The Christmas Rules – our family guide to buying kids presents
I recently read an article from Lulastic and the Hippyshake about the tyranny of toys. This really resonated with me as a Mum to an 18 month old, trying desperately to make our toy collection modest and inspire more creative and imaginative play. It especially resonated with me because of this time of year – Christmas – when a little part of you makes you think you need to spoil your child to make them happy. You really don’t. I thought I’d tell you our new ‘Christmas Rules’ and what my son is getting for Christmas so you can see how we’ve dealt with the tyranny of toys and the consumerism of Christmas.
We decided when choosing presents for our kids we will always use this as a guide:
- A toy that inspires imagination
- A toy that is secondhand
- Something he needs
- Something to read
So this year, these presents ended up being:
BILIBO – a toy that inspires imagination
Looks pretty boring? Well watch this video if you are wondering what on earth this could inspire:
I love the fact that there is no specific use for this toy, that the kid will figure out different ways of using it. I can’t wait to see what my son does first!
BABY DOLL – a toy that inspires imagination
With a baby brother due very soon we thought we’d give him his own baby doll to play and practice with. He’s naturally fond of baby dolls, constantly playing with them and putting them in prams at Playgroup. It will be a great tool to use when we have a newborn and I need to keep my son busy. As I’m sure it won’t get as worn out as a girl’s doll might I’m sure we’ll be able to pass this doll on to a friend or to the thrift store when he’s over the whole baby thing.
STACK’N'ROLL – a toy that is secondhand
There is no way I would buy a Fisher Price plastic toy brand new. There were plenty to choose from on ebay secondhand. The reason I bought this toy is that my son has played with it before and finds a new use for it every time. It encourages counting, stacking, choosing colours, putting it together to make balls – it’s a pretty verstatile toy. Plus my cousin-in-law still has a set for her four and six year old girls because they STILL use it. Good investment I say!
BIKE HELMET – something he needs
My sister is buying him a trike for Christmas. It’s the kind of trike that is going to last a long time and be used by subsequent siblings (another boy, due in February!). We thought we’d buy him the responsible but boring bike helmet to go along with it.
BOOKS – something to read
Books are a great investment and my son really loves to read. I decided to get him an old classic that I grew up with! We also got him a book on being an older brother, I especially like that this book has pictures of the Mum breastfeeding a few times (in fact the book makes a comment that it seems like the baby is always hungry! Hilarious!).
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So there you have it. I don’t think we’ve spoiled him at all and I like that we have a good guide to stick to each year. Some of the gifts I wanted to get him a while ago but figured I may as well save them up for Christmas (though I still wonder if unloading a pile of stuff on one day is a good thing).
When it comes to grandparents and family however, it is tricky. I try to guide them as much as possible. You can ask them to make something (help building a cubby maybe?) or all contribute to one big present.
Next year we’ll be adding a few more traditions to our Christmas, like donating old toys to charity and buying gifts for the needy. I want my kids to get the thrill of giving just as much as receiving.
Do you have any rules or guides you follow? I’d love to hear them!
