Christmas Gifts - What to ask Relatives for

I've had many conversations that begin with "Relatives are wondering what to get for my baby/child/toddler, but we have so many toys and not enough room!" And to that conversation, weather it be for birthdays, Christmas, or any other holiday where presents are involved, I have the following two tips: (We will focus on Christmas, as it is fast approaching)

1. Ask for Books! For your child's first AND second Christmas, I recommend asking for books to start building your child's book collection. You can NEVER have enough books! They will be read, and re-read over and over and over again. Books will be broken, riped, chewed, and loved. Children need books. Your child is too young to be disappointed that they have not gotten a new toy, and there will be many upcoming years when they can have toys from relatives. Many older kids love reading and enjoy books too, or will need a good book for a roadtrip, school project, or summer read, so don't forget the older ones when buying your books for Christmas.


2. Ask for Clothes, one size up! If you have enough clothes for your child currently, get clothes for your child for next year. Hopefully, you won't have to buy too many things the year after.

Remember that if it is your child's first, second, third, or even fourth Christmas, usually they are just as excited to open presents, as they are to see what's inside. Most won't say "I really don't want this gift", or "this gift is stupid", but if they do, you'll get a good sound bite for later. Chances are that you will make sure that if your child really wants a certain toy that they get it, but grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and everyone else wishing to get something for your child could pitch in and get books or clothes.

Happy Holiday Shopping!!

Raise a Reader

I helped raise a reader today, did you?

Reading with your children is probably one of the most important things you can do to stimulate their brains. Reading helps with problem solving, imagination, learning letters, and comprehension, to name a few. Today volunteers are out collecting money for underpriviledged children to grow up with books and to learn how to read.

A quote from Life Literacy Canada

"Fifteen per cent of the Canadian adult population has serious difficulty reading even basic material. An additional 27 per cent can only deal with material that is simple and where their limited comprehension makes it difficult for them to face novel demands such as learning new job skills. In total, these two groups make up 42 per cent of adult Canadians – 9 million – who are deemed to have low literacy skills."

If these people are parents and are not teaching their kids the importance of reading, they need support from their local communities, their families, and from us. Today, I donated all of my change (about $3) to this wonderful cause. Not all of us are independently wealthy, but we can all chip in. If everyone in Canada donated $1 to this cause, there would be a lot more books on the shelves of kids' homes. Go on, Raise a Reader today!

Some of Our favorite Books: