Best Gifts for Children

If you are anything like me, you are COMPLETELY out of fresh ideas for the children on your shopping list.  For birthday parties, I have found myself waiting until last minute then hoping and praying someone offers to do a group gift because they have an idea!  I've decided to bite the bullet and do some research on WHAT is out there, WHO is buying it and HOW I can get it.  I hope this list might help you too (regardless of what age group you are struggling with)!

One thing that I quickly discovered is what other mom's are hoping you will gift their own children.  What did I find?  A few common themes:

• Nothing that will take up a large amount of space in their home.  If it can't be stored away neatly, it will have a short shelf life in any home.
• Nothing that, if dropped, spilt and/or smashed could result in the need to steam clean carpets.
• Nothing with a screen and nothing with a charger to keep track of.  Everyone seems on-board to move away from both of these things.
• Nothing loud.  No thank you to drum sets and karaoke machines.

So...what is left?  What moves away from the items above and is also exciting and fun to receive as a child?

• Think experiences rather than things.
  
• Think items that promote social skills, creativity and mental stimulation.
• Think toys and games to get children outside.
• Think of bringing back hobbies....building, creating, collecting, etc.

It seems like the trend is shifting back to the type of gifts we (the now mom's) would receive when we were younger.  A step in the direction of simplicity, if you will.  I'm here for it!

Here are a few of my new Go-To Gifts for Children:

Henoyso Pencil Cases

Gutter Games Beat That

Crayola Inspiration Art Case

Jelly Basket Beach Bag

Jazzminton Paddle Ball Game

Moon Balls

Infinity Cube

Metal Detector

Playground Classics Skip-A-Long

LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase

Table Top Air Hockey

Glo Pals

Young Wild & Friedman

Fishing Pole

Water Color Set

Wavelength Game

and of course....my very favorite for anyone age 6 to 106...

Mini Mahjer

If you are sick of gifting "things" or wrapping things or whatever else it might be, you might opt for the gift of an experience.  A few of the favorites that my children have received include:

• A Zoo Pass
• A Day-Pass to a Museum
• Movie or Play Tickets
• A Day-Pass to a Water Park
• A Day with You.....(think child picks lunch, dessert, activity and movie).  The gift of time with you.  What could be better than that?!