Category Archives: Holidays

10 Gifts for Stress Management

Gifts That Promote Rest and Relaxation

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‘Tis the season for holiday stress! Months of cooking, shopping, family time, and out-of-town guests take a toll on everyone. Since we’re all jonesing for a little R&R after the holiday season, gifts that promote rest and relaxation are guaranteed to be appreciated. These are our top picks for thoughtful holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

10 Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Women's Pajamas Bee Pattern

Queen Bee by The Cat’s Pajamas

1. Pajamas Fit for a Queen. Queen Bee pajama set by The Cat’s Pajamas is perfect for the queen in your life. This beautiful set is made from Pima cotton, which is premium long staple cotton. When it comes to cotton, the longer the fiber (staple), the softer the fabric. The set comes in three colors and would make a thoughtful, relaxing gift along with some loose leaf tea and a good book.

Father Son Matching Pajamas

Furry Monsters by Munki Munich

2. Something for Superdad. For your “biggest kid,” the man who makes them laugh the hardest, a pajama set that will bring a smile. This jogger set by Munki Munki comes in different colors and patterns and, best of all, comes with a pint-sized version so he can match his favorite little buddy. Throw in a luxe shave kit to give him a little “me” time.

Junk food funny adult onesie

“Junk Food” Hooded Fleece Union Suit by Boxercraft

3. A Little Fun for the College Kid. Is your college-aged kiddo wiped out from Finals and the holiday crunch at their internship? Let them kick back on the couch (in between shoveling the driveway) with this fun union suit by Boxercraft. Pizza and fries are totally optional.

unisex Dinosaur kids pajamas

Dinosaur Union Suit by Big Feet

4. For the Future Paleontologist. Do you have a little one in your house with a bad case of dino fever? Preschool is hard. Let their imaginations run wild before bedtime with this super playful dinosaur onesie by Big Feet.

Kashwere unisex plush bathrobe

Plush Bathrobes by Kashwere

5. A Spa Day for the Workaholic. We all have a friend or family member who gets caught up in “all work and no play.” Encourage them to take a break with one of our customer favorites, the Kashwere robe — once featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things. It is an ultra plush robe that can be worn year-round. Pair with a salt scrub and a face mask to encourage rest and relaxation.

Boxercraft Unisex Plaid Pajama Pants

Unisex Plaid Pajama Pants by Boxercraft

6. Relaxation for Everyone. Let’s be honest: the best part of the day is when you have finished your obligations at work and home and can “slip into something more comfortable” — for us, that something is pajama pants. Everyone appreciates a cozy pair of classic flannel pajama pants. Unisex plaid pajama pants from Boxercraft offer the pattern in every color combination. Give with a mug and hot chocolate to promote quality time with the couch.

Fuzzy Friends 'Duck' Slippers by Aroma Home

Fuzzy Duck Slippers by Aroma Home

7. For the Early Riser. Some of us are morning people and some of us have to wake up in the wee hours to start our day, for a workout, an early shift, or a long commute. During the winter months, those early risers are stepping out of bed and into a cold, dark house. Brighten up their mornings with a pound of quality coffee and these cheerful ‘Fuzzy Friends’ slippers by Aroma Home, with a menagerie of playful characters.

Cowboy Pajama Pants

Cowboy Cotton Pajama Pants by The Cat’s Pajamas

8. Even the Wild Ones Need a Nap. This is a gift for our friends who burn the midnight oil, who live by “work hard, play hard,” who are the first on the dancefloor when they’re not skydiving or mountain climbing. These cowboy pajama pants from The Cat’s Pajamas are perfect for the wild ones with restless hearts. Pair with a nice set of lowball glasses or their favorite spirit.

Party Pups Pajama Set

Party Pups Pajama Set by The Cat’s Pajamas

9. For the Animal Lover. Whether they’re dog people or cat people, The Cat’s Pajamas has a pajama set for the “fur mom” in your life. Caring for pets is a lot of responsibility. Acknowledge their love and their dedication with a gift they can use while snuggling their best friends on the couch. Throw in their furry friend’s favorite treat for a thoughtful, heartwarming gift they’ll love.

matching family pajamas

Don’t Moose With Me by Lazy One

10. Kick Back with the Whole Family. These adorable ‘Don’t Moose with Me’ Flapjack Pajamas come in sizes for the whole family. Give the give of matching family pajamas. They’re perfect for fun family holiday photos and ideal for lazy movie marathons into the New Year.

