The Simple 4 Gift Method + Care's Gift Guide For 3 Budgets & 3 Ages - With Love Me Do Baby
The holidays can feel overwhelming, with the need to buy buy buy and spend spend spend. It can be hard to know where to start, and more importantly, where to stop! I like to use a simple method for gift giving with a goal of buying less, buying right, and giving thoughtfully. With just 4 simple categories (+1 extra our family added), you can check your kids off your list quickly, and on any budget!
The holidays can feel overwhelming, with the need to buy buy buy and spend spend spend. It can be hard to know where to start, and more importantly, where to stop! I like to use a simple method for gift giving with a goal of buying less, buying right, and giving thoughtfully. With just 4 simple categories (+1 extra our family added), you can check your kids off your list quickly, and on any budget!
To make gifting easy stick to the little rhyme: "Something You Want, Something You Need, Something To Wear, Something To Read.”
These 4 gifts are more than enough (plus one from the big guy in red). Our kids get lots of gifts from other relatives, and really don’t need much. Our family added a 5th gift “Something To Give” to ensure we’re each finding ways to support our community, and give back during the holiday season, and throughout the year. See below for some of my favourite charity’s to support.
I’ve partnered with Love Me Do Baby & Maternity, one of my favourite local shops, to bring you examples of how you can shop for 3 different age ranges, and 3 budgets using this simple method. Scroll down to check it out. Simply click the images to shop any of the products you love. You can always mix and match at the price points that works for you.
As a little something special, make sure you use code: WithCare online or in-store for 250 bonus Love Me Do Loyalty Points (points = future purchases!) when you spend $50 this holiday season.
Infant Gifting $50 Budget
Toddler Gifting $50 Budget
Little Kid Gifting $50 Budget
Infant Gifting $150 Budget
Toddler Gifting $150 Budget
Little Kid Gifting $150 Budget
Infant Gifting $250 Budget
Toddler Gifting $250 Budget
Little Kid Gifting $250 Budget
Something To Give - Any Budget!
If you’re looking for a local charity to support this holiday season check out 3 of my favourites that focus on helping vulnerable populations in our community.
I hope this simple 4 gift method helps you with your holiday gifting, no matter what your budget is! Please leave any questions or comments below, and make sure to check out my 7 Stocking Stuffer Essentials, my Guide To The Best Teacher’s Gifts Under $30, and my 6 Last Minute DIY Holiday Gifts for more ideas. Happy Holidays!
- Care
Thule Sleek 2019: My 4 Fav Features + Full Stroller Review - In Partnership With Love Me Do Baby & Maternity
For city families, strollers are often like an extra vehicle. They accompany us on everything from tedious weekday errands to fun family weekend adventures. They need to be able to stand up to some serious wear-and-tear, and adapt over time to suit our family’s growing needs. After 4 kids and 8 years with our initial stroller, we were in desperate need of a replacement. When searching for a new one I had a few key things I wasn’t willing to compromise on.
For city families, strollers are often like an extra vehicle. They accompany us on everything from tedious weekday errands to fun family weekend adventures. They need to be able to stand up to some serious wear-and-tear, and adapt over time to suit our family’s growing needs. After 4 kids and 8 years with our initial stroller, we were in desperate need of a replacement. When searching for a new one I had a few key things I wasn’t willing to compromise on.
Great sun protection with a large extendable canopy
Narrower than our previous stroller (I’ve had issues with old buildings, small shops, and TTC vehicles)
Large basket for storage
The options for a skateboard attachment for our preschooler to ride on (The Thule Sleek happens to have full double stroller capabilities, and the option for a bassinet, car seat adapter etc, but our family doesn’t need those accessories at this stage in the game.)
When Love Me Do Baby & Maternity reached out about a partnership to do a full review of the 2019 Thule Sleek Stroller I jumped at the chance. This stroller is not only beautiful, but checks all of the boxes I needed. Watch my full Thule Sleek Stroller Review to learn all about this incredible stroller, including 4 of my personal favourite features, and why it’s a perfect fit for city families.
