My Fave Mom Hacks for Getting Stuff Done:
If you’re a parent, I am betting there are never enough hours in the day. Ever wish you could clone yourself, or have that magic tool Hermione used in Harry Potter to get twice as much done at once? If so, Mamas, you should seriously consider putting some or all of these things on your holiday gift list: things that will help you, busy Mom, be more productive every day.
I’ve personally tested every single one of these for years, and they’ve all helped me get more done in less time. So if you want to know some of my top hacks for getting things done day in and day out, add these to your Christmas wish list, and supercharge your mom productivity in the new year:
Originally published December 2, 2019; last updated October 2020.
Holiday Gift Ideas To Help Mom Be More Productive:
Note: Many of these sounded crazy to my inner skeptic before I tried them. Now I cannot live without them. So you might want to give them a try in the new year anyway – they may just turn out to be your best. gifts. EVER!
How To Be A More Productive Mom Hack #1. A label maker
Several years ago, my mama insisted that I needed a ✅Brother P-Touch label maker, just like hers. She swore I would use it all the time.
I use mine almost every day to label everything under the sun – binders, the kids’ school supplies, the kids’ water bottles, the kids’ jackets in a pinch, my materials for children’s resale events, etc.
And we haven’t even gotten into the fancy colored refill cartridges yet. (One of these days!) But you can make all sorts of truly fancy labels, depending on what kind of refill cartridges you use.
A word about the refill cartridges: these are something you’ll definitely find the best deals on online. Especially if you can snag them from Amazon Warehouse. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying too much. There are many P-Touch compatible options out there, and all I’ve tried work great.
How To Be More Productive At Home Hack #2. Binder organizer sets
I thought my papers were under control before. The reality, though, was that my drawers of files were less-than-organized.
Enter the ✅Ahh Hah! binder organizing tab sets, which I was asked to review a few years back.
RELATED POST: How to Organize Important Documents: My New Secret Weapon
Oh my goodness, I knew NOTHING about paper organization before. Nothing.
Now that I have these binders, it literally takes me SECONDS to lay my hands on anything filed away in them. The owner’s manual for an appliance so we can order a replacement part, last year’s test results from bloodwork I had done, the girls’ report cards from two years back, our most recent IEP – all accessible, faster than ever.
And even better, when we’re off to an appointment at school or the doctor’s or with a contractor, all I have to do is grab the appropriate binder on the way out the door, and everything I need is at my fingertips.
Best of all, this system grows with you and your needs. Whenever I need new tabs or categories, I add them with my label maker (see above). And since you supply the binder with these tabs, you can switch to a bigger or smaller binder whenever you need to. Genius!
How To Be A Productive Stay-At-Home Mom Hack #3. My Bullet Journal and BuJo accessories
As I’ve written elsewhere, I was skeptical that bullet journaling would help me keep all the balls in the air better, something that had eluded me since parenthood.
Two months later, I was a convert.
RELATED POST: How Bullet Journaling Has Made Me A Better Parent
If you haven’t tried Bullet Journaling yet, all you really need is a notebook and a pen. (Preferably ✅a Leuchtturm1917 A5 notebook. There’s a reason most of us use them. I’ve tried others, and these are the best, from quality to durability.)
I’ve even written a quick-start guide on the EASY way to start Bullet Journaling. Still skeptical on the how’s and why’s, or want to dive in deeper? Then you need ✅this book from BuJo founder Ryder Carroll. New and seasoned bullet journalers alike will learn a ton from his tips and ideas.
My only other must-haves are some self-stick index tabs for the pages, colored ballpoint pens, and rolls of correction tape.
Looking for other fun ideas for bullet journaling? Then ✅check out my ultimate Bullet Journal gift guide for ideas to make every BuJo enthusiast’s day!
Mom Productivity Hack #4. A leakproof insulated mug
Tell me which of these sounds more like your reality:
- A. You enjoy a relaxed cup of hot coffee/beverage of choice every morning, while reading the headlines at a leisurely pace. OR
- B. You grab your morning beverage on your way out the door, trying not to spill it on yourself (and wishing you could stuff it in your purse/diaper bag/coat pocket). Or if you get to drink it at home, it cycles through the microwave at least three times before you get to finish it.
If you answered A, I’m skeptical that you’re actually a parent, and want to know your secret. If some version of B sounds closer to the truth, I have three words for you:
✅Insulated. Leakproof. Mug.
RELATED POST: From Leakproof Sippy To Top Travel Mug: My Fave Beverage Containers
I cannot tell you how much easier it is to grab a mug of hot coffee and toss it into my bag as I head out to 6am spin class, or a children’s resale event, or a morning of school drop-off followed by errands. Let alone how much easier it is to road-trip, or catch a plane, or hang out in the doctor’s office waiting room, without worrying about my coffee spilling all over or getting cold.
(Oh, yeah, and they’re just as good at keeping cold things cold. Like, day-long-road-trip-still-has-some-ice-left cold.)
