I have a weird relationship with holiday gifting. I love to give gifts to my kids and see their excitement, but I also dread when the clutter accumulates when it's no longer used. For that reason, I try to use a few qualifiers when I buy gifts for my kids.
Holiday Gifting Checklist |
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✔️ Year Round Use |
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✔️ Multipurpose |
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✔️ Quality |
Year Round Use. I love to celebrate a holiday, but I don't like the actual gifts to be TOO specific to that occasion or season. I want it to be something they reach for throughout the coming months.
Multipurpose. We are currently in an in-between home while we build a new house and this applies now more than ever. I simply do not have space for toys that serve only one purpose. It should be something they can use in multiple ways, can be used for play and for school, etc.
Quality. Nothing gives me heartburn more than spending my hard earned money on something that breaks two weeks later. For this reason, I really try to avoid plastic when I can and invest in products that will serve our family for years to come.
Tried & True Favorites
For these reasons my picks tend to fall into a few categories: books, reusable or skill-building crafts, outdoor activities, and clothes & accessories. I'd love to share a few from each category with you today!
Books
Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown - Fun fact, this was one of my toddler's favorites during her season of potty training so I've read it more than a few times. It's a sweet story of a mom promising her little bunny to always be there, no matter what.
Just Because You're Mine by Sally Lloyd-Jones - Little Red Squirrel lists all the reasons he thinks his parents love him, but is assured that their love runs far deeper.
The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton - We have several books from this series and we always enjoy them. I love how this book connects the Big Story of the whole Bible, from beginning to end, to our reason for celebrating Easter.
Does God Go on Vacation? by Amy Gannett - I've got a soft spot for board books that rhyme, but add theologically rich truths? *chef's kiss*
What Are Hands For? by Abbey Wedgeworth - I have found this concept so, so helpful lately with my youngest. Obedience through the lens of the Gospel can sometimes feel like such an abstract concept to explain. This has helped me narrow it down to the truth that God gave you these hands to do what? To be kind, helpful, and loving. Not to hurt our sisters.
Crafts
Yarn Embroidery Kits - All the reasons above describe exactly why I designed the yarn embroidery kits. They meet all of my qualifiers (skill building, reusable, durable) while still being affordable and fun!
Water Color Paint Set - When I tell you this set has been worth every penny...I mean it. It has lasted my girls for years and is much more versatile and higher quality than the little five color sets.
Wood Egg Puzzle - That watercolor set is exactly what we used for the kids to paint these wood puzzles. Not only can they be assembled and reassembled, but they are really beautiful with those pastel colors.
Outdoor Activities
Sidewalk Chalk - With the beautiful weather lately my kids are definitely in a chalk and hopscotch era.
Flower Collector Boards - An inspiring tool to get out and explore. I'm always surprised by the variety of pretties they find to fill their boards and their attention to detail in comparing and contrasting them.
Odds + Ends
MYO Yoto Cards - Yoto cards can get pricey but I love to keep a pack of these on hand and record myself reading some of their favorite stories.
Set of Bows - With three girls we are always adding to our bow collection!
Personalized Water Bottle - Did I mention three girls? They each have their own color with their own name and nobody can fight over who's is whose. 😅
I hope this gives you some inspiration as you grab last minute gifts for this year's Easter baskets! Oh, and don't forget to finish it off with a name tag 🤭
Happy Easter!
Melody