Every year my family and I, mostly the youngest and I, put together little gifts baskets for all the baristas at our Starbucks. We’ve been doing this since they opened. It started with just a few of the ones we interacted with the most, but grew from there. We didn’t want anyone to feel left out, so we started doing them for everyone.

Two years ago we did a more personalized one for each employee with things that would be special to them. Some of them got special snacks, or a book, or something connected to their hobby.

Last year there were more employees, so we couldn’t personalize every one of them. Plus, we didn’t know much about the newer people. So, instead, we focused on self-care, and added a couple things for the ones we saw all the time.

Once we have everything together we take an afternoon, or two, sit on the living room floor and put the gifts together. The day usually full of jokes, stories, and bonding with the kids. Delivery day has us all loading into the car – sometimes in our pajamas – and carrying many packages into the store. The joy on the employee’s faces is fantastic, but really is just a bonus to boost to my kids’ mental health and happiness levels.

This year money is tight. Really tight. But this tradition is one of our favorites. It is one that gives us the joy of the season. There are also SO many new employees, and many of our favorites have moved on. We have decided to do small baskets this year and focus on affirmations.

2025 has been so hard for so many of us. We want to help them bring in the new year with some optimism and joy. Might not be much, especially since we have to go small, but it will be something.

I’m hoping y’all can help me narrow it down a little, because otherwise I will go overboard. Giving is one of my love languages, and I always get carried away. So, I’ll just give a list, with links (yes they are my affiliate links – just in case), and ask for your input. I am running out of time to get things ordered so that we can deliver early for those who leave for the holiday.

• Reginary 50 Pcs Inspirational Gifts Bulk (You Are Awesome) – These bags would work as the basket/gift bag
• 60 Pack Hand Cream Bulk and Lip Balm Bulk Sets – These will give everyone both lotion and lip balm. We live in Colorado, where the air is killer on skin and lips. Plus, there is enough in this set that the kiddo can give sets to friends too.
• Scented Candles Gifts Set 24 Pack Soy Wax Travel Tin Jar Candles – Honestly, because candles are great for everyone.
• 48 Pcs Positive Affirmation Gift Set Gratitude Notebooks with Pens – Maybe notebooks are just on my mind, but these ones have affirmations on them and are small enough to be carried with them, or left on the counter.
• 40 Sets Pocket Hug Token Gift Bulk Hug Cards with Heart Shape Natural Stones – Everyone deserves a hug, and isn’t it nice to be able to have one with you? Again, this one comes with enough to be used as gifts for other people too.
• 72 Pcs Inspirational Stress Relief Balls – Does this one need an explanation?
• 60 Pcs Rubber Handles Metal Extendable Back Scratchers – This one is mostly because I can’t live without mine, and thought other people might like to have one.
• 200 Pcs Positive Affirmation Chips – There are so many of these that each person could get more than one and we’d still have more to gift others.
• 300 Pcs Motivation Inspiration Affirmation Cards – The youngest said that he liked the chips better, but I think they are totally different, and used differently. I’m sure we only need one, but some people might need the chips and some might need these cards. (See, this is why I need reigned in)
• Mini Screwdriver Keychain Tape Measure Keychains Set – Mostly because I know a few of the guys there told the manager that they would want tools of some sort as a gift. I had looked at these before that, but had decided against them, but after hearing that comment, I added them back.

If we decide not to edit any of this out it will cost us about $240 after taxes. That is more than we have by a lot, but again, it is worth it to us to sacrifice somewhere else to keep this tradition going.

Our lives are in a constant state of change right now. Two deaths and the change in my in-laws health has made this year so different than previous years. I am truly afraid that losing one more thing might be the thing that snaps the very thin line holding my kids together right now.

So, please help a girl out – what are we keeping and what are we cutting?

I would also love to hear about your family’s traditions, especially those that pass along the joy.