This post is written by Jennifer Elia of Aurelius Cabrini Homeschool Resource Center. She’s generously giving away a homeschool bundle and a FREE GIFT. Check it out at the bottom.
How is your Christmas shopping going? Is your checklist getting overwhelming?
If your children are anything like mine, not only do they not need more toys but they hardly play with the ones they have. On the other hand, homeschooling can be expensive and we want to give our children the best educational experience possible.
Why not give gifts that benefit your homeschool this year?
A Gift of Books
As homeschoolers, we all have an affinity for books. How about including some good reference books as gifts or find books to supplement your learning?
Throughout the year, I collect books that are both practical and entertaining to give to my children. Many times these books are ones that we use for school, or they pour over to explore and learn independently.
High quality, well written books are gifts that just keep on giving. So, why not expand your home library with some of these ideas:
-
- Nature guides
-
- Atlas
-
- How-to books
-
- Foraging guides
-
- Encyclopedias
-
- Visual Dictionaries
-
- Anatomy books
-
- Historical fiction
-
- High quality, leveled readers
-
- Survival skills guides
-
- Classic literature
- Foreign language readers
A Gift of Tools
Educational tools, especially for science, can be a large investment. Buying quality tools is important but pricey.
However, these also make great gifts. When seen as a chance to explore and experiment it is less about getting the lesson done and more about having fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
-
- Microscope
-
- Weather gauge/ weather station
-
- Globe
-
- Telescope
-
- Chemistry glassware
-
- Dissection kit
-
- Insect net and habitat
-
- Petri dish
-
- Magnifying glass
-
- Rock identification kit
-
- Scale
- Balance
A Gift of Experience
Sometimes, the best lesson plan you can have is to get out of the classroom. Experiencing something first hand is always a better teach than even the best book!
All of these gift ideas will enhance their educational experiences and create memories to last a lifetime:
-
- A field trip
-
- Membership to a museum, zoo, or aquarium
-
- Enrichment classes
-
- Skiing or snowboard passes
-
- Tickets to a performance or concert
-
- Summer camp
-
- Bowling gift card
-
- Historical recreation tickets (think Colonial Williamsburg)
- A day of fun (movie party, baking day, craft day, hike with a picnic, etc.)
A Gift of Skills
Educating our children should not just include the academics of reading, writing, math, sciences, etc. We need to teach them how to be productive and self-sufficient members of society.
I always like to give practical gifts. Some favorites from past Christmases include when my daughter received a “Make Your Own Cheese” kit along with a book of cheese recipes for her to explore. We are still enjoying that gift, years later.
Here are some gift ideas that will not only grow your child’s confidence and know-how but entertain them at the same time.
-
- “Make your own” kits
-
- Pocket knife
-
- Survival tools
-
- Cooking/baking supplies
-
- Sewing kit
-
- Gardening tools
-
- Knitting or crochet set
-
- Woodworking tools
-
- Fishing or hunting gear
- Handicrafts
A Gift of Art
The study of art is more than learning to draw or recognizing famous painting, it’s about opening your eyes to the beauty around you. One of the greatest ways to stimulate creativity is to provide materials and lots of unstructured time.
It may seem extravagant to buy anything more than Crayola © supplies for children, however investing in quality art supplies really enhances the experience for your child and opens new avenues for creative expression.
Over the years, we have built up our collection of art supplies, and though some were a little on the pricey side, I have found that they more than make up for it in how long they last compared to cheaper supplies.
Instead of spending $40 or more dollars on the latest toy, put a portion of that money into high grade art supplies that will provide hours of enrichment for the entire year or longer.
-
- Oil pastels
-
- Clay
-
- Water colors
-
- Paint brushes
-
- Oil paints
-
- Canvas or canvas paper
-
- Watercolor paper pad
-
- A Palette
-
- Modelling Beeswax
-
- Chalks
-
- Watercolor pencils
-
- Charcoals
-
- Blending pencils
- Art grade erasers
A Gift of Quiet
Quiet can be something hard to come by in a busy homeschooling house full of children, but it is an important skill to learn. Sometimes, mom needs to work with just one child and needs so quiet so they can both think.
Other times, the baby needs a nap. Then there is read aloud time, that requires concentration and peaceful quiet for all to enjoy.
Learning how to entertain themselves quietly is a gift to children and their parents. Here are some quiet activity gifts that will help you through your homeschooling days:
-
- Coloring book
-
- Small Lego (C) sets
-
- Loom knitter
-
- Audiobook and headphones
-
- Play dough
-
- Modeling clay
-
- Puzzles
-
- Picture books
-
- Felt board
-
- Paint by number
- I-spy toys and books
A Gift for Mom
Hey, wait a second…!!!
I know this is supposed to be a list of gifts for your homeschool. So, that’s why I saved the best for last. Each homeschool mom is the backbone of her school and home.
The secret to homeschooling successfully is creating an environment where mom can thrive and not burn out. Having the tools and support mom needs is the ultimate gift to any homeschool. Here are some ideas: (Hint, hint Dad and kids!)
-
- Planner
-
- Gel pens
-
- Wall calendar
-
- Organizational tools
-
- Slippers
-
- Slow cooker
-
- Pressure cooker
-
- Tote bag
-
- Chocolate
-
- Tea or coffee
-
- Some time alone to relax
-
- Car detailing
- A subscription to Homeschool Mom Cafe
What gift has best served your homeschool? Have any ideas to share?
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE HERE
GIVEAWAY TIME!
What if you could have someone give you everything you needed to jumpstart your homeschool on the right foot?
This bundle includes ebooks, audio files, videos, special topic guides, printables, and more!!
Check it out here and enter below.
It’s like “how to homeschool” in a virtual box. This bundle includes all of Making the Decision to homeschool, plus three more ebooks and workbooks, printable lesson planning guide, five guides to your biggest questions and struggles, an audio file on making learning fun, plus four videos for extra support, and information.
Hiring a personal consultant can be expensive, so can resorting to big box curriculum suppliers to tell you how to homeschool your child. You can save time, stress, and so much money with this Jumpstart Bundle that will give you all you need to easily build a thriving and successful homeschool.
ENTER HERE
Jennifer Elia, homeschool consultant, curriculum creator, blogger, and author, is Founder of Aurelius Cabrini Homeschool Resource Center which is dedicated to giving homeschool moms the tools they need to thrive in their home education career. Jennifer provides one-on-one consulting, personalized and original curriculum plans, and practical advice for those just beginning their homeschool journey, as well as those who just need a little boost. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children whom she has been educating at home for the past 10 years. When Jennifer isn’t busy researching the best curriculum solutions, she enjoys gardening, crafting, and writing. You can find Jennifer on Facebook and Pinterest.