Baby Gift Idea -- Baby Spoon Parenting Baby Child Development Ages and Stages

"The Simple Life" Back to the basics for the holidays
Margie Manion

Have you ever wondered why Christmastime is so magical for children? Yes, they get presents. Besides that, they don't have the stress of the season that adults have.

For the last few years, I get so excited and build up the holidays in my mind. I paint this perfect picture of how it should be with my family and for the last few years I have been so disappointed and empty when it is over. I try to make it as special as I can for my children, but as for everyone else, it feels like we are just exchanging money most of the time.

Don't let it happen to you again this year! Here are some tips to help you get back to the basics for the holidays this year.

1. Take a few moments to ponder your favorite childhood memories. I am willing to bet they don't include a specific gift. Make your favorite memories be the priority with your own family. Skip a function that you feel obligated to attend and take time to bake, read books and just drive around and look at pretty lights.

2. Keep your gifts to your children basic! There are so many espensive, cool toys out there right now. Your kids, believe it or not, get overwhelmed with all of the "stuff". It is just too much! As parents, we know this and think this every year and still seem to get sucked in every year. The cash register bells are ringing more than any other bells. Limit the amount of gifts you give to each child. Less is more. They will actually get more enjoyment out of a smaller amount of toys. After all, There were only three gifts from the Wiseman. Here are some simple, inexpensive, and developmentally age-appropriate gift ideas:

0-3 months: cloth or vinyl books, unbreakable mirror, rattle socks

 

0-6 months: play mat with objects to bat at, toys that shake, rattle, and roll to experiment with, the Zoom Spoon- encourages positive mealtimes and childrens' literacy (can be found at www.zoomspoon.com)

6-9 months: plastic blocks, pop-up toys (ex. Jack in the Box), bath toys

9-12 months: push/pull toys, cardboard and interactive books,