I’m not a recreational shopper typically, but I enjoy choosing gifts from my loved ones that they will enjoy. It’s a chance to think about them more deeply and a reminder to pay attention to what brings them pleasure. For kids, especially if you live far from them, this can be hard. Here is my go-to list for fun presents to send to kids. Of course, it’s best if you select what the children in your life have shown you that they love, and you should know that the adults who spend time with them will appreciate it too; no one wants to give a gift that will feel like a burden. Here are our ideas, and we’d love to hear yours!
construction paper
scissors with funky edges
glue sticks of different colors
scented crayons or markers
high-end colored pencils
art pencils and a high quality eraser
gel pens or Sharpies
an art easel
sketch books of various sizes
a satchel for carrying art supplies
cannisters for art supplies
an electric pencil sharpener
a high quality journal
a journal with a lock and key
a coin counting piggy bank
a ceramic bank of a favorite animal
a small safe
a lockbox with a key
a fireproof envelope for special documents
a photo album with pictures of them
a time capsule for them to make
a time capsule with things about them inside
fuzzy socks
funny socks
new mittens with clips to hang them on their coat
gloves that can work with a touch screen
long johns or footie pajamas
a body pillow or a boyfriend pillow
a bean bag chair
a book lamp
a handcrank flashlight
a handcrank radio
a water bottle, mug, thermos, or travel mug
fruit leather
dehydrated strawberries or raspberries
kumquats
cheddar cheese or caramel popcorn
snack food from another country
movie theater sized boxes of candy
walkie talkies
a tent
a hammock
a canteen
a sleeping bag
a humidifier that uses essential oils, plus some oils
nail polish
Working Hands hand cream
mud masks
lip gloss
lip balm
shaving supplies
a roll of quarters to use in vending machines
a monogrammed apron
a kid-sized suitcase
a wallet
a purse
a magazine subscription
fancy stationary
post card stamps
hard-to-find candies or sodas
vegan beef jerky
an age-appropriate cookbook
an address book filled out with addresses you know they will want
a perpetual calendar where they can write birthdays of friends
a pop socket
a magnetic phone mount (for those old enough to drive)
a power bank
a very fancy bookmark
Stretch Armstrong and his dog Fetch Armstrong
the book that won this year’s Caldecott, Newberry, Coretta Scott King, Batchelder (for foreign language book translated into English), Geisel Medal, Belpre Medal, Odyssey, Hornbook, Ezra Jack Keats, Charlotte Zolotow, or Hornbook awards
a pop-up tunnel for use inside
a swing
a “flexible flyer” style sled
a red runner sled
a toboggan
a snow tube sled
a record player with records
the board game that won this year’s Game of the Year
retro games for their current game system
Rubik’s cube
Dutch Blitz
Parcheesi or another classic game they don’t have
Uno or, if they already have it, Skip Bo or Duo
a small electric blanket
a water bottle or rice bag that you heat and put in your bed
new sheets with their favorite characters on them
a houseplant
a birdhouse, bird feeder with food or a suet feeder, or bird bath
a bat house
a new soccer or basketball with air pump, if they don’t already have one
a yoga ball or a yoga mat
a fun night light
an alarm clock
a new percussion instrument, like jingle bells or claves or a woodblock or hand drums
unusual teas and a tea strainer
spice mixes for popcorn
a pocketknife, Swiss army knife, or leatherman
a microscope
a telescope
binoculars
Above, our tree on the night before Christmas, 2020.
Our Holy Family nativities included Mary in traditional blue and baby Jesus in white.Gabriel’s feathery wings are held in place by hot glue, the joining spot covered with a button.
In 2020, we created Holy Family nativity sets for each household with young children in our church.
In this children’s time, we explore what Jesus might have meant said, ” “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.'” Expect to learn some new facts about salt–and a method for working through metaphors and similes that children can start to practice on their own.
Today is World Refugee Sunday. As we seek to support refugees, this story about the author’s own experience as a refugee from Poland living in Kazakhstan reminds of us how our imaginations can bring us comfort even when we are far away from our familiar lives.
The gentle illustrations in this children’s book soften the story a bit, which may invoke complex emotions. Cindy’s friends are inspired by how much she loves and cares for her puppy. As you listen, pay attention to your feelings. When do you feel sad? worried? angry? What actions in the story make people feel safe and loved and respected?
In When Smudge Came, we see that Cindy’s friends at hospice show her love because she showed love to Smudge, which reminds me of this week’s lectionary reading: 1 John 4:7-21. Can you think of times when you were inspired to love others because someone loved you?
Easter means ham, and that means leftover ham, which makes me very happy. At the request of a friend, I’m sharing some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
Ham and cheese quiche. Swiss, cheddar, and muenster are all lovely. Use a potato crust if, like us, you’re meh on pastry crusts.
Macaroni and cheese with cubed ham. Make it fancy with asparagus (also an Easter leftover) and panko breadcrumbs on top.
Fry ham slices with onions and pierogies.
Breakfast cups. Shape biscuit dough into a cup in a muffin tin, then top with beaten eggs, ham, cheese, and ground pepper.
Ham loaf. Yes, I mean it.
Ham balls. A throwback recipe that pairs well with pineapple upside down cake and Kansas Public Radio’s Retro Cocktail Hour.
Ham salad. Variations are endless.
Potato hash. Use leftover boiled potatoes or shredded hashbrowns. Top with a jammy egg and a wilted bitter green like Swiss chard.
Fettuccine alfredo with cubed ham and peas.
Ham and potato soup–creamy, with crunchy bacon bits, sour cream, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
Boiled red potatoes, cubed ham, and green beans in Italian dressing, served warm or cold.
Ham and cheese scones.
Ham, egg, and cheese bierocks.
Grilled cheese with ham. Make it fancy with thinly sliced green apples.
Buttered egg noodles with cubed ham and asparagus.
Baked potatoes with ham, cheese, and broccoli.
Dutch pancake with ham and gravy.
Calzones with ham and ricotta
Black beans with cubed ham.
Scalloped potatoes with ham.
Pineapple and ham kabobs
Chef’s salad with ham, turkey, hard boiled eggs, and blue cheese
One of my favorite parts of my neighborhood is our Sharing Box, a small outdoor pantry where neighbors can put things to share and take what they need or want. It’s the perfect distance from our house for a walk with our dogs, and we go at least once a day.
In March, we’re working hard to add more items that women need or we think women might especially enjoy. Here are some things we’re sharing:
