Motherhood

2021 Mindful Gift Ideas for the Busy Parent

The holiday season is almost upon us. This means I’ve been at a loss for gift ideas for myself or my family. I’ve also been bombarded with so many sale notifications it’s getting a little bit overwhelming. 

The target ads logarithm is getting smarter. The email subscriptions keep pouring nonstop. 

And it made me think, what exactly would be the best things to receive this holiday season? 

I came up with this list, hoping that if you’re just like me, it will give you some inspiration on where to mindfully place your resources in.

1. Education

If there’s anything worthwhile to gift others with, it’s to further improve yourself for the better. It can be with your parenting skills, it can be with your skillsets needed to pursue your dreams, it can be even with healing your own trauma! 

So, enroll in that course you’ve been wanting to learn more about. Purchase the book you’ve been hearing so many good reviews of. Hire that mentor/coach that would push, motivate and lead you to where you ought to be in 5 years’ time. One of the best gift ideas is always to learn something new and useful everyday.

There’s much more weight when you’ve decided to spend money on education. It pushes you to finish things and gain more insights from them.

But as always, apply what you’ve learned or it would be like a complete waste of time.

2. Experience

One of the most genius gift ideas is giving your kids the gift of first-time experiences! Who could say no to more precious time spent together with our families? 

And remember this doesn’t have to be fancy but can be a little bit up the usual:

– date in that ice cream parlor you’ve been wanting to try

– those first time experiences in a skating rink, trampoline park, bowling ring, whatnot are all worthwhile experiences to dive into

– trying that new restaurant you’ve been curious about

– booking that reservation to the hotel staycation you’ve heard so many raved about 

– a hike to a beautiful scenic spot

– a stroll to the beautiful beach you’ve been wanting to visit

Before purchasing them right off the bat, try to search if these places offer some family discounts, birthday rates that your lucky family member happens to celebrate in the upcoming months, or they may be simply cheaper discount codes, or perhaps gift coupons your family can snag. 

Or simply book a session of these first-time experiences for a parent you want to share these with, there may be holiday discount codes for your dear friends. 

3. Photography session

Another valuable thing to invest in while having your first-time experiences with the family is a photographer to capture all those precious memories! I get that family photoshoots can get a little bit stressful. Hence, make sure that what you’re doing together is fun and exciting! The good shots of a talented photographer would be all just bonuses from these experiences. 

And with these precious memories you’ve made together, another gift idea is to create a photo book of these photos! Frame your favorite shot to add to the infamous family photo walls. Something to remind you of happy times and to motivate you to make more good memories together. 

4. Playkits

I’m a huge fan of encouraging our toddlers to build their ‘independent play’. And I’ve heard a lot of good stuff of Lovevery and KiwiCo. Remember that our kids learn through play, and Lovevery and KiwiCo have their play kits curated specifically for your kids’ age group. What better way to give our kids the gift of learning and play at the same time? 

They’re also having their Black Friday Sale so snag them while you still can! 

Above all else though, remember that the holiday season is more of spreading the gift of giving, of spending quality family time and with loved ones. Rules may be a little bit bent, their routines may be out of whack, tantrums may run abundant. But above all else, as long as you can spend time with your kids and make them feel loved, those are always more important than anything else. 

Cheering for you always, dear parent, in this journey we have together. 

Kristine🌸