I'm looking for a Christmas gift for my 8-year-old godson who is kind of a loner, a good kid, but not a particularly religious one. I've bought him veggitales videos and Christian cds which he likes, but he already has a million rosaries, bibles, and saints books. Can anyone think of something creative that an 8 year old boy would enjoy that wouldn't just collect dust, but that is religion-themed?
What about doing something together in the spirit of the season like collecting can goods from neighbors and taking it to the local food pantry or buying coats and mittens and donating those to a shelter? Followed, maybe, by a hot chocolate together. I think the activity might be a great way to get closer and show him the kinds of things a good person does.
I don't understand the need to purchase something with a religious theme. Is it just because you are his godmother? I would look to see if their local park district offers gift certificates. This would provide him with the opportunity to choose an activity that was to his liking. Also, it would get him involved in something(since you have concerns about him being a loner).
I see someone already recommended Legos, which was my idea. They have so many models, they must have a nativity scene. That way, it would be a functional toy with a religious theme. Also, some of those Lego sets are pretty complicated, and he might need help, which would be a great way to interact with him on his level. Another idea, which is not necessarily religious, is board or card games. I just came home from a 2-day family gathering and played some VERY fun games of go-fish with my 6 year old niece.
The person below who suggested branching out from just religious items was right on the money. You can foster his faith by taking him to church with you and so on. But you can make him a well rounded person by making sure he is able to relate to his peers. perhaps a book that everyone is reading or a lego that everyone is doing. games and puzzles are great to. or a gift card to go to something like a movie etc that he could bring a friend too. and you take him so it doesn't fall on the parent to follow thru with your gift.
S.
No offense but it sounds like he's already overloaded with religion related things. You need to round out his personality so he isn't so introverted by adulthood. He's already different than most children. He probably needs a party with other kids from his school to help round him out and ut a little balance in his life. He's too young to be a loner. That's a long sad life for a little boy.
Hi M.,
What about historical fiction? Books about other religions/cultures/customs? My kids loved books about deities in antiquity. When he is a litle older, the Wrinkle in Time trilogy,
Good luck!
S. F.
My husband and I try to give our 9 year old godson special gifts that allow us to spend some extra time with him. For example, this year for Christmas we are getting him Bulls tickets. So it will be a Saturday night out for my godson and his godfather (husband). (I have to stay home with our one year old.) Afterwards, he's going to spend the night and then we will all go to church the next morning.
M., What a wonderful godmother you are that you are really thinking about something that will help you interact and get to know you godson better. That is really what it is all about isn't it?
I hear that you want to buy something with a religious based theme. I have worked with children for many years and the acquisition of faith and religion developmentally comes much later for children. It is abstract and they don't start having abstract thinking until they are 11 or 12 years old. You may think other children are very "religious" because they talk about religious issues but they are really repeating what their parents say but don't fully grasp it.
When you say that he is a loner it makes me think that it would be great for him to connect with you. I believe you do that by following a child's interest and becoming involved with them while they are doing it if they invite you. Perhaps you could ask him what he wants or ask his parents. Boys his age love Legos and their are great kits out there. I think the religous part comes in when a child forms a relationship with you and learns about caring, sharing
and seeing you enjoy his company. A.
I'm a godmother to a 6 year old boy. No offense, but why do you ahve to get him something religous? Get him a toy...he's a kid!
