Getting Gifts From Others

Getting gifts from others for my children has been hard.  You are always appreciative of the thought, but you still want to stick with your beliefs about simplification and the open endedness of the toys.  You want toys or items that will enhance your child's play and free time.  Not "things" that will become part of the household clutter.

This year I had to enlist my mom to help out a bit with a few items for the holidays.  Below you will see some of the items, she is getting for the boys:

Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game is perfect for anyone wanting to better understand the properties of herbs.  OR so the game proclaims.  I did read on another blog though about this game.  The mother is very particular about the items she purchases and absolutely raved about this game. 

This Happy Camper Bag is perfect for my nature loving JJ.  Not alot more to say. 

T Man thinks this beaver tote is too funny.  Has been wanting it for some time to use as a lunch box.  It may not be the most appropriate lunch bag ever, but if he gets a laugh during the day, it is worth it.

This a ten sheet set of beeswax used to make your own candles.  Great for kids with allergies.

Both boys are getting an Earth Friendly Nature Bag.  I think this will bring hours of fun for the entire family.  The bag contains note cards, a magnifier, observations squares and more.

Cat's Cradle string games definitely need string.  The brightly colored string game string from Klutz is perfect for beginners as it is very thick and durable.

Recommended by professional artists for those inspiring to do the same.  I think T Man will love drawing with these creamy, colored pencils.

So what are you getting your kiddos for the holidays?

What criteria do you look for in gifts?

Do you go with items you know your kids will use and love? OR items your child request (even if you know it will seldom be used)?