Quality vs Quantity This Holiday Season!

Do they like to create? Crafts or projects are great because if it was just for the fun of it, then toss everything when you're done. If it's a masterpiece, then keep the finished project. They can even make things to give to others.

My sister always gives a "day" to each of my kids. Time spent one-on-one doing the activity of their choice.

Pass on to the grandparents some things that YOU would normally buy. New soccer shoes, karate lessons, backpack. These are things the kids will love getting, and they're things you would be paying for anyway.

When my son was getting a room makeover, I put out the word to everyone about the theme, and the gifts he received for his birthday decorated his room. Win-win-win for everyone.

For the 3 year old if he doesn't have the Vtech computer that's a good one and it cost about $20. My daughter whose 4 loves it and it's educational which i like. Or what about themed pj's like Batman or superman that have the cape's. My daughter also loves those and pretending to be a superhero.

You're right - quality not quantity. We are in an apartment and running out of room, because of being excessive. I've been checking out marble runs too - I think 1 great item is all my boys will be getting. They asked for one so I think I'll be getting the quadrilla set - not sure which one yet. It should provide a lifetime of fun for the entire family. Books are great also - maybe Dr Suess - Fred and Ted books - your boy will be learning to read soon enough, and they are great initial books for reading. Sounds like you are on track.
Don't forget you have to be nice and not naughty too! :-)

Its a great idea. We did this last year with our kids because they seem to be getting "Stuff" all year round! So we felt we didn't need to go overboard at Christmas time. We got them a sled, boots, jackets.. made them nice fleece blankets. They did get one small toy each.. i think my son got one of those matchbox car washes. But mostly we gave stuff that was practical and useful.

Good luck and enjoy the holidays!

You sound like you are on the right track. And I like the other input too!

As they get older the "toys" get smaller & more expensive I was always told...As your kids develop a deeper interest in a couple of activities the fees and equipment costs will increase, so don't be afraid to make part of that a gift.

My oldest(& DH) want this $300 baseball bat. Understand, he's a serious athlete & there are some significant expenses in addition - still I am like what?! That will definitely be a gift bday and/or holiday and maybe jointly with family. (Of course, I will shop around for deals if there are any to be had.) He'll also get a video game that I got a deal on, a couple of books (I shop the Scholastic Warehouse sale) and and probably an inexpensive professional sports team item.

But the reason for this is two fold, one it is a significant cost - at least in my mind but two, I see the kids smacking bats around the field and leaving them all over, this will leave an impression on him. If he knows it is a gift, one he values and feels he needs to advance his game, he will be more likely to treat it with respect.

As for my younger one - I see inequalities in these (of course he got tons of stuff hand me down some never used), but if his brother gets less he won't feel the need. But I do look for ways to "spend" on his needs as well - from music lessons to just set time together alone to do things.

I think that regardless of your financial security it is important it is to keep them humbled and teach them to respect & appreciate what they have.

For my son's 2nd birthday we got him some of the Schleich figures. They've been a huge hit and promote imaginative play. You don't have to spend a ton and you can get what you want. We just picked out a few animals and he brings them with him everywhere--I mean everywhere. I also really like the art/craft idea. Ikea sells the beads you iron and make coaster type things with- I think they have a brand name but I can't think of it now. They cost around $10 with the boards and you get like 10,000 beads. My daughter has had hers for years now. The other thing I did last year was make each of my kids a pair of warm pjs - my son's were too big but my daughter LOVED hers-especially because I made it. It was a LOT of work though and ends up costing more than you'd think, unless you keep flannel reindeer material lying around. Good Luck! K

Get a family pass to Brookfield Zoo or the DuPage Children's Museum and call it hte 3yo's gift, wrap it with something cute that he'd like and explain it's so you can take him to see the animals or whatever it is you buy. The zoo is a great option as they're always open and so great for teaching the kids about animals and the world at large. Plus it's no clutter! My mom always buys us a pass to a museum of our choice we've explored the field museum, zoo, children's museum and science & industry over the years. Maybe next year we'll ask for the shedd. :)

I'm with you totally, my kids get so spoiled. I keep telling the family members to please give them the gift of time, a date together instead of tons of stuff. My sis-in-law has really embraced that, takes her to Safariland or Enchanted Castle instead and my daughter loves her special time with her auntie. Last year my daughter literally got a whole new wardrobe. While it was very nice, it was too much. Heck when you think about it, Jesus only got 3 gifts, why do we get more? lol.

D.

