I love, love, LOVE your paintings. And your boy is a genius!
My kids strongly believe in Santa so we got to work on our gift making presents. This year I got them things they can be creative with or learn with. My son has a recipe book that fits his age, a lab set where he can make 50 science creations plus how to's list with using household items and a board game. My daughter we got her mermaid tie die kits with shirts and another kit where she can paint different designs on her shirts. My last daughter is still young so we got her interacting toys that work with her fine motor skills , language and emotions. All fun stuff ^_^
Thank you and thank you! My son stopped believing in Santa around 3 yo when he saw his beard was fake. He never liked the idea of getting close to him at the mall, but liked receiving presents. When asked at kindergarten if he wanted to sit on Santa's lap or take a photo with him his answer was: "He's a stranger! Do the other moms know that their kids are sitting on a stranger's lap?" He was just 3!!! lol
Leaning toys or those that boost kids' creativity are always a great addition to the rest of the piles of toys. At least these ones will justify their cost and actually help the kids with something. ;0)
Your son is a smart cookie!
We live in a small town. There is one man that acts as Santa here and the next town over. He has a real white beard and plays the part awesomely. We all know him and knows where he lives so for us he's no stranger. Other places, I do hesitate, so I try to avoid the malls when I have the kids.
Although, the mine where my husband works made a xmas party for the kids. Lots of activities for the kids to do, jump in the bouncy houses, inflatables etc. They brought a santa to give gifts and my daughter (5) told me that he doesn't look like a real santa lol. I told her that he's Santa's assistant since Santa is in another place to visit kids. She was ok with that.
I try to minimize the amount of toys my kids get because picking them up becomes endless! I aim for toys that have less things that go with it. Most of it gets lost anyways. But some I just can't get away from lol. Like legos. Those freakin legos. Those lego slippers I once saw to protect our feet are becoming more and more of an interesting item....