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Surprising Foods to Grill This Summer: 8 Unique Ideas

Grilling is one of our favorite summer pastimes — and it’s a perfect excuse to try some surprising foods to grill that go beyond burgers and hot dogs. Sure, we love classics like kebabs and hotdogs, but summer is the ideal time to get creative with new flavors and ingredients. From fruit to veggies to unexpected mains, these eight ideas will bring fresh inspiration to your next cookout.

1. Avocados:

Everything is better with avocado, right? Believe it or not, it tastes even more amazing when grilled! Let it cool and add it to egg or chicken salad, or mix it into your guac for a smoky twist.

How to Grill: Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit (but keep the skin), brush with oil, and grill for 2–3 minutes on each side.

2. Carrots:

Carrots are a staple in many family meals — and grilling brings out their natural sweetness even more. This is one of the most underrated yet surprising foods to grill.

How to Grill: Grill carrots in a pan with olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 10–12 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed.

3. Peaches:

Peaches are already delicious, but grilling them caramelizes the sugars and deepens the flavor. They work well in desserts, cocktails, or on their own.

How to Grill: Cut in half and place on the grill for 8–10 minutes until tender and lightly charred.

4. Pizza:

Skip the oven and head to the grill for pizza night. Grilled pizza creates a crisp, smoky crust that’s reminiscent of a wood-fired oven.

How to Grill: Use store-bought or homemade dough. Brush with oil, grill one side, flip, and add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Cook until the cheese is melted.

5. Watermelon:

Yes, grilled watermelon is a thing — and it’s a game-changer. Pair with feta in a salad or drizzle with lime juice for dessert.

How to Grill: Cut into wedges and grill for 4–6 minutes, flipping once. Add salt for savory dishes or lime for something sweet.

6. Lettuce:

Grilled romaine takes Caesar salad to the next level. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy dressing and croutons.

How to Grill: Cut romaine hearts in half, brush with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill each side for 2–3 minutes.

7. Pineapple:

Sweet, juicy, and caramelized — grilled pineapple works with savory or sweet dishes. It’s also one of the easiest fruits to grill.

How to Grill: Place slices directly on the grill for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.

8. Quesadillas:

Quesadillas get a crispy, golden finish on the grill that’s tough to beat. They’re also a great way to feed a crowd quickly.

How to Grill: Assemble your quesadilla, then grill both sides until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Make the Most of Every Cookout with Shopkick

Whether you’re grilling surprising foods or sticking to the classics, don’t forget to earn rewards while you shop for ingredients. With the Shopkick app, you can earn kicks (aka points) by walking into stores, scanning products, and uploading your receipts — or even by shopping online.

Download the free Shopkick app today and turn your summer grocery runs into gift cards. Then, head to our Facebook page and tell us: which of these surprising foods to grill are you trying first?

5 Easy and Fun Crafts for Kids (No Screens Required!)

Rainy Saturday? School break boredom? Or maybe just a “no screens” kind of day? Whatever the reason, having a few fun and easy crafts for kids in your back pocket can turn any afternoon around. These five hands-on activities are simple, budget-friendly, and sure to bring out everyone’s creative side.

Let’s dive into the fun!

1. Homemade Play Dough

Why buy Play Dough when you can whip up a batch at home? With just flour, salt, water, and a bit of food coloring or paint, you’ll have a soft, squishy dough that’s perfect for tiny hands. Kids love helping with the mixing—and you’ll love how affordable it is.

Pro Tip: Check out Sea Lemon’s DIY recipe on YouTube for a quick tutorial.

2. Shaving Cream Marble Art

This one is messy in the best way. Just spread shaving cream in a shallow tray, drop in food coloring, swirl with a toothpick, and gently press a piece of paper on top. Peel back to reveal a swirling, marble masterpiece!

Want to try it? Follow this guide from Alice & Lois for step-by-step instructions.

3. Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets never go out of style. With embroidery thread and a few simple knots, kids can create colorful accessories to gift or trade. It’s a great craft for groups or solo time—and it teaches patience and focus.

Not sure where to start? Try DIY Projects for Teens or A Girl and a Glue Gun’s YouTube video.

4. Cool Whip Bath Paint

For a creative (and edible!) bath time activity, mix Cool Whip with a few drops of food coloring. Let your little ones “paint” the tub, the tiles—or even themselves. It’s safe, easy to clean, and a total hit with toddlers. Inspired by Busy Toddler, this idea makes bath time a blast.

5. Classic Coloring Time

Sometimes the easiest activities are the most relaxing. Coloring is perfect for quiet time, and printable coloring pages make it fresh every time. Search online for free printables, grab crayons or markers, and let the imagination flow.

Hang finished masterpieces on the fridge or gift them to loved ones as homemade cards.

Save These Ideas for Anytime Fun

These easy crafts for kids are great for rainy days, summer afternoons, or whenever you need some screen-free fun. Try one—or all five—and tag @Shopkick on Instagram or Facebook to show off your creations!

And don’t forget: If you’re stocking up on supplies, open the Shopkick app while you shop. You can earn kicks at stores like Target, Walmart, and CVS, then redeem them for free gift cards — perfect for your next craft day!

4 Easy Productivity Tips to Refresh Your Routine This Season

Do you ever feel the urge to reset when a new season rolls around? Same here. Whether it’s swapping in fresh recipes or reorganizing your space, that seasonal shift often brings a wave of motivation.

But instead of overhauling everything, let’s focus on one area: productivity.

Because one of the best feelings is ending your day knowing you spent your time well. Maybe that means crossing off your to-do list, sneaking in a workout, or enjoying family time. No matter how you define it, that “A+ day” feeling is worth chasing — and with a few tweaks, it can become your new normal.

Here are four easy productivity tips to help you get started.

1. Focus on the Small Picture

Big-picture goals can feel exciting — and overwhelming. That’s why it helps to break them into bite-sized wins.

Want to organize your closet? Don’t aim to do it all at once. Start by sorting just your t-shirts. Then group seasonal items. Those mini wins build momentum and help you make real progress one step at a time.

2. Set Three Daily Goals

Long to-do lists can be draining. Instead, focus on three key priorities for the day. For example:

✔ Go for a walk
✔ Submit a project
✔ Attend a soccer game

If you hit those three? Success. Everything else is a bonus. This approach helps reduce stress and increases your chances of actually feeling accomplished.

3. Create Screen-Free Boundaries

We all spend more time on screens than we’d like. Rather than going cold turkey, try these simple boundaries:

  • Charge your phone outside your workspace

  • Use app timers to limit distractions

  • Create “no phone” zones, like the dinner table or bedroom

Cutting screen time just a bit can lead to clearer focus and more meaningful moments.

4. Block Your Time

Structure your day into focus blocks. Group similar tasks together so you can give each one your full attention:

  • Morning: family time, morning walk

  • Mid-morning: reply to emails

  • Midday: deep work or a creative project

  • Afternoon: errands or admin tasks

Time-blocking prevents multitasking and adds calm structure to your day.

Bonus Tip: Reward Your Wins with Shopkick

Want to turn those productive errands into free rewards? Download the Shopkick app, where you can earn kicks (aka points) just for walking into stores, scanning items, uploading receipts, or shopping online. Then trade those kicks in for gift cards to your favorite stores.

It’s an easy way to stay productive — and make it more rewarding, too.

Your Seasonal Reset Starts Now

Remember: productivity doesn’t mean doing more. It means doing what matters, with intention. Start small, stay consistent, and define your version of a great day.

Have a productivity tip that works wonders for you? Share it with us on Facebook or Instagram — we’d love to hear it!

Save Big with These Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

Believe it or not, we’ve officially made it to mid-December — and if it feels like the month is flying by, you’re not alone. Hanukkah is well underway, and Christmas is just around the corner. With holiday to-do lists growing by the minute, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially when it comes to staying on budget.

