gifts for swifties + football fans

IN HONOR of everyone’s favorite power couple, I put together a little collection of things for your favorite Swiftie or Football Fan of any age. They’d all make sweet gifts on their own or as a little bundle. Some are awesome stocking stuffers or party favors, too. Love you to the moon and to Saturn, lovelies. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Gifts for Swifties

> Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography is so cute + collectible at any age > $5.99

> This pretty Eras Tour Inspired Jewelry Box is perfect for storing friendship bracelets, beads and other treasures. > $15

> Proudly display your fandom with a super cute Personalized Era Rug. It comes in a bunch of sizes and either white or pink options. > from $29.95

> How cute are these Swift + Kelsey Jersey Stud Earrings? They’re handcrafted and hypoallergenic and super adorable. > $16

> This adorable Eras Playing Card Set is perfect for game night, sleepovers and tailgating. > $11.99

> This cute Personalized Pop Star Pencil Case comes in two sizes that are both perfect for cosmetics, beading supplies + other loose stuff and can have your Swiftie’s name. > from $20

> This big pack of 100 Taylor Swift Vinyl Stickers is perfect for laptops + water bottles and for sharing with friends > $9.99

> These Song Lyric Pencils are such a cute reminder anywhere you go + a great gift to share with friends > $14

> Oh I love this Era Super Fan Play Dough Kit. It's brimming with adorable charms and bits to fold into the sparkly play dough and can be personalized, too > $36.99

> I loved paper dolls and these are next level. Dress Up Taylor comes with 12 iconic outfits for you to punch out and ‘put on’ the pop star. > $16.95

> When they’re ready to embrace their orange era, grab a Stanley Quencher. > $35

> Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras documents and celebrates how Taylor’s iconic style changes with each album. > $35

> This hardcover Personalized Era’s Inspired Journal is perfect for school, work or writing your own lyrics or poetry. > $16.50

> xo, Fetti has a huge selection of Eras Party Supplies that will take your party next level. Banners, cake toppers, napkins, disposable cameras… I mean everything you need. >

> Sequins and Sparkle is just one of Melsy's original art print illustrations celebrating Taylor’s costumes > from $25

> Make the most adorable cookies for your Swiftie friends with this sweet Friendship Bracelet Cookie Kit > from $10

> Blow your friendship bracelet-makers mind with an eye-popping 20,000-Piece Bead Kit in every color under the sun + letters, too > $27.99

> 96 Facts about Taylor Swift also has fun little quizzes and spaces for journaling > $6.99

> These awesome Taylor Swift Mad Libs are perfect for a sleepover or for party favors > $5.99

> These Disco Ball String Lights would be such a cute addition to any Swifty room or patio. > $9.99

gifts for football fans

> Take your tailgate fully next-level with Yetii's NFL Collection, which allows you to fully customize your drinkwear AND cooler > from $20

> A Custom Airbrushed Football is a very cool keepsake gift for your football player or fan > $65

> Bring your favorite team into the kitchen with a rad Williams Sonoma x NFL Spatula. > $17.95

> You can't get much closer to the action than playing College Football 26 for PS5 or Xbox with super realistic graphics > $69.99

> This adorable fuzzy Palm Pals Football is cute for fans of any age > $9.99

> Stony Clover Lane has THE coolest collection of NFL and College team bags and pouches to rep your favorite team. > from $78

> Keep tabs on the league rankings with this Mini Helmet Tracker Set from Riddell. You get all 32 teams in a wee little package > $34

> Switch up your fan gear with Junk Food Clothing’s NFL Collection in both adult and kids’ sizes. So cool. >

> Catch like a pro and look cool doing it in Nike Vapor Jet Football Gloves in both adult and Kids sizes > from $40

> Rep your team with seriously on-trend style with Bauble Bar’s collection of NFL and Collegiate Jewelry and Accessories. They have Phone Charms, Bag Charms, Hair Clips and all kinds of Jewelry. Plus I love this NFL Bracelet Bead Kit so you can make your own. > from $35

