At the bottom of every grandmother’s jewelry box and special relative’s dresser drawer are precious treasures that can’t be found on the Internet or purchased at the local mall. You’ll find treasures of red construction paper hearts with jagged edges and gold glitter rubbed clean with age. They’re the holiday gifts your toddler and the special little ones in their lives made. You’ll find handprints and cards and first written words. Let’s face it, no one keeps a coffee pot in their dresser drawer, and although appliances can be great gifts, they’re rarely cherished forever.
With the holidays on the way, gift giving and spending can be one of the greatest holiday stressors. In today’s world of high-tech gizmos and hefty spending, giving handmade gifts can feel a little hokey. For some of us, the thought of making gifts with our toddler or preschooler may seem more stressful than standing in line at the mall and purchasing an already wrapped package. Arts and crafts aren’t for everyone, but here’re some tips even the “craft-challenged” parent can handle.
“My World” Photograph Albums
Purchase a small photograph album and fill the album with photos of your little one or a family. People like receiving the small albums because they can carry them in their purse or car to share with other friends. Let your little one decorate the front cover with a picture, stickers or a unique title. For a special “My World” album, take photos of your child’s day: waking up in the morning, having breakfast, or shots of the your child’s classroom and Lightbridge Academy teacher. Most of our photographs tend to be of special events and not the everyday things in our lives. These real life shots will be particularly valuable to friends and relatives who live far away. For your preschooler, give them a disposable camera and let them take photographs of their world by themselves.
Framed Artwork
Children create a plethora of artwork throughout the school year. If you’re not up to creating a project with your toddler at home to give as a gift, grab one of their designs they made at child care and frame it. You can purchase inexpensive frames and even mats at superstores and craft stores.
Note Cards
Voicemail and email never seems to take the place of a handwritten note. Stationary and note cards are always a good gift. For younger children you can scan a picture or photo and print them on a set on blank cards you buy to create a gift of note cards. For the most simple approach, just cut and fold some paper to fit envelopes you have, let your preschooler draw a picture or scribble on the front of each card and assemble with a bow. The gift card can read, “Created especially for you by Katie, six months.” You can also put this on the back of each card.
Whether you purchase gifts with your children to give to others or make them, don’t let the inner pressure to create the ‘perfect’ holiday cloud the realities of your life, including economic and time constraints. Spending time with your child can be the best gift you give your child and he receives this holiday season.
Written by Lightbridge Academy President & Chief Operating Officer,
Gigi Schweikert
