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I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But with the Holiday sales already in full swing and sure to continue on through black Friday and on to Christmas day, there are deals to be had no matter when you start shopping. As the Holidays creep closer, there is little doubt many wish lists will have this year's hottest items. Things like the new iPad Pro, the Surface Pro 6 or, for realistic parents, maybe one of the new Unicorn or dinosaur Fingerlings. While all of these gifts have their upsides, I think an argument can be made for bringing back Christmas gifts from yesteryear. I for one love gifts that provide a chance to get outside or test our thinking skills, instead of just more opportunity for screen time. So here are 10 gifts that I remember getting or wanting when I was growing up.
Number 1: Lego's
One of the earliest Christmas gifts I remember was this Robin Hood Lego set. (looking at that price now, I should have saved it!) My twin brother and I got matching sets and played for days, creating new adventures for all the Lego merry men to enjoy. One of my favorite things to do is sit down with my kids and our tub of Lego's and help them turn the ideas in their heads into real creations. Lego's provide days of fun and help build imagination and create spacial awareness.
My family loved board games. It provided an outlet for our (highly) competitive nature while also serving up a challenge to understand the game and try to overcome the other players. One of my favorites was Clue. Playing detective is always a fun thing to do. While there are many great board games that have come out since (Pirate's Cove and King Domino are two great ones) the classics are still fun and playable, and could be a brand new challenge for your kids if you haven't played them.
Number 3: Skateboard
Skateboarding was one of the phases I went through when I was younger. I never had a skateboard for doing tricks, instead, I just loved to ride around our cul-de-sac while my siblings rode their bikes or ran after me. Skateboards are still a great gift for balance, exercise, and coordination and can provide kids with a great means of transportation as well, depending on where you live.
Number 4: Camping Gear (Tents, Sleeping bags, Backpacks)
From Boy Scouts to backpacking trips to just sleeping in the backyard; camping gear can be used year-round and provides much-needed opportunities to disconnect from our screens and enjoy the nature God has created.
Number 5: Play-Doh.
Play-Doh has been around for years, but the possibilities it has for children and parents is limited only by imagination. I think this is why it has become a perpetual favorite.
Number 6: Daisy BB gun
Guns are a hotly debated topic these days, and while you may have strong feelings one way or the other, the fact is BB guns were apart of many of our childhoods. I personally think BB guns can teach kids responsibility, patience and ownership skills. Plus, shooting pop cans was just a fun way to end a day.
Number 7: Books
There are not many things that can draw you in like a good book. Getting into reading early can create a habit that will influence a child their whole life! One of my favorites (now and as a kid) is the Chronicles of Narnia book set. Well written, with a wonderful message and easy for children to read or for you to read to them, you can't go wrong with any of these books.
Number 8: Basketball (Or any sports ball)
Sometimes all a kid needs is the opportunity to get out and play, and a basketball, soccer ball, or Frisbee can do just that. A simple gift like this can provide
hours of fun, exercise, opportunities to socialize and fresh air.
Number 9: Micro-Machines
Right up there with Lego's, Micro Machines were another highlight of my Christmas and Birthdays growing up. Allowing creativity while just being fun to collect, Micro Machines come in a large variety of vehicles and some larger units to transfer them in. You'll have to search eBay for authentic Micro-Machines, but these tractors are similar and would still be fun for any kid who loves vehicles.
Number 10: Laser Tag
I never had my own laser tag set, but that didn't mean I didn't want one. When I was growing up it was much more expensive than it is now. You can get a fairly cheap set for 4 people which will provide fun for many years to come.
What were your favorite Christmas gifts growing up? Do you still have any of them now? Comment on and like the Facebook page, I would love to hear some of your favorites.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from EveryDayAdventures.
Bonus item: I know I mentioned no screen time in the beginning, but I would be remiss to not throw the Super Nintendo in here. My family never owned a console as I was growing up, instead, we just played them at friends houses or occasionally borrowed one if we got stuck in bed with the flu. With games like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers, there is a fond place in my memories for some many of these old games.
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