Are you thinking about Christmas gifts? Because I am. I have years where I attempt to have all the gifts wrapped and ready by December 1st … and other years where I don’t get to gift-getting until closer to Christmas. This year is one of the wait-as-long-as-possible years. But I’m still already thinking about gifts.

A few years ago, Ikea put out a memorable video about Christmas gifts. This heart-warming video made it clear, that above all else, the best gift that can be given is time with you. Yes, your kids want all the things … but when it comes down to it, they would choose you over all the things any day of the year.

Ten Gifts that Give You Time Together

1. Plan a trip. What if you spent your gift-budget on a family trip instead. This could be your annual Christmas tradition. You could skip the trappings (and stress?) of Christmas at home  and wake your children up early on Christmas morning, and whisk them to the already-packed car for a surprise adventure trip. Whether it’s a trip that requires an airplane ride, or a half-day car ride … the experience will be far more memorable than any gift they get.
2. Date ideas. If you want a gift that keeps giving throughout the year, gift your child(ren) a booklet with date ideas that can be turned in throughout the year. A hot chocolate date (one of the things we love about owning Farmhouse Pantry is that it’s nearby and super kid friendly!), a day trip to a nearby amusement park, bowling, a trip to the local bookstore with a gift card included, a movie night at home, a board game night, a bike ride, camp out in the backyard, work on a project together, go out for breakfast, spa day, a day kayaking, a hike … the list is endless.
3. A class. Sign yourself and your kid up for a class you know they’d love. This could be a fitness related class, music lessons, cooking class, or an art class.
4. Join up. If your child loves to sing, ask if you both can join a local choir. Or if you think they are spunky and full of humor, how about joining a community theater group or improv group together. If your kid never sits still, find a sports team you both can join. Or if your kid never moves, is there a local parent-and-kid book club to join?
5. Do something out of the ordinary. Get out of your comfort zone and do something your kid would love, and you may be less excited about. What about a segway tour, a trail ride on horses, down hill skiing, a train ride to nowhere, an overnight at a hotel – bonus if it has a pool.
6. Document Our Story. Your every day is a gift to your family and unique to you. Not everybody makes a hot breakfast on Saturday mornings, or race off to hockey practice, or spend as long as possible in bed … all the little details that seem so unimportant and normal, are exactly what make your days so special and unique – even to you a year from now or ten years from now! Gifting an “Our Story” session with Brown Eyed Photography means you can revisit your every day in the future, when it is no longer your normal. And you’ll smile fondly, ask me how I know 😉
7. Craft supplies. An open ended treasure trove of opportunities can include paint, yarn, patterned and plain paper, glue, stickers, markers, crayons, glitter pens, pipe cleaners, dye, fabric, and more!
8. Board games and puzzles. There are so many options that appeal to a wide range of abilities.
9. Shared journal. There are several options available, or you can design your own. The idea is to have writing prompts that go back and forth between you and your child.
10. A book series. Pick a series you think your kid will love, and commit to reading it aloud to them nightly.

What would you add to this list?