Kasia Lorenc, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

7 Unexpected & Unique Ways to Say I Love You

Have you told someone “I love you” today? Don’t wait for Valentine’s, anniversaries, birthdays, or special occasions to express how you feel. Any day is a good day to say “I love you” to our spouses, partners, and all those we hold near and dear to our hearts.

If you’re looking for some creative and unique ways to confess your love on a special day, or any day of the year, we’ve put together a list of the sweetest ways to show your love and affection — whether you’re trying to say the three little words for the very first time or are just looking for a new way to express how deeply you feel.

1. Small acts of kindness

We all know actions can speak louder than words, and what you do for your significant other can have a big impact. If you know he’s always rushing in the morning, make him a cup of coffee to go so he doesn’t have to. If you know she loves pancakes or waffles, make her breakfast in bed on Sunday. These gestures may not be much, but they’re small, thoughtful, caring actions that go a long way toward showing how you feel.

how to say i love you small acts of kindness

Of course, the hot cup of coffee and yummy breakfast will do the talking for you, but you should also include a few loving words. Here are a few short and sweet ways to express your love.

I made you your favorite!
The secret ingredient is love.
You are my everything.
I’m forever yours.
I adore you.
I will always be here for you.
You are my favorite person.
You warm my soul.
You are my world.

2. Your own secret traditions

Start a special ritual that helps you connect in a small but meaningful way, such as always kissing before you leave for the day or hugging as soon as one of you comes home. This can be a unique way to say “I love you” on a daily basis that doesn’t involve words.

Some couples always kiss three times, or have a special kiss that connects them. Other couples have a secret wink or way of embracing each other. Whatever you choose, make it a tradition by always remembering to do it.

If you’re looking to incorporate some words into your secret tradition, here are some fun options.

I’m crazy about you.
You are the love of my life.
I would be lost without you.
Kiss me. Then kiss me again.
Always kiss me goodnight.
I still fall for you, every day.
You’re my soulmate.
You complete me.
I miss you.

3. Your own secret code for love

A different take on the secret traditions is to create a secret code word or words that mean “I love you” to the both of you. This way, you can say it in public in an intimate and special way that only the two of you will understand.

Another unique way to say “I love you” is through another language. You can use sign language (Watch: I love you – American Sign Language ASL) or a foreign language. If you don’t speak the language, use Google Translate to get the right pronunciation.

Here’s how to say “I love you” in various popular languages.

Spanish: Te quiero
Japanese: 愛してます (Aishitemasu)
French: Je t’aime
Russian: Я люблю вас (Ya lyublyu vas)
Italian: Ti amo
Chinese: 我愛你 (Wǒ ài nǐ)
German: Ich liebe dich
Korean: 사랑 해요 (salang haeyo)
Polish: Kocham cię
Arabic: انا احبك (ana ahibuk)

4. A little unexpected love note

It’s amazing what a tiny piece of paper can accomplish. You don’t have to bare your heart or write a poem. Just jot down a few sweet nothings on an ordinary piece of paper and tuck it in his jacket pocket, or her purse, or leave it somewhere obvious for them to find. It’s such a simple yet effective way to show love sweetly and unexpectedly.

Here are some love note ideas to get you started.

Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite.
I love the way you make me feel, even when you’re not here.
You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.
You make me want to be a better person.
With you, everything feels possible.
We were meant to be together.
And suddenly, you were my everything.
You are my happily ever after.
Together is my favorite place to be.
p.s. I love you.

5. I love you texts & messages

Another twist on the love note idea is a quick text message that lets them know they’re on your mind. It can be as simple as “Thinking of you” or “You looked great last night,” or an emoji blowing a kiss. It’s not so much about what you say but that you remember to say it. The fact that you’ve found the time to send a love note to your sweetheart during your busy day is what’s important.

Here are some examples of text messages you can send your special someone.

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how to say i love you The Love Glass Jar — The Love Glass Jar with Chocolate

how to say i love you Personalized Metal Wallet Card — The One I Love Personalized Metal Wallet Card

You + Me
I love you more.
I have a crush on you.
I will always choose you.
All of me loves all of you.
You’re all I need.
I love us.
You and me…every day.

