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Black Friday, Cyber Monday, & Small Business Saturday

When I was a young adult, I enjoyed Black Friday shopping. I chalk that up to the fact that pre-children, I had fewer obligations and a much stronger bladder. (Ladies, you know what I’m talking about.) Now the thought of being stuck in a Black Friday crowd makes me feel tired, hot, and itchy from the wool sweater that I imagine myself wearing.

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Cyber Monday is promising because it is a combination of two of my favorite activities: wearing pajamas and shopping from home. However, the onslaught of e-mail that Cyber Monday brings creates a lot of noise in my already-busy brain. Very often, Cyber Monday passes, and I do not make a single purchase.

Without hesitation, I can get behind Small Business Saturday. I try to shoot some of our holiday funds to small businesses every year. Our town has a vibrant Main Street, much like Stars Hollow for you Gilmore Girl fans, and since we are within walking distance, shopping Small Business Saturday has never been easier.

This post is all starting to sound a little Grinchy, and that is not where I am trying to go with this. Our whole family enjoys Christmas. We just prefer to keep it simple, and our gift giving plan is in line with that value

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Our Holiday Gift Giving Plan

When the first two kids were little, after surveying the “stuff explosion” that children bring along with them, Andy and I adopted this simple rule for Christmas gift giving:

Something you want, Something you need, Something to wear, and something to read

Many parents take a similar approach to Christmas gift giving. I cannot speak for those families, but this easy guideline saves our sanity every year, and it creates a climate of gratitude in our children. They get four gifts from us every year. They are not expecting anything different. Therefore, their expectation matches their reality.

This year, I thought it would be fun to list their top ten favorite gifts to serve as our first gift guide. In order to create this list, I set the following criteria:

• The item is used/played with daily by one child OR everyone uses/plays with the item regularly

Without further ado, here are the toys that made the list:

The BHH Top Ten Kids’ Christmas Gifts

1. Child’s Timex Watch (2015) – M. received this watch last year, and she has worn it every. single. day. since then. Now that she wears a watch, she takes full responsibility for getting herself ready for activities and out the door on time. It is a parental dream-come-true. This watch comes in a variety of colors. M. prefers blue over pink.

2. Our Generation Doll Kitchen (2015) – M. received this in anticipation of the doll apartment we added to her renovated bedroom. Unfortunately, due to scarcity, this kitchen now costs considerably more than we paid for it. However, parents should still get their money’s worth. M. plays with this kitchen every day. It is the perfect toy to enjoy with a friend (or older brother). Who doesn’t like baking miniature cookies in a tiny oven and removing them with an elf-sized spatula? No one. That’s who.

3. Walkie Talkies (2014) – This is the perfect gift for the spy-in-training. In addition to Special Ops, Walkie Talkies add an element of fun to hide-and-seek. The units are rechargeable, and they hold up well to rough treatment.

4. The Makey Makey (2015) – This is my very favorite gift of all time, but this is not about me. Using alligator clips and the attached unit, the user can turn anything into something electronic by completing the circuits. The kids have turned fruit into a drum kit, and they made an Operation Game out of tinfoil and cardboard from the recycle bin. If none of this makes sense, don’t despair. The Makey Makey comes with a full project booklet and easy directions.

5. Piano Hands (2014) – To use these gloves, experience playing the piano is not required. However, prior lessons may improve the listener’s experience. For maximum effect, tap out a tune while walking down a staircase. You’ll make a grand entrance.

6. Marble Run (2008) – This toy has been in our house for so long that I actually cannot remember when we got it. I just took a guess. While the marbles do present a choking hazard for small children, once that stage has passed, it is the perfect toy for all ages. My teens still drag this toy out occasionally to play with it.

7. Magic Show (2012) – When I became a parent, no one told me that I would spend so much time watching magic tricks. All four of our kids have been into this hobby. While Andy understands every trick, I refuse to learn the secrets. I prefer to be gullible shocked and awed. My grandchildren are going to love me.

8. Apple to Apples Junior Game (2011) – Hand’s down, this is our favorite family game. Even though we could graduate to the adult version of this game, the Junior version is still plenty of fun for everyone in our family.

9. Lock Picking Set (2015) – The lock picking set is not technically a toy, but it sure acts like one. It could be dangerous in the wrong hands, but if you have a kid who loves solving puzzles and tinkering, this gift is loads of fun. (Link updated 1/16/17)

10. Rubik’s Cube (First cube 2006) – This toy is a classic for a reason. While one of my kids eventually learned to solve them all, the standard 3X3 remains a perennial favorite.

We hope our gift guide sparked some ideas for the children in your life. Andy and I enjoy buying gifts for our kids, and getting our money’s worth makes it all the better.

How do you feel about designated shopping days? Does your family follow a similar 4-gift rule for Christmas? Are any of the gifts on our list favorites in your house too? We welcome your feedback.