31 Days of Fitness

Have you heard about our FREE 13 Day Clean Eating Challenge? It includes a sample meal plan, workout plan, plus much more. Learn more and join today!

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How is it already almost 2018?! Blows. my. mind.

We can't start a new month, definitely not January, without a new workout challenge! This one is a little different than what we normally post. I want to encourage you to move every single day of the month. You have designated strength training, cardio, yoga/walk, and rest days included in the challenge. If you are doing any of our workout plans you are already covered (as long as you follow it!). We always recommend having a workout plan in order to meet your goals (find out why here) but if you don't you can choose your own strength training and cardio workouts (we have a ton of free resources for those!).

The goal here is to make exercise a habit. I don't want you to go so hard in January that you get hurt or lose interest by the time February rolls around (I've seen it happen over and over again!). Make exercise a daily habit and something that you look for in the normal routine of your day (taking the stairs, parking far away, etc.). It's also important to switch things up, which is the reason we have different forms of exercise listed. You don't need to run every single day, keep your body guessing by incorporating different exercises!

Be sure to check out all of our other challenges here. We have weight lifting, cardio, and core challenges galore! Tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #heandsheeatclean so we can follow along!

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20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas

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We hear it all the time. Parents are tired of all of the toys laying around. They are tired of buying toys that only get played with a few times. They are tired of every special occasion being about toys. There IS another way. Gifts don't have to be toys. There are plenty of good non-toy gift ideas out there that won't put a hole in your wallet just to take up space in a corner collecting dust.

You probably already know by now but we value experiences over things and know that this way of thinking can be instilled early on in a child's life. We've shared 10 Things to Get Rid of for a Clutter-Free Home and also released a 30-Day Minimalism Challenge.

Below is a list of our picks for non-toy gift ideas! Think of anything we left out? Let us know in the comments below!

20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas

1. Money in a savings account

You could start a normal savings account, a 529 plan which is a savings college account, or you could buy stocks. Something that I think would be really cool is to start the accounts but not even tell the child about them until they are older! How awesome would it be to have someone tell you when you are 16, 18, 21 (whatever age you choose) that you have XX amount of money in an account that you didn't even know existed!?

2. Membership (museum, zoo, amusement park, etc)

Purchase a yearly membership to a local establishment. It's a gift that keeps on giving! A few ideas include amusement parks, the zoo, or museums.

3. Movie tickets

Sure, the parents probably pay for the child to attend movies normally but movie tickets are always a great idea. It makes them feel more grown up with their own movie ticket and they can choose which movie they want to see. You could even include some goodies for them to take with them to the movie!

4. Subscription (little passports, etc)

Subscription services are the latest craze and there are quite a few for kids. Little Passports is one that I've heard of recently and it seems like a really cool option. They inspire children to learn about the world and each month the child will receive a new package in the mail. Another one is Kiwi Crate. Kiwi Crate inspires kids to see themselves as scientists, artists, creators, and makers.

5. Dress up clothes

Some might consider dress up clothes as a form of toys but I think that they spark creativity. You could even go to a secondhand store and get some really cool vintage dress up clothes!

6. Luggage

Having your own piece of luggage as a kid is so cool! It makes you feel like an adult. Whether they just use it to store things or actually take it on trips, either way, it's going to a piece that they love and think of you each time they see it.

7. Tickets to an event

Have a child that loves sports or theater? Consider buying them a ticket to an event! You could even get them multiple tickets so they can take friends!

8. Books

This one doesn't take much explanation. Books are a great educational gift. If you don't want to buy any full price check out the local thrift store or take them on a trip to the library. Amazon is one of our favorite places to buy books!

9. Lessons (art, music, sports, etc)

Pay for your child (grandchild, niece, nephew, etc) to take lessons on something they are interested in! Things like gymnastics lessons, art lessons, and sports club fees can all be presented as a gift.

10. Family vacation

Experiences are always better than things and going on a family vacation is definitely an experience! Gift them with a vacation that the whole family is going to take. Print off fun articles or pictures are where you are going and box those up and wrap them. Even if the vacation is far away you can make it fun by giving them a way to countdown the days.

