Christmas Gifts to Last a Lifetime

Do you know what you are giving to the children on you Christmas list? Will it be Harry Potter books, the latest computer games, or some new clothes?

Over the summer, I spent some time thinking about the Christmas days from my childhood. What made them special, and what did I remember most. From these thoughts came an idea for a new page on our website to let visitors share the best loved gift from their childhood.

I had expected lots of stories about the wonders of a specific toy (the Barbie with the sparkles on her dress or the remote control car the won every race). Isn't that the sort of gift hyped by the commercials at this time of the year? The kids themselves join the craze insisting on getting the one toy that is in short supply. Can you remember trying to find a Cabbage Patch doll or a Furby the year they were hot? Do you think that gift is the one your child will remember most 30 or 40 years from now?

The visitors who have sent in stories about their own 'best loved gifts' wouldn't agree. The gift that is remembered is the message of love from the adult who found the time to create a special memory for their child. Each of the stories include a 'thing', but what is important is 'where did my mom find time to make all the doll clothes?', 'I loved horseback riding with my Dad.', or 'how did my mom smile and let us open the rest of our presents at 4am'.

The gift that counts is time. The kids know time is what is important. That's why they want you to spend weeks trying to find the most difficult to buy toy this year. You will be spending your time on something they want. It's amazing that we have time to search all over the city for a toy, but so often are too busy to spend the same number of hours doing something your child wants to do. Why not turn it around this year? Spend the time with your child, instead of driving to 5 different toy stores.

Tips for finding the perfect Christmas gift for a child.

1) Think about the good times you've spent with your child. When did you both have the most fun? Was it making a cake for his mother's birthday, or the time you took her to the fair? Has your child ever mentioned a favorite day you spent together? What does he or she really like to do?

2) What can you do build on that time? You could get some cartoon character cake pans, cake mixes and a promise to make a cake on the first Saturday of each month. How about getting a book of tickets to a movie theatre and agree to go to let you child pick the movie (even if you hate going to scary movies and your child loves them)? Give a birding book to a nature lover and then take your child out bird spotting. What about lunch for two in a fancy restaurant for a little girl who likes to dress-up? A sports enthusiast would love tickets to go with you to see his or her favorite team play.

3) Don't fall into the trap of giving items off a list. Children will often be momentarily thrilled with the latest and greatest toy. If the gift involves more of your money than your time, it will probably be forgotten in the same amount of time you spent to buy it!

Yes, it will take time to think of the right gift, and it will take more time to actually follow through and enjoy the gift together. Take a moment and really think about what else you could be doing with that time. How many answers are really more important than making the time to show a child you love them?

If you looking for more ideas, check out our Best Loved Gifts page (http://www.ckah.com/remgifts.html). You may find the perfect gift idea waiting for you in a story sent in by one of our visitors.

By the way, these tips work great for your best friend, favorite aunt or anyone else you want to give a birthday, Christmas, or Hannukah gift.

The End

Christine Nicholls loves being mommy to Katherine (9y) and Duncan (6y). Her company, Creative Kids at Home (http://www.ckah.com) encourages kids to have fun while being creative, and best of all, they get the excitement of getting personally addressed packages in the mail. Check for free online library of kids crafts and activities.

---

The Gift of Failure

During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on... Read More

Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating

You're tired. You've worked hard all week. Suddenly, the kids... Read More

Top 15 Valentines Day Quotations

"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return,... Read More

Decorate for Thanksgiving

Years of having to make do have turned me into... Read More

Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift

It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry.... Read More

How to Overcome the Overwhelm of the Holiday Season (And Reduce Holiday Stress)

The Holiday Season can be a wonderful time of year,... Read More

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge... Read More

A Harvest Halloween

To take advantage of the last days of autumn, we... Read More

Dont Forget Grandmom - Shes an Earth Angel Too!

Have you ever thought what you would do without your... Read More

Tips For Singles on Surviving (And Enjoying) The Holidays

Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you... Read More

Reduce Waste This Christmas

- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than... Read More

Spice Up Your Life with an Adventure Holiday!

Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do... Read More

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

Mothers Day: 5 Gift Ideas Guaranteed To Make Any New Mom Happy

Sure, you can call it a Hallmark holiday. But don't... Read More

Is Buying a Gift for Mom as Difficult for You as it is for Me?

I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More

For Thanksgiving ? Be Thankful He?s Not the Cheating Kind

Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Ideas for Dad!

Father's Day...Father's Day only one month away! Father's Day is... Read More

Glorious Holiday Decorating: Ten Tips

If you're looking for ways to decorate your home in... Read More

The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments

Things have come a long way since a Christmas ornament... Read More

Single During the Holidays

Mistletoe. Holiday parties. New Years kiss at midnight. This time... Read More

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas -... Read More

The History of Christmas Ornaments

History of OrnamentsIn A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first... Read More

Taking Back Christmas

John Grisham wrote a book called SKIPPING CHRISTMAS. Amazon.com reports:... Read More

Christmas Shopping for a New Love

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for those... Read More

Holiday Expectations

As the holidays approach, I find myself wondering how I'm... Read More