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| What will be under the tree this year? |
It's time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. No, I don't mean before the turkey is digested. What do the kids want this year? Well in my house instead of making a list for Santa we make one for Grandma since we have our celebration at Grandma and Grandpa's house before the big day in December.
We asked the kids to make a Christmas wish list by circling items from an ad. I have never been impressed with the overpriced, plastic items that come out this time of year. I know kids want the "top toy" of the year, but do they actually play with it when the new year comes?
I know I really shouldn't get started on how the massive consumerism of the holiday drives me up the wall. I never realized until I had kids that I would feel torn buying gifts for those who have plenty when the money could go to those who don't have enough. I look at all the toys, games, and books we already have and wonder why we need to add to it! I don't need to be a Scrooge to my kids though and I know they will enjoy the presents and be thankful.
Now my oldest is easy to shop for. He wants Legos and plenty of them. He also likes Star Wars. There are a number of items in these two categories that are age appropriate and I am sure he will put to good use and continue to play with throughout the year.
My daughter is the one that has me stumped. In the words of my son, "When I walk down the pink aisle in the toy department, it makes me want to throw up." Now don't get me wrong we have a dollhouse and babies, but I never covered her toys in pink. She joined in with her brother at the tool bench and trains. I had no problem with her brother playing with her toys either. I just didn't think that every item marketed to girls must be dipped in pink. She could play with a red car or blue stove.
Also her age is giving me trouble this year. I am very used to buying her preschool age toys and now that she has started school I would like something that will grow with her. She is very energetic so an active toy would be great. She loves to draw making art supplies a welcome addition. What do you buy for a five year old girl for Christmas?
Books, says this retired teacher. Or books with a recording so she can enjoy learning to read.
ReplyDeleteYes! books are a wonderful gift. My kids love the recordings we get from the library. I wonder where I can shop for some?
DeleteMy kids were never commercial saturated making holidays less hectic for us. They always made a short list for Santa maybe 4 or items (and they would get 1 or 2). Santa only ever brings 3 gifts per child in our house (not that that would stop my mother from competing with his mother for who gave the most quantity (not quality) of gifts). When my girls we at the 5ish age range they got a single toy that they had been coveting (Webkinz were big at that time/age) and then a large lot of crafty/artsy supplies. I did not buy cheapie art kits ($10-$20 pre-made kits) instead I put together my own kits that had American made, quality craft and art supplies for them to enjoy through out the year. Part of our tradition (which happens this weekend - even though they are 11 and 14) is to clean out their rooms this weekend. They will get rid of clothing they have outgrown, don't like or simply don't wear, and the same for toys. This year they are doing so with 12 and 14 year old girls in mind who will have little to nothing for Christmas, and a family of four (2 Girls and 2 Boys) who need a help with Christmas. For my girls knowing that the toys, craft supplies and clothes are going to another family have always helped them part with things they no longer want/need/use but might otherwise hold onto. It is also a reminder that we have more than enough and some people don't even have enough. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter loves crafts. That is a great idea to make your own kit. Santa brings one in my house since we receive from other givers as well. Last year she asked for an American Girl doll from Santa. I told her Santa gives presents in a certain price range since he has all those children on his list!
DeleteThank you for the wonderful ideas. My daughter loves crafts and making your own kits would be great for her. I also am cleaning out to make room. We donated many outgrown toys to the church rummage sale and pass the clothes on to friends.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to go simple and low tech get some craft kits from Michaels. They have a bunch where you can make jewelry and candy necklaces. Check the ads sometimes these are on sale or you can use the store coupons. A high tech option is the leappad. It has all kinds of educational games, an art studio for drawing, a camera and can take videos. Maddy has one and Emily even uses it. If you want new aps for it you can just download them from your computer and you don't have to run to the store. It also comes in pink and has a pink carrying case. Good luck this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas!
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