Your guide to buying the best valued Christmas gifts for kids.
Intro
Freeing up space
Quality over Quantity
Affordability
Best Educational Toys
Holiday Cheer
Intro:
If you're anything like me, the festive season brings mixed feelings when it comes to gift-giving. Sure, there's the thrill of the hunt, but there's also that feeling of "oh no, what do they want?" Don't get me wrong, I love it when family and friends ask this, but let's be real: sometimes what they want is a little too out there. Like, I'm pretty sure my toddler would love a rainbow tiger cub, but let's be honest, I don't have the space or knowledge to raise a tiger! As parents, it's a constant struggle to balance what our kids want versus what they actually need. And let's face it, our little ones are so loved that our tree ends up looking like a toy store explosion on Christmas morning. Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond grateful for all the love, but sometimes it can be overwhelming when it takes hours to open presents.
Maybe I'm sounding like a Grinch, but I truly want my kids to understand the real meaning of Christmas, not just the commercialized version. Growing up, I didn't have everything I wanted, but I always had what I needed. Some Christmases were more sparse than others, but they were always joyful and filled with love. Now that we're far away from most of our family, it's harder to recreate those memories. But I'd much rather my kids receive one meaningful gift or something handmade, than a pile of presents that will end up forgotten at the bottom of a toy chest.
Speaking of toy chests, don't we all let out a sigh when we see them overflowing with toys that our kids lost interest in after a day? It's a little heartbreaking to have to throw them away, especially when we consider the time we spent acquiring them. When we start valuing things in terms of time instead of money, it changes the whole game. That toy that cost $50 is almost 3 hours of my time! So, when I ask "is it worth it?", I'm not just talking about money. Remember, time is one thing we can never get back, so make sure the gifts you're buying are worth the investment of your time, and something your kids will enjoy more than just a few times.
Toy Bin Clean Out, Donating Toys Before Christmas: Living in Tiny cabin of less than 800sq feet, space is valuable! Everything needs to have a place or it's absolute chaos! I can't buy anything without knowing exactly where it goes, or finding storage for it. so every year we go through toys, and clothes and donate gently used items. With the holiday season upon us, what better way to spread the holiday cheer than by donating toys to those in need. As you start your toy bin clean out, consider donating gently used toys to local charities or toy drives. Not only will you be helping families in need, but you'll also be teaching your children the importance of giving back.
Quality Over Quantity: When choosing gifts for your loved ones, remember that quality often trumps quantity. Instead of purchasing many small, gifts, consider investing in a few valuable items that will last for years to come. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that the recipient will have a gift that they will truly cherish. Making sure you fit the gift to the child is so important. For instance we bought our kids these magna blocks a few years ago and they still love building towers, and zoos etc. Finding toys that don't end up at the bottom of the toy chest can be difficult but I've gathered up some items that your kids are unlikely to get bored of, we store our multi- item toys in bins that fit under their bed.
I've found that toys they have to use their imaginations, seem to be the favorites, and the most enriching toys. They really get the most out of these!
Affordability: It's also essential to consider affordability. Don't overspend on gifts, as the true meaning of the holidays is spending time with loved ones. Instead, set a budget and stick to it. There are many affordable options available, such as DIY gifts or purchasing items during holiday sales. I have noticed that the gimmicky toys that are not only the most expensive but I think my kids lose interest in them fairly quickly. We've tried the toys with their favorite cartoon character, or movie character but it seems they lose interest because it's not as interactive as they want. here are some fun interactive toys that don't break the bank but that will keep them entertained.
Fun and Educational Gifts for All Ages: Gifts that are both fun and educational are the perfect choice for all ages. Consider toys that encourage creativity and imagination, or games that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Books are also an excellent choice, as they provide endless opportunities for learning and growth. As a homeschool mom I'm always looking for ways my kids can learn. Studies have found kids learn best through play! Learning can be fun! The learning toys now a days are so much more fun than the toys we grew up with! My kids are very hands on so I think these would be great gifts. Here's a few toys that are educational, and also fun!
Don't Forget the Classics: While new and trendy toys are exciting, don't forget about the classics! Board games, puzzles, and building blocks are timeless gifts that provide endless hours of fun and encourage socialization and teamwork! Do you remember how fun Linkin Logs were? or even Legos? I know we have a few classic games that my girls just love! Here's a few of those classics:
Tips for Choosing the Best Gifts for Your Kids: When choosing gifts for your children, consider their interests and hobbies. Ask them what they would like and take note of their favorite activities. It's also essential to choose age-appropriate gifts and prioritize items that encourage learning and growth. This is top priority! I know one gift had a million pieces and my oldest was just not ready for the overwhelming possibilities, and it essentially landed in the the trash.. Sometimes less is more. It's such a pet-peeve to have tiny pieces laying all over the house that will either be lost to the vacuum cleaner, or stepped on by my husband or I.
Age appropriate gifts can be hard. and I think for babies this was a big challenge. I wanted them to have something to open but in all honesty my baby had no interest in anything I had bought them. 1st Christmases is not always as exciting as we think it will be. Instead of buying them lots of toys buy them essentials. I guarantee they will have more fun tearing the paper, and playing with the box than the actual item itself, so don't over think, or over spend!
Wrapping it All Up with Holiday Cheer! Finally, don't forget to add a little holiday cheer to your gift-giving. Personalize your gifts with handmade cards or wrapping paper, or add a festive touch with holiday-themed accessories. Remember, the holidays are about spreading joy and love, so let your gifts reflect that spirit. We love buying plain paper and letting the girls color or decorate the presents and customizing them to the person! Instead of spending $6 on a card make it fun with some craft paper, stickers, and markers! Not only will the kids enjoy it, but the person receiving it will have a fun memorable card they can choose to hold on to! Also check out these seed embedded paper to make your cards really grow! I've added some wrapping essentials that make wrapping a little less stressful, and add a little more fun.
*Tip: Tie Your scissors to your tape and then tie them to a helium filled balloon so you can keep track of them
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