1. Monthly subscription kits!

There are so many options when it comes to a subscription kit. Many companies have specific kits geared to all different ages and there are many different kinds that you can choose from based on the interests of the child you’re purchasing for. Some that we love are: Lovevery, KiwiCo and Little Passports!

2. Adventure experiences!

What kid doesn’t love to get out for a day and do something fun? The options are endless when it comes to choosing an experience instead of a toy. You can purchase things like zoo passes, aquarium passes, and even concert or event tickets for the birthday boy or girl!

3. Extracurricular activities!

Sports and extracurricular’s can be so expensive, asking friends and family to help out is a great option. Keeping kids active is so important and they love it too! Swim passes, soccer sessions or a public skating trip is such a fun way to celebrate someone’s special day.

4. Dress up clothes!

Imagination with toys can only go so far but their imagination can really bloom with a tickle trunk full of dress up clothes. Let them create worlds of their own by providing them with the tools like princess dresses, superhero capes and so much more.

5. A camera!

What better way to capture memories of not only their special day but every day after with their very own camera? Remember the days of having your own digital camera before smart phones took over the world? Let them live out that nostalgia by giving them the gift of reliving their favourite memories!

6. A photo album!

A great gift to give which can also accompany the one above is a photo album. Make it sentimental by filling it up with any photos you may have that would mean something to them and leave a few empty slots for them to contribute photos to as well.

7. Arts and craft supplies!

Although these can be messy themselves, not adding to the toy mess is still what we’re aiming for here. Things to fill up an arts and craft station such as markers, construction paper and glue sticks will add some creativity to their days!

8. Magazine subscription!

Similar to the subscription box option, receiving something in the mail monthly or every other month is so exciting to a child. Even just seeing something consistently in their mailbox with their name on it is sure to make them smile! A few ones we love are Chickadee, National Geographic and Time Kids.

9. Restaurant gift cards!

This is such a fun gift for a kid to receive because it allows them to pay themselves the next time you want to enjoy a dinner out. Make it even more fun by adding a few into a wallet for them so they can feel like the most important kid in the restaurant when you go out for a meal, dinners on them!

10. Last but not least – some Mabel’s Labels- Name Label Gift Pack! 

    With so many options, there’s labels for everyone no matter their age. It’ll be so fun for them to receive something so personalized and giving them all the freedom to label whatever they want to keep as theirs and theirs only.

    

While toys are most commonly given at birthday parties, let 2024 be the year you switch up your gift giving to something on this list instead. No one will be disappointed with any of these options, and they will greatly appreciate the change-up. A kid can only receive so many toys for their birthday, so let’s say bye-bye to toys and hello to happiness and joy in other forms!

Looking for unique loot bag ideas that aren’t plastic junk? Check these ideas out!

The post Unique Kids’ Birthday Gifts That Aren’t Toys – Gift Ideas for Kids appeared first on The Mabelhood.

I’m not sure where the trend of giving away plastic junk started, but it’s become out of hand. Each holiday my kids come home with little plastic bags of erasers, games, or candy. None of them get used; they clutter up the house for a week and then end up in the landfill, not to mention all the packaging!  

Here are our choices- we can either agree that a loot bag isn’t required, let’s prepare our kids not to expect one (let’s stop feeling guilted into doing something we think we should), or let’s change it up and start creating party favors that parents and kids (and the environment) can appreciate. 

Here are some unique ideas for loot bags that won’t end up in the landfill, parents won’t hate, and kids will appreciate.

Here are some unique ideas for loot bags:

 Gift Cards

This is an effortless way to stick to your budget! A $5 or $10 gift card to a local ice cream shop, Tim Hortons, or popular store is always a hit! The kids get to choose something they want. Often, they’ll get together another afternoon, and all meet up for an ice cream cone using their gift cards. It’s a win-win. 

Mabel’s Labels

At only $5 a kid, these label packs are always a hit! Each kid gets 5 large rectangle name labels and a bag tag. You can customize it differently for each child. Kids love to see their name personalized, and parents will love how functional they are – waterproof and dishwasher safe!  

