I am fortunate to have the opportunity to review some awesome products throughout the year. Some of them are toys, and whenever they come in, my kids know they will get to try them out in exchange for their feedback.
Sometimes, though, we get items that I’ve already tried at product launches and other media events or, let’s be honest – toys they don’t need (or already have).
Giving Back Is Important
Last year, I had a talk with my kids about giving back. I explained that when we receive toys to review, we don’t need to keep *all* of them and that I wanted to put some away. After a thoughtful pause, my daughter blurted out, “Why don’t we give some to kids who don’t have as much as we do? We’ll still get to keep some, right?” I was blown away that she would have the compassion to come up with that suggestion. I assured her that she and her brother could keep a few, but that Santa would be bringing toys as well, so we didn’t need to keep many.
Then, we talked about the many organizations that could use these toys, and my kids asked if we could donate them to their school’s holiday “caring campaign”. It’s a yearly event where each classroom donates toys and other items (food, clothing, diapers, etc) to a local women’s shelter and community centre. They were thrilled with the idea of giving back to those less fortunate than we are, and I’m happy to say we will be dropping off this year’s stash of toys this week.
Writing this post got me thinking of all the other ways that we can give back this year (and all year ’round), so I thought I’d share a few that I think are awesome…
- Random Acts of Kindness Calendar from Coffee Cups and Crayons
- This wonderful website is a favourite of mine; it’s always chock full of fun ideas for kids… and this calendar is one of them! To continue the kindness all year round, check out this list of RAOK ideas that can be checked off as they’re completed.
Image: Coffee Cups and Crayons
- Reverse Advent Calendar from Dinner With Julie
- This is a wonderful way to give back to those in need of food this holiday season. Simply add a non-perishable food item to the box each day and donate it to your local food back when it’s full.
Image: Julie Van Rosendaal
What ways do you like to give back? Comment below so we can be inspired by each other!
You can never start too young with teaching kids about the importance of giving back or being kind. I believe that a great way to teach them is by donating toys specifically because at a young age, that’s something that is meaningful to them. It’s the season to give… Great job Lisa 🙂 I know this will inspire others to do the same.
I completely agree… it’s especially meaningful when the toys we give are ones my kids really want for themselves. We are so fortunate! Thanks, Maya – happy holidays!
Love this idea! We too give back as much and wherever we can as we know hardship. It takes a little sometimes to be a whole lot for someone else!
So true, Matthew. We are all so blessed that it’s nice to show gratitude by giving back in any way we can. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
This week included bringing some supplies to my daughter kindergarden class including zip loc bags and kleenex. We donated to the CN Holiday Train (canned goods), we also donate to our local church to make baskets for those in need (hats, jackets, scarves etc)
What fabulous ways to give back! If everyone did even one of these things it would make such a difference in our communities. Happy Holidays, Chrissy!
We don’t have any money, so because I’m disabled and enter many contests, we donate most of what I win to a couple of different, local charities here in Victoria. We’ve been doing it for about 5 years now and its always a great feeling.
So lovely – what a great way to give back, Anne. 🙂 Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday!
Oh my goodness, I really love the Reverse Advent Calendar – so creative and full of love. 🙂
It’s one of my favourites, too. I’m going to do that one with my kids next year. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
I love that you give back, we do animal shelters kids really identify with that
I agree… kids love seeing how they’re helping in an up-close-and-personal way. Happy Holidays!
Good for you and awesome for your kids to see you and to participate in this. We try to give something each year to the grandkids, well in their names, from World Vision. Like medicine or chickens.
I love that idea! There are so many amazing ways to give back. 🙂
I love ginving back to the community,and I believe that a great way to teach them(our children) is by leading a good example