Eileen shared this article on the Waldorf Home Educator's list and I asked her if it would be alright to reprint it here. She graciously agreed and I am so pleased to share it. Eileen has spoken eloquently about why to carefully consider quality and quantity when selecting gifts. Our motto for school and home is "A few things done well." To this we can add the gift giving motto: "A few well-chosen things." Enjoy and do visit Eileen's blog and business (links at bottom!). You can view a sample lesson at her site which includes fingerplays, chalk drawing examples, recipes and more.
Some parts of this article really hit home. I recall a Christmas many years ago when our big boys were 4, 2 and 1. We were taping them opening gifts and were appalled quite frankly.They tore through and discarded. I would like to say we made big changes then and there but it was more gradual in reality.
She also spoke to that urge I had last year this time to shoot for natural decorations. To that end we are looking at Colonial Williamsburg Christmas books and thinking about gilding nuts and drying fruit slices for the tree. We are keeping Marsha Johnson's advice foremost - Make memories, not junk.
Natural Gift Giving for the Holidays
Watching our child’s eyes light up with excitement during the holiday season
is one of the many joys of parenthood. With our love, each year, many of us
go to the ends of the earth, wait in long lines for hours and spend more
than our budget permits in an attempt to create a magical experience for our
children.
More often than not, we return from our shopping trip overwhelmed and over
budget. And when the holiday arrives, we are understandably disappointed to
see our carefully found treasures thrown into a pile of accumulated things
while our children move on to open the next package.
Not long ago, the holiday season was a simple time of family traditions,
gratitude, and gift-giving from the heart. The magic and beauty of the
season did not come from how much one could receive but from how much one
could give.
Decorating was beautiful and modest with candles and branches of evergreens
draping the doorway. Family and friends would gather together, bringing
along homemade treats and small gifts of appreciation.
Most gifts were made by hand and simple. Mothers would knit sweaters for
their children and fathers would search local shops for the perfect gift.
Children would receive much less but appreciate much more. A new set of
blocks, a special doll, or a set of books would be cherished for years to
come.
Toys were natural and open-ended, leaving room for hours of imagination and
free play. They did not blink, flash, need batteries, or keep children
indoors for most of their day.
How, in a world that is much different now, do we recapture the truth and
surround our children with warmth, simplicity, and peace this holiday
season?
The Benefit of Natural Toys
Toys of today are much different than the basic and sturdy toys of our past.
In addition to the more recent concerns of lead paint on some foreign-made
toys, some of the components that are added to products made with PVC
plastics have been linked to cancer and other serious ailments. “A recent
Greenpeace study revealed that PVC softeners known as phthalates have been
found to cause liver and kidney damage and disrupt hormonal systems in
children (see "Teething Toxins," In Brief, March/April 1998). In response,
several European nations have banned PVC toys altogether. U.S. toy
distributors are still debating the issue.”
With the very safety of our children’s playthings in question, many parents
are choosing to buy natural toys and products for children this year. But
safety is not the only benefit of items made from natural materials such as
wood, cotton, silk, or wool.
Children, like sponges, absorb their environment and the world around them.
The quality and essence of the things that we surround our children with can
have a direct effect on their behavior, health, and ability to learn.
Holding something beautiful that is made from the earth has tremendous
positive psychological effects on human beings.
In fact, natural materials teach children correctly about the world around
them. When a child picks up a rock that is made of plastic, it feels light
and weightless. In nature, rocks are heavy and solid.
Toys that do not require batteries invite open-ended play. This type of play
sparks children’s creativity and requires them to finish the story on their
own. Many electronic toys have a predetermined ending – leaving little room
for imagination causing the child to lose interest quickly.
More often than not, loud toys over-stimulate young children. Blinking
lights, loud sounds, and so much going on muffles the child’s ability to
hear his or her imagination speak. We must quiet the noise in order to allow
our children to listen to the true magic that is within.
Equally important is the fact that natural toys are better for the
environment. Plastic can sit in landfills for hundreds of years and is not
biodegradable.
If you have a skill such as sewing, knitting, or woodworking, consider
making your child something special this year. Not only does this send a
message of love, but it also teaches patience. The time spent on creating
something from hand is a wonderful way to show your children the benefit of
working toward a goal.
If you are not particularly crafty, there are plenty of retailers that sell
natural toys online. Before purchasing, be sure to ask the retailer where
the toys are manufactured and what materials are used during production.
Here are some wonderful places to start shopping for natural children’s
products.
https://www.
