My daughter, Lena—2 years old—and I recently went through her toy box to put the things she doesn’t play with in storage in the basement. We cleared out 75 percent of the items in there.
Since she became a toddler my husband and I have been focusing more on experiences, rather than toys, as gifts. So, similar to how we celebrated her 2nd birthday, we plan to celebrate the holidays this year.
Here is what’s on my toddler’s Christmas list:
Tickets to Disney On Ice. She loves music and dancing, so we bought her tickets to go see Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate, which is at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport. The show is in early January, so we’ll have some time to talk up the event, which only makes it that much more special. We plan to give her a little Minnie Mouse item (not sure what yet) to go along with the gift and she can bring it to the show.
Membership to the children’s museum. The Stepping Stones Children’s Museum in Norwalk is amazing, especially during the cold winter months. The membership, $145, pays for itself in only a few visits, so we’re planning to renew our membership and will take a couple trips there between Christmas and New Year’s while my husband and I are off from work. Obviously a membership card isn’t too exciting to open for a kid, so she’ll be getting a sticker book to go along with this gift, which she will adore.
Adopt an elephant. Yes, I’m totally serious. The World Wildlife Fund has many animals to choose from. We chose to go with the African elephant because they are vulnerable to extinction. For $55, my daughter can adopt an elephant to help save them! With her adoption, she received a stuffed animal (she LOVES to play with her “guys” as she calls them), a picture of the elephant, an adoption certificate, a species card, and a gift bag. She loves animals, and it makes a difference, so it’s a fun gift with a great lesson. Depending on the weather, we may pair this gift with a trip the Bronx Zoo. If it’s too cold, that part will wait until the spring.
A contribution to her college fund. We have been saving away for my daughter’s college since she was born. Little by little we’re hoping it will someday cover the costs of what will—most likely—be an expensive investment. We contribute monthly but try to put a little extra in during holidays and birthdays.
Tickets to Sesame Street Live. This show is coming to Stamford in April. It’s a ways off and during the week, but it would be awesome to take the day off and have a fun day with my girlie. This gift would come with a Tickle Me Elmo, which she will love.
Scooter and helmet. My daughter has two bikes (one indoor and one outdoor) that she loves, so we plan to get her a scooter to practice inside first this winter. Then, by spring, she will be a pro. We’re also in need of a helmet, so that will be part of this gift.
A Disney movie. I have to admit this gift is kind of for me, too. My daughter doesn’t watch a ton of TV, but I would love to introduce her to some of the classics, so we figured we could start building our DVD collection now, which she will enjoy for years to come.
Books. We read a lot of books, so these are never wasted. We rotate through old and new, and it’s exciting when we have a new addition to our collection.
New PJs (to open Christmas Eve). We started this tradition last year, and it was lots of fun. Plus, it let’s us open something a little early. I make sure to wash the PJs, so they can be put on immediately while we have fun with Christmas activities.
Ultimately, my daughter wants to spend time with her mommy and daddy, which is awesome. The below commercial from Ikea—whether it’s real or not…I’m not sure—shows that family time is what’s really important during the holidays. Get the tissues ready before watching this!
Are you crying yet? What’s on your child’s holiday list this year?
