I have a vast treasure trove of personal holiday memories, but when I hear the word Christmas, it always evokes an image of Victorian folk gripping steaming mugs of cider and singing carols around the piano and children who eyes light up at the sight of a wooden horse or hand stitched dolly. So I'm not sure why on a Christmas two years ago, the most important thing on my list was batteries (in bulk), my house was so well lit NASA could use it as a landmark, and my family was gathered around the television battling alien droids. It hadn't required much effort on my part to choose that game, and it certainly kept everyone occupied, but I couldn't help feeling as though it stole some of the Christmas atmosphere I treasure so much.

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This is not all about the evils of video games but about my quest to recapture quality family time and find more creative ways to entertain my children, which has become more and more challenging in a world fascinated by technology. If your child seems unable to occupy themselves with toys like puzzles, blocks, or books, refuses to play outdoors, or acts as though shutting the game is like being taken off life support, you may have cause for concern. Studies have shown that excessive use of TV and video games may not only lower a child's creative ability and intelligence, but can also lead to violent behavior. So can your child be "unplugged" once they've been exposed? Well my kids still love all the new gadgets, but here are some of my favorite finds for holidays or anytime you want a non-battery operated gift.

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1. Apples to Apples (junior edition)

There are so many terrific board games out there, everyone should have a few to keep kids busy on rainy days. This one is recommended for ages 9+ but my 6 year old plays it and is learning great vocabulary. A judge deals everyone a hand of cards and then shows a card with a descriptive word on it. The players then have to choose a card from their hand that best matches the word. Simple, right? Well after listening to the first passionate argument over whether or not chicken nuggets should indeed be considered "gentle", you'll understand why this game is fun for the whole family.

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Go to Apples to Apples (junior edition) >

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2. K'nex 

I truly believe in having lots of toys around that kids can build with, even if it means stepping on a Lego every once in awhile. K'nex is an awesome construction toy that my kids have used to create magic wands, unusual vehicles, architectural wonders, and yes, unfortunately, some massive weaponry.

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Go to K'nex >

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3. Backyard Tent 

There's something about being out in the dark with a good ole' flashlight that no kid can resist. And although they may insist on sitting in the tent with Gameboys, you still got them outside, right? Who knows? The fresh air might just agree with them!

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Go to Kids' Tents and Pop-ups >

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4. Go organic 

For the Eco-friendly among us (or anyone who looks at a mass produced, garish plastic plaything and thinks--I wonder how much lead is in that?) there are some great companies that sell toys that stimulate the imagination and preserve the planet.

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Go to Organic Toys >

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5. Ice Cream Ball 

Ice cream the old fashioned way, sort of... This camping product by LL Bean is so cool--I really, really want one! (Uh, I mean the kids want one.) Fill the bottom with rock salt and ice, add your ingredients to the ball then just shake and shake and shake. In 20 minutes you have your reward.

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Go to L.L. Bean >

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6. Scrapbooking kit 

If you have a child who plasters their walls with pictures and saves every memento from every outing then why not give them a creative focus for their sentimental tendencies with an album and scrapbook supplies. Arts and craft stores can provide you with everything they need for a great memory book.

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Go to Michael's Arts & Crafts >

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7. Wrapping it up  

I hope this inspires some ideas on how to think "outside the box" when it comes to holiday gifts that foster imaginative play; even if it means giving just the box! Your kids might not even notice that they've been "unplugged".

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