Hello All!  I’ve been suffering from a bit of writers block for the last few weeks.  I took the week off over Thanksgiving break since I had a house full of kids and was more focused on spending time with them but when the time came to get back to it I was out of ideas!  One of my reader’s and friend, suggested I write about what my kids are getting for Christmas….something that’s become more and more of a challenge as they are getting older.  What do you do once they’ve outgrown toys and have just about everything!  I really love those lists circulating the internet where you give something to wear, something to read, something they want, and something they need.  Simplicity is something I strive for, but even that is a little too simple for me.  I definitely have used that idea but branched out a bit, hopefully it’ll help you with your Christmas shopping!

1.) Pajama’s.  I always give Christmas jammies to the kids on Christmas Eve, it’s a tradition and it gives them something to wear to our family Christmas party that night.

2.)  Sports equipment.  They are usually due for some new gear and that stuff isn’t cheap, its nice to take advantage of holiday deals and give them a gift they’ll use.

3.)  Books.  I usually give the kids a book series, I like to read reviews and best sellers lists to get ideas.  Their teachers can usually provide a good list for whats age appropriate too.

4.)  Clothes.  It’s not an overly fun gift but they can usually use new pants and socks and underwear fit into stockings pretty well.

5.)  Tech.  They get one tech gift a year, like last year it was a kindle.  Could be a fitbit (my kids really wanted those, so I found them a great deal on amazon for a pedometer watch.), maybe a new video game or gaming system.

6.)  Outdoor toys.  It might seem like a stupid suggestion, but most outdoor play structures, trampolines, and hockey nets are usually on sale this time of year.  Not to mention, bikes, scooters, and dirt bikes.  Yeah, they can’t use them right away but it might be worth it if the savings is enough to store until spring.

7.)  Toiletries.  Depending on your child’s age, bubble bath, perfume/cologne, or bath sets make nice stocking stuffers.

8.)  Electric toothbrush.  Our kids got new sonicare toothbrushes last year, lets face it, they aren’t great brushers and most kids could use one.  Not a fun gift but its a lot cheaper than cavities.

9.)  Jewelry.  I know, I’ve got boys so this one isn’t really for me but I remember getting some special jewelry when I was a kid and how grown up I felt receiving it.

10.)  A trip.  Disney world, a weekend getaway, or a tropical vacation all make great gifts for older kids (and you too).  Find a special way to tell them by wrapping hints, like a t-shirt from that place, or stuff they’ll use while they’re there.

11.)  Experiences.  A year round pass to a place they like to go, we’ve done Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Museum, and Echo before, now there’s trampoline parks and roller skating places, there’s a ton of things you could gift and enjoy all year round.

I hope you’ll find some ideas for your kids from this post!  I did nearly all my shopping online this year (and most years).  Yay free shipping!  Share your ideas in the comments!