6. Say “I love you” out of the blue

Some of the best “I love yous” come when they’re least expected. So, don’t plan on when and how to say those three precious little words — just blurt them out whenever the mood strikes. At the supermarket? Tell her you love her while picking out the apples. At home having dinner? Tell him you love him while eating spaghetti and watching TV. Hearing that they’re loved during the most mundane moments of our everyday lives can make any day more memorable and special.

Here are some of our favorite spontaneous “I love yous.”

I have fallen in love many times, always with you.
As long as you’re in my life, I know we’ll always be OK.
You will forever be my always.
Our love is written in the stars.
I love you more than words can say.

7. I love you because…

Say “I love you” in a new way every time the mood strikes you with this fun, free “I love you because…” printable. Just insert it in any picture frame and use the glass front as a dry erase board to tell your sweetheart exactly how you feel. It’s such a sweet and simple way to remind your significant other that you love and appreciate them.

Here are some more “fill in the blank” ideas.

I love you more than [coffee, pizza, football, chocolate, etc.]
We go together like [peanut butter & jelly, milk & cookies, rock ‘n’ roll, etc.]
You, me, and [the dog, our getaway weekend, etc.]
I love that you’re my [boyfriend, girlfriend, favorite person to talk to, etc.]

How to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions Despite the Daunting Odds

The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to reflect on the past and make a fresh start — whether that means eating healthier meals, getting more exercise, saving money, or quitting a bad habit, like smoking. Making resolutions, however, is just the first step; figuring out how to accomplish them all is the hard part.

If you’re looking to make a positive change in your life in 2024, we have expert advice, tips, and helpful resources to help you make your New Year’s resolutions last the entire year.

4 tips for keeping your New Year’s resolutions

No matter what changes you resolve to make in your life this year, sticking to them can be a challenge. Most of us, in fact, make a few crucial mistakes when making New Year’s resolutions, which often causes us to give up on them.

But there are proven ways you can achieve long-term results and make positive, lifelong changes. Here are four tips on making your 2023 resolutions truly stick this year.

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1. Focus on one goal at a time

Making too many changes all at once can be daunting. Simplify your list of New Year’s resolutions by focusing on one goal at a time. Change just one habit and focus on just that for 30 to 60 days before adding another challenge.

For example, if your goal is to lose weight, don’t start with a punishing diet and spending every day at the gym. Start by tracking what you eat and scheduling three workouts a week until this becomes your new habit. After a couple of months, examine your eating habits and make a change to your diet you can stick to for the next 30 to 60 days while maintaining your workout schedule.

“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January first, can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD, in an article on the American Psychological Association website. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”

New Year's Resolutions with runner tying shoes

2. Make a plan & track your progress

Unhealthy habits develop over time, which is why changing them also takes time. Make the commitment by devising a long-term plan, breaking down your goal into manageable chunks, and tracking your progress.

For instance, if your goal is to lose weight and all you focus on is the number on the scale each morning, you’re bound to get discouraged. Instead of fixating on that number, keep track of your workouts and what you eat. That way, your successful week will be marked by the amount of exercise you got and healthy meals you ate — not by what the scale reads.

It’s also important to track things you’re trying to eliminate from your life, such as smoking or biting your nails. Logging your progress in an app or a journal, or even through photos, can help show progress and reinforce the commitment to your goal.

New Year's Resolutions with healthy food

3. Don’t give up

Our excitement and determination about our resolutions tend to fade as weeks and months pass, and we get busy with everyday life. If you’re find yourself falling back into your old ways, don’t get discouraged. Remember that taking a step back is completely normal and achieving your goals is not about perfection.

If you skipped a week at the gym or ate a decadent dessert on your diet, it’s OK. Forgive yourself and get back on track with your resolutions.

“Take credit for success when you achieve a resolution, but don’t blame yourself if you fail. Instead, look at the barriers that were in your way. See how you can do better next time and figure out a better plan to succeed. You do get to try again and can make behavior changes throughout the year, not only at New Year’s,” says psychology professor Alan Marlatt, PhD, who has studied the topic of resolutions for over 20 years at the University of Washington.

4. Get help if you need it

Staying positive and seeking help when you need it will help you stick to your resolutions. There are countless resources, advice, and support available for whatever you’re striving to achieve.

If your plan isn’t producing results, or if you’re stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to reexamine your goals and get help from family, friends, and professionals who are experts in what you’re trying to achieve. Join a support group, meet with a dietitian, or schedule a session with a personal trainer. Sharing your struggles with someone else and getting help will make your goals more attainable.

