Our Christmas Gift Tips
This year we started a tradition of cleaning out the toy boxes before Christmas to donate old toys to charity. H++ gets involved and helps me select which toys she wants to keep and which ones she'll give away. We filled two large garbage bags this year, which has made one whole, waist-high toy box obsolete! If H++ can really spare two whole garbage bags of toys, does she really need to receive so many materialistic gifts each year? So this year I’m searching for the perfect experiential and educational gifts.
With that I mind, here's some ideas for gifts we love for a very merry Christmas:
1. Lost my name book
Personalised story books are nothing new but this one is the latest and the cutest we have seen. Little readers search for their name letter by letter, meeting magical creatures and growing their imaginations page by page.
2. Gifts to explore the word around them
There are loads of gifts you can give that encourage little ones to engage with and learn about the world around them. A simple globe or world map could do the trick, or a book like My Big World, but at LSS our favourite around the world gift is from Little Passports. Each month your child receives a world themed kit full of learning activities. Subscriptions are available for children aged 3+ and a great way to introduce geography to your child.
3. Kiwi Crate
Keeping with the subscription theme, we have just discovered Kiwi Crate, a monthly craft kit that is sent direct to your home. Children receive a new craft project and all the required materials each month “to inspire kids to see themselves as scientists, artists, creators, and makers.”
4. Get out and live it
I’m a big fan of giving experiences. Whether it’s an annual zoo pass, a ticket to a theatre show or a voucher to go canoeing, I think creating a special outing around the celebration is a creative approach to gift giving. This year H++ and I are going to Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty by the Australia Ballet just after Christmas Day.
5. Give someone wings to fly
Nothing sparks the imagination like a good dress up, and we’ve found the most gorgeous bird wings that you won't be able to go passed. Little Miss & Moo in Shellharbour stocks Jekyll is Hyde bird wings (pictured), handmade using pre-loved jeans and recycled fabrics. Each set is individually designed and thus completely unique. How could you resist?
6. Clothes
Now we know clothes are not the most exciting gift for any child, but frankly they should just get used to it and we shouldn’t feel guilty for giving them. While also practical, it’s a good excuse to get some nicer than normal clothing, even if it’s only for 5 minutes into wearing them before they’re filthy!
x Katy