Don’t forget that if you join Love Me Do Baby & Maternity’s Love Point Loyalty Program you can start earning points to put toward future purchases. Win Win!
- Care
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies, services and institutions that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
Save On Essentials With Love Me Do Baby & Maternity's NEW Love Points Loyalty Program + Get 150 BONUS POINTS!!
Shopping for a new baby, and keeping up with our little one’s ever changing needs, can be an expensive endeavour for parents. So it’s always nice to find ways to save a little money along the way, while not compromising on quality or service. One of my all time favourite local & online baby boutiques, Love Me Do Baby & Maternity, is doing just this. The owner Linda, and her amazing team, always offer the most incredible customer service experience (eg. they have the sweetest spot to rest & play, offer Complimentary Professional Car Seat Installation with car seat purchase, and host tons of In-store events), and now they’ve introduced a NEW Love Points Loyalty Program, that earns you points toward future purchases!* In the world of parenting it really doesn’t get much better than free stuff.
Shopping for a new baby, and keeping up with our little one’s ever changing needs, can be an expensive endeavour for parents. So it’s always nice to find ways to save a little money along the way, while not compromising on quality or service. One of my all time favourite local & online baby boutiques, Love Me Do Baby & Maternity, is doing just this. The owner Linda, and her amazing team, always offer the most incredible customer service experience (eg. they have the sweetest spot to rest & play, offer Complimentary Professional Car Seat Installation with car seat purchase, and host tons of In-store events), and now they’ve introduced a NEW Love Points Loyalty Program, that earns you points toward future purchases!* In the world of parenting it really doesn’t get much better than free stuff.
The best part is that they made it so simple. All you need to do is create a customer profile with your name and email address (profile can be made in-store, or you can Register Online by clicking the “check rewards” tab). Once you’re all set up, there are a whole bunch of simple ways you can start to earn points to redeem at the store. You’ll even get special stuff like birthday points! As a very special perk Enter Code SHOPWITHCARE at checkout to recieve 50 Bonus Points! Plus if you share a photo of your purchase on Instagram and tag With Care & Love Me Do Baby & Maternity you’ll receive an additional 100 Bonus Points!!
Since so many of us live in small spaces it’s all about quality over quantity, and finding the perfect product to suit your needs. I always appreciate that Love Me Do keeps their inventory and their “Registry Essentials” list to just that, quality essentials! They understand parenting and living in a city. They don’t want to add to your stress by breaking your budget or weighing you down with unnecessary stuff. Make sure to head over to Love Me Do online and set up your profile so you can start earning points today! You can thank me when you earn your first free purchase ;)
- Care
*Some Conditions & Restrictions Apply. Full Details
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies, services and institutions that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
Packing For The Hospital - Labour & Birth: Video + FREE Downloadable Packing List
As I’m preparing for the arrival of baby 4 I thought I would share a New Video about Packing for Labour & Birth. As a Midwife & Childbirth Educator I am always asked about what to pack. Although not all of my clients deliver in hospital, everyone needs a bag ready, just in case. I suggest getting it out of the way early so you can feel prepared. Having your bag packed by around 36 weeks is ideal.
As I’m preparing for the arrival of baby 4 I thought I would share a New Video about Packing for Labour & Birth. As a Midwife & Childbirth Educator I am always asked about what to pack. Although not all of my clients deliver in hospital, everyone needs a bag ready, just in case. I suggest getting it out of the way early so you can feel prepared. Having your bag packed by around 36 weeks is ideal.
It can be tempting to pack a ton of stuff to take to the hospital, but in my experience less is more. Remember, you’ll need to bring home everything you pack, plus a new baby, and you’ll be recovering from giving birth. If plans change and you need to stay at the hospital for a few extra days, friends and family can be called for extra supplies, or your partner can take a quick trip home.
