The holidays are just around the corner and for many of us that means there are gifts to procure for the people we love in our lives. This can be an exciting prospect, and yet for others it can be overwhelming or even stressful if faced with limited means.
Below I’ve put together a few suggestions for gifts that will bring a smile to any child’s face regardless of how thin or fat your wallet is. The personal touch is what makes these gift ideas winners, not how much they cost.
That being said, it’s the joy of giving that is possibly the best gift you can offer your child and I am thrilled that my kids are finally getting to an age where they are somewhat conscious of the effect they can have on others. Case in point: Last week my eldest turned 11. After camping in the snow with her dad and some friends for two nights, she asked to have a date with me, in the city. She wanted to “go for lunch and get our nails done.”
It was a first. The wisps of maturing now showing felt so different as we walked down Lonsdale in North Vancouver. On our way to the restaurant we came across a man asking for change. She asked me if we could give him something and was pleased to put a twoonie in his cup.
At our late lunch we got the idea to order him a hot bowl of soup to go as it was cold and damp from the steady stream of rain.
When we returned to the spot where the old man had been sitting there was nothing there but a few damp sections of newspaper. She was disappointed, but quickly turned to me and said “If we can’t find him I’m sure we can find another person who needs hot soup on a day like today. There are lots of homeless people.”
It was both poignant and sad to hear her state the fact so simply, but I was heartened that she hadn’t given up on brightening someone’s day.
We jumped in the van and drove down to the waterfront and found another gent sitting under an awning. I pulled the vehicle over and jumped out; happy to have found someone who might need something hot as night was falling. His smile was broad and gracious and he waved to my girl through her window. Mission accomplished.
For the whole drive home all we could talk about was how good it felt to be able to give to someone in a way that was equally needed and unexpected. The gifts my daughter received on her birthday, and the experience of her mommy date in the city, was wonderful, but the feelings that lingered most were the ones that came from making a difference in another person’s life – even if it was only for five minutes.
Gifts from the heart
With that in mind, here are a few ideas that can help you get your creative juices flowing for unique and personalized gifts for your favourite little people.
First of all, many gifts can be made from items already in your home. Feeling crafty? Why not knit a toque or scarf, sew a dress for a dolly or build a wood and mesh bug catcher or toy boat? For an older child, rather than making the item, gather the materials and build a kit – so you can work on a project together over the next couple of months.
We are blessed with nature all around us. Rounds cut from fallen branches, once dry, can be sanded and oiled with coconut and beeswax to make great first building blocks. A wicker basket full of acorns, shells and pinecones is a fabulous open-ended toy for toddlers.
Create new or repurpose an existing marble, stamp or sticker collection. Start the beginnings of a classic book collection with the likes of Beatrix Potter, Laura Ingalls or Dr. Seuss. Or gather a toy kitchen collection with real items such as tiny glasses, tea cups, small spoons, linen cocktail napkins, an old teapot and small pots and pans.
My absolute favourite gift that I’ve created several times over has been a version of the card game Memory. Instead of using cards, double print your favourite photos of your child, family members and pets, then add identical backing and have them laminated.
Who wouldn’t love to get a book full of favourite photos and family memories?
Did you do a road trip this summer? Have a slew of pictures from last year’s after-school play dates, family outings and vacations? Find an online book building service and get those photos off your phone. Our family does a picture calendar that is around $15 or $20 with our favourite photos from the year and the kids love it. We also do ones for each set of grandparents.
Want to cut down on the clutter completely? Try music, art or sports lessons. If your child has his or her heart set on an activity that is otherwise out of your budget, ask for others to donate items or contribute towards the fees. Whatever you decide to do, put your heart into it. Regardless of what you choose, give your gift with love and an interest in exploring it together. Your attention and presence – not presents – will be the thing your child relishes the most.
