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Forget about all those cheap toys and gadgets that eventually end up in landfill.
This is my ultimate gift guide for the lifelong learner who itches to know more.
The parent or teacher who wants to enrich their own knowledge and that of the children in their care, and keep on top of their game.
First on the list is books!
Nothing beats a good book. Yes, you can watch YouTube, but nothing beats curling up on the sofa or stretching out in a hammock with a book.
To be able to highlight words or phrases or bookmark pages with sticky notes.
Books entertain, and books teach. Books are forever. And when books do eventually come to the end of their lives, they can be recycled.
The knowledge and insights we gain from good books can never be taken away from us. They’ll always be there on our shelves to return to again and again.
If you teach, you will need to keep up with the latest and greatest literature and research to stay on top of your game.
I have curated the ultimate list of must have books for the lifelong learner who wants the best for the children in their care.
For more quality suggestions, visit my SHOP to browse and purchase my all time favourites.
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Gift Guide for the Lifelong Learner
Gift Guide for the Nature Lover
Gift Guide for Nurturing Smart, Thinking, Creative Children.
Forget all the cheap plastic toys that don’t even last 10 minutes before they’re broken.
Instead, think about educational toys and games that teach problem solving, critical thinking, language, spacial awareness and strategy.
Children love to be challenged, and what can be better than a game they can play with family and friends that not only challenges their thinking, but also boosts creativity.
Here is the ultimate go list of curated books and games for the young child that will not only entertain them for hours, but also boost their creativity, imagination, and brain power!
Sustainable Gift Ideas to Beat the Cost of Living Crises
We spend an enormous amount of money on buying gifts for ourselves and others, most of which either end up in landfill or regifted.
Let this year be different.
Focus more on quality, thoughtful gifts that can stand the test of time and hold children’s focus for more than just 5 minutes.
When we buy gifts for children, we begin setting expectations for what’s to come, and with each passing Christmas or birthday children begin expecting more of the same.
Cultivate a love for learning and an appreciation for smaller meaningful gifts that do more than simply entertain.
Homemade Gift Ideas
For something extra special, why not use your talents to make gifts for friends and loved ones?
I’m a bit of a sewer and I love baking.
Some of the gifts I’ve made in the past are cotton bowl covers that I printed and sewed myself, shibori dyed shopping bags that I dyed and sewed, and biscuits made from a traditional South African recipe called Soet Koekies.
I also passed on my love of stitching and homemade textiles to my students. Each year they would make handmade fabric Christmas tree ornaments. Not only did children learn a valuable skill, but I also linked it to the Design and Technology curriculum, which meant that I killed two birds with one stone.
Read all about how you can combine textile crafts into the curriculum in this post.
Personally, I truly value home made gifts, since I appreciate the investment of time and money that goes into making something heartfelt. Maybe it comes from reading Little Women too many times as a young girl. But there is something to be said and valued for the love that goes into making and receiving something home made.
Maybe this year I’ll gift a loaf of my sourdough bread and home made jam to those I love.
Alternatively a good book.
Did you appreciate or find anything useful in this post? Please share it with someone you think will value it too.
