A device-free holiday shopping list.
By Amanda Grossman-Scott
I asked my kids and some of their neighborhood friends for some ideas of gifts that will encourage families to spend time together instead of engaging with screens. These kids came up with some great ideas—they really got into the idea of planning to spend time with their parents! This really got me thinking that when asked, kids would rather be spending time with YOU than anyone (or anything) else.
Here is our top five list of gifts to give that will foster family connection time:
- Family Memberships- When you purchase a membership to an organization you’re much more likely to go because a.) it’s already paid for and b.) you’ll want to get your money’s worth. Most family memberships to places like aquariums, zoos and museums pay for themselves within 2 visits. It’s really fun to see which parts your kids look forward to most and they kinda get over the gift shop after a visit or two. Plus your kids might actually learn something without even realizing it! Great places to buy yearly memberships include zoos, aquariums, museums, planetariums, rock-climbing gyms… These kinds of places provide places to go in the rain, snow or on a summer day to escape the heat.
- Gift Cards- One year my husband and I decided to buy gas cards and gift cards to the places we wanted to take the kids that year. It took away one roadblock to going later (money!) and it was like making a commitment to our kids. We also purchased gift cards to our favorite restaurants so we could have a date night with the kids or a family meal out. Plan the time out and even set a date so you’ll be sure to follow through.
- Sports Equipment- This was very popular suggestion among my kids and their friends. Bikes for the whole family, a rack to transport equipment, kick balls, soccer balls, croquet set, Frisbee golf, even a family laser tag set! I think our kids know that once we’ve spent money on something- we are more invested and more likely to actually use it. So make a commitment, pick something everyone will enjoy, and make some plans.
- Amusement Park Tickets or Water Park Tickets- I don’t enjoy rides anymore but each year I encourage my husband to buy a season pass to our local amusement park for himself and whatever kids are tall enough to go on the rides that year. It’s like a promise to the kids that you’ll spend time together (and again it’s a one-time payment—so you can go many times without worrying about spending a ton of money!). This one is a favorite with my kids and helps make memories they’ll always remember.
- Family Vacation Plans- Make a plan and even start a savings for a family vacation. Invest in camping equipment if that’s the way your family likes to vacation. Reserve a beach house or make plans to stay with friends or family and start saving to get there. The important thing is to set a plan to be unveiled so it really feels like a gift to your kids.
If these gifts aren’t feasible, think smaller! Board games, a family journal, a planned date night and many other family activities will help your family grow together and learn to enjoy each other’s time.
Most devices drive away opportunities for family connection and are a distraction at best. Why not put some thought into the gifts you give your child and consider what might keep them happy all year long? The most precious gift is your time.
Spending time together is a gift to your family that shows them that they are worth your time, effort and love. The memories and connections you make will last longer than any device.
See our book to find lessons related to this topic and learn ways and activities to help your child be stronger!
Available in Kindle or Paperback!Amanda Grossman-Scott is Board Vice president and Head Writer for Educate and Empower Kids. She has written for various magazines, newspapers and blogs and has been active in the journalism industry intermittently for the last 15 years. She studied Journalism and Communications at West Virginia University. Amanda is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and now lives with her husband and three children in San Antonio, Texas.
