1 In 2019/ Product Recommendations

12 Unique Gift Ideas for kids

Let me start by saying that Christmas is NOT about receiving a ton of gifts. I believe it’s about ONE gift – the Gift of Jesus. Giving gifts is just one way we celebrate His birth. Time together is another way to celebrate.

When you buy gifts for your children, take time to enjoy the gifts WITH them! Play with them! You will both benefit from this time together.

What children need more than presents is YOUR PRESENCE!

Here are some unique ideas for gifts this year:

1. A Pogo stick

Ages: 7-13

My sons have been playing with our neighbor’s pogo stick and I love this gift for many reasons:

It’s great exercise!
The kids get to take turns and practice sharing. They cheer each other on and congratulate each other when they beat their “high score.”
The more they practice, the better they get. The better they get, the more energy they burn!
It doesn’t take up much space.
They can use it outside or in a basement.
You can buy one new or find a nice USED one (see the post about Christmas on a budget here). I found a nice used one that my boys will get for Christmas (shh…don’t tell)

2. Subscription box

Recommended for ages 2 and up

If you have a kid that likes crafts or building, I recommend a subscription to Kiwi club. We purchased a 6 month subscription to Kiwi Crate for our oldest son, and he loved it. They have different kits for different ages/interests. When you subscribe, you’ll get a box to unwrap every month. Order NOW because the kits are on sale, and your child can UNWRAP the first box on Christmas day! Click here for 60% off your first subscription.

3. Janet Benge books

Recommended for ages 6 and up

I love to read, and I’ve read LOTS of books. I can’t believe how amazing the Janet Benge books are! Each book is a TRUE story about an inspiring person from history. Kids can read these on their own, but even better – read with them. You will love them as much as your kids will. Everyone will be asking for ONE MORE CHAPTER!

4. A handmade photo gift – Memory Game!

I made my youngest son a memory game on Shutterfly two years ago and all my boys STILL enjoy playing with it. Each “match” has people they know and love.

This year I’m going to make them a puzzle with one of our family pictures. I love this unique option on Shutterfly!

5. Piano lessons and a Keyboard

Ages 7 and up

My grandparents gave one of my sons the gift of piano lessons for Christmas 5 years ago – and he’s still playing.

My in-laws found a used Keyboard and gave it to our boys so that they could begin learning and practicing. Both of those gifts have been really special.

6. Fun socks

Ages 4 and up

Socks are really COOL right now! Kids love to pull their socks up high and show off their favorite team.

Bonus – it’s something they need anyway. Christmas is a time you may want to splurge and get them their favorite themed socks.

Don’t tell me kids, but they are getting socks for Christmas.

7. Sled

Ages 2 and up

What makes this gift Unique? You are going to Go sledding together! You won’t believe how much fun you’ll have being a kid with them! Follow my instagram stories for the sledding adventures I go on with my boys!

8. Owl pellets

Ages 5 and up

Do something disgusting together – dissect OWL pellets. Owl pellets are the undigested parts of an owl’s food, regurgitated (coughed up through the mouth). You can find them under trees, or just buy them on amazon. (Now you know it’s true – you really can buy everything on amazon!)

I’m not usually into disecting stuff- but these are just SOOOO cool that I’m all in!

I recommend doing this outside or covering an indoor table with newspaper. Then, using gloves or small tools, open up the “pellets.” You’ll find small bones from miscellaneous animals. It’s totally fascinating, and you never know what you will discover!

Bonus – kids are learning and having fun!

9. Drawing book – only $5

Ages 5 and up

Have your kids make Christmas pictures for family members with this book! This would be great for making THANK YOU cards too!

Other drawing book suggestions:

For boys: How to Draw SUPERHEROES

For Girls: How to Draw CUTE ANIMALS!

10. Hatchimal s

Ages 2 and up

This is a SUPER fun gift for boys or girls. I got a Hatchimal for one of my sons, now two more boys are asking for one.

You open up the box and a large EGG is inside. You get to watch an animal HATCH from the egg, then you teach it your name and other simple things.

11. Snowball Maker

Ages 4 and up

This saves your hands from FREEZING while making snow balls. It makes the perfect snowball and is fun to use in the winter with your kids! I bought a pack of three so 3 could play at the same time.

