Input requested: Meaningful Christmas gifts
First, I wonder how many gifts the ladies get their children for Christmas and the reasoning behind it? Also, I was wondering if I could get input on what folks are getting their children for Christmas that is NOT a toy? My children all have (or have had) birthdays within 45 days of each other at the end of the year and I do not want another heap of toys coming our way! I have 2 boys and 2 girls ages up to 7. I'm willing to search things out and/or make things. -Christi
Thanks for the question, Christi! I'm sure some other mothers here have some great thoughts on this. So, for those of you with great ideas, please share! What kinds of meaningful and thoughtful gifts are you giving your children this year to encourage them in Godliness and truth and holiness?
By the way, I know some of you do not celebrate Christmas and I completely respect your family's decision in that regard. I try to shy away from mentioning it too extensively this month as my husband and I opt to keep Christmas Christ-centered and very simple in our home. However, I want to help and encourage those families who are seeking to have a Christ-centered Christmas as well with ideas and encouragement. Thanks for your understanding of this and for not making this a debate over Christmas.
By the way, I know some of you do not celebrate Christmas and I completely respect your family's decision in that regard. I try to shy away from mentioning it too extensively this month as my husband and I opt to keep Christmas Christ-centered and very simple in our home. However, I want to help and encourage those families who are seeking to have a Christ-centered Christmas as well with ideas and encouragement. Thanks for your understanding of this and for not making this a debate over Christmas.
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:39 AM
26 Comments:
I'm making aprons for my little ones this year. I also hope to make them each a cute tote bag (to carry their things in when we go on a road trip or any kind of gathering that requires them to sit still for a long period of time), and maybe a rag doll. My 5yo is getting a child's sewing machine and beginner's sewing supplies. Craft supplies are always a good option for kids. Books are a good choice too.
We have tried not to over-load on toys at our home either.
The ones that we have bought are made to last and driven only by child power and imagination.
I have knitted finger puppets, stitched magnetic alphabet letters and will be assembling "cooking baskets" for a couple of them with everything that they need to make some special treats with only a little help from me.
Blessings!
Tracy
Maybe you can tell your children that it is better to give then to recieve for the holidays. Have them pick out one of their favorite toy or 2. Clean it up if needed and have them wrap it for a child less fortunate and explain to them that because of their actions, they are helping another little boy or girl have a good Christmas. There is no better gift then to be able to help others. ;-)
I don't know, that was the first thing that came to my mind. ;-)
This year is the first year we haven't done "Santa," and we have each bought a small gift for each other person in our family. Next year, we hope to draw names among the five of us, so each is responsible for one very special gift for one very special other person.
I realize this isn't specific. Among gifts my children would love are things like art/craft supplies (consumable and inexpensive at places like Dollar Tree), real bakeware and accessories (bought with 40/50 percent off coupons at Michael's), model kits, books (bought at our library's book sale) and sewing supplies (marked-down scraps of material, starter sewing kit with scissors, measuring tape, needles, etc.).
Also, you can make them no-sew blankets with their favorite characters or in their favorite colors from a bit of fleece, or "wallow pillows" for reading or rest time -- these are oversized, overstuffed pillows that are very easy to make.
Another really cool gift would be mixes to make their favorite hot chocolate, cookies or muffins and a promise of cooking lessons. One of my kiddos' favorite all-together gifts was a subscription to Highlights magazine.
Friends of ours with many small children are putting some surprises in stockings, but their gift to the children will be a large tent, camp stove, sleeping bags and other accessories for camping. This same family gave their children a trampoline with bumpers and nets one year, and the family gift idea seems to work great with things like building blocks, computers, aquariums and anything else they all can enjoy and care for together.
Hope this helps!
Rebecca
Hello,
I have three little girls who are constantly putting their babies to "bed". They have in the past used pillowcases, towels, or even washcloths as their blankets, but this summer I got the idea to make them little baby quilts. I used bright pretty fabric and just cut squares and sewed them together to make a quilt top. Then when I had an 18inch square I made a back for it of complimentary fabric. I didn't use batting so that it would be very light and easy to fold around tiny "babies". If you wanted you could make a small matching pillow. (I used the filling from old stuffed animals.) Other ideas are ..
