Christmas (Commonwealth Union)_The Christmas tradition of exchanging gifts has origins both ancient and modern. Even though the present-day festival of Christmas is an annual tradition commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the custom of exchanging gifts is a product of Victorian inventiveness, ancient Roman merrymaking and medieval interpretations of early Christian narratives.
The ancient history of gift-giving at Christmas
Gift-giving long precedes Christmas, but early in Christian history it came to be associated with the Christian festival.
Gift-giving may have taken place at around the winter solstice in ancient Rome since during this time in December, the Saturnalia holiday was celebrated. Held from 17th to 23rd December, Saturnalia honoured the god Saturn. Festivities incorporated a sacrifice at his temple, including a public banquet, continual merrymaking and private gift-giving.
Here are the rest of the gifts that will entertain girls and boys far beyond the festive season.
Mini arcade claw game
this mini version of the classic claw machine by PowerTRC, A staple in gaming arcades for decades, can be used for years.
Fill the machine with sweets and mini toys, and let the whole family take turns trying to win something. The machine lights up and makes sounds like a full arcade experience and can be used for birthdays parties and other celebrations throughout the year.
Dh254; www.desertcart.ae
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Melissa & Doug Suspend Game
Games that can be played with siblings or the whole family offer a great deal of play value and encourage family time.
this 31-piece suspension game which is best for children aged eight and above, helps developmental skills, hand-eye co-ordination and cognitive reasoning skills as children try to avoid being the one who makes the whole thing tumble down.
Dh91; www.toysrusmena.com
Toomies Bubble & Bake Bathtime
These toys add fun as well as skill development to bath time.
This set is suitable for children aged 18 months and above and encourages little ones to have lots of fun cooking up pots of bubbles.
There are plenty of buttons, nozzles and pumps to turn, twist and push, including a hob that drips water through into the oven and a sink to wash everything up in, developing essential skills.
Dh117.55; www.amazon.ae
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Stepping stones
These hard-wearing but lightweight plastic stepping stones by Meanhdag are perfect for indoor and outdoor play.
Encouraging problem solving, co-ordination, creativity and balance, the stepping stones could be arranged in any way children like, whether between pieces of furniture at home, or across the garden as an obstacle course.
Plus, they stack away to save space.
Dh292.34; www.amazon.ae
Crazy Aaron’s Hide Inside Arcade Adventure Thinking Putty
With several variations of this popular putty available, this option – filled with hundreds of tiny pieces to identify – is ideal for older children.
Finding the correct pieces involves time and concentration, helping to develop patience and hand-eye co-ordination. Plus, it’s easy to slip into a pocket or bag to take out to dinner for a screen-free entertainment option.
Dh53; www.virginmegastore.ae
Play camping set
This camping kit that is ideal for outdoors in the cooler winter weather and easy to set up inside during the summer months, offers plenty of different ways to play.
It comes with 21 pieces of equipment, including a pop-up tent, toy stove and light, cooking utensils and food. Toddlers and older children will love setting up camp with this toy – encouraging independence, creativity and role.
Dh78; www.amazon.ae
Potion-making kit
This gift is ideal for young as well as older children and ticks plenty of play value boxes.
It comes with pots and bags filled with coloured powders and natural herbs, along with sieves, bottles and funnels for mini-scientists to get creative.
The rest is up to the potion-maker, and kids are encouraged to head out into nature to collect things such as leaves, twigs, feathers and flowers to mix into their natural potions for hours of messy, creative play.
Dh131; www.amazon.ae
