Packing Checklists... work for me.

 

I have a checklist of anything I might need to bring to go on vacation, camping etc. When we are getting ready I delete the things not necessary- like snow bibs for Disneyland. Then print.

Here is what the checklist I just printed looks like:

Often when I am packing I think of something else and just write it down on there as well. I save the checklist after packing so I can add those handwritten things on my master checklist. It works great- and allows me to start packing early as I can check it off once it is in the suitcase.

If anyone would like my master checklist I would be happy to send it to you - just leave me a comment.

Check out what works for others as well at Works for Me Wednesday

Personalized Gifts

Last year for all the kids in the family for their birthday we got them a towel personalized with their name on them. I got the towels in December at Costco and took them to an embroidery person here in town. I had them all back and waiting for their birthday to come around. Everyone got the same thing - we spent the same for them and I didn't have to do any thinking or rushing around finding them a gift. Kids LOVE to get things with their name on them.

Here is a picture of the towels for our girls.

For this year we have not yet chose what we are going to get personalized - we considered tote bags and also blankets. Let me know if you have a great idea. We only have about 15 more days until the first birthday rolls around. We like to keep the total gift around $15 (including the personalization which was about $5 per item).

This Works for Us -- What Works for You? Check out Works for Me Wednesday for other things that work for people.

Come back next week for a special post from my grandma - she doesn't know it yet but I am going to use an e-mail she sent to me as a guest post since we will just be returning from vacation.