The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it comes the holiday season. It’s a time to share with family – to break bread together, eat, drink and be merry. A time for connection, love and sharing. For some families, it’s the only time of year when everyone in the extended clan gets together.
And Christmas is an especially magical time for the children in your life. Nothing can beat the sparkle in their eyes as they wake up and see the pile of gifts under the tree and stuffed in stockings. The magic of Santa is a magic they may only experience for a few years in reality, so cherish it while it lasts.
In this helpful article, we’ll share how to shop for Christmas gifts for kids that will inspire, excite and bring them joy.
Board Games and Puzzles
Some gifts that will inspire your children are anything that will engage their brains. Board games, puzzles and other “analog” games will encourage them to get away from the tablet or console and onto a table, where they can practice problem-solving, spatial awareness, cooperation or even some light competition, depending on the game.
By encouraging them into hobbies like board games and puzzles, you could even be setting them up for a lifetime passion and interest.
Arts and Crafts
Another inspiring gift idea for your kids this Christmas is a selection of arts and crafts activities. Again, the idea is to get them creating, imagining, and engaged in an activity that has proven benefits to wellbeing, development and behaviour.
Some examples of arts and crafts toys include things like Spirograph, sticker and activity books, modelling clay or plasticine, playdough, coloured pencils and pens and paint.
Not all of the examples above are appropriate for all ages – for younger toddlers, the playdough is probably the best bet. On the other hand, the art materials that require more refined motor skills are probably better for kids aged four and up.
Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards
Again, this gift idea aims to get kids away from sedentary activities like video games and to feel excited and energetic. A physical activity promoting toy is a great choice and will make your kids’ Christmas extra special.
A bicycle is always a safe bet, and chances are, as your kids’ age, they will outgrow their bikes after a year or two and need a bigger one. Other ideas are scooters (three-wheeled for the younger ones) and skateboards. You might also want to include protective equipment, such as helmets, knee guards, elbow guards and wrist guards – safety first, after all.
Books
Finally, the last inspiring gift idea for Christmas this year is a collection of books. Books are gateways to imagination, inspiration, literacy and creativity. You can opt for a mix between fiction and non-fiction – kids love fantasy as much as they love learning. Try to pick books that match their interests and passions; for example, if your kid is curious about the world and science, you could choose a non-fiction science or biology book. If they’re horse obsessed, a fiction book about horse adventures is a good pick – you get the idea.
A Jolly Summary
In this article, we’ve shared how to give gifts that inspire your kids this Christmas, and we’ve focused on non-screen related ideas. From board games, puzzles through to books, and with some physical activity encouraging toys in the mix – this list is sure to assist you to buy gifts that will inspire your children to get creative, active, imaginative and aid their development.
An added bonus to this list is that they are all activities you can do with your children, whether it’s going on a bike ride or reading to them at night, because bonding with your kids is an essential part of parenting and one you wouldn’t trade for the world.