Still needing a last minute gift? Trying to veer away from the bright lights, loud noises and overly stimulating gifts that often are discarded before the first set of batteries even fade out. Try a subscription to a magazine that targets your child's interests. From toddlers to teens, Sesame Street to Video Games, there are dozens of interesting, educational and age-appropriate options on-line or lining the shelves of Safeway's magazine aisle. The greatest benefit of a gift subscription........12 months of reading for one fairly inexpensive price (the ideas below range from $12-25)!
The options below have received rave reviews from staff, grandparents and kids themselves. Happy Holiday, Happy Shopping....Happy Reading!
The National Wildlife Federation: Offering the classic Ranger Rick for school-aged children, the organization has expanded their selection to include titles for toddlers and preschool aged children. www.nwf.org
National Geographic: With vivid photos, games, puzzles and engaging stories, animal lovers and blooming scientists will rush to the mailbox looking for these amazing magazines. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/shop/
Highlights for Children: Another classic, Highlights has added early literacy options for children under 6, as well as the traditional magazine featuring comics, crafts, and recipes for older kids. www.highlights.com
Major Magazine Companies: Most news stand classics, from Sports Illustrated to Time, offer a kids version of their magazine. Targeted at middle schoolers and teens, these magazines offer high interest stories at a 5-8th grade reading level and often include activities that help kids comprehend the material and build a larger vocabulary!
Know another great kids magazine? Love one the choices above? Please add to our list by pressing the COMMENT button below!
Not only are magazines portable, (can be tucked into a travel bag) they can be "re-purposed" in collages and other craft projects such as making beads from paper or handmade boxes and envelopes. These are great indoor time alternatives to television.
ReplyDeleteAnother quick gift idea is to put together a "kit" to encourage exploration of the outdoors and nature. Assemble a small collection of rocks, shells, leaves, bugs etc. and combine it with a magnifying glass, tape measure, small notebook and pencil for recording observations, clear plastic containers for collecting more samples and place everything in a backpack or tote bag. You might add a gift certificate or coupon book for days out in designated areas such as "This coupon good for one Saturday with Mom on the Zumwalt prairie" or "good for two hours exploring the city park with Dad". You might have most of the items needed around the house and encouraging time outdoors will "give" for years to come in health benefits, knowledge and appreciation of nature, and a special connection to the place you live.