The good news? It’s not too late to save. Whether you’re checking off the final gifts or prepping for celebrations, these five last-minute holiday shopping tips will help you keep spending in check — while still embracing the season.

1. Watch for Last-Minute Sales

Retailers (both big and small) are rolling out daily deals in a final push to hit their end-of-year goals. Flash sales — especially on clothing, accessories, and beauty — can pop up quickly, so staying alert is key.

To get ahead, sign up for your favorite store’s emails and check their websites regularly. You might catch that perfect gift at a fraction of the price.

2. Redeem Your Kicks

If you’re a Shopkicker, don’t forget about your kicks! Check your balance and redeem those hard-earned points for digital gift cards.

Whether you’re shopping for toys, tech, or last-minute stocking stuffers, using kicks to offset your total is a win. Even a small reward can help ease the end-of-year budget strain.

3. Stick to Your List

Quick store runs are part of holiday life — but they’re also where impulse buys sneak in. Before you head out, make a clear list of what you actually need and stick to it.

If something unplanned catches your eye, pause and ask: Does this align with my priorities? Will it stretch my budget? Having a list helps you shop with intention and minimize regret.

4. Shop Online + Pick Up In-Store

Curbside pickup has become a holiday hero. Not only does it help you avoid shipping fees and long delivery windows, but it also limits in-store temptations.

Many retailers offer same-day pickup, allowing you to shop online, earn kicks, and stay within your budget — all without waiting in checkout lines. It’s fast, efficient, and smart.

5. Go Homemade

Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive. Homemade gifts are a heartfelt and budget-friendly way to show you care.

Whether it’s a batch of cookies, a DIY ornament, or a framed photo, handmade gifts add a personal touch to the season — and often mean more than store-bought ones.

Wrap Up the Season with Smart Spending

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to derail your budget. With a little planning, a few clever tricks, and help from apps like Shopkick, you can save money and still enjoy the magic of the season.

P.S. Haven’t redeemed your kicks yet? Now’s the time! Download the free Shopkick app, earn rewards just for shopping how you already do, and make the most of every last-minute trip.

Celebrate Scavenger Hunt Day with Shopkick

What was your favorite book when you were growing up? If you’re like us, Roald Dahl’s classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” likely topped your book list. Willy Wonka’s world of wonder and chocolate and colorful candy was one we wanted to inhabit. And, who didn’t dream of finding a golden ticket? Well, your dream may become a reality because golden tickets and millions of kicks will be up for grabs next week!

Monday, May 24 is National Scavenger Hunt Day, and Shopkick is celebrating the best way we know how – with a week-long scavenger hunt filled with nostalgia and plenty of kicks! We’re launching a scan mission at Walmart stores throughout the country where you can scan a select grouping of products in order to earn 100 bonus kicks. 

But, there’s more! 

(Because, of course there is.)

To give you even more of an incentive to go on your own scavenger hunt in honor of National Scavenger Hunt Day, allow us to unveil the biggest news of all…

We’re hiding a limited number of Shopkick golden tickets in stores throughout the country worth $500 in kicks (each)! Your job is to find one and mail it in by May 31 to receive your prize! 

We aren’t sharing the locations (what kind of scavenger hunt would!?), but we can share a few hints. One city is located in Colorado, another is in Florida, and one more is in Florida…!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your search on!

P.S: If you’re looking for even more chances to win kicks, we’re also giving away 35,000 kicks to select Shopkickers who share their Shopkick Scavenger Hunt journey! Simply snap a photo or video of you (and your crew!) completing the Shopkick Scavenger Hunt and upload it to the app. We’ll announce the winners once our week of scavenger hunt fun is complete!

Create Your Own Baseball Ballpark Inspired Menu

There’s a sport for every season, and the spring and summer are dominated by baseball. In fact, we think one of the best ways to spend a warm summer weeknight or sunny Saturday or Sunday is at a ballpark. We’re eager to cheer on our favorite teams, root for our favorite players, and sometimes jump in on the fun with friends as we play our own nine innings.