-aprons for the girls
-chef's hats for boys
-tool belts for the boys with simple real tools
-bible cases tailor made to the kids sunday school program ie a pocket for flashcards or whatever papers they get..
-watches, even the smallest ones like feeling grown up
-a screwdriver and old toaster for a boy to dismantle (great for homeschool)
-bible verse flashcards (easy to make)
-blank computer paper, crayons
-net and mason jars for bug collecting
-silly cards they can cash in for 1 free hug, 1 sticker or bandaid, 1 get out of dishes free card (endless possibilities for handmade cards)
-box of buttons and fabric scraps (needle and thread)
-make-you-own-game kit. include parts from lost games, paper, buttons, dice, pencils.
-penny banks made from just about anything, or paint and containers for them to make their own..
-grown up purses for girls (I buy them from the thrift store)
-Boggle .. great educational game
I know that some of these ideas sound a little messy for kids, but anything that fosters creativity will keep them entertained for hours, plus they will be learning at the same time. I hope this helps get you started.
My kids are still young - 8, 6, 4, & 2. So very much the toy age. One thing I try to do is buy toys for them that can be added to. duplos, legos, knex, dolls, etc. So that at gift giving times I am not bringing all new toys into my house. I am adding pieces to favorites already here. I hope that makes sense.
Also, as my kids get older, I find they want clothes items that I am not willing to get on a regular basis. Ds wants a CU football jersey. This is not part of regular attire and actually can be expensive. So it will make a good Christmas present. He also fell in love with Cheese Wiz - I know, I agree it is gross. But he loves the stuff. So I bought a can of that. Other food treats would be good to.
If you don't normally buy something, like desserts this is something you can give at Christmas.
For my dh a couple of years ago, my in laws and i went in together and bought him tickets to a CU football game. We had to give them to him early. so on his birthday I put together a box of his favorite foods. he loved it so much that I am doing it again this year. You can do the same thing for children.
My now 6 year old one year got a box of baby food. She was 2 monthes old and didn't need anything. She didn't know the difference at all. but I felt she needed something under the tree from us. More so her big brother wouldn't question than anything.
Does the child need clothes? Get some with her favorite character on it. Thomas the tank is a favorite around here. The child gets what they need, but like still like it more than plain clothes.
Sorry this got so long, I hope it gives some people good ideas.
My girlfriend gives her children three gifts each year. One to represent gold, one for frankincense and another for myrrh. Each has a significance.
The "gold" is something that will mean a lot to them. For little ones it could be a new toy or to the older ones a new gizmo. Frankincense is something creative like art supplies. Myrrh is something of spiritual significance like a worship CD, new devotional or something like that.
They set a limit for $25 per child and that's it. They make cookies or candy for everyone else that they need to gift. The rest of the season they spend doing some really cool traditions and enjoy family.
We have a few traditions. Each year, the kids get a new pair of slippers (Grandma always gets them new pjs, too), and I sew them a fun flannel pillowcase, which I also use as their gift wrap. When they turn 18, I will make them a quilt out of all their flannel pillowcases.
This year, I bought my girls felt dolls from www.thefeltsource.com. They are like paper dolls, but made of felt. Then I'm buying a really cheap picture frame from IKEA, removing the glass, and covering the back panel with flannel for them to use with their felt dolls.
I'm making fleece no sew blankets for each grandchild this year with matching pajamas. I think they'll really like them. Also for the granddaughters I am making matching mommy/daughter dresses and aprons. My husband is making the boys wooden swords and guns. We are trying to make all our gifts this year for Christmas. I am also making rag rugs to match each relative's kitchen or bathrooms and also I am making each married child a new quilt for their bed. This all is a lot of work, but I get so much pleasure out of making these things and I think of each person so much as I am making these.
This year my mom told me she is giving 3 gifts per child...something they want, something they need, and something just for fun. I thought that was a good way to simplify Christmas shopping, and work within a budget for multiple kids of different ages. I'm looking forward to seeing what all she comes up with for my siblings.
