finding the right gift

We always love buying gifts for each other at Christmas. I think it's important for the kids to be able to find gifts they want to give as well. When they were little I let them help me make things to give to people. As they grew, they wanted to pick out special little things to be just from them. We would let them pick out items at the dollar store that would be appropriate gifts. As they got to be tween aged, I would let them go around the store by themselves choosing items and even let them check out alone (as I stood nearby keeping an eye on them without trying to see the gift they were getting me.) Now as teens they can choose great gifts and pretty much spend their own money. Having Dad take them shopping for me and me take them shopping for Dad is another great approach to keeping gift giving special. Letting kids choose their own gifts is important and teaches them to be selfless gift givers. It is also lots of fun to see what they have picked out for everyone!

family gift exchange

We spend much time over the holidays with extended family. We love seeing everyone and giving and getting gifts, eating, playing games and catching up. But in the midst of it all, we allow a little time for just the four of us to exchange gifts. We always encourage the kids to buy gifts for each other and they have always been good about that as well as getting each of us a present too. It does not have to be much, but our kids always do a great job of buying or making something that shows they really thought about that person. Whether it is a bar of chocolate, a photo from a special time, an NBA backpack or whatever, they put thought into what the recipient wants, likes and needs. We had a wonderful family gift exchange this year and we all really treasure the time for the four of us in the middle of all the holiday "chaos".