One of the reasons why we think we enjoy baseball so much, other than the fact that it’s a classic American sport, is because the food is delicious. Hotdogs, fries, ice cream, and popcorn are all ballpark menu staples. We thought we would round up 10 of our favorite recipes so you and your family and friends can enjoy the baseball menu fun from home!   

Cherry-Vanilla Soda Syrup:

Rather than sharing a cocktail, we thought we would start things off with a drink you and your kids can all enjoy together! The Kitchn shared a recipe for homemade Cherry-Vanilla Soda Syrup that calls for five ingredients, including the soda you will mix it with. It sounds like a fun take on a Cherry Coke or Pepsi!

Pretzel Bites:

Pretzels are a classic food at a ballpark, so try making your own! What’s Gabby Cooking shared an easy recipe for pretzel bites that you can pair with mustard or your favorite sauce of choice. Gabby also shares other pretzel recipes on her site, like these Garlic Herb Parmesan Pretzel Twists.

Pigs in a Blanket:

Instead of serving classic hotdogs, mix things up and opt to make pigs in a blanket! When a recipe is called the Best Ever Pigs in a Blanket, there’s a high probability it’s the one you should use. 

Olive Oil and Parmesan Popcorn:

We have a feeling you will turn to this popcorn recipe often, even when you’re not watching baseball! It calls for olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Gimme Some Oven is definitely on to something! 

Garlic Fries:

Try your hand at making homemade French fries or purchase a ready-made pack – either option will work well! Once your fries are prepped, you will toss them in a garlic, butter, parmesan, and parsley mixture before baking them to create Garlic Fries.

Walking Tacos:  

This recipe is called Walking Tacos, and it involves prepping all of the classics of a great taco, like meat, tomatoes, beans, and all of the toppings. Once everything is ready, open a bag of corn chips, and pop your taco favorites inside!  

Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders:

Typically, meatballs are most often served with sauce. But, this recipe calls for hot sauce, apricot preserves, blue cheese, and ranch dressing, so it offers a fun twist. If you try making Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders, let us know what you think!

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza:

Pizza is a game day classic, and if you want to feel as though you’re visiting Chicago deep-dish pizza is a must! This recipe will walk you through the steps to make your own crust as you craft Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza. We can’t wait to try it!

Turkey Burger: 

It’s not a baseball game menu if there isn’t at least one burger recipe included! We spotted this recipe for turkey burgers, and we’re excited to try the Mexican version, which calls for topping the turkey burger with guacamole and salsa.

Strawberry Ice Cream: 

To cap off your ballpark at-home menu, dessert is a must! Have you ever made your own ice cream? Celebrate baseball and strawberry season with this egg-less Strawberry Ice Cream recipe. Serve with chocolate sauce, extra strawberries, and waffle cones.

What will you include on your baseball menu for your next watch party at home? Let us know on Facebook!

Celebrate Her, Her Way: 5 Meaningful Mother’s Day Ideas

We love moms — and all the women who play a motherly role in our lives. From grandmas and aunts to cousins, friends, and chosen moms, Mother’s Day is all about honoring the women who show up with love, strength, and heart every day.

Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it simple, these Mother’s Day ideas are easy to pull off, full of love, and sure to make her feel appreciated.

1. Cook a Full Day of Delicious Meals

Give mom the gift of rest — and great food. Start the day with a cozy French toast casserole, whip up a savory toast or salad for lunch, and end with a dinner she’ll love, like tacos, burgers, or homemade pizza. Bonus points if she doesn’t have to lift a finger or clean up!

Shopkick tip: Grab your groceries at stores like Target, Walmart, or Sam’s Club and earn kicks in the process. Scan featured products or upload your receipt to rack up rewards while you shop.

