Thanks for stopping back in to see us. We have more good stocking ideas today, plus you can still enter for the chance to win the virtual stocking full of books. Some of them, I forgot to say, will probably be paper instead of digital, simply because some of us really love paper. Not naming names, you understand. Here are more stocking-stuffing thoughts from more of the authors of Heartwarming Holiday Wishes.
Stocking a stocking for a teenager
by Amy Vastine
As a parent of three teenagers, if I had to fill a stocking for someone, it would be a fellow mom out there who is living with these monsters lovely young adults. Don’t get me wrong, I love my children. I gave birth to them and have watched in awe as they have grown from sweet, innocent babies into huge (my oldest is 6’4”), opinionated teens. They make me laugh and cry almost daily thanks to the fact that they manage to put me on the same emotional rollercoaster they seem to be riding. I also feel like I need to slap an Uber sticker on my car because I am always taking someone somewhere for something. Teens are busy people, which means their moms are also busy making sure they get where they need to be. It helps a little when they get their license, but that leads to a lot more worrying over whether they made it there safely or not!
Parenting is hard at any stage, but the teenage years are the toughest for me. So, what would be inside? Here’s my list.
- A bottle of Advil: Getting a headache is nothing new to a mom with teens. Whether they are driving her crazy by arguing over their need for independence while in the same breath expressing the injustice of being asked to be responsible when they’re “just a kid” or simply updating her about the newest, complicated drama at school, teens can give Mom one heck of a throbbing headache.
- Social Media for Dummies: Technology is great. Who doesn’t love their smartphone? The only problem with it is that the teenagers know how to use it better than the adults. Moms need to know what’s on their teen’s phone and what each of these apps is about. Knowledge is power and we all need a little help with navigating the world of Snapchat and Instagram.
- A good romance novel: If there’s one thing a mom of teenagers needs, it’s a little escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. We all know a good book can take us away from it all and the happy ever after is a definite feel good.
- Expensive chocolate: The good stuff. Not the kind you can get at Walmart but the really good gourmet stuff because moms of teens never indulge themselves the way they should because they are too worried about the increase cost of car insurance and impending cost of college. Some fine Belgian chocolate is the way I would go.
- Cleaning Service for a year: This truly might be more like the gift of time. There are only so many hours in a day and therefore only so much can get done. A mom of teens usually runs out of time before she can get everything done or before she can do anything for herself. With a little help from a cleaning service, our busy mom can carve out some time to sit down with her chocolates and her romance novel and just … enjoy!
I’m sure there’s plenty more to go in this stocking – I left out the wine because I don’t drink, but sometimes my teens make me wish I did! I love to hear from my readers. If you are on Facebook, you can find me there (www.facebook.com/amyvastineauthor) or you can visit my website www.amyvastine.com , where you can sign up for my newsletter, receive release information, find out how to enter contests and giveaways, and learn about promotions and sales. There’s also a list and link to all my backlist titles.
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Stocking Stuffers for a Six-year-old Girl
by Leigh Riker
For a six-year-old girl, I couldn’t find a better inspiration than Sophie McCormack (except my own granddaughter). In my novella, Mistletoe and Holly, my hero Cameron’s daughter plays a big part, and I think I know exactly what Sophie (or my Lily) would love to see in her stocking on Christmas morning.
I’d buy a bright red stocking and start with an age-appropriate makeup kit with plenty of sparkles. I bet Sophie loves to play dress up and “enhance” her face with pretend powder, eye shadow and lip-gloss. I know from experience that the sparkles are a definite bonus.
For more bling—how about a princess tiara? And a pink feather boa. I once gave these to Lily, and I can just see Sophie too parading around the house for weeks in that getup, much to the amusement of her father.
Because Barbie dolls are also popular at this age, I’d add an outfit or two, possibly a lovely gown for a holiday “party.” When I was a kid, I liked paper dolls too. So in goes a nice, sturdy set. Not the flimsy kind. Melissa & Doug’s versions are virtually indestructible, and I know six-year-olds can be hard on their toys.
This project wouldn’t be complete without a pair of Disney character socks from Fingers and Feet, a favorite shop in Christmas Town. Let’s add them along with a small Lego kit to build while Sophie is waiting for Christmas dinner.
A dozen Christmas cookies for dessert—she loves to help my heroine Holly Brewster bake—and a first chapter book to read later by the fire stuff this stocking to the brim. I’m sure it would make both Sophie and Lily or any real-life six-year-old very happy.
If you’d like to learn more about my books, please visit my website http://www.leighriker.com, follow me on Twitter @lbrwriter or on Facebook at http://www/facebook.com/leighrikerauthor
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Stocking Stuffing for a 20-something
Carol Ross
I’ve got some fun stocking stuffer ideas for the 20-something, female, professional who plays as hard as she works. She’s environmentally conscious and buys organic when she can. Today’s young people are all about efficiency and stylish functionality. And because I live in the Pacific Northwest, I’m assuming my Christmas stocking recipient uses the great outdoors as her playground so I’ve tailored a few of these items with that interest in mind.
America the Beautiful Pass or State park pass – Consider an annual park pass. The America the Beautiful Pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, monuments, and forest service lands. They cost $80 and can be purchased online. Here in Washington, we need a Discover Pass to park a vehicle on state lands to access those areas for hiking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. (Other states require similar passes.)
Insulated stainless steel water bottle – These heavy-duty, reusable bottles are all the rage. They hold up under extreme conditions, keeping beverages cold for hours and hours. Be sure to look for the leak-proof varieties.
Lip balm – Emphasis on effective but natural ingredients like bees wax, coconut oil, jojoba or vitamin-E. Avoid parabens, BHT, artificial colors and flavors.
Earbuds – We can all use an extra pair of these. Consider the type with the soft, round earpieces that include a variety of sizes in one package to offer just the right level of comfort.
Travel pillow – There are so many types of these available these days. They are designed for everything from air travel to business travel (think no more icky hotel pillows) to backpacking. They also take sleep style and head position into consideration (head back against headrest, leaning on the window, or forward on the tray table, etc.) Tailor your gift toward whatever type of travel she does the most.
Chocolates – Organic and free-trade options are sure to please.
Cell phone or tablet case – Not just your run of the mill plastic case. This gal needs a durable case that holds up under serious use/abuse.
Solar-powered battery charger – These chargers can add an element of security to any backpacking or camping trip, allowing the user to charge their cell phones in electricity-free zones.
Travel coffee mug – There are a million of these available. But if you’re sneaky and check to see what style of cup holder your recipient has in her car it’s sure to become her favorite.
Amazon gift card – To purchase Heartwarming Holiday Wishes, a really cool Christmas anthology featuring 10 sweet romance novellas. Perfect to curl up with on a cold winter night!
For more information about Carol Ross, including a complete list of her books, please visit her website: carolrossauthor.com
Don’t forget to comment to be entered in the drawing to receive a virtual stocking full of Harlequin Heartwarming books!
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