New Year's Resolutions making healthy meal

BONUS TIP: Make the right investment

To stay motivated throughout the year, consider investing in books, tools, apps, resources, and other items that will help you be successful with your goals.

Buying new workout clothes and gear will make you feel good when you head to the gym. A new healthy cookbook might be just what you need to motivate you to try more healthy meals. A water bottle will be a good reminder to drink more water throughout the day. And a powerful budgeting app can help you stay on track with your new saving goals. You can also consider taking a class or joining a club to achieve your goals of learning something new.

Apps & resources for your resolutions

Here are some additional tips and resources for some of the most popular and common New Year’s resolutions.

1. Get more exercise

Start by finding simple ways to get more movement throughout the day, such as taking the stairs, parking your car farther away, or walking on your lunch, instead of mindlessly scrolling social media. Invest in workout clothes and gear that will make you feel good, and schedule your workouts just like you would any other important appointment.

Try different types of workouts to find something you really enjoy. Fitness Blender, DAREBEE, and HASfit offer free videos and workout routines you can do right at home. The Nike Training Club app is another resource that offers free video workouts and tips for all levels.

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2. Eat a healthy diet

Eating healthy also means drinking healthy. Start by tracking your water intake and minimizing any sugary beverages you enjoy on a regular basis, or switching to black coffee. Try cooking one new healthy recipe each week and adding fruits and vegetables to every meal.

There’s no shortage of healthy recipes on the web, along with free apps, such as SuperFood – Healthy Recipes, which offers a calorie counter with relevant nutrition information. If you’re looking for a meal planning tool, consider mealime or the wide variety of healthy meal plans available at EatingWell. Guys who are new to cooking will enjoy Fit Men Cook, which offers easy, practical, and healthy recipes, including keto, vegetarian, and vegan options.

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3. Lose weight

The goal of losing weight should really start with a visit to the doctor to ensure your health is in check before starting a weight loss plan. Excess weight can be caused or related to a number of health issues, and not every diet or exercise plan is safe or effective for everyone.

Once your doctor provides you with safe goals that complement your lifestyle, you can use free apps like MyFitnessPal or MyNetDiary to track your daily nutrition, physical activity, and sleep.

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4. Save more money

If getting out of debt or building up your savings is your resolution, there are plenty of resources and helpful apps to make the process easy.

For help with building a budget, start with Dave Ramsey’s site and his free Guide to Budgeting from EveryDollar, which covers how to create a budget, pay off debt and start saving. EveryDollar also offers a budgeting app, which allows you to track your spending, plan expenses, and set financial goals. (The app has free and paid versions.) Mint is another great option for managing your finances; the free app offers budgeting, credit score information, investment tracking tools, and other useful features. For a small fee, the You Need A Budget and Oportun apps are popular alternatives, and each offers a free trial.

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5. Reduce stress

Managing daily stress and providing self care are on a lot of New Year’s resolution lists these days — and there are many ways to achieve these goals.

Start with basics, such as making sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and fresh air. Keep a sleep journal or look for apps that help you track your sleep habits. Also consider a relaxation app that helps with breathing exercises, mindfulness, and mediation, such as Calm or Pacifica. Get your steps in each day, preferably outside and in nature. Find activities and hobbies that bring you joy, and make time to unwind and relax at the end of the day with a good book, puzzle or game, glass of wine, cozy blanket, and scented candle.

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6. Declutter & organize

We all want a cleaner, more organized home, and achieving this is probably easier than you think.

Start by creating a command center where your calendar, schedules, appointments, and other important information can be visible to all family members. Add a spot for everyone to leave their keys, backpacks, purses, and other important belongings.

When it comes the kids, consider implementing chore charts, cleaning schedules, rewards, and other methods to get everyone involved in keeping the home clean and organized.

For organization advice and inspiration, look to Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, both of which have shows on Netflix that are as informative as they are entertaining.

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101 Christmas Card Messages & Happy Holidays Wishes

Sending holiday cards is a wonderful tradition, but if you have a lot to send, it can get a bit overwhelming. That is especially true if you can’t find the right words to put in your Christmas card.

If you’re looking for a unique way to send your holiday greetings or just want to find some inspiration for what to write, check out our list of different ways to say “Merry Christmas,” “Season’s Greetings,” and “Happy New Year” to all your contacts.

What to write in a holiday card?

