Christmas is upon us and, like most moms I know, my thoughts have been on family traditions and celebrations, and gifts for my children and loved ones. Recently my husband was asking me for ideas for gifts as he's planning to take our girls out on dates to do a little shopping.
I remember when I was a child we'd ask Mom what she wanted for Christmas and she'd say, "I want good children." or "I don't want anything." or "Use your imaginations." Okay, I know that all moms just want happy, healthy, good children and wonderful Christmas Memories on December 25th, but our children love us and they want to do something special... and sometimes they are stumped trying to think of ideas, dad is short on ideas, and they aren't fooled when we pretend to love an "ugly sweater" when we really don't. Just as we want to give our children gifts they'd love (that's why we ask them to circle things in the Big Toy book and make mental notes of their faves all year)... THEY want to give us things we'd actually use and love.
So, in that spirit, I have a little advice:
For the moms reading this blog, if your children ask for suggestions... please give them some honest ideas that you'd really like. They love you and want to do something special for you. They'll be excited to implement a few of your hints in their gift giving this year.
For the dads reading this blog looking for ideas, if Mom isn't offering suggestions, here are a few to get you started:
- Gifts the Kids Make. You can't go wrong with homemade gifts. Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics is a terrific paint-your-own pottery shop where children can enjoy painting ornaments, mugs, platters, or other gifts. One of my most treasured gifts is a Christmas platter with my girls' footprints decorated as snowmen with, "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland" written across the top.
- Take Mom on a Date. I recently wrote about "Taking Your Child on a Date." Consider turning the tables. Let the kids each plan a date they can enjoy with mom for some one-on-one time. On Christmas, wrap a letter with the details (or clues) for the outing, some tickets, or something she'll need for the day of fun. The date could be something "really grown up" that mom would enjoy (i.e. the Symphony, or a nice restaurant) or it could be a chance to let mom "be a kid for a day" (i.e. roller skating or miniature golf), just make memories and start a Christmas tradition mom will love!
- For the Reader. Consider a membership to a Book-of-the-Month Club at the I Love a Mystery Bookstore or buy the latest bestseller in her favorite genre or by her favorite author. Consider an autographed copy of a beloved book from Rainy Day Books. Bookmarks are a simple craft the kids can make to add a special touch to this gift.
- For the Cook. Pryde's Old Westport and Function Junction are both great places to look for the best kitchen gadgets and cookbooks. Planter's Seed & Spice in The City Market sells wonderful spices and mixes for good cooks, and Penzeys in Old Overland Park is known for exotic spices from around the world. Even better, let the children paint aprons for mom (you can purchase these in the craft section at Wal-mart or Michaels) and promise to cook with her to try out her new gift!
- For the Gardener. Powell Gardens Gift Shop is bursting with gifts and a membership would be a fantastic gift. The expert gardeners at Heartland Nursery are another great resource for recommendations. As an added touch, buy plain terracotta pots and let the kids paint them for her garden. Or, buy a stepping stone kit at a local craft store (i.e. Michaels or JoAnn) and let the kids decorate stones for the garden.
- For the Crafter. Urban Arts & Crafts sells many wonderful unique materials for the ultimate crafter and they offer classes (consider a certificate) as well. If she loves scrapbooking, you can find many materials at The Scrapbook Page or consider a new camera or pre-purchased photo developing online.
- For the Girly Girl. Arrange a day for her to enjoy a manicure and pedicure, then take the kids shopping to pick out a few gifts. Buy her favorite lotion at Bath & Body Works, some jewelry, or new perfume.
- For the Movie Watcher. The options are endless. DVDs, BluRays, a new player, Netflix subscription, or tickets to the theater. Forks & Screen in Olathe, the Studio Movie Grill at Zona Rosa, or the VIP Room at the Cinemark on the Plaza are nice touches for an extra special movie watching experience.
- Classic Gifts. It's better to give a sure-fire gift she'll love, even if it isn't "creative" than to go out on a limb for something she won't really use or appreciate. Consider what she likes and uses every day and perhaps one of these items would work well for her: Bathrobe or comfy pajamas (emphasis on comfy pjs... these are from the Kids!), jewelry, new socks (I'm a big fan of soft socks and my kids know this), favorite candy, coffee, tea, college mascot memorabilia, collectibles, CDs, etc. If it's not already a family tradition mom oversees, every mother LOVES pictures of her children for the holidays! Have photos made and she'll be delighted.
- Still stumped? I LOVE the website Surprise.com! You can search for ideas for anyone... put in a few hints from age to interest and ideas are generated right before your eyes.
When all else fails, ask Mom what she wants, and when she says, "I want good kids for Christmas," ask her to read this blog. Oh, and Ron, IF you're reading this... I vote for #1 & #2 on this list!
To all the moms reading this blog... please comment with your favorite gift ideas and the hits and misses of years past.... your advice could help other children come up with something really special for their mom this year!
Written by Kristina Light