Kids give their friends, parents, and siblings gifts, but many parents do not know what to give their children. Valentine’s Day is a great time to make your children feel loved. While you make them feel loved every day, it is a wonderful day to show them that love in tangible ways. We have put together a few gifts that parents can give their children.
Books
Books are a great gift to give children all year long. The gift of literacy will take them far in their lives. Depending on your child’s age, you might give them different types of reading gifts. Here are a few that might be appropriate.
Toddlers
Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle might just be the perfect book. Toddlers often love the Very Hungry Caterpillar and want mom, dad, or teacher to read it over and over. Now, they can have a new adventure with love and their favorite bug.
Preschoolers
Franklin’s Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark is an excellent book for today’s preschoolers. The “Franklin” series has been around for decades. This lovable turtle and his animal pals teach spectacular lessons. Bring this classic home for your sweet children.
Lower Elementary School
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park is an excellent fictional account of how many children truly feel. Junie is always getting into some sort of shenanigans. Who doesn’t love this Kindergartener?
Upper Elementary School
As your child begins reading more challenging books, his or her tastes may change and become more mature, but the love of reading doesn’t need to stop. You could even throw in a little grammar lesson without them noticing. Mad Libs Dear Valentine Letters is sure to have them laughing and having a great time.
Middle School
The stakes get higher with older children. You can still give them a token of your love through reading a book, but it doesn’t have to be quite so “cheesy” and silly. Tuck Everlasting gives your preteen a glimpse into what everlasting life might be like. Winnie Foster is an excellent guide for the journey.
High School
High school students can often read the same thing other adults do, but you may want to limit the number of adult topics. While some of those topics are going to be present in nearly every book on the market for that age group, you can still encourage reading for fun. Consider William Goldman’s romantic, adventurous The Princess Bride. There’s even a fantastic movie from the 1980s starring late wrestler Andre, the Giant.
Crafts or Activities
While we won’t give specific suggestions by age group for this one, children of all ages may enjoy crafting. If you can find something that your child may be interested in making, you can also offer to learn with them. YouTube has a plethora of videos on knitting and crocheting, paper crafting, drawing, painting, music, and a million other things. If crafts aren’t your child’s thing, consider activity sets such as Legos, Erector Sets, and sticker books.
Take a Day Trip
Time and energy are just as important to your children as physical items. Take your children on an adventure, and don’t forget the camera! You want to capture your child’s excitement and the memories that you can’t keep in your pocket. Here are a few adventures around Oregon you might enjoy!
Enchanted Forest
What child doesn’t love the idea of an enchanted forest? This theme park is located in Salem and is family-owned. While they do not open until spring, gifting your kids’ tickets for this fantastic adventure will set their hearts a-flutter in anticipation. Currently, some of the attractions will remain closed after reopening due to COVID-19. Monitor their website for updated information.
Oregon Zoo
Children love visiting the zoo. A day trip to the zoo is usually fun for the whole family. The children also learn things whether they mean to or not! The Oregon Zoo is located in Portland and is open on weekdays. This is primarily an outdoor activity, so pay attention to the weather when you plan your trip.
Train Mountain Railroad Museum
This museum is located in Chiloquin, Oregon. Right now, walk-in visits are for members only, but they do take reservations for outside visitors. They have a playground, walking tour, picnic areas, and other facilities throughout the property.
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
Transportation is fascinating to many children and adults alike. If trains aren’t your thing, consider the skies for inspiration. This museum is located in McMinnville, Oregon, and visitors can see artifacts from every aviation era.
Your Local Park
Nearly every community has a park. Consider taking a short hike around town or on a nature trail at your local park. You can explore the environment that you call home while strengthening the bond you have with your children. You can also pack a lunch and have a lovely picnic in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts
There are dozens of things you might do in Oregon to make your children feel loved. You can buy books, activities, clothing, or even music for them to demonstrate your feelings. However, nothing says I love you more than a parent who is there and listens. If your child is excited about a new movie being released, set aside a night to watch it as a family. Likewise, if your child is very interested in how things work, a museum might be right up their alley. Whatever you do, do it with love. Children need to be heard and seen. They want to know that they are important to you.
