What we’re actually getting our kids for Christmas

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Sharing the things we’re getting our kids for Christmas this year if you’re looking for ideas!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having an amazing week so far! It’s been a pretty good one over here. Liv has been home with the sniffles, but P has had a great week at school and I’ve been here working on blog content for the new year! The fun is starting with our 2026 health planning class. Join here if you haven’t already!

For today’s post, I wanted to share what we’re getting the kiddos this year for Christmas if you’re looking for ideas.

Here’s a list of this year’s gift guides, too!

For Her

For Him

For the Kids

Biohacking and Fitness

Stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and under $50 faves

For Tweens

Everything is linked on my ShopMy for easy access and this page has a roundup of some of my top picks, too.

A friendly lil note here that everyone’s shopping strategy/budget is different. This might look insanely high to some people, and low to others. Some people go absolutely WILD for Christmas (and good for them! haha) while others stick to a budget. It’s really about your unique family and budget! And also worth mentioning here that Christmas is about so much more than the gifts. (The gift aspect is my least favorite thing about the holiday. I just want to be with the family, and eat delicious food, and sing, “Happy Birthday” to baby Jesus.)

Posting a pic of our most giant Christmas tree from 2021 just in case they glance at the blog on my phone.. I don’t want them to see a pic of what they’re getting 😉 Also, I’m so glad we finally got rid of that 90s-style fan.

What we’re actually getting our kids for Christmas

For the kids, we stick to, “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read” + Santa gift

Holiday Hot Cocoa Dip (So Easy and So Festive!)

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a large bowl of cream chocolate dip topped with mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips surrounded by graham crackers and nilla wafers

This indulgent Holiday Hot Cocoa Dip is one you’ll want to save! Our chocolate dessert dip is a simple, 5 ingredient that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or party.  Just mix, chill, and serve with your favorite dippers!

We love using TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk for this recipe—it adds that rich, authentic cocoa flavor without needing to melt chocolate or make a mix.

I don’t know what it is about the holidays and dips, but they go together as much as Rudolph and Santa, or candy canes and Christmas trees!

I don’t know about you, but I kind of miss the old days where holiday parties were filled with friends bringing their “famous” dish to every holiday party. That tradition, the investment in offering a little of their time and love to a gathering of friends and family seems a little lost with the convenience of the world.

But I’m bringing it back.

Whether it’s our famous Baked Brie or Peggy’s Creamy Baked Artichoke Dip, there’s room for everyone and every taste bud at my house. In fact, come on, I can’t be the only one that misses the nostalgia of family favorite recipes showing up around the holidays.

What Recipe Do You Think of For the Holidays?

It’s not Christmas at our house without our chocolate peanut butter truffles. And if we are talking about a whole holiday meal, our potato rolls, brown sugar ham and sweet potato casserole are everything the holidays should be.

In recent years, we can’t miss making our chewy gingerbread man cookies. They are unlike any other cookie you’ve ever had! Trust me and make these cookies!

What recipes are part of your holiday traditions?

Ingredients for Hot Cocoa Dip

You only need 5 ingredients to make this holiday dessert dip

  • Chocolate Pudding Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and thick, silky texture.
  • TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk: Deepens cocoa flavor and keeps the dip creamy.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds body and a hint of tang to balance the sweetness.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens and gives the dip a smooth, rich finish.
  • Cool Whip: Lightens the texture for a fluffy, mousse-like feel.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Dip

Grab your kiddos and head to the kitchen to whip up this easy no bake chocolate dip! It’s easy enough that children of any age can help.

  • Make th

11.28 Friday Faves

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Hi friends! Happy Friday and hope my US friends had a beautiful Thanksgiving!

It’s been a pretty great week over here. I took the kids and some friends to the trampoline park after their half day at school so they could jump their hearts out, tackled the holiday cooking (made this pie, this green bean casserole with homemade crunchy onions, and picked up a pumpkin loaf, apple pie, and gf gravy from Dedicated),

took the kids to Target (to “browse,” they said) and the Pilot returned from a long trip. The end of October through November has been crazy: he was gone, I left for RHS, we high-fived and he left, when he returned I went to LA, we high-fived again and he left, and now he’s back! WHEW. It was such a treat that he could be here for Thanksgiving!

