Last Minute Christmas Ideas

This year, my husband and I decided in advance how much money would be spent on Christmas and we were very specific about what we wanted and we listened carefully to the kids during regular conversations to get ideas for what they wanted.  We have never really gone overboard on gift giving so this year was not too much of a change from our norm, but we did not get the extra gifts that we tend to buy on trips to the mall and local stores.  I liked buying gifts from Amazon because for me, there was n0t the temptation of overspending.  I had my list in hand and chose only those items on my list that were available at a good price.  The free shipping was a bonus!  Since my kids don’t read my blog I am safe giving a partial list along with links and alternatives.

A few months ago my husband came across some videos on You Tube by Mantic 59 featuring double edge safety razors.  Techniques and details of using the old school razors were covered in these videos.  My husband went on a hunt for a double edge razor and could not find them for sale at any stores {chains, etc.} but did find them at antique stores.  He bought his first one for $2.00, bought some Barbicide {this is necessary for hygienic purposes} and a package of double edge razors at Wal-Mart {10 blades for under $2.00}.  He bought an inexpensive shaving brush at a local drug store {under $5.00} and he was ready to begin.

These are some my husband’s current razors and brush. 

I made him the stand out of wire but another alternative is a solid toothbrush stand.  The razors are heavy so it is important that the holder be bottom heavy.  The shave cream is C.O. Bigelow and is readily available at Bath & Body Works.  My husband watched the videos, implemented the techniques and his shaves have never been better.  Since he really loves this method I bought him a Merkur long handle razor and a few other goodies {not going to spill the beans-he does read my blog}, but if your husband has expressed a desire to go this route definitely encourage him.  It is a nice tradition to carry on and it does save money in the long run as the disposable razors can be very costly and these razors will last a life time.  There are also a lot of beautiful shaving brushes available but right now my husband’s focus is the razors–I myself love the brushes.  My oldest son {who does shave-sigh} has started using this method also and he is getting a less expensive Parker razor for Christmas {also available at Amazon}.  My 10-year-old likes to read and we purchased him  How to be the Best at Everything {The Boy’s Book} and a Hank the Cowdog book.  My youngest is 3 and he builds things all day and has been talking about trains a lot so we got him a wooden train.  As an alternative to the train at Amazon I did see a great wooden train set at Ikea last week for $14.99.

We have a few more gifts to purchase but for a lot of friends and family I will be baking some cookies starting early next week so they are fresh and adding some ornaments {the ones I have shown on previous posts}, some home made bath salts for the “ladies” and a few little inexpensive extras.  Since presentation is important, I bought Martha Stewart cookie boxes at Michael’s a few weeks ago using my 40% off coupon, of course.

I hope sharing some of my ideas has helped with your shopping.

happy hugs, mb.