The major holiday complaint I’ve been hearing this year is that people are spending a fortune to buy gifts for kids. Not necessary! Here are some fun items that won’t break the bank.
GLOSSY BANDS by the editors of Klutz provides enough material and instructions to make 14 unique and fun bracelets. How about giving this to a daughter or granddaughter, with a promise to spend some quality time together?
In my experience, little boys love stuff that seems gross, offbeat, or both. THE HAND BOOK by Pat Murphy lets your little guy put together artificial (of course) bones to form a skeletal hand. Again, give this along with the time it will take to build it together, and then totally freak people out as a team.
STAR WARS never goes out of style, and MILLENIUM FALCON A 3-D OWNER’S GUIDE, written by Ryder Windham, is educational as well as fun. Recommended for ages 8 and up, this board book provides page after page of the inner workings of the spaceship, with clear explanations. Totally cool!
There’s also STAR WARS ABC for kids just starting to be interested in learning letters. You don’t have to know your Anakin from your Zam to appreciate the great pictures and super- heavy pages.
MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC VIDEO by Kaitlyn Nichols includes special effects green screen, downloadable backgrounds, and free editing software. It also provides suggestions for props, costumes, and songs. With rock stars getting younger and younger, look out, Bieber!
“Where Brilliant Meets Ridiculous” is the tag line for THE KLUTZ BOOK OF INVENTIONS, by John Cassidy & Brendan Boyle. I have to admit, while kids will get a laugh out of this, I think it’s a great present for adults, too. Who can resist the idea of Mood Collars for Cats, a salt Shaker Ring, or The Smell Pod? I suggest giving this to a goofy younger brother; chances are pretty good you won’t be annoyed for several hours.
I have it on the best authority that a lot of teenagers are just plain weird, and that they will get THE 39 CLUES THE BLACK BOOK OF BURIED SECRETS even if we don’t. Written by Mallory Kass, it contains vital info about the Cahill family, Janus, and Madrigals. The introduction is by one Rick Riordan, which is apparently significant. My guess is, if we adults understood, no kid would want it.
Suzanne Collins is a bestselling author of Fantasy and Science Fiction. MOCKINGJAY is the latest in her string of hits. District 13 does exist, Katniss Everdeen has survived, and the Capitol has captured Peeta! No worries; teenagers know what all this means.
WONDERS OF LIFE, from the Life Classic Collection, is a book to buy for the entire family. The pictures are beautiful, and there’s something for everyone, including the world’s biggest frog, things that thrive in the desert, and totally bizarre looking flora and fauna.
Even if you do break down and decide to buy the latest electric powered toy or gadget that everyone must have this season, don’t forget to include books and book games under the tree.
Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. Michall is a voting member of National Book Critics Circle. www.michalljeffers.com
