| Kids are notoriously hard to please at | | | | of anything you see which would be ideal |
| Christmas. They spend days beforehand | | | | for a particular child. |
| desperate to open their presents, and | | | | Another great idea is to make your own |
| when finally the hour arrives, they | | | | Christmas crackers, and insert a small |
| unwrap them all in record time, and five | | | | gift of your own into each one. Making |
| minutes later they're bored again. | | | | three crackers for each child works |
| Sounds familiar? If it does, you'll be | | | | extremely well, as they can have one on |
| pleased to know there are some great | | | | Christmas Eve, one on Christmas Day and |
| ways to make the magic last a little | | | | one on Boxing Day. Small pocket money |
| longer this year. The key to making | | | | children's toys are ideal for this |
| those gifts last is by dividing them up | | | | purpose, and they can often be picked up |
| into groups without the kids knowing. | | | | for less than a pound each. It's worth |
| Gifts for the family can also be done | | | | making up a cracker before you buy |
| this way. | | | | anything, so you can see how big the |
| When you go shopping for your Christmas | | | | main cavity is for holding a present. |
| presents, think about size and weight as | | | | If you really want to spread out the |
| well as value. We all know kids like to | | | | magic, why not create a Boxing Day |
| get big expensive presents, but you | | | | present box as well? Keep back some |
| should set an overall budget to stick | | | | gifts so the kids don't get swamped on |
| to, and factor in some small gifts as | | | | the big day itself, and hide a box for |
| well to balance things out. This will | | | | each one which contains half a dozen |
| enable you to create a stocking for each | | | | smaller presents. Small children's |
| child with at least half a dozen | | | | games are a good idea for these boxes, |
| presents in it, as well as picking a | | | | as they will help prevent the kids from |
| couple of lighter items which can be | | | | getting bored on Boxing Day afternoon. |
| wrapped separately and hidden in the | | | | By spreading out the gifts in this way |
| Christmas tree, perhaps to be opened on | | | | rather than giving them all out in one |
| Christmas night. | | | | go, not only will Christmas seem to last |
| When you start looking for Christmas | | | | longer, but the gifts themselves are |
| gifts for kids, think about what | | | | likely to be appreciated more. It helps |
| interests each child has and try and | | | | to prevent the kids from becoming |
| find small items which appeal to those | | | | overwhelmed and makes Boxing Day a day |
| interests. Jot down a list of ideas | | | | to look forward to as well. |
| before you go shopping, and make a note | | | | Just remember to keep it all a secret. |