Shopping for New Shoes

Posted on: 28 April 2021

Many parents will have a plethora of animal plushies and picture books for their children, usually packing a few in the car or diaper bag for entertainment or comfort out in public. But even if you don't have kids of your own (or your kids are already older), having a child's picture book with a matching plushie is a smart move. Here are three reasons why: 

1. You'll always have a last-minute gift.

You're busy, and unless that's going to change anytime soon, it is always handy to have a gift on hand for a shower or child's birthday. Those events can sneak up on you, and if you keep a nice gift around you won't have to squeeze a shopping trip into an already packed week. Having a plushie of a book character can make reading extra fun, so any mother-to-be or young niece or nephew would be delighted to receive a giraffe plushie and children's book set as a gift. A gift like that is also gender-neutral, which is a huge plus.

Even if you don't have friends having babies or any nieces or nephews, you can always keep this gift around for the holidays and donate it to organizations that collect gifts for needy families. It's is a great way to serve your community. 

2. You can be the cool aunt, uncle, or friend.

Young children can be intimidating sometimes, especially if you don't have much experience with children that age. So, if you hesitate to invite your friends or siblings with toddlers over to your place in fear of the little kids not liking you and being bored, you can make sure you keep a couple of fun toys and books at your place. New toys and books at other people's homes are always more interesting to young children, so you will already have an advantage.

Toddlers do take time to warm up to people sometimes, so if that leaves you unsure of what to do, a plushie and children's book set could be the perfect way to break the ice. Giving them the animal to hold will help them feel comfortable, and you can generate interest in the book by showing them the same giraffe on the page. Eventually, the toddler will likely warm up to you. 

3. You will always be ready to help out a struggling parent.

Everyone has seen a toddler throwing a tantrum in public while the desperate parent pleads with them to calm down. With a giraffe plushie and children's book set tucked away in your bag or car, you can be a savior to some struggling, tired parent. You can help a toddler in church stay quiet, distract a wild child on a bus or plane, or simply make a new little friend, giving their parents a short break from the constant nagging. The world is overflowing with judgment these days, and this could be a way for you to spread a little more kindness. 

Even if you don't have young kids of your own, having a couple of child toys around is a good idea. Check out a place that sells plushies and children's book sets near you for some ideas.