2. Frame the Kids’ Art

Turn a favorite drawing into a keepsake. A simple frame can transform kids’ art into something she’ll treasure forever. Shop for frames at Target, Walmart, or even Amazon—and let the little ones create something just for her, especially if it features their handprints or sweet notes.

3. Create an At-Home Retreat

Bring the spa experience to her. Set up a cozy corner with her favorite book, run a bubble bath, or prep a quiet space with candles, a playlist, or her favorite snacks and drinks. A little solitude can go a long way in making her feel renewed.

4. Pick Your Own Flowers

Instead of a store-bought bouquet, visit a local flower farm and pick blooms together. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and make new memories. The final bouquet is more personal — and you’ll likely snap some great photos along the way.

5. Send Her to the Spa

Sometimes, the best gift is time to herself. A gift card to her favorite spa or salon gives her the freedom to relax how she chooses — whether that’s a massage, facial, or mani-pedi. Pair it with a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Celebrate Her, Her Way

Whatever Mother’s Day idea you choose, Shopkick makes it easy to earn while you shop. Download the free Shopkick app and collect kicks just by walking into stores, scanning items, uploading receipts, or shopping online. Then trade those kicks for gift cards to her favorite places — from Sephora to Target.

This Mother’s Day, celebrate her with love, creativity, and maybe even a few extra kicks.

Win 125,000 Kicks with Shopkick

We think your week is about to get even better…because we’re giving away 125,000 kicks to four Shopkickers! We know we’re looking for big and small ways to celebrate during 2021, and we know you are too. So, we’re bringing the fun the best way we know how – by giving you a (big) bump for your next shopping trip (or series of trips).

Our Shopkickers are the people, just like you, who engage with us and each other. You’re eager to share the products you’re discovering, the recipes you’re loving, the ways you’re saving money, how you’re earning kicks, where you’re redeeming your kicks, and so much more. Our app keeps getting better, and that’s because of you! 

So, we want to see how you Shopkick!

Entering is easy: 

  1. Snap a photo or video showcasing how you use Shopkick in your everyday life. This could be a video of you discovering lookbooks or a photo of you shopping in stores or online. We’re open to anything and everything – it’s all about you and your experience!
  2. Upload your photo or video in the app or from your desktop. Click here and follow the steps!
  3. Share the 125,000 kicks giveaway news with your friends, family, and followers on social media by using the hashtag #ShopkickPays
  4. Make sure to enter by 11:59 PST on Sunday, March 21. 

We’ll be revealing the four 125,000 kicks winners on Tuesday, March 23! We can’t wait to see your entries and all of the ways you earn kicks. Good luck!

3 Goals You Can Reach in 2021: Part 3

In case you’re just joining us, we’ve been detailing how to take steps toward nine of the most common goals people set every year in January. We’ve talked about how to workout and read more, how to stick to a budget, and how to lessen screen time (even during a pandemic!). There’s more for you to explore here and here. 

As a reminder, we’re sharing simple steps you can start doing today to make goals a reality rather than something you simply write down. Today, we’re going to talk about the final three goals of the most popular annual goals: how to be more eco-friendly, how to stay organized, and how to try new recipes. Let’s keep the goal setting going! 

Be More Eco-friendly: 

Supporting and being kinder to our environment is an ongoing endeavor, rather than something we can solve in one swift motion. But, if we all make even small changes, they do add up! So, consider the ways your family lives, and think about ways you might be able to make revisions. Here are a few ideas:

Recycle: Many communities pick up recycling each week or there are centers within driving distance where you can drop off your recycling. Rather than tossing water bottles, soda bottles, jars, newspapers, and more into the trash, consider rinsing them and placing them into a recycling can instead.

Reusable Bottles & Dinnerware: Consider choosing to use a reusable water bottle throughout your day rather than single use plastic. You can also opt to skip using paper plates and plastic utensils and instead turn to everyday dinnerware that can be washed and used again and again. 