12. No Stress Chess

Ages 6 and up

This game taught my kids how to play chess, and now they love it!

Leave a comment if you’d like to share a UNIQUE gift idea!

Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

Click here to read my suggestions for BEST GIFTS FOR BOYS!

Click here for best TEACHER GIFTS!

Items are affiliate links – if you decide to purchase, I may make a small commission without any additional cost to you.

November 25, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In 2019/ Book Review/ Product Recommendations

What I’m loving on Amazon right now

Here are a few of my favorite things from Amazon this week. Most of these would be great CHRISTMAS gifts if you are planning ahead! Each item is an affiliate link. That just means that if you make a purchase, I’ll earn a few cents without any additional cost to you!

Winter hat and neck warmer for kids – This hat and neck wrap is so warm and cozy! My son George loves it. The neck wrap is large enough to cover his neck, as well as most of his face too – which is perfect for the really cold days we have in Minnesota. And step #1 for how NOT to HATE winter is to DRESS FOR IT!

Pretty lap top cover – Since breaking my computer, I’ve been borrowing Teds. His one request was that I get a cover for it first, since I’m not as…”careful” as he is :). I love this cover – it’s like a piece of art. It’s pretty, but not TOO feminine.

Reusable food covers – My friend introduced me to these and I am in LOVE! I have one set and use them to cover anything from leftover brownies, to dinner. You can rinse and reuse and use less plastic wrap/aluminum foil. These make a GREAT gift.

This new book by Bob Goff – His books are some of my favorites. Live in Grace, Walk in Love was just released and has a little inspiration for every day of the year.

One line a day journals are an easy way to capture life. There is space to summarize your day in one paragraph. I love it because I can record funny things my kids said, or places we went, or an accomplishment I want to remember. It will be fun to compare year-to-year because this book will hold FIVE years worth of journal entries!!

Photo Albums – My Grandma June used to have matching photo albums, and I loved going through them and looking at all the people and places. I print my favorite photos and have albums that my kids and I enjoy.

Help Club for Moms Christmas edition

I just got this book in the mail and am so excited about using it over the holiday season. Not only is it a Bible Study, but it’s a full holiday resource as well! It’s a guide for planning and keeping Jesus the center of your holiday!

Thanks for reading and please subscribe!

You may also be interested in the following blog post:

Earning a little extra money through Swagbucks

October 31, 2019 By Kathryn

4 In Book Review/ Product Recommendations

Books I’m reading – and a Giveaway!

Here are some books I’ve been reading lately, and you must read to the end to ~~find out how to win a copy of one the following books~~ see who won!

I’m usually reading two to four books at a time. I have one by my bed, one by the couch, one in the car, and another I’m listening to on my phone with the free Hoopla App. Here are my thoughts on the books I’m currently reading, or recently finished.

The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey

I’m not a helicopter parent, but this book did shine light on areas where I could back off to allow my kids grow. It made me realize that some of the strength and confidence I have, comes from being put in really challenging situations as a young adult, and figuring out my way through it (I’ll write about this in a future post). I would recommend this book to parents who have children 7-17. The book has a few really great sections, and other parts were repetitive that I skimmed through. I’d rate it a 4 out of 5.

Capital Gains by Chip Gaines

I mentioned to a friend how much I loved The Magnolia Story, so she recommended I read Capital Gains. It’s basically Chip Gain’s biography and shows how hard work and a good attitude (plus a smart spouse) can lead to incredible success. Their family has turned the town of Waco from a place you’d just drive through to get from Dallas to Austin, to a destination city. I liked The Magnolia Story better, but would still give this a 4 out of 5!

Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors by Jami Amerine

I heard the author speak in an interview/podcast with Crystal Paine so I purchased this book on Amazon. After reading the first couple of chapters, I didn’t think I was going to like it…but by chapter 4, I was all in. I loved the author’s honestly, vulnerability, and HUMOR. The tag line is: “How less than perfect parents can raise kind of great kids” … and I would recommend it! Rating: 4/5

Educated by Tara Westover

I neglected all household chores for about 24 hours to devour this memoir. I couldn’t put it down. Tara Westover shares her fascinating story of growing up completely sheltered and was not allowed to go to school. Without any formal education or GED, she earned a Doctorate from Harvard! Rating: 5/5

A Cup of Cold Water by Lorie Newman

This is an incredible book with tons of suggestions on how we can make the world a better place. I heard the author speak on a podcast and purchased her book right away. I’ll share more in a future post about what I’m doing with what I learned in this book. I highly recommend it! Rating 5/5

Talking to your Kids about God by Natasha Crain

Once again, I heard this author speak on a podcast and decided to purchase her book. I had just finished reading “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” and I was inspired/convicted about how well Muslim parents instruct their children in their faith. I was excited to read this book about how to teach our children about God. Natasha Crain discusses the evidence for the existence of God, how science confirms the God of the Bible, how Christianity is different from other religions, and how all these things apply to us and the world around us. I’m not finished yet, but I’m REALLY loving it. Rating: 5/5

Help club for moms: The Wise Woman Grows

This is a Devotional I’ve been reading through this semester with a group of women from around the world. If you are a woman, join our group on Facebook, and pick up a copy of the book on Amazon. Rating: 5/5

Another Man’s War by Sam Childers

I received this book as a gift from my father-in-law and loved it! It’s an amazing true story about a man who goes to the most dangerous parts of Africa to find orphaned children and then provides a safe place for them. Rating 5/5

~~I want to give my copy of Another Man’s War to one of you! To win…~~

Do any of the following between now and May 1, 2019

Comment on this post (use the little text box icon beside the title)
Share this (or any) post on Social Media, through text or email! Let me know you shared it.
Every share and comment will receive you an entry to win the book. The drawing will be on May 2, 2019.

WINNER is Annie! Congratulations Annie!

Thanks for reading!

April 27, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Product Recommendations

9 books to read in 2019

Here are 9 of my favorite books from 2018, if you haven’t read them…add them to your MUST READ list of 2019!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp – An incredibly well-written book that reminds the readers of how gratitude can positively change your life.

2. UnSuperMommy by Maggie Combs – This is a must read for moms with young children.

3. What’s God Really Like? by SJ Hill – Each page made me smile as I was reminded of how GOOD our God really is!

4. Conversations with a Billionaire by Ted W Egly – A truly inspirational book filled with tons of great stories. An easy-to-read book that will leave you feeling encouraged and challenged…get a glimpse into the book by clicking here.

5. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver – An awesome book if you like food and are interested in finding out more about what you eat. This book is also inspiring for gardeners (or wannabe gardeners, like me).

6. Love Does by Bob Goff or his next books which was equally Awesome:

7. Everybody Always – I was nervous to read this book because I didn’t know if it would be as good as his first…but it was amazing!

8. Speak Life by Brady Boyd – Our words shape our life. This book contains great examples on how we can improve our communication and challenges us to speak life-giving words.

9. Strong mothers, strong sons: Lessons mothers need to raise extraordinary men by Dr. Meg Meeker – A book that every boy mom would benefit from!

(Books above are affiliate links which means if you choose to purchase one, I may make a small commission without any additional cost to you.)

To read reviews of the other great books I read this year, click here.

Here are my TOP TEN favorite books of 2019!

Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

February 5, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Product Recommendations

The ONE book you should read this year!

If you only read ONE book in 2019, I recommend …

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp was truly a GIFT to me. It was the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read – and so full of truth and light. The book made me cry, laugh, think, and smile.

When I read a book, I underline all my favorite parts. If it’s a book that has stuff I that I don’t want to forget, I enter everything I’ve underlined into my computer. For this book, I had SIX TYPED pages of notes and quotes from the book! Six pages of words from the book that I didn’t want to forget. That’s a record!

This is a book I’ll come back to over and over. I’m also going to read the study guide that goes with this book:

The premise of One Thousand Gifts is about how to find gratitude in the mundane days of life. Finding gratitude leads to a full, joy-filled life.

Here are some quotes from the book:

It’s easy to speak the language of discontentment, self-condemnation, and dissatisfaction…but it’s worth learning how to speak a new language.

Why not let ALL life be penetrated by JOY and gratitude!?

Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!

Have you read One Thousand Gifts? If so…leave me a comment. Also, if you have a book I MUST read this year, let me know!

If you’d like to read reviews of all 40 books I read last year, click here.

