| The holidays can be an overwhelming time for children | | | | favorite band in concert, to a musical on Broadway, or |
| and parents. Here are 5 tips that will help you control | | | | on a mini vacation. Spending quality time with the child |
| the chaos and manage the abundance of gifts. | | | | is a wonderful, fulfilling gift in itself. Together, you will be |
| Tip #1 Number of Gifts - Depends on Child's Age | | | | making memories which will last a lifetime...much longer |
| Base the number of gifts that your child receives on | | | | than any toy. |
| their age. When the child gets to the age of 10, | | | | Tip #4 Divide the Toys |
| consider limiting the number of gifts at this point. | | | | If a child is bombarded with lots of toys over the |
| Children get overwhelmed very easily and can lose | | | | holidays, take a moment to divide the toys up into |
| interest quickly. This simple rule also helps ward off the | | | | three or four boxes. Leave one box out to be played |
| "he got more than me" sibling rivalry wars. Use this | | | | with and assign a location for each item. The other |
| time to help children understand that less can be more. | | | | boxes can be stored in a closet for future use. Bring a |
| The more stuff one has, the more responsibilities | | | | new supply of toys out on a monthly basis. The child |
| (taking care of the items, keeping track of their location, | | | | will feel as though it is Christmas for months and |
| one more thing to put away, etc.) one has. Setting limits | | | | months! Alert the child to the need of letting go of toys |
| and creating simplicity are wonderful gifts to teach | | | | that are not being played with or that do not bring |
| children early in life. | | | | them joy any longer when a new box of toys is |
| Tip #2 Buy Gift Cards | | | | delivered. |
| Buying children gift cards is a great way to manage | | | | Tip #5 Consider a Trade In |
| holiday gifts. Children of all ages can enjoy this gift. | | | | Give a child the opportunity to 'trade in' some of their |
| With a gift card, the child has the opportunity to | | | | gifts by returning them with the gift receipt and getting |
| purchase what they want and learn a little about | | | | cash for a big ticket item the child is working to obtain. |
| budgeting at the same time. Family and friends can | | | | Another option is to have the child gather three to four |
| pitch in on one card, such as a VISA gift card, which | | | | new toys and take them to a place where they can |
| can be used at various locations. No more long waits in | | | | donate them to children that didn't receive much (if |
| the return line! | | | | anything!) for the holidays. This is a great time to teach |
| Tip #3 Give Them an Experience | | | | a child about giving to others who are less fortunate. |
| Instead of filling up a child's bedroom and playroom | | | | The child will experience the joy and warm feelings of |
| with more toys, give the child the gift of an experience. | | | | helping others...a priceless gift! |
| Take a child to their favorite theme park, to see their | | | | |