Package these nicely with a lollipop or small treat or acrylic letter add-on; you’ll have high-quality party favor!

Pack of seeds and a small pot to start growing!

Giving the kids something they can do later is fun for them, but what parent doesn’t love an activity you can use on another day! Seed packs are inexpensive, and you can find all the cute pots and starter items you need at the dollar store. If you buy ceramic pots, you can even paint them at the party as an activity they can take home! 

Outdoor Toys: Skipping rope / Hula Hoop/sidewalk chalk etc. 

Outdoor toys are always a hit. If you have a Spring/ Summer party, parents will be so grateful that they don’t need to stock up on more sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, balls, or skipping ropes! Package them up with a little ribbon, and you’ve got a great loot bag that kids will love to play with and parents will be grateful to have too! 

Personalized Water bottle (fill it with candy!)

The parents will really appreciate this as water bottles often go missing. Add a personalized water bottle band for each kid, and fill it will a small bag of candy – voila! A customized water bottle with candy the kids will love, and the parents will be grateful for!  

The benefit to the water bottle band over personalizing the bottle itself is that it’s dishwasher safe. They can remove the band and add it to their favorite bottle or snack container. 

It can be hard to avoid plastic altogether, as it finds its way into the packaging of the most eco-conscious options. Still, we can make an effort to watch what we buy. We can think of the loot bag as a way of providing a simple token of thanks that will be used – think about its purpose well beyond the weekend. If your kids will use it, and the parents won’t be tempted to chuck it, it’s probably a great option. 

The post Unique Loot Bag Ideas That Kids and Parents Will Love appeared first on The Mabelhood.

As a mom, I do some things very well, but organizing elaborate social gatherings is not one of them. I admire those of you who are party-planning pros, since my skills and confidence in this area are minimal. The weeks leading up to the so-called “fun” event to celebrate my child’s glorious arrival into the world are filled with tension, overanalyzes, self-doubt, and a long list of tasks and errands intended to make everything “perfect.”

When you pause to think about it, it’s a little ironic. My child’s actual birth was (to put it delicately) an arduous experience for me. But does enduring those many hours of labor give me a free pass on the same date in every year that follows? No — just the opposite.

In my case, planning a large-scale party causes stress from a variety of angles, such as:

• Venue. I can’t afford an offsite birthday party involving trampolines, bowling, virtual reality, or laser tag. As a result, our kids’ parties were always held at home, which involved a lot of work to make everything presentable, reconfigure the furniture, and clean up afterward. As much as I wish I could be a laid-back host, I can’t stop fretting about things that could be spilled, stained, damaged, or broken.
• Food. I fear I will make a disastrous blunder, like running out of beverages or burning the meal. I want to be sensitive to my guests’ dietary requirements and allergies, but it does add to the cost and complexity of the menu. As for dessert, a custom-ordered cake is too expensive, and I don’t have the time or skill to create an edible masterpiece.
• Guest list. It takes thoughtful preparation to entertain and accommodate guests of all ages, from rambunctious young cousins to elderly grandparents. Depending on your child’s age, two separate events may be required: a “family” party for relatives plus a “friend” party with a few school pals. (If you’ve ever been the brave kindergarten parent who invited the entire class, I’m here to salute you — and pass you the Advil.)
• Timing. Parents of December babies, this one’s for you. The holiday season is busy enough, and jamming another gathering into the schedule may be impossible. Choosing an optimal date for a summer birthday party can also present a challenge when people are on vacation.
• Mixed messages. Some kids are naturally shy and uncomfortable being the center of attention, even on their birthdays. I’ve always felt awkward about the “gift circle,” where the birthday child unwraps each present in front of their spectating peers. If you’re trying to instill the values of unselfishness and generosity in your child, an overly indulgent birthday that’s “all about them” might be confusing and counterproductive.
• Resources. A production of this size requires extra time, money, and energy — none of which I have in reserve. On most days, I feel like I’m barely keeping up with life as it is. Single-handedly organizing a social event could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Our family budget is also stretched to its limit, so there’s no room for a big transaction from Party City for decorations and a Minion-shaped piñata.
• Guilt. When it comes to hosting (or not hosting) birthday parties, the guilt is real. We feel compelled to live up to the expectations from family, friends, and social media. We’ve been conditioned to believe it’s something that a “good parent” should do, and that it should be a lavish affair with an on-trend theme and homemade organic cake pops. Thanks for nothing, Pinterest.