*Affiliate link in post

January 3, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Family/ Joy/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Merriest Christmas 2018

Why does it seem like Christmas comes SO slowly when you are a child and as an adult, it comes WAY to quickly. I wish the Christmas season could last twice as long. I love the lights, the songs, the decorations, celebrations, traditions, extra time with friends and family, …and the anticipation and excitement in our children!

Our day started early … 3 AM early! Paul and Clark woke up, went into George’s room and woke him up and exclaimed: “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” Thankfully, George looked at the clock. He then came in, woke me up to let me know that his brothers were up and ready for Christmas and he thought it was too early.

Me: You are right, it’s too early! Go back to bed!

I went downstairs to bring the bad news to Paul and Clark that Christmas wouldn’t begin for 4 more hours.

CLARK: What will we do for FOUR hours?

ME: SLEEP!

CLARK AND PAUL: We are too excited to sleep!

ME: I’m sorry. (not sorry)

Thankfully, somehow, they did go back to sleep and so did I…and Christmas morning began around 7 AM.

Here were their favorite presents:

George – Lego Sets and Portillo’s gift card.
Clark’s – Vikings Jersey and finding out he’s going to the Bears vs Vikings Game with Ted on Sunday! He declared it the “BEST DAY EVER!”
Paul’s – his new slippers and a Dinosaur toy.
Luke’s – remote control car and a Playdoh set.

My favorite moments were:

The homemade gifts and handwritten notes from the boys
The Scavenger hunt that Clark had prepared:
- He had us go upstairs while he hid 3 notes for each person around the house.
- Each note declared something he appreciated about the person:

"George, I love how you are caring."

“Paul, I like how you play nicely with Luke.”

"Luke, I love how you are happy to play any game with your brothers."

“Dad, you are good at football.”

"Mom, thanks for playing games with us."

It was the sweetest game/gift EVER! Wow!

For Christmas dinner – I made their favorite food – STEAK!

Thanks for reading and thinking about our family. Leave me a comment and let me know the best part of your day!

December 25, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

10 Best places to eat in Breckenridge

1. Crown coffee

We love their “breck coffee” and overall environment.

2. Mi Casa

Stop by Mi Casa if you are craving Mexican food! We loved the enchiladas, and the salsa was so good! Super quaint atmosphere inside and nice patio outside!

3. Duggans Deli

This place has fantastic sub sandwiches. It’s a hole in the wall, so don’t plan to eat inside. I recommend picking up subs, walking to the Gondola, taking the ride to the very top, and eating on the patio at Peak 8.

4. CB Potts

This restaurant is right in the middle of all the action with great seating in the front on Main Street or in the back, on the patio. The burgers are great!

5. Eric’s Downstairs

Eric’s has good pizza, burgers and wings but I only recommend going if you are willing to drop some ‘dough’ on video games. Half of the place is food/half is a gaming area. My kids like coming here – not necessarily for the food, but because of the games!

6. Starbucks

We love this place because it’s so darn cute. It’s an old YELLOW house with such history inside. And if you want to know how to get your Starbucks for FREE, read this.

7. Crepes a la Cart

I thought I didn’t like crepes…until I tried one from Crepes a la Cart. This place ALWAYS has a line out the door! Our family devoured the cinnamon roll crepe in 3.5 seconds.

8. Extreme Pizza

This place has some really creative (and delicious) pizza creations! I recommend the “Kickin Chicken!”

9. Kenosha Steaks and Burgers

Kenosha is a great place to go with family and friends when the weather is nice. You can sit on the back patio and enjoy the backyard “games” while you wait for your food! My boys like the burgers and wings! I ordered the Bison burger – it was great! My husband enjoyed his Caesar salad. We also shared a plate of nachos with Bison Chili – one order is enough to feed the whole table.

10. Pho Real

This is a great place to get a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. It’s very small without much seating, though. I recommend ordering Pho to Go. Take it up the Gondola and eat at one of the tables at Peak 8.

Honorable Mention – Fuzziwigs candy shop

Obviously, this isn’t a place you’d go for dinner unless you want a SUGAR RUSH, but it’s gotta go on my list because it’s my kids favorite spot for a treat in Breckenridge. They give you a little bag and you can add as much or as little of the 400+ options. My kids eat something right away and save some for the drive home.

