Continuing on from my recent post about 10 ideas for mindful, clutter free gifts for teen/tween boys I though I would move on to '10 ideas for mindful, clutter free gift ideas for young children.'
Children are such interesting little people. They are often quirky and into the most fascinating things. They like what they like without understanding the pressure of social norms which comes into play later on. It's really a beautiful thing, they are uniquely themselves. Our aim as parents should be to protect and nurture this uniqueness.
I don't believe in giving gender specific toys, so this list is for both girls and boys. Play is universal, and so often children play by mimicking the adults in their life, they learn, grow and experience through copying and working along side us. Little girls can learn about tools and fixing things and little boys can learn about caring and nurturing things. In fact I totally believe they should. Children don't need a lot of toys, but there are a few basics that stand the test of time, some I have touched upon.
1. A doll
I love Waldorf dolls, and mentioned some links HERE in which you could buy fabric/patterns/etc if you would like to make one. Though if you do a search you can also find them pre-made. The price can range from affordable, ethically made dolls to high end custom made dolls. The price doesn't matter - what matters is that the doll is made from beautiful natural fibers like wool, cotton and mohair which offer a warmth and comfort when snuggled.
In my observation the way dolls and boys will play with a doll is sometimes different - but both are equally important. A boy might make the doll into a buddy, he might go climbing with him, go on adventures, or become a super hero. A girl might make a doll into a baby, dressing it, feeding it and caring for it. The important part of it is not HOW a child plays with it, but that they are creating a narrative in their mind, and becoming lost in the beautiful place of imagination.
There are numerous anatomically correct baby dolls out there also which are great for bathing and things like that. Miniland sell one which is anatomically correct and culturally diverse HERE, which we have.
But, if they have a special doll, don't just give them another. Make or buy something that adds to the way in which they can play with it. A super hero cape and mask, a baby that can sit in a little sling. A bag in which they can carry their doll in.
2. House hold items
Children love to copy and to work alongside us. This is well worth encouraging! Giving a child their own child size broom, a dust pan, a clothes line and pegs is a lovely and useful gift. You can buy a child size broom from many hardware shops. There is no need to go nuts on an expensive child's clothes line either. I bought a simple, compact fold up line from Ikea that serves as both a child's clothes line AND I can use it for our family - clutter free!
3. Books
Again with the books I know. But to give our children the love of reading is SO important. It starts young. I think its so important to build a small library of books that are silly, beautiful and also some with a message you can refer too when trying to teach them. Board books are great for younger children, but consider giving books for a child to grow into too. Perhaps a set of picture books on emotions which can be both useful and fun to read.
Wrap it in a library bag made of their favorite fabric for a little extra. I made a simple tutorial a while back HERE
The Book Depository has compiled great lists of ideas for children of all ages.
4. Gardening things
Instilling a love for nature young is so important. Not only for the future of the plant, but also children love to be outside, it has an amazing way of getting rid of the grumps and breaking a bad mood. A few terracotta pots, some potting mix, and some seeds make a wonderful little project to do at home. Along with a little watering can, so the child can water and check the progress of the seeds daily. Some seeds to consider might be edible flowers like nasturtiums, some mint to smell and some basil. By using a variety of edibles the child can enjoy picking them, crushing them and smelling them. Then you get to pick them and add them to a meal.
5. Experiences
Lessons are expensive! Even for young children lessons can put a huge strain on the budget, especially if a family is an income down with a parent staying at home. Some ideas might be;
- Swimming lessons
- A term of playgroup
- Zoo pass
- Kinder gym
- Movie tickets
6. Clothes/items for the next season/size up/stage
Children grow FAST. If your buying for a child that isn't yours - think about what they wear. Don't buy things YOU think they should wear, buy things that look like the kinds of things their parents put them in. If you don't the item will likely sit in the back of the wardrobe. If the parents have are particular about how they dress the child or the child has any kind of sensory issues, err on the side of safety and give money or a gift voucher to a store they frequent. Helpful ideas might include;
- A good winter coat
- Winter boots/gum boots
- Bathers/towel/washable swimming nappy
- Wide brimmed hat
- Good quality lunch box/drink bottle
- Backpack/pencil case
7. Consumables
By this I mean think about what children use day in and day out. This stuff adds up. Perhaps a set of lovely, natural bath products. Personally I love and use Moo goo on my kids. If it feels boring add in a couple of different sized jugs to play 'pouring' with in the bath. Endless fun!
