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The 5 Best Winter Boots

January 27, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Winter fun can end in a hurry if you get cold feet. Beat the cold and turn up the toasty on your toes with these five winter boot options. Below, I’ll list my favorite winter boots, the best activities for each type of boot, and the pros and cons of each option.

Bunny Boots

Lets start off with the winter boot of all winter boots: the bunny boot. These large, insulated, rubber boots were designed for the United States Military, and are the best winter boots I’ve ever had. Bunny boots are great for prolonged time outdoors in snow and/or frigid temperatures. They are a bit hard to find though, so look at garage sales, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local sales pages, and military surplus stores to find them.

The white version of these boots keeps you warm to lower temperatures, and the black ones have a slightly less frigid rating, but I have the black ones and they work great. Although they are bulky and a bit heavy, the warmth they provide is unmatched, and the fact that they are waterproof is a lifesaver. I’ve had instances where snow has got in the top of my boot and melted (I should have been wearing gaiters or snowpants!), and with bunny boots my feet stayed perfectly warm although they were wet. If you find a pair of these in your size, be sure to snag them up!

Even our pup agrees that bunny boots are the best winter boots!

Tall Sorels

I was lucky enough to get a great pair of hand-me-down Sorels, and they have held up well for years now. I don’t believe they make the exact style of boot I have anymore, but they do make a pair that looks very similar and has one handy improvement. The lower part of these newer Sorel boots have rubber on them, which will help keep your feet warm and dry when walking through snow and slush. Also, this style of boot, along with my current pair, has a removable liner. Removable liners are fantastic to have on winter boots so you’re able to wash them or put them on the boot dryer if necessary.

These boots are great for milder winter weather, lower amounts of snow, and activities like sledding, walking, shoveling, etc. If you need a little extra warmth, they would pair well with toe or foot warmers. They make men’s, women’s, and kid’s versions of these boots, so you can outfit the whole family! Plus, they look great, too!

The tall Sorels are so cozy, mismatched socks and all.

Salomon

I have had a pair of Salomon boots for years now, but just started using them this season. They are cute, comfy, surprisingly lightweight, and warm. They work great for walks, snowshoeing, and more. I found these on sale at a large sporting good store, so I would suggest checking your local sporting goods shops for them before looking online.

Short Sorels

Living in Alaska, and being from Valdez, I’m used to quite a ton of snow. Literally. Tons. But, not every area or time of year requires hardcore snow boots during winter. That’s when the short Sorels come in handy! These are so easy to slip on and get out the door. They are great for keeping your feet warm and toasty on grocery store trips, while out walking the dog, running errands, and more. They are lightweight, come in a variety of colors, and are a stylish and fashionable winter boot. Grab yourself a pair of these today!

UGGS

Never did I think I’d say this, but UGGS are awesome. I was given a pair for my birthday two years ago, and have worn them constantly since then for everyday errands and more. They are incredibly warm, comfortable, and come in a variety of heights and styles. I have a sorter, classic pair, and get a lot of use out of them. The downside is they are not waterproof. I haven’t tried to use waterproofing on mine, so I can’t say how that would work out, but it may be possible to do that if necessary.

Is there anything else I need to keep my feet warm this winter?

Great question, and the answer is yes! Not only do you need the best winter boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable, they are also a few key accessories to help you enjoy winter.

Socks

Under every pair of great boots is a toasty pair of socks. If you are just doing errands in a lighter pair of socks and short Sorels, you should be fine. But, if you’re out in the elements all day, you’ll want to grab some pairs of winter socks. Some of the best brands are Darn Tough, Fox River, and Heat Holders.

Toe and Foot Warmers

Toe and foot warmers from HotHands help give you that extra bit of warmth if you tend to have colder feet.

HotHands are the perfect way to stay toasty.

Gaiters

My husband frequently wears gaiters over his boots when snowpants aren’t necessary. Even the tallest winter boots aren’t always tall enough to avoid snow getting into them. They give that extra protection so you don’t get any snow going over the tops, thus keeping your feet warm and dry.

Ice Cleats

Ice cleats, crampons, snow grips. Whatever you want to call them, they are sometimes very useful and necessary. Winter boots might not always have the traction you need to be on ice, so adding ice cleats to them can make walking in winter easier and, more importantly, safer. And, if you want a permanent traction solution, you can sometimes even get your boots studded!