Use Reusable Bags: When you make a trip to the grocery store, how many plastic bags do you typically leave carrying? Likely a lot, which is totally normal! Purchase a few reusable bags you can use each week to cut back on waste. The great thing about reusable bags is they can typically fit more than an average plastic bag, which means you’ll need to make fewer trips back and forth to your car to bring everything inside.

Get Organized:

Whenever the word “organize” is mentioned, typically feelings of overwhelm follow. But, they don’t have to! Rather than thinking you need to completely organize and overhaul your space at once, why not break things down into steps? Here are a few ideas:

Tackle One Area: This might look like a room, or it might look like a drawer! There aren’t rules about how slow or fast you need to organize.

Set a Timer: Think about seeing what you can get done in a block of time. Five, 10, 15, or 60 minutes will definitely allow you to make a dent or complete an entire project! 

Look to the Pros: There are plenty of articles about organization, and some of them are definitely worth the read! We like this piece by Real Simple about how organization pros create order. The tips are 100% doable!

Tidy: Whether it’s at the end of the day or one day a week, think about tidying up your space. Organization doesn’t work unless you do, and your new process will take time to get used to. The key thing is remembering how you feel when everything is in order!

Try New Recipes:

If you’re becoming tired of your meal rotation, it’s likely time to mix it up. Consider trying even one new recipe each week. 

Think about collecting recipes to try and pinning them onto a board on Pinterest. Move the ones you love to a new board after you’ve made them, and delete the ones you know you never want to make again. You can also mix things up by trying rotating through new recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, so your list is never completely filled with recipes that have many steps (dinner recipes, we’re looking at you!).   

We also post plenty of recipes in the app!

Now that we’ve reached the end of our review of some of the most popular goals and resolutions, which ones are on your list? Let us know on Facebook!

3 Goals You Can Achieve: Part 2

We’ve almost officially reached the middle of January! So, how are you doing with your goals? Have you set goals for the year, or are you still working through what you would like to accomplish this year? Keep in mind, there truly isn’t anything magical about January 1. You can set a goal and start taking small steps toward achieving it at any time!

Last week, we shared the first part of our goal setting series where we’re walking through some of the most popular goals people set each year. The fun part is we’re sharing simple steps you can do today to start working toward reaching each goal, rather than solely having them written down without a game plan. Today, we’re digging into how to read more, how to stick to a budget, and how to spend time with family and friends (yes, even during COVID-19; stay with us!). Keep reading, and make sure to tune back in next week for the third – and final – part of our series!

Read More: 

If books are on your mind, we’re here to help! This goal definitely relates to spending less time on screens, but we thought it deserved its own section. 

Consider starting slow by setting a goal to read 1 book/month. Then try to read 10-20 pages per day or set aside 15-30 minute windows of time to read. The best thing to do is to find a consistent window of time each day to carve out this routine! 

Another idea is to read books that have been turned into movies or TV shows (we compiled a list that you can find here!). Knowing you can experience how a creative team took a book from the page to the screen can be a great motivator to finish a book.

If you’re looking for great books to enjoy throughout the year, Good Housekeeping released a list of the most anticipated books of 2021!

Stick to a Budget: 

There are plenty of articles and tips about how to create and stick to a budget, but we’re here to share simple ways you can stay on track! 

One place to easily spend more each week than you may have originally intended is at the grocery store. So, make a list before you shop. Then stick to your list even as you wander down the aisles. Another idea? Don’t shop when you’re hungry! Because we’ve done it, we can confirm the rumors are true: you do, in fact, purchase more if you shop while dreaming about your next meal or snack.

Another simple thing to do to keep your budget on track is to use Shopkick to your advantage! In between interacting with us on Instagram and Facebook, pop onto the app and explore the Discover page – glance through lookbooks, watch videos, and see how you can earn kicks on your next shopping trip. Once you reach your chosen kick goal, redeem your kicks for a gift card that you can use when you next pick up the essentials on your list. Shopkick is free to use! What budget tip could be better?   

