Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Wishmas Guide 2025

This year... we wanted to deliver the Wishmas list a little differently, even though our goal every year is to try and present affordable + value. This year we want to lean in even further so that any money shelled out is something you can look at an appreciate for the positive impact it made (in one way or many others).




Amazon Gift Card – While this may seem as if a lot of thought wasn't put into it, it's actually a great option at this moment in time. This adaptable gift helps those who may have needs during this challenging economic window based on job loss, or just a need to cover the basics due to a rise in costs. Amazon has multiple options that cover needs that may include food (via Amazon Groceries), but also the wants the gift recipient may have. So this lands at the top of the list this year.


Multi-Tier Vertical Planter (indoor/outdoor) - Do you know someone with a green thumb or do you want to help someone shave down on costs by growing some of their favorite fruit, veggies, or herbs at home? This could be a great option, especially with the cost of produce going up based on a number of challenges. This is perfect for those who don't have the outdoor space or they have a patio at best, because it can fit on the patio or someone near the kitchen or dining area.

The upper tiers also water the lower tiers, so no need to worry about it being a complicated process. You can make this even more of a custom gift by providing them with seeds or fruit/vegetables that they do like and then they can start the growing journey from there. This is literally one of those gifts that keeps on giving at... $24.77 for the 5-tier option. Green thumb magic... in the... aiiirrrrrr!!!!!

This is a great gift for families, because everyone in the household can aid in keeping the plants alive and well, and the reward is food! Teaching kids how to grow and take care of plants is definitely a valuable skill.


Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max - This is a broken record gift, but... that's because it's a great all around gift when it comes to entertainment, and more. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (for those who don't own a smart TV or what to expand the options of your Fire TV... in terms of streaming games) is a great option, especially if you have Amazon Prime.

You get Amazon Prime Video access, Amazon Music, Live TV, Amazon Luna (stream games free... like Fortnite and plenty of others), Xbox Game Pass (stream via a subscription), Amazon Luna +, games from your Ubisoft account + Ubisoft+, games from your GOG library, EA. You also get the Fire TV Ambient experience if you want to showcase digital art in a canvas like way on your telly, and this is the best option.


You will also open the door to GameNight on Luna for family and friends where you dive into casual gaming fun. You put the game controller to the side and use your cellphones instead... with up to 16 players for some of the titles. If that isn't a party, I don't know what is.

Of course you get other streaming options to use via this Fire TV stick, but regardless... it all points to money in the bank. If you can have free fun at home via a service you're already paying for, win!

If they're gamers... then you already know what it is, grab a bundle that comes with the controller!


Self-Care Basket - For the... Ladies, I think a self-care basket would really hit home this year. It's a great way to help them kick back, relax, and take a load off their minds in between the grind.

I can't forget about the Gents in this regards too. Often guys will try to push it to the limit and beyond, but we have to take a breather too (even if it's hard). Being able to practice self care helps with clarity, reduced stress, and the ability to get back into the game even stronger.

So this type of gift is a great to help the recipient collect themselves, especially if they're dealing with a lot right now.

Do you see where we're going with this Wishmas Guide yet? Let's continue!

Fact: For those who didn't know... in addition to Amazon Pharmacy, you can also use your FSA or HSA through Amazon for things like skin care products.


Home office set up: When it comes to other gift recipients, especially those who may be currently in pursuit of starting their own business or a work from home opportunity... helping them with office items could be a godsend. Nothing over the top, but an affordable desk is a great place to start. You can grab a 55" desk for $56.98... right now. If money's tight tight... there is a $17.99 option on-sale.

They can use a kitchen chair for now, unless you or someone else decides to get a complimentary gift by way of a comfy office chair.


One thing I do urge you to avoid when it comes to any office chair is one with a built-in massager. When it comes to the Sofetura Office Chair with the built-in massager... I don't mind having the built-in massager when I want to use it, but... that's a feature that they won't be using for the most part. It runs for 5, 10, and 15 minutes per session. An add-on massager is a much better option if anything at all, especially if the gift recipient plans to get in the zone and put in some serious work in that chair for hours on end.

You don't want the built-in tech poking them in the back, making them desire an option that's far more practical. While the pillow that comes included with this option helps pad it, it's not good enough, especially if they want to do the full recline and put their feet up and rest. The ability to do a full recline and lay back for some R&R is nice, but they won't be able to keep that pillow there comfortably. Adding a slim pad helps (but...).