Boot Dryer

I feel like my boots were always on the dryer when I was little. After coming in from playing all day, I’d have snow in my boots and wet feet. These Peet dryers would dry them out, and they next time you put them on they’re toasty warm! They even make ones from drying gloves, too!

Storage

If you’re like me, you’ll end up with a variety of winter boots for the different parts of the season, and for different activities. I store mine on this handy shoe rack. Just make sure before you store them that they are completely dry, removable liners have been washed, and you’ve added boot deodorizer if necessary.

Being a life-long Alaskan has taught me many things, one being that wearing the best winter boots possible is a must. Hopefully the list above helps you pick out the perfect boots for your next winter adventure, and if you need more information on what clothes and gear to wear this winter, check out post on how to layer clothes for winter weather!

The full lineup: bunny boots, tall Sorels, Salomon’s, short Sorels, and UGGS.

5 Ways to Prevent and Treat Dry, Cracked, and Chapped Hands

December 7, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Are your hands chapped, cracked, or even bleeding from too much hand washing, dry and cold winter weather, or other factors? Check out these five solutions for cracked and chapped hands, and learn how to prevent these problems using the five ideas below.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted. I am not a medical professional, these tips and ideas are my personal opinions from experience, unless otherwise cited or noted. Please consult a medical professional for medical advice regarding your skincare if necessary.

How can I prevent dry, cracked, and chapped hands?

Some causes of dry skin include over washing and harsh weather (which we see a lot of in Alaska!). While you may not be able to control how many times a day you have to wash your hands, and you definitely can’t control the weather, you can control how your skin is affected.

Change Your Hand Soap

If over washing is the culprit causing your chapped hands, try changing your soap. Over washing due to having a job in the medical field, dog grooming, custodial work, culinary, or doing household chores can cause sever dryness and even bleeding from chapped skin. I switched hand soaps for this reason, and it has helped tremendously. After I started using this Dove hand soap, I’ll never go back. I have run out of the Dove soap before and had to resort to using our old hand soap. This caused irritation after only a couple washes, so I always buy a few Dove soaps at a time to ensure I won’t run out again.

Wear Gloves

Wearing gloves during seasons of harsh weather can protect the delicate skin on your hands from the wind and cold. You should not only be wearing gloves while outdoors, though. Many indoor activities such as washing dishes, cleaning showers, and scrubbing floors should include gloves as well. Not only will they keep you from contacting cleaning solutions that may irritate your skin, but gloves will also prevent your hands from getting too wet during cleaning, which can dry them out.

An Alaska Native beaded glove with HotHands. Used to keep hands warm and protected so you can prevent dry and chapped skin. — Cozy gloves not only keep your hands warm but they protect them from the elements. Add **HotHands** warmers for a little extra warmth.

Hydrate

This idea has mixed reviews, but whether or not it is 100% proven to help your skin, hydration is 100% important to a healthy, well-functioning body. Staying hydrated can be an important factor to keeping your whole body hydrated. And considering skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s essential to keep it hydrated. Keeping a water bottle near you while watching TV, working out, running errands, and more will help you meet hydration goals.

How can I treat dry and cracked skin?

If your skin has been damaged from over washing, weather, or other factors, it may take time to repair it. The ideas below will help speed up this process and sooth and treat your dry hands rapidly.

Moisturize

One of best ways to prevent and treat dry hands is by moisturizing. This L’Occitane hand cream is one of my favorites, but there are many good ones out there at your local drug store as well. Keeping a moisturizer in your purse, by your sink, and next to your bed are great ways to remind yourself to moisturize throughout the day to prevent and repair dry, chapped skin.

L’Occitane shea butter lotion to prevent dry and chapped skin. — **This L’Occitane shea butter hand cream** is a must have for dry hand protection and repair.

Overnight Treatment

During times when my skin has been severely dry, chapped, and cracking, I treat them overnight. I use a large amount of one of the best creams for chapped hands and cover them for the night to let it heal my hands while I’m sleeping. I just slather them with the ointment and cover them with my husband’s socks. (You can use gloves to cover them, I just use socks since it’s convenient and they are large enough to fit over my hands.) Then I settle in for the night, and wake up to soothed hands. You may have to do this multiple nights in a row, but trust me, this stuff really works!

