Christmas is right around the corner, and your preschooler is probably more excited  about the holidays this year than ever before!  Your preschooler is also more inquisitive and more independent than in years past.  Take time to capture that independence, and let your preschooler do some gift-giving of his own.

1.     First, make a plan.  Brainstorm with your preschooler and make a list of “who” is in your family.  If you can, accompany each person’s name with a picture on your list.  Then, your preschooler can associate the printed name with the recognizable picture.  Spend time talking about what people in your family might like.  This guides your preschooler in beginning to take on the perspective of another person (which is probably a skill that he/she hasn’t quite grasped).

2.     Set aside ample time to go with your preschooler to the dollar store.  Explain the rules before you go inside: 1.  We are only buying one gift for each person.  2.  We can look with our eyes only.  3.  We are not buying anything for ourselves.  If you’re brave, let your preschooler walk freely through the store instead of riding in the cart.  Take time to roam through the aisles, and then begin shopping specifically for people on your list.

3.     When it’s time to check out, let your preschooler place items on the counter and interact with the cashier.  This is a great time to guide your preschooler in conversation with the store clerk. 

4.     Once you’re home with the goodies, let your preschooler creatively wrap each one.  Cut up your list to make tags for each gift. 

5.     Set aside special time during your Christmas celebration to let your preschooler pass out gifts to all the family.  Tell your family the story behind the gifts and that each one was specifically chosen by your preschooler.  Let your preschooler tell “why” he chose each gift.

Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ms. Darcy & Ms. Salle