Gift-Giving Ideas for Kids This Holiday Season

As a parent, one of the most challenging questions I hear around Christmas is, “what does your son want?” My initial response is to say that my toddler wants every single thing on the planet that Santa could fit in his sleigh, but mommy would like to keep gifts at a minimum.

 Don’t get this twisted, though. It’s not that I don’t want him to receive gifts or that he doesn’t deserve gifts. Instead, I want him to truly appreciate everything he receives.

 Anyone with kids knows that overstimulated look on the face of their child after a few go-arounds of ripping open wrapping paper and boxes. They have either fallen into the programmed, unenthusiastic, “thank you” following each present reveal, or are living on the corner of sugar high and overtired as they tornado through everything in sight.

 At the end of the day, I understand that a kid will be a kid. Still, I also think there’s something to be said for helping them see the importance of not only appreciating every gift they get but experiencing the value of how that gift can give back to them and their development.

 Something to Read

Absolutely 100% this. Selfishly, what’s better than cuddling up with your little one and reading to them, watching them engage with the book and story? If you’re a mom like me that likes enjoys being a part of different mommy communities, whether that’s by following ScaryMommy or reading all the information that Heidi Murkoff puts out into the universe, you’ve heard ad nauseam about the countless benefits reading provides to your children. What parent doesn’t want to do something that helps their child?

Something to Wear

Kids are adorable little miracles, but they also are some of the biggest hot messes you will ever encounter. I know in my case, our son can never have enough shirts to splatter some known or unknown substance all over, or enough pants to absolutely destroy with grass stains and muddy puddles. And I’m not only referring to new clothes because I’m all about the hand-me-downs and think they make fantastic gifts. Plus, what’s cuter than the miniaturized version of adult clothing or witty shirt sayings like I still live with my parents, or I’m just here for the snacks?

 Something Interactive

Although there can be a negative stigma surrounding screen time and children, full disclosure, we are a household that allows some screen time for our son. Mostly when it comes to eating breakfast or when he’s sick, and we need to keep him relaxed. It’s easier to herd cats than contain a toddler, so sometimes the iPad is all about survival. Don't underestimate the education that these interactive tools can provide. Watching my son match colors and associate certain sounds with animals is great for his development, and it’s all about being able to interact with the educational apps we’re providing him. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you can just plop the iPad in your child’s hand and call it a night. Nothing should take the place of mom or dad spending time helping their child grow too.

 Something for Bedtime

Getting into a good bedtime routine usually makes or breaks how the night goes. Enough can go against us as parents already when it comes to how things go down overnight. In between a teething baby, a dreaming child, a toddler who just learned to walk, run, jump, basically hit any developmental milestone, or a sick little one who encountered the latest daycare-touring virus, you don’t need to add something else to the list. If part of your bedtime routine includes bath time, ask for anything you can use there; bubble bath, cute hooded towels, washcloths, or toys. If your bedtime routine includes quiet time, ask for books or lullaby music. A good rule of thumb, anything that promotes your child’s bedtime routine, put it on the list.

 Something Intangible

Most gifts received around the holidays are ones you can hold in your hand. What about the things we can’t tangibly see, like an experience or an education? We are big fans of getting our older nieces and nephews movie tickets to enjoy a movie out with mom and dad or friends. Memberships to child-oriented fitness gyms or subscriptions to STEM activity boxes for kids are also great ideas if you’re looking to give an experience. Partaking in these activities can mean so much more to the development of children in place of the holiday season’s hottest toy. Funding for college is another great idea for something that never enters the hands of a child but will provide them so much more out of life.

 So if you’re a parent like me who feels overrun with toys even before the holiday season begins, it’s ok to propose the type of gift-giving that channels everyone’s inner Marie Kondo and spreads some joy.