After struggling with dry, cracked skin for sometime now, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t to help prevent and repair dry, cracked, and chapped skin. The remedies and tips above have been very useful to me to prevent and treat dry hands, and I hope that what I have learned with my skin issues will help you resolve yours. If you’re looking for some other great self-care ideas, check out my post here!

The 5 Best Ways to Save Money When Shopping

November 22, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

With prices of everything on the rise these days, everyone is looking for ways to save money when shopping. Whether grocery shopping, gift shopping, or making larger purchases, all of these ideas will help you save money. Some ideas you may have heard of before, but some you may not have, so keep on reading if you want to keep that cash in your pocket!

What are the best ways to save money when shopping?

Rakuten and TopCashBack

Rakuten and TopCashBack are fantastic money saving apps. Before you shake your head and say you have too many useless apps already, hear me out. I have earned over $200 in cash back from Rakuten. I’ve earned almost $20 from TopCashBack in just one purchase as well. Both of these sites give you cash back on purchases, and also provide you with easy-to-find coupon codes and deals. This way you’re saving money, and also earning money back. I always use them when doing Christmas, birthday, or other gift shopping. You can earn $30 back with a purchase of $30 or more on Rakuten with this link here, and $10 cash back with my TopCashBack referral link.

Earning over $200 with Rakuten has paid for Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and more.

Price Matching

It never hurts to ask, especially when it comes to price matching. Many stores that you may not expect will price match competitors prices, or match their online price. The place I primarily do this is Petco. Many times the in-store prices at our local Petco are higher than what they have online, so all I have to do is screenshot the online price, show it to the store associate, and they change it to the lower online price.

It’s best to do your research beforehand to make it easier and more convenient for everyone when it’s time for checkout. Have the lower prices of items saved, and check ahead of time to see if the retailer will price match certain items. It’s a fast and easy way to save money.

Compare Prices Online

One of the money saving tips I’ve been using most lately has been comparing prices online. Ever since grocery pick up became popular, grocery stores have the prices of their items online. This makes saving money on groceries and other items much easier. How? Well, you can easily compare prices between stores without the hassle of driving from store to store! But, beware of price changes, as some stores such as Walgreens have different prices listed online than they have in your local store. If you run into this problem, price matching might not always be available, but there is a way to get around this issue and still reduce your shopping expenses.

The secret to saving money and avoiding the price difference is pick up orders. I place my Walgreens orders online, and then am able to get the lower online price plus use any promo codes they may have. It’s one of my favorite money saving hacks. Plus, at some stores such as Safeway, you may get an additional discount for doing your first pick up order as well.

Apps

Store apps will often times have great coupons that will help you stay within your monthly shopping budget. The ones I use most often are for Safeway and Walgreens. According to Intuit “the average cost of food per month for one person ranges from $150 to $300, depending on age.” This cost is quickly rising, so saving money on groceries and lowering your expenses is essential.

Using apps for certain stores allows you to clip digital coupons that members of their rewards program benefit from. I highly recommend doing this as you can save hundreds of dollars over time, and helps me save money every month. These programs may also allow you to accumulate points, such as gas rewards or cash back. You can check out the amount I’ve saved with Safeway coupons and my fuel rewards progress below.

It’s amazing how much you can save with coupons and checking out sale ads.

Email

Sign up for the emails. You may not want to get bombarded with deals and emails from companies and stores all year long, but the first sign-up email usually includes a discount code, which is well worth it. Plus, if you chose to do so, you can always unsubscribe after you have your code and you’ve made your purchase.

Do you have any bonus tips on how to save money when shopping?

Promotional Codes and Coupons

Well I’m glad you asked, because yes, I do have one more great money saving idea! In fact, I just used this idea last night. My husband was looking to save some money on jeans. The ones he wears are often $70 or more, but they were on sale for about 40% off for Black Friday. What a great deal, right! But, since I love to save, I just had to see if an additional coupon would work before he completed his order. A quick Google search helped me find a 20% off coupon. He added it to the order and saved $16 more!

So, this being said, I’d suggest checking for any coupons or promotional codes before placing orders on anything from jeans to Papa Murphy’s pizza! It’s always worth a look! Plus, promo codes can help you save tons on gifts, and with Christmas fast approaching they can be a huge help. (With people spending over $600+ on Christmas gifts according to Ramsey Solutions, this is a great way to save. Also, don’t forget the reason for the season. Save on shopping and enjoy some favorite Christmas traditions, too.)