> Go Long! Football Dice Game is fast-paced fun for any fan of the game > $13.99

> Keep your tech protected in style with a Football AirPods Case > $8.99

> Pottery Barn Teen x NFL is the coolest collection of football-themed decor, bedding and backpacks for any major fan [there's NBA + MLB, too] >

> This Pop Charts Pro Football Stadiums Poster an awesome decoration, but is also a scratch-off, so you can track which places you’ve visited > $24.99

> Test your fan’s knowledge with he NFL Gridiron Trivia Challenge > $39.99

> A Tangle Nightball Light Up Football is so fun, comes in 4 colors and lights up when thrown or caught > $29.99

> My youngest LOVED these Football Guys. It's two whole football teams, a ref, goal post and a felt field for setting up plays [there are Hockey, Soccer, Basketball and Baseball Guys, too]. > $29.99

> Get your fur baby fans into the action, too, with a Nerf Squeaky Football Dog Toy > $11.99

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jennifer aniston salad

THE SUNNY spring weather has me craving FRESH and nothing quite satisfies that itch like a really good salad. Now lovelies, there is some lore around this Jennifer Aniston Salad recipe. Maybe she invented it, maybe she inspired it or maybe she had nothing at all to with it. Honestly, I really don’t care which is true, I’m just here for the crazy delicious combination of some of my favorite things all packed into one bowl. It’s jammed with protein [14 g according to the original recipe] and the big pile of herbs [don’t skimp, promise] gives it the extra punch of freshness that I’m looking for. I like to make it on a Sunday so my husband and I have a few super delicious lunches to start the week and it never disappoints. No ‘sad desk lunch’ here. It’s also fabulous as a side for anything on the grill, making it a perfect summer BBQ addition.

BECAUSE THIS salad was a bit of an internet sensation, there are a bunch of recipes out there, some with slight variations in ingredients. The one that I make and LOVE is from Brittany at Eating Bird Food. I’ve included it here for easy reference, but do check out her site for some other gorgeous, healthy recipes. And I’ve also shared below a few of my very favorite prep tools in case you spot something you ‘need.’ I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and I’m all about having the ‘right tool for the job,’ it just makes everything easier and more fun. I hope you love this salad as much as I do, lovelies. Let me know what you think. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa [uncooked]

• 1 cup chopped Persian cucumber

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

• 1/3 cup chopped red onion

• 1/2 cup roasted + salted shelled pistachios [like these…]

• 1 can of chickpeas drained and rinsed

• juice of 2 lemons

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• salt to taste

• ground black pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta [I just throw in the whole tub]

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cook the quinoa according to package directions and put in the fridge to cool

• Prepare all of your veggies and herbs

• Mix the lemon juice and oil to make the dressing

• When the quinoa is chilled, add all of the ingredients + dressing and toss

• Adjust salt + pepper as needed [remember that the pistachios and feta already provide a good bit of saltiness, so I suggest tasting before adding much more, I usually just need a pinch or two]

• ENJOY your gorgeous lunch or side

Some of My Favorite Kitchen Prep Tools

+ I always have little Geometry Dishcloths on hand when I cook for daily wiping up spills and collecting the drips + Use code DarcieC15 for 15% off your whole order

+ I LOVE my Oxo Glass Prep Bowls, they’re the perfect size and totally indestructible +

+ My mom gifted me this Crate & Barrel Berry Colander Mug and it’s perfection for smaller jobs +

+ I have a few types of knives, but these Hedley & Bennett Chefs Knives are the ones I grab every time, they’re sharp and balanced and the perfect sizes +

+ This Oxo Citrus Squeezer is easy to use and easy to clean and I use it pretty much everyday +

+ I have several Material ReBoards in both sizes and I love them all, but especially the Grippy ones +

+ I use my Mini Whisk ALL of the time for dressings, marinades, eggs… it’s just a great little tool +

+ This GIR Silicone Scraper is the best tool I never knew I needed until I had it, it’s just perfect for gathering all of your little cut bits +

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my favorite clean beauty from beauty heroes

IT CAN be super daunting to have the whole world of clean beauty at your finger tips if you’re not sure where to start, especially when there’s an awesome sale that you want to take advantage of. So, here is a list of some of my TOP clean beauty favorites from Beauty Heroes to get you started. If you want to read more about each one, take a deep dive into My Clean Beauty + Self-Care Favorites or My Day + Night Clean Skincare Routine [some of the products in those posts are linked to different sites, so for a sale, make sure you’re clicking through to Beauty Heroes]. There is so much to love.

