Money Smarts Blog

Every year, my kids are excited for the toy catalogs to arrive in the mail. They’ll lovingly fight over who gets it first, then they’ll watch their siblings circle what they want most. So many things. Things I’ve never even heard of; many certainly carrying a lifespan of a few weeks before they’re abandoned in the basement playroom to gather dust.

Gift-giving is a joy for many, but with the sheer amount of stuff available — much of it online and on-demand — how the heck do you know where to start?

My boy-girl twins are nine and my youngest daughter is almost six. Throw in a few nieces and a nephew ranging from six to 13 and I’d say it’s safe to say we’re pretty experienced in the gifting department. Here are some ideas straight from my kids’ wish lists this year, along with a few motherly suggestions to (hopefully) lighten your holiday shopping load.

Babies/toddlers

Let’s start with the easiest to shop for. Pretty much anything goes with this group, as long as it’s brightly colored and shakes, rattles, rolls or talks. Annoying for parents? Maybe. But super helpful in their development as tiny humans. Even as toddlers, my kids always seemed to gravitate toward baby dolls or stuffed animals, action figures from their favorite shows (Paw Patrol and Bluey are popular today), play kitchen items and Play-Doh. Want to give your kiddo some mess-free fun? Check out Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint Sticks. Once I found these washable paint sticks, I bought extras because it let my littles explore “painting” with very little supervision.

Elementary age

My son has regularly asked for an Xbox or Nintendo for the past three Christmases and has yet to find one under the tree. Why? Because I know once he has a gaming system that’s all he’ll want to do. For now, it’s an extra special activity he gets to do when he visits his friends. I know I’ll cave one day, but it won’t be this Christmas. We did, however, get basic tablets for our kids a few years ago. So much of the world they’re growing up in is digital, and they’re able to play educational games at home or on the road, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Speaking of digital, remember those cute little virtual pets, Tamagotchis? There’s a kind of revival with a modern spin, something called a “Bitzee,” and it’s on my oldest daughter’s list.

Other requests from my elementary kids include new bikes, sports gear and the “Rainbow High” dollhouse. Oh, and Squishmallows galore. Those huggable pillow plushies are super cute, come in many different sizes and are a hit across all ages.

More options for this group could include arts and crafts supplies, like fancy markers and an art pad, or craft kits with beads, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, washi tape ¾ the works. Anything that can keep them occupied and unlock their creativity is a win! Do you have a blossoming Swiftie? Check out a mini karaoke machine (bonus: it can make for a fun family night or get-together with friends). Board games and card games are another quality gift option. The Stanley craze popularized water bottles too, although the Owala brand is my personal fave. We have three, and those things are leak proof and seemingly indestructible!

TIP: Don’t rule out practicality!

I like to think ahead to other seasons. For example, my youngest has a December birthday (unlike my summer birthday twins), so she gets ALL her gifts near/on the holidays. A fun new bookbag might be on her (my) wish list to use next school year. A new slip-and-slide might find its way under the tree this year too, since we trashed some outdoor toys last summer. And because kids grow so darned fast, new swimsuits or shoes are usually a staple.

Pre-teens and teenagers

My nephew is the only one who fits this category for me, and so far, has been pretty easy to shop for: quality art supplies to fuel his anime drawings, and gaming accessories (digital gift cards, new controllers, things like that). Other ideas could include:

• Technology cord/accessory organizer or portable chargers (for the phone that seemingly never leaves their hands)
• New earbuds
• Bluetooth speakers
• Gift cards (they might seem impersonal, but honestly, it’ll let them choose whatever they want)

Adults

Most adults I know are either content saving up for what they want throughout the year, or ask for gift cards come Christmastime. However, for the grandparents in our lives, we try to pick up a gift from a recent trip or give something sentimental involving photos or artwork from their grandkids.

Teachers

For the person who spends most days with your kid(s), a small gift can go a long way. Instead of going for another candle or coffee mug, have your kiddo make something personal like a photo ornament (it’ll be more meaningful). If you’re willing to put in a few extra dollars, consider asking your kid’s teacher if they have an Amazon Wishlist (if not, encourage them to make one!). A wishlist allows you to make a gift that supports teachers and directs resources to whatever they need most. Tip from a teacher friend: Teachers are given very little money from their schools to fund their curriculums, and often spend their own money on supplies. Reaching out to ask what they need for their classroom is the best gift you could ever give them.

 Party hostess/host

With all the holiday get-togethers on your calendar, it never hurts to keep a few thoughtful gifts on hand. And you don’t have to break the bank (think: whipping up a batch of your favorite cookies). Afterall, it’s the thought that counts.

 Gifts aside, the holidays are about spending quality time with family and friends. That’s the most important gift you can give, and it can be a hard one when you’re stressed about holiday-related finances. As long as you set ¾ and stick to ¾ a realistic budget, you’ll be able to stress less and have more time to enjoy the real spirit of the season.