Books are always a great choice. We try to only give/get really QUALITY things that are fun, educational, etc. They are a little more expensive sometimes, but better one great gift than a ton of junk!

Our two VERY FAVORITE stores are both locally owned, too, so we are supporting people who live around here and not some giant corporation. We love The Magic Tree Bookstore in Oak Park (www.magictreebookstore.com) and Gepetto's Toy Box, also in Oak Park, right around the corner from the bookstore (www.gepettostoybox.com) They have really great staff who can always help you find something if you are stumped.

The hardest thing is getting family members, grandparents, etc. who want to get the child something to go along! I have suggested VERY specific things in the past and that has worked well! Grandma and grandpa got us a Family Membership to the Field Museum which we use frequently, especially when they come to visit. His auntie got him a Brookfield Zoo membership... this year I am going to ask my mom and dad if they will pay for him to have an extra week of sleep-away camp in the summer, since we can't afford it ourselves, but that is something he REALLY wants. Experiences are much better than a stuffed animal or a toy that will be forgotten about after a month or two! And- that way the giver can often share the experience as well. Hope this helps!

I totally understand. So this year on my husbands side we are only doing a grab bag for the adults, and the kids will just get a gift from Grandma. That will cut done of the excessive stuff the kids get each year. So this year we will have more to spend and will probably get one combined gift ( Wii), and each kid 1-2 smaller gifts.

Yes!! I want to do the same thing this year!

I have a 3 yr old, so this is only based on things she is into right now. If you don't have an easel yet, Ikea has a really decent one for about $15-chalkboard on one side, white board on the other and you can buy a big roll of paper that fits on it (I have one so we don't have to use the marker side!). Besides that, books, "real" puzzles, games geared towards 3 yr olds.

I love the snowpants/sled ideas. Good luck!

Quality!!!!
Christmas is not about how much we get it is all about the Birth of Our Lord and Savior.
I think one nice gift is better than a bunch of little items any day. Stuff is not the important thing.

S.

As far as the 3 year old, how are his arts and crafts supplies? That's always an inexpensive item. If you sew, you could make him a teepee, I did that and it was a huge hit. Those pop up tents are good too and not too much money. I got a book from Costco a few years ago that popped up into a car for $15 or so. There's lots of inexpensive stuff at that age - puzzles, dominos (mine just like to set them up and knock them down), etc.

until our son was about 5 we did not buy him any Christmas gifts. it seemed presents showed up from relatives & friends and that was enough. instead, and for years after the 5yr mark we focused on "experiences". going to a Christmas play, such as "the Christmas Carol" making cookies together, playing a new game, visiting Santa Clause in Cozy cottage and having lunch in the room with the great tree, etc. our thought was in the long run he would recall things we did together.

Just be careful not to get too practical with it. One year I decided to get my son all educational type stuff for Christmas. It was a bummer. Get them one "fun" thing at least. Something they don't need, but just want. It will make the holiday fun.

I agree, most kids today get way too much stuff, 20 presents for their birthday, 20 presents under the tree... It adds up and most of the toys just end up laying there after 15 minutes.
I'm just letting my kids have 1 present for their birthdays, 1 present each for christmas.
I think, I'm going to do something this year where they each pick a toy or two of their own and donate, so poor kids that don't have any toys can enjoy them....

Hi N., as a (Cub fan) mom of 4 (31 down to 19) I learned to just grin and bear the "junk" gifts. Trying to "guide" family and friends with gift choices can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
And, I also learned what I might think as "junk" may just be one of my kids favorites....go figure. Just try to weed out from time to time and let your kids have fun taking the overflow to Goodwill centers. That way, no one ever thinks of you as a "toy snob", and the extra toys can bring happiness to other kids when they bargain shop with mom. Good luck !

I agree... they get lot's of stuff! Snow pants and gloves have been common gifts that my kids get at Christmas. Also, I try to focus on something to encourage their hobbies & sports, whether it's a book on the subject or specific items geared to it. (i.e. baseball, swimming, photography, guitar) and smaller items are put in stockings (i.e. goggles for swimming, bat weight for baseball, new guitar strings, gloves, books, art stuff like crayons and small paint sets.. etc.. ) Like you, I would rather do my best to create a tradition by buying something they may enjoy, longer, than the 2 minutes it took to open it.

Years ago, a friend shared this wisdom with me and I try to abide by it... she said her and her husband adhere to the "3 present rule at Christmas" when buying for their children, to remind them of the significance of the Three Wise Men and how they honored Jesus with presents.

It's good that you are starting to plan early! Enjoy.