Gift Ideas for Day of the Child

images via jewelry/moccs/bike

Did you know that April 30 is Day of the Child in Mexico? In fact, many countries around the world celebrate Children's Day at some point in the year. At the school where I used to teach, they celebrate April 30 because many of the students and families in that community come from Mexican backgrounds. It's a day to honor children and celebrate how special it is to be a child.

Now, maybe the cynics are saying, isn't every day the day of the child? I get that, but hear me out. I don't celebrate my child every single day. Do I show him love every day? Yes. Has my life changed since having a child? It's changed dramatically, but I wouldn't say that my life is ALL about him. (Mostly about Hunter, but not ALL.) I am not a mom who makes every day a Pinterest-inspired day of magical awesomeness because I think it's just as important to have ordinary days as it is to have special days. Sure, I went all out for Hunter's birthday party (which he'll never remember, but whatevs). We tried to make Christmas morning special by having a tree and some presents. When it comes to everyday stuff, however, we're pretty low-key. He doesn't really get toys outside of holidays (and if he got a new toy last week it's because I got it out of the closet from his birthday stash). I don't make kid-friendly food. (If he doesn't like what we eat, I offer him fruit or yogurt to get something in that skinny body.) I don't do preschool activities or crafts with him, yet. Sometimes we go to the park or the library. Sometimes we don't even leave the house. Most of the time we are in our pajamas or running errands. Hunter keeps pretty busy playing by himself and occasionally brings me a book to read to him. 

Well, I am all for celebrating Day of the Child because I think it's nice to have one day that's all about the beauty of childhood. Families around the world celebrate the day in a variety of ways, gifts or no gifts. I think the best gift we can give our children is our time, so this can be a day I devote to spending quality time with Hunter, especially since most days I spend more time doing things around the house than actually playing with Hunter. In my book, Children's Day should feel like a special day, one that my child remembers when he grows up (maybe not now, but you get the idea). This year, I'll prepare his favorite foods, squeeze in a trip to the park (because it falls on a Wednesday this year and there's that real life part of the day from 9-5), and work on some kind of toddler-friendly craft.

It can also be a day to get one really extra-special gift. Those with budget concerns may lament that just a week and a half before, we will have given the little ones Easter baskets filled with goodies, but a beautiful picture book can be just as special as a gift you splurged on. Here are some ideas for all kinds of budgets. You can never go wrong with something... 

PRACTICAL: Maybe your child needs a new pair of shoes or some clothing essentials. Splurge on some Freshly Picked moccasins or wrap up a package of new underpants with your little one's favorite characters (like these Star Wars organic unders from Hanna Andersson).

OUTDOORSY: If your little one complains about being cooped up in the house, give a gift that encourages being outdoors. Splurge on a LIKEaBIKE or encourage family gardening time with a Grow Your Own Pumpkin kit.

HEIRLOOM: I still remember the day my parents (probably mostly because of my dad's urging) got me my first ring, yellow gold with a little heart. It's a piece of jewelry I treasure and would love to pass down to a future daughter (or niece). Splurge on a keepsake ID bracelet (like this one with a heart from JULIAN & Co., also check out this classic one Hunter has) or a first ring (like the tiny stacking ring from JULIAN & Co.) or create a unique photo book or a handmade blanket.

Do you celebrate Children's Day? If so, what special things do you have planned this year?

*This post was lovingly written in partnership with our sponsor, JULIAN & Co.*