With both kids' birthdays falling around this time of year, our home can start to look like a Target destroyed by a herd of wild goats. I'm the kind of person that likes to keep things lazy by eliminating anything that I don't
really have to do. One of these things is cleaning. The less you have, the less you clean, and the less you find yourself on the floor grabbing at your children's ankles and begging them to "pleeeeeassseeee clean the toys". Not to mention how easy it is during Christmas time to get sucked in by all the shopping and drooling over all the things you feel you need to have. I'm really making a conscious effort this year to bring the focus back to what is really important. I am determined to minimize all the needless "stuff" especially, but not limited too, the toys and electronics, that come with Christmas. I want to make it as simple as possible.
One of the ways I've done this is to encourage our friends and relatives to give gifts of entertainment or things that are practical. My kids aren't at the age where they can be anything but thrilled by a pair of socks yet and you know what? Even if they were, it's a great lesson in gratitude and in not getting an iPad before you can even spell it. Tough!
So here are some examples of what the heck I am talking about with, hopefully, some ideas of what you can give to the kids in your life that aren't just toys waiting to get lost in the fray. Some of these ideas can even be applied to adults, particularly those that you never quite know what to get.
Tickets, passes and adventures: Give them movie tickets, tickets to a local children's theater, or passes to a science center or zoo. Alot of these experiences aren't in the budget for young families and you're giving them a memory that is going to last a lot longer than any action figure. Other ideas are museums, Christmas light displays, amusement parks, ballets, the opera, rollerskating, pottery making and indoor rock-climbing.
New skills: Instead of another tiny car to step on, why not give them cooking, dance, or piano lessons? It might be a bit of a steep gift for you to give on your own so team up with a friend or your mom! Sometimes there are even more affordable trial lesson packages through private teachers or eight week classes through the city.
Fresh takes on clothing: What about a bathrobe or slippers? Hats or mittens? These have practical every-day usage but they are things that people don't often buy for themselves. Or at least I don't. I prefer to freeze, whether it's fresh out of the shower or in -40 when I've lost my damn earmuffs for the five bazillionth time. Pajamas are also useful and something I find I don't get for myself or my family on the regular. If you're buying for littles, my kids still freak at a pair of superhero underwear or Hello Kitty socks. Backpacks, purses, or lunch boxes are also great options.
Take them to dinner: When is the last time you took that special kid in your life on a date? Take them somewhere they haven't tried before! What about sushi? You haven't experienced the glee and gratitude of a child until you get enthusiastically poked in the eye with a chopstick! Others ideas are somewhere with an open kitchen or a place where they cook the food right in front of you. Kids will be thrilled that you want to spend one-on-one time with them. This could be a fun night out with a hungry friend or your parents as well.
Gear or equipment: IF (probably check first) the parents have a place to store such things, what about a sled or a pair of skates? Do they play sports? What about a new tutu or hockey stick?
Get out of here: Take that extra money and go on an overnight stay to the mountains or somewhere close by. Bring some board games, cocoa, and force your family to spend time with you! If you can find a cabin to rent in the middle of nowhere, they can't really escape!
A box of of their favorite practical things: This one is a bit more stuff-like but you can still make it thoughtful, useful and it works for all ages! Are they a student? Throw a gas or grocery card in there! Here are some other small useful ideas: hand warmers (especially for someone who works outdoors in the trades), makeup brushes, nail polish, the book they have on hold at the library, wool socks, water bottle, fitness accessories like headphones or an armband, craft supplies, bow tie, travel mug, tea,... Are you getting the picture? You could even use a nice tote or bookbag for wrapping paper. Put some ribbon on one of the straps and you're golden.
Now, as a disclaimer, I would like to admit that I'm not perfect and we aren't completely toy free this Christmas. However, I have really tried to narrow it down to one or two special, affordable items that we think they will get a fair amount of use out of. There are certain categories, such as board games, art supplies, costumes and books, that I have no problem with my kids ever receiving from.
I know it won't always be easy to content my kids with gifts like these but I hope that by starting them out young, they will be able to always appreciate true thoughtfulness and the smaller things in life. I want them to know that it's alright to slow down and spend time truly preparing for and celebrating Christmas instead of power-walking for hours through the mall. As an adult, I can see how overwhelming it can be to be in the position of finding the perfect gift for those who have everything and in keeping up with that mom who bought her kids monkeys and jetpacks. Just say no! I have been talking to so many people who feel exhausted and overwhelmed by this time of year. You aren't alone and it's okay to pull the plug on consumerism! You don't have to spend money to show someone that you care for them. Truly. I will say on record that what society has turned Christmas into will never be my values and, to the best of my ability, we will never be
that family. There is an alternative and I will be here on the other side waiting to high-five you as you run dancing out of the Apple store, throwing your credit cards in the air.