I know money is a topic no one wants to chat about, but when it comes to saving money we’re all about it! If you want to save money when shopping, using one or all of these ideas will definitely help you. Happy shopping AND saving, friends!

Alaska’s Best Bites: 15+ Foods to Try on Your Alaska Vacation

November 11, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Are you coming to visit Alaska or making the move here? Check out all the foods to try and the wide variety Alaska has to offer by using the Alaska food bucket list below.

Alaskan Foods to Try

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood are two of the foods that Alaska is most known for. Many people come up here to fish for their own catch of these delicacies, while others enjoy it at restaurants during vacation. Whether you’re catching it yourself or having it served up for you at dinner, here are some of Alaska’s most famous fish and seafood bites below.

Salmon-Most Alaskan restaurants you visit will likely have some variety of salmon on the menu for you to try. While many people prefer red (sockeye) salmon, most all varieties of salmon are delicious. You can enjoy it many different ways such as blackened, canned, smoked, or in a dip.

Crab–Deadliest Catch, anyone? You’ll pay a hefty price for this famous Alaskan food, but many say it’s well worth it.

Halibut-Halibut is my absolute favorite fish. Even if you don’t usually enjoy fish, you should give it a try. It’s mild, flakey, light, and delicious. Halibut tacos, burgers, and probably one of the most popular, deep fried halibut, are top on my list of favorite Alaskan foods.

Chowders-Seafood and clam chowders are popular at many Alaskan restaurants.

Deep fried halibut at Captain Patties in Homer, Alaska.

Meat

Many of us Alaskans hunt for our own meat, so we’re often enjoying moose, caribou, bear and more. If you’re visiting friends and relatives here, you may get a chance to have some of their harvest. If not, there are options to enjoy while dining out as well. Also, local meat processors are often a great place to find different Alaskan meats to try.

Reindeer-If you visit Alaska, you’ll see reindeer sausage as a side with many breakfast options, and even as a reindeer dog at hotdog stands.

Beef and Pork-I know these are not unique to Alaska, but you may find places that have Alaska raised meats such as these.

Traditional and Indigenous Foods

If you are lucky enough to try some traditional Alaska Native foods, give them a taste! I’m not too sure if we have an official state food, but if we did it would likely be some of these. Muktuk (whale), “Eskimo ice cream”, fry bread, dried fish, fish eggs, moose tongue, and more are some traditional foods you may come across if you attend an Alaska Native cultural event or stay with a friend or relative who is Alaska Native or makes traditional foods.

Alaska Grown

According to the USDA there are almost 1,000 farms in Alaska. They grow and raise a variety of animals and crops from barley (such as the Alaska Flour Company) to berries, and chickens to goats. According to this article “Alaska depends on shipments for about 95 percent of its food”, so it’s vital to support local food growers so they can continue enriching our local food supply. Check for the “Alaska Grown” sticker in grocery stores such as Safeway and Three Bears to find some great Alaskan foods to try, and support local farmers.

Local made Alaskan foods to try in our local Safeway store. — A display of some of the many Alaska made food options at our local grocery store.

Foraged Alaskan Foods to Try

Mushrooms, and berries, and plants; yay! There are so many tasty, edible goodies out in nature. Grab a berry book, download the Seek app, and grab some friends to go forage with. Just be 100% sure what you pick is edible.

A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries and baked in a purple pottery pie dish. Berries are one of the best Alaskan foods to try. — A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries. The berries made up for my lack of a beautiful crust!

Sides and Snacks

There are a few sides and snacks that you should try while in Alaska.

Sourdough-If you come visit Alaska, many local restaurants will offer sourdough as an option for sandwich bread, toast, and rolls. Honestly, some sourdough is a little too sour for me, but others is quite delicious. Give it a try and decide for yourself!

Kenai Cheese Dip-This dip is incredibly addictive. You can purchase this popular local favorite at grocery stores, at Echo Lake Meats in Soldotna, or find a recipe to mix it up yourself!

Pilot Bread-If you haven’t tried the well-known Alaskan staple, it’s a thick, dense, shelf-stable cracker that is mostly used as a transport system to bring tasty food to your mouth. Top it with PB&J, salmon spread, or whatever you’d like.

Desserts and Sweets

These unique delights would pair well with any popular Alaskan foods.

