Kiddipedia Financial Support Information
Written by Alice Zsembery
2020 eh?
What. A. Year.
Whilst bushfires and the COVID pandemic have affected each and every one of us differently, the fact is that it HAS affected each, and every, one of us.
Yet, for many families, as difficult as 2020 has been, it has also served as a reminder to all (including our children) that the simple things should never be taken for granted. In the midst of Week 1543 (or so it felt) in lockdown here in Melbourne, it wasn’t an overseas trip, or the latest gadget that my children pined for; they cried because they wanted to see the beach and go swimming. They wanted to ride at the BMX track with their friends. They wanted to go to the movies.
Pre-COVID our lives were awash with playdates, scheduled classes and activities and a whole heap of unnecessary ‘things’. The one good thing about a pandemic? Not only did it force us to reassess the clutter in our home as we scrambled to use every square inch wisely, it has helped teach us to find the magic in the little things (ahhh, toilet paper) and has forced us to slow down the pace.
Above all, I believe that one of the key lessons we have had in 2020 is that less IS actually more.
So, with Christmas barrelling towards us and many families under more pressure this year than ever before, here is a list of unique Christmas gift idea for children that encourages inquiry, limits the clutter and promotes good old-fashioned play without breaking the bank.
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An experience with a twist
Give the gift of an experience. Whilst the likes of zoo memberships and play centres are still off limits for many, you could consider something different like a voucher to an online cooking class (complemented by supplies such as aprons etc) or a voucher to make your own handbag and accessories through online design studios like Little Designer Club.
For us, we are hanging out for the drive-ins to be reopened so we can have a covid-safe movie experience in the back of the wagon under the stars.
Is there something that you find you are always saying ‘no’ too? How about giving it a ‘yes’? A full day family NERF battle with targets set up around the yard? A movie marathon under the stars?
Or maybe a little book of vouchers to use throughout the year. Each of them small, each of them cheap (or free), but each of them promoting beautiful childhood memories. They could include a trip to the museum, a sleepover at Grandma’s house, a ride on a train, a visit to the ice-cream shop, a teddy bears picnic… you get the picture…
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Nature Play
Christmas is an ideal time to promote outdoor nature play with children. How about a gardening kit, complete with gloves, hand shovel, pot, stickers (to decorate the pot, of course) and seeds?! You can even include a gnome or fairies to create your own fairy garden.
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Imaginative Play
Pre-schoolers love a good dress up box and whilst there can be a tendency to buy ‘costume’ dress ups at exorbitant prices, there really is nothing like a good selection of random apparel for them to try on.
Our favourites include quirky sunglasses, Mum’s old shoes, Grandpa’s hats, Grandma’s shawls, leis, old costume jewellery and handbags. A few items op shop items can make the perfect dress up box. So, if your local op shop has reopened, be sure to hit it up for some unique items.
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Themed Kits
One of my favourite ideas is a carefully curated kit of goodies along a particular theme that is of particular interest to your child.
For example, a cupcake making kit, dinosaur excavation kit, fort kit, art and craft kit, sock puppet kit, playdough kit, car racing kit… the list goes on…
The best thing is that they can often be stocked very cheaply and often whilst avoiding the major shopping centres (social distancing for the win)!
Feel free to download a list of ideas to stock your kit here.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas. Here’s hoping for a bigger, brighter and safe 2021 xx