These days, it’s easy to upload a family photo, add your name, and be done with your Christmas cards. But taking that extra step to write your holiday wishes for friends and loved ones makes all the difference. You can still include your beautiful family photos, but also be sure to include a few words to go along with them.

merry christmas wishes holiday cards hand drawn

What you write in your holiday cards will depend on the recipient. If you’re sending Christmas card wishes to close friends and family, you can be informal and casual with your greetings. Choose a greeting inspired by your favorite Christmas song or movie or quote, or write a funny holiday greeting that’s full of personality and festive cheer.

If you know the person receiving your card celebrates Christmas, you can relate a religious message in it. Alternately, your message can be more secular, with wishes for a happy holiday season or happy new year.

Going with a short and simple greeting, or combining several of your favorite lines, are ways to create a truly special and personal message. You can even incorporate a heartfelt “Thank you” in your holiday cards to show your gratitude during this special time of the year.

No matter what you want to write in your holiday cards, this list offers plenty of ideas and inspiration to craft your best Christmas cards yet!

Best merry Christmas wishes

There’s something wonderful about the classic “Merry Christmas” wishes. If you want to call out Christmas, here are are some sample card messages with the word “Christmas” in them.

May your days be merry and bright this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a new year filled with love, happiness, and prosperity.
We hope you’re having a simply wonderful Christmas time! Best wishes to you and yours.
Merry Christmas! May all the joys of this happy season be yours this holiday and into the new year.
May the magic and wonder of Christmas stay with you throughout the new year.
The most wonderful part of Christmas is spending time with family and friends. May your holidays be full of joy and good cheer.
When the magic of Christmas fills the air, we hope you find it everywhere. Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and every happiness in the new year.
May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy today and into the coming year.
Have a warm and cozy Christmas and a new year filled with wonderful adventures.

Santa Claus holding envelope with greeting for Merry Christmas a

Happy holidays & season’s greetings

If you’re not sure if your recipients celebrate Christmas, using “holiday season” and “season’s greetings” instead are great options. Here are some ideas you can use to get started writing your own holiday message.

Wishing you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.
May all that is beautiful, meaningful, and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Sending wishes to you and yours for a beautiful holiday season and peaceful new year.
As the holidays approach, it is a great time to remember those who are close to us, helping to bring love and happiness to our lives. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
Our favorite part of the holiday season is thinking of you, who makes this time so special. Wishing you love and happiness this season and into the new year.
Hope this holiday season brings you many great memories and wonderful reasons to smile.
May the light of the holiday season fill your heart, and may the music fill your soul. Happy holidays.
Wishing you a sparkling holiday season and a brilliant new year!
Sending warm wishes of peace and happiness this holiday season and into the new year.

Religious Christmas messages

Adding a religious note to your Christmas cards helps us remember the true reason for this joyous season. Here are some examples of religious messages you can include in your card.

Wishing you God’s wonderful gifts of faith, hope, peace, and love at Christmas and always.
As we take a moment from our busy lives to celebrate the birth of our Lord, we pray your holidays are filled with love and your new year with peace.
His miraculous birth and the gift of His love give us reason to pause and rejoice on His special day. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Christmas is a wonderful time to rejoice and share in the warmth of those dear to us. May your Christmas be filled with God’s love and blessings.
May God’s love be your true blessing this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
May God fill your life with love, joy, and peace this holiday season and throughout the new year.
Rejoice, for unto us a child is born. Wishing you God’s blessings this Christmas season.
Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace and goodwill toward men.
Rejoice in the miracle of Christmas as your heart fills with the gift of His love.
May you receive the gift of faith, blessing of hope, and peace of God’s love at Christmas and always.

Short & simple holiday greetings

merry christmas wishes Christmas Card Basket Liner

If you only want to include a few words, consider one of these simple and short holiday greetings. These are especially good options if you plan on writing out your cards by hand this year.

Happy holidays from our house to yours.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Merry everything and happy always.
Hoping your holidays are filled with love, family, and happiness.
Happy holidays and happy 2024! Make it the best year ever.
Best wishes for a new year filled with love, happiness, and success.
Hope you get everything you want under the Christmas tree this year!
Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
May the wonder and magic of Christmas fill you with delight.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a fantastic new year.

Funny holiday greetings

A little humor never fails. Make everyone who opens your Christmas cards this year smile with these fun and amusing holiday card messages. Or include your favorite holiday puns, witty quote, or funny greeting.

