When we host birthday parties with friends, we often ask for no gifts. It’s mostly because the kids are spoiled by family (for which we have a separate party) and the birthday parties for us are meant to focus on the fun, not the stuff. It’s becoming more common I think.
However, that doesn’t mean that I’m against gifts all together. I enjoy shopping for my kids. We love buying Christmas presents that encourage their creativity, or help them discover a new skill. It’s fun! They are kids!
It’s one reason I always rave about Tag Along Toys. There is always something different there. It’s not just about plastic toys that get broken and lost, there is a focus on imagination and the products are often items that I don’t see anywhere else.
Tag Along Toys offers a Gift Registry program for kids. This is especially helpful for parents, like me, who would rather family spend money on a science or craft kit than the latest movie tie-in action figure which may or may not get played with. Tag Along Toys has already seen an increase in families using the service, especially grandparents, extended family and those who don’t live in town.
Now, I think it’s important to teach kids about ‘stuff’ and how not to expect it or demand it. I write constantly on this website about being mindful, shopping less, owning less, reducing, reusing and so on. We build in a year round conversation in this house about not buying things just because, or how we recycle products, or how we donate/support others in need. But I think a gift registry can have some merit for many families.
Tag Along Toys sets up the registry at whichever ‘home’ store you prefer (Kanata or Bank Street) and then shoppers can order by going into the store, or visiting online and then calling to remove the item from the wish list. There’s even FREE gift wrapping!
You can ask in store about details!
Meanwhile, NOW is the time to shop at both Tag Along Toys locations.
From Thursday, October 23 until Sunday, October 26, the entire store* (with a few exceptions) is on sale for 20% off!
Our family has three November birthdays and with Christmas (gulp) not that far away, it’s a wonderful opportunity to stock up!
