There has been much ado on social media lately about Pinterest Moms. It seems you have to pick a side: the over the top Mom that decorates for every holiday on the calendar, complete with magical gift giving myths, surprise breakfasts and much “stuff” or you have to hate the “Pinterest Mom” and all she stands for, insisting that no one in life is throwing daily parties and making everything beautiful and kids need to get used to that now.
I…fall somewhere in the middle. I absolutely believe I go over the top in some ways…and in others I cannot be bothered. I don’t care if you pose your Elf on a Shelf in elaborate scenes every night, dye your toilet water green for St. Patrick’s Day or spend weeks making beautiful teacher gifts and Valentine’s for your child to hand out. I might end up doing some of these things. I might not. My Mom was definitely into making things special as a kid, and I don’t think I “expect” more as an adult. I will stress that my Mom’s brand of special veered away from material things and was more in “memory” of it all (heart shaped pancakes on Valentine’s Day, green milk for St. Patrick’s Day) but at the same time: I’d say I’m a pretty normal adult. I do think the current generation is really into celebrating every holiday under the sun, which I blame in part on disposable income, Hallmark, and other consumer goods companies. Why buy regular paper towels if you can get ones with Easter eggs on them?!
But one place I am trying to stand firm for as long as I can is material excess when it comes to toys for Gracie. She can have as many books and puzzles as she pleases, but no child needs shelves upon shelves of toys. She probably already has more than she needs- and I only forsee it getting worse as she gets older. For Christmas B and I worked hard at maintaining a tree that could be conqured and wasn’t filled with every toddler toy known to mankind. For Easter I’m keeping it simple- Gracie isn’t old enough for candy, and I don’t think she’d really “get” plastic Easter eggs right now- next year for sure she can hunt them. This year her basket has a toy, some books, and one practical (affiliate links, heads up):
1. One BuckleyBoo Monkey. Girlfriend loves buckles so I’m hoping this toy is a big hit.
2. Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton. B picked this up for Gracie when he discovered a Boyton book she didn’t already have.
3. Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle. Gracie is super into her Eric Carle slide book “Brown Bear” and Mama is a wee bit tired of reading it. I’m hopeful this is a good addition for the rotation.
4. A summer sleep sack by Aden & Anais. In the winter we are partial to the thick Halo versions (sherpa, the cable knit or fleece ones) but for summer we need something light and airy.
To me this is a perfect Easter basket: one toy, two books, one practical. I know her Gigi and her Grandma have picked up a few things for her as well (books and summer outfits) which frankly, is more than enough. In the future she’ll get a little candy and a chocolate bunny, but I hope to make holidays fun without being about gifts.