I can't tell you what to do with your coin... but my review of this chair reveals that this is never the way to go for long term use. So if you had one of these in your sights, there are plenty of other options. Consider one that can hold a good amount of weight, ergonomic, with adequate padding.


Udemy - When it comes to the office setup, either the gift recipient is planning on working from home for a company or for themselves for one reason or another (that may include a recent layoff). If they're on the fence about going back to school... and it's for something they don't require a degree for or the debt that comes with it, hook them up with an affordable course?

The course will brush up their skills or teach them something entirely new that they'd be able to obtain a certificate from once its complete. This is yet another gift that keeps on giving because it can increase their value when it comes to companies or potential clients, and since we don't work for magic beans... that boosts the money they'd be able to earn. (Ka-Ching!)

By the way, if they're already in the groove or could use an updated version of Office... hook them up for less. A one-time purchase is a steal for you, without the need for them to sign up for a monthly Office 360 plan. Grab Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for less than $20!


Car Phone Holders - There are some good car holders, and there are some really lousy ones. You will find some with the suction cups which can be cool... when they hold, and others that slide onto the vent. Those work, but you still find that they fall off. One that I think is a solid gift is the J-1 Phone Mount for $4.31. This particular option has an adjustable hook that you can extend according to how deep the hook needs to go in order to connect, and then you twist to tighten. The installation is super simple, and once it's on, you just sit the phone in the cradle and the sides close on the phone to hold it. 

Since it's not flush with the vent the way some other mounts are, it doesn't block the buttons or the vent. Another plus is that you're able to rotate it with ease and the USB connects without the concern of it being blocked.

When you want to release the phone, you just squeeze the triggers you see behind the lower sides of the phone, and it will be released. If someone else uses the phone mount, let them know how to properly use it and that will increase the chances of it not being broken. A phone mount is always a worthwhile gift to increase their safety on the road... especially if they don't have one or a really crappy one. If it falls off... it needs to go (no joke).

The hook extends 3.0CM

Hook

Twist to tighten

Add the phone mount

Insert phone and get your roll on!

These are what you press to release the phone from the mount.


Suprent Cordless Hair Clippers - For the Gents who want to remain groomed up, faded + fresh... this is a great option so that they can shave down the costs even further. This is a great all around option that the household can use too if running to the barber isn't feasible right now. This is a gift that keeps on giving. The battery life is solid, and I haven't had to charge the clippers yet (I'm going on my 5th haircut). 

I cut my hair low, not exactly a bald fade... but close to it. I've been able to cut my hair in half the time because of how sharp the blades are. Will they truly remain sharp for the long haul by way of the "self-sharpening blades" they allegedly have? We shall see, but I haven't had to pick up my other clippers yet. 

You can grab these for 53%off right now, so if they needed clippers... these are available for $18.98! These feel really nice too, so don't think you're getting a raggedy option. I also appreciate the fact that these clippers don't overheat the way my other clippers do... so no need to adjust my hand due to the heat. 5 out of 5!



Digital Games - Prefer to gift that special someone a newer game while also saving some money? There are some great platforms like Loaded that allow you to get access to a set amount of stock for a great price. You can literally get the new Assetto Corsa Rally for $17.79, which is the 4th installment in the franchise... released on Nov. 13, 2025 on Steam!


You can buy the games through Loaded for any platform the digital game is available for, but if you're unsure... grab a gift card and call it a day. This will allow them to pick and chose games that may have caught their eye but they just didn't have the coin... and removes the need to find out what their specs are if they game on PC.

Regardless of the platform, there are deals for various games on PC, Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and more!


When it comes to Steam, those who saw that Horipad Steam controller once upon a time and thought it would be a cool buy... will be happy to know that the pro controller is on-sale. I'd say if that special someone needs a controller and they game on Steam, this could be a win! It's a rechargeable wireless pro controller that works with the PC & Steam Deck. You also get dedicated buttons for quick access to Steam menus, capacitive touch thumbsticks, programmable buttons, a gyro sensor, etc. The XInput is also available for Windows OS.



For the... Younglings, I certainly believe that they will benefit greatly from courses on platforms like Udemy (for kids). They don't expire and they get upgraded accordingly. It opens the door for them to learn new skills that aren't taught in school that could make a positive impact on their future.

This year, while you could just give them a toy... take inventory of what they already have. I can understand limited time collectors items, new STEM activities, and video games but... loading them up on toys that only add to a pile is a bit of a waste when the money could work for them. So... consider going affordable, creative, educational, and essential (clothes, shoes, etc.).

