Experience New Adventures in our Community
How often have you driven on Del Monte Avenue in Monterey and thought, “My kids would love to go on that swan boat!” or walked past a four-wheel Surrey bike on the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail, thinking that would be a fun idea for a family outing? Make it happen with experiences that will create memories and opportunities for families to spend time together. Ideas on how you can gift these adventures along with a physical present are giving a rubber ducky or swan stuffed animal with a note saying, “Let’s ride the duck boats on El Estero Lake!” or a handmade card with a picture of a Surrey bike.
Other gift ideas to go along with experiences include a potted plant or flower with a Gilroy Gardens membership and a train set or toy with your Roaring Camp Railroad ticket.
If your child enjoys video games, consider a gift card or jar of quarters to play at one of our local arcades, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, or Chuck E. Cheese.
Baking Holiday Cookies for Friends and Neighbors
Ornaments are unique handmade gifts for family, friends, or neighbors. A friend and her son dropped off a homemade Christmas card and cookie last year, and it made my son and me feel so loved and special that they hand-delivered and thought of us. This gesture allowed us to visit with one another, and her boys spread the magic of the holidays by seeing our excitement and gratitude. Children can be involved in the entire process, from picking out ornament kits and supplies at an art store to making them and gifting them to their recipients. Card and ornament making can be as simple as cutting out a piece of paper, punching a hole, tying a string, and drawing a picture for their friend. It’s the experience of creating a gift for a loved one.
How to Make “Boring Gifts” More Exciting
You can spice up practical items by presenting them in themed gift bundles. Coastal kids can always use a “beach day” set with a kite, towel, sunscreen, sand toys, a bathing suit, and sandals. A new outfit or piece of clothing such as a jacket can be gifted with a note that says, “Bundle up in this new winter coat during our next camping trip,” along with items to make s’mores or pajamas in a “movie night” bundle along with popcorn and candy.
Make Gift Shopping a Mom’s Day Out
Moms are used to multitasking, so why not combine a Mom’s Day Out with holiday shopping? Treat yourself to brunch with a friend, followed by shopping in Downtown Carmel or Capitola. Shopping locally in some of our bookstores, toy stores, and gift shops supports small businesses and keep tax dollars in our communities.
Creative Ideas for Gift Cards
One reason parents shy away from giving gift cards and cash for holiday presents are that gift cards are less exciting than physical presents. But gift cards can be presented creatively, such as displaying them like a flower arrangement or hiding the gift card in a mason jar filled with candy. Many children love scavenger hunts, too, and the clues and answers could be related to gift card stores. For our adventurous and brave parents, give your child the movie “Yes Day” along with a card that says they can have one too! This is a day where you say yes to everything your little one asks for (within reason, of course). Pinterest is an excellent website to visit for imaginative ideas!
Mementos for Gifts for Grandparents and Parents
- Turn your child’s art into books (also a way to get rid of loose paper and clutter)
- Purchase items for school fundraisers (which often include creations your child has made)
- 2023 calendar with family pictures
- Photo books
- “World’s Best” gifts (mugs, picture frames, etc.)
Children can be involved in selecting artwork and pictures for these projects!
Listen to What Your Children Want for the Holidays
As parents and consumers, it is very easy to feel pressured to buy too many toys for our children. Consider the joys of making, baking, and giving your children experiences during the holidays. Remember, the more toys the children have, the bigger the mess to clean up!
Sabrina Hiltunen’s favorite holiday family tradition is getting matching pajamas. Her favorite places to shop for these are on Etsy and Tipsy Elves.