You’ve shopped for your kids, your spouse, your sister in law, and your great aunt Sue, but what about all of those other uber important people who you rely on every single day. You know who I am talking about….. the mailman, your babysitter, YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER, the dog walker… the list goes on. These are some of the most hard working people and the holiday season would not be complete without showing them your gratitude. But oh my goodness the cost can add up quickly which reminds me of a poem I wrote back in 2014…..

Dear Loving Husband,
So before you check our statement, please let me explain,
I had to buy a few small gifts, I haven’t gone insane.

Just some gestures, nothing crazy, to show our gratitude,
To a few nice people who touch the lives of our little brood.

Some little earrings for their teachers, and yes, they each have four,
Plus morning greeter, carline lady, and I think there was one more…..

A poinsettia for the principal even though we’ve never met.
Our baby hasn’t been sent to her, well, at least he hasn’t yet….

And just the basic Christmas bonus for the ones who work so hard,
So that explains the cash withdrawal on my debit card.

The mailman, and my hairdresser, and the guys who get our trash,
As a little thank you, I slipped each one some cash.

The sitter and their coaches and the Starbucks drive thru guy….
“Giving” is my middle name…..(now please don’t roll your eye).

If you are still reading and you’ve made it through this letter,
Don’t freak out just breathe deep, next year I’ll strive for better.

My love for you is larger than this rather hefty payment,
Remember that cause “Santa’s” bill is part of January’s statement.

Through good times and expensive ones,

Your Loving Wife

Four years later, I have twice as many kids and twice as many people shop for this holiday season, but thankfully Brandless has come into my life. For just $12 I created the cutest little “treat yourself” gift bags to give to all of these special people. Everything on Brandless.com is $3. CRAZY, right!? I ordered their Gift Bundle which has the happiest FSC-certified paper gift bags that you can personalize for all of these special people. I also ordered a bunch of their clean and cruelty-free beauty items, the face scrub, body scrub, body butter, hand cream, and lip balm is perfect for anyone who deserves a little pampering. I also got shave gel, organic beef jerky, and glazed almonds for the guys.

And because it’s baking season, I also stocked up on the Brandless pantry essentials a.k.a. flour, sugar, cinnamon, oats… and I love that it’s all organic!! And that it’s all $3! I did mention that, right? But back to the bags…. I enlisted my sister to bake some cookies (not my strength) to round out these fun little packages.

All that’s needed is a heartfelt, handwritten note (yes, there’s stationary for that too), and $12 later, I have a the cutest little gifts to give.

Brandless, you may have saved my marriage 🙂 Ok, now back to seeing what other bundles I need to get through the holiday season. Hot chocolate bundle? Entertaining snack bundle? Check check!

Thank you to Brandless for partnering on this post.