<p>I’m soon to become a great aunt for the third time over. Reading that statement out loud makes me sound approximately 150 years old. Thus begins my campaign for a new moniker.</p>
<p>My husband Brian refers to himself as a “Gruncle” which sounds both endearing and grumpy at the same time. “Graunt” doesn’t have quite the same ring, though. Graunt sounds more like a noise you make when you have indigestion.</p>
<p>Titles aside, I am loving my new role to the sweet little cherubs in my world. What a gift new life brings to everyone the family surrounding the birth or adoption of a child! Experiencing the firsts of childhood without the nervousness of being a first-time parent is thrilling. I understand now the joy that dances in grandparents’ eyes.</p>
<p>I also understand the temptation to purchase every product, toy, clothing item and special treat imaginable for that child. All too often our adoration leads to overspending. Even if we have the funds to cover the generosity we feel, young parents can end up overwhelmed with too much stuff before their infant even turns one.</p>
<p>Channel your enthusiastic exuberance into gifts that really matter. You have the power to make an impact on the life of child for decades to come when you think through your spending. These ideas can help you do just that.</p>
<p>Books</p>
<p>Reading is the greatest of gifts. And buying books does more than stock the library of a youngster. Reading to a young child develops their brain cells and vocabulary. The practice also builds strong bonds between parents and children. When you give a child a book, you speak life into their minds, hearts and relationships.</p>
<p>Want to save a few bucks when you buy? Head to your favorite warehouse store like Sam’s Club or Costco. Both feature seasonal and best-selling children’s reads, even board books, at a discounted rate.</p>
<p>College funds</p>
<p>Children under the age of 5 rarely remember the gifts they’ve been given. Few of us can recall specific presents we were gifted years ago. During the early years of life especially, it’s wise to contribute to a college fund, instead.</p>
<p>Indiana features one of the very best CollegeChoice 529 programs. You can contribute as little as $10 at a time. The money grows tax deferred and withdrawals for qualified educational expenses are tax-free. Best of all, you can get up to a $1,000 tax credit for contributing. It’s like giving a gift to both the child and yourself. Ask the parents if such an account is established yet. You can find plenty of information at CollegeChoiceDirect.com.</p>
<p>Gift cards</p>
<p>It’s difficult to know what toys a family already owns or which sizes a child currently wears. If you find yourself at a loss for what to buy, gift cards help your favorite little ones buy the items truly needed.</p>
<p>This rings especially true when children get a bit older. When you share your generosity through gift cards, they have purchasing power to bring home what they truly love. As an added bonus, he or she also learns early lessons of money management. Don’t feel like you need to put copious amounts of cash on the card; $5 still feels like a treasure trove when you’re a kid.</p>
<p>Practical gifts</p>
<p>Babies are a blessing! But babies are also expensive. Diapers, wipes, special gear, food, bottles and more — there always seems to be something else to buy. Rather than splurging on cute little booties or a onesie that won’t fit next week, look into purchasing items a little more practical.</p>
<p>But, be sure to ask parents if there are specific brands to buy or stay away from. Respect their choices or find another product instead.</p>
<p>Snacks</p>
<p>When our girls were young, nothing made them happier than a visit from their grandparents. Their arms were always filled with the practical items mentioned above upon arriving at our door. But what mattered most to the girls were the special snacks and treats hidden in the bags of everyday items.</p>
<p>Name brand cereal, favorite cookies and even their best-loved crackers: all of these goodies elicited squeals of delight. The way to a child’s heart is through their stomach, after all.</p>
<p>Experiences</p>
<p>Things are fleeting. This year’s “it” toy will someday be donated or passed along. However, memories last forever. Time spent is never wasted. Consider planning a special day in lieu of giving a gift to a child you love.</p>
<p>You may also want to think of investing in a membership to a local museum or zoo. Or perhaps you could buy movie theater tickets or passes to a local miniature golf course. Whether you drive go karts, play skeeball, or simply visit a nearby park, the gifts of experience won’t clog up a child’s closet. Better yet, they fill hearts with love and wear everyone out so they sleep well at night. No parent will pass on a gift like that.</p>
<p>Gifts of intention far outpace trendy toys and tiny togs. Strategic generosity outlives a moment’s thrill and invests well into the future. Thoroughly think through how you might be a blessing and build a future for the little ones you love.</p>