That said, there are book sets + courses that are worth adding to their gifts that are geared directly towards them. One of which is the Little Economist Box Set 1.

This box set includes:
  • Money
  • Spending Wisely
  • Credit Cards
  • Inflation
  • Supply & Demand


Like other items in this guide, this is certainly a gift that keeps on giving and is geared towards children ages 4 to 8 years old. It can even be a great gift for teachers, homeschool groups, and parents. Courses like The Complete Personal Finance for Kids and Teenagers, covers Financial Planning, Budgeting, Roth IRA's, taxes, interest rates, etc.


One that I don't want to forget about adding to this guide, are items that aid in physical exercise. It can be a soccer ball your children collectively play with, a basketballfootballjump ropesskates, etc. If they don't have any of these potential gifts and they're not dealing with challenges that would prevent them from using such items, then... it could be worth adding a few of these to their gifts line up. Not only do they add to the fun, but it decrease the chances of childhood obesity or aids in the fight against it. This is certainly no shade, but increasing the chances of better health is not bad either. It also gives you another activity to spend quality time with them as well. Consider the options in your area to better figure out what type of gift you'd get in terms of physical activity-based gifts.

If there are a bunch of smooth sidewalks all over the place, that would be awesome for skating. If you have a basketball court in the area, then consider taking that route, while a field could result in a number of routes that all lead back to fun.


Last but not least... I can't forget about experiences. This year, we suggest more family based activities to keep more coins in your pocket, but if you want to gift an experience... at least save with Groupon! Groupon is usually that website that people are aware of, but... it often gets forgotten no matter if you're able to save a significant amount on experiences, food, beauty & spas, etc.

On that note, it doesn't even have to be an experience, it can be a service on the lines of getting an oil change or brake pad replacements, etc. So regardless of the route you take, make a positive impact via a memorable gift... or save it for later.



The 2024 Wishmas Guide... Hub!

Yo Yo Yo! Don't look now, but it's that time of the year again. Grab the hot chocolate and your favorite holiday snack as we jump into the Wishmas Guide for 2024! This year we're serving things up a little different folks (just a teensy weensy bit). So... this is what we'll call the Wishmas Guide... Hub! A portion of individuals we've met around Orlando this year, actually contributed to these guides in a round about way... just based on their collective needs + wants + frustrations.

This hub post will represent items good for any member of the family regardless of age or gender for the most part. For the other guide's related to Younglings, the Ladies, Gents, and the... Office will be in separate posts (as usual) that are accessible through this... hub! Stay tuned!

 Elevate Your Family TV Time with Surround Sound 

This year, in the name of family time, whether you're playing games or watching a movie together, consider upgrading from your TV's built-in speakers. A true 5.1 channel surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X is the perfect addition to your living room. Audio is one of those features that's always appreciated, especially when it comes to headphones, but I've noticed that many living room setups are missing that extra oomph. It's a personal choice, but investing in a quality sound system can take your entertainment to the next level. It's not about having a louder entertainment experience... it's all about the depth of the experience, and if you find yourself watching the latest movies at home don't leave an ounce of enjoyment on the table. 

By the way, before I go into this... (maybe it's just me but) I've always felt weird about placing a subwoofer off to the side rather than front and center. If you have the ability to place it under your livingroom table or under a high enough entertainment center... I think the placement works better. If you have space behind the couch in the center, that works as well and... some newer options can be controlled by your phone if you.

Two options under the $200 mark are the 2024 models of the Vizio & Ultimea model seen below:

Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE

Soundbar

Right & Left Surround Speakers

Compact Wireless Subwoofer

Dolby Atmos + DTS:X

Bluetooth

HDMI eARC

Optical Output


Ultimea True 5.1 Soundbar Poseidon D60

Soundbar

Right & Left Surround Speakers

Wireless Subwoofer

Dolby Atmos + DTS:X

Bluetooth

HDMI eARC

Auxiliary

Optical

The placement of a subwoofer can significantly impact the quality of sound in your home theater or living room setup. While it doesn't necessarily have to be placed in the center of the viewing area, there are some guidelines to follow for optimal sound:

  1. Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner can enhance the bass response by utilizing the walls to amplify the sound.

  2. Front of the Room: Positioning the subwoofer at the front of the room, near the main speakers, can create a more cohesive soundstage.

