Do your kids really need more stuff this Christmas?
Once again, the Holiday season is upon us. Chances are, you’re contemplating the perfect gift for your loved ones and trying to decide if the 4-gift rule is really something that works for your family. Every year we attempt to make our kids’ dream of having the latest toy or gadget come true. But let’s be honest, most of the items at the top of your child’s Christmas list will be broken, lost, or simply out-of-fashion by this time next year.
It’s time to take a stand. I propose a departure from trend. I propose you give your child gifts that’ll leave a life-long impact. Here are a few suggestions:
- Ok. I admit not all “stuff” is bad. There are definitely activities and games out there that are worth hanging on to, because they promote learning, comprehension, and good, old family time. Some of my family’s favorites include: Legos (of course!), Tenzi (a really fun and easy dice game for ALL ages), anything crafty, Spot It, Rumikub, Bananagrams (or Speed Scrabble), & Chutes & Ladders (for the younger ones).
- Ditch the presents and go on a trip. Why not allocate your present money in a way that will let your children spend valuable time with you and learn about the world be getting them out to actually visit it. I am currently in the process of convincing my husband this should be our family’s tradition.
- Give the gift of you. Maybe, for one reason or another, you can’t do a big trip over the Holidays. Can you give your child some much-needed one-on-one time? Perhaps their gift can be a date night with mom to a Broadway play, or an outing with dad to the local amusement park. It can even be as simple as a trip to grab hot chocolate from the local coffee shop.
- Enroll them in a program that encourages physical and/or mental development. Has your child been wanting to try gymnastics or soccer? Are they are interested in piano lessons or cooking classes? Save the money you’d spend on presents and help them acquire a new skill or talent. And, of course, you can always gift Brain Chase to a child or relative. Where else will you find a program that encourages individual development and academic progression and offers cool prizes like a trip to dig up a buried treasure and a college scholarship?
No matter how you spend your Holiday season, we hope it’s filled with love and safety.
Questions or comments? Other ideas? Check out our website or email us at info@brainchase.com.