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Gift Giving for Kids

So much of the excitement during the holiday season is all about receiving presents. How can we get our kids to develop the same enthusiasm for giving? One sure way is to help kids experience the joy of giving. Let them take part in:

• Choosing just the right gift.
• Getting the gift – either shopping for or making it.
• Wrapping it in festive paper and with ribbons, bows, glitter and stickers.
• Making a card to go with it.
• Presenting the gift and seeing the joy it brings.

In a sense, it's a present for them as well. What greater gift can we give our kids than the experience of bringing joy to someone else? It's a powerful feeling.

Besides family, who can children give gifts to? And what gifts can they give? Many kids want to give something to their teacher. After all, they spend hours every week with her. It's only natural that they want to give her a gift during this giving season. It doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, the school may even have guidelines. Ask! It's important to respect them. The point of this gift is to engage your child in giving, to show the teacher how much you appreciate what she does all year long and to express a sense of caring.

Here are some suggestions for teacher gifts. But don't limit yourself to these. They are simply ideas. Also, talk with your child. After all, it's his gift to his teacher.

1. A gift of cookies, homemade jellies, jams or salsa packaged in holiday wrapping with a card written by the student is always appreciated.
2. With digital cameras, it's easy and fun to take photos, make and decorate a cardboard frame, put names and dates on the back, and give to the teacher to enjoy.
3. A small plant or good luck bamboo in a small vase brightens up her desk and the classroom for the rest of the year.
4. A mug full of nuts or an individual pack of hot chocolate mix. Add a candy cane for a special mint hot chocolate treat. If the teacher has been in the business for fifteen years, she may already have a zillion mugs, but a new teacher may be just starting her collection.
5. If you know of a special interest the teacher has, shop for an ornament or box of note cards that reflects it.

Wrap any gift in festive paper and help your child write a note to go with the gift. If she is too young to write, have her color the message part of the card and "sign" her name. Before the day gets started at school or after school, go with your child to see the teacher and help her give the gift. That way you can share the experience and joy of giving together.

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