IT’S A great time to try something new, stock up on old favorites or snag a fantastic gift for someone special. If you have any questions about my experience with these products, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always here for you and I love chatting clean beauty. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS [to yourself]. xo

My favorite clean beauty from Beauty Heroes

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my workout favorites

MOVING MY body in some way everyday isn’t negotiable for me. It’s absolutely essential for both my physical and mental health. It’s how I meditate and process my thoughts. It’s how I work through my challenges and find my creativity. It’s a huge component of keeping my cranky digestion a bit less cranky. And it’s super important to me to model an active lifestyle for my boys and to show them that mama can be just as strong [or stronger] as dad. Most often you’ll find me in the foothills HikeRunning the local trails [yes, I made that up, but I’m sure it’s a thing. I power hike the uphill and run the flats and downhill, so… HikeRun] solo or with a friend, bathing in all of the glorious sights and smells of the forest. Being in nature almost daily is def a huge part of what’s absolutely essential about the whole ritual for me. But, I also weight train a few times a week and have been a dedicated barre student for more than a decade. I do like to mix it up. And some days my ‘workout’ might be a nice chill, soul-filling walk with a friend. I’m for sure not hitting it super hard all of the time, but I’m always moving and that’s what matters to me.

BECAUSE I prioritize my workout over almost all other things in my day, I’m usually left racing around in my sweaty exercise clothes, rarely taking the time to change into something more stylish [or less stinky] before moving on with the rest of my day. So I prefer those workout clothes to be as cute and comfortable as possible. And you guys, I’m 50 and personally not interested in walking around with my midriff hanging out. Or all of my back. Or half of my side boob. And I’m def not sporting a bra as clothes. I’ll leave that to the cutie college kids. To that end, I’ve searched out and tried on a zillion different brands and styles and have found some favorites that both fit me best AND are made with fabrics that I like to sweat in [there’s nothing worse than ‘exercise’ clothes that feel super gross when you actually exercise in them]. The market is positively flooded with brands and styles of athleisure and more serious gear at this point and it’s obvs a super personal thing, unique to each individual’s body and preferences, but I’m sharing a few that I love with you in hopes it might at least narrow the field a bit. Many of these companies are also dedicated to boosting up women and protecting the planet, which makes supporting them that much sweeter. So go get moving, lovelies, in whatever way makes YOU feel good. I hope to see you out there. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My workout favorites

> There’s sooo much to love LOVE about Vuori, starting with how insanely soft and comfortable it is; I LIVE in so many of their pieces. My top 4 favorites… the Daydream Crew [I have like 6 colors] is SO lightweight, soft and breathable, has UPF 30 built-in and is a perfect length for my shorter frame. The Clementine Short is my new hands-down favorite, they’re super fluttery and lightweight. The Halo Essential Hoodie is another go-to for chillier days with its easy styling and cute hood [it’s cute with jeans, too] and the Restore Half-Zip Hoodie to get even snugglier. They also have awesome Hip Packs + Slings and Jackets. My husband LOVES his Vuori, too. You just really can’t go wrong. <

> These Free People Movement Never Better Leggings are my new favorites, which says a lot because I think I’ve tried about 75 pairs. They’re super soft and lightweight and they have a perfect rise. There’s enough compression to matter, but I don’t feel like a sausage. And they come in a zillion pretty colors. They also have a Capri and Crop version if you like them a bit shorter. LOVE. < $98

> I love Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Collection. It’s SUPER soft, has beautiful colors and comes in tons of different styles. It feels like you have nothing on, moves well and takes on the sweat with grace. My favorite tights from Beyond Yoga are the Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging and the Out of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging. Their leggings def have less compression than some, so keep that in mind if it’s a priority; they’re not gonna suck in and hide ALL of the bits like some fabrics do, but they’re insanely soft and comfortable and cute. I also LOVE the Featherweight Daydreamer Pullover, which is so aptly named. It’s the softest thing that feels like nothing. Their whole line comes in a full range of research-backed extended sizing and maternity, too. Plus I love supporting companies that are actively working to support women and the planet in a meaningful and authentic way. <