  3. Experimentation: The best placement can vary depending on the room's acoustics. It's often recommended to experiment with different locations to find the spot that provides the best bass response.

Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a balanced and immersive sound experience, so feel free to move the subwoofer around and test different positions to see what works best for your space.

See More Options

 Family Fun with Nintendo Switch Games 

While it might be tempting to say wait for the new Nintendo Switch 2, expected to announced during the first half of... 2025, not everyone wants to put family game time on pause. Many parents I've spoken to in Orlando would love to see cellphones set aside for more family fun. Luckily, there are plenty of options to make that happen with multiplayer action. Here are multiple Nintendo Switch games with 4-player fun:

  1. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: This game offers a fun and chaotic multiplayer experience as players work together to complete levels and collect power-ups.

  2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic racing game that never gets old. Compete against each other in exciting races and battle modes.

  3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat: A hilarious and frantic cooking game where teamwork is key to serving up dishes in crazy kitchens.

  4. Minecraft: Explore, build, and survive together in this sandbox game that offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure.

  5. Nintendo Switch Sports: Engage in friendly competition with sports like bowling, tennis, and volleyball (the other sports in this game lack a local 4 player option).

  6. Super Mario Party Jamboree: The biggest Mario Party yet, with over 110 minigames, new online and offline modes, and plenty of customization choices.

  7. Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Classic Mario gameplay turned on its head with Wonder Flowers, offering game-changing items and a new adventure in the Flower Kingdom.

  8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Anniversary Edition: Enjoy stunning full-color pixel art graphics and a vintage TMNT vibe, with new characters and modes.

  9. Just Dance 2025: Get your friends and family together to dance and enjoy 40 hot new songs, whether you want to take the party to a whole new level or create special family moments.

  10. The Karate Kid: Street Rumble: Step into the streets of West Valley and Okinawa, battling waves of enemies as Daniel LaRusso, Mr. Miyagi, Ali Mills, or Kumiko in this pixel art, side-scrolling, beat 'em up adventure. Intense martial arts combat and dynamic boss battles await!

  11. Jitsu Squad: Fast-paced 2D brawler with intense, action-packed battles. Play as unique characters with special abilities, fighting through waves of enemies in vibrant, hand-drawn environments. Perfect for fans of classic beat 'em ups!

These games are perfect for bringing the family together for some fun and interactive entertainment.

By the way, don't forget to grab more Joy-Con controllers for 4-player fun! If you take the more affordable route, go with the officially licensed options for half the price of the first party ones or go first party that's bundled with a free game! Either way... you save! By the way, we have no idea what the next Nintendo console would be called... but that sounded like a fun name to call it!

Get Moving with Bikes

While home entertainment is great, don't forget the fun and exercise that bikes can provide. Health care professionals recommend physical exercise for its numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and better mental well-being. Being active with your children also sets a positive example and strengthens family bonds.

Consider investing in bikes for the whole family. There are even electric mountain bikes for those who want to give their legs a break after a nice ride, ranging from $200 to $300. With options for both kids and adults, you can enjoy quality time together while staying active and healthy.

If you grab bikes, wouldn't hurt to grab a bike rack.

Active Fun for the Whole Family

Sticking to the realm of physical fun, consider gifting a tennis setbasketball goal or a volleyball net. These can provide hours of entertainment and exercise, especially if the lucky recipient actually uses them. For more affordable options, a football, baseball or soccer set is a great choice. These activities offer family fun while also improving your children's skills. It's a win-win for everyone!


Unforgettable Experiences as Gifts

When it comes to taking trips, going on cruises, enjoying spa days, savoring delicious food, or just having fun locally, these experiences are even better when received as gifts.

Whether it's a weekend getaway, a relaxing spa day, or a fun-filled local adventure, these experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds (especially with good vibes on deck). Just remember, while browsing, don't get distracted by deals you'd love to get your hands on... unless it includes your family. Enjoy!

Great Family Stocking Stuffer: Dr. Plotkas Toothbrush

The family stocking stuffer is... a Dr. Plotkas Toothbrushes, because they're just that good. This has been my toothbrush of choice for years now. The family pack would allow for you to easily hook everyone up, and save their grill at the same time. We may like pirate themed entertainment, but I don't know many people who want to look like one... in the mouth.




Candy Cane Lane... Reviewed!



