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My Favorite Things Family Gift Guide for 2020

It’s been a unique year. We’ve heard this over and over again from news outlets, friends, family and beyond.

And during this unique year – an opportunity presented itself – to either bring out the best in us OR the worst in us.

Over the past 8 or 9 months, some really amazing things happened in our family….

We learned to cope better with disappointment and overall uncomfortable feelings.

We learned how to become more flexible and open to change.

We worked hard to speak narratives of delayed gratification, of resiliency, of grieving, and of finding new meaning and new coping skills.

We worked to problem solve and use creativity more often.

We spent more quality time together as a family in the outdoors, playing board games, and on FaceTime with extended family members.

We learned how to communicate better with the kids during anxiety, anger, frustration and grief.

We chose to opt out of exhausting goals and opt into new ones that better match our resources — mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially — and the world in which we find ourselves.

(Post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

There were many gifts of 2020.

While these weren’t exactly the gifts I was expecting, they are gifts in life experience that have changed us…forever.

As the holidays are coming, I do LOVE experience gifts, as well as gifts that you cannot buy. It is fair to say there are very few toy gifts our children will remember into adulthood. However, I cannot help but thoroughly enjoy gifting my kids and family some tangible gifts 🙂

Here are my favorites this year:

1. Journals for kids and parents.

This is something you can look back on for years and years. Many times, when I look back in a journal, I forget that it even happened until I read it again. Childhood is so fleeting; a journal between you and your child can create a cherished memory.

journals for kids

2. Gardening indoors with growing kits for kids.

While you may not be able to attend as many experiences this year, I say bring the experience into your home. Any of these indoor gardening kits for kids are wonderful activity to do together and watch it grow over time!

garden gifts for kids

3. Create a cozy reading nook for kids to enjoy.

I love to nurture a love for reading, and one success point I’ve found is to create a very warm and inviting space to for your kids to enjoy reading on their own, with each other and with you.

reading nook for kids diy

4. Cooking kits for kids.

Making food together is a life skill that will serve your children for years to come. This is a wonderful experience gift without needing to leave your home.

cooking with kids

5. Outdoor toys for kids.

It’s getting harder and harder to motivate kids to get outside these days. With the competing demands of apps, video games and more kids staying inside, it can feel like a huge battle to get the kids to play outdoors.

surfing swing for kids to use in the backyard.

But here’s the thing — getting the kids outside is imperative to their neurological development.

If you read my post about why kids won’t listen, then you know that in order for kids to listen, focus and learn to sit still for a period of time, they must develop both proprioception and vestibular sense by experiencing many physical challenges during childhood.

ninja wheel for kids

Here are my kids 3 favorites!

You can find a complete list of best outdoor toys for kids here!

Looking for toddler gifts?

Looking for holiday activities?

Looking for military gifts or veteran-owned businesses?

I've created a free email series just for you!

If you are struggling with feeling happy in motherhood, let me help you streamline your family's daily routines so you can enjoy your family life without the stress. Yes, really. I've seen my routines work time and time again for parents. I know it can work for you too.

This free email series will help you:

  • Free sample routines for your child
  • Best morning routine tips and tricks your kids will actually follow
  • All-time favorite parenting hacks for getting more cooperation at bedtime
  • Step-by-step guide for using a printable daily schedule with kids

Click here to sign up!

Routines with kids email series for parents

Are you new to this community? Start here, friend.

About Lauren Tamm

I'm Lauren, a military spouse and Language of Listening® master parent coach. I write about my crazy parenting adventures, discovering happiness in motherhood and navigating the ups and downs of military life. I spend my days re-heating coffee while chasing my kids around the house. Hang around for a bit and join the fun!

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3 Comments

  3. njmc direct

    thanks for sharing that was a good information i loved it

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Ashlee Overdick

Love the listening course and the routine card printables and listening workbook so far. Listening has been our biggest challenge lately. My son was flat out just ignoring our voices. I started implementing the strategies yesterday and it was such smooth sailing all day long. Not only that, but the empathy statements and “turning a no into a yes” actually had my three year old saying “okay, mom” happily and complying right away without fighting or tears, by the end of the day! And it has worked wonders for my mood and frustration level when the arguing and tears are not averted. Trying to keep the 5:1 ratio has made me realize what a bad habit I’d fallen into. It becomes so easy to give commands and warnings and issue no’s, that you forget to take notice of the good! I feel so much better, as a mom, now that I’m intentionally encouraging my kid for his strengths. Thank you so much!

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Megan Schrag

I have been reading your blog now for a few months and I really respect your advice and ideas. I also signed up for your “better listening” email series and have been learning a ton and working on implementing your advice with my 21 month & 3 1/2 year olds. They are responding well and I am looking particularly forward to working through these strategies with my youngest. He is as sharp as a tack and just coming into his own now. These tools are great and it’s awesome to have been equipped with  them right as he’s coming into the defiance stage. I feel much more confident in my ability to manage the challenges of this stage now. Thank you!

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Heather Goffrier

I picked up these routine cards this week from The Military Wife and Mom because my 3 year old tends to put up a fight when getting ready to leave the house, or go to bed. Or eat a meal. Or start her day. These made a HUGE difference in like one day.

Instead of reminding and counting down and trying to avoid meltdowns, last night we sang the Olaf song as she cheerfully picked out her Olaf underwear and put them on.

This morning she pumped her fist and said, “the last one is ‘comb hair!’” before she came into the bathroom and started brushing her own hair. I’m sold! I truly love these and think any toddler mom could benefit!

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Jacqui

I’m loving receiving your emails. What strategies you suggest are common knowledge, but having the time to sit back and think about them is another thing.  I have used the 2 choices a lot this week. It’s amazing how it can work. Our power struggles have decreased, kids have been getting along together better. I know it has been only a week, but it feels like a massive change. I wish I had have signed up for emails 3 weeks ago and used the strategies on their school holidays lol.

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Nikki Olson

Right before I gave up, I came across your site from Pinterest. My heart sunk and I signed up for your daily email list of listening. Every morning I received an email from you before I got out of the bed for the day, which couldn’t have been more perfect and encouraging to start the days. I immediately put your advice in action. My husband and I saw a different child within minutes. It’s been a few weeks since I started and the list could go on! I’m really grateful I came across your site! It changed my relationship 180°. Thank you said so much! I’ve already shared your link with my family and friends! I think every parent needs to read this!

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Kelly C.

Oh my goodness. I needed this so much. I stumbled upon another post of yours on Pinterest, and it lead me here. My 2 year is soooo strong willed. This had me in tears because finally someone gets it! Without wanting to admit it… I needed some help. Thank you so much for putting this out there.

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Jayne

I am so glad I came across your blog. This really opened my eyes as to why my nearly 2 year-old son will not listen. I was reaching my limit with him not listening, and the techniques you share here are exactly what I need.

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Dayna T.

A quick thank you while my 15 month old son is sleeping. So glad I found you on my motherhood journey.  After 17 years of being childless (but envisioning a future life with a calm and peaceful soul), I gave birth at 43 to a larger-than-life, highly spirited, vocal baby whom I couldn’t relate to. Everyday has been a challenge to meet his ever increasing needs.  Your guidance has helped organize me and prepare me mentally more than any other blog or support group, thank you.

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