> Man, I wish I could do that. But… I can’t. I DO love some of Alo Yoga’s pieces though, like these High-Waist Airlift Leggings. They suck in EVERY little thing, but still move well and are super comfortable. They have just a tiny bit of sheen that’s super cute. I also love the High-Waist Airbrush Legging for colder weather walks + hikes. They’re really soft, but pretty thick, so perfect for keeping warm and super flattering. They also have super chic sweatshirts and tops and sweats for everyday. And teens love this stuff, too. <

> I don’t love everything that Lululemon makes [there’s something about their leggings that does nothing good to my butt], but when I find the right thing from them, it usually becomes a very solid favorite. The Speed Up High-Rise Shorts fit that mold; they’re super comfortable and that flat waistband is perfection [I HATE squeezie tight elastic around my waist]. They don’t ride up and the 4” length is great. I have 3 pairs and I rotate them literally everyday all summer long. I also LOVE LOVE their Love Tanks. I’m super fussy about my tanks and these are just simple perfection. Not too tight, no side boobs hanging out, no back exposed with a perfect racerback and reasonably priced. I wear them every darn day. >

> There are so many things to love about Athleta. I appreciate that they keep women of all sizes and shapes in mind when designing their line. I love their empowerment of women and girls and I love that they’re a Certified B Corp [plus Simone and Alicia, of course]. Now add these Mesh Racer Run Shorts to the list. They’re a perfect length [no cheeks hanging out] and move well and the elastic waistband isn’t all squeezie. I have also worn and loved so many Athleta Leggings and Bras and Sweatshirts over the years, they wash and wear extremely well, they don’t stretch out, don’t pill, don’t snag and are just super high quality all around. I haven’t been feeling any of their styles recently [I hate when they change up a classic], but will always keep checking in to see what’s new and hope for a gem. If you find something you love, snag a few. <

> Shoes are SO personal depending on your geometry, feet, use, etc, but I’ll just share that I LOVE these Nike Pegasus Trail 5s for everyday hiking and trail running. They don’t have the burliest traction, so not great if you’re hardcore scrambling, but I love them for chill trails. Plus they’re super cute, so… < $155

> I don’t set out without a hat when it’s sunny. I love this Clare V. Ciao Trucker Hat, the color is awesome. I also love to pick up hats when traveling and always opt for the brightest, sunniest one I can find. < $50

> Vermont-based Skida makes THE best hats for sweating outdoors. They’re lightweight but warm and they don’t get all stinky. Plus they’re just super cute with a zillion prints to choose from. I love both my Chateau Hat and Alpine Hat and wear them interchangeably all winter long. > from $38

> I got a Geometry Fitness Towel for my sweat and I love it. Yep, my sweat. It lives in my car all summer long, dedicated to mopping up the sweat on my brow after hot trail sessions and to put on my seat when my sweaty back and butt are dripping, too [don’t judge]. It’s super absorbent, quick-drying, odor-resistant, easy to clean and darn cute. It’s the little things, lovelies. Use code Darcie15 to save 15% off your Geometry order any day of the year. < $20

> Oh how I love this li’l Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack. I use it when I’m on a chill walk with friends, a hike or on the beach. It’s a happy little spot for my phone, chapstick, keys and a snack if need be. It’s kind of perfect. I have dragged it so many places that the front pocket is now full of tiny shells and rocks and treasures that I’ve collected along the way and there’s almost no room for my stuff. But it makes me happy every time I hear them jingle around in there. It comes in a few set colors or opt to ‘be surprised’ by a bright, fun one-of-a-kind Del Dia style. < $35

> I go almost nowhere on a walk, hike, beach or neighborhood bike ride without a hip pack and I love this Topo Designs Ripstop Belt Bag. It’s made from recycled nylon ripstop and has a perfect little outside pocket for my phone. It comes in some cute colors, too. > $39

