Great giving philosophy for kids

Grandparents are notorious for spoiling grandchildren with bundles of gifts and treats during the festive season. Children
these days certainly get more than their parents and grandparents ever received in bygone years but a concerted effort needs to be made to differentiate between gift giving and the actual meaning of Christmas- lest the boisterous tykes develop a nasty outlook on Christmas that smacks of ungratefulness.

Christmas time can quickly spiral into a costly endeavour with so many loved ones needing gifts. With some careful thought and proper planning gifting for grandkids this festive season needn’t be a headache. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice in finding the perfect Christmas present this festive season:

• Make sure that the gift you intend to buy is age appropriate. Toys can often have small parts that can easily be swallowed posing a choking hazard.
• Consult the parents to find out if there might be a particular item that would make a perfect gift. They might have a good idea of what sport or hobby your grandchild might be starting in the New Year. This creates the perfect opportunity for you to latch onto the idea and you can buy them a Christmas present that will facilitate their new hobby.
• Knowing your grandkids interest is a definite advantage when finding the perfect gift. Buying a gift that relates to their interests shows that you are supportive and sincerely interested in what tickles their fancy.
• Consider passing on an heirloom or a distinctly personal gift. Framed photographs, jewellery or a cherished book make for great sentimental gifts and are particularly great when trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for older grandchildren and teens.
• Encourage time spent outdoors or a new hobby which you and your grandkids can partake in. Gift cards and vouchers to theme parks, movie theatres, sports matches and theatrical plays make great gift ideas. This way the grandkids can spend quality time with you and have something special to look forward to.

There are a myriad of gift giving routes you can take this festive season but whatever you decide to wrap up under the Christmas tree this year make sure that it’s aligned with a simple gift giving philosophy- after all Christmas is about spending time with family and friends not the accumulation of material goods. If all else fails remember to give your grandkids one of the following:

• Something they want.

• Something they need.

• Something to wear.

• Something to read.