Wishing you hope, peace, and lots of Christmas cookies.
You know you’re getting old when Santa starts looking younger.
Get your fat pants ready. It’s Christmastime!
Santa has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.
Merry Christmas from one hard-working elf to another.
It’s all fun and games until Santa checks the naughty list. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you a white Christmas. (And when you run out of white, just open a bottle of red.)
Sure, being on the nice list gets your more presents, but being naughty is its own reward.
Only a few more shopping days left until your loved ones find out you have no idea what they like.
We want you to have the happiest holidays ever. (Don’t feel too special, though, we gave this card to a lot of people.)

Inspiring holiday quotes

Crafting an uplifting, moving message for your cards can be a difficult task. Adding one of these inspiring holiday quotes is a great way to accomplish that. Look for other holiday quotes you love to include in your message.

“Out of the silence, music. Out of the darkness, light. Out of uncertainty, promise. Hope was born that night.”
“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.”
“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”
“The story of Christmas is a story of love.”
“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree — it’s who’s gathered around it.”
“May you be inspired by giving, changed by love, filled with peace, and touched by miracles.”
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
“One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present.”
“Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered.”
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”

Christmas sayings inspired by Christmas songs

Those who love Christmas songs will appreciate these sample greetings that contain the lyrics of some of their favorite holiday music. Use these or your favorite song lyrics to inspire your own Christmas card message this year.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas and let your heart be light!
Joy to the world, the Lord has come. May songs of joy fill your home and your heart this holiday season.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Hope yours is filled with peace and joy.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and have a jolly Christmas time!
Feliz Navidad! Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.
Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn King!
Have a holly, jolly Christmas! It’s the best time of the year.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas and remember to be of good cheer!
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer! Santa Claus is coming tonight!
Star of wonder, star of night, guide us to thy perfect light.

Holiday messages for friends & family

When sending holiday wishes to your closest friends, family, and loved ones, feel free to get personal. Consider adding a short message about your family, special news, and any important announcements you want to share.

As the holidays once again approach, may the joy and love the holidays bring remind us of the love of our friends and family. Wishing you the very best this season.
Thinking of you fills our hearts with joy at Christmas time. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and peaceful new year.
Wishing you and your family all the warmth this holiday season has to offer. Have a wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with peace and joy.
As the holidays once more approach, our family would like to send you our warmest wishes. May the true spirit of the season find you and fill your heart with joy.
From all the gifts under the Christmas tree, the best gift is your friendship. Have a Merry Christmas, my friend.
May the wonder of the holidays fill your heart with happiness as you gather together with family and friends. Merry Christmas.
Thinking of you with warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas spent among family and friends.
Dear friend, I hope your Christmas is filled with love and your new year with joy.
There is nothing more special than family and good friends to brighten up the holidays. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you happy holidays and a new year filled with happiness. May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the coming year.

A holiday thank you

Wiring your holiday cards for clients, business partners, sponsors, teachers, and others sometimes requires a sincere thank you. Find ideas to express your gratitude with these sample card messages.

As the holiday season approaches, there is no better time to say “Thank you.” Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
We would like to pause at the holiday season to say “Thank you” for your goodwill and dedication, and wish you a happy and successful new year.
There is no better time than this to say thank you and happy holidays, from our family to yours.
I’m so thankful for you and your support this year. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.
Your help this year was the best Christmas gift. We can’t thank you enough! Wishing you happy holidays and all the best in the coming year.
Thank you for always thinking of us. We are so grateful for you and your thoughtfulness.
Just sending you a heartfelt thank you for your help and support this year. It means so much to us! Have a wonderful holiday season.
One of the best parts of our business is people like you. Your support means the world to us! We wish you the best this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Thank you for making our holidays even brighter with your thoughtful gift. It’s always such a pleasure doing business with you. Here’s to a great year ahead!
Wishing you happy holidays with thanks and appreciation for your help, support, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and a sincere wish for a fantastic year ahead.

Beautiful greeting card for New Year celebration on dark backgro

New Year’s wishes

If you happen to be sending out your cards later than you plan, consider including New Year’s greetings instead of the typical holiday messages. Here are some popular New Year’s wishes to inspire your own.

