This post is sponsored by eBay and ShopStyle. 

There’s a certain chaos I’ve learned to embrace when it comes to the holidays. I married into a big family–Zack has four older sisters–and it just kept getting bigger when everyone started having kids. There’s always a TON of people around, young and old, and this girl (you know, the one who craves structure and schedules) had to make like Elsa and learn to LET IT GOOOOO and go with the flow. With that many people, planning anything everything just gets too hard. BUT. One thing our family does REALLY well (both my side and Zack’s) is party. And by party, I mean, we have fun together. It’s not unusual for someone to turn on a song that starts an impromptu dance party at any time…and everyone joins in. 

My sister-in-law, Amber, and I were talking about Christmas this year. We were brainstorming alternatives to buying a bunch of toys for the kids that they’ll play with for a few days and then move on from. Ways for us all to have fun together as a family. Like experience gifts but easier for a huge family to enjoy. (With no prior planning involved.) So, we checked out eBay, a one-stop shopping destination for anything and everything you could possibly need, and came up with some ideas . . . and guys, they are good. I am SO excited for the holidays this year.  (Shana and fam–get ready.) eBay pretty much had everything we were looking for less than anywhere else (like this PlayStation) and free shipping. From a karaoke machine (hear me out) to our favorite video game, to the easiest lights and speakers for an instant dance-party vibe, here are some gift ideas that will make the most of family time this holiday season.

Now through Cyber Monday eBay is running all kinds of amazing sales (think: all of our favorite things). Keep an eye on our Facebook for fun deals we’ll share as the weekend goes on…

Party Idea 1: Host A Karaoke Night

Gifts to Make It Happen: Karaoke Machines & Music Makers (For Adults & Kids)

This is a gift the whole family can enjoy! I can NOT stress enough how fun this Karaoke Machine is. Even the most reluctant participants got into the fun, and some of us didn’t want to put the mic down (stay tuned for IG stories). Having two microphones on a stand that’s easily adjustable for height and a built-in holder for your phone or tablet is super convenient. You can use Bluetooth or hook up directly through the headphone jack. The lights make it festive, the sound effects are funny (kids especially love those), and set up was a breeze–seriously, the hardest part is deciding what song to sing. Hint: we never used actual karaoke tracks but found videos with lyrics on them on YouTube. Much easier (and easier to listen to).

Get the Kids Involved

My brother gave Greenlea this Kids Karaoke Machine a few years ago (she LOVES it), and it was the perfect way to include them when the adults didn’t want to give up the mike. (I won’t tell you how many times we used it after she went to bed over the years.) These fake microphone toys are another great way to include younger kids without actually having to hear shrieking into the microphone.

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Don’t Forget Musical Toys for The Little Ones

Pass out egg shakers and let all the kids shake to their hearts’ content. (The adults all grabbed them too.)

Other musical toys like this Pound & Tap Bench with Xylophone is a great option for younger kids to get involved. Ozzie loved banging away at the bench and xylophone.

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Party Idea 2: Host A Dance-Off

Gifts to Make It Happen: Just Dance, Speakers, Projector & Party Lights (& Maybe A Drink or 2)

I don’t mean like a serious dance-off, but a family-friendly, non-expert-level dance-off. Our favorite way to do it? Just Dance. We’ve actually been playing this game for years (we’re PlayStation people), and it’s hilariously awesome. You choose a song (there are lots of good ones to choose from) and try to follow the dancers on the screen. You can use your smartphone to track your movements (no extra gear required), but we honestly had fun with or without the score. It was more about just watching and laughing at with each other. There’s a special kids’ section for the littles, which makes it more fun for them too. We basically couldn’t stop Greenlea from dancing over and over again the second we turned it on (another perk: kids get all their energy out). You don’t have to be a Dancer to enjoy it, but you do have to have a sense of humor. It’s impossible to take yourself seriously when playing this. And also, the lyrics are in the bottom corner…which means this can be used WITH the karaoke machine. WHAT!

Music Is Key

If all else fails and you just want ONE thing to get your party going…music is it. This speaker is a simple plug-in and go with no set-up required (aside from pairing a phone to it). It’s loud, has really good bass, and the built-in lights make it perfect for setting that party mood. You can buy two and pair them, but you would have to have a BIG space to need that much sound.

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Make It Big

This movie projector is a great way to make everything bigger. Games (like Just Dance) are a lot more fun with a group when everyone can see, and the kids LOVE watching their favorite movies on the big screen. You could use a projector screen or white sheet, but we’ve just been using a blank wall. Easy. Add some popcorn and snacks, and end the party with a movie (for the kids–the adults can keep singing and dancing).

Kick It Up A Notch with Party Lights

These little Party Lights are perfect for setting the party mood. I was surprised at how well they worked, especially when you set them to music using one of the three sound-activated modes. Set up is as easy as just plugging them in. Instant party.

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Set Out Your Drinks of Choice In This Bucket

Because when your fridge is filled with extra food and drinks for EVERYONE, this Galvanized Bucket comes in super-handy to keep beverages cold. (Also, there are a ton of ways to repurpose them when you’re not using them for drinks!)

XOXO,

Scotti

A huge thank you to eBay for sponsoring this post! We had a blast picking out our favorite party gifts, and we’ll be having fun throughout the holidays with them! And Amy, you and your photos are amazing as always – THANK YOU! As always, all product choices, thoughts and opinions are my own.