Other things might include a lovely soothing balm for their chest, or a little tin of their favorite home made biscuits just for them.
Art supplies are also consumable, and need replacing and replenishing every so often. Water colour paints, a couple of scrap books, fat colored pencils for easy grip and a set of wooden paint brushes make a beautiful and useful gift.
8. Linen
Got a child moving from a cot to a big bed? If so they may need single bed sheets, a cotton blanket, a quilt, doona cover and mattress protector or two.
9. Add to a pre-existing collection.
Many parents who are trying to live simply might be helping their child build a conscious and mindful collection of good quality toys. Like a nice collection of Schleich animals/dinosaurs, Duplo, or wooden toys.
The key to adding to such a collection is asking the parent if it is appropriate. The child may have a specific item they would love to add to the collection, or the collection may be complete, and then adding to it would simply be adding to clutter.
10. Money
Money is useful, flexible and can be saved to go towards a very special item or experience which might be treasured, or much needed.
From parents trying to live simply all around the world I beg you - less is more. Don't give something for the sake of giving a gift. Our houses are bursting at the seams, our children are over whelmed by too many toys, too many clothes and too many things. We as parents feel defeated by the endless clutter and "stuff" that far too often fills our homes to the brim. There are parents dreading Christmas because of the "stuff" that comes with it. Lets not add to it. It's simply not fun, and we are utterly trashing our plant by doing so.
Kids don't need that much. A few well loved and special, open ended toys which they can play with in several different ways, some books, appropriate clothing....But what they love and need most of all is YOU. Loving, kind, safe adults in their lives who respect them, and want to spend time with them by being 100% present.
A few helpful links:
Knock on wood toys
Book Depository
Spiral Garden (craft ideas/toys/books/games)
Biome (lunch boxes/natural bathing items etc)
Is there any ideas you love for gifting to this age group?
Much love,
Emma
Please know I am not affiliated with any of these companies or sites. I have simply linked to them as they are companies I know and have used and I thought they may be helpful.
Children are such interesting little people. They are often quirky and into the most fascinating things. They like what they like without understanding the pressure of social norms which comes into play later on. It's really a beautiful thing, they are uniquely themselves. Our aim as parents should be to protect and nurture this uniqueness.
I don't believe in giving gender specific toys, so this list is for both girls and boys. Play is universal, and so often children play by mimicking the adults in their life, they learn, grow and experience through copying and working along side us. Little girls can learn about tools and fixing things and little boys can learn about caring and nurturing things. In fact I totally believe they should. Children don't need a lot of toys, but there are a few basics that stand the test of time, some I have touched upon.
Some of the many Waldorf dolls I have made.
1. A doll
I love Waldorf dolls, and mentioned some links HERE in which you could buy fabric/patterns/etc if you would like to make one. Though if you do a search you can also find them pre-made. The price can range from affordable, ethically made dolls to high end custom made dolls. The price doesn't matter - what matters is that the doll is made from beautiful natural fibers like wool, cotton and mohair which offer a warmth and comfort when snuggled.
In my observation the way dolls and boys will play with a doll is sometimes different - but both are equally important. A boy might make the doll into a buddy, he might go climbing with him, go on adventures, or become a super hero. A girl might make a doll into a baby, dressing it, feeding it and caring for it. The important part of it is not HOW a child plays with it, but that they are creating a narrative in their mind, and becoming lost in the beautiful place of imagination.
There are numerous anatomically correct baby dolls out there also which are great for bathing and things like that. Miniland sell one which is anatomically correct and culturally diverse HERE, which we have.
But, if they have a special doll, don't just give them another. Make or buy something that adds to the way in which they can play with it. A super hero cape and mask, a baby that can sit in a little sling. A bag in which they can carry their doll in.
An outfit I made for Angus's precious 'Jimmy' . 'Jimmy' is currently a ninja.
2. House hold items
Children love to copy and to work alongside us. This is well worth encouraging! Giving a child their own child size broom, a dust pan, a clothes line and pegs is a lovely and useful gift. You can buy a child size broom from many hardware shops. There is no need to go nuts on an expensive child's clothes line either. I bought a simple, compact fold up line from Ikea that serves as both a child's clothes line AND I can use it for our family - clutter free!