Alaska Wild Berry Products-Alaska Wild Berry Products has some must-eat Alaskan treats. Jams, jellies, syrups and chocolates filled with with Alaska’s bountiful berries, fireweed and more are a great treat and the perfect gift to bring back to friends or family.

Baked Alaska-Ironically enough, I’ve never tried this dessert, but I’d say if you can find it at a local Alaskan restaurant, give it a try, and share in the comments where you had it. It’s harder to find than you’d think in it’s namesake state!

Drinks

I’m sure you’re anticipating a brewery review here, but I don’t drink beer, so I guess I wouldn’t be much of a help there. But, there are a couple local beverages that you should know about.

Frontier Soda-Root Beer, Cola, Wild Blueberry, and Spruce Tip (my favorite) are the soda choices from Frontier Soda. These uniquely Alaskan sodas are great, and can be found at Three Bears and a other stores around the state.

Teas-There are a few different local companies, such as Felicity Loft, that create teas in Alaska. Give them a try. They make great gifts as well!

Frontier Soda’s root beer made in Alaska. — Enjoying some Frontier Soda with a view.

The above list has some of the best foods you’ll find in Alaska. Halibut, berry filled chocolates, cheese dip, fry bread, moose, local veggies, and more are some Alaskan foods you can try on your vacation. Comment below if you have a favorite, or let us know who one you’re most excited to try!

30+ Gift Ideas for Seniors

November 9, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

It’s hard to shop for the person who has everything, and by the time people are a bit older they usually have just that. You probably have heard your grandparents or other elderly family and friends say that they don’t need any gifts, and truthfully, they probably don’t. But, everyone loves to give gifts and no matter how old you are it’s nice to get gifts, too. Below, I’ve created a list of great gifts for senior adults so you can hopefully find the perfect gifts for the seniors in your life.

Gifts of Time

Gifts of time and activities are one of the best types of gifts for seniors, or anyone, really. If you are lucky enough to live close to your grandparents or other elderly persons in your life, these may be just the ideas for you. If you’re farther away and aren’t able to see them in person, check out the categories below.

Go for a Drive-Many seniors spend much of their time at home, especially if they’re in a nursing home or assisted living, so getting out to see the sights is a treat. Due to mobility issues and more, it’s not always easy to go on outings when people get more elderly, but it’s always worth it.

Lunch-While you’re out and about, why not take them to get a fancy coffee or a nice lunch?

Plant Flowers-If they’re able, take seniors to a greenhouse to pick out some flowers, or choose some on your own. Head back to their home and help them plant the flowers in an area where they can view them from a window.

Home Repairs and Improvements-Does your friend or relative need safety railings added to their shower? Do they have a leaky faucet that needs repair? Does the shed need a new coat of paint? Often, these jobs that senior citizens could once easily do are not so simple anymore. Ask if they need any home repairs or improvements done, or see if you notice anything that needs sprucing up or that could be safer. Many of these could be DIY, but if not, hire a reputable company to lend some help.

Cooking and Baking-Maybe grandma is still having a great time cooking up a storm as always, but if that’s not the case it may be nice to go help her cook, bake, or even bring food over to her. Elderly adults may not have the energy or desire to cook anymore, and not cooking leads to not eating (or eating unhealthy meals), which leads to deteriorating health. Keep the seniors in your life happy and healthy with some hearty meals. (If grandma and/or grandpa live far away, consider sending them a Spoonful of Comfort meal!)

Home Chores-Shoveling, lawn care, and housekeeping are laborious chores for people of any age, but for senior adults some of these may not even be possible to attempt. To assist them, take on one or more of these chores yourself, but don’t get burned out! If it becomes too much or you don’t live nearby, hire companies to do these services. Always be sure to check reviews, the BBB, and more to ensure that these are legitimate and trustworthy companies. You don’t want anyone taking advantage of the elderly.

Outings-Take a trip to the zoo, a local park, or botanical garden. As I said before, I know outings with older adults may not be simple, but just know they do appreciate you taking time to spend with them, and you’ll enjoy it, too.

Trinity Greenhouse, a greenhouse in Soldotna, Alaska. — Head to a greenhouse to pick out some colorful flowers.

Gifts for Seniors to Enjoy Indoors

If your elderly loved one is unable to get outdoors much or just doesn’t enjoy doing so any more, these ideas are great options for them.

Window Clings-You can often pick up seasonal window clings at Walmart or other stores to help cheer up a room.

