Parnell's Pantry: Fun Gift Idea for Kids

Monday, November 18, 2019

Fun Gift Idea for Kids

While it's true that the holidays are a time for toys, I have always been a believer in the gift of reading for children. As a lover of children's literature, I think it is so important to provide kids with plenty of reading material,whether it be books,magazines or even comic books. I was one of those crazy ladies who read to her children while carrying them, hoping the rhythm of the language in the stories would help to eventually foster a love of reading.I also realize how fun it is to receive mail all year long, so what better way to spark a love of reading than the gift of a book club? Yet, this isn't any old book club, one where you pay a fortune and receive books chosen for you each month. This is a do-it-yourself book club. You decide how many times a year you want to send books, you pick and purchase the books yourself based on the budget you see fit and you choose little items to go along with the books, such as stickers ,coloring books,etc. Here is how to do it...

   1, Choose your packaging. This can be as simple as padded envelopes that you can order online, pick up
       at Target or from any office supply store. Just keep in mind that the postage will depend upon the
       packaging. Be sure to ask for the book rate at the post office, it is a few dollars cheaper.You can even
       decorate them with stickers or drawings.

2. Decide how often you'd like to send them. I like to send books for holidays. You may want to send
quarterly, only for special occasions or monthly..it's completely up to you.

3. Decide how many you would like to send. Each gift can be different. Maybe you love two books for
Christmas, but only one for Valentine's Day.That's fine..no strict rules here because you are in charge!

4. Decide on your start date and pick out your books. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and many other sites
have thousands of children's books for every age group. You can order a few you like and have them
sent to you.

5. Place your books in the envelope,along with a little treat and a note card for the recipient. Mail them
and you are done!

Isn't this a fun gift idea? You can also send a card ahead to let the kids know they will be getting a
special surprise in the mail each month, or you can include the first book or set of books as part of their
Christmas gift this year. Wrap them along with a note explaining that they will receive more throughout the year. You don't even have to specify dates, it is completely up to you,use your discretion. This makes a
great gift idea for your own children ,grandchildren, nieces,nephews, you name it. It can also be a nice gift
for grandparents or elderly relatives who enjoy reading,simply adjust the reading material for the recipient.

The most important thing to remember is to send reading material that interests them. Focus on their hobbies, favorite characters, favorite sports,etc. Children love to receive fun mail,and this is a gift that will not only show how much you've thought about them, it will also encourage reading throughout the year.

Here are a few of my favorite Thanksgiving books in case you'd like to start early..

Cranberry Thanksgiving