elfing it

Here is a little gift exchange idea that I love - this is one I do pretty often, such as this past weekend. We just visited friends for Memorial Day, and we both have toddlers. As parents of young children know, there is a constant need for books. Or perhaps I should say, from your kid's perspective, it's a piece of cake to keep them well stocked in books, because hey, they like to read the same (darn) book every single time. But from the parent's perspective keeping well stocked can be a challenge ... homicidal thoughts may arise when that chubby little hand gives you Elmer the Patchwork Elephant for the 12th time that morning. There are books I have "lost" for months on end. And I don't feel bad about it.

In any case, when I get together with girlfriends whose kids are a similar age, we just trade children's books - sometimes temporarily, but usually we gift them, and they eventually cycle through our entire social circle. It's great for everyone. And used children's books are the BEST idea for an Elfster gift exchange. I live on a cool street with many families that have young children, and we're going to be doing a huge kids book exchange this summer. Those with older kids will clear out the shelves, and those with little ones will reap a bonanza. And everyone will be thrilled.

Try it in your own neighborhood, school or preschool - the process is a wonderful learning experience for small children. They can choose which of their books to gift, and help wrap it. Then they receive a new book, all wrapped. It's fun, teaches generosity, and is green.