| What do you do when you really don't have any | | | | ideas. I actually went to one of those "has |
| gift ideas for the kids in your life? Aside | | | | everything stores" and bought a $5.00 |
| from knowing the age and sex of the child, | | | | plastic airplane that allowed the child |
| try to talk to the adult in the household. | | | | through it up in the air to make it fly. |
| Ask questions that don't prompt a yes or no | | | | Perfect for an active child of about 7 years. |
| answer. This will give you more information | | | | The toy was a hit even though it was the |
| about what gifts would be appropriate. A few | | | | cheapest toy on the present pile. |
| good questions to ask are below: | | | | |
| | | | My point is, that an expensive gift is not |
| - Does the child have any game systems or | | | | always the best gift, so do your wallet a |
| toys that need cartridges and what are they? | | | | favor and don't go over budget unless you |
| (This is a good one because the answer is | | | | find something you know the child will |
| almost always a gift idea) | | | | absolutely love. Children don't care how much |
| | | | a gift costs as long as it's entertaining and |
| - Does the child have any hobbies or a | | | | fun. |
| favorite interest? (An interest in flight or | | | | |
| a specific animal can be a great start) | | | | Another idea is an art pack. These can be |
| | | | inexpensive and come in all shapes and sizes. |
| - Does the child like puzzles or games? What | | | | There are several directions you can go with |
| age range is appropriate? (Just because a | | | | this one. You can always purchase a reusable |
| child is a specific age does not mean they | | | | box and fill it with a multitude of art |
| are mentally ready for that specific age | | | | supplies, or you can try a pre-packaged |
| group. Allow the parent to make this decision | | | | project. Some examples of these pre-packaged |
| so you can avoid any permission issues or | | | | projects are kids jewelry making kits or |
| embarrassing situations.) | | | | how-to book and the supplies needed. If the |
| | | | gift is for an older child you could try a |
| - Ask parents if they would prefer any | | | | model like a plane, car or boat. These come |
| special gifts like money for college or a | | | | in snap or glue together kits. |
| donation to a particular savings account for | | | | |
| the child's future?(Sometimes in this day in | | | | You can find these online with a simple |
| age kids have more "stuff" than they know | | | | search or in a specialty hobby shop in your |
| what to do with so make sure that another | | | | area. If the project can be completed in a |
| "thing" will be welcome in the house.) | | | | group consider giving enough supplies for the |
| | | | child and a friend or parent. What makes this |
| Assuming that these answers don't get your | | | | gift so great is that it can help development |
| creative juices flowing consider an | | | | and get them away from the video game and the |
| inexpensive fun gift. For example: I had to | | | | TV. Another good point about this is that you |
| buy a gift once for a child whose parents had | | | | probably won't ever repeat a gift. Kids and |
| LOTS of money. They kid had more than he knew | | | | parents will thank you. |
| what to do with, so, I was very stumped for | | | | |