Magazine Subscriptions for Kids Make Fantastic Educational Gifts

As a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, you may be struggling with gift ideas for your young family members.  Sometimes, the toys on the market seem like such "twaddle" (mindless, unchallenging junk!), and you don't want to simply throw away your money, in order to satisfy an obligation.  It's much nicer when you know that your gift is meaningful, that it will be enjoyed and appreciated. 

My parents took the magazine subscription approach for a couple of years, and it was really a pleasant experience for the kids.  I don't know about you, but I love it when a new magazine arrives, and my kids equally enjoy the experience of thumbing through and looking at pictures, reading articles, and discussing their observations.  If you are looking for a great way to boost a particular interest, or to encourage reading skills, this could be just what you are looking for.

There are so many magazines available, that you shouldn't have any trouble finding something suitable.  My youngest daughter received High Five from Highlights for two years, while an older child received the actual Highlights Magazine.  My youngest son received Thomas and Friends.  Another son received Spider.  Dig, Muse, Ranger Rick, and National Geographic Kids have also been pleasing choices for the kids.  Older children received titles suited to their interests:  Polymer Clay, Cooking, Baking.  The activities, articles, and photos are great.  The kids have loved looking forward to that monthly arrival in the mail, and have dreaded that "final issue" notice. 

Back to School Supplies: Dry Erase Crayons

If you have a youngster who likes to color, but is constantly leaving drawings everywhere, you might really appreciate the new Dry Erase Crayons from Crayola.  Although you won't be able to save the brilliant art created in this medium, you can provide the artistic youngster with hours of drawing fun. 

A dry erase board is ideal for using these, and Crayola has a set of dry erase crayons and dry erase board, for a great price.  You can also find dry erase wall decals, which can allow you to make a convenient practice board in virtually any location in the house, perfect for working math problems, or practicing spelling words.

The crayon box includes a sharpener, and an erasing mitt.  Stubborn smudges come off easily, with a little water.  Sounds too good to be true, but I tried it out, and was very pleased!  These are topping my back to school list, for at home practice, but you may want to treat a favorite teacher to a set, too!