Ms. Smarty Pants

I love and hate this time a year. I love shopping for my family and buying them gifts. For the past 4 years because of college and unemployment, I wasn't able to give gifts to family, but this year I can. I already have purchased my Sister-in-law's gift and I think I know what I'm getting my brother. And then we get to the annoying overly smart 4 year-old.

My niece was born with natural smarts. Additionally, as a testament to her mother's great parenting skills, Little Olivia has been molded, shaped and given every opportunity to grow. My SIL has taught Olivia way beyond her age level. And there in lies the problem. I was out shopping last night with a friend. While in the "toy" section I found toys that said they were appropriate for a 4 year-old, except not my 4 year-old...which then leads me to trying to guess the smarts age for my niece. Should I get her age 5 stuff? Age 6? I want stuff that will challenge her yet at the same time be enjoyable to her. Most sadly is that I used to be able to send her cardboard boxes and crayons and she was happy. Not any more.

On Tuesday I won a little plush Mustang from my junior college prize bin. I'm going to send her that, but as to the rest of Christmas - not a clue. Hopefully my father and I can figure this out.