How To Be More Productive Hack #5. Time-saving kitchen gadgets
Who wants delicious home-cooked meals in less time, for less money?
If you raised your hand, then these kitchen gadgets will save you time. I use them all several times a week to make my food prep quick and easy.
RELATED POST: Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets for Busy Parents
If I had to list my faves, I’d probably say my ✅mandoline and ✅metal glove, our ✅immersion blender, and our ✅silicone microwave lids:
- Our mandoline makes it super-simple to safely and quickly prep uniformly-sliced veggies. With my metal glove, I don’t have to worry about accidental cuts when using either the mandoline or a regular knife. (Kimmie even has a set!)
- Our immersion blender is probably our most-used, most versatile tool in our whole kitchen. Whether making a smoothie, mincing up herbs or veggies for cooking, or puréeing dips or foods (applesauce, squash, etc.), it makes both food prep AND CLEANUP super-fast.
- And our silicone splatter shield makes it so simple to steam veggies for a healthy side dish, or reheat leftovers for lunch. It’s also a must-have for our weekday 10-minute version of baked apples.
How To Be More Efficient As A Mom Hack #6. Pyrex lidded casseroles
Another kitchen powerhouse that can save you time AND money in so many ways.
I love these so much, I recently bought myself another set:
- We save money and avoid waste by being able to store leftovers in the fridge better. The glass containers make it easy to see the contents so they don’t get “lost,” and the flat lids mean they stack easily.
- We also save money and time when my husband brings leftovers to work in them for his lunch. The glass bowls go safely from fridge to microwave, and he doesn’t have to leave his office building and go across campus to wait in line at a cafe or fast-food joint.
- And I save time when cooking and cleaning up. When we make a big pan of brownies, we can just snap a lid on the leftovers to keep them fresh, without having to put them in another container.
- Likewise, when I cook casseroles, I often split them into two or more smaller casserole dishes before baking. That way, we eat up one dish, and I snap the lid on the other. Then we can have it in the fridge as leftovers for lunch, OR it can go straight into the freezer for eating another night!
If you haven’t tried these yet, there’s no time like the holidays to snag them on sale. They’re one of the best kitchen investments we’ve made.
Being A Productive Stay-At-Home Mom Hack #7. A 13-inch-capacity laminator
I realized something silly a few months ago: I have literally been borrowing my mama’s laminator for years. (Keep in mind, she lives several states and a day’s drive away!)
If she never used it, that would be one thing. But she uses it as often as I do.
I decided it was high time to get my own laminator last spring, when I needed to laminate some posters for our Girl Scout troop’s cookie booths. Just a single 11×14 poster cost over $5 to laminate – not to mention the hassle of having to go out and find a place to get it done!
When I realized that buying ✅my own 13-inch-wide laminator would pay for itself in fewer than 10 posters of that size, I was sold. Especially when you consider I no longer have to take time out of my workday (and waste gas) to drive out somewhere and wait in line – I can do it myself, at home, in minutes.
That’s the exact laminator I purchased. It came with a starter assortment of pouches, but I bought extras in various sizes.
- The girls love being able to laminate favorite artwork into bookmarks or placemats.
- I love the convenience of being able to laminate posters for events, reusable chore charts and checklists for the girls, and box signs for the children’s resale events in which I participate.
- My fellow class parent even laminated the bingo cards I made for Essie’s fall harvest party, including the key card. That way, she can reuse the cards for years to come. And by laminating the “key” card instead of cutting up the squares, we don’t need to worry about losing pieces – AND we could just write on/wipe off, reusing the card over and over, for Essie’s school party.
If you EVER laminate anything, unless you literally live right next door to an office-supply store, it’s seriously worth considering getting your own laminator. Having ours has already saved me enough time and money that it’s paid for itself. And there are usually several ✅top-rated models available for $50 or less.
Have you tried any of these before? Which are among your personal must-haves? What are YOUR favorite mom hacks for getting stuff done? Let us know in the comments!
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Oh wow, these are some of the best gift ideas for moms, they will not only ease their work but give the a piece of mind.
while i am not sure i will use that label maker effectively :), my immersion blender and pyrex glassware are totally always in use at my home
Ooooh these are such perfect gifts for my mom as well! I think that laminator is so handy especially since my brother is still studying and they usually have projects that need to be laminated. Will check all these out! Thank you for sharing your experience!
I love all of these gift ideas!
I want all the gifts on this list.
Ugh! My label maker just broke 🙁 Thanks for the reminder to get a new one! I swear by that thing!
Yes to the labels!! I label every item that my kids have, especially for daycare. It makes such a difference in the home! I also love the bullet journaling idea. When our thoughts are organized in one place, our lives become more organized for sure!
Also – I drink what I call “Mommy Coffee” which is my coffee that I reheat at least 4-5 times a day because I never have time to drink it! I should definitely look into those insulated mugs!
I love the bullet journal idea.
Thanks for the recommendations.
