December 6, 2009
Gifts that Cultivate a Sense of Wonder of the Natural World
Little Nutmeg’s Winter Book Selections & One of a Kind Gift Guide
Celebrate the Season with Picture Books about Winter
Let these books help you start that conversation:
Snowballs (board book) by Lois Elhert
(pair with snowballs or build a snowman can)
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White Snow, Bright Snow (Hardcover) by Alvin Tresselt (Author), Roger Duvoisin (Illustrator)
(pair with Red Mittens Hair Clips or Mittens)
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Owl Moon (Hardcover) by Jane Yolen (Author)
(pair with Snow Owl)
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If you are looking for gifts, these book selections are holiday-agnostic. No worrying if the recipient is a believer or not, observes this or that, these books celebrate the season (winter that is).
Picture Book + Handmade Item = Heartfelt Gift
Traditionally, I’ve purchase a holiday picture book and new set of cozy fitted pajamas for the little ones on my Christmas list. With the winter-themed picture books (above) selected, I was inspired by the imperfect beauty of the natural world to find related gifts. But I wanted gifts that were more meaningful than something that mass produced, imported from faraway, or encased in clamshell packaging and laden with anti-theft devices.
I’m funny like that I guess.
Celebrating the Work of our Hands
While watching a holiday movie depicting a scene in Santa’s workshop Wiley remarked about the elves making the toys for the children. He was so impressed. It occurred to me that with web sites like etsy.com, we can celebrate the work of our own hands. There is just something about that connection to the person you are purchasing from that adds a new level of thoughtfulness and maybe even a bit more intimacy. Many of these items are handcrafted with great care and with an eco-friendly sensibility.
And for that I say: rejoice and be glad.
Handmade Gifts for the Young (and Young at Heart):
Snowballs
Felt Fuzzies - Red Mittens Hair Clips (Pair)
Navy Snowflake Mittens for Kids, Upcycled Felted Wool
I CAN BUILD A SNOWMAN CAN
Snow Owl
There really is nothing like the hush that falls on the landscape when it is being blanketed with snow. It’s like the world stops spinning quite so furiously fast to allow us to enjoy the moment.
What a fun gift guide! I love the “Snowballs”! Thanks so much for including my felted wool mittens. Happy Holidays!
What great ideas! I love the pairing of gifts – I must take notes for the holidays : )