Gifts that keep on giving
I'm relatively new to the whole aunt thing, so you might understand why I had problems figuring out what to get for my nephew and niece on the few gift-giving occasions that have popped up thus far in their short little lives.
As far as I'm concerned, they get more than enough colorful and expensive toys and gizmos. My sisters are practically busting out of their living space because of them. I didn't want to add to the toy craze, so to date, I have given them books. Board books, picture books, fairy-tale collections for their moms to read to them as they get older.
Then my friend Laura -- who is an experienced aunt of five or six older nieces and nephews -- gave me an even better idea.
She said she spends a day with each niece or nephew for their birthday. The kid picks what he/she wants to do, whether it be go to the zoo, for ice-cream, to see a special show, etc.
My niece and nephews are still too young for this (all under age 2), but I like this idea for a lot of reasons.
First, it's not adding to the material culture that envelopes kids from the moment they are born.
Second, it provides a great excuse for special one-on-one time and an opportunity to create memories with a loved one.
Third, it gets both the adult and the child participating in all that their local area has to offer.
What better gift than helping a child acquire a sense of adventure, exploration and fun in a new place?
P.S. The little creature making this blog post look good is my niece, Lilyana, who will celebrate her first birthday on Flag Day (quick, do you know what day that would be?) Anyway, I took these pictures of Lily when we were playing at the park a few weeks ago. I've never been a huge fan of babies, but this little girl has me hooked. I can't even last an entire week without kissing her chipmunk cheeks and making her laugh at my Spanish baby-talk (I'd love for her to be bilingual).
monica · May 14, 2008 10:44 AM
She's a cutie!! I love the idea. My dad used to do it with me and my siblings. It was our "special night out" once a year. Have fun!!
Kelsy · May 14, 2008 3:43 PM
Your baby niece is so adorable. I have a baby cousin, her name is Iyanna and she's two. I love her more than life itself. Little babies are soo cute [:
Beth · May 15, 2008 3:23 PM
She's too adorable for words!