We went to a break up party last night for scouts and every child got a gift from Santa – we expected a bag of lollies or such so were very impressed with the actual gifts.
All the younger siblings were given an animal finger puppet.
It was only small and probably cost no more than a bag of lollies (less if you count the time it would take for someone to make said bags of lollies!) but I think it’s a much nicer gift. It will last and didn’t hype the kids up at the end of an exciting night as sugar would have – and no one had to worry about allergies either.
So if you’re after a token gift, keep animal finger puppets in mind – they work a treat! Especially when Santa hands them out 🙂
Lisa, what a fnatstic gift – I agree the lack of sugar is great but to give something that can lead to hours of imaginative play (rather than some cheap plastic thing that falls apart before you get home!) is really clever.
What a lovely idea! I’ll be there are plenty of ways to craft these finger puppets, too, which could help spread that joy out over a longer period. This would be a great project with the kids (for their classmates) or as a group activity. I have to go find some patterns now!
It is a great idea – and I love how you’re adding to it by making the puppets yourself, hohoho!
Simply lovely! Not only were they cute and playful, it was something time and thought were put into and those are the best gifts. Candy and something bought on the fly just doesn’t have any meaning.
Exactly right, pocs – it was such a lovely gift idea. Especially for a group situtation where you’re not sure how many you need or personal preferences, a basket of puppets is easy to use and keep the left overs stored nicely until next year.
Finger puppets are all about creativity from encouraging storytelling and enjoying stories to learning to give and take meaningful presents, which everyone doesn’t do or care to do. It’s a great idea. I am going to do this for my little niece and nephew.
A great idea – and it’s spreading! Puppet sales could be good this Christmas 🙂
That’s such a good idea – I think we’ll copy that at our Christmas event this year 🙂
So much easier than making lolly bags plus avoiding the allergy/sugar issues is good – I also liek that it is teaching them better habits than getting lollies.
How cute! I’d much prefer my kids be given something like that by Santa than a bag of lollies (and who knows who put the bags together?)