Christmas presents for my children
15/12/2023
Translation: machine translated
Every year it's the same story: I'm looking for Christmas presents for my children instead of enjoying the weeks of Advent. Here are a few ideas to inspire you and perhaps help you. Don't hesitate to give me your advice!
The wish list for my two daughters (aged four and seven) is as long as my to-do list in December: endless! Of course, they won't get everything they wish for. Firstly, because that would be too much. And secondly because some of the ideas are ridiculous.
However, I will still buy one or two gifts that, for an adult, seem unreasonable. I try to get a successful mix of gifts. It's not always easy. And it's often trying for me.
A good strategy throughout is to make a note on my smartphone of the year's wishes expressed by my daughters. Before Christmas, all I have to do is forward these lists to the generous givers (grandparents, godparents). Another technique is to ask other parents what they think and listen to their opinions. Just like in this article. So I'll start with my list of ideas by category. I'll let you know which gifts are likely to end up under the family tree. Feel free to comment below.
Educational gifts
These kinds of gifts are often appreciated by parents, but not by children. Yet sometimes both parties are happy: when the gift is fun and encourages certain skills.
This year, my eldest would like a subscription to the Swiss-German newspaper Spick. To find French-language magazines (scientific or more frivolous), click here. The advantage of this gift: the child gets to enjoy it all year round.
Fun gifts
Children (not just mine) are fond of these kinds of presents that are a little absurd in our eyes. Admittedly, children don't always share our opinion on the subject. So for Christmas, I'm making a few exceptions to the rule. Toys don't necessarily have to have much educational value.
Vouchers for really fun activities
Let's face it: our kids have everything they need to play. What they're missing is spending more time with us. Why not offer them some family time? A day of tree climbing, a trip to the cinema. There's so much to choose from! You could also give them a board game to play together for several hours.
Board games
EUR24,40
Libellud LIBD0018 - Mysterium Kids: Der Schatz von Kapitän Buh, ab 6 Jahren (DE-Ausgabe)
German
Creative gifts
Some gifts are an invitation to creativity. The best ones are often those we don't use immediately, but rediscover with pleasure on a day when we're bored or when the weather is bad.
Are you familiar with do-it-yourself subscriptions? They're a tried and tested Christmas gift in my house. Like a magazine subscription, the child receives a regular (in this case, every two months) craft box with understandable explanations. Does your child want to learn a musical instrument? Why not give them a trial lesson?
Useful gifts
Children don't jump for joy when they discover a ski anorak under the tree. But parents don't always have a choice. Every year, my partner and I study the list of major purchases for the children. If it costs more than a Christmas present, we combine it with a birthday present. The ski helmet has become too small for our youngest daughter. Her sister needs a new bed linen set and a desk to do her homework in comfort.
Little presents
Sometimes a relatively modest gift is enough, for example for a nephew or niece or when the child has received a large present for their birthday. In these cases, adults often choose useless objects that will soon end up in the bin. I think that's a shame. Why not choose a sensible gift at a reasonable price?
Your turn: what are you going to give your children for Christmas? What gifts have your children particularly enjoyed? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments.
Headline photo: Shutterstock
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.