Ah, yes. The holiday season is upon us now, with just a FEW WEEKS to get all of that shopping done. Thanksgiving is late this year. which leaves even less time to focus on the candy canes and latkes. So, I figured to get a head start on the hustle and bustle of the mistletoes and menorahs. Disclaimer: I live in a world of boys. If I didn't quite hit on "girly" things, well I am just thankful that I am not immersed in the world of Elsa and Anna this year. Here are my top Chrismakkah gifts (in no particular order).
Spot It!
I love this game for so many reasons! First, Spot It! is super portable. I always throw it in the soccer bags or pocket books because it can help pass the time during appointments, practices, and restaurant waits. And now that they have expanded their already extensive line to include Disney themes like Frozen, Planes, Doc McStuffins, Jake and Neverland Pirates and Pixar, there is truly something for everyone. It makes a great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift! And the kids don't know that they are building amazing visual perceptual and language skills. BlueOrange flat out, just knows how to play!
Legos
Well, this is a given. Besides the home security factor of stepping on loose bricks causing immense pain to any intruder, the Lego family of products provides hours of entertainment. From Duplos for the little hands to the Lego Architecture sets for the over-achiever enthusiast, Lego has something for EVERYONE! Add in-hand manipulation skills, attention, and direction following to the play, and the result is a classic therapeutic and engaging activity. And look on November 15th for the release of new Minecraft additions!
Books
Maybe it's because we are a house of readers, but books are definitely on the list this year. Between the Minecraft Handbooks, the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Long Haul (scheduled to release on today, November 4th) the Fly Guy series for the younger reader, and the The Book with No Pictures, there are amazing choices available to foster the love of the written word. And if you have older kids to buy for, then consider an eReader. Not only is it electronic, and inevitably awesome, it still provides access to books.
Subscription Craft Kits
I've written before on how much our family loves the Kiwi Crate. We strayed off for a month just to try something new, the Happy Trunk, but it just wasn't the same; the quality and engagement just wasn't there. Luckily we are back and with a renewed love. Kiwi recently introduced the Tinker Crate, which is a STEM based build and play activity kit. Targeted for 9-14+, the kits are phenomenal. This month, the kit was focused on building a motor. How freakin' cool?! If you are interested in the gift that keeps on giving, a monthly to yearly subscription to one the Kiwi Crate clubs is the way to go.
Under $15 Stocking Stuffers:
Basically, anything from ThinkFun! Math Dice, Swish, Word Around. You can't go wrong. These are quick and easy games that are engaging, practical, and fun. Rory's Story Cubes are another fun stuffer for the kids and speech therapists in your life. Let the picture dice guide your imagination to create the next Super Stuffed Animal adventure or the fairy tale of Princess Penelope Pickle Pants.
Hope you have received a little inspiration. Please add to the list if you want to share some of your faves this year!
