ProudGrandma Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 What do you guys do...do you give school related gifts as Christmas 9and birthday) gifts? Like microscopes, educational games, and the like?? And when you have, (if you have), have your kids been unhappy because it is a school thing and not a toy?? Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoyfulMama Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 My kids have gotten fun "school things" for gifts, including some really cool science stuff from my best friend. I've also given my oldest a few horse books, which we then used as part of a unit study - she was excited because of her love for horses. I wouldn't hestitate to gift something that they would be excited about. Soooo.... I won't be wrapping up the new spelling book to start come January. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 It depends on if they ask for them and if I think they will really enjoy them, as opposed to being unhappy about it being a "school gift." I'm getting DD5 some science experiment kits because she just loves science.....I even casually ran it by her and she was excited about it. I'm also getting her a bunch of art supplies and a small easel. And also some more science type stuff like an ant farm, butterfly house, etc. I'm steering away from "regular toys" for the most part this Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 A math book would bring tears. Cool things like books, a microscope, a rock kit, snap circuits, etc. would bring/have brought excitement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I've always done it and my kids are pretty accustomed to it. It's always something educational that could also be "hobby" related though. I always make sure it's one of the "extra" gifts (They also get clothes, boots and such other things they need--why not educational gifts?) so it's not like that's all there is. Last year youngest ds got a microscope. He didn't seem too thrilled at the time (but he had other gifts...) but has pulled it out since on many occasions and used it to look at things. I got him the blister microscope and he was just 5. He does seem to enjoy and knows how to use it too. His older brother got a 10" Dobsonian telescope. He WAS thrilled! :lol: ALL the kids enjoy the telescope. DD got a drawing book and my other ds got Equate (and DH got Planet Earth dvd's. :D) Just make sure if it's going to be a gift, it's something they can use whenever they want. Make it something that won't require lots of parental supervision and be sure it doesn't have to end up in the school supply cabinet. That could take the joy out of it big-time right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z2_mom Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 then you have my crazy kid who is unhappy with her math program.....and I know we need to make a switch. She put a new math program on her Christmas list! LOL......she was even specific she wants Math U See because she likes the blocks! LOL! Dad saw that and went online and purchased it for her and it is all wrapped up in the closet! ==== we did get her other things and that did not take away from her Christmas budget. We were already planning on the switch but were waiting for the first of the year. lynda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abreakfromlife Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I'll do games and coloring books for them; the 'extras' that I don't have the money in the regular school budget to get. Last year they got some Noggin games and extra Dover coloring books....this year I got them a board game from RR (not really educational) and got dd Herd Your Horses....I think they're going to get a few other things from RR that are a mix of fun and education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan in SC Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 My 7yo ds asked for a "colorful" math book for Christmas! (I think he wants a books of mazing and stuff, but I'm not really sure!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafiki Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 We don't give curriculum as gifts because they need that in September and there aren't any birthdays then and Christmas is too late. Books are fair game though, as well as colored pencils, blank books, office supplies, computer paraphenalia, etc. "Useful" stuff is fair game in our house. Clothes too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoboys Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 My 7 year old DS would absolutely hate getting school related items as presents. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I guess it boils down to how you view education in your family. Yes, there are the obvious, "math book" kind of educational tools, but when exploration, curiosity and the joy of learning permeates your life, the separation between school and not-school blurs, and kids can get just as excited about something seen as school-related by some as they can by things most would not associate with school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I wouldn't give a text book as a gift, but educational games, memberships to museums, books (LOTS of books), and art supplies are items that they often request for birthdays or Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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