Practical and Unique Holiday Gifts for Kids

It seems like every year, gift giving gets a little bit more difficult. Keeping up with changing trends in clothes and toys is an undertaking of fantastic proportions. This year, take some of the stress out of buying holiday gifts for kids and teenagers by choosing a practical and unique gift from the following ideas.

Infants
Babies are easy to buy for, but sometimes they receive more toys and clothes than one baby can use. Instead of a stuffed animal standby, why not give mom or dad a gift certificate to a baby store, a supply of diapers and baby wipes, or hand-written coupons for babysitting services? Whether it's their first baby or their fifth, parents everywhere appreciate help with baby necessities.

1-3 Year Olds
By the time a child is three years old, he or she will be hitting a great developmental phase in their lives. Take advantage of their eagerness to learn about the world around them by putting together a toddler-only gift basket. Include kid-friendly items like stickers, Band-Aids (what kids don't like those?), a flashlight, books, play dough, and other potentially educational items, and stimulate your favorite toddler's natural curiosity.

4-6 Year Olds
When choosing fun and unique gifts for four to six year-olds, creativity is key. Put yourself in their shoes: at their age, you might have found dress-up clothes, costume jewelry, art supplies, and simple board games absolutely fascinating. You can also give them the gift of adventure by presenting the little people on your gift list (and their parent, of course) with a ticket for a train ride to someplace out of town.

7-12 Year Olds
Children in this age group tend to be active, energetic and on the go all the time. Tap into some of that energy by giving them a scrapbook and starting supplies, musical instruments or lessons, a camera and film, a few cooking classes, or a knitting and crochet kit. You'll channel some of that enthusiasm and encourage new interests at the same time.

Teenagers
Gift certificates to clothing, electronics, and music stores are always popular gifts for teens, but tickets to a play or a concert will be just as appreciated. Do you know a teen that likes clothes? Sponsor a class in sewing construction. Does your teen love football? Take them to a football game. Base your gifts around things that your teenager loves and your gift will be a hit.