|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you know what you are giving to the children on you Christmas list? Will it be Harry Potter books, the latest computer games, or some new clothes?
Over the summer, I spent some time thinking about the Christmas days from my childhood. What made them special, and what did I remember most. From these thoughts came an idea for a new page on our website to let visitors share the best loved gift from their childhood.
I had expected lots of stories about the wonders of a specific toy (the Barbie with the sparkles on her dress or the remote control car the won every race). Isn't that the sort of gift hyped by the commercials at this time of the year? The kids themselves join the craze insisting on getting the one toy that is in short supply. Can you remember trying to find a Cabbage Patch doll or a Furby the year they were hot? Do you think that gift is the one your child will remember most 30 or 40 years from now?
The visitors who have sent in stories about their own 'best loved gifts' wouldn't agree. The gift that is remembered is the message of love from the adult who found the time to create a special memory for their child. Each of the stories include a 'thing', but what is important is 'where did my mom find time to make all the doll clothes?', 'I loved horseback riding with my Dad.', or 'how did my mom smile and let us open the rest of our presents at 4am'.
The gift that counts is time. The kids know time is what is important. That's why they want you to spend weeks trying to find the most difficult to buy toy this year. You will be spending your time on something they want. It's amazing that we have time to search all over the city for a toy, but so often are too busy to spend the same number of hours doing something your child wants to do. Why not turn it around this year? Spend the time with your child, instead of driving to 5 different toy stores.
Tips for finding the perfect Christmas gift for a child.
1) Think about the good times you've spent with your child. When did you both have the most fun? Was it making a cake for his mother's birthday, or the time you took her to the fair? Has your child ever mentioned a favorite day you spent together? What does he or she really like to do?
2) What can you do build on that time? You could get some cartoon character cake pans, cake mixes and a promise to make a cake on the first Saturday of each month. How about getting a book of tickets to a movie theatre and agree to go to let you child pick the movie (even if you hate going to scary movies and your child loves them)? Give a birding book to a nature lover and then take your child out bird spotting. What about lunch for two in a fancy restaurant for a little girl who likes to dress-up? A sports enthusiast would love tickets to go with you to see his or her favorite team play.
3) Don't fall into the trap of giving items off a list. Children will often be momentarily thrilled with the latest and greatest toy. If the gift involves more of your money than your time, it will probably be forgotten in the same amount of time you spent to buy it!
Yes, it will take time to think of the right gift, and it will take more time to actually follow through and enjoy the gift together. Take a moment and really think about what else you could be doing with that time. How many answers are really more important than making the time to show a child you love them?
If you looking for more ideas, check out our Best Loved Gifts page (http://www.ckah.com/remgifts.html). You may find the perfect gift idea waiting for you in a story sent in by one of our visitors.
By the way, these tips work great for your best friend, favorite aunt or anyone else you want to give a birthday, Christmas, or Hannukah gift.
The End
Christine Nicholls loves being mommy to Katherine (9y) and Duncan (6y). Her company, Creative Kids at Home (http://www.ckah.com) encourages kids to have fun while being creative, and best of all, they get the excitement of getting personally addressed packages in the mail. Check for free online library of kids crafts and activities.
Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over... Read More
Here it is Thursday afternoon, and Evelyn sees no break... Read More
Berry Manor Inn owner, Cheryl Michaelsen wouldn't admit it, but... Read More
Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking... Read More
It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect... Read More
It's impossible to remember what gift is traditional for each... Read More
With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More
The holidays are officially here. And so the season for... Read More
Gazing the wide stretched blue carpet, with blows of zephyrs... Read More
The oldest Valentine card still in existence was sent in... Read More
The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love... Read More
Christmas shopping online is not for you? If you are... Read More
"Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell... Read More
Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids... Read More
The holiday season is upon us! It is a time... Read More
Superstitions surrounding owls have a long and ancient history. These... Read More
If you're looking for great ways to decorate your home... Read More
So, let's review a little what we said in the... Read More
Memorial Day is May 30th this year, are you ready?... Read More
Everyone loves to look and feel good, right? Well, why... Read More
The most beautiful dyes for Easter eggs come from foodstuff... Read More
After some recent reports it seems that 90% of all... Read More
Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed... Read More
Sure you decorate your fireplace and mantel for the winter... Read More
In theory Christmas is a time that is filled with... Read More
Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that... Read More
What do you get for the man who has always... Read More
From the time I was a very little girl, I... Read More
Mother's Day is the day when sons, daughters and husbands... Read More
Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for... Read More
Deecember is a cruel month. Christmas sales, decorations, advertisements -everyone... Read More
Have you seen the prices of greeting cards lately? It... Read More
Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the... Read More
Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking... Read More
Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for those... Read More
I am going to make a bold statement. I think... Read More
Thanksgiving is the most important holiday of the year.Oh, sure,... Read More
Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn... Read More
1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting ?... Read More
Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some... Read More
Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which... Read More
With all the travel, gift buying, last minute cramming at... Read More
Depending on the age of your little ones, you may... Read More
In a word, yes !Labor Day, which started in 1882... Read More
"Wouldn't you just know it," muttered my husband, Randy.We had... Read More
"This year will be different. I vow I won't get... Read More
Getting the right hotel to spend one~s vacation at is... Read More
The first known birthday celebrations began among the Egyptians with... Read More
Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman... Read More
Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you... Read More
Holiday |