Dear Subscribers: As you rush about looking for the perfect gift for the children in your life – the following are some suggestions you may wish to consider. For more recommendations check out the December mini-blog at Playlearngrowtogether.com
BOOKS Capitalize on the holiday spirit of giving with thoughtful books to stimulate discussions about giving and receiving…or ideas to create crafts together.
- LEGO Holiday Ideas – is packed full of 50 holiday-themed original build ideas for LEGO holiday decorations, gifts and games, and activities that will keep kids busy counting down to the holidays and throughout the winter holidays.
- The Story of Hanukkah; Create and Celebrate! is jam packed with activities, puzzles, stickers, and more that will keep children busy (and excited!) as they anticipate the arrival of Hanukkah.
- The Everything Kids’ Hanukkah puzzle & Activity Book: Games, crafts, trivia, songs, and traditions to celebrate the Festival of Lights! Kids love celebrating Hanukkah for eight dazzling nights. As each chapter opens with one more candle lit on the menorah, children learn the meaning behind the various rituals, traditions, and prayers.
- The Gift Inside the Box brings the message of giving to young readers with the clever story of a gift box looking for the perfect recipient.
TOYS – Blocks are excellent educational toys that develop kids’ imagination, creativity, motor skills, spatial thinking, and social skills. Consider these Natural Hardwood Wooden Unit Blocks with Storage Tray or the LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box; Kids Creative Kit (484 Pieces) or PicassoTiles 100 piece set Magnet Building Tiles or Veatree 160 Pieces 3D Puzzle Magnetic Building Blocks.
PUZZLES – Simple jigsaw puzzles help children develop finger strength, perseverance and problem-solving skills and give them a sense of accomplishment.
PUZZLES – Simple jigsaw puzzles help children develop finger strength, perseverance and problem-solving skills and give them a sense of accomplishment.
- Hanukkah Cookies; 1000 Piece by Cobble Hill OR The Night Before Christmas Mini Puzzles by Clement C. Moore and Christian Birmingham. This kit includes: (2) 180-piece 6″ x 7-1/2″ mini puzzles and a 2-1/2″ x 3″ illustrated mini book edition of The Night Before Christmas OR Santa Book and 3 Jigsaws which follows Santa as he gets ready for the most magical night of the year.
ADVENT CALENDARS can be the perfect activity to enjoy the countdown to Christmas and to manage children’s excitement. Here are some Advent calendars to purchase and a video of how to create your own simple Advent calendar
EXPLORE – Family outings are a great way to get into the spirit of the holidays.
- Check out the best places and tips to consider when buying your Christmas tree around Vancouver or here some places to cut down your own Christmas tree near Vancouver or some places that provide either retail or cut your own tree.
- Drive through the PNE Winter Lights for a fun family activity or head to the Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge (November 20th until January 23rd) OR enjoy Coquitlam’s Christmas Lights at LaFarge.
- Check out the Free December Events and Activities around Vancouver in December, 2021 with a schedule of events for each day in December, 2021.
- Enjoy a free family outing Ice Skating at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver.
- Options for skating in Prince George.
- Places to buy Christmas trees in Prince George.
- Free December Events and Activities in Prince George.
MUSIC – Learning to play a musical instrument can affect the actual structure of the brain. Through our emotional connection to the music we play, the majority of our senses are engaged: vision, hearing, and touch.
- Thinking of giving a gift of music to your grandchild? Learn more about the outstanding program offerings at the VSO Vancouver School of Music including programs for young children (0 – 6 years) and the online virtual classes (7 – 12 years).
- Prince George Music Opportunities.
- As the excitement (and stress) builds, consider this delightful interactive Christmas Song book with 10 different tunes. Order Christmas Songs: Deluxe Sound Book Wood Module. Christmas Songs – Sound Book by Holly Berry Byrd. Everyone loves Christmas music so come introduce your child to the festive celebration with this beautiful Christmas book! These classic Christmas carols and festive illustrations are sure to fill your home with holiday cheer! Introducing Christmas songs and carols to your holiday tradition is something the entire family can enjoy together. Classics include: Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Up on the Housetop, Away in a Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Singing is learning! Singing develops listening and memory skills important to early literacy. Young children will enjoy pressing the buttons and singing along for an interactive musical experience. Sturdy board pages for your baby’s exploring hands to read over and over again. Inspires musical expression and encourages movement with rhythm. Please note that audio buttons play melodies only, without a singing voice.