(dress is here // boots are here)

We had the usual lunch/dinner at my Uncle’s house with all of my dad’s side of the fam.

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Meringue Cookies – Light, Crisp, and Perfect for the Holidays

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a metal serving tray full of small white meringue cookies

This is the classic holiday recipe for meringue cookies! Our little meringues only call for 5 ingredients, and a lot of oven time. Be patient as the piping takes a little bit of practice, but this recipe will walk you through the steps so that you can make your own perfect meringues!

Must Make Holiday Cookies

Ok, this Christmas, well, holiday cookie recipe is one you would have found in my grandma’s kitchen which means it’s a must-make! I love the traditions of holidays and cookies are the perfect place to remember loved ones.

I’ve been busy practicing meringue cookies, dying meringues, and munching on A LOT of meringues so that I can share what I’ve learned with you! Now you can make these addictive cookies without the stress! And since they are only about 20 calories each, munch away!

Important Tip: Making Meringue Cookies

This recipe calls for only 5 ingredients. With so few ingredients, you actually run a higher risk of issues. The key to avoiding those issues is stiff peaks.

While adding the sugar, the foamy egg mixture will start to become thick, glossy, and sticky, that’s exactly what you are looking for! My mom would often stop the mixer, grab the whisk and turn it upside down to inspect. I love that method of checking for stiff peaks!

Ingredients for Meringue Cookie Recipe

  • Egg Whites: The foundation of meringue — when whipped, they trap air, creating the light, airy structure. As they cook, the proteins set and give the cookies their crisp texture.
  • Salt: Sharpens the flavor and helps slightly strengthen the egg white foam during whipping.
  • Cream of Tartar: The acid that stabilizes the egg whites which allows them to hold more air without collapsing, and helps prevent overbeating.
  • Clear Vanilla: Adds flavor without discoloring the pure white meringue. Regular vanilla extract can give the meringue a beige tint.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and dissolves into the egg whites to create a glossy, stable foam that bakes into a crisp shell outside with melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow on the inside.

How to Make Meringue Cookies

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 225℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat: Using the whisk attachment on a stand mixer (you can also use a mixing bowl and electric hand mixer), beat the egg whites. When they start to get foamy, add the salt, cream of tartar and vanilla. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
  3. Whip: Slowly add the sugar one small spoonful at a time continuing to w

Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

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Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

This easy baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect holiday appetizer this season. Only a few simple ingredients (cheese, cream cheese, leftover cranberry sauce, cranberries and spices) to this savory hot dip. Ever wondered what to make with leftover cranberry sauce? This is the answer!

This cheese dip is one of my favorite holiday dip recipes! I love that it looks as festive as it tastes and the kids love that it’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty!

The holiday season is here and that means a lot of parties, get-togethers and food. From the family Thanksgiving dinner to the “favorite things party” with girlfriends, our calendar is packed. When I need to bring a dish to share, quick and easy recipes are the way to go… like this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.

We Love Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip!

Our family has a list of recipes that are a tradition every year. It’s not the holidays without our best cheeseball, soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies, peanut butter balls, and the best Christmas cookies ever! So why do we love this savory cranberry dip?

  • Easy to make: There are only a few simple ingredients so no running to a million different stores to get what you need.
  • Sweet and Cheesy: The tangy flavor of the cranberries are balanced with the savory cheeses and then you get that hint of sweet from the cranberry sauce.
  • Everyone Asks For the Recipe: I love that this is the dip we often get asked for the recipe, guests just love it!
  • Uses Up Leftovers: I don’t know about you, but I’m often googling “what to make with leftover cranberry sauce” This festive recipe solves that problem!
  • Make Ahead: This dip is easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your guests. See more below.

Carrian’s Secret Sandwich!

Not only is this an amazing dip, it’s also to-die-for as a spread for sandwiches or grilled up into a grilled cheese sandwich with ham or turkey. Try it and share on instagram by tagging @ohsweetbasil and #ohsweetbasil.

Ingredients for our Holiday Dip Recipe

  • Extra-Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • Mozzarella Cheese, grated
  • Cream cheese
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