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The holiday season has only barely begun and I?m already rearranging our modest playroom?which is also my kids? shared bedroom?in preparation for the haul of toys I know they?ll get at Christmas.
My daughters are well loved by our large, generous family, made evident on Christmas morning when gift after gift is pulled from the tree, addressed to? you guessed it: the kids.
They become little present-unwrapping machines, eyes glazing over as the pile of toys and paper grows. The gifts are thoughtful and catered to their interests. But there are a lot of them. And when Christmas is over and the toys have been enjoyed, they join the growing collection of stuff already filling that dreaded playroom.
There are ways to rein in that haul while still allowing family to give wonderful presents. It starts with a a diplomatically worded email that encourages everyone in the family to re-think what it means to give presents to kids (and by extension their parents). Once you have buy in, you’ll need to present a carefully planned wish list of non-toy gift ideas. Here are some ideas. Subscriptions

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