Gift ideas for the holidays for kids - who doesn't struggle with this one every year. With all the junk out there, millions of toys for younger kids, violent and mind numbing computer games for older kids, cell phones, ipods...the list is long and expensive. Why not try something different this year?
As a Riverbender, I've spent the last six months canvassing this area for advertisers for the website, looking for the unusual, the unique and the special to include in our website. I've probably been in more stores in southern Illinois than almost anyone else. What I've learned is that there are choices out there, they just might be a little harder to find. I do have a little experience in this arena - I'm a working mother of three, the oldest is ten - the youngest is six and we've got one in the middle. So, what I'm recommending to you, I'm going to send to our family in the hopes that they find it useful and I hope you do as well. Without further ado:
Find their Inner Artist
Let's learn something cool this year. There is a great place in Edwardsville called Smock, Paper, Scissors that teaches drawing, painting and model making classes to kids between the ages of 6 and 12. There are a variety of different class times and offerings, providing options for families with busy schedules. Why not give kids something they will enjoy and learn from? Better than a computer, this is hands on, get your fingers dirty learning with a product kids and parents can be proud of. Artists can publish pictures of their art in the on-line galleries provided by the store or participate in local "shows" to highlight what they've learned.
Road Trip
ROAD TRIP!?! This phrase used to mean pile in the car with my friends and go somewhere cool. Now it means carpooling...maybe it's time to change that. Pick a destination - I'm not talking about Florida, I'm talking about the City Museum or the Great Rivers Museum or Springfield or Grafton. Pick a place that has something you and your kids would like to see. Plan the trip carefully for age appropriateness, pick up a book about where you are going (if it's historical) or set aside some pocket money for each child to spend while you are at your destination. Go eagle watching or to the Great Rivers Museum. In the case of the City Museum, they offer gift packs and certificates you can use to "give" your children under the tree. For almost anywhere else, a little cutting and pasting from the internet and you can create an invitation for your kids to go with you. Be excited and they'll be excited, too. This idea works well because it can be as elaborate or as simple as your budget will allow. Remember when you gave your Mom those coupon books for chores that she could redeem when she wanted? Same idea, reverse the receiver and you will have it! Even trips to the swing set at the local park can be very special for you and your child if you plan in advance to make it an event you can both remember.
Home Improvement
Another great idea for kids - boys and girls both - is to decorate their room. Make a cork board wall to use as a bulletin board. Add stars to the ceiling, paint one wall with chalkboard or magnetic paint or add a beaded curtain to a doorway or window. Let the child choose the color, curtain, etc. and do it as a project together. There are wall decals that can make everything from jungle scenes to skies with airplanes. For older children and tweens, several posters can be hung as wall paper to form a collage on one wall of the child's current interests. All of these projects can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you'd like, making this another great choice for those with limited funds this year. While the gifts under the tree might look a little strange, a little planning can make kids excited to receive a room makeover for the holidays.
Get Some Exercise
We are all guilty of spending too much time on the sofa in the winter, I would imagine. Why not do something active with your kids, and help yourself and them be more physically fit. There are roller skating rinks and ice skating rinks scattered throughout our area. In-line, ice or roller skates make great gifts for kids. The YMCA and other local fitness centers offer a variety of programs for kids of all ages. Special workout clothes for you and for the child can make the perfect gift for you both. St. Louis even has an indoor rock climbing center for the more extreme adventurers out there. Do you still have an old bicycle in the garage? Take it down to Wild Trak Bikes, get some new tires, and head out onto a trail for a fun activity almost everyone can enjoy. The gift under the tree can be a new helmet, special pedals or a new bell, if you'd like. Obviously, if you don't have a bike, this could be an expensive gift, but one that you and the child could enjoy for years. Even when it's cold outside, the sunlight and the frosty air can be invigorating for all. Top it off with hot cocoa when you get home and everyone will have a day to remember.
Grow Something Green
I was recently in Fertile Ground in Cottage Hills and saw an indoor gardening center that sits on your counter and grows a variety of herbs, lettuces or plants. Much like planting grass seed in class or bringing home a petunia for Mother's Day, watching how something grows and changes can be fun and educational. This particular gift comes with a payout at the end. If you grow herbs or lettuces, you and the child can pick your produce and make a special dish with what you've grown together. Another easy indoor gardening idea is to grow bulbs either in a pot or in water. They grow quickly and if you grow them in water, you and your child can watch the roots grow from the bottom as the plant springs up from the top.
Basically, the bottom line here is you - there is nothing you can give the children in your life that is more valuable than your time. Gifts like these can really make the child feel special and will create memories for years to come. Hopefully one of these suggestions will appeal to you. I hope you have a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year.
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
Gift ideas for the holidays for kids - who doesn't struggle with this one every year. With all the junk out there, millions of toys for younger kids, violent and mind numbing computer games for older kids, cell phones, ipods...the list is long and expensive. Why not try something different this year?
