It’s that time again.
“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
Unfortunately for many parents instead of the most wonderful time of the year, it’s the most stressful time of the year. Every year, we try to figure it out a little more and tighten up on our gift giving process.
This year I am following two self-imposed rules.
- Follow my gift formula
- Buy local as much as possible (though I will give grace to myself if I need to to abide by Rule #1.)
I am already planning to stay within my budget, but here is my gift formula.
- Pick a Theme.
- Pick a Book based on the theme.
- Pick an item of clothing based on the theme.
- Pick something to play with based on the theme.
One of my sons loves Roblox. (I don’t get it, but I want him to be seen). I could find a book about the history of video games, a funny t-shirt of some of the characters, and a board game based around Roblox (do they make such a thing?).
One of my daughters loves the theatre and performing arts. I could find her a book about Hollywood actresses from the 1930’s, a fun sweatshirt that says something like “Got Drama?”, and a palate of stage make-up.
It all starts with the theme. And then pick 2-3 items based around that theme. Gifts are fun and let the receiver know they are seen and loved.
And we have put this year’s Gift Guide together for you to spur some out of the box ideas.
-All of links in our gift guide are affiliate links which means FFTC earns a small commission each of the items you purchase at no extra cost to you. See more info here.
Locally-made gifts and local shops to support in 2021
I love the trend of experience gifts over more plastic toys. So I have been collecting up ideas for clutter-free gifts of adventure in our own Twin Cities. These are all fun activities we can do without leaving Minnesota.
Lucky for gift givers, November and December are the best time to think about memberships, because several places offer pre-holiday or end-of-the-year discounts.
Handcraft holiday gifts can be extra special when the creative process is half the fun! We’ve rounded up several local spots where you or your kids can mess up someone else’s space, let their imaginations run wild, and craft some serious masterpieces this holiday season.
Christmas is just around the corner. Are you dreading the crowded malls? Never fear, we have collected some unique Holiday Shopping Events for you to make this year’s retail experience enjoyable for the whole family. Events start as early as November 1st and run through Christmas Eve. Mark your calendar with your favorites, and mix shopping with family fun this year.
Thank you for supporting Family Fun Twin Cities through purchases through our gift guide links.