Our crazy Christmas season continues. This year is even busier than last because this year I am adding work to the mix. I am trying really hard to remember why I love this time of year...
As I have mentioned in a previous post I am almost done my Christmas shopping. How are you doing with yours?
For this week's post I figured I would help out my friends and family who might want to buy my kids a Christmas present. If you are thinking about getting my kids a Christmas present, think twice.
We have enough stuff.
I know my friends and family and I know how they react when I ask not them not do something, so I know my kids are going to get presents regardless of what I say (or write..)
So for my friends and family, please keep this list in mind when getting presents:
1. Nothing that has one piece. Toys with small parts are so much more fun than toys that don't come apart or only have one piece. I personally love stepping on the small parts and kids enjoy the colourful phrases that leave my mouth when I do. It's also really great when the kids cry cause the toy won't work or won't go back together. And who doesn't love a rousing game of "fish the part out of the baby's mouth before she chokes"?
2. Nothing that the kids can do by themselves. That's boring. I have all the time in the world to sit with them and show them a million times how to work the toy/or puzzle. Especially fun when I am trying to make dinner or clean something.
3. Nothing age appropriate. It's good to teach the kids how to deal with frustration by struggling with something that is beyond their capabilities. Also teaches them how to deal with failure and persistence pays off, right? I also have lots of time to sit and show them how to work it (see above)
3. Nothing with a volume control. With three kids who are apparently hard of hearing and love to play with the TV remote (esp. the volume), I don`t think that we have enough noise in our house. Noisy toys are awesome. Plus I have stock in Tylenol.
4. Nothing without wheels. Wheels make wonderful squeaking noises on the floor (See above point). As well wheels scratch the wood floor. Gives the floors character. Also toys with wheels are a lot of fun when stepped on. And why not give the baby motion?
5. Nothing that has batteries included, or worse does not require batteries. The baby loves to put batteries in her mouth and the older kids love to remove batteries from items. I also have stock in Duracel.
6. Nothing washable. We love doing laundry. We also love when a favorite outfit is ruined because a well meaning grandma thought it would be a good idea to paint pine cones with paint and sparkles. We love sweeping up sparkles.
7. Nothing non toxic. I am trying to raise mutants with a good healthy dose of strange chemicals that leach off the cheap toys that come from china. Perhaps one day I will have glow in the dark kids. Besides, if the kids don't want to get sick, then they shouldn't lick or eat the toy in the first place.
8. Nothing strong and built to last. The sooner it breaks the sooner I can get it out of my house (to make room for the other gifts that I have to store until my kids are ready for them.)
9. Nothing too safe. A little danger keeps the kids on their toes. How many kids have owned bb guns and did not shoot out their eyes? How many little girls owned play ovens and didn't burn their hands? If the kids hurt themselves playing with a toy, then they learn to be more careful. Sort of like when your child bumps his head when going under the table before he learns to duck when going under the table.
10. Finally, nothing unrealistic. I am talking mainly about dolls here. Something that is the same size as my daughter or looks like her is a wise choice. It is fun to have a mini heart attack because there is a doll with blond hair lying face down at the bottom of the stairs. Also good to scare the kids with creepy looking faces and limbs my kids can pull apart. Most of our dolls end up headless and naked. (Don't ask).
There you have it. A Christmas list just for my friends and family. Happy shopping!!
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