If your baby or toddler will be bringing good cheer to the homes of good friends or family this year, you may be much better able to relax and enjoy the visit with some help from some of these thoughtful gifts for your holiday hosts.
1. Ear plugs
If your baby or young child isn’t likely to make it through the night without sounding her siren, remember that ear plugs always make a thoughtful (and humorous) hostess gift.
2. Silk poinsettias and faux mistletoe
Poinsettias and mistletoe, two very popular holiday plants, are actually toxic. Not so with most silk and synthetic renditions, which can help safely deck your host’s hall. With a little help from Amazon.com, you can even send your bouquet of blossoms or bundle of kisses to arrive in advance of your family (don't forget to include the greeting from your little traveler).
3. In-use outlet covers
Help keep the holidays bright, but safely, with an outlet cover that helps keep electrical cords plugged in where your hosts may want them, whether for floor lamps or holiday lights, but may not be able to otherwise conceal the outlets. These are installed with a simple screwdriver in a matter of minutes, and thereafter the cover snaps on and off with adult hands whenever it’s time to plug in or unplug the Christmas tree.
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4. Door knob covers
Help prevent your toddler from reorganizing your hosts’ home office, pantry, or master suite, without compromising the easy access adults may need to these areas. These door knob covers and temporary “sanity savers” snap over standard doorknobs in seconds, then snap off upon your departure.
5. Flameless candles and tea lights
If your hosts enjoy the glow of holiday candles, but not nearly so much as your curious toddler, consider bringing a gift of flameless candles or battery-operated tea lights (or send them ahead in "joyful anticipation" of your visit). Battery-operated varieties offer the added advantage of no cords and or extra outlets needed. Go as basic as a simple 4" flameless vanilla-scented pillar candle to employ in the guest bathroom, or send a whole trio of flameless candles with holiday greens to light up the holiday table or mantle.
For more gadgets to help keep kids safe during travel, click here. And for more tips on keeping babies and young children safe during holiday visits, watch my recent appearance on ABC's The View from the Bay.
For more info: Check out the sections on "Childproofing On the Go" and "Staying (Safe and Sane) with Friends and Family" in Shelly's book Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children.
About National "Travels with Baby" Examiner Shelly Rivoli: Shelly Rivoli has changed diapers on four continents and is the author of the award-winning family travel guidebook Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children. Find her online at www.travelswithbaby.com - twitter - facebook - www.travelswithbaby.blogspot.com.
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