Story: Candy Cane Lane, is a heartwarming holiday film directed by Reginald Hudlin, evoking this sense of nostalgic charm reminiscent of Eddie Murphy's comedic genius. The plot, starting with a seemingly innocent friendly rivalry between neighbors vying for the best Christmas decorations, takes an unexpected twist as a mischievous elf plans to turn Christmas nut... Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) into something... festive. This playful concept piqued my interest and set the tone for this comedic adventure.


I challenged myself to actually approach this film without thinking of Eddie's body of work because a number of younger viewers don't know how awesome he is as an actor (including my 6-year-old daughter). It honestly didn't matter, because this film has a nice amount of depth and pulled me in based on the story and things that a number of adults can relate to. I couldn't help but think about some of his previous work though... because... there was a scene that immediately pulled me into Beverly Hills cop (when he was at work). They set the plot up nicely before the crazy began. It gave Chris the motivation that justified the circumstances that landed him in hot water.

Candy Cane Lane effortlessly captures the spirit of Christmas but I could watch this off-season (to be honest)... similar to Home Alone movies. Outside of the zany action, this film also pushes the importance of embracing teamwork and working together as a family, which allowed the Carver family to eventually flex the power of their family unit. It illustrates how a common goal can bring people together, transcending differences and fostering a sense of togetherness that isn't delivered in a way that only fits one age group. Minus the use of swearing when all hell broke loose at school (which was said once)... it's a family film, which if your children have seen Home Alone films... they've heard a certain three-letter word before. By the way, this film is rated PG.

Overall, Candy Cane Lane is a solid film with a nice cast, but I do have a few things to critcize. D.C. Young Fly was also in the film... basically as himself, and while it worked for the most part... I want to see more of his range as he moves forward. Another thing was a few of the scenes that didn't make sense to me, like when Nick ran off and went to the school's music room. I understand why he ran off, but... that was just weird that he'd automatically go to the music room. They made it cohesive with the drama that unfolded on the field, so I shrugged it off and kept it moving. In addition, another scene that threw me off was when Holly went outside after the family went on lockdown. She turned off the alarm and everything, and I was like... "Where in the heck are her parents? No one is hearing this?!", but luckily these scenes didn't send the film rolling into the Christmas lights. Pun intended.

Visuals: Going into the film, I didn't know what to expect visually, but when I noticed that they were going in this over-the-top direction... it excited me. The story pulled me in before I saw the Kringle's store, but then I was like... "Oooo, what is this?". There is a nice mix of great-looking shots that married the real world and the magic eventually rained upon it.

The scene below features Chris' wife, Carol Carver at work... and looking stunned as something lands on her vehicle. I won't tell you why, but... you get visuals from various angles in this film to cover the action. Birds eye view, worms eye view, mids, highs, and more. One of my favorite shots was a big closeup, it looked great and should turn heads in regards to fans of animation. By the way, I'm not referring to Peppermint's team, although the good guys and baddies looked great. The only thing that didn't look as realistic to me was the milk blast, but other than that... no complaints.

The porcelain people really brought this film to life along with their mixture of personalities, and that's on top of the things that occurred before this set of characters were introduced (they were a surprise scoop of ice cream that was served alongside an unexpected slice of cake).

In addition, the bright and colorful Christmas decorations, coupled with the cozy neighborhood setting, create a magical ambiance that immerses viewers in the holiday spirit. The attention to detail in the special effects adds an extra layer of whimsy, seamlessly blending fantasy elements that maintain the Christmas spirit.


Audio: The audio in Candy Cane Lane is lively and enhances the various scenarios that take place. Each scene has sound effects that get in where they fit in, whether it's suspense, competition, the sounds of clinging porcelain, and the list goes on. The music works well for this film as well, and outside of the music tucked into certain scenes, there's also a track compliments of Nick based on his music aspirations. It's cohesive. One thing I couldn't determine in regards to the audio... is the audio technology. I didn't find a listing regarding Dolby or DTS, but... I was able to enjoy surround sound audio in 5.1 channel. It would be nice if Amazon listed this information, but they probably assume that it's pointless.


Price: If you have Amazon Prime... Candy Cane Lane is free to enjoy with your subscription. So what can I say, even if you aren't into holiday films (that would be me), this one may be up your alley a tad more than the traditional ones. I'd put this in a category with Home Alone, Jingle All the Way, Elf, The Christmas Chronicles, and films like that. It delivers action-packed fun with a Christmas theme. So grab some hot cocoa, kick back, and let this cheerful tale take you on a laughter-filled journey through the whimsical world of Candy Cane Lane.


Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points




 + Sophima 

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