While spiritual preparations for the birth of Christ are much more important, perhaps you, like me, are fielding questions of what gifts your children would like from relatives.
After 4 kids, it takes a lot for me to get excited about a baby item. I cannot function well amidst clutter so I usually loathe to add any more stuff to our home. Yet, grandparents often insist on getting something for the little guys who would rather eat the wrapping paper. I try to abide by the rule, “Is is beautiful and/or useful?” (preferably both).
So here is my new favorite toy and gift recommendation: the Chew Beads necklace. They are quite pricey when you consider how many diapers you could buy for the cost of a necklace, but it does make a fun, special gift!
I have it in turquoise and find myself wearing it whenever I leave the house, at mass, and when I’m in the house in running clothes so our little 7.5 month old teething buddy can chew on it. I like the one with both big and little beads, mixed. It is also super useful for trying to get him to finish a feeding or stay in one place when changing a diaper while there is a three ring circus going on around him! Cute and useful!