Guest Author - Kimberly Misra
If you’re looking for a gift for a homeschooling family in your life or an educational gift for your child, consider these twelve ideas.
1. A magazine subscription. Give this classic gift an educational twist by choosing a history or science magazine tailored to the age of your recipient. Carus Publishing produces the magazine Appleseeds for ages 6-9 and Faces for older kids. Issues feature articles, games, and fun recipes to help kids explore history and culture. Zoobooks is always popular for science loving kids; the company now produces Zootles for younger children.
2. A talking globe. For a fun way to learn geography, give an electronic globe. Most models include multi-level games that teach kids to locate countries, identify capitals, and even learn about foreign currencies. Look for a model with a headphone jack for quiet play and an automatic shut-off feature to preserve battery life.
3. A field microscope. A field microscope (like the Brock Magiscope) is a gift that will last for years. They are sturdier than regular microscopes so they can be used with minimal supervision, even by fairly young kids. They can be used indoors with a light source (or bright window) nearby.
4. Observation equipment. Besides a microscope, there are smaller equipment options that are useful in the homeschool. How about a bug jar, hand lens, dip net, butterfly habitat, or ant farm?
5. History kits. Running Press has a great selection of children’s history kits that will pique interest in many topics. Kids can learn Chinese calligraphy with the Ancient China Treasure Chest or build a model catapult with the Knight’s Treasure Chest.
6. A hobby kit. Homeschoolers love to learn new things, so put together a kit to introduce them to a new hobby. Some possibilities: a beginner knitting book with needles and a ball of yarn, a fishing rod and tackle box with a few lures, or a set of clay pots with easy to grow seeds and a bag of potting soil.
7. Sports equipment. Exercise is the best break from hitting the books. Provide your homeschooler with equipment for a new or favorite sport. Try a portable soccer net and ball, a dartboard and set of darts, or a kid’s yoga video.
8. Books. A homeschooling family can never have too many books. Oversized art books are invaluable for art lessons. A local travel guide gives ideas for field trips. Field guides will be used again and again for identifying wildflowers, trees, and bugs.
9. A craft box. Homeschoolers can never have enough craft supplies so why not put together a gift box to satisfy that need? Stock it with construction paper, glue sticks, chenille stems, finger paint, glitter, wiggly eyes, craft sticks, markers, and crayons. Other possibilities: some inexpensive fabric, foam stickers, watercolor crayons, a box of air-dry clay, an art smock, or stencils.
10. A membership. This is a popular gift because it can be used over and over again. You can usually buy memberships to larger zoos, aquariums, and museums online. Try to buy a membership that allows guests to join in the fun.
11. Lessons. Lessons can be expensive so why not offer to pay for something a child wants to learn? Even better, offer to teach something yourself (perhaps quilting, woodworking, or skiing).
12. School bags. Even if a child doesn’t go to school, a good bag is indispensible. They can take it on field trips, use it to hold workbooks, or stock it with supplies to use while waiting for an appointment.
