This
year, resolve to think creatively about the kids on your
gift list. Steer clear of the “it” toys, the
ones that everyone wants and is probably already getting.
Chances are those are the toys that will flame out the
fastest. Also try to avoid the battery-operated toys that
your boys will grow tired of as soon as the power runs
down. Instead, focus on the gifts that will spark their
imagination and keep them entertained throughout the year.
Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Ages 3 to 5: At this age, boys are
wonderfully open-minded and curious. They love to discover
and create, and they’re usually not worried about
what everyone else has or what will make them look cool.
Young builders might love a new Lego set; budding scientists
might enjoy a bug-catcher and magnifying glass; little
outdoorsmen might enjoy a small tent, trampoline, or
a beginner fishing rod.
Ages 6 to 8: This is the age at which
gift-giving starts to get tricky. Boys at this age are
drawn to things that are scary, gross, mysterious, or
otherwise unknown. Help them discover all sorts of new
ways to surprise and mystify, with a magic kit, test
tube aliens, or a terrarium to grow insect-eating plants.
Ages 9 to 12: These boys are getting
a little bit more sophisticated about what they want,
but they like to keep busy. Consider a kids’ digital
video camera that will allow them to edit film to their
choosing, a build-a-robot kit that will kick their creative
juices into gear, or a chemistry set that will keep
them intrigued.
For all ages, you can try these ideas for gifts
that won’t get broken or discarded:
Memberships: Give a membership to
a local cultural institution such as a zoo, science
center, children’s museum, aquarium, or activity
gardens. Make sure that the attraction is close enough
to be convenient so that the kids get the most out of
the membership for the year.
Magazines: Give a subscription to
a children’s magazine that will keep them entertained
with new issues arriving in the mail all year round.
For ages 3 to 8, look for Highlights, Ranger Rick, National
Geographic Little Kids, and Zoobooks. For ages 9 to
12, look for Muse (sponsored by the Smithsonian), Ask
(arts and science for kids), Calliope (a fun introduction
to world history), Dig (for archaeology buffs) and Cousteau
Kids.
Books: Kids love feeling a strong
connection to books, and that’s what makes books
that come in a series so much fun. For ages 3 to 5,
check out the Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant;
for ages 6 to 8, try the Captain Underpants series by
Dav Pilkey; and for boys ages 9 to 12, try the Goosebumps
series by R. L. Stine or the Artemis Fowl series by
Eoin Colfer.
The Gift of Time: Sometimes the gift
a boy wants the most is the gift of time with you. Make
your own special gift certificate with a promise of
an afternoon at the movies, a day at the go-cart track,
or a cheeseburger-and-ice-cream dinner. Most likely,
it’ll be the gift that he’ll enjoy the most
– and treasure for the longest.
|
