We have had such a hard time deciding what to get C for Christmas this year. I know I don't want to just give her more junky toys - she has more than enough. I want to give her something she will love, that will challenge her and/or inspire her.
Most (if not all) of this list would work for boys or girls, C isn't a girly girl. I will start with things we have and I will do a separate post of what we are thinking of getting her this year.
Gift Ideas: Things we own and love!
Tangoes Junior - We bought this set a couple years ago and we still love it. I was thinking of getting her the Travel Tangoes - Animals
set for older kids, since this set is technically intended for preschoolers but after looking at both, I think this set is better. Here are the differences I noticed between the two:
set for older kids, since this set is technically intended for preschoolers but after looking at both, I think this set is better. Here are the differences I noticed between the two:
Tangoes Junior Travel Tangoes
* Comes in sturdy carrying case * A spiral book with reinforced pages
* Nice drawer to store all pieces * Looks like there is a pocket for storage
* 7 Plastic magnetic pieces * 7 Foam magnetic pieces
* 2 levels of play, easier puzzles * One level of play, harder puzzles
I might purchase a set of new puzzles for our Tangoes Junior or I may try to make my own. :)
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Lego Friends kits - C really wanted some Lego Friends sets for her birthday this year. I was reluctant to buy the larger, more expensive sets because she usually gets really frustrated with the smaller legos. I think part of the problem is that she is far-sighted, so some detail oriented, up close activities frustrate her. We bought her the set pictured above and she really enjoyed it! The directions are very clear and she was able to make the items pictured with little help. We may get her some more of these for Christmas.
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Link 'N' Learn Links - We got these at a retired teacher's yard sale. C plays with them almost every day! She uses them to make a belt to hold a sword to play pirates or hunter (Pictured below.) , as a rope to "climb" up the stairs for adventures and all kinds of super creative things!
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- C asked for a "real" Bible early this year. She already had a few story Bibles but she wanted the whole Bible. She reads really well and enjoys reading her Bible before bed, I wanted her to have something she could comprehend. The Adventure Bible for Early Readers definitely fit the bill! It isn't too hard for C (she reads at about 2nd grade level) and it has a lot of bonus information that C loves. We purchased the pink dragonfly version at Family Christian, I can't find that one on Amazon. This one is much more affordable though! _________________________________________________________________________________
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What's in the Bible? DVDs - We got these for Christmas last year and love them! The Why Do We Call it Christmas? is everyone's favorite, it is so fun to watch and so informative. We have the Old Testament DVDs as well. I would love to get the New Testament DVDs soon.
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Monopoly Crazy Cash
- We bought this last Christmas. We found it at Ollie's for only $5! We love it so much, I would purchase it again at the $15 price if we somehow lost ours. It is so fun, C loves when she lands on cash machine and gets to use the debit card in the ATM. We let C be banker and then try to pay with larger bills so she can figure out the change. Usually when we sneak math into games she gets mad but getting to be the banker is so exciting she usually doesn't mind. :) I forgot to mention my favorite feature: you play until someone goes bankrupt or the cash machine empties (cash machine has ALWAYS emptied way before anyone went bankrupt) This makes for a much quicker game time - yay! I hope I've given you some ideas for your Christmas gifts! We really love all of these items so much, I hope I can choose gifts for her this year that will become new favorites! Have you decided on your children's gifts yet?
Thanks so much for visiting Joy Focused Learning!
~Angela
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We love Monopoly and I hadn't heard of this version - looks good. thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteIt is so fun. I also offers a much quicker way to play: when the cash machine runs out, the game is over! I can't believe I forgot to mention that - it is my favorite part!
DeleteThanks for the great ideas! I'm at the same point, not wanting to get my kids more toys that they will soon be bored with. Games are always so nice since they can played again and again!
ReplyDelete