We hope you enjoyed this list! For more gift ideas, family recipes, and inspiration for family fun this holiday season, visit The Pajama Company blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

8 Hot Chocolate Alternatives to Enjoy in Your Pajamas

8 Soul-Warming Drinks to Sip in Your Pajamas

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Work hard, nap hard. We believe that weekends should be dedicated to rest and relaxation after a long week. Weekends are for takeout menus, Netflix binges, and ignoring your inbox. Now slip into your favorite flannels and a fluffy bathrobe and don’t take them off until Monday.

During the winter months, there is no better pairing than your couch, cozy pajamas, and a cup of hot chocolate. Slowly sipping a warm beverage is like hosting a spa day for your soul. Hot chocolate is everyone’s favorite go-to, but if you want to mix it up, give one of these hot drink recipes a try.

Lounge in your favorite pajamas this weekend.

Safari Toile Luxe Pima Cotton Set from The Cat’s Pajamas

Hot Chocolate Alternatives for Winter Lounging

1. Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is the quintessential winter cocktail. Infused with lemon juice, bourbon, and honey, it was also an old-school remedy for relief from a bad cold. Tart and sweet, bright citrus is the perfect compliment to rich, smoky bourbon. You don’t need to be ill to enjoy this drink on a cold winter’s night.

Get the adult recipe on epicurious.com.

Get the non-alcoholic version on thespruce.com.

2. Chai Tea

Chai Tea has the creaminess of hot chocolate that you love, but with an extra kick from cinnamon, fresh ginger, cardamom, peppercorn, and anise. The spicy aroma alone would be enough to warm you up on the coldest of winter days.

Check out the recipe on realsimple.com.

3. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is another beverage made with warm spices such as orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The spices are used with brown sugar to flavor the — you guessed it! — hot butter that is blended into the drink. The brown sugar and bright orange zest enhance the deep flavor of the rum in this sweet treat.

Get the adult recipe on marthastewart.com.

Get the non-alcoholic version on barefeetinthekitchen.com.

4. Hot Mulled Cranberry Cider

When you think of drinks to enjoy in cold weather, on your couch, in fuzzy slippers — cider is right up there with hot chocolate. The cranberry cocktail in this recipe adds a tangy twist to the classic. It’s the perfect drink if you’re in the mood for something warm and sweet with a little bite.

Check out the recipe on thekitchn.com.

5. Mexican Hot Chocolate

If you’re in need of some heat, look no further than Mexican Hot Chocolate. Chocolate and crushed chiles or smoky cayenne go surprisingly well together. Add vanilla and cinnamon and this drink becomes a decadent treat. We doubt you’ll make hot chocolate any other way after trying this recipe.

Check out the recipe on bonappetit.com.

Moroccan Mint Tea in Your Pajamas

When made with fresh herbs, mint tea soothes upset stomachs — even heartburn! — and promotes healthy digestion.

6. Moroccan Mint Tea

Detoxing after the holidays? Freshly brewed Moroccan Mint Tea is a light and sweet hot cocoa alternative. When made with fresh herbs, mint tea soothes upset stomachs — even heartburn! — and promotes healthy digestion. The perfect remedy after an overindulgent feast or a long week of late-night takeout.

Check out the recipe on epicurious.com.

7. Tom and Jerry

A clear indicator that a cocktail is from the 1920s is the presence of eggs. Like the classic Egg Cream, the ‘Tom and Jerry’ is made with fluffy beaten egg whites. Brandy, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice are what make this cocktail “Christmas in a glass.” It is considered a classic Christmas cocktail throughout much of the midwest today. You might want to pull out your favorite footies for this one.

Get the adult recipe on tablespoon.com.

For the non-alcoholic version, replace the brandy, rum, or whiskey with hot cider or freshly brewed cinnamon tea.

8. White Hot Chocolate

White chocolate is an acquired taste, but is more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world. In fact, the U.S. consumes more white chocolate than all other countries combined! Whether you’re a fan or not, you’ll love this warm creamy drink made with vanilla and quality white chocolate.

Check out the recipe on celebratingsweets.com.

For more ideas for winter fun in your PJs, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

How to Host a Winter Spa Day in Your Pajamas

How to Host a Winter Spa Day

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We are barely through winter but our skin has been through the ringer: holiday stress, wayward skincare routines, loads of sugar, and the season’s first blizzard. As we approach winter’s halfway mark, give your tired skin some TLC. Gather your best girlfriends for a winter spa day.

