Christmas for children is synonymous with…? Christmas Gifts!!! Sure. As soon as we reach mid-November, we start thinking about what to offer the kids. We have to start planning Christmas, which involves parties and, yes, the gifts.
Letters to Santa Claus begin, promises of good behavior to receive gifts, and adults begin to do the math. Oh yeah! Santa Claus better pay attention to the letters.
I still remember, when I was 5 or 6 years old, I really believed in Santa Claus. I must have spent a lot of time bothering my parents with what I wanted for Christmas (kitchen utensils set), but what I remember is that on the morning of December 25th I went to the sock that was hanging on the kitchen chimney and found precisely what I asked Santa Claus for. The most charming thing was that I REALLY believed that Santa Claus got me what I wanted, he took the trouble to go down the chimney and leave our presents. What a wonderful man! That year, if I’m not mistaken, there were 3 children: me, my sister Milay and my cousin Dienes. What memory they have of the event I don’t know. They must have been 3 years old. But I was amazed that Santa didn’t let me down.
Adults, if you can, provide your children with that magical moment of belief in Santa Claus. It’s just wonderful! Sometimes I watched debates between my students (6/7 years old), in London, about the existence of Santa Claus. They turned to me asking whether or not there was Santa Claus. I always replied that I never get involved in these debates. There are children who still believe, others who don’t, as their parents made it clear. Anyway, I’m not the one who’s going to destroy the magical world of those who still believe. Everyone has their time. I can only say that it did me no harm, and I remember the time with a smile on my face.
Well, Santa Claus visits us every year. Some years he is more generous than others, but he always brings something. To be honest, whenever Felisberta needs something, we buy it right away and sometimes I have to think about what I’m going to offer her for Christmas, as I don’t usually wait. But it’s necessary. What’s more, her birthday is the next day, what complicates things a little more.
This year’s gifts are already purchased and packed.
However, I was thinking and decided to make a list of some toys and books that Felisberta received, between 2020 and 2021. It could be useful for those who are still making their shopping list.
I like to be guided by the following:
Something:
- to wear
- she likes
- to read
- to learn.
1. Something to wear
Do you want a better time to reinforce pajamas, or a special coat, slippers, etc.? Children are always growing, so whether we like it or not, we have to renew their wardrobe. I always like to leave at least one pair of pajamas and slippers for Christmas.
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer has high quality children’s clothing. Since Felisberta was born, most of her clothes are from this store. It’s amazing how I can wash clothes countless times and it’s always in incredible quality. In addition to the sizes being true (or even slightly bigger), which allows for longer use. She will be 7 years old and there are still 4/5 year old clothes that fit her and are very well preserved, despite frequent washing.
Clothing at Marks & Spencer is a little expensive, so I always take advantage of the sales. IT IS SO WORTH IT!
This year I bought 2 very cute pajamas at Marks & Spencer to add to her collection.
She will especially love one of them as it is very soft. The fabric is similar to a blanket, it is very warm and comfortable.
Amazon
For slippers I “went” to Amazon. Greater variety impossible. The ones I bought are very warm, comfortable and she effectively keeps them on. Yes, because the girl loves to walk barefoot (without socks), in the middle of winter, on the kitchen floor!!! These slippers cost €21.99 and are great.
2. Something she likes
Amazon
Felisberta LOVES puzzles. It’s impressive! From a very young age. She has played many. But lately she likes to play with the wooden ones that have a construction base. The great advantage is that we can use the base to make other puzzles. I was going to buy some for Christmas, but my dad got ahead and asked me to buy him 3 last week, so I thought it’s best not to add more for now.
Puzzles are wonderful for cognitive development. The child’s level of concentration improves greatly, as does the ability to complete a task, however challenging it may be. Felisberta easily used to give up on the tasks that were proposed to her, but with puzzles she greatly improved her persistence. Not to mention that whenever children completes a puzzle, their self-esteem increases, as they have reached the goal they set for themselves.
3. Something to read
Amazon
We arrived at the books. When she was a baby I used to read her a story to every night. I started by introducing songs into our daily lives (influenced by grandfather Felício 😉 ). I used to sing a song, especially a Brazilian one, Macaco Ladrão, because it is a sung story. Then I bought a book with a short story a day, “365 charming stories”, and read a different one every day.
As her interest in books grew, we added a few to the repertoire, both in Portuguese and in English, during the time we were in London.
For a long time she was “addicted” to Panda’s puzzle books (numbers, colors and animals), she loves Peppa Pig’s books, among others. Her grandfather released a children’s tale Supeto The Turtle and the King’s Chickens and Felisberta loves it when we read the story.
Book Tartaruga Supeto e as galinhas do Rei- 8,09€
4. Something to learn
Amazon
In addition to puzzles and books, we always try to give other learning gifts. On Amazon I find almost everything I look for. This year we are going to reinforce what she already has with play doh, magnetic letters, math cubes and kitchen utensils for imagination.
Utensílios de cozinha para crianças – 23,99€
Other Suggestions
As I said earlier, Felisberta receives gifts throughout the year. It’s hard to convince her grandfather Felício that he doesn’t have to always be offering things to her. Good for her and for me, I have to buy less stuff 😁 .
These suggestions are a little more expensive, but Felisberta used these toys so much that I decided to share the ideas.
Amazon
A few years ago, the grandfather offered a tricycle that has several stages: from the adult pushing to the child’s independence and autonomous driving. We used the tricycle until it broke. She just loved it!
I can’t find the one we bought online, as it was purchased in a store at Dolce Vita Tejo (currently UBBO). But here is a link to a similar one:
Amazon
With the beginning of the pandemic and the obligation to stay at home, my father decided to offer Felisberta a Mercedes. Literally a mercedes for children. Red and wonderful. She loved it. She first used it incessantly at home and then, when the yard work was done, she started using it in the yard. It is an electric car, with a remote control for the adult. When the child is able, and in a safe place, he can drive it alone. If you have the budget, I recommend it. The child will love it.
This car is no longer available, but I leave the link for information. You can, through it, find another similar one:
Amazon
Once again, due to the pandemic, the grandfather, together with the father, decides to offer the little one a trampoline. It should be noted that she was already using the bed as a trampoline, it became urgent to invest in a real one 😊 .
She loves it. The trampoline has side protection, with a zipper. She goes in and, in addition to getting some much-needed sun, she has fun jumping around. And we use the trampoline all year round. I strongly advise.
Amazon
Finally, the classic. What child doesn’t like a swing? I still haven’t met one! But this one is special. When the backyard swing got too small, we donated it and, once again, the grandfather decided to offer her an alternative for the whole year. He bought an indoor swing. Fortunately or unfortunately my living room was invaded by the object. But my daughter’s joy compensates for any aesthetic damage 😊 . She loves the swing. This one can be used at home, on the porch or even in the backyard. It is easy to transport. However, it is not for big swings. She entertains herself with the tablet on the swing, with interactive books, watching TV, you name it.
Swing structure – unfortunately unavailable at the moment – but it could be used as an inspiration to find similar ones
There is nothing more important than seeing our children happy. In addition to the toys she receives, Felisberta knows that she is a much loved child. She knows that she is our priority and our reason for living. Her happiness is the most important thing to us. And she always responds with love, whether she receives toys or hugs and kisses from us.
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