You look at your watch and then up to see the long line of people in front of you waiting to see the man in red.
Other people’s children are crying, tugging at their parent’s hand but many appear as though they’ve just consumed 20 candy canes right before they arrived.
Your kids are chatting non stop and you wonder why you promised that they could see Santa today. All this hell for a three minute visit!
It’s going to be worth it this year, I promise.
Especially since you now have a secret weapon!
We’ve found a way to make Santa visits, and even the line up, much less arduous and a lot more memorable.
With our little trick, Santa’s response will be more than you’d hoped for.
I swear, after using this secret we got double the time with Santa than most and his face really did light up like a Christmas decoration. He chatted to the kids more than any other Santa we’ve met, ahem, I mean any other visit with the jolly man we’ve had. *wink*
Miss Possum started the tradition last year when she decided Santa deserved a gift. We delivered a very special feather (see below) in person for the annual Santa photo.
The line was really long that year but somehow having a gift for Santa made the wait all worth it. It flew by as we talked about what we would say to Santa about our gift, and what he would say back. I didn’t even notice other children!
Try this little trick and you’ll be guaranteed a better experience than you’ve ever had before. If you’re not sure what to give Santa, here’s a few inspiring ideas below you might like to try. Choose one with your kids for this years visit.
Simple Gifts for Santa
So many wonderful gifts for Santa Claus!
1. A special piece of nature
Find a stunning or special object you found in nature. Last year I collected a wedge-tailed eagle feather from work and that was to be Santa’s gift. We printed out our Wildlife Christmas Tags and tied a simple red ribbon onto the feather. It was perfect!
2. Mini Pine Cone Wreaths
I love this mini wreath. I think Santa would really love it too!
3. Wildlife Drawing
There’s nothing like a beautiful piece of wildlife artwork. Draw it and then put it in a nice frame for Santa.
4. Twiggy Christmas Trees
There’s something that draws me to this ornament. It’s so simple, yet so beautiful. I’m sure Santa would feel the same.
5. Etched Birch Ornaments
Aren’t these so lovely. I wonder how hard it would be to etch a Santa in one of them? I want to try this one year.
Etched Birch Ornaments
6. Animal Lamingtons
It’s obvious Santa likes treats! Don’t these look adorable (and delicious)?!
7. Leaf and Button Christmas Trees
Santa will adore these!
Leaf and button Christmas trees (source)
8. Candy Cane Clingers
A candy cane gift complements Santa and his big red suit perfectly. I think he’d enjoy the animals clinging to them
too(free to print).
9. Star Twig Ornaments
This is one of my favourite Christmas nature ornaments and I think Santa would be very pleased if he received this as a gift.
Star Twig Ornament
10. Christmas layered leaf tree
So simple to make, but so beautiful. Santa will love this. If not Santa, Rudolf would love it as a pretty snack to eat!
11. Pine Cone Christmas Tree
Santa may be a little over Christmas trees by the end of Christmas but you’re giving yours before he delivers the presents so he should love the creativity of this pine cone Christmas tree. I know I do!
How wonderful were these gifts for Santa Claus. So many ideas to choose!
When Miss Possum gave the wedge-tailed eagle feather to Santa, he was genuinely touched. It was quite a simple but rare gift and I think those are the best.
It was lovely to watch Miss Possum thinking of others and getting joy out of gift giving herself!
I love the idea of giving a gift to Santa, go Possum! Maybe this would help us get at least one Santa photo where the kids aren’t bawling. It’s becoming a family tradition!!
Oh no Jo. I hope you had better luck this year. Yes, the present might help keep their mind off that scary big red man. lol
So many things here I want to try Penny…thanks for the collection of inspiration and ideas!! And I love that Chrissy pic!!
such cool ideas & what a touching story, how lucky is that Santa. gorgeous photo & definitely one that will be treasured.
It will be. I wonder if the wedge tailed eagle feather is being treasured in the north pole too.
That is such a thoughtful thing to do! Lovely gift ideas too 🙂
What a sweet gift and so many gorgeous ideas shared here! Love it 🙂
So looking forward to making some of these with my son, I want to make the tree pine cone.
Me too, it’s one of my favourites!
Adore nature crafts at Christmas. Thanks for including one of mine Penny!
You’ve always got brilliant ideas Kelly. I can’t help but feature yours!
Great collection of ideas and I love the Aussie ones. 🙂
What a gorgeous collection of ideas and I love it that Santa is holding the feather in the pic!! Lovely 🙂
Well spotted Deb. It’s hard to see the feather in there!