Give the Gift of Inspiration
With the holidays in full swing, now is probably the time that you’re really getting serious about purchasing those perfect last-minute gifts. When it comes to gifts for girls, the traditional standbys are always fun, such as dolls and dress-up clothes. However, if you want to potentially change the trajectory of a young girl’s life, putting her on a path filled with imagination, creativity, and learning is a great way to begin. If you’re wondering how to do all that with a simple gift, here are a few creative gifts to help make this season merry and bright.
Give the Gift of Creativity
Compared to the instant gratification you get when a child receives a toy you have given them, gifts that encourage creativity can initially seem kind of boring. That doesn’t mean these gifts should be overlooked, however. Allowing a child to use their creativity helps them increase their focus, patience, and their self-awareness. Plus, no matter what their current skill level is, beginning a passion for creativity at a young age could uncover hidden natural talents that blossom into a lifelong love and talent for the arts.
Ideas of creative gifts include the obvious like crayons, markers, colored pencils, and glue. You could also gift creative elements such as the ones offered by Maya Toys, including: Orbeez, Cutie Stix or Pom Pom Wow, and more! If you’re wondering where to buy Orbeez, you can find the Maya Toys products online or in-store at Target, Walmart or Toys R Us.
Give the Gift of Imagination
Imagination and creativity are fundamentally interconnected. Creativity cannot exist without imagination, and conversely, imagination lacks vitality without a significant degree of creativity. Imagination fosters essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and gratitude by enabling children to navigate situations and devise solutions using the resources at their disposal.
Play-doh serves as a quintessential imaginative toy that embodies creativity, offering a more fluid and dynamic outcome compared to static activities like coloring. With Play-doh, one can easily reshape the creation and start anew if the result is unsatisfactory. Other stimulating activities include reading literature, constructing with building blocks, engaging in role-play with toys like doctor’s kits, and the timeless favorite, “the box.” These tools provide children with a blank canvas, allowing them to influence the final outcome with each choice they make throughout the process.
Give the Gift of Possibility
Encouraging young girls to engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines significantly expands their future career possibilities. They may choose to embrace the rewarding role of a full-time mother if that aligns with their aspirations, or they can pursue careers in fields historically dominated by men, thereby leaving their unique imprint on society through architecture or space exploration.
In addition to educational gifts, one effective strategy is to avoid confining your daughter to toys traditionally marketed towards girls. A visit to the “boy toy” section of a toy store often reveals a plethora of mechanical toys that appeal to tactile-kinesthetic learners, igniting their curiosity and interest. Furthermore, numerous toys specifically designed for young girls now promote skills in mechanical and industrial engineering while remaining enjoyable and suitable for their age. Collectively, these toys empower your daughter to aim high, instilling the belief that she can achieve any goal she pursues.
Give with Love
Parents frequently present gifts to their children that are intended to foster excellence, often motivated by a desire to showcase their child’s achievements. This can lead to a sense of pride for the parent, who may take satisfaction in their child’s creativity, imagination, or insightful. However, the primary purpose of these gifts should not be to serve the parent’s interests.
Instead, such gifts ought to be given with the genuine intention of bringing joy to the child and facilitating her exploration of new ideas and experiences. If these opportunities inadvertently contribute to her future success, that is certainly a positive outcome. Nevertheless, it is essential to focus on her enjoyment of learning and the expansion of her perspectives, allowing her to relish the experience of childhood.
My daughter loves to get creative gifts. Play doh is one of her favourites!