> This SPI Belt [stands for Small Personal Item] is the most brilliant use of a bit of elastic and some stretchy fabric. The Large Pocket is big enough to hold my phone and keys while I’m on the trails. It’s so low profile and comfortable that I often forget I have it on until I get undressed [oops] and it doesn’t move a single inch while I’m running. It’s awesome. < from $20

> I’m not very good at bringing water with me on my casual daily hikes + runs. I just don’t like having anything in my hands and for an hour or so, I don’t feel like I really need it. But come summertime, when I’m working out in near 100 degree heat, it’s just kind of stupid to go out with nothing. So I got this Nathan Trail Mix Plus Pack. It has 2x 10oz bottles and a pocket big enough for my essentials. And it really doesn’t move much while I’m running. It’s perfect for my everyday trail sessions. < $55

> There are few things more annoying while you’re running than your sunglasses bouncing off your nose with every stride. It makes me nuts. But Goodr OGs totally solve it, they’re perfection. They’re lightweight, stay in place, are polarized and somehow universally flattering, they come in a million colors and are super inexpensive. Plus they participate in 1% for the Planet. Win win win win win win win. < $25

> I have tried a bunch of different brands of socks because it just makes a difference and I love these Balega Ultraglide Friction-Free No Shows. They’re not too thick or too thin and I think their sizing is pretty spot on [my size 6.5/7 feet are often in between sock sizes and these smalls are perfect]. They’re super durable, too. And cute, so there. Balega makes a bunch of different styles depending on your preferences, so you’re sure to find something that you love. < from $17

> I’ve been taking barre classes for more than 10 years and these TAVI Grip Socks are my favorites. They come in a zillion different styles, prints and colors and they grip really well. I hang them to dry to prolong their stickiness. < $18

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our favorite christmas books

OK, I just pulled out our collection of Christmas books and it’s, well, just a *wee* bit larger than I remember. I mean we have collected A LOT of holiday books over the years. There is a tiny pile of ‘meh’ ones that I set aside, but the rest are seriously awesome and I’m so excited to get into them. If you follow along, you know by now that I love a good holiday book. They’re just such a sweet and festive way to really launch the season and then enjoy it each night. Plus those books build such tender lasting memories as the boys and I get them out each year, saying ‘oh, I remember this one, I love this one.’ It’s precious time I get with my boys and I’m going to cherish it for as long as I can.

SO, I’VE ditched those ‘meh’ titles, and am sharing with you just the holiday books that we LOVE. There are such fantastic gems in here. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we do. And PLEASE do share your favorites in the comments below, I’m just sure there’s still a wee bit of space on the shelf. xo

Our Favorite Christmas Books

> Samurai Santa is one of our favorites by a long shot. Yukio almost ruins Christmas for the other ninjas because they’re spoiling his fun, but a mysterious samurai cleverly reminds him of the true meaning of the holiday. The illustrations are FANTASTIC and it’s just an awesome, clever, non-traditional Christmas story. If you have ninja-lovers, this is epic. <

> Oh, we love The 12 Sleighs of Christmas. Santa’s sleigh is in bad shape so the elves compete to design some souped up replacements and they are SO fun. The illustrations are super clever, especially if you have a vehicle lover or budding engineer. There’s also a Book + PJ Set that’s so cute. <

> The whole series of Laura Murray’s Gingerbread Man books exemplify kindness and intention. The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas is a fun and adorable Christmas version done with the same whimsey and fun and lyrical brilliance as all the others. And Mike Lowery’s fantastic illustrations are a perfect match. <

> Bear’s back and this time he’s planning a holiday party for all of his friends. He needs help finding all of the things that make a festive celebration. Bear’s Merry Book of Hidden Things has THE cutest illustrations and is such a fun seek + find book. <

> The Gingerbread Pirates is another favorite. The cookies for santa think they’re real pirates and set out to look for their crew. It’s a perilous journey, but they get some help from an unexpected visitor. <

> My husband has a real soft spot for Toot & Puddle. All the books in the series are SO sweet and Toot & Puddle Let it Snow is, too. It’s about finding the perfect gift for your best friend, a present that can’t be bought in a store. <

