5 Non-Electronic Gifts for Preschoolers
Having a preschooler is a tough job. Constant attention required and more energy than most adults can handle. Sometimes it becomes too easy to fall in to the routine of giving electronics when we want peace and quiet. I am guilty, and I am sure that most parents are guilty, too. The problem is that kids these days become bored too easily. They expect constant stimulation during all parts of their day. I recently read a story about a little boy who was bored during a haircut because his mom forgot his tablet. Kids are starting to forget what it was like to not have electronics, and some of them don’t know what life is like without them. This year, we should try cutting the cord. A great way to start is by putting non-electronic gifts for preschoolers under the tree this holiday season.
5 Non-electronic Gifts for Preschoolers
Books: As an obvious non-electronic choice, books can open up the imagination of our little ones. Buy them a book a day during the month of December and give them as your gift to them on Christmas Eve. Make it a tradition. Board Games: These are a great way to unplug the entire family. Mom and dad can have just as much fun. Plus, games teach our preschoolers how to follow rules and to have patience while waiting for their turn. Puzzles: Puzzles are like brain food for preschoolers. They teach shapes, colors, and how to match. Music Gear: You may have a musical prodigy on your hands. Uncover any talents and get their creative juices flowing by gifting them a guitar, piano, or drum set. Something to Build: Crafts open the imagination and give them freedom to create whatever their imaginations conjure up.
Whenever I tell Aidan to put the tablet down, I get push back. I hate that he is so connected. He even knows what the hottest toys are before I do, all because of the videos that he watches on the tablet. When I took the Bunchems out of their hiding place in my closet Aidan knew exactly what they were and how to use them. He was so excited to try them, and I had to stop him from ripping the box open himself! If you don’t already know what they are, Bunchems are colorful little balls that stick to each other and build like no other.
Bunchems are great fun for kids his age, and any kids over the age of 4. They are sticky, without actually feeling sticky. They actually remind me of my childhood. Growing up in New Jersey, our yard was full of American Sweetgum trees with “sticky balls,” as we called them. They stuck together and stuck to our clothing. While these do not stick to clothing, or to our hands, they sure do stick together! As you can see in the above picture, you can mold them and twist them until you get the shape that you want. We received the Bunchems Mega Pack. It has over 400 pieces, including lots of different shaped eyes, mouths, arms, and legs so that your little one can create just about any animal they would like. It comes with an instructional booklet which guides you as you to build 36 amazing 3D creations including: owls, bears, octopi, cars, monkeys and more. The possibilities are limitless with Bunchems; they stick and stay, then pull apart easily for reimagined creations. What’s even better, clean up is a breeze because they stick to each other. It was easy to get Aidan to clean up after I showed him how fun it was to stick the balls back together and shove them in the box. You can watch the below video to see exactly how Bunchems work and how easy they are to handle for kids of all ages.
Aidan kept himself occupied by Bunchems for almost an hour before he asked me for help with making a more intricate design. This gave me time to feed and bathe the baby, wash dishes and even vacuum! It was nice knowing that he wasn’t glued to a screen while I was being productive around the house. You can find Bunchems at most major retailers at a price of right around $24.99 for the Mega Pack. Look for them next time you are looking for gifts for preschoolers in your life! For the latest and greatest with Bunchems, be sure that you are following them on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram! Read the full article