Storyworth-This is my favorite gift idea. Storyworth is a subscription that sends questions the recipient via email for them to answer. Once they have completed a year’s worth of questions, they get compiled into a book, creating their autobiography. Learn more about it (and save $10!) here! You can also check out my list of other great subscriptions here.

Cards and Other Games-Is grandma the card shark of the nursing home? Pick her up some new cards or get her hooked on a new game of Uno or Bananagrams.

Coloring Books-Pick up a new pack of markers or crayons to gift with it.

Photo Book-Creating a photo book with Shutterfly is the perfect gift for any grandparent or elderly friend or relative. They are much easier to see and hold than on a phone, and it’s a great way for them to share the pictures with other friends and relatives.

Friends and relatives may enjoy books of photos from years past.

Magazine Subscription-There’s a magazine out there for every interest. Some subscriptions even come in large print options, too, and they are a budget-friendly gift option.

Puzzle-The perfect gift to do on their own or with a group. Puzzles are especially popular at senior centers and assisted living homes, so it’s a gift they can share if they would like to as well.

Plants-Any low maintenance plant helps cheer up a space and makes a dandy gift.

Personalized Calendar-Creating a custom calendar for older friends and relatives is a great way to help them keep track of holidays, events, birthdays and more, while also having beautiful family photos to see.

Lotion-Just because their getting older doesn’t mean self care goes out the window! Grab their favorite kind of lotion or give a new one a try. According to this RealSimple article “the main concern with patients in their 60s and beyond is lack of hydration and moisture retention”, so it makes for a very useful gift.

Books-If your parents, grandparents, or any other senior adult on your gift list loves to read as much as my grandma did, then books are a great option!

River City books in Soldotna, AK. A great place to find books for anyone of any age, including gifts for senior adults. — Head to the bookstore to find a new read for the senior citizen on your gift list.

New Placemats/Tablecloth-The placemats and tablecloths that adorn your elder’s table may be older than you. Spiff things up a bit by getting them some new table linens. You can even DIY these if you enjoy sewing.

Perfume-Change up the scent or get one of your loved ones favorites.

Puzzle Books-You can often find may puzzle books in large print for older adults who may have trouble with their eyesight. This is also an inexpensive gift for senior adults if you’re on a budget.

Towels-Out with the old, in with the new! That is, if they approve! Just like the placemats and table cloths, your grandparents, great aunts and uncles, parents, and more, may have towels that are up there in age. I remember my grandma and I went through a catalog to pick out new towels and bathroom accessories she wanted to order, and she was pretty excited about getting things spruced up. Not sure if they’d like it? Just ask.

Digital Photo Frame-Keep the senior adults in your life up to date with the latest pictures from all their friends and relatives by purchasing a frame that can receive pictures via email. I have not purchased this frame yet, but it has amazing reviews.

Kid’s Artwork Book-If Grandpa Pete or Great Aunt Mary are running out of room on their refrigerator for more kid’s art, you can take those masterpieces and create a book for them to view all the creativity of their grandkids and great nieces and nephews in one place!

Candies-Who doesn’t like a box of chocolates or their favorite sweet treat as a gift?

Outdoor Gifts for Seniors

The best part of these gifts is they can be enjoyed inside or outside, so no matter what your recipient’s preference is, they’ll get a useful gift they can appreciate.

Humming Bird Feeder-My grandma enjoyed watching humming birds. The great thing about watching humming birds, or birds at any feeder for that matter, is that you can watch them from inside if the the feeder is in front of a window, or you can sit on your porch and view them as well.

Cane-An odd gift? Maybe. Useful? Definitely. If the senior adult on your shopping list uses a cane to assist them, why not make sure they’re using a pretty one? My grandma had one with butterflies on it and got many compliments about it. I’d imagine that if someone reluctant to use a cane got compliments about theirs, it may just encourage them to use it more often and be safer by doing so.

Professional Photography Session-A perfect gift for the senior who has everything. Maybe they’d like to get spiffed up and have a session by themselves, with their spouse, or with the kids, grandkids, dogs, cats, parrots, or whatever else they may have. It’s a fantastic reason to get dolled up and a great memory to have as well.
Flowers-Have your recipient pick out flowers they’d like or choose some on your own to plant for them in a pot or outdoor planter box.

Flower baskets make for pretty summertime gifts.