11. Room decor

Kids (and adults!) are always wanting to re-design rooms. Gift them with the tools they need to do that! Have the room painted and/or buy new decor. Bonus points if you can sell the old decor!

12. Sports equipment

Does your child need a new football or baseball gear? Instead of just buying it, give it as a gift. If they are already into the sport, they will love it!

13. Telescope

Know a child interested in astronomy? Get them a telescope. Even if they aren't interested now I bet they will be! Amazon has small travel telescopes, telescopes made just for kids, and large professional telescopes!

14. Gift card to a restaurant

Similar to the idea for movie tickets, getting them their own gift card to a restaurant will make them feel very grown up. Pick their favorite restaurant, get the gift card, and then set a special date that you will go together, if possible.

15. Sleeping bag

I remember having my own luggage and sleeping bag as a kid. For some reason, it was so much fun to take it and watch movies while curled up in it. Maybe that's why I like to backpack now and sleep in my sleeping bag. Amazon is also another great resource for sleeping bags!

16. Hobby kits (cake decorating, model cars, sewing, etc)

Again, this could be considered a toy by some but I believe that it gets their brain going in a different direction. They have to concentrate on what they are making or building. Some good ideas include cake decorating, model cars, and sewing!

17. Coupon book (that you create)

Create a coupon book for them that includes things like going to the movie, going bowling, going out to eat, playing in the park, etc. You could even include a coupon or two in there about YOU cleaning their room. ;-)

18. Craft supplies

If they are really interested in taking that hobby kit to the next level you could invest a little bit more in the supplies they need. Our nephew loves to get sketchbooks and art supplies.

19. Board games

Another memory I have of growing up is board games. Maybe your kids have too many board games already and you consider this another piece of clutter but again, I think some of them make kids think in a different direction. My favorite game growing up was always Monopoly!

20. Money

And the best gift of all... MONEY! I honestly don't care if people think it's not personal enough or whatever reason they come up with... I've never met anyone to turn down money. If you are giving it for Christmas turn it into a money tree (tutorial here).

Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day Workout Challenge

Have you heard about our FREE 13 Day Clean Eating Challenge? It includes a sample meal plan, workout plan, plus much more. Learn more and join today!

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I've never released a challenge specifically for this time frame but I'm super excited to do so! I know that this is a very busy time of year so this challenge will not take very much time. While I would like for you to be doing this in addition to your normal workouts (we have quite a few...wink wink) if this is the only thing you have time for it is better than nothing! The goal here is to just get into the habit (or keep the habit) of working out.

There are two workout plans that I would suggest for this time of year if you are looking for something more structured. One is our Busy Body 4-Week Workout Plan. You will only spend 3 days a week in the gym (or your home workout space) for 40 minutes or less! Learn more here.

Another one is our She Sweats Extreme 4-Week Shred. This one is a little bit more advanced so it is not recommended for beginners. This plan is focused on strength training and HIIT in a circuit-based workout. The four weeks are structured to optimally shed fat and help retain the muscle you have worked so hard to build. Learn more here.

For 40 days, from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day, you have two challenges to do each day. They can even be split up if you prefer. The cardio challenge is just ONE mile of any type of cardio you choose to do. In a perfect world, you would be doing these outside to get the benefit of being in the fresh air and you would be switching things up and doing different types of cardio but I understand that can be hard sometimes. The core challenge is also the same each day, you hold a regular plank, with good form for as long as possible. As I mentioned, the goal here is just to get moving or keep moving through the holidays but I've also included a "notes" section on each so you can record your mile time and plank time if you would like to try and improve those over the course of the challenge. You could also use this column to check off each day that you complete the challenge!

Looking for a printable version of this challenge? We've got you covered! Join our newsletter and you will be taken to a black and white printable version right away! Grab the printable challenge here.

Need a little encouragement and support? Join our He and She Eat Clean Facebook Group!

Be sure to check out all of our other challenges here. We have weight lifting, cardio, and core challenges galore! Tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #heandsheeatclean so we can follow along!