"In theory, buying gifts for children is a snap. If they're old enough to talk, but not old enough to ignore you completely, they will likely tell you what they want. And, if your kids run in the same kinds of circles as mine, they all seem to want the same things: fidget rings, slime, a Labubu key chain, a Squishmallow, a Sephora gift card, a digital wad of Robux, a hoverboard, and maybe a puppy."
"I spent years foisting various knitting and bracelet-making projects on a moderately crafty young friend, with varying degrees of success, before stumbling on a loom kit ($33) that locked in perfectly with the warp and weft of her developing brain; she has found a dopamine-delivery system that is almost as reliable as 99 Nights in the Forest, and it is the act of weaving a sturdy, stretchy, rainbow-colored pot holder. (I use all four of mine!)"
Children often request trend-driven items such as fidget rings, slime, Labubu key chains, Squishmallows, Sephora gift cards, Robux, hoverboards, or puppies. Adults seeking bespoke, non-screen gifts risk appearing presumptuous when second-guessing a younger generation's desires. Careful research and experimentation can yield satisfying alternatives. A loom kit ($33) can engage a moderately crafty child, aligning with developmental interests and producing a reliable dopamine-reward loop through weaving sturdy, stretchy, rainbow-colored pot holders. For builders and gearheads, eco-friendly model-house kits like Arckit's four-in-one set and challenging supercar kits such as CaDa's offer screen-free construction and mechanical satisfaction.
Read at www.newyorker.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]