10 Items Homeschoolers Will Want For Christmas

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

11 Dec 2006 05:07 PM

So, your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or family friends are homeschooled. What do you get them for Christmas? Well homeschoolers pretty much want the same stuff as any other kid, with one exception. It has to be useful. These kids are used to toys being educational in some way, whether it has some kind of curriculum integrated into it or develops the brain in some way. Here are the hottest gifts you can get your favorite homeschoolers for Christmas.

Number 10 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Magazines

When in doubt, buy a magazine. Magazines are the gift that keeps on giving. You can tailor the title to the age and interests of the child or parent you are buying it for and if they really liked it, you can renew it again next year.

Number 9 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Book

A homeschooler can never have too many books. For a gift, I suggest you buy a box set like the Little House series for a 9-year-old girl, Little Women for older girls, or the works of Mark Twain for a tween that likes classics. Try to get leather bound if possible.

Number 8 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Board Games

Homeschoolers take family time seriously. Board games are always needed. Check their game library if possible, but every family should have Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Life, and Pictionary. If they have all of these, get the hottest game of the year. My personal favorite is Monopoly Here and Now, or a personalized Monopoly set.

Number 7 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Microscope or other lab items

No homeschool would be complete without laboratory equipment. You can purchase items from Discovery Toys, teacher supply stores, or GeoSafari for younger kids. For older kids check out www.sciencekit.com.

Number 6 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Learning Software

If the family has a computer, and chances are they do, consider buying learning software. The Learning Company has many fun titles.

Number 5 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Leapfrog items

Leapfrog is another company that I love for homeschooling gifts. You can purchase them at Amazon.com for quick delivery or run to Wal-Mart for the more popular titles. They have toys for every age from the Leap Pad for the little ones to the Fly products or I quest that will last through high school.

Number 4 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Musical Equipment

Musical equipment is always appreciated. You can purchase high quality instruments from a local music store, or experimental practice instruments like the MiJam series from b2stuf.com.

Number 3 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Educational Video Games

If you know what kind of game system your favorite homeschooler had, purchase a game. Animal Crossing is somewhat educational, and then there are always the Vtech systems where all of the games are educational.

Number 2 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Wii

If you are going spend big bucks and get a game system, you will want the Wii. It is the hottest new game this season and encourages users to get off the couch and actively play. If you cannot get your hands on a Wii System right now, you may want to give a gift certificate so one can be purchased from a reliable local store.

Number 1 gift to get a homeschooler for Christmas: Laptop Computer:

If you really want to make a homeschooler happy (and it is OK with the parents), you will want to purchase a laptop computer so they do not have to wait online to research and complete lessons. Everyone has their own preferences, but a new laptop can cost anywhere from $450.00 to over $1000.00.

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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