Big Things in Small Packages
Posted on Dec 09, 2009
Now that we are fully engulfed in the frenzy of the holiday season you may be hinting in your letters to Santa that “big things come in small packages.” Usually that ditty is a thinly veiled reference to receiving expensive jewelry or other small but high-priced treasure. Imagine this saying from the perspective of value and not of expense.
Alfred Carlton Gilbert knew a few things about packages and the marketing of his creations to his favorite audience - children! When you engage children in even a short discussion about the gifts they long for this holiday season, toys quickly become “Exhibit A.” In the early 20th Century A.C. Gilbert had his finger on the pulse of American boys. As a magician, inventor, Olympic pole vault specialist and the holder of a doctorate from Yale, A.C. Gilbert was first and foremost a boy. Through his leadership the Gilbert Company manufactured many high quality toys including, chemistry sets, magic sets and trains. However, his reputation was built upon just one toy. In a sturdy, simple, painted box he packaged what he simply called the Erector Set. “Hey Boys, Make Lots of Toys!” was right on the box. I remember opening one of those captivating boxes to discover all the girders, nuts, bolts, guy wires, pulleys and motors necessary for endless fun. The toy was new with each project.
Think of the punch packed in some other small “boxes.” Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address lasted just two minutes. Or consider the lightning bolt. Generally such electrical discharges arc from ground to cloud and measure a mere one inch in diameter. Yet, these displays heat the air to nearly 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of milliseconds. The resulting thunder rattles on and on. Big things come in small packages indeed.
So what will you pack in your small boxes this Christmas? At Grandparent Day one of our visitors explained their idea for “small box – great value.” They invite each grandchild to “Camp Grandma & Grandpa.” As a gift, each grandchild finds an invitation and travel arrangements to the grandparent’s home for two weeks in the summer. This ensures that the grandchildren know their grandparents more personally and associate them with something other than a transitory gift. It also emphasizes deferred gratification. In addition, the grandchildren know their cousins and the parents involved receive the gift of a two week “summer vacation.” Small box – great value.
As you search to maintain the perspective in your own holiday traditions I hope you will share your big ideas for small packages. What is YOUR Erector Set? May you find a gift that is forever new, is packed with future potential and gee, maybe is educational too!
