This list was originally made for the Christmas shopping season but can still be used at anytime. Hope you get some great ideas!
With the Christmas season upon us, many of you are frantically searching for the perfect gifts for your families. It's easy to try to get the latest and greatest gadgets for your little guys and gals, but how about a gift that won't get left in the bottom of the toy box by New Year's?
Here are a few of my (Elisabeth's) suggestions for gifts that will teach Christian values as well as score big on the fun factor for kids:
Elisabeth's Top Ten Gift List
1. The Chronicles of Narnia
You're bound to have heard about the theatrical release of the classic kids story The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (I can't wait to see it!). But you may not have heard that these stories were Lewis' way of getting some spiritual truths across in a way that kids would enjoy. While the original books and movie would be more appropriate for older elementary and teens, as well as adults, there is a plethora (I always feel smart when I use that word) of picture books, toys, and...stuff that younger kids will enjoy, too. Some of the best things (and best prices!) I've found are available here.
2. "Bible Break"
The elementary kids at Siler are working on learning the books of the Bible, and one of the best ways that kids learn is through music. Troy and Genie Nilsson have put out this CD & cassette (but who has those anymore?) with an upbeat and fun way to learn the books of the Bible. Your kids will recognize it from Sunday school and Children's Church, but you can get your own copy by clicking here.
3. Giving Bank
If you are taking the Crown Ministries Financial Class during Sunday school, you are learning about God's principles for money. How about passing those principles on to your kids with this bank that has a place for God's money, savings money, and spending money? Even if you're not in the Financial class, Children's Church will begin studying spiritual disciplines, including giving, at the beginning of the new year. What a great way to apply the lessons at home! Click here to get one for your kids.
4. "Toybox Tales"
Mention "Toybox Tales" to a Children's Church attender, and you're likely to see a smile come across your kid's face, and to hear a story that has something to do with Spiderman and Kermit the Frog and Star Wars...but it doesn't make a lot of sense. Well, welcome to the world of Toybox Tales by Karl Bastian, a children's pastor who tapes himself using toys to teach Bible lessons. I use these often in Children's Church to go along with a lesson, and the kids love them! You can buy a whole Children's Church season on DVD, or you can download one ("Donkey 4000" of the "Christmas in Playmobile Land" saga is my favorite) and see for yourself how much fun they are. Click here for more info.
5. Jana Alayra Music
Something else you will often hear in Children's Church, as well as GEMS and Vacation Bible School, is music by Jana Alayra. "Jump, Jump, Jump into the Light," "Dig Down Deep," "Absolutely Nothin'" and others are some of Siler kids' favorite songs. She has a newer CD out now entitled "Believin' On," which has music that older elementary kids would enjoy. Check out her website by clicking here.
6. VeggiesTales -- "Lord of the Beans"
Now, I haven't seen this latest installment in the hugely popular VeggieTales series yet, but I'm sure it's good, as always. I have seen "Minnesota Cuke," and loved it, as any Indiana Jones fan would. There's so much VeggieTales stuff out there that there's bound to be something your kids don't have. Even preschoolers will enjoy the antics of Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. Click here for a great selection of VeggieTales stuff.
7. Family Nights -- Simple Science
As a parent, God has called you to teach your children. So how do you teach spiritual lessons at home? Heritage Builders has some great books to get you started. They include easy lessons you can do with your family. Got kids that like science experiments? There's a book for you. Wanna get across the Ten Commandments in a fun way? There's a book for you. Check it out by clicking here.
8. Speed Stacks
Believe it or not, stacking cups up and down in an established pattern (called speed stacking) is a sport. We play with these cups here at church, and your kids have probably learned about them at P.E. class as well. Why not get them their own set to work on at home? Then when they come to Siler's speedstacking workshop on Jan. 2nd (more info), they'll be ready to get a high score. The price for a set of 12 cups may seem kinda steep, but they will provide lots of fun as well as improve eye-hand coordination and ambidexterity (that means the ability to use both hands well, in case you were wondering). Click here to start stackin'!
9. Heart Felt Thanks for Sunday School Teachers
Okay, this is not for your kids, but for someone who has a great impact on your kids -- their Sunday school teachers. This little book is full of encouraging stories and quotes that will brighten the day of those that are with your kids every Sunday. Click here for more info.
10. Wild at Heart and Captivating
After all that shopping for others, you might like to get yourself a present as well. Why not a good book to read this winter? These two books are truly life-changing, as they opened my eyes up to aspects of the Christian life I had been blinded to. Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge, is a book for women that explains how God created us, how we have lost who He created us to be, and helps us understand how to get back to that wholeness. Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge, is the same sort of thing for men (I haven't read this one, since I'm not a man, but Steven Palin has, and he says it's good). Click here to see for yourself.
Well, I hope that helps you this season as you go shopping. Don't forget the real meaning of Christmas in the midst of all the busyness of the season. May God bless you with His peace and love this season!