Want, Do, Need, Wear, Learn, Read: a Kid’s Gift Guide
Shopping for kids can be hard. Keeping the amount of gifts down can be hard. A guide we use to help us through the process is following: WANT, NEED, DO, WEAR, LEARN, and READ as our holiday gift guide for kids.
You will find suggestions in each category for items we have done in the categories. Hope this helps!
Sensory
I have created a sensory gift guide for my son, Nolan, who has sensory seeking autism. The more I share about our playroom and things he loves, the more people I realize would benefit. I have come to learn many of these sensory activities can fit into any of the areas below. He may want something, do something, need something to meet a sensory need, wear something, learn something, or have a sensory book to read. It is all encompassing (and actually what my son’s list looks like)
Want
This is the free for all category! This is anything they want on their list. As mentioned in my Santa vs Parents post, I do share that the expensive gift is usually in this category.
- This is typically where we do the expensive hot ticket items if we are going to do them.
Do
Do is a fun one. It can be games, art projects, STEAM, outside activities like bike, scooters, chalk, etc. If you tell them to “go do something” this can be those things.
- pool toys
- snow toys
- board/card games
- legos
- crafts
Need
This category is nice because it take something they need and makes it a gift. That helps children realize that gifts can be important too. I think it also helps level the playing field with all financial situations as everyone gets something they need for Christmas.
- sheets/bedding
- towels
- sports equiptment
- water bottles
- updated technology
- luggage
Wear
This seems clear cut but if needed can get more inventive. It can be clothing items that they have had their eye on or it can be more creative such as
- helmets
- winter gear
- sports gear
- life jackets
- vacation gear
Learn
Learning can come in many forms and many many kids learn through play. Find a play based toy and you are golden!
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Consider experience gifts such as classes or lessons. Sports, dance, music/instruments, etc.
Read
Consider looking at the school Scholastic book order to help out your child’s school while getting them something to read. Teachers are good at discreetly getting you the books if you tell them they are gifts.
**As the Usborne Books & More consultant, when you use these links you are shopping small and supporting my small business. I do earn commission on my links**
Magazine subscriptions such as Sports Illustrated for Kids
Digital readers: Kindle Kids, Kindle Kids colorsoft, Kindle Fire
Advent Calendars
