The Little Givers Club is back this December, celebrating the magic of giving during the festive season! We have thoughtfully curated the perfect festive books to highlight the joy of KINDness, sharing, and generosity. Perfect for little readers, each heartwarming story captures the true spirit of the season, inspiring children to spread warmth and cheer to those around them. As you cozy up together with your family, these charming books are a good reminder that even the smallest acts of KINDness can create a ripple of joy. Join us in creating meaningful moments this holiday season with stories that celebrate the power of giving!

 Our Expert for the month is Jennifer Sault, founder and chief cheerleader, Thrift for Good. As a Canadian, Jen has thrifting in her blood. She is passionate about the environment as well as raising funds for children around the world. In all of these roles, she learned that the biggest barrier for great projects is funding. Yet, there are so many wonderful supportive people interested in giving their used items and time to a good cause. Thrift for Good, the UAE's first wide-scale charity thrift shop, brings together everything that Jen loves and she is so excited and passionate about leading this much needed initiative in Dubai.

 For children aged 0-9, guiding them in spreading kindness during the festive season can be a rewarding experience that plants the seeds for empathy, generosity, and compassion. This age group especially responds well to hands-on activities that connect them to the meaning behind giving, and the holiday season offers countless opportunities for meaningful acts of kindness that kids can enjoy.

For the youngest children, ages 0-3, creating something simple yet meaningful is a great way to introduce the spirit of kindness. Parents can help them scribble or stamp on colorful holiday cards, sharing that their artwork will be gifted to neighbors, friends, or even elderly residents at a local care home.

The activity itself is enjoyable for little ones, and with each card they create, parents can gently explain that their art will bring joy to others, showing even the smallest children that their actions can make someone smile.

For kids between 3 and 5, stories of kindness can be especially inspiring. Reading books together that focus on themes of sharing, friendship, and generosity can spark conversations about simple ways they can be kind to others. After story time, parents can encourage kids to think of easy, everyday acts of kindness, like helping around the house, sharing their toys, or giving hugs to family members.

As a holiday activity, creating small decorations, like colorful paper chains or handmade ornaments, is a simple and fun project. Kids love to see their creations admired, and these decorations can be given as gifts or used to spread joy within the home.

By ages 6 to 9, children often become excited about making an impact beyond their immediate family. This is an ideal time for parents to introduce small service activities. Kids at this age can create bookmarks with cheerful messages, which can be included with books donated to those in need.

A family book drive, where gently used books are collected and donated, is also an excellent way to show kids how they can share joy with others. As they gather these items, parents can talk with their children about the importance of spreading the love for reading to others who may not have many books at home.

Parents can also guide kids in baking treats or crafting holiday gifts to share with neighbors, teachers, or family friends. Older children can take pride in participating more directly in the preparation, whether it’s mixing cookie dough or decorating the final treat. Delivering these goodies together gives kids a tangible way to see the positive impact they’re having, allowing them to experience the joy that comes from giving.

Regardless of age, children benefit greatly from the example set by parents. Families can model generosity through small “good deed” challenges, where everyone in the family participates in simple acts of kindness, such as sharing smiles, saying “thank you,” and doing thoughtful things for each other.

These acts help show children that kindness is part of everyday life, and that the holidays are an especially meaningful time to reach out and spread happiness. By making these moments of kindness festive, fun, and age-appropriate, parents can help children build empathy and an appreciation for the joy of giving that they will carry with them long after the holiday season.