FAMILY FRIENDLY HOLIDAY BUYING TIPS

Like it or not, most of us spend extensive amounts of time and money focusing on gift buying in December and at other times of the year. Here are some suggestions to make wise choices for your kids this year: (Thanks to the National Association of Elementary School Principals for their help in compiling this information.)

1. Family Participation
Look for toys that get the family involved. My clan is trying to establish a family game night where we play a game that can involve all five of us such as "Monopoly" or "Life".

2. Independent Play
One skill that we should hope our small children develop is the ability to play by themselves. "Solitary Play" can be aided through the purchase of Legos, building blocks, or puzzles. In fact, my kids have recently discovered jigsaw puzzles of various degree of difficulty. We have a table with two different puzzles, one appropriate for my adolescents and one for my second grader.

3. Creativity
Children love to create, as long as we provide the resources for them. My daughter is so happy receiving a gift certificate to "Staples" so she can buy markers, pencils, and drawing paper. She also enjoys creating greeting cards using stamps and other materials. Consider buying tools and crafts supplies as ways of promoting creativity in your children.

4. Sports
We have gotten hours of play from "Vortex" footballs and wiffle ball sets. There’s not much of a cost here and even Dad gets some exercise.

5. Classes
There are many opportunities for enrichment throughout the town of Hopkinton as well as in the general area. It may be time to begin music lessons, karate, dancing, sewing, or painting. This can be a present with life-long implications.

6. Reading!
I bet you’re not surprised that I recommend reading as a great present this season. There are so many genres to choose from. Kids love fiction, of course, but non-fiction text such as biographies, almanacs, and history books can occupy kids for hours. My sons love to read Sports Illustrated for Kids.

7. Screens
I approach this category with trepidation. Taking a cue from their Dad, my kids really do enjoy "techie" gifts. There is certainly value in computer software and some video games. Software that promotes critical thinking such as Oregon Trail or the Carmen Sandiego series are very appropriate. If you deicde to purchase video games, buy only age and content appropriate games . Check out the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating by checking out: http://www.esrb.org for more information.

For more information on great gifts for school-age children check out these Web sites:

http://www.reading.org
The International Reading Association lists book title recommended by children and teachers.

http://www.cpsc.gov
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has information on toy safety.

http://www.toyportfolio.com
http://www.drtoy.com
These two sites test, review, and rate children’s products. They also offer tips for selecting toys, books, videos, software , and audio recordings.

http://www.parents-choice.org
This site rates and reviews new children’s media.

-Bill Carozza