Spend More Time with Family & Friends:  

COVID-19 has definitely changed how we spend time with family and friends and, of course, how often we can gather together. But, that shouldn’t stop you from checking in on your favorite people! Many of us are suffering from Zoom fatigue once we reach the end of the day or week, so we highly recommend taking what some might call an “old fashioned” approach: pick up the phone. 

Plan a time to catch up with a friend or family member, and make it a weekly date! To feel even more connected, you can both plan to engage in the same activity, whether that’s talking while you’re taking individual walks, driving home from work, or catching up on chores (a phone call makes laundry more fun!). A call with someone you love will brighten your day!

We’re here to cheer you on! Keep sharing your progress with us on Facebook as we all work toward achieving our goals (and more) in 2021.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Hosting Fun and Easy

When we think about Thanksgiving, family favorite recipes and visions of loved ones gathered together immediately comes to mind. During a year when we have spent more time apart from family and friends than ever before, a holiday spent (safely!) together sounds like an absolute delight. 

Even though Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful holidays, there’s also an element of stress for the host. So, if you’re planning to host your first Thanksgiving or your fiftieth, keep reading! We’re sharing our own list of 5 tips and tricks to make this year’s hosting duties a breeze.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Hosting Fun and Easy | www.shopkick.com

1. The Early Shopper Always Wins: 

This year, Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26. You’re likely thinking you have plenty of time to shop – and you do! But, why wait until the week of Thanksgiving when grocery stores will be packed to purchase everything you need? Instead, start adding nonperishables and paper products (more on this below) to your pantry, especially if items are on sale. As the holiday approaches, you will only have items like turkey, vegetables, and any fruit still on your list.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Hosting Fun and Easy | www.shopkick.com

2. “I’m attracted to pie.”

We’ve all heard that homemade recipes are the best recipes, but Lorelai Gilmore wouldn’t knock pre-made pie and neither should you! Consider picking up a pre-made pie or use pre-made pie crust for your pumpkin pie recipe. By purchasing pre-made where you can, you can still add a homemade twist. The difference is the time needed will be far less and will feel much more doable.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Hosting Fun and Easy | www.shopkick.com

3. Warm it Up: 

Most Thanksgiving dishes require differing temperatures and timelines for cooking, so warming settings will prove helpful. Consider using slow cookers to keep dishes, like mashed potatoes, stored and warm. You can also use thermoses to keep gravy warm, and you can always warm things up in the microwave.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Hosting Fun and Easy | www.shopkick.com

4. Dress Down Your Code: 

If ever there was a year for a casual dress code, 2020 is the year! While we do suggest wearing something other than your daytime pajamas, encouraging your family and friends to arrive in clothes they feel comfortable wearing will create a more relaxed atmosphere. This year, the focus is truly on spending time together.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Hacks to Make Hosting Fun and Easy | www.shopkick.com

5. Make Cleanup a Breeze

Holidays are typically when we all like to use the “good china”, but why? On holidays, we’re joined by more people than those who typically sit around our tables on an everyday basis. That means more cleanup! To make cleanup a breeze, opt for paper products for everything from plates and napkins to silverware and cups. The added bonus of paper products this year is you won’t be washing used items (a great added safety layer during Covid). 

Do you have any Thanksgiving hacks to add to our list? Join the conversation with us and our community on Facebook!

6 Spaces to Organize at Home

In between planning safe ways to celebrate Halloween and completing fun apple crafts, we have been thinking about other ways we can spend time at home as days become cooler and shorter. Our brainstorming sessions have led us to want to make our homes even cozier, so organizing is definitely on the horizon!

When you hear or see the word “organize”, your mind may wander to thoughts of full days spent cleaning and big spaces becoming decluttered. That sounds overwhelming to us! So, instead, we have smaller areas and projects on our minds. From your hall closet to your kids’ playroom (and a few additional spaces in between), here are the spaces we’ll be organizing and how you can join in too.