Flags-If your grandparents and elderly relatives need a new flag for outside, this would make a useful gift for them.

Metal Birds-I really love these. They are just metal bird shapes that can be pounded into trees or posts for decoration. They don’t take up much room, look really unique, and come in a variety of species. I got this one on Etsy for my dad.

Garden Flags-Many box stores and shops sell small garden or decorative flags throughout the seasons. They add a cute addition to any outdoor area.

This gift list has a variety of ideas for senior adults, grandparents, elderly neighbors, parents, aunts, uncles and more, but more than likely the gift they’ll most appreciate is your time. If you’re nearby, go visit them. If you’re far away, take time to call, FaceTime (some seniors are more tech savvy than you think, and many nursing homes can help set up calls for you), and send a card.

The Best Christmas Movies to Watch During a Cozy Movie Night

November 4, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

I love Christmas and everything that comes with it. The music, decorating, time with family, gift shopping, Nativity plays, Christmas movies, and more. Here in Alaska, hibernation mode is in full swing during Christmas, and that means movie nights happen quite often. Below, you can find a list of the best Christmas movies to cozy up to during this wonderful season.

The Reason for the Season and Heartwarming Favorites

The Star

If you only get the chance to watch one Christmas movie this season, watch The Star. It’s an entertaining, fun, and captivating movie about the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to it as told by animals. I know the animal part may sound a little silly, but trust me, it’s a must-watch movie that’ll remind you of the reason for Christmas. You can even purchase it on Prime Video.

The Little Drummer Boy

If you’ve heard the Christmas song of The Little Drummer Boy, movie is about just that. This Christmas classic can often be found in box sets with some of the other more “retro” movies like Jack Frost listed below.

Annabelle’s Wish

Another animated Christmas movie with talking animals. Apparently that’s my favorite category, but this movie is really too cute. This story of a Christmas wish that brings a ton of joy to a little boy may just make you cry. Might as well order the Puffs up now!

Christmas Comedy

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

I had to start out the comedy section with my family’s favorite, Christmas Vacation. We have watched this every year since I can remember. It’s a relatable movie for many families, with lots of family chaos, decoration disasters, a house in shambles, and crazy family times that make for good memories. If you’re looking for a good laugh this season, Christmas Vacation is sure to give you more than one.

Four Christmases

While trying to avoid family dysfunction over the holidays, a couple steps right in to four very chaotic Christmases that put their relationship with each other and their families to the test. Much like Christmas Vacation, the relatable and over-the-top parts of this movie are what make it funny, and it will leave you with many good laughs.

Elf

Honestly, I really didn’t think I’d like this movie. I thought it would be more silly than actually funny, so I didn’t start watching it until a few years ago. It really is a silly movie, but it won me over because it is funny and feel-good, too. It has sort of a Rudolph vibe, with a “misfit” trying to find his place, and is a cute story about helping others and sharing in the joy of giving.

Christmas with the Kranks

A couple of modern day Scrooges try to skip Christmas, only to have it backfire in the most hilarious way and find themselves back in the midst of their full-blown holiday traditions.

Christmas Classics

Jack Frost

Jack Frost is a short and adorable movie about the love story of Jack Frost. This classic is a cute, wintery tale that I watch every year.

Rudolph the Red Nosed-Reindeer

You can’t help but sing the little Christmas jingle when you read the title to this adorable movie. With Yukon Cornelius and Misfit Toys on his side, there’s no telling what adventures Rudolph will have. It’s a cute, must-watch movie.

White Christmas

I’m not a fan of musicals, so I never really thought I’d be a fan of White Christmas. Boy, was I wrong. White Christmas is much more than a musical. It’s a story of friends helping friends, spreading the Christmas spirit, and singing some tunes while doing it. Plus, it’s set in my favorite decade to watch, and the costumes are fantastic.

The Year Without a Santa Claus

Why would Santa quit his jolly job? Find out in this popular Christmas classic where you’ll also meet the Heat and Snow Misers!

Tip: If you’d like to get many of these Rankin/Bass classics together, check out this set of eighteen Christmas movies. Also, Prime Video has many Christmas movies as well. Check them out here!

Now that you’ve got your movie list down, it’s time to grab some hot coco, popcorn, and a cozy blanket to settle in for the night! Looking for more great Christmas traditions? Check out my list here! Merry Christmas, folks!

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