Like a lot of parents, I always feel overwhelmed by the amount of toys the kids receive at Christmas time. So. Many. Toys. When you have no room to put new toys, you know you have too many! Last year we chose a theme for the kid's Christmas gifts and loved the practice so much we're sticking with it.
Not only did choosing a theme for gifts help cut down on the amount of crap/toys the kids got, but it also cut down on our spending amount. My favorite thing about it was that it promoted spending quality time together as a family. Last Christmas we chose Experiences as our theme (read more here). We loved everything the kids took away from each of those experiences.
This year we decided to keep the theme idea going. Instead of just another year of Experiences, we're adding to it with a Hiking and Camping Gear theme. We spent a good portion of our spring, summer, and fall hiking (or adventuring as we like to call it). With each trip, we made a list of items that would be handy to have. The new gear will definitely come in handy for a couple of fun excursions we have planned in the new year!
These gifts puts an emphasis on our time together as a family. For those worried that our kids won't be getting toys for Christmas (and yes, people have been bold enough to say they feel sorry for my kids that they won't be opening toys on Christmas morning), Santa will be bringing them one toy, one book, and a take along toy that can be used in the car on our trips.
If it works out well again this year, we may just continue our themes for Christmas gifts and turn it into our family tradition.
Looking to make your holiday shopping a bit easier, but themes are your thing? Try out these couple of things a few of my friends go by for gift giving:
- 4 gifts only: something you want, something you need, something you wear, and something you read.
- 1 physical activity (bike, skateboard, etc.), 1 book, 1 craft or art supply, 1 enhancement toy (Lego's, Magformers, other building toys), 1 game