1. Closet:

No, we’re not suggesting you pour through your entire closet and decide which items “spark joy” like Marie Kondo. Instead, set aside 15-30 minutes to organize your hall closet or laundry room.

Place coats you and your family will wear during the fall and winter front and center and possibly relocate items you know you won’t need or wear again until the spring or summer. Then review hats, gloves, and scarves. Does every glove have a match? Does everything you own still fit? Do you like the items in the closet? Plan to toss or donate anything that no longer fits the bill.

For even more organization, think about investing in baskets or clear Tupperware containers for each person in your family. Then place their hats, gloves, and scarves inside their baskets or bins. It’s a great way to keep an eye on everyone’s things while establishing a go-to spot for each person.

2. Kitchen Drawers:

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and the space becomes even more of a hub during the fall and winter. So, organize your drawers! 

Go through your kitchen gadgets and review what you have. Does everything work? Do you use all of the items? What can you toss? What do you need to repurchase? Throw items away, create a pile to donate, and make a list of anything new you would like to add.

Another idea? Purchase organizers for drawers that have always housed loose items, and make your utensil drawer look pristine. 

3. Pantry:

Your entire family likely visits your pantry multiple times per day, so it can become disorganized quickly and easily. Set aside time to get the space back in order!

Consider reviewing expiration dates to make sure all of your products are still usable. Then review where everything is placed and decide if that works best for your family. We’ve found having zones in a pantries works well. For example, dry ingredients for dinner are together, condiments are grouped together, breakfast foods have a space, and snacks have a nook too. We also know families who have opted to purchase organizers to keep specific things together!

Ideally, your pantry should be a spot anyone in your family can visit, find what they need quickly, and close the door again.

4. Refrigerator:

Similar to your pantry, your refrigerator is another frequently visited area in your kitchen. So, are the items in it all up to date? Consider making sure condiments and other food items haven’t expired. Decide if you’re going to eat any leftovers. Make sure foods are grouped together (your crisper really does keep fruit and vegetables fresh longer!). 

If you want to take things to the next level, reimagine how you store food and drinks in your refrigerator. Consider taking water bottles, juice boxes, and soda out of the boxes or plastic it may arrive in, and place each container loose inside. You may even want to invest in organizers to keep the interior even more organized!

5. Desk:

Many of us continue to work from home or perhaps you’ve worked from home for years. When was the last time you organized your desk? The top is likely fairly polished, but your drawers may not have been organized for a while. 

Think about removing everything from your desk’s interior and reviewing it. Decide if you need to keep all of the items. Review paperwork that may need to be placed in another spot for safe keeping, and toss anything you no longer need. Another thing to do: test your pens, pencils, and markers. Then toss what has dried up and place items that are the same in cups or bags. 

Knowing your workspace is organized both outside and inside will definitely help your productivity during the days and weeks to come!

6. Kids’ Playroom:

Your kids’ playroom is definitely the largest project to take on. But, you can definitely tackle this room in stages, which means you can take on specific areas at a time.

If you want to tackle the whole room, open all closets, storage containers, and bins so you can see everything your kids own. Then review and organize items area-by-area. Take care to consider how often your kids play with specific toys, whether or not they may have outgrown items, and if there are pieces you know are missing. You may even find you want to rotate toys into new areas. For example, toys you wish your kids enjoyed more or those you know they love might be best in prominent, easy to reach areas. On the flip side, toys that require help or supervision might be best further out of reach. 

Another thing to do is to tackle specific areas at a time. For example, you might spend time reviewing books or dolls or Legos. Decide what you would like to keep, toss, and donate. Then review another section another day. Organizing anything one grouping at a time will add up as you go, and you will know you have been thoughtful with your efforts!

Some may find it helpful to organize the space without their kids present, while others may want to involve kids in the process. Neither option is wrong! Whatever you do, make sure the process and the organization method you choose is something your kids can either help you to maintain or maintain on their own. 

What space will you organize first? Do you have any organization tips to add? Let us know on Facebook!