apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

When my nephew turned 2 or 3, I got him a one year membership to a local zoo- the kid had more toys than any 5 kids need- and it turned out to be a great gift- it included free parking, and they could even take guests with them.

I am all about memberships. It's a tie with gift certificates to our local ice cream place on most favorite gifts.

We've asked for donations to http://www.ethiopianorphanrelief.com/ for my kids' last few birthdays. We don't miss the extra gifts, the donations benefit a terrific cause, and my 10 year old in particular was excited to watch his donation total grow.

While EOR would love to have your money, really any worthy cause is a great idea.

(In an attempt at full disclosure, I'm the chair of the annual fund for Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc.)

The people who should read this list are usually friends of the parents who can go way overboard with gifts.

A magazine subscription. My son got a subscription to National Geographic Kids for his sixth birthday and I'm convinced it played a big role in turning him into the avid reader he is today.

Non-Newtonian Fluid Makings, aka a bag of cornstarch to be mixed with equal part water.
I make a mad scientist looking label that includes questions: What happens if you punch it? What happens if you try to pick it up? Is it a solid or a liquid?

Cheap as all get out and a hit with the kids. Include a warning on the label that you need parents who are okay with messy.

Love this article and will certainly be passing it on. I couldn't agree more. This past Christmas friends of ours received tickets to see Miracle on 34th St live in San Francisco from a very cool aunt. A family memory is such a great gift.

I was just having this conversation with my sister who inquired about our daughter's 2nd birthday coming up in June. I practically begged her for a gift certificate for the Portland Children's Museum or the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry which has an amazing Science Playground for toddlers. During the many, many, many rainy days of winter these resources are our savior and provide so much stimulation and education. We live away from most of our family and a gift certificate never needs to be shipped. Plus, I don't have the extra cleaning up to do after bedtime. Also, a great charity to donate to is projectpeanutbutter.com which helps to combat malnourished children in Malawi and Sierra Leone.

along the lines with Northern Homebody, I gift Highlights for Kids subscriptions. That magazine shaped my childhood. Who didn't love the Timbertoes and Gufus and Gallant