Collaborative Post
The never-ending search for gifts – be it a birthday, Easter or Christmas – is turning out to be so difficult once more, especially with the consumer carousel spinning ever faster and heftier every year. Coupled with the sadly now common aspect of quantity over quality, it is more stressful than anything else. But shouldn’t it be exactly the other way around? A well-thought-out, individual gift that suits the recipient. That’s the dream! We all know that it’s always easier to dream of than it is to come up with it – especially on days in the middle of December when the deadline of Christmas Eve is quickly creeping closer. This is why we sat down to select three extraordinary and unusual gifts for children and teenagers that not only catch the eye but also offer the recipient game, fun and educational value at the same time – in the hopes it might end up under one of the beautiful trees out there this year!
#1 Promote technical knowledge and interest
Children are the greatest discoverers and explorers – if something is in their area of interest, they absorb it like sponges. Preparing a gift that satisfies this curiosity is consequently the most obvious thing to do. Our world is becoming more and more connected and digitized every day – and every generation is growing up more tech-savvy than the last. The STEM area (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in particular thrives in this environment – so if your child is enthusiastic about technology, how about a mini-computer like a micro:bit? These teach coding and how to use both software and hardware in a child-friendly way and ultimately bring the technology to life.
#2 Let creativity flourish with high-quality art or music supplies
Nothing is more frustrating than feeling helpless when the provided material doesn’t deliver what it promises and the ideas unfolding in your mind can’t be brought to canvas or paper. It is this frustration that can stifle a nascent spark of inspiration and talent in children – especially in creative fields. Because a pen is not just a pen. Who doesn’t remember the set of coloured pencils that had so few pigments that even a brick would have put redder colour on the paper? If your child has a particular fondness for the arts (or anything that you as a parent are less adept at), why not give them a voucher to visit an art supply or instrument shop and get advice from a knowledgeable on-site artistic staff? This way your child is guaranteed to have high-quality and interest-enhancing material instead of a set of paint drying up in the closet.
#3 Gift a subscription, instead of a one-time thing
Not only, but especially since Covid, monthly subscriptions have been a hit and can be obtained for almost anything. Most are specifically targeted at children and teenagers! News outlet independent.co.uk has scrutinized the best child-friendly subscriptions and put together a superbly curated selection for hobbies of all kinds. The beauty of it? Your child can look forward to regular use in the coming year – not only one present on Boxing Day.
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