> Christmas is Awesome is a funny, sweet board book with well, just awesome, illustrations. It celebrates everything that’s special about the holiday and it’s adorable. <

> I love this book. Olive the Other Reindeer is a story about Olive the dog who gets a bit confused by the classic Rudolph song and thinks she’s a reindeer so she heads to the North Pole to help Santa. J. Otto Seibold’s illustrations are so wonderful and it’s just a darling and silly story. <

> The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas is a prehistoric take on the classic gives you a peek at how the dinosaurs in the museum celebrate the holidays when nobody’s watching. It’s festive and fun and a must for dino-lovers. A portion of the proceeds from this book go to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC where the story is set. <

> The Animals’ Santa is a Jan Brett book through and through. The woodland animals are all speculating about who [or what] the Animals’ Santa might be because nobody had seen him before. Little Snow thinks they’re all full of it until something majestic changes his mind. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed and just what you’d expect from Jan Brett. <

> Freddy is Santa’s biggest fan and he’s trying desperately to get a photo with his hero. He hatches an elaborate Rube Goldberg-like plan to trick him, but Santa’s just too smart. The Great Santa Stakeout is a fun book for little engineers. I love all of Dan Santat’s colorful, energetic illustrations. <

> I’m not gonna lie, before I read A Bad Kitty Christmas I was about to discount it as a bit cheesy, but I was seriously wrong. It is unexpectedly one of the most profound Christmas stories I’ve read and truly illustrates the meaning of the holiday. Yes, it’s silly and goofy, but it’s also incredibly touching. I’m only a little embarrassed to admit that I get a bit teary every time I read it aloud. <

> We love ALL the 'Bear Books' by Karma Wilson + Jane Chapman and Bear Stays Up for Christmas one is no exception. It’s just the sweetest story of friendship and celebrating what’s important for the holidays. And the illustrations are beautiful and energetic and perfectly match the lyrical story-telling. <

> This is just a straight up illustrated version of the super classic movie Home Alone, and those illustrations are really awesome. A reminder that there are def ‘bad guys’ in this story, so be aware if you have sensitive littles, but it’s otherwise really fun. <

> Oh man, Pig is sooo greedy and it doesn’t end well for him. Pig the Elf is super silly and really highlights the anti-spirit of the season, which of course ultimately illustrates the true beauty of it. The Pig the Pug books are all really goofy and have good lessons about how NOT to behave. <

> Construction Site on Christmas Night is such a great addition to this series. It has the sweetest message and everything you love about the Construction Site books. <

> Santa’s sick and calls on Pete the Cat to help deliver the presents worldwide. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas is a story about how size doesn’t matter when you ‘give it your all.’ And of course Pete saves the day. <

> Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree is a relatively new addition to our collection and I just love it. Mr. Willowby’s tree is too tall to fit in his house, so he lops off the top and chucks it outside. The story follows that tree top as it gets smaller and smaller as it’s shared among all the woodland animals in the forest [that also get smaller and smaller]. It’s really clever and cute. <

> Tough Cookie is such a charming book about a cookie that doesn’t taste good and his quest to fit in with the other sweets in the Land of Holiday Treats. You can bet it has a surprise happy ending. I LOVE the happy, vintage-feeling illustrations. <

> Santa’s feeling a bit old and crotchety and is having trouble mustering the Christmas spirit. So he makes a wish to be young again and gets way more than he bargained for. Santa Baby is a story about how Santa is reminded of the wonder of Christmas in an unusual way. It’s cute and funny and has a sweet message. <

> Fans of Otis the lovable tractor will love An Otis Christmas. It’s Christmas Eve and the farmer’s horse is in trouble trying to give birth to her foal. A huge snowstorm has made the road to Doc Baker’s house impassable, so it’s Otis to the rescue. It’s a sweet story and the illustrations are detailed and beautiful. <

> The North Pole Ninjas are a secret band of Santa’s Elves who are tasked with performing random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season. And they want your help. The book comes with a ‘mission’ for your kiddo and 50 suggestions for carrying out their own quiet random acts of kindness. <

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