TL;DR:
- There are gifts that can be given this holiday season to help children continue to learn and grow. Less is more when giving meaningful gifts.
- Gift ideas include books, outdoor activities, or various experiences to stimulate the brain and body.
This year, we all need a little bit more of the holly jolly season. Get us out of 2020! Right?! Social media is buzzing with early holiday magic. Trees are lighting up, smiles for the camera are full of delight, and Black Friday deals are blowing up your inbox. As a parent, I reflect on quarantine and think of 3-6 months cooped up in my house full of stuff and want to go in a different direction this holiday.
Less is more: Play does not have to equal a bunch of STUFF.
What can you tell your family members to get your kids or (you) for the holidays?
In all seriousness, many people around the globe are feeling the crunch from the pandemic. Adding stress and anxiety from overbuying can have lasting effects for months on the family unit. Why do we do this to ourselves when we can make a holiday plan that is full of fun, family, and play!
If aunts and uncles don’t want to steer away from toys and gadgets, give them the names of local small businesses that could really use the holiday boost. I’ve found some really cool puzzles and unique gifts when shopping from our downtown!
Books are gold.
Make a list of books that you would love to get your hands on. I know I have a few (hundred)! Did you know that the Teach Better Team has a whole bookshelf to choose from? Check it out here: https://teachbetter.com/bookshelf/.
We are craving connection and sometimes that isn’t possible, so ask a family member to make a video of them reading the book to your child and send it to you. You are making a special memory and they can play it over and over while they enjoy their present Christmas morning.
Board games are anything but boring.
Games are number one on my list this year! Not only are they a great way to have fun together as a family, but they build a lot of really important executive functioning skills. You may be incredibly surprised by the number of children who do not know how to play a board game.
Start simple with classics when it comes to kids. Taking turns, sharing space, counting, and using colors are all skills that come from playing these games together. You may be tempted to let your kids win, but losing is actually a skill that can be explored during this time in a safe environment.
Games aren’t just for kids! My siblings and I love to play games together and laugh. Our favorites lately are What Do You Meme? or The Office Trivia.
The great outdoors.
If you live in a climate that experiences all four seasons, outdoor purchases sometimes do not seem practical in November or December. Many of our favorite backyard purchases actually came during this time. Not only do you usually get a great deal, but these can be great joint gifts from grandparents.
Our trampoline gets a lot of use even in cooler weather. They may not be able to use it right away, and that’s okay!
Cornhole is a game that kids and adults both enjoy. It helps individuals work on throwing, teamwork, and visual and spatial skills! Local shops can help you design a cornhole board that is meaningful.
This year, I purchased a swing for my son that will go in the basement. Swings can be very relaxing and provide sensory support when going outside is difficult.
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Less is more: Experiences don’t need wrapping paper.
While many of the places we used to love to go to remain closed, there are ways to provide experiences for you or your children. Gift certificates for a class (even a virtual one) can really help parents during the year. Think soccer, dance lessons, karate, yoga, or puppy classes for the dog moms!
Moving our bodies during the long winter months in Ohio can help our bodies and our mental health.
Want to stretch your brain? There are many opportunities for learning in our Teach Better Acadamy! Check this out here: https://teachbetter.com/teachbetteracademy/.
Have little ones that like a challenge? Sumdog, Prodigy, and Homer are all online platforms that can be enhanced with a membership.
How will you play this holiday season?! I want to know! Connect with me on Twitter @playyay!
About BreAnn Fennell
Mrs. BreAnn Fennell is a first-grade and second-grade looping teacher in Ashland, Ohio. She has worked in both public and private settings and is passionate about providing exciting learning environments for students. Mrs. Fennell is a published author of children’s books including Play? Yay! and Choose Your Cheer. She is a mom to two energetic boys and a defender of play! 
