I'm almost in shock that the kids are back in school and we're already taking about the holidays. While Christmas is -- thankfully-- still a few months off, it's not too early to start planning for an expense that seems to get bigger and bigger every year. I'm talking about Christmas gifts and presents for friends and family.
Every year I try to stick to a budget and every year I go over. I'm a giver ... what can I say? To cut back on my spending for the 2013 holiday season I have a great plan for homemade gift for the adults. I don't want to spill the beans just yet, but I have a DIY post in the works with all of the details. Giving homemade gifts to kids usually doesn't go over too well -- or at least in my family -- so I'm always on the lookout for good deals in the months leading up to the holiday. As the children in my extended family are getting older, they are getting harder and harder to shop for. I know I could probably go out and buy the latest video game, but I'd rather purchase educational toys that stimulate the mind (I've TOTALLY become THAT parent!).
The gifts that I'd like to give are puzzles and games that can be played without the use of TV or the internet. I spend most of my day online and I'd prefer if my niece and cousins had options to play away from the computer. One of the places I've have found affordable gifts like this is from ltdcommodities.com. LTD Commodities has a nice selection of games, puzzles, cards and accessories that can be played at home or when traveling.
One of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas are the Gift Card Money Maze Puzzles, which allow you to put either a gift card or cash into the "bank" and then the recipients need to work the puzzles to unlock their rewards. At only $5.95 for 2 puzzles, they're a great deal!
I'm sure most people would put cash or gift cards in these, but a better idea would be to put tickets to the museum, zoo, or even a baseball game -- there really are a ton of possibilities!
I still have time to narrow down my selections, but I know I'm going to buy early so I can get the best deals on my holiday gifts.
Do you buy educational toys for the kids in your family?
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews
We do! I think those mazes are ingenious!
Amber K
I try to lean towards educational toys and gifts for the kids during the holidays.
Angela
I always try to mix in some educational toys for the holidays.
Lolo
I mix with educational and the other toys all year!
HilLesha
That's all I ever buy most of the time. 🙂
Robin Gagnon
I agree. If they are well designed toys, kids will enjoy them just as much.
Colleen
Yes it is pretty easy these days to find fun yet educational toys.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
I always find myself buying educational products for my kids!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
Oh my goodness -- Christmas already ??? Nooooooo (but these ARE good ideas for it!).
Lisa
I love those mazes too!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
I love event type gifts lie a movie or a trip to the zoo.
Leilani
When family members ask us what we need/want for our girls for Christmas, I always request educational toys if they prefer to buy them toys over clothes. Personally, I'd rather get zero toys since we have so many but everyone always wants to get them toys.
Kira
I do a mix of both Educational toys and whatever its they want, and its not limited to just the holidays. I do the same thing for their birthday.
Marcie W.
I always try to include one educational toy for my children during their birthdays and the holiday season.
Jennifer
those puzzles are so cool and make even a gift card into something fun! Where can they be found?
Vanessa: thequeenofswag
I always try to get the kids some educational toys for Christmas. They are a must have.
Tammy
Those are pretty neat! We do buy puzzles a lot for gifts.
LyndaS
I need to buy educational toys. Those money puzzles are neat.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com
I do buy educational toys because I feel they are a gift that keeps on giving!
courtney
I sure do! I feel like learning should be fun 🙂
Kathleen
Educational gifts are always a great option for kids.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids
Those money made puzzles look like a lot of fun. I always tell myself that we will spend less too and do more homemade. Hopefully this year will be the year.
Tricia @ Night owl mama
my kids love puzzles and games yes I agree great gifts
Emily
We do! Puzzles and thinking games!
Shell Feis
I've never seen those mazes, how cool! I love the idea of putting tickets in there, experiences are a better gift than money in my opinion!