Ideas for Children's Gifts

No sooner did the turkey and pie settle in our stomachs than we're thinking of Christmas shopping, girding up our loins  to fight the multitudes to take advantage of the great deals. When I walk down the toy aisles at the store, I marvel--how many toys does a child really need? Buying gifts for children can be problematic. May I offer some suggestions?

1. Books! Books open wonderful, magical worlds for a child. Colorful picture books, funny chapter books and fantasy novels are great but how about also giving well-illustrated non-fiction books, on subjects of interest to the child?
2. Art supplies! Give a child the tools and supplies needed to create! I think the best gifts are those that encourage creativity. Instead of a coloring book, give a child a ream of paper and a giant size set of crayons!
3. Dress-ups! Kids love to dress up. This is a gift that keeps on giving.
4. Gifts that develop the mind. Science kits, microscope, board games that require strategy, etc.
5. Legos! The best toy ever invented, in my humble opinion. We have a tub of a Legos--and this are not the neatly packaged kind that only makes one thing. This a mish-mash of Legos that our grandchildren and other children visitors love to pour out and build to their heart's content. Some of their creations are so terrific I hate to break them down.
6. In addition to Legos, there are blocks, Lincoln logs, erector sets, marble tracks, Tinker Toys (do they still have Tinker Toys?), and other building kits. Great toys.
7. Give a child the tools to learn to sew, crochet, do carpentry, cook, etc. And I'm not talking about the cheap kid versions--give them actual tools that really work.
8. Sports equipment. Let's get our child moving and exercising and building muscles.
9. Computer and wii games. If we must give computer games, let's give games that encourage thinking and creativity.

So there you have it. I've found that by bypassing the toy aisles and making my way to the crafts, sports, stationery, and other aisles in the store I can find some great gifts for children. And an added bonus--they're not so crowded!