Table of Contents
Why are gifts important for kids?
Should Diwali gifts for kids be age-appropriate?
Should Diwali gifts be gender-neutral?
Top Diwali Gifts According to Themes
Introduction
There were times when boxes of dry fruits and Sohan Papdi used to pass off as Diwali gifts, and we, as children, used to scramble for those, much to the chagrin of our angry mothers. But times have changed. In an age of consumerism, fancier gifts have become the norm. Competition among kids as to who gets the more expensive gifts is also rife.
In an age of Playstations and Tablets, one cannot help but wonder if there is any value left for unique Diwali gifts - ones that would pique their curiosity in the ways of the world, make them interested in the magical forces of nature and generally help them to hone their analytical skills?
And, before you think that I am talking about the same old boring books and learning enablers as Diwali gifts for kids, think again. There are plenty of toys in the market that combine learning with fun to offer a unique play experience. But more on that later.
For now, let’s look at the things you must keep in mind while thinking of Diwali gift ideas.
Why are Gifts Important for Kids?
In many religious traditions, gifting is important. For instance in Christianity, it is believed that the wise men brought gifts for Baby Jesus. In Hinduism too, Diwali has a long tradition of giving gifts. Undoubtedly, giving gifts has several psychological benefits for kids.
Experts are of the opinion that gift-giving plays a pivotal role in a child's emotional and social development, offering a multitude of invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the act of exchanging presents. These can be summarised as follows:
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Empathy:
Through the process of choosing and presenting a gift, children learn the essential quality of empathy, understanding the joy that their thoughtful gestures can bring to others. -
Care for Others:
The gifting experience also fosters genuine care for someone else, teaching kids the importance of considering others' feelings and needs. -
Contemplation:
Furthermore, the act of selecting a gift prompts children to contemplate the recipient's preferences and interests, enhancing their ability to empathise and connect with others on a deeper level. -
Positivity:
Witnessing the happiness that their gift brings not only elicits a profound sense of fulfilment but also boosts their confidence, reinforcing their understanding of the positive impact they can have on the people around them. -
Gift of Grace:
Additionally, observing the recipient's reactions teaches children grace and gratitude, providing valuable lessons in receiving gifts with appreciation and humility. -
Compassion:
Overall, the act of gifting nurtures essential life skills, compassion, and emotional intelligence, shaping kids into empathetic and gracious individuals.
Should Diwali gifts for kids be age-appropriate?
Many parents ask if gifts should be age-appropriate or not. At Smartivity, we believe that gifts, especially toys, should always be age-appropriate. This is because, toys apart from offering infinite playtime also help children develop cognitive skills, motor skills and analytical ability. Here is a list of the types of toys that can be gifted as per the developmental milestones of each age:
Infancy (0-2 years):
Infants experience rapid physical and sensory development. They learn to crawl, walk, and talk. Socially, they develop attachment to caregivers and begin to understand emotions like trust and fear. As such, toys that stimulate them should be given as gifts. These include rattles, rings, squeeze toys, soft toys, balls, etc.Early Childhood (2-6 years):
This stage is marked by significant language development, motor skills refinement, and the beginning of social interactions. Children start to play with others, learn basic social rules, and develop a sense of identity.Activity kits are perfect for such kids. Smartivity has a range of activity kits that help in building foundational skills. Foundational skills are those that help in building the basic building blocks for learning. These skills include counting skills, reading skills, etc. Some of the best activity kits from Smartivity include Smart Busy Box, Preschooler All-Rounder Kit, Colour Carnival, Jungle Explorer, and such like.
Middle Childhood (6-12 years):
Also known as the latency stage, this period sees the refinement of motor skills, cognitive development, and the growth of social relationships. Children start school, learn to read and write proficiently, and form relationships with peers.This is the time that you should think about giving them construction toys or DIY toys. DIY toys are easy to assemble and fun to play with. Not just that, assembling a DIY toy helps in developing analytical skills among children.
Adolescence (12-18 years):
Puberty marks the onset of adolescence. There is rapid physical growth, hormonal changes, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Adolescents gain independence, form a sense of identity, and explore their values and beliefs. They establish more complex relationships and often challenge authority figures.This is the time when playing with toys turns into lifelong hobbies. This is also the perfect age to introduce kids to theme-based toys, experiment kits, and interactive games that involve strategy-making and collaborating with peers. Smartivity offers space toys, games, mechanical marvels, speedy vehicles, technology-enabled toys that are perfect for such young adults.
Should Diwali gift ideas be gender neutral?
The question of whether toys for kids should be gender-neutral is a topic of ongoing debate. Many argue that toys should be gender-neutral to promote equality and prevent reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. By offering children a diverse range of toys without strict gender categorization, they have the freedom to explore their interests and develop skills without feeling limited by societal expectations.
