Each year we spend a lot of time thinking about the perfect gift to give to children. We look and look for the perfect item, in hopes that when they tear open the wrapping paper that the content brings joy to their heart. We want to give a gift that will be used for more than just a few days and one that will foster an emotion in the child. This year, as you are thinking of what gifts to give to the children in your life, I encourage you to think outside the box – and box stores, for that matter.
Think about the age of the child and that of their siblings, where they live and the current restrictions that are in their state. For instance, a membership to an activity that is now closed may not be the best choice for them, but that does not mean there are not wonderful ideas to stimulate their minds and encourage curiosity. Here are just a few ideas to help you with your Christmas shopping this year.
Subscription Boxes
Now more than ever, families have time to sit together and work on projects. This is whya subscription box is a great idea. Not to mention, getting a gift in the mail is so exciting, and the kids look forward to this each month. There are wonderful subscription sets available, from an earring club for those kids with newly pierced ears, to STEM activities, book clubs, art boxes and even cooking box subscriptions. Giving a gift that is an experience for the whole family is fantastic. When they are grown up, it will be those experiences that they remember the most. This is truly something special to give to children.
Inside Playset or Activity Mat
This is a wonderful idea for the child who miss their old routine of going to the park. You can bring the park to the home with a small inside playset or ball pit. An activity table is another wonderful gift or, if the space is small, you can give an activity mat that can be rolled up and put away. This if a gift you can give to children that will make their face light up day after day. Plus, these will all help stimulate play, engage their minds, and teach cooperation.
Toys that Teach
Find a toy that can teach a child a skill or encourage a love of a particular subject. If you have a budding artist on your hands, then find a unique gift that allows them to create more masterpieces. If you are shopping for a future engineer, then look for toys that teach STEM activities. If you have a child who is fascinated by space, then look for a gift that teaches them about the universe. The options are endless but you’re sure to find something to help them grow in their interests.
Give Them a New Friend
This does not mean to go buy a puppy or kitten – you had better check with their parents before you give that! It can be a doll, a stuffed animal or small robot. Lately, kids haven’t been able to get with their friends. When they bond with a doll, a robot or a stuffed animal like Sir William the Brave Knight, it may help fill that void a little bit. Connections with a security object are so important for children – it helps them learn how to become a good friend, how to share and take care of something and teaches confidence and self-esteem.
Shop Small
This is so important for 2020. Small businesses are really struggling this year and your purchase can bring joy to the child in your life but also to the small business owner’s life. Look to your town or city for small businesses to support, and if you shop online then look for small companies to shop with. You can find even small companies online with large retailers like Amazon. The Magical Order of Brave Knights is a small company, and like many others, we go out of our way for our customers. We send out a free gift with every purchase that comes in the mail about 10 days after you receive a Brave Knights Kit. This is a personal touch that we add in because I know how much children love to receive mail. We all also send out a free birthday card to your child as another way to make them feel special. This year shopping small can mean a big difference in someone’s business, and it can mean that you get this little bit of extra special treatment!
Gifts That Give
Lastly, look to purchase a gift from a company that gives back to others. There are many companies, like ours, that give a portion of sales or donate items to others in need. This year has been trying for our country as a whole, and there are a lot of people who are in need. So, while you are choosing a gift for your loved ones, think about supporting those in need as well. Our company gives a portion of all our proceeds to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation that helps military families and first responders when they need it the most. We also donate Brave Knights Kits to our local children’s hospitals. When you give to children, make sure you also give to other children in need!
Giving joy this year will feel better than ever with these gift ideas to give to children! Happy Holidays from our family to yours.
