Have your kiddos been bitten by the greed bug this holiday season? It’s hard to blame them – they are the target audience for flashy commercials, giant catalogs filled with toys and packed displays at the supermarket. They also have great memories when it comes to holidays – didn’t grandma and grandpa bring a puppy last year? It’s no wonder the phrase “Can I have this?” seems to be echoing off the walls this time of year.
But, for many parents, enough is enough. You know many of the fancy dolls and tiny cars that your little ones are dreaming about will end up at the bottom of the toy box within a few weeks (or months if you are lucky). And, you worry that all of the commercialism this time of year will ruin the more delicate meanings of the season, like faith, joy, peace and love. You want them to be grateful and compassionate, not selfish, unappreciative or rude.
Before you vow to give up on buying any more presents this year, we wanted to share a few off-the-wall ideas that are not toys:
1. Books
You can check the age appropriateness of a title before you buy it here (if you’re not sure).
2. Magazine subscription
Zoobooks is still a thing, and so is Highlights, National Geographic Kids and Cricket. There are plenty of others to choose from at magazines.com. Bring back real mail and help kids learn all at the same time.
3. Year-long membership
Your child may not realize the full impact of this on Christmas morning, but locally you can become a member at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Museum Center, Children’s Theater or YMCA (your family can go swimming year-round!), among others. Many of Cincinnati’s and Northern Kentucky’s sports teams, including Xavier University, offer a kids club program, as well.
4. Play day
Check out Lazer Kraze, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, the Newport Aquarium or Cincinnati Observatory for a fun day out of the house. The O’Keeffe’s Ice Rink Presented by Fifth Third Bank at Fountain Square will also be open through February 20.
5. Tickets
Head to a Cincinnati Cyclones, Bengals or Reds game this year. Into the arts? Check out upcoming shows here. New movie coming out they want to see? Take the whole family and treat everyone to popcorn and candy.
6. Art or science kit
This may be disguised as a toy, but it can be a great educational opportunity for your kids to learn STEM skills or apply their creativity. Try fatbraintoys.com for a few unique ideas.
7. Fitness gear
OK, so your kid may have asked for a bike, but this is another gift in disguise. It will help keep your little ones healthy and active. A bike, roller skates, a scooter, balance ball, yoga mat, soccer ball or baseball mitt will all help keep them busy and hopefully will last (at least until they grow again!). Click here for some ideas from Amazon.
If all else fails, you can delay the paper-ripping a bit and provide a fun memory for your kids on Christmas morning each year by building a Christmas Trap. This new tradition will likely be remembered more fondly than the actual presents. What ways will you be curbing Christmas greed this year? Share with us on Facebook!
