A Stitchy Fix (adds a tiny plastic stitch) is usually under the price limit for a favorite things and the BEST gadget I have in my closet. I also think of things my mother in law calls “thought gifts,” like a nice bar of good chocolate, candle, pack of stationary, etc. Basically something you would enjoy but wouldn’t always spend money on for yourself.

Yes I would agree that right now with little kids, we’re going for quality over quantity! Honestly it helps me to plan it out which I know takes out the “romance,” but then I know to get my mind right and try to get more in the mood vs. having him spring it on me when we’re done getting kids to bed.

Not sure if this is helpful for you or your kids but the lack of routine is something that makes me anxious. I totally think a few lazy days in summer are great, but still want my kids to be used to a morning/evening routine, so I went on canva and used a checklist template to create something for each of them with the steps like “get dressed, pack backpack” etc. and sent it to print with canva in little notepads where they can rip off a sheet each day. I did just words for my 7 year old, words/pictures for my 4.5 year old, and just pictures for my 2.5 year old. Hoping this helps foster a little more independence and ownership of some of these tasks moving forward for the younger two as well!