Mom’s Vibe
By Krystle J. Bailey
The time crunch is on! Gift-giving season snuck up on us this year. With less than two weeks to go until Christmas morning, those of us who haven’t completed our shopping are making our list and barely taking time to check it twice.
Check out these top gifts for 2020 as you head out to finish your shopping.
Squeakee, the balloon robot dog is one of the hottest toys this year. This red robot dog comes to life when you play with him. With over 60 sounds and movements, Squeakee responds to your child’s voice. Squeakee is in high demand this year so don’t delay if you plan to bring this puppy home for Christmas. ($45)
Keeping with the robot theme, Artie 3000 is a coding robot for kids 7+. Artie 3000 offers kids a fun and creative way to learn coding basics. Your child designs the code and Artie draws the lines using included washable markers. This educational toy is perfect for beginners and also offers advanced options. ($39)
Piccolina clothing from piccolinakids.com is a mission-driven clothing brand dedicated to empowering young girls to be trailblazers and problem solvers. Their mission is to show young girls that there is no limit on what is interesting or achievable in life. Apparel includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, pajamas, masks, and accessories all featuring powerful women in history from RBG and Ida B. Wells to Maya Angelou and Susan B. Anthony.
Unfortunately for us moms, the Play-Doh and slime craze doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. The Play-Doh Compounds box comes with a “goo” for everyone. Textures include classic, slime, krackle, super cloud, foam, and more. ($33)
Care Bears Unlock The Magic Interactive Figures bring the magic of the Care Bears back to life with over 50 interactive reactions and surprises. Choose from four different Care Bears who can sing, dance, tell jokes, and talk to your little ones. Ages 4+. ($12.99)
Operation, Mandalorian Edition. Don’t worry, you don’t be operating on The Child, however you will be avoiding the buzzer as you grab items such as a frog, a cup of broth, and a modern egg. This game is great for children with play mates or excellent for playing solo. ($26)
The Augmented Reality Interactive Globe will take your child on an interactive trip around the world from the comfort and safety of their home. Complete with a 10” globe, a passport, stamps and country flag stickers, the globe is app based and compatible with Apple and Android. Children can explore world facts including monuments, maps, weather, cultures, and monuments across all seven continents. ($55)
This year, families have spent more time together than ever. Family games for all ages are a fun and exciting way to keep everyone connected this holiday season. These popular games are at the top of the list this season.
HedBanz and HedBanz Junior are exciting games for family members of all ages. Pick a card and start asking yes or no questions to your family to figure out what animal you are. The Junior option now offers pictures only so children still learning to read can participate in the fun. ($15)
Laugh until you cry with Kids Create Absurdity. This family fun game will have everyone belly laughing this holiday season. Kids Create Absurdity combines two popular card games, Card Against Humanity with Apples to Apples in one hilarious and age appropriate game.
Avocado Smash and Peach Snaps, both from Ridley’s Games, are action packed card games for the whole family. Ideal for family game nights and small groups, these popular games will have everyone thinking quickly and moving quicker. ($18)
Tips For Shopping on A Budget
1. Don’t go crazy on the kids.
Many families use the four present concept:
Something they want
Something they need
Something they wear
Something they read
Other families use the 3-gift idea, explaining that Jesus was given three gifts on the day he was born and explain to their children the importance of humility, quality over quantity, and gratitude.
2. Wrap a lot.
If you want the tree to be full with presents but the budget is tighter this year, consider wrapping the gifts in smaller pieces. Young kids love to unwrap on Christmas morning. It doesn’t matter how big or small the gift is, they are excited to unwrap a pile of gifts. If a child loves socks and you buy them a set of six pairs, wrap each one individually. Wrap batteries separately from gifts and treat the batteries as another gift. It takes more time but also creates more joy.
3. Shop at discount stores.
Of course, we always encourage shopping small first. If the budget doesn’t allow for big ticket items, get more for your money at discount stores such as Ollie’s, Big Lots, Ross, Marshall’s, Discount World at the Hamilton Mall, and Gabe’s.
4. Give experiences.
Offer a coupon for some variation of a “Girls Day” or “Boys Night Out”, some sort of special day with one of your children. Plan a big day of a picnic in a park, a hike around a lake, or a personal spa day at home. Our kids won’t remember the stuff as much as they will remember the moments.
5. Gift to kids only.
Many extended families decide to switch to kid gifts only. Of course, you love your adult brother and sister but most adults are more than okay without receiving gifts that they may or may not use. With kids, nieces, nephews, and grandkids in the mix, consider only giving to the children of the family. If you do want to include adults, talk about a polyana or a white elephant gift giving experience to save on spending.
However you choose to give this holiday season, we hope that you stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy the little moments. This has been a crazy year. As it comes to an end, don’t forget to slow down and feel deep gratitude for each beautiful moment.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet
KrystleJBailey.com
