HOLIDAY GIFTS & IDEAS WITH eBAY COLLECTIONS

This year, Thanksgiving and Chanukah are sharing the spotlight. For my family, this means that at 5 o'clock when the turkey coma usually sets in, we're going to have to rally for a little dreidel and gift exchanging action. This also means that as the Thanksgiving host, (I must be out of my mind to take this on this year), in addition to getting my menu prepped and table decor in line, I'm going to have to going to have to think about gifts about a month sooner than I normally would!

As a curator for eBay's new collections program, I've gotten a head start on all the things I want to get for family and friends... and of course, the things that if anyone happens to want to get me something, well, they'll know just where to find it.  Ahem, ahem.

No seriously, while a Chanel clutch might be a liiiittle out of the budget this Chanukah, I've found that putting these Collections together have been a great way for me to keep track of not only the things that I'm coveting, but ideas and inspirations for projects I want to tackle, like organizing my office and closets.

Here are some of my collections that I've created that are completely inspired by what's going on in my

life:

• Trying to eat Dairy and Gluten Free (See Wedding Prep) :-)

• Getting Fit (Also see Wedding Prep) :-)

• Collecting Vintage Postcards to use for guest book at.... Yep, you guessed it. 

• Finding antique windows and doors for.... Okay fine. I'm completely obsessed. 

The point is, eBay Collections is a great way to store ideas and inspirations, watch sellers and newly listed items, AND find items just in time for the holidays and of course, all year round. Speaking of which, with just over week until 8 nights of festive lights and a big turkey dinner, I need to get cracking!  First stop. Kid + Easy Gift = Legos! Done! 

Join me and be sure to use #eBayCollection & #FollowItFindIt

This is a sponsored post. #ad

DIY HOME DECOR USING YOUR KID'S ART

Last year, I tried to volunteer at school as much as I could. Spending time in Jonah's class -cutting paper, cleaning up, passing out goodies on special occasions, etc.- opened my eyes not only to the world of Transitional Kindergarten and public school, but also to the differences between boys and girls... At an early age, it's clear that there is an inherent difference in attention to detail... Generally, the boys scribble fast, while the girls keep the colors (coordinated) and in between the lines. This basically results in Jonah coming home with a lot of projects that, well... look like... someone just wanted to get outside and play zombies vs. Darth Vader. (Or whatever it is that 5 year old boys do.

If I actually housed or stored every single gem that my future "volcano science geologist laboratory doctor" brought home, our house would like like an episode of Hoarders. Therefore, I came up with an artistic solution of my own that showcases the "best part" of my guy's art only. Check it out!

FAMILY FINDS: $15 for $30 Worth of Toys at CreativeToyShop.com

50% Off Cardboard Toys & More at CreativeToyShop.com

As parents, we're always looking for ways to spark our kids' creativity. But so many of the toys we buy them get thrown to the wayside after a few days, and end up in a landfill soon thereafter. It's a major bummer! The toys from Creative Toyshop -- such as Calafant cardboard toys -- are different. Mother of two Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, says, "I came across the Calafant cardboard toys when I was looking for fun activities to do at our children's birthday parties. We started out building the Large Fairy Castle and really enjoyed painting, creating wallpaper and decorating. The best part was that we did it as a family and worked as a team. Each of my kids had good ideas and was free to incorporate them into the project. When we were done, they started playing with the castle with the dolls that we already had." When your child outgrows a cardboard toy, you won't have a bulky plastic structure sitting in your home that will end up in a landfill somewhere. You can either unfold the pieces and keep them or recycle them with the rest of your paper or cardboard recyclables. Good for the environment ... good for you!

Creative Toyshop is a boutique online toy store that offers unique, creative, educational and eco-friendly toys, games, and other children's items. When the Martina's two children entered preschool, she found there was a real lack of unique and creative toys. She wanted to offer families fun toys and games that encouraged children to think for themselves, express their creativity, and, at the same time, not harm the environment. She found the perfect fit in Calafant cardboard toys and Young Learners games -- both amazing lines that children adore. We also love the School Years keepsake album for recording precious milestones and accomplishments. Both parent and child can fill each expandable pocket -- there's one for every year from kindergarten to 12th grade -- with photos, report cards, art projects, and other mementos. Other unique products include Bootscoot balance bikes and Lunchskins eco-friendly lunch bags.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR VOUCHER TODAY!

Other great deals in your area expiring soon:

$59 for Portrait Shoot and 16 x 20 Canvas from Stuart Townsley ($700 value!)

$25 for All-Day Pass to Go Kart World

$10 for $20 at Marla's Café in Venice

$70 for 4 Fine Arts Class at Mission: Renaissance ($140 Value)

FAMILY FINDS: $1 for Official Silly Bandz (Shipping Included!)

$1 for $9 to Spend at Sillybandz.com

What can you buy for a dollar these days? Not much. But with today's deal, you can buy your kid a 24-pack of official Silly Bandz for a dollar ... and that even includes shipping! You can choose from 35 varieties of Silly Bandz, including Justin Bieber, Kardashian, Rango, FarmVille, SpongeBob, Yo Gabba Gabba, Barbie, or iCarly. Or you can even go with the Build-a-Pack option and build your dream pack by choosing 24 of your favorite Silly Bandz. Kids love to wear them, trade them, collect them, and show them off to their friends. Be the coolest parent on the block -- buy your kid a 24-pack of official Silly Bandz at 89% off!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SILLY BANDZ!

Other great deals in your area expiring soon:

$7 for 2 tickets to STAR ECO Station (50% off)

$89 for a Party Your Kids Your Party Will Never Forget!

$35 for One Ticket for a Mimosa Cruise from Corks Away ($78 Value)

$15 for $30 Worth of Products from TwinSisters.com

FAMILY FINDS: Half-Off Personalized Children’s Album

Love this! $10 for a Personalized Children’s Album at Name Your Tune ($20 Value)

This makes a GREAT GIFT for kids-- especially for those of you like me who have birthday parties EVERY Weekend...

$10 for a personalized children’s album from Name Your Tune -- a $20 value. Babies love hearing their names repeated over and over, and they’ll certainly get their fill with Name Your Tune -- a made-to-order children’s album that features your child’s name sung over 80 times in 14 songs. Everyone can sing along with classics like "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" which becomes "Little Hannah Had A Farm E-I-E-I-O." When your album is ready, just download to your computer, MP3 player or burn a CD. ORDER HERE.

*Jonah has one that says "Boom Boom ain't it great to be... Jo-Nah!". Despite being slightly annoying, it really is his fave.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!

Other great deals in your area expiring soon:

69% Off 30-Day Curves Membership + Zumba Class

Half-Off Custom-Built Nutrition Bars

$25 for 50-Minute Massage

Valentine's Day: 60% Off Lingerie