We don't have children, yet. But, the formula we are using this year for our families is:
Something to wear,
Something to read,
Something they want,
Something they need.
We have also tried to stick with certain toy 'groups' with our boys. They love Thomas the Tank Engine and so most of their birthday/Christmas presents are either engines, track or buildings that add to their set. Other toys we have tried to stick with are Mega Blocks and as they are getting older, are turning towards Lego. This way, one simple train engine means more to them than a whole pile of gifts that have no connection to anything they already own.
Other things we often get for gifts for the kids include things that they will use through the year. Sippy cups for younger children. Crayons. Bubblebath. Soap. Or food items they particularly like. One of our boys loves cookies and so sometimes we will buy him a special container of his favorite cookie and wrap it along with his other gifts.
I also like to use this time to get the kids clothes that we would not normally be able to afford. Church clothes - suits etc. And shoes.
Something that came to mind was the Bible toys from Doorposts. They offer patterns for toys. THey look quite simple and easy to make.
http://www.doorposts.net/toys.asp
Blessings,
Bethany
We stopped doing Santa about 6 years ago however, we usually overdo Christmas gifts for our 5 kids but this year is different. We aren't doing any gifts at all and surprisingly enough my kids are completely okay with it. We are planning a short family vacation to a mountain cabin and we are hoping to find a needy family to serve in our local area. I feel it is a great thing to donate gifts and food but it is a complete other to actually meet a family, get involved with them, and serve them face to face during the holidays ~ or anytime. This isn't easy to come by for some reason but I know this program is real as I have had friends in other parts of the country participate before. If anybody knows of something like this let me know. We are in WA state.
If I buy the boys something it is not usually a toy, but something that can be played with creatively.
Lincoln Logs
Wooden blocks
Legos
Wooden tool set or tool set
Board games
Puzzles
Little cars and some big trucks
Building toys like Knex, tinker toys, gears, etc.
Science or History kits
Books
As they get older theywould get things that are fun, but practical.
For girls-
Sewing machine
Grandmother's hope chest book series
Embroidery kits
Dolls
Dollhouse (I made a really simple one, not fancy for my sister, which you can wither buy a simple 2 shelf bookshelf or make one and use it as a 2 story doll house. When she grows up a bit and no longer wants it as a doll house, it is a bookshelf. You can also put thin foam covered in fabric and it is a doll bunkbed)
Audio books
They
Books
Puzzles
They do not miss having more toys, in fact like having less as it is easier to clean and keep clean.
Oh, Melissa and Doug sets are really nice. My son loved the band set!
Cooking sets
I don't know how old you children are, but maybe a larger item they can share? I only have one son, but we are getting him a wagon for Christmas. The type with seat belts. It'll get shared with his sibling on the way and any future siblings as well. Plus, it makes my life easier because it gives me something to haul him around in when we go on outings to the zoo. So it serves many purposes. You can often find larger items at thrift stores or on craigslist for cheap. I bought the wagon at the end of the sumnmer when a local store was clearancing them.
Another idea is to get a family pass to a place your kids like to go. A children's museum, the zoo, aquarium, etc. That way you can take the kids on outings and don't have to pay the admission, and it's a gift to use year round.
I received yet another magazine today but this one did give me some ideas. The name of the magazine is Hearth Song and it can be found on the internet as well. I’m not saying to buy from them so much as I’m suggesting gleaning some ideas from the magazine. For example if you have an artist on your list; consider purchasing art supplies. At Hobby Lobby you can get 60 oil pastels for under $7.00. Then I saw some other neat ideas like a cup of yarn w/ two knitting needles pushed through the top. I like the idea of purchasing toward an obvious interest, talent, or hobby. I especially love the idea of aprons! My daughter and I were looking at some a few days ago. Emma from Charming the Birds from the Trees had an entry w/ this beautiful apron http://www.stitchthrutime.com/1940_apron.html the aprons are expensive but you can get some great ideas… The magazine also had some neat ideas for boys too. They had a brick by brick construction set (modeling); an architect set where you design and decorate a house; a first tool kit. You get the idea…
Have a wonderful time planning for your little ones!
