UltimateMama knows that it is not always easy to select the perfect gifts for children.  Many times a holiday, birthday, or other celebration creeps up and we are scrambling to buy a present at the last minute.  UltimateMama is completely comfortable arriving empty handed or light handed (card only) to kids celebrations as long as she has the gift covered already. 

Here are some of UltimateMama's last minute gift ideas for children:

– Gift certificates to book stores (Borders, Barnes & Noble), clothing stores (The Gap, Gymboree, Old Navy, Children's Place), or department stores (Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macys) 

– Annual or monthly memberships to local museums, the zoo, or gyms for kids

– U.S. Savings Bonds

– Cash or check (as they say "cash is king" — make sure to say it is designated for their college savings)

– Contributions to 529 College Savings Plans

– Gift certificate to an arts and craft store to be used to create or paint plastercraft

– Educational toys, games, or puzzles

– Favorite childhood books. UltimateMama loves perusing Caldecott Medal and Honor Books

Well, it is officially the day after Christmas and UltimateMama has heard one too many stories involving the burden of unwanted kids presents.  UltimateMama has a few tips for any of you who are overwhelmed with numerous unwanted or duplicate gifts:

– Gift receipts are meant to be used. If the gift-giver was kind enough to include a gift receipt that means that they completely accept the gift may be returned.  Do not feel terrible about putting that gift receipt to good use and exchanging the unwanted gift for something your child will love.

– Re-gifting.  Although this sounds tacky, it is better to re-gift than to leave the unwanted gift sitting on a shelf for years only to become useless, dusty and outdated.

– Donations.  Donating brand new toys or clothing is a wonderful way to teach your child to be a giving individual.  Contact your local hospital, religious organization, family shelter, or school and ask what organizations accept toy donations. Encourage your child to go with you to experience the process of donating to those in need.

– On-reserve.  UltimateMama has placed plenty of presents "on reserve" or in her closet until her children get older.  Whether the pants were too small or the puzzle pieces too tiny, UltimateMama believes that sometimes it is best to "re-gift" or pull out these previously given presents to the children when they are old enough for them.  This works well for duplicate gifts as you can give a younger sibling a brand new doll or truck that was originally meant for an older sibling.

Prepare and organize…these are two words that UltimateMama lives by all year long!  UltimateMama offers a few tips on shopping in advance: 

1. Write down what your children, family members or friends express a need for all year long.  Keep a running list of "potential" gifts for birthdays, special occasions, or holidays. When you see an item on sale go ahead and buy it and save it for the right celebration!

2. Do NOT shop for yourself when shopping for others.  This will save you lots of money and prevent you from unnecessary purchases.

3. Shop brick and mortar but compare prices online.  Many times, your local store has an item that you can find cheaper online (even with shipping costs). 

4. Always clip coupons…and take them shopping with you. Do NOT leave coupons at home!  Create an envelope filled with coupons that you keep in your purse, bag, stroller, or car.  Sometimes, UltimateMama has extra coupons that she gives to people waiting in line with her – a nice and appreciated gesture.

5. Create a secret hiding spot or "toy bin" for presents that you buy throughout the year.  When an occasion calls for a gift, hit the secret stash not the stores!

6. Sign up for loyalty cards in order to receive valuable coupons and offers all year long.

7.  Monitor www.retailmenot.com for offers, discounts, coupons, free shipping, etc. 

UltimateMama was born in the 1970s and is not embarrassed to admit her love of Shrinky Dinks.  She was thrilled when her oldest daughter (preschool-aged) received Shrinky Dinks "Good Time Jewelry" by Alex Toys!

What a great gift under $10 that parent and child can enjoy together!

UltimateMama recommends that you put tape on the ends of the necklace when you are ready to string the shrinky dinks in order to save some time and maximize efficiency (Note – take the tape off when all the shrinky dinks are properly placed on the necklace and just tie the ends together)!

UltimateMama is against buying little toys that are 1) not needed and 2) not useful just to fill holiday stockings.  Below is a list of UltimateMama's favorite stocking stuffers for babies, toddlers, and young children.

– fun, character toothbrushes (Winnie the Pooh, Elmo, Princess-themed, etc.) and toothpaste

– stickers

– washable crayons, colored pencils, markers

– small books for reading or coloring

– combs, brushes, or hair accessories such as bows or hair clips (for girls)

– socks

– mittens or hats

– watercolors

– colorful utensils or sippy cups

– slippers or sandals

– flash cards or playing cards

– bath tub toys or crayons

– boxes of raisins or bags of crackers (stay away from candy!)

– playdough or clay

– music accessories appropriate for children (like bells and such)

Ultimatemama has a question for you.  Do you get excited when you are presented with an unexpected
gift?  Of course you do!  It is always fun to get a little something
when you least expect it. 

So feel free to shower your nanny with a surprise gift once
in a while to reward her for a job well done. 
A little bottle of lotion for Valentine’s Day, a wallet for her
birthday, or a sweater for the holidays would brighten up your nanny’s
day.

You could also have your child present the gift to your
nanny.  By encouraging your child to give
a gift to your nanny UltimateMama believes that you are teaching the child to express gratitude at an
early age.

One mother noticed her nanny loved wearing flip-flops both
inside and outside the house.  So, when
the summertime weather kicked in she gave her nanny a brand new pair of pink
flip flops as a thank you for taking such great care of her child.  A small but sweet gesture. 

Another father observed that his nanny loved to use cotton
reusable shopping bags.  The father often
attended industry conferences as part of his job and bags were given out to
commemorate these events.  After
attending a few conferences, he brought the bags home and presented them to his
nanny to show his appreciation for her efforts.  Again, a little yet nice token. 

Examples of nanny gifts or babysitter rewards may include:

– gift certificates for coffee, meals, books, music,
clothing, movies

– spill-proof beverage containers (that may fit in your car
or stroller holder) 

– clothing items

– scarves

– hats

– sunglasses

– bags, wallets, purses, wristlets

– lotions or soaps

– a framed or gift-wrapped craft project that your child
created

– photo albums or scrapbooks

– stationary or boxes of cards

– ornaments or holiday decorations

– key chains

– vases

– flowers

– health club memberships

– vouchers for airline tickets

– magazine subscriptions

UltimateMama wants to make you aware of the 3rd Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys study by the Michigan-based Ecology Center and partners.  Before heading out to do holiday shopping for your children check out www.HealthyStuff.org! These researchers worked hard to test various toys and children's products for such things as lead, cadmium,
arsenic, PVC, and harmful chemicals. Do you and your family a favor and read their research!

UltimateMama likes to show appreciation to those who deserve it…especially to those who work with children.  This cute, festive gift basket is easy to make, much appreciated,
and cost effective!  

Materials:

– Basket

– Ribbons

– Nice hand lotion or soap (UltimateMama likes Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Soap)

– Pocket tissues

– Small hand sanitizer (Purell in 2 Fl. Oz. works well)

All you have to do is tie a ribbon around the tissues, hand soap and hand sanitizer and put your "present" in a nice basket and your gift is ready to be delivered!  It is a practical and economical way of saying "Happy Holidays and Thank You for Everything"!