Fair Trade, Organic and Green Gifts and Products
http://www.atoygard
A Broad Selection of Open Ended, Natural, Creative and Fun Toys for
Children. Fair Trade and Made in the USA toys as well.
http://www.kinderdo
Waldorf Inspired Dolls and Toys.
www.achildsdream.
is one of the many joys of parenthood. With our love, each year, many of us
go to the ends of the earth, wait in long lines for hours and spend more
than our budget permits in an attempt to create a magical experience for our
children.
More often than not, we return from our shopping trip overwhelmed and over
budget. And when the holiday arrives, we are understandably disappointed to
see our carefully found treasures thrown into a pile of accumulated things
while our children move on to open the next package.
Not long ago, the holiday season was a simple time of family traditions,
gratitude, and gift-giving from the heart. The magic and beauty of the
season did not come from how much one could receive but from how much one
could give.
Decorating was beautiful and modest with candles and branches of evergreens
draping the doorway. Family and friends would gather together, bringing
along homemade treats and small gifts of appreciation.
Most gifts were made by hand and simple. Mothers would knit sweaters for
their children and fathers would search local shops for the perfect gift.
Children would receive much less but appreciate much more. A new set of
blocks, a special doll, or a set of books would be cherished for years to
come.
Toys were natural and open-ended, leaving room for hours of imagination and
free play. They did not blink, flash, need batteries, or keep children
indoors for most of their day.
How, in a world that is much different now, do we recapture the truth and
surround our children with warmth, simplicity, and peace this holiday
season?
The Benefit of Natural Toys
Toys of today are much different than the basic and sturdy toys of our past.
In addition to the more recent concerns of lead paint on some foreign-made
toys, some of the components that are added to products made with PVC
plastics have been linked to cancer and other serious ailments. “A recent
Greenpeace study revealed that PVC softeners known as phthalates have been
found to cause liver and kidney damage and disrupt hormonal systems in
children (see "Teething Toxins," In Brief, March/April 1998). In response,
several European nations have banned PVC toys altogether. U.S. toy
distributors are still debating the issue.”
With the very safety of our children’s playthings in question, many parents
are choosing to buy natural toys and products for children this year. But
safety is not the only benefit of items made from natural materials such as
wood, cotton, silk, or wool.
Children, like sponges, absorb their environment and the world around them.
The quality and essence of the things that we surround our children with can
have a direct effect on their behavior, health, and ability to learn.
Holding something beautiful that is made from the earth has tremendous
positive psychological effects on human beings.
In fact, natural materials teach children correctly about the world around
them. When a child picks up a rock that is made of plastic, it feels light
and weightless. In nature, rocks are heavy and solid.
Toys that do not require batteries invite open-ended play. This type of play
sparks children’s creativity and requires them to finish the story on their
own. Many electronic toys have a predetermined ending – leaving little room
for imagination causing the child to lose interest quickly.
More often than not, loud toys over-stimulate young children. Blinking
lights, loud sounds, and so much going on muffles the child’s ability to
hear his or her imagination speak. We must quiet the noise in order to allow
our children to listen to the true magic that is within.
Equally important is the fact that natural toys are better for the
environment. Plastic can sit in landfills for hundreds of years and is not
biodegradable.
If you have a skill such as sewing, knitting, or woodworking, consider
making your child something special this year. Not only does this send a
message of love, but it also teaches patience. The time spent on creating
something from hand is a wonderful way to show your children the benefit of
working toward a goal.
If you are not particularly crafty, there are plenty of retailers that sell
natural toys online. Before purchasing, be sure to ask the retailer where
the toys are manufactured and what materials are used during production.
Here are some wonderful places to start shopping for natural children’s
products.
https://www.
Fair Trade, Organic and Green Gifts and Products
http://www.atoygard
A Broad Selection of Open Ended, Natural, Creative and Fun Toys for
Children. Fair Trade and Made in the USA toys as well.
http://www.kinderdo
Waldorf Inspired Dolls and Toys.
www.achildsdream.
Natural Crafts, Toys, Supplies, Dolls and Books.
http://www.waldorfs
Waldorf Home and School Supplies - Many of the art supplies are imported
from Europe.
http://www.threesis
Natural Playthings and Waldorf Toys.
http://www.ecotoyto
Earth Friendly Non-Toxic Toy Store
http://planethappyt
Every product sold at Planet Happy must meet or exceed current US and
European safety standards.
http://toyspectrum.
Traditional wooden toys and children’s gifts.
http://www.willowtr
European Waldorf toys, natural wooden toys, Montessori toys and dolls that
are educational and encourage open-ended, creative play.
http://www.novanatu
Waldorf dolls, children’s books and natural craft supplies to stimulate
creative play.
http://www.oompa.
