The toddler: There are many building toys available for young children. Available at discount stores are blocks in three different sizes. The bigger the block, the better. (Caution: younger children have choked on the small mini ones.) You'll find cardboard building blocks, soft sponge blocks, wooden blocks, plastic blocks, some that fit into one another and those made to stack. Other toy ideas for toddlers, board books, puzzles, and balls.
The pre-schooler: Through art, children learn to create. An art kit can be made up using an old but clean brief case to hold art supplies. Fill it up with: paper - white, newsprint, construction, and/or lined, pencils - wooden, colored, wax, pastel, washable markers, scissors, liquid white glue, glue stick, stickers, stencils, scotch tape, scraps of yarn, stapler and staples, a magazine or two. Other toy ideas for pre-schoolers is books with tapes, playdough, puzzles, memory games, balls and hoops.
The school-age child: Love to build and create. School age children are older now to read directions and are more patient. Model cars, boats, planes, trains and crafting kits for sewing, knitting, gluing and cutting are great gift ideas. Other toy ideas for school -age children can be art supplies, simple board games, sports accessories, science kits, books, and 3-D puzzles.
The teenager: Buying presents for teenager is a challenge in itself. Most teenagers will tell you what they would like but here a few ideas just 'in case' ideas: a board game, a T-shirt, a gift certificate at the video, music or book store, and movie passes.
The trick is in September, write down a list of the children you want to buy gifts for, during the fall watch for sales in the discount stores. Buying early and on sale will make your holiday shopping a breeze and a success. After the holidays his year, start checking those sales and listen to what your loved ones are hinting they'd like.
Happy holidays to all!! In 1999, I liked to give more activities and ideas to use in class.
Should you like to discuss a certain subject or if you have certain questions, write to me at mariehg@videotron.ca.
