Christmas Wrapped

The Savvy Source for Parents is an online community founded by parents, for parents, to help parents navigate the incredibly challenging issue of identifying the best educational options for their children: preschools, camps, classes, educational toys, books, activities, etc. A combination of Craigslist and Zagats, the goal is to provide parents with a comprehensive and detailed overview of educational options in their city based on the feedback of parents with children currently enrolled in preschools, camps, etc. and to help parents make the right choices for their children at home based on “expert” advice and counsel.

The weather outside has been frightful here in Portland, and it’s time to start panicking about our Christmas gifts. I helped the boys write their letters to Santa Claus this week and was suddenly struck tonight, as we sent them off toward the North Pole, that I had to make good on at least some of their wishes.

For my three-year-old, Thomas trains (the only thing he wants) are on order. My six-year-old asked for a computer (umm, no) and a magic potion to make him a super hero (hmm). My 17-month-old can’t really ask for anything but I’ve deduced he loves balls, dogs, and trains (naturally) best. But it’s becoming crunch time and, honestly, who wants to go shopping in this weather? Here is how I’m planning to get last-minute gifts (which are the only way I get ‘em) this year:

• Plan your route. I try to stay as close to home as possible while shopping, but some things are special-excursion-worthy. I need a toy that can only be purchased at Target, so I’m planning to use the credit union branch near that store next week instead of the downtown one I usually visit. That one-of-a-kind kitchen store is a few blocks away from my favorite yarn store, so I’ll head over there when I get the last few skeins I need for Christmas projects.
• Thrift-stravaganza. Thankfully my family members embrace their budget-savviness and gladly accept used merchandise as gifts. I’m planning to do a run through the Goodwill “bins” outlet to shop for whatever I haven’t already acquired by next Tuesday. Best of all: paying by the pound.
• Involve the kids. Last night we went through my photos looking for candidates for a collage for their teacher’s gifts (farmer’s market tokens along with a list of my favorite vendors). For another project we hand-felted yarn into pretty wool candy-canes. It’s more fun when you’re all working together (especially if you can get messy).
• When all else fails, get crafty. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how to get the toddler a ball that would be somehow special (we have a wicker basket filled with balls, after all). I had actually visualized myself shopping for basketballs, rubber balls, footballs … when I realized I could knit him some perfectly adorable, special balls, and it wouldn’t even take but a few hours.

 

Sarah Gilbert writes for Being Savvy Portland.

We still have Halloween candy in the house and leaves to rake, but the holidays are right upon us. I hate “Christmas creep” and resist even glancing at the decorations lined up right next to the clearance beach gear before the leaves even start to turn, but now, before the craziness kicks off with Thanksgiving, is a good time to plan out any holiday entertaining you’re planning to do.

First thing is to figure out what, in fact, you’d like to host. Family stuff? Neighborhood potluck? Fancy New Year’s Eve bash? Figure out what’s within your space and capabilities. For example, I’ve realized I must never host a fancy dinner party again. Last time we tried, there was smoke, and weeping, and hissed, hasty fights with my now-husband.

I’ve found cool party ideas at Real Simple, Cooking Light and Evite, which also has planning lists, budget and drink calulators, and cute favor ideas.

Then get the word out quickly. People’s calendars fill up fast at this time of year.

Next up, figure out what kind of partyware, serving pieces, glassware, and linens you need. Drag everything you’ve already got out of anywhere you keep it — this will give you the chance to figure out what needs to be cleaned or replaced and what you still need. All of the stores are having sales right now on items for entertaining, so make sure your party budget includes some cash for that.  And if you have kids coming, think of several options to keep them entertained and out from underfoot. Cookie decorating, movies,
helping out with table setting and the ever popular movie watching are all things that can entertain a wide age range.

Then, lists, lists, lists. Lists of what to buy — I organize this by where to buy it — who’s coming, what to set up where, what needs to be dragged from the basement, cleaning lists, meal lists, and so on. Keep it in one place, in one notebook or pad of paper, so the one of you who is the Party Drill Sargeant (aka me) can avoid snapping at the one who is all chilled out and thinking this is supposed to be fun (aka my husband) when they ask “What can I do?” I come by this honestly. My brother and I still tease my mom for her Thanksgiving morning meal lists that invariably start out “turkey” — or at least I did until I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time and did the day’s meal game plan and yes, turkey topped the list. If you’re doing something more involved, like Thanksgiving dinner or a New Year’s Eve party, I’d also recommend writing in your planner or online calendar what you can do what days — like ironing tablecloths and napkins several days ahead, preparing dishes that can hold or freeze each night the week of the party,
and shopping for things like drinks and paper plates as far ahead as you can.

Mock the lists if you will, but if you plan well enough, by the time your friends start showing up, you’ll be calm, socialable, and ready to party. 
Amy Kuras’ entertaining skills are now mostly limited to what can be done after the children go to bed and the occasional all-comers blowout. She blogs at www.savvysource.com (among other places), writes, edits and wrangles two lovely children in Detroit.

While some people may see the current economy as a limit to their holiday shopping, I see it as a challenge to find the perfect gift.  It would be wonderful if there was such a thing as the perfect gift, but then again there are kids who are more excited about the box the toy came in.  So instead of just another list of toys, I’m giving you the list of my favorite types of gifts to fit every kind of kid (or parent).  

Use Your Imagination – Imaginations are a terrible thing to waste, especially for young minds.  From dress up to play kitchens and baby dolls to magic wands, toys that allow kids to live in a world of their own creation.   The best part is that you can find toys of all price ranges and for all interests.  Some of my personal favorites are small sized kitchen utensils, capes (for super heroes or princesses), and hats.  

No Batteries Required – Not only will you save on the cost of battery replacement, but you may also save some of your sanity.  Puzzles, blocks, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and Lego’s are some of my favorites.  They all foster imagination, promote fine motor skills and a number of important preschooler skills.  They are also all fun to play with for both kids and parents.  

Favorite Things – Every toddler has an obsession of the day.  My daughter has an Elmo obsession, and a thing for cows, monkeys and fish.  Finding something special that relates to what they love most is a great way to find the perfect gift.  Even better if it relates in an unexpected way like a toy banana to go with the monkey or a trip to see their favorite thing in person.  

The Theme – Most parent wants to get their kids everything they desire.  Sometimes though you need a little help.  The theme gift is a fun way to get a big effect without doing it all yourself.  I will admit that I stole this idea from my sister-in-law.  My niece got a wonderful toy kitchen from her parents and the rest of us filled it with all of the supplies.  From dishes to pots and pans and in my case a couple of aprons, we helped make it the full package.  I liked the idea so much we’re doing the same thing this year.  

The best gifts are always the ones that are given with love.  No matter how much they cost, or where they come from.  Having been a kid during the last recession, I can safely say that I never noticed that money was tight.  I was just happy that someone thought of me and for the time I had with the people who loved me.  

Amelia McClain is the City Editor of Being Savvy Minneapolis and writes about life as a full time working parent of a toddler at her blogAmelia Sprout.