Christmas Gifts that Encourage Family Togetherness

This Christmas would be a good time to remind your family what the season is all about.  The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on family values and encourage family togetherness.  When you’re doing your Christmas shopping this year, use it as an opportunity to purchase gifts that will promote family bonding. Not only is it economically savvy to purchase gifts the whole family can enjoy, it’s also in keeping with the spirit of the season. When I think of family togetherness, I think about three ways that the family can spend time together; indoors, outdoors and away from home.  The gift advice that follows will be organized into those three categories.  

Indoors: Nothing says bonding like a board game. When shopping for board games the whole family can enjoy, be sure to pay special attention to the number of players allowed and the recommended age group. If you purchase a game that is intended for 2-4 players, your family of 5 will be looking around wondering who has been voted off the island. The age recommendation is important especially if you have young ones. Trivial Pursuit might not be the best game for your toddler to participate in. As you look for board games for your family, it’s also a good idea to search for games that your kids can enjoy and play without parental supervision. Sibling bonding definitely counts towards strengthening family togetherness. Perhaps the greatest thing about board games is that they are inexpensive and can be found in nearly every store.  Another indoor option that is not so inexpensive is the Wii Game System. I’m not usually a fan of game systems for encouraging family togetherness but when I saw my brother and my niece playing a rousing game of tennis, sweating and giggling, I became a believer. If you go this route, be prepared to shell out several hundred bucks. The Wii system is pricey and the games that accompany it are as well.   

Outdoors: The obvious choice for creating family togetherness outside is a playscape. (This is only an appropriate choice for a young family as your teens would probably not be pleased to find this in the backyard on Christmas morning.) If you purchase a playscape, make sure it’s made of durable material and has enough apparatus to keep your kids engaged for a few years of their lives. Sports equipment is always a great option to encourage family togetherness. Soccer goals, a basketball hoop, a volleyball net and a set of croquet are all fun for families.   

Away from home: One way to ensure your family spends time together away from home is to purchase tickets to events or destinations away from home. A day at the zoo makes a great family day trip. Gift certificates to a bowling alley or skating rink would have the family smiling all the way to the car. Many malls now have bouncy houses and gymnastics equipment that can be used by the hour at the mall location. Find a concert or a sporting event that your whole family can enjoy. Is there anything that says family togetherness more than a baseball game?  

Having gifts such as these under your tree will make your whole family happy! Discover more ideas for unique holiday gifts.