Hosting a winter spa day is far less expensive than the real deal. Also, many people abstain from sugar or alcohol during the month of January, so it’s a way to host a party that doesn’t put an emphasis on food and drink — but who would pass up a chance to sip a mimosa in a bathrobe?

Munki Munki Women's Fluffy Polar Bear Coral Fleece Robe

Munki Munki Fluffy Polar Bear Fleece Robe from The Pajama Company

Everything You Need for a Winter Spa Day at Home

1. BYOB

Bring your own bathrobe, that is. Encourage everyone to wear clothes they can truly lounge in (think ultrasoft pajama pants) and their fluffiest, coziest bathrobe and slippers. Slipping into a relaxed state of mind starts with the clothes we wear. When you go to a spa, you are provided with a robe and encouraged to wear soft, loose-fitting clothing. Encourage your guests to do the same. Let’s be real: pants with zippers are for the birds.

2. Minimalist Magic

Tidy up your living room so everything looks neat and decluttered with a minimalist spa feel. Hide knick knacks and run the vacuum. Turn off the TV and turn on some ‘spa tunes’ on Pandora or Spotify: any soothing instrumentals that incorporate nature sounds like rain, gentle thunder, or birdsong. Make sure there are plenty of pillows and space for people to get comfortable. Set up stacks of magazines throughout the room. Strategically place some fresh flowers to bring the outdoors in and shake off the winter blues.

Create a Spa Atmosphere

The traditional blend of lavender and peppermint has an instant, calming effect.

3. Aromatherapy

The first thing we notice when we step into a spa is the smell. The traditional blend of lavender and peppermint has an instant, calming effect. The scent of lavender is well-known for its stress-relieving benefits. Peppermint has a cooling, refreshing effect and is used in aromatherapy to increase mental alertness. Many claim that the oil has natural energy-boosting properties. Add peppermint and lavender scented candles or oil diffusers to the room so your guests can breathe deep and relax in a spa-like atmosphere.

4. Drinks and Light Bites

If you want to keep the menu alcohol-free out of respect for your friends abstaining in January, opt for spa classics like cucumber water. Simply slice a cleaned cucumber (peeled or unpeeled, your preference) into ½ inch slices. Add to a pitcher of water with ice. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but for best results let sit overnight. You can make lemon water by swapping out lemons and following the same process. Opt for lighter food like fresh fruit, hummus, smoked salmon, pita wedges, veggies, or salad wraps. If you’re including adult beverages, mimosas are a surefire hit.

5. Spa Stations

Unless you’re a licensed massage therapist, the spa stations will be simple, but fun. Set up an adjoining bathroom with tea lights, exfoliating face washes, moisturizers, and face masks for a DIY facial station. Set up an area of the living room with nail polish remover, various polishes and finishes, and hand cream for manicures and pedicures. Print out instructions for shoulder and neck massages and guests can take turns giving each other massages. Lastly add a hair styling station with dry shampoo, spray-in conditioner, styling products, a curling iron, flat iron, combs, ties, and bobby pins. Have fun trying out online tutorials and styling each other’s hair.

While your party won’t be on par with a 5-star spa, you and your guests are sure to have a great time catching up, enjoying snacks, and giggling at each other’s face masks. For more ideas on how to live your best life in the New Year, visit The Pajama Company on our blog or check us out on Facebook.

Light Brunch Ideas for the New Year

Lighten Up with These Post-Holiday Brunch Ideas

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From Thanksgiving to New Year’s we stuffed ourselves with savory indulgences and sweet treats. January is a time when we like to “get back to basics” and offset the decadence of the holiday season with healthier options.

Healthier, lighter choices are challenging to make in the middle of winter. It’s easier to follow your self-imposed restrictions during the workweek, when you’re distracted and far from your refrigerator. However, the weekends don’t lend themselves to salads.

When it’s blistering cold outside and you’re cozy and warm in your flannel pajamas on a Saturday morning, you want nothing more than a steaming hot cup of coffee and a heavy, hearty brunch.

You don’t have to forgo your leisurely weekend meals in your jammies. Simply swap out your signature French toast casserole for one of these delicious options that are heavy on flavor and light on guilt.

10 Light Brunch Ideas for the New Year

1. Butternut Squash-Kale Hash from Health.com

This sweet and savory Butternut Squash-Kale Hash is ready to enjoy in just over thirty minutes. The mix of superfoods with the low-carb satisfaction of butternut squash is sure to warm you up in the morning. Finishing the dish with a crispy fried egg, with its gooey soft center, also satisfies our craving for a cheesy topping.

