This will be the first year that my one-year-old is actually getting toys for Christmas. Last year she was only 4 weeks old so Christmas was all a blur anyway. I 
am definitely thankful for family that loves her and wants to spoil her with gifts for Christmas. But in a way I’m already dreading unpacking all of her new gifts, finding a spot for it all and keeping myself from feeling like I live in the aisles of Toys R’ Us. So with all of the catalogs I’ve been sifting through, I’ve been trying to keep my eye out for unique gifts or even gifts that won’t take up a lot of space. Also, I’ve been making a mental note of all the places that we (either Halle and me or our family) would enjoy a membership. I’m hoping to drop a few hints to our parents and maybe, just maybe!, they’ll spread the word to others that may be asking what little Halle wants this year!
Gifts for the Kids
Personalized music CD (songs with a child’s name sprinkled throughout!)
Musical instruments
Craft supplies
Magazine subscription such as Highlights or National Geographic for Little Kids (ages 3-6)
Class membership such as Kindermusik, Little Gym, swim lessons or even cooking classes at Kids Cooking Co.
Art classes
Gifts for the Whole Family
A fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements
Family membership to the Dallas Arboretum, Texas Discovery Gardens, or The Dallas Zoo
Tickets to a show or an event (check out the schedule of the Dallas Children’s Theater)
Charitable donation (check out Heifer International for a cool way to help others!)
Family Photo Session with a favorite photographer
I KNOW this list could be longer so please add to it in the comment section. Let all of us (especially us new mommies) know what makes a great Christmas gift that doesn’t require batteries or much storage!
Happy Wishing!
My personal favorite is books but I know this year since he’s almost two he’ll be getting some cars and trains. I think toys are good for them in moderation just like other things. I also think some dress up/play clothes and hats would make a great gift, we’ve gotten money for his college too from grandparents and that is HUGE!
I am such a proponent of BOOKS! For little ones, books with maps, mind benders, etc. When my son was 5 and 6, he loved maps… city maps, state maps, world maps, zoo maps… LOL Elementary level, geography, history fact books, maybe Cake Decorating or craft instruction books. Myself I prefer books that don’t just spark their imagination but add to their life experience.
Santa is giving my boys ages 6 and 3 chore charts for Christmas and personalized wallets to keep their money earned in their stockings. I am making them reward cards out of notecards and a notecard binder for options to use their money. It will also have a freebie category. Examples in my freebie section will include: trip to the library, playday at the mall, date with mom, date with date, play at the park and I will have more. I have decided to do no toys this year because they have more then they can handle. I hope family can go along with this too!