Episode 40 - Hot Mamas from the Hills
Mending Families is hosted by Melissa Pemberton and she brings you weekly content that is a mix of trauma aware interviews, parenting tips for those caring for kids from adversity, and stories from people just like you as they share their beautiful messy moments. Melissa hopes that when you listen each week, you will feel encouraged, inspired and take a little something away to help you and your family move from broken to mended.
On today’s episode, Melissa and her three friends, Hannah, Cassie and Danielle, all share their thoughts on the best and not so best Christmas gifts for kids. Whether you are looking for ideas for your own kids, or you are a relative, teacher, coach or neighbor, these ladies have all the greatest ideas! See below for links to purchase many of the items they chat about!
Links to all the ideas the Hot Mamas mention:
* Squigz were mentioned by Hannah and are one of Melissa’s faves as well
*If you are purchasing for a child who is not your child, ask the parents what they need or what they think would be helpful
*Magnatiles are another amazing idea mentioned by Hannah
*You can never have too many legos according to Cassie!
*Arts and crafting is also a fun idea. Older kids can spend hours doing diamond art!
*Cassie talks about the Purrble and Melissa agrees this is an amazing sensory/calming toy!
*Danielle talks about building toys and her kids love Play Doh
*Experiences for kids has been a big hit at Danielle's home. Whether it is a concert, movie, or even an individual date, this helps build memories
*Sensory tools - the top three Melissa loves are squigz, sensory swing, and mini trampoline
*No Stress Chess has been a big hit for all of the kids in Melissa’s home
*Here are some ideas that maybe you should try to avoid
*toys that break easily
*toys that are not age appropriate
*toys that have small parts or are tricky for the child to use on their own
*toys that are loud and obnoxious
*toys that are a lot of work for the parent to put together (unless you are going to put it together ahead of time!)
*consider all ages in the home as you gift. If the toy for the nine-year-old has a lot of tiny parts that the younger toddler sibling could get into, maybe avoid that.
*toys that don’t work (Melissa talked about little parachute guys that just don't work)
*noises and lights should be a no-go!
*if you want to purchase any type of weapon for a child, ask the parent first!
*Here are a few ideas for the amazing parents in your life that deserve sooooo much more than just a gift but this will do ;)
*Massage or facial
*Gift card to go shopping
*Color changing tequila for the win!
*a night off - take the kids for the night
*experiences - plays, musicals, performances
*FabFitFun for a year so they get a gift all year!
**Any links that take you to Amazon are products that Mending Families does receive a small commission for if you purchase**
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