This is the first year in three that I have not written an article for Beliefnet.com on “spiritually uplifting” children’s gifts for the holidays. Gifts for children tend to be so particular to the individual, and in truth, people were telling me that my gift choices were sometimes too expensive, or that my selections had an added “eat your broccoli” or “Here kid, enjoy this block of wood” quality. I got discouraged. But I can send you to a very helpful sidebar article I compiled in 2004 with wholesome toy websites listed. These are great companies where I’m sure you’ll find wonderful gifts for the child in your life.

And do enjoy those blocks of wood, kiddies. Or just for kicks, play in an oversized cardboard box when your other toys’ AA batteries run out.