Henry's dolls and clothes line, all is rather well loved!
3. Books
Again with the books I know. But to give our children the love of reading is SO important. It starts young. I think its so important to build a small library of books that are silly, beautiful and also some with a message you can refer too when trying to teach them. Board books are great for younger children, but consider giving books for a child to grow into too. Perhaps a set of picture books on emotions which can be both useful and fun to read.
Wrap it in a library bag made of their favorite fabric for a little extra. I made a simple tutorial a while back HERE
The Book Depository has compiled great lists of ideas for children of all ages.
Instilling a love for nature young is so important. Not only for the future of the plant, but also children love to be outside, it has an amazing way of getting rid of the grumps and breaking a bad mood. A few terracotta pots, some potting mix, and some seeds make a wonderful little project to do at home. Along with a little watering can, so the child can water and check the progress of the seeds daily. Some seeds to consider might be edible flowers like nasturtiums, some mint to smell and some basil. By using a variety of edibles the child can enjoy picking them, crushing them and smelling them. Then you get to pick them and add them to a meal.
Lessons are expensive! Even for young children lessons can put a huge strain on the budget, especially if a family is an income down with a parent staying at home. Some ideas might be;
- Swimming lessons
- A term of playgroup
- Zoo pass
- Kinder gym
- Movie tickets
6. Clothes/items for the next season/size up/stage
Children grow FAST. If your buying for a child that isn't yours - think about what they wear. Don't buy things YOU think they should wear, buy things that look like the kinds of things their parents put them in. If you don't the item will likely sit in the back of the wardrobe. If the parents have are particular about how they dress the child or the child has any kind of sensory issues, err on the side of safety and give money or a gift voucher to a store they frequent. Helpful ideas might include;
- A good winter coat
- Winter boots/gum boots
- Bathers/towel/washable swimming nappy
- Wide brimmed hat
- Good quality lunch box/drink bottle
- Backpack/pencil case
7. Consumables
By this I mean think about what children use day in and day out. This stuff adds up. Perhaps a set of lovely, natural bath products. Personally I love and use Moo goo on my kids. If it feels boring add in a couple of different sized jugs to play 'pouring' with in the bath. Endless fun!
Other things might include a lovely soothing balm for their chest, or a little tin of their favorite home made biscuits just for them.
Art supplies are also consumable, and need replacing and replenishing every so often. Water colour paints, a couple of scrap books, fat colored pencils for easy grip and a set of wooden paint brushes make a beautiful and useful gift.
8. Linen
Got a child moving from a cot to a big bed? If so they may need single bed sheets, a cotton blanket, a quilt, doona cover and mattress protector or two.
9. Add to a pre-existing collection.
Many parents who are trying to live simply might be helping their child build a conscious and mindful collection of good quality toys. Like a nice collection of Schleich animals/dinosaurs, Duplo, or wooden toys.
The key to adding to such a collection is asking the parent if it is appropriate. The child may have a specific item they would love to add to the collection, or the collection may be complete, and then adding to it would simply be adding to clutter.
10. Money
Money is useful, flexible and can be saved to go towards a very special item or experience which might be treasured, or much needed.
From parents trying to live simply all around the world I beg you - less is more. Don't give something for the sake of giving a gift. Our houses are bursting at the seams, our children are over whelmed by too many toys, too many clothes and too many things. We as parents feel defeated by the endless clutter and "stuff" that far too often fills our homes to the brim. There are parents dreading Christmas because of the "stuff" that comes with it. Lets not add to it. It's simply not fun, and we are utterly trashing our plant by doing so.
Kids don't need that much. A few well loved and special, open ended toys which they can play with in several different ways, some books, appropriate clothing....But what they love and need most of all is YOU. Loving, kind, safe adults in their lives who respect them, and want to spend time with them by being 100% present.
A few helpful links:
Knock on wood toys
Book Depository
Spiral Garden (craft ideas/toys/books/games)
Biome (lunch boxes/natural bathing items etc)
Is there any ideas you love for gifting to this age group?
Much love,
Emma
Please know I am not affiliated with any of these companies or sites. I have simply linked to them as they are companies I know and have used and I thought they may be helpful.