There are so many quaint restaurants along Main Street. Please let me know in the comments where you love to eat in Breck!

For all my favorite FREE things to do in Breckenridge, CLICK HERE!

July 7, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Giveaway/ Peek into our Week/ Product Recommendations

Peek into our Week – Campin’, Buildin’ and Bookin’

Monday – Thursday:

We are blessed to have a church that puts so much intentionality into what they do! My kids and I had a great week learning and laughing together at New Life Church Kid’s Camp. The theme this year was Supernova – discovering God’s Great Galaxy. The music was incredible, great teaching, fun games, engaging skits, and service projects.

Clark and some of his friends

Ted completed his Go Fund Me campaign and we ordered the first copies of his debut book, “Conversations with a Billionaire!” Ted signed and shipped out all of the pre-orders!

Friday:

George loves Legos. Occasionally when I find a great deal on a set of a legos, I’ll buy it for him. Clark and George recorded themselves building their Legos, then George edited the video and I uploaded it to their youtube channel: “The Free Range Eglys.” Here is one video George recorded and edited.

Saturday

Ted and I had our first Duel

Book-signing at a local (beautiful) coffee shop, The Roost! It was a great morning where we met some new neighbors, saw some familiar faces, and sold some of our books!

If you’d like a copy of Ted’s amazing book, click here!

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Giveaway winners – Mary Kathryn S. ($40 Gift card) and Judy B. ($50 Tillivery)!

That’s a peek into our week! How was YOUR week? Leave me a comment!

June 30, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

You are invited … to a book signing and a chance to win a $40 and $50 gift card!

Colorado Friends!

I’d like to invite each of you to Ted and my first ever duel BOOK SIGNING!

In the last few months, my husband and I have both published our first books.

Mine is a children’s book is entitled “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore: A Pikes Peak Adventure Story. (click here to read more about my book).

Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).

Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children! PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!

Here are all the details:

What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing

When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM

Where: The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004

Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!

For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery!

PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!

Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!

Hope to see you there!!!

UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)

June 25, 2018 By Kathryn

3 In Book Review/ Family/ Product Recommendations

My husband’s first book: Conversations with a Billionaire

George enjoying his Daddy’s first book!

I’m so excited to tell you about my husband’s first book, Conversations with a Billionaire!

If you know my husband, you know that he is a gifted communicator. He has so much wisdom and knowledge that spills out of him. He’s been working on this book for the last year, and one night while writing, he said, “Kathryn, you need to write a book too!” I tell more about that story here.

My husband’s not only the reason I wrote MY book, but he’s the reason I started this blog, too! He encourages me to write, even though I wouldn’t call myself a “writer.” Ted is actually the writer in this family! (Soon he will write a guest post on here. Leave me a comment and tell me what you want him to write about!)

In the meantime, let me tell you about my husband!

Ted was raised in an Air Force family.
He suffered a life-threatening illness in his teens and was miraculously healed.
He earned his Bachelors and then his Master’s (in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management) – all while working full time.
He loves adventure racing, fishing, and teaching.
He’s got this crazy “Spidey” sense where he just “knows” what’s going to happen – and he’s usually right!

Ted’s got a life FULL of interesting stories and some of them have been captured in his new book: Conversations with a Billionaire.

Don’t let the title fool you, this is not a book about money, or how to become a Billionaire.

The title comes from conversations that he had and lessons he learned from spending time with a Billionaire. This Billionaire is a name you’d probably know, but he doesn’t share his name in the book. Ted spent time in the Billionaire’s home, learning from him, watching him, and talking to him about life and leadership. Ted writes about things he learned from the Billionaire, as well as stories from his own life.

This book is incredibly inspiring and will benefit anyone – from a stay-at-home parent to a business person. There is something you will learn to spur you on in your journey. You’ll want to have a pen or highlighter with you when you read – there will be so many things you won’t want to forget, or will want to go back and re-read!

A peek inside, and if you pre-order a book, you’ll get PDFs of all the artwork/graphics inside the book!

I’d love for you to order a copy, CLICK HERE to do so!

Here’s a little video from Ted:

June 6, 2018 By Kathryn

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