Ho, Ho, Ho!

When I was growing up, Santa made a personal appearance on Christmas Eve. My little sisters and I were so excited to hear the bell ring as he made his way to the front door! Whether your family celebrates Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or another holiday, parents often wonder what presents to buy and how many gifts are enough.

Although it’s tempting to buy out the store when you’re buying for your favorite kiddo at holiday time, quantity does not equal quality. Too many toys can even work against you (and your child). Instead, try focusing your gifting with a few, thoughtfully chosen gifts per child across different types of gifts:

·       Gift of Outdoors – sleds, skates, state park or arboretum pass, weather-worthy snowsuit/boots/mittens, winter camping trip

·       Gift of Music – music makers like rattles and drums, toddler music class, age-appropriate concert, music lessons

·       Gift of Reading – board/picture/chapter books, flannel boards with puppets, ABC puzzles

·       Gift of Experience – baking lessons with Grandma, water park day, field trip to a history museum*

·       Gift of Creativity – homemade playdough, markers and crayons, model airplanes

·       Gift of Sharing – visit an animal shelter and bring something on their wish list

*Kids value time with loved ones so if this holiday is monetarily challenging, wrap up the gift of LOVE – special time with a loved one doing something that doesn’t cost any money. Many communities also have programs like Toys for Tots that provide toys to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.