Are you Christmas shopping already? I personally love to go in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But I am sure that my mother in law is probably almost finished and she is buying for 22 people!
I must warn you before you continue reading that I’m not going to disclose to you the hottest “it” toys of the season. Nor will I tell you what cute thing you should buy. At the risk of sounding like a scrooge, I have discovered the futility of lots of toys at Christmas time for infants. After watching five children of my own, and seven nieces and nephews, I have watched countless “cool” gadgets go by the way side in favor of the cool wrapping paper or the sticky side of a package bow.
So I offer you an alternative list of things that you can consider getting your infant for his/her first Christmas. Some things on this list are guaranteed to elicit delight while others are geared towards a global mindset. Regardless all are much more practical than spending lots of money on the newest gizmos with lights and music.
1. An Empty Box
Not just any box. . .but a big refrigerator box. A few years ago my mother-in-law decided that she was going to get one big present for each child at Christmas. So the boys all got train tables and the girls got cute little kitchen sets. And after these great gifts were taken out of their big boxes, the kids were delighted. . .with the boxes. If your baby is old enough, pick up a package of fat crayons and they can decorate their new house!
2. A Helium Baloon
Yep for a little one, a helium balloon in the shape of a favorite character is just about the best thing since sliced bread. Put it in a box or bag that’s easy to open so as they open it up, the helium balloon floats up!
3. Create a Memory
Instead of buying a toy, consider taking a day or weekend trip somewhere as a family. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the weekend!
4. An Ornament
Every year I get each of my kids an ornament. I never get one with the year on it or anything that says “Baby’s First Christmas” but rather I get something that is meaningful. For example, I bought my oldest daughter a ballerina ornament last year to symbolize something she was working hard at. Along with the ornament, I write each of my kids a letter to keep in a scrap book. I plan to give the scrap book to them when they graduate from high school.
5. Donate Money
Especially if your infant is very young, consider donating money in his name. There are a variety of not for profit charities that will give a Thank you card with your child’s name on it. What a great way to start a legacy of generosity.
6. Buy a Pig
Or baby chicks, or clean water, or tuition. . .for a family in need overseas. We have bought soccer balls, bicycles, a house frame and just about everything else through an organization called Samaritan’s Purse (There are other organizations that do this as well.)
7. A Few Good Books
It is never too early to start building your child’s library. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to baby board books. Of course those are good too, but this is also the time to consider getting classics that you’ll read over and over again. Think about chapter books, phenomenal pop-up books, poetry and everything in between!
Remember that your baby will not be able to endure a several hours long celebration. He/she will not likely be up for opening tons of presents. All this to say, you don’t have to over do it. Save your money for when they get older and start asking for really expensive toys!
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