Get the recipe on health.com

2. Mixed Berry Vanilla Baked Oatmeal from Julie’s Eats & Treats

The French toast casserole we mentioned earlier? Swap it out for the sweet taste of fresh berries and fragrant vanilla in this Mixed Berry Vanilla Baked Oatmeal. This is a warm, comforting dish that you can feel good about, with your feet up on the couch in your favorite footie pajamas.

Get the recipe on julieseatsandtreats.com

3. Light & Spicy Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito from The Creative Bite

This is an absolute favorite! Not only is this Light & Spicy Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito a satisfying addition to a weekend brunch, this recipe can be made ahead and frozen for an on-the-go meal during the week. It’s easy to throw together and contains a fraction of the fat of pork sausage.

Get the recipe on thecreativebite.com

4. End-of-Summer Zucchini Mushroom Frittata from Life is But a Dish

Remind yourself of warmer days with this lightened up End-of-Summer Zucchini Mushroom Frittata. Ok… stay with us… we are well aware that we are far from the “end of summer,” but if we’re being honest, all of these veggies are available — and inexpensive! — in your grocery store throughout the year. Topped with salty, savory feta, this frittata will satisfy your deepest darkest brunch cravings.

Get the recipe on lifeisbutadish.com

5. Crustless Vegetable Quiche from Recipe Runner

Everyone loves a good quiche. If you are torn between “brunching out” or “brunching in” and sticking to your New Year’s resolution, this Crustless Vegetable Quiche is the recipe for you. You could easily swap out the spring veggies for vegetables that are more readily available. Regardless of what veggies you choose, ditching the crust means you save yourself countless calories. Calories that can be better spent enjoying a mimosa in your bathrobe…

Get the recipe on reciperunner.com

6. Sweet Potato, Bacon, and Apple Hash from Worth Cooking

Sometimes you can’t skip the bacon. Subbing traditional russet potatoes for sweet potatoes means you are going to get more nutritional bang for your buck — which totally cancels out the bacon (we’re basically nutritionists… not). Incorporating apples and sweet potato in this Sweet Potato, Bacon, and Apple Hash definitely does take the edge of the guilt. In the end, isn’t that all that really matters?

Get the recipe on worthcooking.net

Light Egg Dish for the New Year

‘Italian Eggs’ from Cook the Story

7. Italian Eggs (aka ‘Eggs in Purgatory’) from Cook the Story

This recipe for Italian Eggs, better known traditionally as ‘Eggs in Purgatory,’ is light on calories but packed with the robust flavors we crave when we think of Italian cooking. The dish consists of eggs simmered to perfection in a hearty tomato sauce, then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. The red pepper flakes give the dish a spicy kick that will warm you up on a cold January morning.

Get the recipe from cookthestory.com

8. Avocado Toast with Turkey and Egg from The Lemon Bowl

You can’t brunch without avocado toast, or so we’re told. This Avocado Toast with Turkey and Egg is a deeply satisfying healthy breakfast-lunch-or-dinner dish. Hearty multigrain toast, topped with creamy avocado and a decadent runny fried egg will keep your fatty breakfast cravings under control. Additionally, the extra-lean protein punch of sliced turkey will keep your hunger in check until your next meal.

Get the recipe from thelemonbowl.com

Fuzzy Duck Slippers from Aroma Home

Did someone say fuzzy slippers? ‘Duck Slippers’ by Aroma Home.

9. Bacon and Asparagus Frittata from The Roasted Root

Put on your warmest, fuzziest slippers because this Bacon and Asparagus Frittata is classic lightened-up comfort food. With only four ingredients (!!!) you can prep this dish in just ten minutes. Ideal for a lazy Saturday morning. This recipe calls for four slices of thick cut bacon, which infuse each of the frittata’s 6+ servings with the savory bacon goodness you’re craving. Top with avocado, because why not?

Get the recipe from theroastedroot.com

10. Whipped Yogurt with Spiced Berry Compote from The Worktop

We’ve rounded out this brunch list with a sweet finish in the form of a Whipped Yogurt with Spiced Berry Compote. A yogurt parfait is something that we think of during the summer months, but the cinnamon, anise, and vanilla of this spiced berry compote warm up this sweet dish with the flavors of winter.

Get the recipe from theworktop.com

For more ideas on how to live your best life in the New Year, visit The Pajama Company on our blog or check us out on Facebook.

