples. There is also the feeling of the holiday joy around, people tend to be in happier moods and are willing to be kinder to others. You can build snowmen, go sledding, see Christmas lights, drink hot cocoa, etc. There are plenty of options out there for what you can do to celebrate the season for the good things it has to offer you.

Eat a balanced diet

5. We all love to have christmas cookies, hot cocoa, etc. However, while it is ok to treat yourself once in a while, it is important to also make sure you are having some sort of balance there. This can include eating more home cooked meals rather than eating out, or just making sure to include fruits, vegetables, and protein into your diet. 

Spend time with people you love

6. Lastly, you can never go wrong with surrounding yourself with people you love. They can always help to brighten your day and be that sunshine that we all miss during the winter season. Plus, they can also be motivation to get up and do something!

The post How to Keep your Glow During Winter appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Warm Bedding
   • Make sure to invest in a comforter and extra blankets that are not only cozy, but also high quality! 
2. Portable Heater
   • Dorm-heating regulation varies depending on which university you attend; however, having a small heater in your room can be highly beneficial toward staying warm.
   • (Not all colleges allow heaters, so check beforehand!)
3. Humidifier
   • The winter season is known for dry air! To help prevent sore throats, dry skin, and respiratory problems, purchasing a humidifier can help you maintain comfortable environments.
4. Heating Pad
   • Heating pads and rechargeable hand warmers are perfect for chilly nights, keeping your body warm and soothed for the cold.
5. Heated Blanket
   • Electric blankets are remote controlled, heat-adjustable covers that let you relax and sleep under maintained temperatures! 
6. Water Bottle/ Insulated Mug
   • It’s important to stay hydrated during the winter for reasons similar to that of investing in a humidifier. Yet, having other appliances like insulated thermoses and mugs are great for keeping hot beverages and foods warm while you move around the dorm.

I hope this list of items was helpful! As always, be sure to stay warm and healthy!

The post Winter Dorm Essentials for College Students appeared first on GirlSpring.