A Poor Woman's Guide to Christmas Gifts

I can not overstate this enough: I am OBSESSED with Christmas. Like, the only thing that's better than Christmas is New Year's Eve. (YES, I am one of those psychopaths who ADORES New Years, and considers it to be a magical time of new beginnings and change. Don't come for me. As the sage philosopher Kacey Musgraves says, "Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy." K? K.)

But for those of you who may have forgotten, I'm a youth pastor, not a millionaire. I'm also currently the sole bread-winner for our household while the husband is in med school fulltime! We both come from big families, so Christmas shopping can get kind of stressful, particularly if we wait too late to start.

I firmly believe that Christmas has never been more important than it is this year, though -- we could all use some of that holly-jolly, magical cheer! Now, we all know that presents are not what make this season special. If you well and truly cannot afford to shop for gifts this year, handmade cards, crafts, or cookies will go a long way in conveying your love and care for your friends and families.

If you're feeling behind, though, in your shopping endeavors, since I've already finished all of my Christmas shopping, I thought I'd make a list of product recommendations for you slackers. You're welcome! ;-) Let me know in the comments what you're getting your loved ones this year.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post; everything I mention below are products I genuinely love, and think are worthy of gifting!*

1. Disney Themed Candles from Main Street Melts Candle. Co - This online store is one of my all time favorites. They make THE BEST Disney themed candles EVER. Chances are, they’ll have a candle based off of your favorite attraction or character (Dole Whip, Jungle Cruise, and Grand Floridian Gingerbread House just to name a few!) The quality of these candles are great, plus they ship quickly. Can’t recommend enough!

2. Reusable Metal Straws - These reusable straws would make awesome stocking stuffers, y'all! They're pretty, easy to clean, excellent quality, and you can get 8 for $5.99. (Bonus: They're Amazon Prime eligible!)

3. Cups Espresso Café Coffee in "Frosty's Favorite" or "Christmas Snow" - Besides family and friends, Cups Coffee may be the thing I miss most from Mississippi. Their coffee is globally sourced, roasted in the 'Sip, and shipped nationally. (Bonus: Shipping is free on orders over $20!) Their Christmas blends are decadent and special, but their regular blends are just as good. You really can't go wrong. (Fun Fact: We served Cups coffee at our wedding, and we still get people telling us how much they loved it!)

3. Miracles and Other Reasonable Things: A Story of Unlearning and Relearning God by Sarah Bessey - Y'all already know I adore Sarah Bessey! I read this book in a day, and I think about it all of the time. It's a beautiful blend of theology and memoir, and a profound spirit-filled story that looks at what it means to experience grief as well as joy.

4. Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker - I LOVE my Anker. LOVE. IT. I use it in the car, when I'm cleaning, in the office, everywhere. It's excellent quality for not that much money, and the charge lasts FOREVER.

5. Pandora Premium - Y'ALL I will die on this hill: Pandora > Spotify. Pandora Premium is amazing. You get all the benefits of Spotify (collecting songs, making playlists, etc.) plus you get to personalize your own radio stations. (Bonus: I use my Pandora all the time for Youth Group events!)

And that's all, folks. I hope this little list inspires your holiday shopping endeavors!!!