The Best Holiday Gift for Your Kid That's Actually for You

Alert! Alert! Hanukkah is earlier than ever this year! We have the ultimate gift list (2-day Prime delivery included). Plus, a truly thought provoking piece on how to raise generous children. It’s a must read. And: why researchers now say keeping your toddler in a crib until age three makes for a happier and well rested household.

It’s all right here, in our Well-Rounded Weekly Links

1. Mamas, Hannukah is early this year

If you haven’t started shopping yet you have like three days to get in gear. Luckily, our friends over at Motherly have put together the ultimate Hannukah gift guide making shopping a breeze for us last-minute folks. And yes, many of the items are available on Amazon, so they’ll be here in time… if you hurry!

2. A gift for yourself, too

We also might have found the most amazing holiday gift for your kid that’s really for you this week, too. Dyson now sells a vacuum cleaner for kiddos that actually works and it’s less than $30. What is this magic?! Buy it for your little one this holiday season, then prop your feet up while you watch them do all the work for once, huh?

3. Focus on generosity

In this season of giving, we’re thinking a lot about how to help our children become generous, caring and empathetic people. This timely WaPo piece describing three ways to raise generous kids really struck a chord with us this week, and we hope it does with you, too. These days more than ever, we could all use some extra kindness and generosity.

4. Crib sleeping is a smart move

If your toddler is still sleeping in a crib, that’s totally okay and probably even better for both of you. According to some new research, kiddos who stay in their crib until age 3 get more sleep, and that means you get more sleep. The study found crib sleeping is linked to going to bed earlier, falling asleep faster and less night time wakings.

5. Embrace disappointment

Reese Witherspoon spoke some truth this week when she admitted she gives her kids tough love, and we’re 100% here for it. “Guess what, kids? You’re going to be disappointed and uncomfortable once in a while,” Witherspoon said in an interview. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, and we’re so happy to see other mamas — even famous movie star mamas — admit that!