09 Dec 10 Christmas Gift Ideas That Homeschoolers Will Love
A couple of nights ago, while I was working a night shift at the hospital, my son was texting me, showing me some sketches he had done. Delighted in his interest and talent, I offered him an online sketching class that I had recently been looking at. He texts back “Wait…. Why do you always have a course or camp or class planned and ready for anything I do?”
Um. Oh. Ok.
Maybe I overdo it sometimes… But my point is that us homeschoolers are a different breed of people. Everything becomes a learning opportunity, and we find joy in that (as long as Mom doesn’t over-do it).
So although we also enjoy the trends, when choosing what to give our children, we often include educational choices, and things that will enhance our homeschool experience.
Here are a few Christmas gift ideas that homeschoolers will love. I’ve included the current pricing, but please note this is only the pricing at the time of posting.
1. An Aerogarden
We were gifted an AeroGarden a couple of years ago, and we loved it! Being challenged in the gardening department, this was a fool-proof way for us to gain a little confidence and a fantastic way to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It contains everything you need to start your own little garden. It’s very simple to use, with very basic step-by-step instructions, and even has a guarantee if your little plants don’t sprout. You can choose to grow herbs, or other small vegetables. It’s incredibly rewarding and a wonderful way to teach gardening if you find it challenging, or if it’s just not the season.
COST: $99.95
2. An LCD Drawing Board
I’m not crazy about my children being constantly exposed to screens – TVs, computers, tablet, games, etc. So I found that these LCD drawing boards are a great alternative. My children use them for note-taking, doodling, drawing, and as narration reminders when we read together. They take a small battery, so no electricity. I love that we don’t have to remember to charge them, and that they are a fun way to take notes.
COST: $13.99 for 2
3. Modeling Clay
Air dry modeling clay is an exciting way for students to start with one of the arts frequently included in a homeschool curriculum. And since drying clay in a kiln is not always feasible, air drying is the way to go.
COST: $12.95 for 2.2 lbs
4. Pottery and Clay Tools
If you’re getting the clay, don’t forget the tools! As homeschoolers, we take our arts and handicrafts seriously. For the most part, we do not skimp on quality or quantity. This comprehensive set of pottery and clay tools meets both of those requirements. It has 42 different tools to use for clay modeling, carving or ceramics. This brand of tools are made from wood and stainless steel, and are therefore durable and appropriate for all ages.
COST: $32.99 with a 15% off coupon available at checkout
5. A Brand New Book Series
Most homeschoolers LOVE a classic book, or even better – a quality book series. The Blameless is written by a childhood friend of mine, E.S. Christison. I could not be more proud of her for this accomplishment! She is a mom to 7, a nurse, and a beautiful person. She has written this highly-reviewed fantasy series for middle-school aged children. The second book in the series, The Tarnished has just been released and we are so excited to read it!
COST: The Blameless (Hardcover) $27.42
6. An Experience
Every year for their birthdays, I ask my children if they would prefer a gift or an experience. Every time, they choose an experience. Homeschoolers love the opportunity to visit a museum, or state park, an art gallery, or to watch a live orchestra, yet these experiences are sometimes too pricey for a family to consider. Consider giving your favorite homeschooling family an experience, and you can be sure your gift will be enjoyed all year round.
COST: Varies
7. Mad Libs
Don’t ask me why homeschoolers like Mad Libs – we just do! They’re hilarious, they actually teach grammar, they are fun stocking stuffers, and they are the best for road trips and rainy days! There are many different versions, even a Christmas version – so get the one that suits your homeschooling family the best!
COST: $4.99
8. A Microscope
As we begin homeschooling the middle and upper grades, homeschoolers start to collect the tools that they need for their science education. For us, a quality microscope is high on that list. I say “quality” because most places sell microscopes designed for childish entertainment, with lower magnification and simple parts. These are simply not adequate for high school science. These students need a professional microscope and this meets the need. Yes, this one is expensive – and I assure you, it is definitively of the 10 Christmas gift ideas that homeschoolers will love!
COST: $239.99
9. A Minnow Net
Guys, this is inside information. I asked my son, Clark what a homeschooler would want for Christmas, and this was his answer: “A minnow net.” This net would be perfect to those nature trips to the pond or stream, as it is designed to catch minnows and other small fish. It could also be used for bugs, insects, butterflies, etc.
COST: $6.95
10. A Mini Felt Sewing Kit
Last year, I got this kit for my daughter. Without any direction from me, she very quickly made all of the little animals. While making them, she learned how to design the animals in a 3-dimentional format, and she has since applied the knowledge that she has learned with this kit to the sewing of many other and larger animals. I am amazed that this mini felt sewing kit got her creating and sewing so well, and because of my daughter’s success, I strongly recommend this kit to others!
COST: $15.97 (This includes a 31% discount available right now!)
If you are shopping for Christmas presents, I hope my list of 10 Christmas gift ideas homeschoolers will love is helpful. If you need more ideas, possibly for younger children, be sure to read a similar post I made several years ago, Unique and Creative Christmas Gifts for Homeschoolers. Do you have an idea to add? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
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