With Christmas time fast approaching, you don't need us to tell you just how difficult it can be to find gifts and presents for your children, that they'll actually love. Every year, thousands of pounds are spent on unwanted Christmas gifts, resulting in a lot of disappointed children, and a lot of parents out of pocket as a result. We realise that the holidays are about so much more than just presents and gifts. Christmas time is about friends, family, generosity, and enjoyment, but children don't quite see things that way. Children will want presents that they enjoy playing with, that keep them entertained for hours and hours on end. Keeping your children entertained for hours will also be quite a benefit to you as parents as well, as we all need a break from the kids from time to time. If you're not sure what to get for your children this year, then how about choosing a gift which is not only enjoyable, but also practical in the process? In this article we'll be looking at a few fun, yet highly practical gift ideas for children this Christmas time. So, how about we get started?
A bike or tricycle
Kids love bikes and trikes, so why not treat them this Christmas time? Bikes and tricycles can provide hours upon hours of enjoyment for children, and not only that, but they also have a number of practical uses too. Bikes and tricycles help to encourage your child to go outside, and get some fresh air. Obviously they'll need to be accompanied by you if they're young, but even so, it's a great way of encouraging them to play outdoors, get some fresh air, and even get some exercise in the process. It's also great for helping them develop their coordination and balancing skills too. For more on why biking is so good us check out 30 reasons to take up cycling.
Image credit istargazer.
A bright coloured Christmas jumper
When children are very young, studies and research have proven that bright colours help to stimulate them, allowing them to distinguish the difference between bright and dull colours. Because of this, a brightly coloured Christmas jumper could be ideal. Ok, they're probably not going to fall head over heels in love with it, but hey, they might, and even so, it can help to stimulate them, and above all else, help to keep them warm over the cold winter months. To take a look at some typical Christmas jumpers, check out the following post here.
Stationary and art supplies
Kids love to paint and get messy, so stationary and art supplies could be ideal gifts this Christmas. Whether its finger painting, colouring in books, or a pack of poster paints and a giant artist's easel, you can rest assured that your kids will love a gift even remotely related to products from the art world. Again, painting and drawing can help with a child's development, so they can be learning and developing, whilst still having fun in the process. Just make sure you set up a special area where they can make all the mess they like, otherwise you could have a potentially messy house on your hands this Christmas time. To learn more about how painting and drawing can help children develop see this article.
Image credit Charles Marley.
A brightly coloured children's rug for their playroom or bedroom
As we mentioned previously, children are stimulated and attracted to bright colours, and because of this, a brightly coloured rug could make a welcome addition to their playroom or bedroom. Whether they're into fairies and butterflies, or cars and football, you can rest assured that you'll almost certainly be able to find a rug that suits your every need. As well as being visually attractive, these rugs could even be pretty useful when it comes to safety, as children often take a tumble whilst playing, and a soft rug could help protect them from hurting themselves on the hard floor. To take a look at some typical children's rugs have a look here.
Sleeping bags
Kids love sleeping bags, and if your child often attends sleepovers at their friend's house, this could prove to be a very practical purchase indeed. If you have a young girl, then a girly pink sleeping bag will go down a treat, whereas if you have a boy, then space ships, cars, and football inspired sleeping bags will be met with great approval. You could even take them camping, or simply have a camp out in the garden, in which case extra camping supplies would make great gifts also! For some inspiration just take a look at these mind blowing designs!