Young families that are just starting out, or families with young children have special needs and you can meet those needs with some of these very thoughtful gifts.
1. Unbreakable Dinnerware
Corelle Dinnerware is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give a young family. Toddlers are clumsy with dishes and young children who are learning new chores will accidentally break a few plates.
High quality plastic dinnerware, such as Tupperware, is another great option. Tupperware dealers have been renting mall kiosks for years, so you won’t have to go to a party to find them.
2. Fast Food Rescue Gift Box
There are always those days when Mom and Dad are stretched so thin that finding time to prepare a meal is just out of the question. And other days when the kids are just wired and everyone needs a break from routine. Because this is the life a young family, give the gift of a fast food rescue box.
You can find old-style lunch boxes in certain boutiques, such as Sun Coast Video. The classic lunch box is the perfect container for your gift; however, any interesting container will do.
The value of this gift is in its thought, so besides buying fast food gift certificates, also pick up their menus. You will want to pick up menus from restaurants that deliver to the home as well. Be creative and speak with the managers of these restaurants. They may have coupons for free fries and ice cream that they use for community events, and they will sell them to you.
Other cool items to include are: straws, napkins, wet wipes and mini salt and pepper shakers.
If the family does not own an American Flag, these are easy and inexpensive gifts to give. Major discount department stores sell Flags that can be attached in several ways, so you can be sure to find one that will accommodate their needs.
It’s best to purchase one that can be easily removed from its mount during bad weather. If you want to go a step farther, you can find a book on the care and history of the American Flag.
This is a take on the age-old fruit basket. Instead of a variety of fruits, the basket is filled with food staples.
Find a decorative basket at your favorite craft, department or discount store. If you want to decorate it with ribbon, those can be found at those same stores. Line the bottom of the basket with tissue paper and fill with family favorites.
Items to consider including are: boxed macaroni and cheese, microwaveable popcorn, peanut butter, canned soups and stews, juice boxes, crackers and snack foods. You might even want to use a theme and place items involving that theme or meal into the basket.
If your budget will allow it, include a grocery store gift certificate.
5. Classic Board Games
Young families probably have not begun their collection of board games, unless their children are older. Giving a classic board game will bring back the childhood memories of the young parents and they will find themselves wanting to start those family traditions themselves.
When my children were young, we bought the classics repeatedly because our children would lose the pieces, so these are always a welcome gift.
6. Tickets
Theme park tickets are always a family friendly gift. If the local theme park is closed for the season, consider purchasing tickets to a major theme park in Florida or California. Those tickets are valid for several years, and it gives the family time to plan for their vacation.
Most ski resorts now have family tubing areas, so consider giving tubing or lift tickets. If you live in an area of the country where the ski resorts are within a few hours drive, you do not have to add the cost of an overnight stay to your gift.
Advance purchased movie tickets are another great gift for a young family. During the holidays, most new releases are geared towards families with children. Giving movie tickets would be a special treat for everyone.
Every family needs more storage. The trick is to combine storage with decorative touches and you can do this with a thoughtful gift of decorative storage containers.
Storage containers are sold just about everywhere, especially during seasonal changes. For the more decorative containers, look in your local home decorating stores, craft shops, country accents stores and import boutiques. For purely functional organizers, look at your local department and discount retailers.
8. Parenting Magazines
My favorite online magazine store is Magazines.com. I have used them for over five year. I have tried other magazine companies, but never had the level of customer service and satisfaction as I have encountered at Magazines.com.
American Baby is my favorite magazine to give to new parents. Magazines.com has it listed at only $13.97 for a one year subscription. I have found it to be the most complete magazine for expectant and new parents, with information covering what to expect at different stages, medical advice and information, fashion and new product information.
Parents magazine is listed at only $9.97 for a one year subscription through Magazines.com. This is the Nation’s leading parenting magazine.
Family Circle is only $11.97 through Magazines.com. This is the magazine you see at the checkout counters with all the seasonal craft and recipe ideas, storage solutions and other relevant fact-filled articles.
9. DVD Movies
Several new animated family movies have recently been released. “Cars” was just released on November 7, and it comes with a G rating. Monster House” was released on October 24, with a PG rating and “Curious George” is a new G rated animated movie.
10. Personal Data Safety
Young adults are not likely to think about the security of their personal data, so the perfect gifts would be a shredder and a firebox.
Shredders now come with the ability to shred computer discs and credit cards. You can find them at discount stores for as little as ten to twenty dollars. In today’s world, every family must have a shredder, but few buy them for themselves.
In lieu of renting a safe-deposit box, purchasing a good quality firebox will protect their most precious and important financial documents. You can buy a standard firebox for as little as twenty-five dollars, but you will find a new option the next time you visit the store. After several natural disasters, manufacturers learned that water damage is just as destructive as fire. Some manufacturers now have a special line of fireboxes which also protect against water. These are more expensive, but well worth the extra price.
