Today is Free Shipping Day! With Christmas just one week away, now is the time to finish up your holiday shopping. Take advantage of the FREE shipping deals while they last. When you place your order today, many retailers guarantee that your goods will be delivered by Christmas.
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/COBigelow.gif) |
Give some stellar stocking stuffers with a product or two from C.O. Bigelow, such as their Mentha Lip Shine or Quince Hand Lotion (my favorites!). While you’re shopping, get 12% off any purchase, plus free shipping on orders over $49 with code XMAS12. Good through 12/31. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/CafePressLogo1.gif) |
You can find almost anything imaginable on CafePress from customized clothing to home decor. You can also find some beautiful Christmas cards at a great price—50 cards for $19.50 plus free shipping! Offer valid until 12/31. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/cheryls-logo.gif) |
It can be tricky to send goodies to your loved ones in the military, but Cheryl’s makes it easy to send fresh baked treats. Get free shipping on baked goods to all APO & FPO military bases from Cheryls.com. (Offer expires 1/1/2015.) Even if you’re not shipping to a military address, you can still take advantage of free shipping on many of their tasty products. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/cricut.gif) |
Anyone who is crafty would love to receive a Cricut this Christmas! If someone you know already has a Cricut, then perhaps they would like a new cartridge for new projects or a replacement blade. Whatever you decide to purchase, you can get free shipping in December with code FREESHIPDEC. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/fred-logo.png) |
For gag gifts and lots of silly puns, check out the fun gifts made by Fred & Friends on Amazon. Many of the gifts are Amazon Prime eligible, so you can get FREE two-day shipping if you have a Prime membership. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/GiftsWithHumanity.gif) |
Give a unique handmade gift to your loved ones this Christmas when you purchase a present from Gifts With Humanity. All items are hand-crafted by artisans across the world, so you know you’re giving something that is truly unique. Plus, when you spend $50, your order will be shipped for free! (Domestic US only.) |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MelissaDoug.gif) |
If you’re looking for a gift for a child, take a moment to check out the toys and gifts at Melissa and Doug. From toy & games to arts & crafts, you will find something for a child of any age. Don’t take our word for it—check out the Melissa & Doug Holiday Gift Guide, save & get free shipping! |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheBodyShop.gif) |
Find the perfect last-minute gift or stocking stuffers at The Body Shop. With so many scents and body products to choose from, you can certainly finish up your Christmas shopping. Head on over to their website and 50% off and free shipping with code SAVE50. Valid until 12/18. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/landofnod.gif) |
From toys to furniture, The Land of Nod is the place for all things kids. If you know a child or two who loves books or music, head over to the Land of Nod and get free shipping on DVDs, books and CDs. |
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/walmart.gif) |
Walmart is the place to go for all your last-minute needs. Grab any final food items for Christmas dinner, candles for the table centerpiece, plus the remaining gifts on your holiday list. Get free shipping on orders of $50 or more at Walmart.com! |
Say “Merry Christmas” the Italian way by using this “Buon Natale” stamp on your Christmas cards, envelopes, or gift wrap. Baking biscotti or Italian cookies for your loved ones? You could use this beautiful stamp to create gift tags to go along with your homemade goodies.
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/il_fullxfull.685738006_p55d.jpg)
After travelling to London, New York City and the Blue Ridge Mountains this year, Raymond and I thought it would be interesting to visit another city where we could soak up a lot of history. Raymond was particularly interested in checking out old ruins and historic buildings, so we decided to make our way down to Rome, Italy!
It was incredibly hot while we were in Rome—possibly even hotter than when we went to South Korea last year. Let me tell you, when you live at the North Pole, you aren’t used to heat and humidity! In between surveying the sites, Raymond and I ducked into the shade and made sure to drink plenty of water.
For our first stop, Raymond and I visited the Pantheon, which was built nearly 2,000 years ago. Used as a Roman Catholic church since the 7th century, the Pantheon is beautiful and incredibly well-preserved.
Raymond in the hot sun outside the Pantheon
Admiring the coffered concrete dome and oculus inside the Pantheon
Tempted to hop into the water of the Fontana del Pantheon to cool off in Piazza della Rotonda
Next we decided to stop for some lunch. As you may remember, Raymond and I are both vegetarians, and thankfully there is a plethora of vegetarian Italian dishes. Some days we couldn’t decide… Pasta? Pizza? Salad? Gelato? All of the above? 😀
About to chow down on a caprese salad. Yum!
Raymond and I could eat Italian cuisine all day, but we had other sights to see, so we ventured forth in the Roman sun. We came across a large building that turned out to be Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II. Built in the early 1900s, this monument was erected in honour of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.
In front of Altare della Patria, also known as Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II
With the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the background
From Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, we passed the Roman Forum on our way to the Colosseum. Raymond was fascinated by the ruins, as some of them date back nearly 3,000 years!
Enjoying a visual history lesson
A trip to Rome would be incomplete without a visit to the Colosseum. Completed almost 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum is the largest amplitheatre in the world. Raymond and I both loved the Colosseum in its beautiful ruined state.
Excited to check out the Colosseum
Some estimates say the Colosseum could hold between 50,000–80,000 spectators—yowza!
“Buongiorno!”
Raymond and I had a blast in Italy, taking in the historical sites and tasty cuisine. Where else do you think Raymond went this year? Stay tuned to find out! 🙂
The stockings in this Etsy shop are so pretty, and each design is full of details that you may not notice at first glance. Take these his & hers stockings, for example. The stockings are quite lovely, but upon a closer look you will see mistletoe hanging from the stag’s antler. How cute and clever! These stockings would be a sweet gift for any couple—new or seasoned.
![His & Hers Stockings ~ Etsy Seller: Heartfelt Stockings](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/his-hers-stockings.jpg)
When you’re getting ready for a holiday soirée, it’s fun to add a dash of festive flair to your outfit. You could do this with jewelry or tights, but one of my favourite ways to jazz up a Christmas outfit is with a unique hair accessory. Whether you wear it to your company Christmas party or Christmas dinner, any of the headbands below will give your outfit that extra bit of merry.
![](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/HairAccessories.jpg)
-
This top hat fascinator is perfect for when you’re feelin’ festive and fancy.
-
The spray of red feathers on this swanky celebration feather fascinator cocktail hat will instantly upgrade any outfit. [Bonus idea: You could also wear this on a date on Valentine’s Day!]
-
Add some subtle holiday cheer to a more casual outfit with these knotted headbands.
-
Just for giggles, you could don this mistletoe headband. Maybe your sweetie will even give you a smooch 😉
-
If you’re an elf-wannabe, sport this elf hat headband along with some red and green striped tights.
-
An adorable statement piece, this oversized bow would look great with a little black dress and some sparkly jewelry.
-
Not only is this sequin green & red Christmas bow headband cute, but it also lights up!
Psst… All of these hair accessories are available for two-day shipping [some even with Amazon Prime], so you can still get them before this weekend!