As parents, it is clear that there is no greater wonder for us in the world than our children. That is why we try to give them everything they could ever need, right? We give on Mondays, Tuesdays, and every day, we give on birthdays and name days, at Easter and Christmas, and also on Children's Day.

However, when the joy of the first gifts is followed by the accumulation of many trinkets and unwanted toys, practical solutions come to the forefront. Useful gifts for Children's Day from the idea collection of Évi from ManóMenü!

 

Every day is Children's Day?! The history of Children's Day

“Another Americanism,” many people say when Children's Day is mentioned. However, the celebration originates from India, where Jawaharlal Nehru, a scientist and lawyer, and also a supporter of the non-violent movement and former Prime Minister of India, emphasized that the education of children is the key to a country's rise.

His birthday - November 14 - is the original date of Children's Day, but in our country, following the decision of the International Democratic Women's Association in 1949, the celebration of children takes place on the last day of May every year.

 

What NOT to give on Children's Day

It is very common in Hungarian culture for celebrations to be somehow connected with eating, large feasts, and excessive consumption of meat, sugar, and carbohydrates. The proof of this is that today in Hungary, every 5th seven-year-old child has to live with significant overweight. 

These extra pounds not only hinder the acceptance of oneself and the formation of peer relationships but also pose actual health risks. Overweight means excessive strain on the heart, cardiovascular system, bones, feet, and can cause diseases in the long term.

That is why we should not give poor quality chocolates with low cocoa and high sugar and palm oil content on Children's Day. Instead, if we insist, choose smaller-sized chocolates with high cocoa content! Avoid the huge but tasteless ice creams inflated with additives, and rather make sugar-free, naturally flavored versions at home together! If possible, avoid chips, snacks, and fast food, and instead spend quality time together!

 

 

Useful Gifts for Children's Day: 7+1 Great Ideas

1. Fast Food Treats at Home

If the little ones are crazy about fast food, offer them healthier versions made from high-quality ingredients, which we can prepare together! Cornflakes chicken nuggets, homemade hamburgers, or fish & chips are tasks that can be comfortably tackled even with younger children, and the kids will be proud that they cooked.

2. Retro Children's Day

Bring out the slide projector, find the scattered slide films, pop popcorn in a pan, build a fort in the living room or garden, and be kids again! 

3. Camping in the Garden or at Grandma's

This year, the May nights are particularly warm, so a Children's Day camping trip with a campfire, singing, and stargazing is a great idea, even if the garden and tent are only borrowed.

4. Creative Day

For children, the best things are often non-things, and they just want us to spend time with them. That's why, if we want to impress them, often a kilo of clay or household wrapping paper spread on the floor and some finger paint is more than enough. Let's get creative!

5. Treasure Hunt

Organizing a treasure hunt requires a bit more preparation, but the advantage is that during the preparation, we can team up with other parents. Codes, secret messages, hidden trinkets, and the excitement of discovery: a sure hit!

6. Costume Party

Children love to dress up in costumes and explore, play as someone else. This time, let's join the little ones, put on a costume, and spend the whole day in costume! The children will appreciate not only our appearance but also our willingness to cooperate.

7. Excursion

For most of today's children, bus rides, tram rides, or train rides are a huge experience. If we combine all this with a classic backpacking excursion, we can earn numerous accolades. Grab your hiking boots and head to the forest or the Danube Bend!

8. Experience Program

Zoo, museum, exhibition, interactive playhouse, trampoline park, escape room, experience painting, swimming, or go-karting, it doesn't matter: the children will surely talk about it for a long time.

 

When we think of gifting, we usually think of something big, spectacular, and defining. But children (and adults!) need nothing more than love and personalized attention.