When things get cluttered I cannot think.  The approaching holidays for me bring lots of mixed feelings:

Seeing more of family and friends…..less consistency in our daily routine

A time of giving and showing appreciation to loved ones….overflowing trash cans and recycle bins

Refreshing the environment by bringing in the new…..not getting rid of enough old and consequently being surrounded by more STUFF!!!!!  AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

It’s the last one in particular that creates enough anxiety for me to fantasize about the simple condo to which I will retire one day (hope my husband will join me).  In the meantime refreshing and updating the kids’ environment is a must do during holiday time. 

We start a wish list soon after Halloween when local businesses are forcing the holiday buying season upon us.  We do this in order to avoid buying crap that goes to the attic or Good Will within a month.  Our list is more practical (needs) than exciting (wants) but keeps us better able to resist those last minute urges.  So here is the list compiled by the 3 year old:

Cooper (age 3): a flannel work shirt like Daddy’s, a book about salt and traffic cop gloves

Suzanna (age 1): a soup mug, a nightie and a small fork

Daddy: 8 foot ladder to get into the attic safely and socks without holes

Mommy: orange cloth napkins and pjs with bells

During our shopping excursions we are always wary of the following:

Classroom materials in the home.  As tempting as it is to “teach” my own kid at home or at least place“educational” materials in the home environment, we have seen that it’s a big mistake to try and replicate the classroom in your home.   Instead look for things that complement the classroom.  Go to www.forsmallhands.com for more ideas.  This catalogue was created especially for this purpose in mind.

Electronics in the first plane of development (birth-6 years).  Keep their learning 3D and whole body as much as possible in the early years when children benefit most from hands on experiences.  Toys that have sound or movements should be basic enough to disassemble and examine.  (If your child asks for a screwdriver to see where the music in the snow globe is coming from, would you go for it?) 

Closed-ended materials with one purpose or usage.  Instead look for open-ended materials, such as building material and puppets, with opportunities for blossoming creativity and imagination.  (Something to think about…….Media characters ironically discourage creativity as their characters have already been developed and their stories have already been told.)

Plastic.   Instead search out natural materials like cotton, silk, wool, wood, clay, or stone.  Your child will get a richer and more varied sensory experience and gain a deeper understanding of the world around him.

The Grandparents……..:)

The grandmothers usually make it easy on us and ask for gift ideas.  As for the grandfathers we must pro-actively put them on a hunt for something.   One grandfather is exclusively on books and the other on just about anything made of wood.   

…and for that relative (my older brother) who always seems to find a little too much joy in sending your kid the loudest, gaudiest, most obnoxious trendy kids’ toy out there…….  I find great satisfaction out of returning the favor with a huge box of styrofoam peanuts with a “Gotcha!” greeting card at the bottom.

Good luck with your holiday shopping and don’t forget…it’s usually the gift box rather than the gift that gets most of your kid’s attention!