This is very helpful, I think label maker would definitely make a good gift.
Divya,
https://dstylebook.com/
I love the leak-proof insulated mugs. I have 4 of the contigo ones you tagged and they are my favourite! I spend the winter travelling to hockey arenas with my boys. I will usually pack 2, sometimes 3 (don’t judge me), for their games. They keep my coffee warm and they don’t leak in my bag!
No judging whatsoever! During Consignment Sale season, I usually bring at least 2 if not more with me to my 12-hour sale days (which can easily stretch to 14-15 hours if you add in drive time) – at least one with hot beverage (usually coffee) for the morning, and then at least one filled with ice for later in the day when I want something cold to drink!
These are great. I love my Contigo and my Brother label maker. I literally label everything lol
Haha so do I now (labeling everything)! And I have several Contigo mugs mainly because it seems I always have one in use and one in the dishwasher!
YES YES YES! I love (and have) so many of these!
Then you know exactly what I’m talking about! 😉
I love me a label maker and we only use glass in our house these sets are amazing!
Aren’t they? I’ve been thinking of gifting sets of the Pyrex to a few friends this year, that’s how much I love them!
I am loving so many of these fabulous must haves but I have to admit that a labeler is something. that I have to have. Definitely heading over to check this out now as it will help with organizing everything!
Being organized is truly one of the best secrets I know to saving time/getting more done as a busy parent! 🙂
I think it’s high time I got a laminator. It would help so much with homeschooling! I love the 13-inch model you featured.
I am amazed at how much use I’ve gotten out of it in the short time I’ve had it. SO much easier than borrowing my mama’s or driving out/paying an arm and a leg!
It’s weird, but now I believe I need a label maker in my life. Honestly, it looks very inconspicuous, a bit like a toy or an unnecessary gadget. I never thought about buying something like that, but now I imagine my new more tidy life with a label maker !
It really does make it so much easier to label things. I used to use sticky labels on jars, binders, etc. but after awhile the labels would just peel off. That has never happened with one from the label maker, though.
I have a label maker and love the thing!!! Everyone says how they are something you buy and never use but I use mine often! Love the thing
That was exactly what I said UNTIL I got mine! 🙂
What a great list of useful mom gifts. I love my label maker. It definitely comes in handy all the time.
Aren’t they the best??? 🙂
Yes I need a label maker. Would make searching for things in the garage and storage so much easier.
TOTAL #gamechanger – I was surprised!
i would use so many things on this list! especially the containers
Then do make sure you send it along to the appropriate parties! 🙂 (Too bad I already have everything on it, since my hubby and in-laws are asking for gift ideas and I haven’t made up my own list for this year yet lol…)
I used to file everything in filing cabinets. I’ve been learning the value of binders though, they do make it so much easier! I used to have a label maker. I labeled so many things that I ran out of labels in a couple days, lol!
LOL I have to hide my label maker from the girls, else they quickly run through my supply of label tape!
OMG I forgot laminators existed!!! And now, even though I don’t need one, I kinda, sorta, totally WANT ONE – hahahaha!
Just you wait til you’re in the school-mom, scouts/extracurriculars/etc phase, Mama – just you wait 😉
Wow, so many great gift ideas. I may need to buy some of these for myself.
There’s always those post-holiday sales when you get the things you REALLY wanted, but no one quite got around to getting for you despite your liberal hint-dropping 😉 …
These are some really cool things that a mom should have in the house. Ideal for gifting to a mom as well. I personally never thought about laminators or label makers, but come to think of it they are like every parent must-haves!
Absolutely! I totally thought these were superfluous til the girls started school. Now this mama can’t live without them. SO much easier to be able to make ONE set of posters for the cookie booth and keep recycling them, vs having to make a new set each week because the others got destroyed the week before!
I always want to be more organized but never know where to start. This is a great list to help me make small steps to a more organized life!
If you want one small step to start with, check out my posts on bullet journaling – there should be a link above to how BuJo totally revolutionized my parenting and gave me back that sense of being sort-of on top of things that I had from my pre-parenthood, work-outside-the-home days. Total game changer.
I am adding the pyrex containers to my wishlist. I hate the plastic mess that is in my cabinet.
Even if you don’t toss ALL your plastic quite yet, see if you can cull your collection to just 1-2 types of containers that stack well, both in the fridge and when empty. We haven’t recycled/passed on ALL our plastic ones yet, but getting rid of all the lidless containers, extra lids, and things that don’t nest nicely with the others has been a huge help.
I am all about being productive. I already have the kitchen gadgets, but I could use definitely use the laminator and the label maker for sure!
It’s amazing how helpful these become as our kids reach school-age…
These are great ideas! I have a few things on this list, but I’ve always wanted a label maker!
Total #gamechanger. Love love love mine.
I would love those containers!! I really need some new ones
I am surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed them – whenever we need to get new containers, I am trying to slowly swap out our casseroles-without-snap-on-lids and some of our larger plastic containers for more of these instead.