After several years of parties that left me frazzled and deflated, I realized that my kids weren’t enjoying this annual tradition, either. During the festivities, they frequently displayed the classic symptoms of overstimulation — fussing, whining and clinging to me — causing an unwanted scene and making my hosting duties even more difficult.

It was my younger son who finally articulated what we were all feeling: “Mom, I don’t like birthday parties. It’s just… too much.”

That’s when it dawned on me: we don’t have to do a giant party. We have a choice.

For a time, the pandemic made large gatherings impossible (forbidden, even!) and for some of us it was a merciful reprieve. Maybe the break has caused you to re-evaluate if full-blown birthday parties are right for your family. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some ideas:

Scale down.

Simplify things by having a small party with just a few VIP guests, such as grandparents or godparents.

Simplify the menu.

If feeding the group is a main source of angst, choose a different strategy. Host a brunch with muffins and coffee instead of a full-blown dinner. Recruit the master bakers in your circle to help out with dessert. Order pizza or takeout, if your budget allows. Whatever you decide, communicate the details to guests ahead of time, so they know what to expect. You can also simplify the loot bags, by choosing this cute custom, and inexpensive option.

Book some quality time.

Instead of an old-fashioned party, give the gift of a unique and personal experience. After my son voiced his concerns about birthday parties, we completely revamped our approach. One year, we took him skating and out for lunch; the next year, to the pet store to buy a goldfish. Another year, his grandma spent the day with him at a Legoland Discovery Centre, and the year after that, his cousins met up with us at Ripley’s Aquarium. These one-time experiences were decidedly more memorable and meaningful to him than any party.

Choose one friend.

Mark the occasion by inviting your child’s best buddy to a playdate, movie, or trip to the children’s museum. A two-person mini-party may be just the ticket for your child to relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Celebrate their “half-birthday”.

If your child’s birthday occurs at a busy time of year, calculate their half-birthday (6 months from their actual birthdate) to assess if it would provide better timing, availability, or weather.

Team up.

If you have more than one child, cut your hosting in half by combining their birthday celebrations. Or, join forces with extended family members born at a similar time of the year. You can cover multiple birthdays with one event and save money by doing a potluck or splitting the food bill.

Some people enjoy the grand scale of large-group birthday parties — I know a family who fondly refer to their gatherings as “cake and chaos.” On the other hand, if a big party feels stressful or excessive to you, you’re not alone. The song says “Happy Birthday,” not “Ulcer-Inducing Birthday” — so trust your instincts on what is right for you, and your child. By thinking outside the box, you might be able to have your cake and eat it, too.

Also, check-out these thoughts on Birthday Gifts and some Unique Loot Bag Ideas.

The post Am I A Horrible Parent if I Don’t Host a Giant Birthday Party For My Child? appeared first on The Mabelhood.

1. Snowman Building Contest

If you’re lucky enough to have snow on the ground, make the most of it with a snowman-building contest. Split the kids up into teams and see who can build the best snowman. Provide them with a variety of accessories, such as hats, scarves, and carrots for the nose. And of course, hot cocoa and cookies are a must after all that hard work!

If you have an outdoor firepit, fire it up and make some s’mores! Who says smores are only for summer!?

2. Ice Skating Party

Take advantage of the winter weather and plan an ice-skating party. Head to a local rink for a couple of hours or find a local skate-safe pond and let the kids skate to their heart’s content. Warm up with hot cocoa and snacks after the skating session.

Take it up a notch: Rent time on a local rink so the kids have it all to themselves!

3. Winter Wonderland Party

Lean into the winter theme! Transform your home into a winter wonderland with decorations like snowflakes, icicles, and snowmen. Serve winter-themed snacks like snowball cookies, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and snowflake-shaped sandwiches. Set up a craft station where kids can make snowflakes or winter-themed ornaments to take home.

