Playtime

Holiday Gift Guide: Alternative Gifts

| Patti Webb

Lately, when people ask me if the girls want or need anything for Christmas, my immediate answer is NO. From sensory toys to learning toys to active sports equipment, we already have it covered. If anything, I’m begging you not to bring in any more stuff into my house…

A couple years ago, when my mom asked this same question, I told her gift cards. She got visibly disappointed and said that the girls NEED to open something Christmas morning, like I was just going to have no actual presents whatsoever.

First, I want to get out of this frame of thinking, that the holidays aren’t special unless there are a mountain of gifts. NEGATIVE. I’m pretty sure my girls are young enough that there wouldn’t be any emotional difference or disappointment between opening 5 presents or 15 presents.

And second, in going with my 2021 resolution to become more minimalist and sustainable, there are plenty of other gift-giving options besides buying the entire toddler toy section

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Gift Guide 2021: Preschool/Elementary Kids (4+)

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

If you ever notice the toy description in this age range, no one cares about whether its educational or developmental. It’s all about how entertaining and fun it is to play with. We’re here to say that some of these exciting toys can still provide advantages to enhancing your kid’s growth.

Here’s our top choices for children 4 and up.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Toddlers

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Holiday shopping for toddlers can be a bit tricky. They’ve outgrown basic baby toys and in most cases, are way too young for all the popular and full-sized toys. Our picks are somewhere in the middle. They still promote fine and gross motor development, while also bringing in imagination, pretend play, and body movement.

Here are our recommendations for toddlers, 1-3 years:

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Child(ish) Reads: Podcast Playlist

| Patti Webb

This month, we’re sharing a couple podcast episodes we thought we’re particularly helpful. Plus, there’s only so many parenting books you can read before they all start getting repetitive.

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DIY Halloween

| Patti Webb

Let’s face it. Some costumes, especially for licensed characters, are easier to buy off the rack. But here are some things you can do to put together costumes that are just as imaginative and creative, using things around your own home.

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