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Have you ever noticed that sometimes very young kids are happier with the wrapping paper than the present? Often, the less complicated a gift is, the more it engages a child’s imagination. So, consider stuffing a stocking with these timeless toys:
- Bag of marbles, polished rocks, sea shells, or foreign coins
- Magnifying glass
- Telescope
- Stamp and stamp pad
- Building blocks
- Modeling clay or homemade play dough
- Drawing pad and crayons or other art supplies
- Empty food boxes, play money, and a cash box for running an imaginary store
- Old business forms, rubber stamps, and file folders to play office Scrap wood, cardboard, shingles, a hammer, non-toxic paint, etc. for building a clubhouse, and a map showing where it can be built
- A cookbook with simple, healthy recipes
- Gardening tools, seeds, and pots of soil for indoor gardening
- A treasure hunt with a series of mysterious clues for children to follow
- A subscription to a magazine that explores the larger world Silk nightgowns, wild shoes, silly ties, and hats for playing dress-up
- Offer to throw a party in any month a child wishes, with a choice of party themes
- Books—with skits, plays, or story of interest
- Membership to local children’s museum or zoo
- Adopt an animal in the child’s name
What are some suggestions you have for Christmas gifts?
Leanne Manning, Extension Educator | The Learning Child
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