Advance Newspapers, Michigan (November, 1995)
Not many people are eager to rush in Christmas before we've had time to relish our wonderful American holiday of Thanksgiving. But despite our preferences, the real world of retail hypes the Santa stuff so early that young children get caught up in the frenzy weeks ahead of time. And their excited impatience can make December a loooong month.
Today's suggested solution is a Christmas rubber stamp kit for it accomplishes several things at once. For one thing, it's a wonderful arts-and-crafts package to do with children from small fry to upper grade school. Then, because this creatively sturdy kit supplies everything children need to make their own Christmas cards, it gives them a constructive activity in anticipation of Dec. 25.
But, perhaps most important of all, this "Stamp-A-Christmas" directs children's energy into giving instead of getting. Because this kit's thrust is to make cards for other people, children are reminded that this is a holiday for thinking of others. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, friends--making a card for those people most loved is a Christmas message in itself.
And you won't need to ask twice if your children or grandchildren would like this early Christmas gift. Rubber stamping is one of the hottest hobbies in the country right now. The kit contains 21 different stamp designs, from the angel on the cover to a gingerbread man to holly, "Merry Christmas" and "Seasons Greetings."
The instruction book is clear, simple, and has 16 colored photos to show youngsters what can be done. The ink pad, colored markers and pencils, gold glitter glue, gold thread--it's all here, carefully assembled by Judy Ritchie, Kate Schmidt and Jamie Kilmartin who own the Great American Stamp Store in Westport, Conn.
At $25, "Stamp-A-Christmas" is not cheap. But when you consider the kit holds 12 cards and envelopes, plus cardboard gift tags, the price looks better. The stamps also can be used on a variety of gifts, such as memo pads, stationery, or even T-shirts kids decorate themselves. And isn't it always the handmade presents we hang on to years after store-bought gifts have been forgotten?