Natural and Wooden Toys and Products.
http://www.thewoode
All of The Wooden Wagon's toys comply with the rigorous European testing
standards.
Quality over Quantity
Let us keep in mind that it is not only the quality of the gifts we give
this year but also the quantity. How much is really enough?
Before holiday shopping, take a good look around your home. How loved are
your child’s belongings? Gifts lose their value when children are surrounded
by so many things. It is unfair of us to expect a child to cherish a new toy
when they are surrounded by so many of them.
When deciding to purchase an item for your child, be selective and ask
yourself the following questions: What purpose will the toy have? Does your
child already have this type of item? Does it engage all five senses and
encourage imagination? It is much better to offer fewer, higher quality toys
that your child will get more use out of than an abundance of toys that will
go unappreciated.
This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach children the lesson of
giving this holiday season. This year, many children around the world won’t
even have a holiday meal, let alone presents. Talk to your child about this
and then spend a day sorting through items that are no longer cherished or
age-appropriate to donate to others. If the charity only accepts new toys,
considering selling your items and donating the money earned to a worthy
cause.
Simplify and Reduce Stress
Much as young children take in the aesthetics of their environment, they
also absorb the feelings and emotions of their caregivers. We must be
mindful of the message we are sending to them during the holidays and
throughout the year. Here are a few ideas on how to limit stress and create
a more peaceful celebration for yourself and your children:
§ Try to limit the number of commitments you make. When possible, combine
functions to avoid excessive travel or entertaining. Consider scheduling
some events for after the holidays so you can relax and truly enjoy the
company of your family and friends.
Create beautiful traditions with your children. String popcorn, make
ornaments, or go caroling. Allow even the youngest child to assist with
preparing the holiday meal, setting the table, or baking cookies.
Demonstrate kindness. Visit a nursing home, adopt a needy family, or write
letters to those who may be alone this holiday season. Children can add so
much to the lives of others who have so little.
Consider shopping online for many of your gifts this year. This is a
wonderful way to save gas and reduce your stress by avoiding busy stores and
shopping malls.
Above all, let us remember that true happiness cannot be wrapped and placed
under a tree. When we teach our children this, we have already given them
the greatest gift.
Eileen is a work-at-home mother to four daughters. She writes and publishes
monthly nature guides for parents and caregivers of young children at
http://www.littleac
and has many ideas and activities for parents on her blog at
http://eileensplace
http://www.waldorfs
Waldorf Home and School Supplies - Many of the art supplies are imported
from Europe.
http://www.threesis
Natural Playthings and Waldorf Toys.
http://www.ecotoyto
Earth Friendly Non-Toxic Toy Store
http://planethappyt
Every product sold at Planet Happy must meet or exceed current US and
European safety standards.
http://toyspectrum.
Traditional wooden toys and children’s gifts.
http://www.willowtr
European Waldorf toys, natural wooden toys, Montessori toys and dolls that
are educational and encourage open-ended, creative play.
http://www.novanatu
Waldorf dolls, children’s books and natural craft supplies to stimulate
creative play.
http://www.oompa.
Natural and Wooden Toys and Products.
http://www.thewoode
All of The Wooden Wagon's toys comply with the rigorous European testing
standards.
Quality over Quantity
Let us keep in mind that it is not only the quality of the gifts we give
this year but also the quantity. How much is really enough?
Before holiday shopping, take a good look around your home. How loved are
your child’s belongings? Gifts lose their value when children are surrounded
by so many things. It is unfair of us to expect a child to cherish a new toy
when they are surrounded by so many of them.
When deciding to purchase an item for your child, be selective and ask
yourself the following questions: What purpose will the toy have? Does your
child already have this type of item? Does it engage all five senses and
encourage imagination? It is much better to offer fewer, higher quality toys
that your child will get more use out of than an abundance of toys that will
go unappreciated.
This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to teach children the lesson of
giving this holiday season. This year, many children around the world won’t
even have a holiday meal, let alone presents. Talk to your child about this
and then spend a day sorting through items that are no longer cherished or
age-appropriate to donate to others. If the charity only accepts new toys,
considering selling your items and donating the money earned to a worthy
cause.
Simplify and Reduce Stress
Much as young children take in the aesthetics of their environment, they
also absorb the feelings and emotions of their caregivers. We must be
mindful of the message we are sending to them during the holidays and
throughout the year. Here are a few ideas on how to limit stress and create
a more peaceful celebration for yourself and your children:
§ Try to limit the number of commitments you make. When possible, combine
functions to avoid excessive travel or entertaining. Consider scheduling
some events for after the holidays so you can relax and truly enjoy the
company of your family and friends.