Our New Year’s wish for you and yours is that your year is filled with love. Happy 2024!
Wishing you and yours good times, good cheer, good health, and good fortune in the new year!
When the bells ring in the new year, may your days be filled with peace, love, and everlasting happiness.
As the holiday season comes to a close, we wish you and your family a bright and beautiful new year.
Wishing you a super healthy, crazy happy, and wildly successful new year!
May the dawn of this new year fill your heart with bright, hopeful days as you turn your dreams into reality and your efforts into great achievements.
A new year is a blank page and an opportunity to write a new story for yourself. Hope yours is beautiful.
May this new year give you courage to explore, dream, and discover. Here’s to your best year yet!
Cheers to the years we’ve been blessed to call each other friends and to the new year ahead.
May every day of the new year bring a new opportunity for joy and laughter, warmth and love, and everything you desire.

And, finally, our favorite…

The magic of Christmas never ends, and its greatest gifts are family and friends.

7 Easy Ways to Prepare for Christmas in the Summer

You might be thinking July is waaay too soon to be worrying about Christmas. And yet the holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, making us woefully unprepared, stressed out, and utterly tired of running around with a long to-do list and an even longer shopping list.

While it’s decidedly too early to be putting up your Christmas decorations and wrapping presents, there are a few things you can get checked off your list now to make this year’s holiday season preparations more enjoyable and manageable.

1. Take advantage of summer deals

With lots of retailers offering their Black Friday and Christmas in July sales, the summer has great deals on a variety of items, including electronics, clothing and apparel, jewelry, tools, and vacation packages. It’s also a good time for purchasing home décor, including holiday decorations, as many shops and online retailers are starting to plan for their Christmas season and want to downsize their stock of last year’s items.

One smart move is to time your holiday shopping spree with one of the tax-free weekends taking place in July and August in more than a dozen states. (Another? Sign up for the Celebrations Passport to get free shipping on all your orders from the 1-800-Flowers.com Family of Brands.)

2. Get a head start on holiday DIY projects

Making of handmade christmas toys from felt with your own hands. Children's DIY concept. Making xmas tree decoration or greeting card. Step . Decorate the toy

If you like to make your own holiday gifts or decorations, now is the perfect time to start working on them. Gather your materials, ideas, and plans, figure out what you can make ahead of time and what materials you need to complete the projects, and get started.

The thing about DIY projects is that they tend to take more time then you initially planned, and that’s especially true around the holidays, when you have so many other to-do items on your list. Getting at least some of them done early will not only give you a head start on the holiday season but will make the projects more enjoyable.

Some Christmas DIY ideas include:

3. Create a holiday shopping list & budget

Santa already has his Christmas list. Do you? Starting your holiday shopping list in advance will ensure you don’t forget someone — and that you budget accordingly.

Start with your family and close friends, neighbors, work friends, important clients, teachers, coaches, babysitters, hosts and hostesses, and anyone else you typically buy for.

Don’t forget your kids’ bus driver or car pool drivers, mailman and trash collectors, hairdresser, dog walker, doctor, nurse or caregiver, priest or pastor, church group, carolers, and anyone else you regularly see and want to honor or thank this holiday.

Once you have your list and budget, add a couple of extra gifts (or gift cards) just in case you forgot someone.

You can also use this free downloadable holiday shopping list and budget planner to help you along.

4. Plan your Christmas cards in the summer

While it might be too early to purchase your Christmas cards, this is the perfect time to start planning them, especially if you want your cards to feature a family photo.

Decide on a theme for your photo and get it taken now while the weather is nice and you can get great pictures outside. If you’d rather have a fall or winter backdrop in your photos, book your photography session now before the spots fill up. Figure out what your family will wear, the type of photo you want, and other important details.

You can also order your holiday stamps, make your holiday address labels, or customize an address stamp so you’re ready to send out your Christmas cards on time this year!

5. Test new recipes for your holiday menu

christmas in summer strawberry santa hats

A week before Christmas is not the time to experiment with a new Christmas cookie recipe, or any other recipe for that matter.

Whether you’re hosting this year or just bringing a dish along, now is the perfect time to research and try out new holiday recipes. Doing this so far ahead of the holiday season will help you not only find the best recipes but give you enough time to perfect them.

Additionally, you can get a good idea of how much time each recipe will take to make, where you’ll need to go to get all the ingredients, and, most important, if your family actually likes it.

6. Make travel arrangements early

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for travel, so it makes sense to plan as far ahead as possible.