Celeste
Hi Crystal!!
I would be very interested in learning how you and your husband "I opt to keep Christmas Christ-centered and very simple in our home."
His,
Mrs. U
It might be a little late for this year, but something to keep in the back of your mind for the future...
One year when dollars were short and Christmas was coming I made our girls velveteen bunnies out of old velvet blazers from the thrift store. They turned out beautifully. The pattern had clothes and so I made them each four or five outfits to go with their bunny. The next year I had fabric left from something I had sewn them and so I made them a new bunny outfit and a new tradition was born. Every year now they get a bunny outfit made from dance outfit material, graduation dress material, matching pajamas, etc. They are 17 and 21 and still like to get a new bunny outfit!
I would second the idea about buying memberships for places your family enjoys going. I have a friend who's parents give her children money each year for Christmas and as a family they choose a place to purchase a one-year family membership (the zoo, Science World, aquarium, etc.) Their kids are 8 and 10 now and still love this!
I only have one daughter (and one on the way, but that one doesn't need a gift!). This year I am making her a scrapbook collage in a pretty, antique-looking frame. It will say her full name and the meaning of each name given to her, plus a verse that we feel will be special to her. It will match her bedroom and will hopefully be a beautiful and meaningful gift for years to come!
As a family, we have decided that other than small, inexpensive stocking stuffers or meaningful, homemade gifts, we will put the money we would have spent on gifts towards serving others. We are going to sit down together and choose some gifts from the World Vision Christmas catalogue and each child will have a certain amount of money to spend on a gift to give to these children and families. You can purchase items like a cow, medical supplies, farming supplies and seeds, etc. so it's exciting to choose something specific to bless someone!
I second you, Mrs. U. and would enjoy learning more.
One year I bought a small suitcase for my daughter at a Salvation Army thrift store. Then I filled it with other thrift store finds: necklaces, scarves, shiny shoes, hats, and a couple of cast-off bridesmaid dresses. The suitcase was easy to take outside into the yard or to a friend's house for hours and hours of dress-up play.
Some of my most treasured gifts as a child were new hand-made dresses, dress-up clothes, and great books.
Our kids are still young, so they aren't getting much anyway. A good book each, and Asrat gets a train whistle. :) But as they get older, we will move towards practical things--kid-sized tools, new clothes, their own pocket knives, things like that.
I see a couple fo people beat me to the family memberships to things like the zoo and science center. But tickets to all sorts of things are great gifts. I want my children to appreciate cultural things tto. Try tickets to the ballet, a children's concert at the symphony, a children's theatre production. I know that these sound expensive, but local colleges often have free plays and concerts. Also our local symphony association has a program for homeschoolers that offers tickets for just a token price. you could also make your own "tickets" up for a variety of local activities like ice skating, a historic home tour, etc.
There are many wholesome books out there for children. Old reprints are my favorite, many of these books are full of true stories for children that not only entertain them but also teach valuble character building lessons. We like to read them in our family devotions and my youngest brother is 14!Hope this helps!
Hi! I'm a first time commenter here and both sympathise and warm to this question. I think it is important to make Christmas a Christian family event, full of joy, hope and promise so I enjoy gift giving and preparing for the feast. I like to give my little ones quality wooden toys; arks, click clack tracks, a wooden train set, building blocks,puppet theatre; have been given on previous occasions. I feel these are real heirloom toys that activate a child's imagination. They are in constant use in our home. This year the girls are getting a quality dolls' house, I hope my grandchildren get to play with it. I also like to give good books and chocolate, pencils and paints. I think simple, quality toys are the best value. I've learnt that you can give children plenty to unwrap without overloading on toys if you are happy to buy stocking fillers such as hair scrunchies, chocolate coins, homemade book marks, homemade knittting kits etc. We also tell our children that Christmas is not about receiving expensive toys and to be honest my older girl is very happy with what she gets, even though many of her friends receive very expensive presents. To be honest we just emphasise the joy of the occasion and that seems to work out for us.
PS. I also buy fair trade or locally produced goods wherever I can.
I hope this all helps, sorry for the long comment!
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