Stress over the holidays? We don’t know her. These genius holiday tricks keep us calm and bright this season.
Maybe you don’t believe us, but it’s true. We’ve decided this is the year we implement these holiday tricks and stop stressing. Well, maybe not totally. We can’t promise you’ll find everything on your kiddos’ ever-changing lists or that you won’t run out of butter (which reminds us—buy butter and freeze it. It sounds so easy, but it saves a ton of time. You’ll thank us later!).
What we can promise is that we’ve looked high and low for hacks, tips, and products that’ll make your season far more relaxed. You deserve to enjoy your holiday, even when you’re in charge of creating most of the holiday magic in your home. We’re here to show you the easiest way to wrap gifts, bake three dozen cookies at one time, and even remove red wine stains! Whether you’re hosting or visiting or keeping it to immediate family, these holiday tricks are going to change your merry mind about seasonal stress!
ELF—Easy Light Feeder
No more balancing on ladders to get those Christmas lights juuuuuuust right. The ELF light hanging system allows you to hang lights on trees over 20 feet tall without getting up high yourself. Complete with hook, light feeder, and ELF sack with a ringed opening, all you supply is any telescoping extension pole (with standard 3/4 inch ACME threads). Margo and Todd won't even mind your display!
Gift Boxes with Lids
If the thought of wrapping all your gifts makes your eye twitch, we've got you! Give yourself permission to use boxes and gift bags. They're just as cute as paper-wrapped presents and you can even find patterns that match your whole holiday aesthetic!
Instant Electric Round Dutch Oven
You've heard of the InstaPot; now meet the Instant Dutch Oven! Braise/slow cook/sauté/sear/food warm/cooking pan—there's not a lot it can't do. It also saves you time, space, and stress. Solid holiday hack, we think.
Pre-Rolled Napkins with Gold Cutlery, 50 Pack
You'll be shocked at how much these pre-rolled napkins take off your to-do list! No need to search for extra silverware or come up with a way to set the dining table for everyone: these napkin rolls are pretty and convenient and we're just ga-ga over them!
Holiday To-Go Boxes
Look, as much as we'd love to, it's unlikely we're going to finish every last leftover before we're totally over it. Send your guests with to-go boxes. Seriously. Just do it. Send a "plate" for family members and friends who might've had to work, avoid having 10lbs of turkey left in your fridge, treat them to extra cookies; whatever makes your life (and clean-up easier!).
Blue Apron Holiday Meal Kits
Have you attempted to go into a grocery store anytime during the holidays?? It's a madhouse. And while we can't keep you from having to run in a few times, we can take the bulk of the food prep stress away with Blue Apron! Blue Apron is offering three delectable holiday meal kits that you can order just in time for the big day (or days!). There are three complete meal options with everything you need to create something super special for the season. And don't forget that Blue Apron also offers Wine Bundles, too!
Blue Apron Holiday Ham Box—$164.99—Buy Now
Reusable Elastic Food Storage Covers, 3 Sizes
We couldn't convince you to send all your leftovers out with your guests? No problem. We've fought with foil and struggled with plastic wrap and now we're practicing self-care by popping these elastic covers on our dishes and calling it a day.
Open-It! All-in-One Tool
It's a box cutter. It's heavy-duty scissors. It's a screwdriver. It's a package opener. This baby does. it. all. Perfect for opening those Amazon boxes and to have on-hand on Christmas morning to get those toys packages open ASAP!
Little ELF Gift Wrap Cutter (2-Pack)
Believe the hype. This. Works. The ELF wraps around the roll of wrapping paper you want to cut, and then simply slides down the length of it without pulling, tearing, or creating a crooked cut! Know that ultra-satisfying sound of the scissors gliding through wrapping paper? You get that every single time with the ELF.
String Light Ladderless Light Clips
Another light-related holiday hack, yes, but can you tell we want to make sure you're safe? It's because we care. Similar to the previous light-hanging gadget, this kit has an adaptor you attach to any threaded pole (not included) and 50 clips to secure your light strings!
Thirsty Light Christmas Tree Watering Sensor
Okay, this one is cool. Keep track of watering your Christmas tree with this little snowflake sensor. It sits in the branches like an ornament and blinks red when the water level in your tree's water supply is low! Adds some peace of mind and keeps your tree looking fresher, longer.
Treemote Wireless Remote for Christmas Trees
No one wants to crawl under the tree to unplug or plug in your tree lights, so just scrap that all together with the Treemote. It controls your tree lights up to 100ft away (and can actually be used with other lighting devices year-round if you wanted!).
Ornament Anchors
Into keeping your keepsakes? These ornament anchors are far more secure than traditional wire ornament hooks and can hold up to 8lbs! Using the toggle, secure your baubles and hang as usual. Kids and pets are no match for these! Plus they come in several colors to blend in with your decorations.
2-Pack Red Wrap Buddies
These convenient little clamps give you the extra hand you need when wrapping gifts! No more rolling or lost tape (it's built into the clamp!) and the paper doesn't curl away from you. Win.
3-Tier Oven Insert
Triple your baking efficiency with this oven insert! It expands your oven space so you spend less time rotating batches, plus the set includes three cookie sheets of its own.
Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover
Seems too good to be true? Over 2,000 verified Amazon Customers can confirm this water-based, biodegradable spray is the real deal! Safe on clothes, carpets, linens, and upholstery, you'll never want to be without it (plus it makes a fun and practical stocking-stuffer!).
Set of 4 White Resin Folding Chairs
Instead of dragging a desk chair or bar stool to the dining table for extra seating, we highly recommend investing in a set of extra chairs. These 1000lb capacity chairs fold up for easy storage and are indoor/outdoor-ready. Save yourself the stress of finding that old camp chair from 2014 and slide these right up to the table.
Disposable Plate Set
We're done doing dishes. We're tired, we're over being in the kitchen, and we just want to enjoy the day. This set is heavy-duty, so they hold up to all those holiday sides, look pretty, and are eco-friendly enough to just recycle after use!
Mixbook Easy Gifting
The thing with photos is that they make fantastic gifts, but finding the perfect one and then framing it to match someone else's home decor is all pretty tricky. Mixbook lets you design and create your own photo books using a huge selection of templates and an easy-breezy editing tool. Pick the photos you want, the format, and design away. Plus, Mixbooks are absolutely beautiful and make incredible presents!
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All images courtesy of retailers.
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