GreatfulMoments.com | Helping Santa Load the Sleigh
One of the most exciting parts of watching children grow is seeing them step into new seasons of life. Which is where we are with Charlie as he turns 19 this year and also my nephew Jason who is in Middle School now. I just wish I had thought about creating a Self -Care basket for Charlie and his friends when they entered Middle School but I didn’t and it isn’t to late to make one now so this is one of the Gifts Charlie and Jason will receive this year.
As I’ve been working on our Thanksgiving and Christmas Gift Guides, I’ve been thinking about Charlie and my nephews and how quickly children grow up. One minute they’re little boys playing with toys, and before you know it, they’re heading into middle school, or driving a car and living out of State discovering new interests, and becoming more independent.
And don’t even get me started on how quickly Charlie grew up! It seems like yesterday I was homeschooling him through Cates Homeschooling, and now he’s a teenager getting ready for another chapter in his life. Where does the time go? Now he is staying in Hobart, Oklahoma.
These middle school years are full of changes. Boys are learning more about themselves, figuring out new routines, and discovering what it means to take on more responsibility. When we think about gifts for boys, we often think about video games, sports equipment, clothing, and electronics.
But what about the everyday things they need? That’s where the idea of creating a middle school care basket for boys comes in. Although we’re including these baskets in our Thanksgiving and Christmas Gift Guides, I want families to remember that a care basket doesn’t have to be a holiday gift.
It can be given for a birthday, the beginning of a school year, a special accomplishment, or simply because someone needs a little encouragement. A care basket is a simple way to remind a young person that they’re supported. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be expensive. And it certainly doesn’t have to come from a department store.
Sometimes a few thoughtful items from Dollar Tree can make a wonderful gift. Because it’s not about how much we spend. It’s about showing someone that we care. Which is what I would like to remind parents, Aunts, Uncles and grandparents of today as we go into the #Holiday Season.
When putting together a care basket for a middle school boy, I would start with practical items he can use every day. Things like deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, a comb or brush, lip balm, and a pair of comfortable socks. We could also include a notebook, pencils, pens, or other school supplies.
And because we’re talking about growing boys, I think a favorite snack would be a welcome addition! LOL! If you’re creating a basket for someone you know personally, you can make it even more special by adding something connected to his interests. Maybe he enjoys gaming, sports, music, drawing, or reading.
A small gaming accessory, sports-themed notebook, sketchpad, or book could make the basket feel more personal. The goal isn’t to fill the basket with expensive gifts. It’s to let him know someone thought about him. You could even ask the family to add to the basket with a note for the young man receiving the gift.
Sometimes I think we forget that boys need encouragement, too. They’re growing up in a world where they’re expected to become independent, learn new responsibilities, and figure things out for themselves. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need someone cheering them on.
They need to hear:
I believe in you. I’m proud of you. You matter. You are loved.
And sometimes, hearing those words can mean more than anything we could buy. A simple handwritten note tucked inside a care basket might become the most meaningful part of the gift.
As our family has been talking about creating Thanksgiving and Christmas care packages for local shelters, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to include boys in those plans. We’ve already been discussing personal care baskets for women and teenage girls, including the Natracare products we previously reviewed.
But boys need everyday necessities, too. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could prepare baskets for middle school boys right alongside the baskets we’re creating for girls? We could gather shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, and other personal care necessities. Then we could add a little encouragement card reminding each child that someone cares about them.
I’d especially love to have some of these supplies ready before Thanksgiving. The holidays can be difficult for families facing unexpected circumstances, and having personal care necessities available can make one less thing for them to worry about which I can’t wait to share with Charlie and David.
Before donating, we’ll contact local shelters and community organizations to find out what they need, what ages they serve, and whether they prefer individual baskets or unopened supplies. That way, we’re helping in a way that’s useful to the families receiving the donations.
Now, you know our family is helping Santa load the sleigh this year! And while Santa is busy making sure everyone gets their toys and presents, I think we need to remind him that practical gifts deserve a spot in that sleigh, too. A middle school boy might be hoping for a new video game, basketball, or pair of shoes. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But adding a personal care basket can be a thoughtful way to give him something useful while showing him how much he’s loved. You could wrap the basket in clear gift wrap, tie it with a ribbon, and place it under the tree. Or you could use a small reusable storage container, backpack, or toiletry bag instead of a traditional basket. That way, the container becomes part of the gift. And if you’re creating baskets to donate, you can keep the decorations simple so the supplies are easy for organizations to distribute.
One of the things I loved about homeschooling Suzanne and Charlie was having opportunities to teach lessons that weren’t always found in textbooks. Kindness. Compassion. Helping others. And learning that we don’t have to have a lot of money to make a difference.
Creating care baskets is something families can do together. Younger children can help choose supplies. Older children can help organize the baskets, compare prices, or write encouragement cards. And teenagers can learn about the needs of families in their own communities.
It’s a wonderful reminder that Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t just about what we receive. They’re also about what we can give. As children grow, they need more than school supplies, clothing, and electronics. They need reminders that they’re loved, encouraged, and capable.
Whether you’re creating a basket for your son, grandson, nephew, a family friend, or a young person in your community, the message is the same. You matter. You are valued. Someone sees you. Someone cares about you. And you deserve to feel confident as you continue growing into the person you’re meant to become.
This Thanksgiving and Christmas, I hope our family can turn some of these ideas into meaningful gifts for children and families who need a little extra kindness. Because sometimes the smallest gifts carry the biggest blessings. Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Join Our Holiday Care Basket Inspiration– Our family is exploring ways to create Thanksgiving and Christmas care packages for women, girls, and boys through local shelters and community organizations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. If you’d like to create a care basket, contact a local shelter, school counselor, church, or community organization to learn which items they currently need and accept. Remember, these gifts can be shared throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
Helping Santa Load the Sleigh — One Act of Kindness at a Time!
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
