Baby's First Christmas: 10 Ideas to Reduce Toys Under the Tree
A baby's first Christmas is a magical event for their family and loved ones. However, baby doesn't need to receive a whole toy store at the foot of the tree to be happy! Watch out for doting grandparents and aunties — we see you coming with your "just a couple of little toys" that take up the space of a semi-truck… So how do you guide your loved ones and make sure your baby isn't buried under gifts? Charlie has put their best experts on the case and has the answer!
Here are our 10 rules to limit the number of gift-wrapped packages under the tree:
1. Prepare: make a Christmas wish list
Rule number 1: guide your loved ones on the choice of gifts for baby. Make a Santa wish list to share with them. You'll avoid unwanted gifts or ones that aren't to your taste.
2. Sort before receiving
Before welcoming the new Christmas additions, do a big clear-out of your child's room. Goodbye to old toys that are no longer age-appropriate, ones they don't like, or that bring you zero joy.
3. Set rules: 1 gift per person
Limit your loved ones if you wish. Yes, it's hard! Grandma Jacqueline is going to struggle to hold back, but that's the way it is. No more than one gift per person…
4. Contribute: the group gift
The principle? Fewer gifts, but better ones! If a big gift is on your list, invite your loved ones to pool their money or contribute so you can offer the piece of your dreams (like the LEVO bouncer from Charlie Crane that's been catching your eye since the start of your pregnancy!)
5. Enjoy their young age
Keep in mind that a baby under one year old doesn't grasp the concept of Christmas and opening presents. Besides, they're not old enough to write their own wish list to Santa with a thousand and one toys… You still have a few years before the mountain of toys to unwrap.
6. Recycle: long live second-hand
No need to buy new things to make your baby happy. Opt for second-hand websites, toys in great condition from a cousin… Recycle — it's good for you and the planet!
7. The 4-gift rule
This rule is said to come from Great Britain. Once upon a time there were exhausted parents (we made that part up, but it's entirely possible!) who decided to follow 4 simple rules for choosing which gifts to give their little ones:
- A gift requested by the child
- A gift the child needs
- A book
- A garment
At Charlie Crane, we would be in favor of replacing the garment with the idea below…
8. Intangible Gifts
Swap the object for a moment spent together! A babysitting voucher offered by your loved ones, a trip to a stroller café, an amusement park, a baby massage workshop, a parent-baby yoga class, a creative workshop, or even a show, a magazine subscription, a voucher for their favorite story-making service… In short, it's possible to find intangible gift ideas, even for the very little ones.
9. Group together: one gift for the whole family
In a similar vein to the group gift, this time it's an all-in-one gift for the whole family. Think big and beautiful, like our KIMI baby bed, of course!
10. Rules for young children
Is Junior old enough to write their own list? Whether they believe in Santa Claus or not, teach them early to limit their wishes. Basically, decide on a maximum number of gifts on their wish list. Also perfect for managing any disappointments and frustrations when the toy of their dreams isn't under the tree…
One last piece of advice on the road to Christmas: a baby doesn't yet feel material needs. They need laughter and love! Think about filming and taking lots of photos of this magical moment to show them when they're older. And there's another gift idea for next year (hooray for photo albums). But above all, remember to enjoy the moment.
Happy Christmas preparations to all,
The Charlie Crane team
