Hello December! One of the questions I get asked often during this month is “What should I get my child for the holidays?”. There are a few things I have to say in response to this.
First and foremost, it doesn’t really matter what you get for your child. What matters is what you do with it. Children don’t need the latest and greatest, they need things that will grow with them. I love the idea of toys that are very open-ended and can be used in so many different ways. (Blocks, figures, pretend food or other props, etc.) Here are a few of the items my daughter is getting this year. (16 months)
Another thing to think about is how many toys your child has. It’s a great time to get rid of toys that are no longer used or do not serve a purpose anymore. For our older children this can also be a great learning opportunity about giving back. I’ve worked with a lot of families who rotate toys, which is another great idea. They change out the toys every few weeks which helps to keep children entertained longer and also limits the options out to help with making choices and cleaning up. I also love the idea of staggering opening toys, for our younger kiddos. Just because they get ten things over the holidays doesn't mean they need to play with them all at once. Opening a new toy in the middle of January might help with long winter snow days!
My new favorite thing is the Amazon Wishlist. We did this for my daughter’s first birthday and again for the holiday season. Sharing a list with friends and relatives is helpful for everyone. It makes it easier for parents to get things they want or need and makes gift giving so simple for people who are shopping. It ensures sizes are correct, toys and games are age appropriate, and for older children it can be a great way for them to express what they want.
When it comes to gift ideas, here are my top three:
1. I am LOVING the Toniebox! If you don’t know what it is, check it out. It is a soft box that plays stories and music. There are so many characters to choose from! So many Disney ones as well as popular children’s stories and songs. There are Eric Carle tonies and the Laurie Berkner Band! I highly recommend it! It says for 3+ but we’ve had it since her first birthday, and she knows how to work the thing all on her own!
2. Anyone remember Highlights magazine? They have several different magazines geared toward different ages. Subscriptions can be changed at any time. We have the Hello magazine for 0-3 and it is the cutest little book that comes each month.
3. Finally, I want my daughter to have more experience gifts. I think this is becoming more popular and is so wonderful for all age groups. Offering a trip as a gift, big or small. A trip to the zoo or the aquarium. A night out bowling or to the movies. Even coupons for a special day with grandparents! It doesn’t have to be tangible things for it to be exciting and this is way more meaningful, most of the time.
I can’t stress enough that gift giving should be about connections and not just about giving an object. What are some of your family traditions? I know I’m always looking for simple ways to make the holidays special!
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