I've always been a fan of children's gifts that are educational, or that encourage activity or creativity. In a time when most gifts for youngsters require batteries or monthly payment plans.... here are a few non-technological gifts your nieces and nephews can enjoy this holiday season.
Journal - A simple and inexpensive gift, a journal makes a
thoughtful gift particularly for tween and teens. As a long-distance
auntie, I often struggle with feeling like I can't be there for my
neices as they go through a transitional time in their lives - middle
school, boys, cliques, school dances... a journal makes a nice outlet
and a way to sort out feelings our nieces (or nephews) may not quite yet
understand.
Scrapbook - What better way to capture memories than to create a scrapbook with your niece or nephew. Take photographs and mementos from a holiday or a special time you shared with your niece or nephew and create a scrapbook together! You can both look back on it and remember the occassion and the fun you had creating it!
American Girl Learn to Scrapbook Kit
Magnetic poetry - encourage creativity with magnetic poetry! These magnetic words let you piece words together to create poems or messages, yet another way our nieces/nephews can express themselves!
Elf on the Shelf - Another good one for youngsters that will help keep the magic of Santa alive! If you haven't heard of the Elf on the Shelf, the idea is that Santa sends the elf to watch the children to see whose being naughty or nice. Each night the elf reports back to Santa and reappears the next day in a different spot. The gift set includes the elf doll, hardbound children's book and keepsake box.
Easel - great for younger nieces and nephews to get creative! Kids can create art with paint, chalk, pens crayons and more. The two-sided easel allows two children to work at one time. Because it has a dowel to hold a butcher paper roll, just tear off once the child is done and pull the paper through to start on the next project! The downfall here is the paper and art supplies aren't included.
Turtle constellation night light - How cute is this? The Twilight Turtle nightlight lights up a nursery or child's room, creating a starry night sky. The nightlight displays eight major constellations (Big Dipper, Big Bear) and comes with an illustrated Star Guide and so has an eduational element as well. Also include a story about how the tutrtle, separated from his father, uses the constellations to find his way home. A soothing way to fall asleep and teach little ones about the sky above - love it!
Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light
Crayola Crayon maker - If I were a kid, I would want one of these! I love that crayola is continuously coming out with unique new toys to keep boys and girls creative. Kids can melt their favorite crayons and re-form them into their own one-of-a-kind crayons as they watch! They get to create their own creative color combinations and have crayons that are all their own! Best of all, this product is safe!
Rory's Story Cubes - I recently heard of this game, and I absolutely love the concept. Rory's Story Cubes is pocket-sized creative story generator. It comes with nine dice with different picture on each face. Roll the dice and use the images to create a story. The child can create a story on their own or play with multiple players so that each player adds to the story to collaborate on a story together! What I love about this game is that it promotes imagination and story-telling. Also seems like it would be a great confidence booster to help with literacy development. This game is great for all ages!
Rory's Story Cubes
War Horse - I love to give books as gifts and I've heard nothing but rave reviews for War Horse. I've heard its a great read for all ages and perfect for animal lovers.and it's unique because it's narrated by the horse. This book is on my wish list. Would make a great companion gift with some movie passes to see the movie version with your niece or nephew!
Journal - A simple and inexpensive gift, a journal makes a
thoughtful gift particularly for tween and teens. As a long-distance
auntie, I often struggle with feeling like I can't be there for my
neices as they go through a transitional time in their lives - middle
school, boys, cliques, school dances... a journal makes a nice outlet
and a way to sort out feelings our nieces (or nephews) may not quite yet
understand. 
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