Take it up a notch: Hire a character to come to your home and help with the crafts (perhaps Elsa to match your theme!)

4. Movie Night

Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best. Host a movie night for your child’s birthday party, complete with popcorn and candy.  Ask each kid to bring their favorite stuffy and cozy blanket. Let the birthday child pick out their favorite movie to watch with their friends. And if you want to make it extra special, you could even create a DIY movie theater in your living room!

Take it up a notch: Take the kids to the theatre, you can even rent a party room there before the movie.

5. Sledding!

If you have snow on the ground, use it! Sledding is a super simple activity that kids love. It really tires them out, so you can follow up with warm snacks at home afterward.

Take it up a notch: Head to your local ski hill and do some tubing!

6. Winter Sports Party

If your child is a fan of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or sledding, why not plan a party around it? Take the kids to a local ski resort or sledding hill for a day of fun in the snow.  Then head home, or to the chalet for some hot chocolate and marshmallows!

Take it up a notch: Organize a mini ski or snowboarding lesson for the kids.

7. Spa Party

For a more low-key party, consider hosting a spa day for your child and their friends. Set up stations where the kids can give each other facials, paint their nails, and do each other’s hair. Serve healthy snacks like fruit and veggies with dip, and finish off with a relaxing yoga session.

Take it up a notch: Hire a professional to come in and paint their nails.

Don’t Forget these, the kids will love them, and parents will really appreciate it!

There are plenty of fun and creative ideas for winter birthday parties that kids will love. Just remember to plan ahead, stay warm, and have fun!  And remember, parties don’t need to be big, expensive and elaborate for the kids to have a good time!

The post Cost-Effective Winter Birthday Party Ideas appeared first on The Mabelhood.

“Do you think he will like it?” I asked “You know more than me”

He shook his head and kept looking.

We were out shopping for a birthday gift to bring to the party he was invited to later in the day.

You won’t ever find me shopping for birthday gifts by myself. It’s really important to me that my kids pick the birthday gifts that they bring to their friends party. They have become quite good at gift giving. They pay attention to what their friends enjoy and what they don’t enjoy. As we wander through the store I learn about their friends likes and dislikes; which one is into Minecraft, which one loves to read, which one likes to craft. They each put a lot of thought into the gifts they choose for their friends.

Sometimes they come crashing into the house in a post party sugar rush squealing about how much their friend loved the board game they chose. Other times they come home a little disappointed that their friend didn’t open the gift in front of them.

Birthday parties and specifically birthday gifts have been a topic of discussion lately. There are no gift parties, 5$ parties, parties where donations to favourite charities are requested and on and on and on.

We live in a world of too much stuff and many parents are trying to get creative about how to manage that.

While I appreciate trying to teach our children that birthday celebrations aren’t about the stuff you get but about the people you celebrate with, I think we are also losing out on an opportunity to teach our children other valuable lessons surrounding gift giving.

There is joy to be found in gift giving. Pleasure can be found in searching for the perfect gift for someone you care about and seeing their expression when you open it.

If our kids don’t get the opportunity to experience that I’m afraid they will become immune to it.

When it’s your kids turn to open birthday gifts it’s a perfect moment to teach your kids to be thankful for what they have been given. The thought of my kids ripping open packaging in a gift opening frenzy without even focusing on one gift before rushing to the next makes my stomach tighten. But I don’t think the answer is to take the gifts out of the equation.

Our kids need the chance to learn to accept gifts graciously, even the ones they don’t necessarily love. I want my kids to learn how to look someone in the eye and say thank you for what they have received. I want them to appreciate the thought that went into each and every gift.

I think the key is not in giving up gifts altogether but in managing our gift expectations. There is no reason that we have to spend tons of money on gifts. There are tons of gifts options that don’t cost a fortune and can help our kids learn the joy of gift giving and the pleasure of receiving.

The next time you invite one of my kids to your birthday party know that they have thoughtfully picked out the gift they proudly carry under their arm. And when you give them a gift know that I am trying my best to teach them the gift of gratitude.

The post What our kids can learn from a Birthday Gift appeared first on The Mabelhood.