I hope this simple list helps you feel a bit more prepared for the birth of your little one. Wishing you all the best in your labour, birth & beyond!
- Care
In The Post:
Care’s Sweater: Seraphine from Love Me Do | Bag: Amazon Prime | Back Massagers: Body Shop | Nightgown: Laura Ashley from Winners | Robe: Cynthia Rowley from Winners | Slippers: Ikea | Depends: Amazon Prime | Maternity Pads: Starkmans Heath Care Depot | Toothpaste: Toms | Natural Deodorant: No Pong | Arnica Gel: Boiron | Reusable Merino Wool Breastpads: Evymama | Disposable Breastpads: Medela | Nursing Bra: Bravado Body Silk & Seamless | Whale Sleeper: Kyte Baby | Hands Free Skin to Skin Device: Sleepbelt | Nuts, Trail Mix, Dark Chocolate, Fruit Water: Ikea | Granola Bars: Made Good from Costco
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
Forward Facing Babywearing 101 - Safety, Ergonomics & Carrier Styles, What You Need To Know
As a mom of 3 and a Babywearing Educator I get a ton of questions from parents in my community and online about appropriate positions to babywear. So I wasn't surprised when Nikki Bergen, local mama and creator of The Belle Method, contacted me to answer some of her own questions about forward facing babywearing. I met with Nikki in her home and we went over the most important things to consider when planning to forward face your baby. We chat safety, ergonomics, carrier styles, and I even give my top babywearing tip! Watch the video to learn more.
As a mom of 3 and a Babywearing Educator I get a ton of questions from parents in my community and online about appropriate positions to babywear. So I wasn't surprised when Nikki Bergen, local mama and creator of The Belle Method, contacted me to answer some of her own questions about forward facing babywearing. I met with Nikki in her home and we went over the most important things to consider when planning to forward face your baby. We chat safety, ergonomics, carrier styles, and I even give my top babywearing tip! Watch the video to learn more.
***Disclaimer: As a Babywearing Educator I always recommend inward facing, hip, and back carries as the most ergonomic for parents and babe, but when a parent chooses to forward face, my job is to help them do it in the safest and most ergonomic way possible, not to judge or shame them. There is no solid evidence that shows that short periods of forward facing babywearing cause hip dysplasia or improper spinal development. Please remember that what one parent decides is right for them and their baby, might not be the same as what you would decide, but that does not make them a bad, careless or uneducated parent.
Don't forget to join me at my next FREE Community Babywearing Drop In at West End Mamas on September 18th. It's a great way to try some new carriers and learn how to use your existing carriers safely and comfortably. If you want some more personalized help contact me directly (care@with-care.ca) about my Private In-Home Babywearing Consultations & Workshops.
Please note that if you're feeling any pain, pressure, or discomfort while babywearing you should always reach out to a pelvic floor physiotherapists to help assess the situation. Here in Toronto West End Mamas has an amazing team of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists ready to help (I speak from personal experience), so make sure to give them a shout to set up an appointment. They offer on-site childcare, plus mention With Care for 20% off your 1st wellness service.
Don't forget to check out The Belle Method to learn more about Nikki's amazing online exercise programs designed to support your pelvic floor and core throughout pregnancy and postpartum, plus her incredible local classes in Toronto. You can also watch a recent video we made together where Nikki shares her Top 3 Pregnancy Exercises.
Please feel free to comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in future videos. Happy Babywearing!
- Care
In this post:
West End Mamas: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Get 20% off your 1st Service when you mention With Care | Little Zen One: Beco Gemini Carrier as seen in video. Plus they are getting the Tula Explore in stock soon, it also provides a Forward Facing Option (Use Code WITHCARE for $15 off purchases over $100 at Little Zen One) | Love Me Do Baby & Maternity: Sells the Lilibaby Complete All Seasons Carrier which also provides a Forward Facing Option | Ergobaby 360, also provides a Forward Facing Option
*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. Please always refer to your particular baby carrier manual to ensure proper and safe use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such.
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend