#6....Christmas Gift Ideas

10 more days left!Publish Post

Anybody still looking for Christmas gift ideas for your child??? The best toys are those that require imagination. When a child maneuvers, manipulates and builds, the imagination is stretched. A good toy is 90% child and 10% toy.

Some great suggestions are:
Building blocks – the will make Noah’s ark, a castle, the Sear’s Tower, a fort, a house with all sorts of rooms, etc.
Legos – this toy grows with your child
Magnets – always fun, but, be very careful about the size
Magnifying glasses – all children are little detectives, and love to examine
Matching games - a fun challenge for preschoolers - especially the 4's
Musical instruments – play some CD’s and let you child keep the rhythm
Play dough – our preschool recipe is the BEST!

Play sets - with people, vehicles, animals – just watch them create all sorts of adventures
Puppets – more fun, more creativity
Simple board games – fun, especially for the 4 year old. Not always easy to lose, but it can be good practice. We can’t always win, but it is still fun playing.
Tinker toys – WOW! These old toys are absolutely a big a hit in the classroom for the 4’s.

At preschool, we can tell the children who are allowed the use of an art box at home. It might include: Crayons, markers, colored paper, scissors, glue, scotch tape, paper punches, and paint. This alone can keep many children occupied for a long time and have a wondrous creation when finished.

alphabet - Leap Frog - Letter Factory and Word Factory are 2 great videos

Bible stories – Beginners Bible Book is a great place to start. Arch Books from Concordia Publishing House tell the Bible stories in a special way for children. I have used these at Jesus Time for many years. Bedtime is great time to read a Bible story to your children. After that, prayers are said, and then lights off! There are no better thoughts to leave with your child and no better way to say goodnight!

So many choices for gifts and not much time left…..oh, there is always a birthday coming up, or any other occasion or non-ocassion you can think of!

Play Dough Recipe - An all time favorite at Immanuel Lutheran Preschool

2 cups - flour
1 cup - salt
4 tsp. - cream of tartar
2 cups - water
2 Tab. - oil
Food Coloring

Heat water, oil, and food coloring in a pan. Mix all dry ingredients together and add to hot liquid. Stir until it leaves the sides of the pan. This part goes very quickly. Remove from pan and knead as soon as possible. When cool store in plastic bag. It does not have to be refrigerated.