Kids like what is fun more than what is expensive.  They might beg for the latest high-tech gadget, but in the end, they’ll drop it like a hot rock for something that engages their imagination and creativity.

As parents, we often spend way too much on Christmas and other holidays especially when it comes to our kids.  Hopefully, this list will serve as a reminder that this really isn’t necessary.

The Free Toys Kids Really Love to Play With

This list is one part childhood nostalgia and one part reality check.  It is fun remembering all the good times I had as a kid playing with these items, but is also a reminder that we don’t have to go broke trying to give our kid a good life.

Don’t you remember having great fun with some of the free toys on this list?  Are you going to rob your kids of all those wonderful memories by buying into the sales pitch for a bunch of stuff that will just clutter up their closet?  Don’t do it!

The seven free toys that kids love more than expensive gifts:

1.  A Big Cardboard Box

Kids love boxes and the bigger, the better!  I’ve not only witnessed my daughters playing for hours in a big box, I can remember doing so myself as a kid.  Cardboard boxes are wonderful fun.  They become clubhouses, vehicles, spaceships and anything else a child’s imagination can conjure up!

2.  A Super-Hero Cape Made From an Old Pillow Case or Bath Towel

Who doesn’t wish they were Superman?!?  The transformation for kids comes as easily as giving them an old pillow case or towel.  A cape was all I needed as a kid to immediately become my favorite super-hero.  I can remember zooming through the house with a towel safety pinned around my neck.  Now that’s a good time!

3.  A Balloon

Businesses are always giving away free balloons.  My girls can entertain themselves for a long while with this simple toy.  The keep-it-in-the-air game has got to be their favorite.  In fact, we played a game of it just last night.  The house fills with hoots, hollers and giggles when a good balloon is on the loose.

4.  Two Sticks

I’m not sure why it takes two, but it seems like it always does.  With two sticks you can have a mock sword fight or you can draw in the dirt or use them as pretend hiking sticks.  Kids love sticks.  They are the universal toy.  Of course, a good stick can also always work as a substitute bat in a pinch.  I used many a stick to guide other sticks down our creek when I was a boy.  There is nothing better than a stick boat making it through the rapids!

5.  Fort Made From Sheets or Blankets

My girls love setting up their own private fort with sheets or blankets draped over a couple of chairs.  I guess this setup serves about the same purpose as a good, old cardboard box.  However, there is something more exotic and magical about a tent-like fort.  Set one up this afternoon and see if your kids don’t love you for it!

6.  Empty Paper Towel Tubes

An empty paper towel tube is a great toy.  With one you can become a trumpet player in a band or a scientist gazing at the stars through their telescope.  Of course, it isn’t just paper towel tubes that make great toys.  You can also take two empty toilet paper tubes, tape them together and they become a pair of binoculars for exploring the jungle!

7.  Paper Airplane

I can’t even count the hours I spent as a boy making and flying paper airplanes.  We would see how far they would go or how many loops they could do.  We would start with one design and then modify it in an attempt to get more performance.  This toy is not only fun, but also teaches youngsters about the principles of aerodynamics and the best part is that it doesn’t cost a dime!

Give Your Child a Real Gift – Give Them a Free Toy

What would childhood have been without all these great free toys?  Some of my favorite memories come from playing with these things.  I’ve also witnessed my girls having some great fun with them too.  Don’t waste a fortune!  Give your kids the toys that will spark their imaginations and that they’ll remember for a lifetime!

What free toy did you enjoy the most?

Photo by Arkansas ShutterBug

A strong bond with your children won’t happen automatically.  You have to be intentional about developing these deep and meaningful ties.

One of the best ways to foster such closeness in your family is to read aloud to your children.  Reading to your kids has multiple benefits not the least of which is the bond it forms between you.

Four strategies for building a strong bond with your children

The time I spend reading to my kids is special.  We get to snuggle and enjoy a great story all at the same time.  This makes my kids feel safe and loved.  The perfect environment for bonding!

Here are some strategies I use to create bonding opportunities:

1.  Establish the habit of reading aloud

I read aloud to my kids just before putting them to bed.  They expect it.  It has become a good habit for us.  It is a part of our bedtime routine.

This comforts them and calms them so they are ready to go to sleep when they get in bed.  It also gives us the chance to be close to each other just as the day is ending.  It is a special time that we all look forward to each night.

2.  Make reading aloud to your children a treat

Let your children know that you enjoy reading aloud to them.  Express it verbally and non-verbally.  Smile while you are reading.  Don’t rush things.  Take your time and read expressively.

Your children will enjoy it more if they know you enjoy it too.  They will come to think of it as a treat.  My kids are very disappointed on the rare occasion that we miss reading aloud for some reason.  They relish the story and the time to be loved.

3.  Encourage others to read to your children

Of course, parents also want their children to form close relationships with others.  It is a healthy part of growing up.  We all need a broad base of love and emotional support.

Encourage grandparents, teachers and daycare workers to read aloud to your child.  This will promote their learning and help them to bond with people besides just their parents.

An encouraging word from you may be just the stimulus a family member needs to grow in their relationship with your child.  I see the joy on my kids’ faces whenever one of their grandparents reads aloud to them.  It is an awesome sight to behold!

4.  Keep reading aloud even once your child can read

I still read aloud to my third grader.  She is a terrific reader on her own, but I wouldn’t give up our special time together for anything.  I know one day she will probably think she is too old for Daddy to read to her, but for now, I’m going to use this time to bond as deeply as I can with her.

There is no reason to stop reading to your child once they have mastered reading for themselves.  In fact, it might be even more important.  As children get older you have fewer opportunities to nurture your bond.  Don’t relinquish this one too soon!

Sometimes my daughter and I trade off reading a page each out of a chapter book.  This gives me the dual opportunity to bond and to praise my daughter for her excellent reading skills.  What a bonus!

Read aloud often to build a strong bond with your children

I believe reading aloud to your children on a daily basis is a fantastic way to build a strong bond with them.  I place great value on this.  The benefits are immense!  Give it a try.  I think you’ll agree that reading aloud to your child is a great way to invest your time.

How do you bond with your children?

Photo by jaaron