Gender-neutral Toys:
Gender-neutral toys can encourage creativity, foster inclusive play, and promote a more balanced development in children. For example, both boys and girls can benefit from toys that promote building, problem-solving, and nurturing skills, regardless of traditional gender associations.On the other hand, some argue that there's nothing inherently wrong with toys designed specifically for boys or girls, as long as children have the option to choose toys based on their interests rather than being restricted by gender norms. Additionally, some children may naturally gravitate toward toys that align with traditional gender stereotypes, and that choice should be respected as well.
Ultimately, the push for gender-neutral toys reflects a broader societal effort to challenge rigid gender norms and promote inclusivity. Providing a wide variety of toys and allowing children to choose based on their interests and preferences can support their individual development while encouraging a more inclusive and equal society.
Smartivity is one of the very few brands offering gifts for Diwali 2023 that are entirely gender-agnostic. This means that you no longer have to spend hours searching for gender-appropriate Diwali gifts for kids in India. Just explore Smartivity pages and choose a toy you might feel will appeal to your little one.
Top Diwali Gifts According to Themes
From space toys to games from mechanical marvels to experiment kits, toys should be such that they appeal to the sensibilities of young minds. Here are some themes to choose from:
Mechanical Toys:
These toys would appeal to those who are scientifically inclined and like to understand the nitty-gritty of gears, levers and pulley systems. Here are three awesome mechanical toys from Smartivity that can double up as great Diwali gifts for girls and boys.- Mechanical Hand: Wondering how hands move? How do ligaments pull? And how tendons connect? Our mechanical hand has all the answers. This easy-to-put-together DIY toy introduces kids to the fundamentals of the anatomy of hands and their functions like gripping, pinching, gesturing and building objects. Based on concepts of biomimicry and momentum transfer, this toy would surely be your kid’s new favourite.
- Hydraulic Crane: Let your young one don on their construction hat with the fun-to-operate DIY Hydraulic Crane machine toy. Build, stack and wreck with this wooden construction crane that teaches the science behind hydraulic power in a fun and engaging way.
- Hydraulic Plane Launcher: Witness your kid’s imagination soar with the Hydraulics Plane Launcher Toy. This is a complete DIY kit based on STEM concepts to imbibe the right learning skills and teach kids the basics of hydraulics. Trust us when we say your kids will have too much fun with this one!
Science Kits:
Children who love chemistry would surely find Smartivity’s exclusive range of experiment kits to be fascinating. These kits are great to learn reactions of acids, bases, polymers etc. Some of the best Diwali gifts include:- Magic of Science Kit: As a lover of all things magical, we know the power that comes from understanding the natural world around us. The Magic of Science kit allows your little ones to explore the mysteries of chemistry and physics with interactive experiments and engaging activities. With the Magic of Science kit, the possibilities are endless. Not only will your kid have a blast experimenting and learning, but they will also develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Who knows? They might just discover the next breakthrough in science!
- Electro Play Lab: Introduce your child to the fundamentals of electricity, conductors and insulators with the Electro PlayLab and Volt-E. Designed around the 3 C’s of Electricity - Charges, Current and Circuits - along with the joys of playing with an action figurine, this cool new DIY electricity game board will have your little one hooked!
- Glow in the Dark: Conduct 20 glowsome experiments. Make your own UV Lamp, Phosphorescent Spinner and other Glow-in-the-Dark concoctions. Experience the phenomenon of Chemiluminescence, Phosphorescence and Fluorescence. Do all these with Smartivity Glow in the Dark kit - an awesome Diwali gift for girls.
Space Toys:
These are for the little astronauts in the making. Surely the success of Chandrayaan-3 has gotten the whole nation interested in the exploration of deep space. Children have suddenly become interested in how space rockets are launched? How soft landing of a launcher is achieved? What do rovers do? Here are some top products to be considered as Diwali gifts for 2023.- Space Rocket: Inspire your tiny tot to reach for the stars with our Blast-off Space Rocket Toy - a DIY toy kit that allows kids to build their own rocket and launch space missions. Built around the concept of STEM-based learning, this astronaut toy teaches kids about the mechanism of how rockets function. Concepts such as elastic energy, gravity and weight come to life through fun-filled activities and challenges that your kids will simply adore.
- Space Rover: Move aside NASA, as the Smartivity Space Mission Rover is here. Watch your little one create their own space rover, complete with an astronaut, and dive into the fascinating world of space. This STEAM toy also helps little ones master the mysteries of gears, friction and elasticity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tradition of exchanging toys as Diwali gifts holds profound significance. Not only do toys bring immense joy and excitement to children, but they also serve as powerful tools for learning and growth.
By providing children with toys that cater to their interests and curiosity, we encourage them to explore, create, and imagine, fostering essential skills and knowledge in the process. Diwali, the festival of lights, becomes even more meaningful when we recognize that the gift of toys illuminates young minds, sparking a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
So, this Diwali, let's celebrate the spirit of giving by sharing toys, the perfect gifts that not only bring smiles but also pave the way for a brighter, more enlightened future for our children.
