Every year all of our wonderful family and friends generously ask what can they get the girls (Riley and Abby) for Christmas. I have to say that these two little cherubs are totally blessed. There are so many people who love them and insist on showering them with affection and of course trinkets. Which is GREAT!

But, first a short story: When Patrick and I first met and we discussed having children at some point in our lives ( we didn’t realize at the time it would be so soon, ) we found much peace in discovering that we felt the same way about raising kids. One of our main shared values was that we could still live a simple life, but without denying the little ones with the wonders of childhood. We got very excited about the thought of homemade toys and gifts, and if they weren’t homemade at least they would be of natural materials and envrionmentally friendly.

Long Story Short: Please when, you are thinking of gifts for our children this year, keep in mind our family values. There are a score of wonderful shops out there, especially on line, that offer such toys, music, clothes and keepsakes that are safe, fun and environmentally friendly, and hey they might even spur some creativity. Also keep in mind we have a small 1,000 sq. ft home, the girls share a 10×15 room and we have one bathroom. hint: not alot of room for excess stuff.

If our values aren’t enough: I’m sure many of you are up to date on all the recent news about Chinese imported toys. Lead based paints, drug inducing art toys (aqua dots). This stuff really makes me uneasey. Not to mention all the toys made with PVC and plastics where research has shown to cause girls to begin menstruation at an earlier age if they put such toys in their mouth frequently. Not to mention the impact on the envrionment. So, if nothing else, please consider a “made in the USA” product.

Here are some awesome resources:

Toys,gifts, and keepsakes

http://www.mahardrygoods.com

Rosie Hippo

Willow Tree Toys

Magic Cabin

What the Girls are in to:

Abigale: dancing, singing, playing tea parties and mommy to her baby, dressing baby or dolls. Puzzles, cooking, music, reading, activity books, dress up, board or interactive games, exploring outside finding bugs making mud pies
Riley: Reading, books, drawing, coloring, pretend play, kitty cats, board or interactive games, do it yourself arts and crafts projects, stuffed animals, pretend play ( they have this wooden, non plastic, non toxic eskimo, sled dog kit with igloo that they love playing with sometimes a cheetah or lion even finds it’s way into the great white North), exploring outside and gathering things in nature to display or cherish later
They are both starting to have interest in the computer. Riley has computer lab in Kindergarten and is getting quite adept. An age appropriate interactive computer program or game would be fine too.

Any thoughtful gift from loved ones will be cherished, so please give from your heart. But, if you could also help us in our humanitarian goals for better change in the process that would be the best gift of all! If you want to go one step further, make it a fair trade item and I’m sure Santa will be extra good to you too this year. Thank You. and feel free to e-mail me with any questions……….. stacey@thezentree.com CHEERS!