My Humble Opinion on Toy Gifts

Nowadays kids are bombarded with toys, gadgets and other material possessions a few times a year, from well-meaning family members and friends. Meanwhile, they're left with no choice but to cram this growing pile of goods into a single room - the same room where they are also expected to sleep, play, read, change, do homework and so on.

I suggest asking for gifts of experience. Something like, "Dad, Ariel really enjoyed seeing the Nutcracker with you last year. She didn't stop talking about it for a month, she loved it so much! I think she would enjoy a gift of an experience with you much more than another toy" will usually do the trick.

After all, kids will remember the time you spent with them long after the barbies and MP3 Players are gone.