In this issue, I'm happy to host Charles Carpenter with his suggestions for holiday shopping. He has written for me previously on music and weekend activities. Many of you enjoyed those articles and I hope you will find this one helpful as well.
Be sure to click on all his links to get your wheels turning.
Cheers!
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Photo credit: Pixabay
No Screens Necessary! These Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas Are Perfect for Creative Kiddos
Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or anyone else who has a special little one on your gift list, it can be a challenge to find the right gift at the rightprice. It seems like kids are always using mobile devices, yet research tells us that we should limit their screen time. And while tech devices are here to stay, that doesn’t mean that hands-on toys are a thing of the past! These unique gift ideas are perfect for modern kiddos, and even better news is that buying them doesn’t have to put a strain on your budget.
Experience Gifts
If you want to find an educational gift that doesn’t require electronics, one of the first things to consider is giving an experience. Experience gifts can come in many forms. One idea is to give kids their very own luggage so that the family can take more trips together. Luggage is the perfect gift for kids to get excited about going to new places, and you can make this gift even more fun by picking something in their favorite color or a character they love. Fortunately, you can save money on these purchases by searching for luggage deals online.
Another way to give an experience is to give a subscription. Kids who love to read will enjoy a magazine or book subscription, or for a hands-on option, you can give a subscription activity box. If you opt for an activity box, Real Simple recommends some great choices for every interest, whether they like science, art, crafts, or cooking. These gifts are cost-effective because they’re ongoing, rather than a single item that kids forget quickly. Plus, with most subscriptions, you can set up automatic draft to be billed monthly rather than paying the full price all at once.
STEM Gifts
The newest buzzword in educational activities for kids is STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Like activity boxes that focus on specific interests, STEM gifts can be a set of supplies that encourages these activities. If the kids on your list are into science, you can find hands-on science kits for every age and interest. You can order these online, and many can also be found at craft stores where you can use coupons to save money.
Gifts by Skill Set
Instead of choosing gifts by subject, another way to pick fun and educational toys for kids is to choose by the type of skills they help build. For example, This Reading Mama breaks down gift ideas based on ones that build reading/writing, fine motor, and math skills. When you’re picking gifts by skills, age is an essential factor to consider too. For example, the best educational gifts for toddlers are tactile activities, like shape sorters and matching puzzles. Some categories work for kids of all ages, but the skill level varies by age. One example is building blocks — toddlers may love simple wooden blocks to stack, whereas older kids will enjoy more advanced building sets like Legos. Of course, generic brands of building blocks can be just as high quality as the brand names, and shopping for these toys off-label is a great way to bring down the cost.
Shopping for off-brands, using coupons, and looking for clearance deals are just a few ways you can keep holiday gifts from getting too expensive. The holiday season is magical for kids, but in spite of the fun and excitement, parents often feel stressed. We hope these ideas for choosing gifts and saving money will take your stress level down a notch so you can enjoy the magic too.
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As you foster creativity in your children, I hope you are doing the same for yourself. To be our best at home and work, the people in our lives need creativity to bring in fresh ideas, perspectives, plans and practices.
Prioritize your personal growth for 2020. Perpetual evolution towards integration is paramount, now more than ever. Without it, we lose sight of what matters most: courage, compassion, and connection.