‘Tis the season for giving—or should we say investing? I think it is helpful to view the presents we select for our children as long-term investments. Yes, I want my children to love them and to get the gifts they have been dreaming of—but it is also important that their presents continue to inspire after the current fad has faded.

I try to select gifts for children with the following qualities:

1. ✓ open-ended in nature allowing them to create freely without preconceived story lines
   

2. ✓ provides opportunities to connect “play” to real-life situations
   

3. ✓ high in quality, allowing children to authentically experience whichever medium they are using 
   

4. ✓ empowers children to develop their voice and connect with others
   

5. ✓ inspires children to develop current interests or discover new ones
   

6. ✓ offers the opportunity for children to independently discover and learn about the world around them
   

After ordering and receiving some wonderful Etsy treasures, my next shopping destination was Amazon*. I have compiled a guide of favorite gifts that we have invested in over the years. The girls have thoroughly enjoyed many of the materials listed below, and we have found that they truly stand the test of time.

We would love to hear about the “timeless” treasures you and your family have discovered.