Paul Anderson, an associate professor of physics, suggests stocking stuffers that encourage thinking skills, such as small magnifying glasses, simple calculators, and measuring tapes. Children might also enjoy bug-collecting boxes and magnets. Leah McCoy, an associate education professor, put educational software at the top of her list. McCoy said children in grades K-3 might enjoy interactive storybooks, such as those by Living Books. The software helps children develop reading skills and an interest in computers.
Older children can choose books in other languages, such as Spanish and French.
Beverly Hancock, curator of interpretation at the university's Museum of Anthropology, encourages parents to choose gifts from other cultures, such as Chinese sister dolls, Oaxan woodcarvings, handcrafted Southwestern jewelry and daisy chain necklaces from Mozambique. These gifts and others from Indonesia, China, India, Africa and the American Southwest are available at the museum. Then search the News Service's on-line story archive for current news releases and tip sheets, as well as stories dating back to 1996. Stories are listed by title and arranged by date.