The best, most memorable gifts are often the most humble. Although lavish displays can please kids and be rewarding for some parents, families can only benefit from fostering an appreciation of all gifts, all givers, and the time and thought someone takes to prepare something special. Remember, to a young child, a large television box made into a boat can be just as much fun as an expensive remote-controlled boat. One five-year-old who asked Santa for real bricks and a trowel was thrilled to receive them and spent many contented hours stacking and re-stacking his treasure. So consider creating simple gift-giving traditions in your child's early years that set the tone for holidays present and future. Refocus on the most important parts of your own holiday traditions -- the true meaning of the holiday, the celebration, the symbols and rituals, the fantasy and surprise, or the gathering of family and friends. Simple gifts embedded in these warm traditions are sure to become the fondest memories.



This article was based on the authors' Parents' Choice Award-winning book, THE FIELD GUIDE TO PARENTING, which is featured on FamilyFun.com's Raising Kids page. Deb Kratz and Shelley Butler are available for workshops, consulting, and writing. For more information, visit www.fieldguidetoparenting.info or to contact the authors, write to them at: mail@fieldguidetoparenting.info