Create beautiful traditions with your children. String popcorn, make
ornaments, or go caroling. Allow even the youngest child to assist with
preparing the holiday meal, setting the table, or baking cookies.
Demonstrate kindness. Visit a nursing home, adopt a needy family, or write
letters to those who may be alone this holiday season. Children can add so
much to the lives of others who have so little.
Consider shopping online for many of your gifts this year. This is a
wonderful way to save gas and reduce your stress by avoiding busy stores and
shopping malls.
Above all, let us remember that true happiness cannot be wrapped and placed
under a tree. When we teach our children this, we have already given them
the greatest gift.
Eileen is a work-at-home mother to four daughters. She writes and publishes
monthly nature guides for parents and caregivers of young children at
http://www.littleac
and has many ideas and activities for parents on her blog at
http://eileensplace
I really like this article. Gratefully, we have always leaned to wood and natural toys. We also have always limited the gifts each child receives to 3 (as Jesus received 3).
I would also add, I find wonderful discarded wooden toys through out the year at thrift stores.
Posted by: Molly | October 30, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Well said Kim! I just wrote about this at my blog. I'd rather not give a gift unless I can really think it through. Who wants to give something that won't be cherished?? Thanks for all the links. This year, we are really striving more quality. -Carmen
Posted by: Carmen | October 30, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Some of the best advice I received as a young homeschooler was 'buy tools, not toys'. A sewing kit, art supplies, compass or even legos are a better gift because they teach children to be productive. If it wasn't a toy 50 years ago, kids don't need it now. That means dolls, balls and kites instead of things that talk or make noise. This policy has served us well!
Posted by: Sandy | October 30, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Thanks for posting this. It is that time of year when our thoughts turn to "things" and it is good to be reminded to slow down and consider what we are bringing into our homes.
Posted by: joann10 | October 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Very nice article. It is so easy to be "taken in" when shopping for toys. When I recently went to a toy megastore for my 4yo bday, I was looking for a specific item. I couldnt' find it, so I was looking for something else. I walked every ailse and at first wanted everything! Then I reminded myself about what I really wanted in a toy....and couldn't find anything that I really wanted after all.
Posted by: mel | October 31, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Nice article! I finally had the chance to sit down and really read it this morning. Thanks for the gentle guidance Kim.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 01, 2008 at 01:51 PM
what a wonderful post. we have been thinking along similar lines for a long while, but still struggle with the issue - what to do about well meaning relatives who overwhelm our little ones with loads of plastic made-in-china brand-name battery-operated toys. their glitz overshadows our homemade gifts, and they don't reflect our family's values.
they don't understand why it's important to us, and how much of a fuss do i want to put up? is it silly that i'm almost at a point of asking them to let me preview/preapprove gifts? sigh...
Posted by: Angela | November 01, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Great post, Kim!
I have been thinking about this for several years now, too. It is not always easy to find the time to make hand-made gifts for going-on-eight children, plus In-Laws, cousins, etc., nor is it possible to find the money to buy natural toys and gifts for so many. But it is worth the effort. The kids help me make special cookies to send to their cousins in another state, I sew one more Christmas stocking each year for the youngest child (some day I may be caught up), and make cloth or painted wood ornaments for the extended family who would appreciate such things.
St. Nicholas brings much-needed socks, slippers or tights on Dec. 6, any presents from out-of-town family are opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, and presents from each other are opened on Epiphany. Thankfully, the rest of the family understands that we don't want the flashiest new toy on the market, so we get warm clothes, simple toys and holy cards, nice thank-you note cards to use, or even gift cards for groceries or a restaurant, for the most part.
We don't get everything we want or need. We don't give everything family and friends want or need. We do what we can to give comfort and joy, and try to let God do the rest.
So far it has made for joyous family memories as we gather on St. Lucy's day to share hot cocoa and a honey cake, or Christmas Eve to eat a traditional Mexican dinner before Tata reads "'Twas the night before Christmas...." and sing "Joy to the World" at Christmas morning Mass. Loving each other is the best gift we can give, whether it shows itself in the form of a hand-sewn Raggedy Ann doll or a Christmas stocking with an orange and a walnut in the toe, or a smile and a "Merry Christmas!"
Gee, I think I just wrote my first blog post since May first! I think I will cut and paste it into my blog now. Thanks, Kim!
Posted by: Kitty | November 12, 2008 at 08:15 PM