Scribbles 'n Scraps

I am so out of the loop with two 13 year olds, an 11 year old, a 10 year old and a 9 year old, it has been a LONG time since I have had to purchase toddler items. Not that I am complaining….too much.

Actually some of my best friends have babies and toddlers and we always seem to be shopping for something for this age group. Who knew that such tiny people needed so many things? It is difficult to find what you are looking for too. Last weekend we were at six stores to find this one stupid food puree thing my friend wanted. She had seen it online. Then why didn’t she just shop for her toddler online? You can get all sorts of products for babies and toddlers online.

Guess what we never found and what she had to order? Yep! It probably cost her less buying it online too, except we spent a load in gas that day running around just to shop for a toddler. However, we did find some really cute toddler clothing while shopping around online for this food puree thing. I had no idea that shopping online could be so much fun!

Is there really such a thing? The ‘perfect gift’ – seems almost subjective to me. However, you know what I really don’t like? Trying to find a gift for someone who has EVERYTHING?

It is time’s like this that I venture beyond my comfort zone and try and think outside the box. I want to get something for someone that is memorable, yet exciting and thrilling to receive all at the same time.

I think I might have found the prefect gift for those that have everything or who you cannot think of anything to buy for.

The Family Portrait Platter is not only a really cool gift to receive, but practical too in that it will get years of use at all sorts of events and special occasions. You can find a cute picture of these platters here. You can choose from a variety of sizes, styles and totally adorable characters to adorn your completely customized platter. There is nothing better than finding the ‘perfect gift’. Oh, and they make perfect wedding anniversary gifts too!

I wasn’t going to do another post on this subject, because I seriously thought that it might be too much dealing with one particular thing or subject.

Instead what I realized by the original post, and the comments and emails I have been getting ever since, is that it is a problem that a lot of families face, and it might be helpful to delve into it a bit more.

First, you need to review your situation. You need to look at it from all angles, and be sure that there really is a problem. What I mean is, are you sure that there are children who aren’t getting as much as others? Are you looking at all sides of this? For instance, it might seem as if some of the kids are getting all these gifts from extended family members, but don’t the other kids have extended family members that also might spoil the children?

Are there times when certain children are at home with you, while others are away, and that might be spoiled a little in other ways?

For instance, I tend to do more with my children when the step-kids are visiting their mom every other weekend. We go out for ice cream, sometimes to dinner, we might take in a movie or visit the zoo or something else. While it might not see like a gift, it is special time with my children and the other kids are not involved at that point because they are off with their own mother.

Or does it seem like maybe you cannot do these things with your children, and maybe it is when the step-kids are away – they are the ones being spoiled. Sometimes this cannot be controlled and building a healthy relationship with your own children should be foremost in your mind.

You might be surprised to learn that even just sitting down and reading or doing crafts with your kids will make them happier than getting gifts.
Take a walk, play a game, watch a movie snuggled together (yes even with older kids), etc. You need to teach your children that gifts are not everything, the gift of time and love is far more important than any old monetary thing. Now, with all of that said, it is still difficult for younger children to appreciate that. So I will delve further into that in a future article.

Have a happy day!