Please share your ideas for gifts. I am most interested in things for the kids. (especially those of the non-electronic variety)
I have a couple. for my 12yo daughter, already got her some beading kits. A kit for knitting and crochet. Yarn. Long underwear…I know that will go over big. But as far as the older boy goes, I am stumped. He is all about the computer and music. Does like to read. Maybe books? They both loved the Lemony Snickett series, and of course Harry Potter. Lord of the Rings as well. Anyway, what are some good ideas?
lehmans.com has old fashioned toys. music is made with more than electricity. A wind instrument, drums, etc. 3-D puzzles. build yourself kits, one of those pedal generators so he can do it himself.
pehaps the word “it” would be good between build and yourself. oops.
:) that was funny too!
Books on survival skills that are directed towards the younger population … and then some of their own survival tools like:
boys can go for a compact shaving kit … and girls can get their own version
teenagers with their own vehicles could benefit from having a roadside emergency kit for their trunk.
Another thing that my kids have found interesting when we go camping is astronomy, particularly on how to navigate by the stars. Comes in handy on night hikes.
Girls might enjoy a science experiment kit that helps them to make their own perfumes … using alcohol and natural elements like spices and flowers. I have a homemade set of directions for this if you want them. My kids have fun doing this.
Books on local flora and fauna … particular eating wild foods.
My son is 28 and married so my presents for them are a little different. I’m making them a document safe out of 4″ PVC drain pipe, putting two 60 hour Sterno candles in it and also sending a collapsible 5 gallon water container and some water purification tablets. Since they live in NOLA, they need all of this and more.
I agree with Kathy in FL about science type kits for young girls. My granddaughter specifically asked for me to pick out another one this year after I got a couple for her last year. She really enjoyed the soda pop making kit and also the polymer chemistry kit that lets you make your own “goopy” plastics.
Both of my kids-12 and 15 are getting their own shakelights/crank radios, books and mag subcriptions ( we’ll have to deal with the contaiminated mail issue somehow)clay (for her) and woodworking/whitling knives for him. Plus some science stuff-aquarium/terriaum stuff for her, and robotics/engineering for him-yes the latter has some battery/electicity requirements, but we bought it way along time ago at a fabulous price and we might not lose power.
Theres a new Artimus Fowl book out that both my kids have been clamering to read (15 year old LOVES this series) Theyve allready gone through H.P. and LOTR, as well as Narnia. They both liked Aragon and sequel-I think Aragon is going to be a movie in the spring. Hope this helps.
I would think that kids would (eventually) appreciate solar chargers for their electronics, and maybe a hand crank radio. We like the 3D puzzles, I have the whole set for Lord of the Rings, the dark tower is the hardest. Not for young kids unless they’re very paitent!
lohrewok – at 20:22 We’re also looking for a new book series as we wait for the Aragon/Eldest trilogy to put out it’s last book. That’s a good series, kinda of Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings.
I’m putting together baskets for my sisters. They’re each getting a copy of Dr. Woodsons latest book and I’m adding several cans of butter and cheese and small cans of dehydrated onions and peppers I got from Mountain Brooks Food. My MIL even said she would like some of the onions cause they are so easy to use! BILs are getting hand crank radios from Radio Shack. I liked mine so much I figure everyone needs one! We’re splurging on the grandparents cause they really really need a new generator so everyone’s chipping in for that.
I have to mail everything so I will send them early, that way they’ll have it if they need it.
Green Mom – at 08:12
December 15th is the opening for the Aragon movie. Seems like we’ve been waiting forever for it!!
Here is a reasonably priced solar charger and adapter for IPod. I’m thinking about picking one up for a Christmas present for my older “kids”.
Also non-electric musical instruments..music is a big part of our family life. Additional music for those that do play piano, guitar, etc. I normally buy my oldest son, who plays guitar, a new book of “tabs” every Christmas, strings, picks, etc. My middle son plays “electronic” drums. I think I may actually break down and get him an “acoustic” set this Christmas, because without electricity he would not be able to play at all. Fortunately, we live in the country so the “noise” will only bother our family. :) Drum practice can test the nerves of even the most patient of Moms. :)
Last Christmas I got DH and BIL a hands free head light. DH for grilling outside in the dark. BIL cause they go camping and I thought it would come in handy. DH just started using his again since it get dark so early now. It’s a great little tool if anyone needs a quick gift or stocking stuffer. QVC has them for 11.50. I’m not selling, it’s just that sometimes I shop at QVC, a lot!