With so many people being on the move, reservations can dry up quickly, so the earlier you can book, the better. Doing so will allow you to not only get a better price but is a great way to budget the travel costs ahead of all the usual holiday expenses (gifts, decorations, etc.).

7. Start a new family Christmas tradition

The holidays can get a bit hectic, with so much to do, so many places to visit, and so many people to see. That’s why it’s so important to make time for family.

Finding the right Christmas traditions for your family to enjoy year after year is essential. Whether it’s baking cookies together for a cookie exchange, making your own Christmas decorations, sending letters to Santa, having a Christmas movie marathon, hosting an ugly sweater party, going out to see the lighting of the Christmas tree, or caroling in your neighborhood, there are many great ways to spend quality family time during the holidays.

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, take a look at our list of fun Christmas traditions for kids or ask your friends and loved ones to share their favorite holiday traditions with you. Then decide on what would be fun for your family, plan it out, and put it on your calendar.

10 Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas For Golf Lovers

Dads who love to spend their days on the golf course are sure to enjoy unique, personalized golf gifts this Father’s Day. From practical golf accessories that will get good use on the course to golf-inspired gifts that only true golf lovers can appreciate, we have 10 great gift golf ideas for your dad.

Whether it’s his name, monogram, a photo, or a special message, adding a personal touch to your Father’s Day gift will make it more meaningful and memorable. Dad will know that you thought of what he loves most when he opens his Father’s Day golf gift, and you can be sure that your present is a hit.

5 golf gift ideas for Dad to enjoy on the course

Photo golf balls

Make Dad’s next game of golf more fun with a custom set of photo golf balls. Add your favorite faces to a set of a dozen golf balls he can keep and use on the green. Any close-up photo with one or two faces will work, so you can even include a shot of you and dad!

Personalized Golf Towels

Give Dad a reminder that he truly is the best with a personalized golf towel he can use during every round. Choose from four verses and three accent colors, and then add any two lines of text. This quality-made personalized golf towel will surely become his favorite golf accessory.

Custom Golf Club Covers

These stunning custom golf club covers will protect Dad’s favorite driver in luxurious style. Choose from three designs featuring a golf crest, golfer, and name or monogram. The top of the clover has a zipped opening where he can store extra tees, divot tools, pencils, and more.

Engraved Golf Bag Tag

Help Dad accessorize his golf bag with a quality wooden bag tag that’s custom engraved with his address and information. Choose one of three golf designs and add any two lines of text on one side, then add Dad’s address on the other. His golf bag will never get misplaced with this custom golf bag tag.

golf gift ideas with divot tool and ball marker

Personalized Divot Tool, Ball Marker & Clip

A good golf divot tool is a must on the course. Our personalized three-in-one combination tool includes a magnetic ball marker, a belt clip for easy access, and the essential divot tool. You can personalize this quality piece with any title within the “best by par” quote to let Dad know it’s uniquely his.

5 golf gift ideas for Dad to use at home or at the office

Custom Etched 19th Hole Golf Beer Mug

After a good game of golf, let Dad enjoy a cold one in his very own custom etched golf beer mug. Our exclusive 19th hole design can be customized with any two lines of text. This traditional style glass mug holds an impressive 25 ounces of Dad’s favorite brew.

Custom Golf Coffee Travel Mug

Whether he’s heading to the office or for a morning round of golf, Dad can enjoy his coffee in a personalized travel mug featuring the top 10 golfers of all time — including your Dad, of course! Add Dad’s full name to the list of professional golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods for a gift that’s above par.

Engraved Golf Cigar Humidor

If Dad loves cigars as much as golf, he’ll love this beautiful cherry wood cigar humidor. The top of the box is skillfully engraved with a golf crest design that features his initial and name. This stunning personalized golf cigar humidor is more than just storage — it will keep Dad’s cigars fresh, fragrant, and properly moistened.

Golf Ball Personalized Round Wood Wall Sign

Make him feel right at home when he returns from his latest round with a golf-ball-shaped wood wall sign. The sturdy piece can be personalized with any two lines of text. A sporty addition to any wall, it’s perfect for a bedroom, bar area, or rec room.

Engraved Glass Golf Ball Keepsake

Create a one-of-a-kind golf-inspired keepsake for Dad by personalizing this dazzling crystal golf ball with any four lines of text. This heavyweight crystal glass golf ball will look great on Dad’s desk or bookshelf, creating a great reminder of his loving family.