This Year, Workout in Your Pajamas

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We make a lot of promises to ourselves in January that we break by March. New Year’s resolutions are a tradition of goal setting. They key to accomplishing your goals is to start small and build on small successes. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to start working out, we have the perfect way to ease into a new routine.

Gyms are expensive and involve an additional commute. For some of us, the added cost and challenge make it easier to commit to an exercise routine. For others, those same challenges become hurdles. Before you spend on Crossfit classes, try incorporating exercise into your routine slowly to make the habit stick.

A great way to start is by working out in your pajamas. That’s right — a quick workout before or after you go to bed allows you to knock it out before you shower for work. Here are some simple exercise ideas that you can do at home, in your PJs.

10 At-Home Workouts You Can Do in Pajamas

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How to Host a Winter Pajama Party

How to Host a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Pajama Party

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After we unplug the Christmas tree and pack away our holiday decorations, many people feel a touch of ‘post-holiday blues’ because there is nothing left to celebrate and a long winter ahead. Don’t feel sad! There is a lot to celebrate after the holidays!

For one, we aren’t faced with the daunting task of entertaining in-laws and houseguests for another weekend packed with holiday traditions and formalities. Those of us who travel aren’t faced with another weekend in an airport, dragging luggage and children from coast to coast to visit family. The magical, sparkly, snowy winter weather is still going strong, which means we have a lot to celebrate — right at home.

Without all the holiday obligations, we can gleefully spend the rest of the winter season in hibernation. Why not celebrate what’s left of the season with a laidback ‘Winter Wonderland’ pajama party? Since the kids will be on winter break until after the New Year, you can keep the party to just your family or invite another family to join in. It’s also a great excuse to use those matching family pajamas one more time…

Winter Pajama Party Decor Ideas

Delaying taking down the Christmas decorations? Use your decorative string lights to create a wintery ambiance.

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Best Christmas Cookie Recipes of 2017

Must-Try Cookie Recipes for the Holiday Season

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In December, the warm smell of freshly baked cookies — rich vanilla and butter — is as iconic as the smell of balsam. Baking and decorating cookies with loved ones is a long-standing holiday tradition in many households, as is indulging in pure buttery bliss in matching family pajamas on Christmas Eve. Fill your home with the scent of holiday joy this year with one of these popular cookie recipes from 2017.

Best Christmas Cookies to Enjoy in Pajamas

Enjoy Christmas cookies in matching family pajamas this holiday season.

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Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

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The pressure of finding the perfect gifts, being “Santa’s Little Helper,” attending a dozen social events, and entertaining family can add up quickly. It takes one Saturday afternoon at the mall in December to make anyone want to pull their hair out from holiday stress. But how do we manage? We can’t drop everything and camp out under the covers in our pajamas until January (though obviously we recommend this approach over any other).

Here are some quick, practical tips for lightening your load and getting ahead of holiday stress this winter.

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Christmas Movie Pajama Marathon

12 Days of Christmas Movies!

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December has arrived and the last of the turkey leftovers have been cleared from the fridge. We can’t even think about eating another scoop of mashed potatoes, but a candy cane dunked in a cup of hot cocoa? Yes, please.

Festive wreaths and red velvet bows are being hung on front doors, strings of twinkle lights are strung through the trees, and giant inflatable Santas are hauled onto rooftops throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy the best of the holiday season before the inevitable post-Christmas burnout with 12 days of Christmas movies.

These movies are sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, both the little ones and the young-at-heart. Curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and take your matching family pajamas for a spin.

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2017 Holiday Gift Guide from the Pajama Company

Ultimate Holiday Gift-Giving Strategy: The ‘2-Stop Shop’

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It feels like Labor Day was only yesterday and yet somehow we’ve managed to fast forward through Halloween, blast past Thanksgiving, and Christmas is just around the corner?! Begin the annual lies: “I’m going to get my Christmas shopping done early this year” and “I’ll have the gifts wrapped by the end of November…” Sound familiar?

These are the lies we tell ourselves until mid-December when we end up on an aimless 10-hour Saturday mall run, buying whatever wrapping paper is left at Rite Aid, and giving at least six people on our list Starbucks gift cards. Hey, we’ve all been there. That’s why we’ve decided to help you out with a new strategy: The ‘2-Stop Shop.’

One part Cyber Monday and one part last-minute drugstore run, this strategy is designed to personalize the bejeezus out of your Cyber Monday haul for easy, thoughtful, personalized gifts for everyone on your list.

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