Focusing on Educational Gifts and Eco-Friendly Toys on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Did you know that about 25% more trash is generated between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than the rest of the year?
Cyber Monday and Black Friday toy deals are hard to resist. With free shipping, plunging prices, and the holidays just around the corner, who can resist?
Well… maybe you can.
Of course, we’re not suggesting that you deprive your kids of holiday gifts, but rather that by focusing on educational value and environmental impact when it comes to buying things for your child, you’ll feel good about the items you do buy.
Educational Toys and Gifts
First things first. What is an educational toy? Educational toys focus on structured learning and specific developmental objectives, while traditional toys encourage open-ended play and creativity. Both types of toys are valuable to a child’s growth and development.
Educational toys promote learning through targeted objectives, hands-on exploration, cognitive development, and creativity and imagination. Traditional toys may also do these things, but the difference lies in the intention of the designers.
Wondering how to find educational toys for your child?
- Ask your child’s classroom teacher and special ed teachers for gift recommendations.
- Consult the website of the toymaker and look for information on developmental stages, skills, and learning objectives.
- Look for toys that specifically say they encourage reading, math, and science.
One approach is to find stories that show what they’re scared of in a positive or silly way. If they're scared of the dark, choose books that talk about the phases of the moon, or how bats help the environment. If they're worried about witches, choose books whose heroines are kind and use their Halloween powers for good.
Another approach is to only focus on what they like about Halloween. Maybe they love costumes or dressing up, but not scary ones. By learning more about your child's specific fears, you can make the reading experience more enjoyable for them.
Eco-Friendly Toys and Gifts
Some toys are educational and NOT eco-friendly. Some are eco-friendly and NOT educational. Subscription Box Kids aims to be both!
Subscription Box Kids is Educational
Our boxes inspire a love of reading, math, science, and more. Each month, your child will learn skills to support and accelerate their education journey. By being exposed to fun themes, books, and activities, children get curious, have fun, and become lifelong learners. Each monthly box builds on top of the previous one.
The Preschool Box includes a new book, creative crafts, engaging activities, and a Parent Guide to make using the box as easy as possible. The Lil Readers Book Club comes with 3 books your child will love to read over and over again, inspiring crafts, advanced comprehension activities, and a helpful Parent Guide.
Subscription Box Kids is Eco-Friendly
Our boxes feature a minimalist design and no useless packaging. The brown kraft paper included in each box helps keep supplies safe during shipping and doubles as a drop cloth for your child’s projects. Each box is stocked with the exact number of items that your child needs to complete the activity, so there’s no need to purchase a package of pompoms that will go to waste in your art closet.
Interested? Learn how you can use state funds to support your child’s educational journey, freeing up your budget for other educational toys.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying
As tempting as those sales are, it’s important to keep in mind what is most important to you to avoid impulse buying and overconsumption.
Ask yourself: Does my child really need this item? Before making a purchase, assess whether the item is a necessity or a want. Think about if it will add value to your child’s life or education, or if it's something they’ll only use occasionally.
Ask yourself: Is it a good deal? Compare the Black Friday price to the regular price of the item. Research online to see if other retailers are offering similar deals. Consider factors like shipping costs, taxes, and any additional fees.
Ask yourself: Is it good quality? Don't let the low price blind you to the quality of the product. Read reviews and do your research to ensure you're getting a product that will last.
Ask yourself: Do I need to buy it now? If you're unsure about a purchase, consider waiting a few days or weeks. The holiday shopping season often has many sales throughout the year, so you may be able to find a similar deal later on. If you want to shop during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, plan your list early and stick to it to minimize overbuying.
Ask yourself: Is it a sustainable choice? Consider the environmental impact of the product and its packaging. Look for products made from sustainable materials and those that have minimal waste. Avoid buying an item if you think you’ll just return it by mail later, which adds to an item’s carbon footprint.
Ask yourself: Can I afford it? Before making a purchase, determine if it fits within your budget. Buying Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals with money you don’t have is not a deal.
Ask yourself: Will your child like it? When buying gifts, you should feel confident that your child will appreciate and use it multiple times. Consider their interests and needs when making your selection.
By being mindful of your consumption and focusing on eco-friendly and educational gifts this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can provide your children with a valuable education and a lifelong appreciation for the environment.