Parental Tips on How to Make Your Kid’s Holiday Awesome

Another holiday season is upon us and, as usual, you're thinking about gifts for that special person in your life: your kids. You know what they like and what they need and you've even bought some of it already. But there's just one problem: no matter how great of a parent/grandparent/etc. you are, kids always seem to want something different than the cool new toy their friend has or the trendy outfit on TV. You want to get them something they'll like and cherish, but you don't want it to be the same old things they see on TV. Well, here are some tips that can help:

1) Get an Early Start!

By this mean buy your kids presents early so you aren't rushing while everyone else is out shopping. Make a list of all the gifts you're going to buy and determine which ones will be best for each person. Then go shopping early in the season before everything is picked over and gone. 

Elf on the shelf and their pets are some of the popular Christmas items that parents can buy for their kids to make the holiday season exciting.

2) Give Gifts Based on Personality

Does your little girl love princesses? Does your son want to become a firefighter when he grows up? Figure out what personality traits your children have (if they don't already) and get them something related to that. For example, if they like princesses then buy them a Princess Dress-Up Costume or an Ariel doll that they can play with. If they want to be firefighters then why not buy them some firefighter gloves? Those are just ideas of course, but you'll probably find something on this list of gifts for kids.

3) Get Creative

Try to think out of the box! Have fun with your kids while shopping for presents - especially if you plan on spending time together making old-fashioned Christmas cookies or whatever else your family does during the holiday season. Do research on what's popular lately (such as seeing all those Frozen dolls and elf on the shelf accessories everywhere). There are always new things coming out so there's definitely no reason to be stuck with old stuff year after year. 

4) Ask Your Kids What They Want

This may seem like a pretty obvious tip, but I thought it was worth mentioning all the same. When kids are asked what they want for Christmas, ask them in a time when their memories are fresh so they can give you a list full of things they actually want. If you ask them way before the season starts then they'll probably tell you something like "I don't know" or "nothing".

5) Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate

If all else fails, negotiate with your kids; whether it be on what they want or how much money is spent. You might surprise yourself and find that your kids are more open to alternative spending plans than you thought! Just make sure that everyone (including many adults) agrees with whatever compromise is decided upon.

6) Get Your Kids Involved

There are lots of ways that children can get involved in decorating the house and making their gifts this year! Here are some ideas:

  • Do a craft with them to make their own Christmas decorations, cards, or gifts for others. Check out this list of crafts for kids for some ideas!

  • Buy your kid an old used book from garage sales and let them create a cover using markers, crayons, etc. Then use the book as their present so when you give it to someone they can say "Oh wow thank you!" instead of "What is it?". If they're not into making covers then just buy a new one in a style that they like.

  • Let your kid dress up their elf with colourful elf clothes. It will make their elf more fun to play with and also keeps them interested in it. They'll surely love this part of pairing their outfits with their elves.

7) Stick With What You Know 

If your child loves arts & crafts then get them something related to that. Are they into animals? Get them animal toys or stuffed animals. If you have no idea then just stick to traditional gifts. You can't go wrong with classic Christmas toys like stuffed animals, Barbie dolls, etc. Be sure to check out this list of Christmas gift ideas for girls.

8) Don't Rush

This is the time to take your time! Take some extra trips to look for sales if you have to or get a second job/contribute more money if need be until you're able to afford it. Just do whatever it takes in order to make your children happy this holiday season while still being responsible and staying within your means. That's what they really want at the end of the day - not material things that will be forgotten next year but memories made with their family.

If you're looking for gift ideas, try visiting a local dollar store or thrift shop! You can pick up their things that are cute and cheap, but most importantly it's all one of a kind. Kids love to receive presents from a place they've never been before.

That is, simply put, the best thing about Christmas: the kids. You want to make sure they have a memorable holiday season full of joy and cheer! There are many ways you can make your child feel special. The best way to do this is by spending time with them, which actually makes their brain release oxytocin and endorphins (feel-good hormones). You could also give them a gift that they will cherish for years like an experience or something hand-made. Remember these tips when shopping for gifts this Holiday Season!


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