Finding the perfect gifts for people is kind of my jam, but whenever the holiday season rolls around, I can never seem to get my act together enough to do gift guides. I’ve done a few here and there, but this year, I’ve decided to cover all family members with a gift guide for kids, gift guide for babies, gift guide for him and a gift guide for her (read, all the things that are on my own personal wish list – ha!).
Since I know we all end up spending way more money on kids than anyone else, I thought I’d start with the kids gift guide first. The items on this list are comprised of some items we already own and love as well as some that are still on the wish list or that I just think are fun.
In case you aren’t a regular reader and would like some reference, I have a 2.5 year old son and an almost 5-year-old daughter. Most of the items on this list are ones that I think they would both enjoy, but that could extend to older aged kids as well. I think the age range for these gifts would be approximately 2-8 years old, with some gifts leaning toward the younger range and some leaning toward older kids.
Now, let’s get on with the gifts!
1. DIY Electro Dough Kit, $29.00
This is a fun, learning activity that parents and kids can do together. You can create sculptures using the dough and then bring them to life with LEDs and buzzers, teaching kids how electricity flows through a circuit.
2. View Master Boxed Set, $15.00
A nostalgic gift that parents and kids alike can appreciate.
3. LEGO City Fun in the Park, $39.99
I’ll be honest, LEGOs aren’t really my favorite and my daughter has never particularly loved them, but we got this set and it’s been a huge hit. There are small components to put together and she likes following the directions, but she really loves all the different LEGO people. She and my son will play with these for hours.
4. Bubbimals, $8.00
Because, what kid doesn’t love bubbles? And these are super cute!
5. GoldieBlox Craft-Struction Box, $39.77
A building set to encourage the little girl in your life to reach for her engineering dreams. Perhaps you could include the book Rosie Revere Engineer as the perfect accompaniment.
6. Rustic Wooden Yo-Yo, $10.00
A fun and rustic twist on the classic yo-yo.
7. Set of 20 Washi Tape, $15.06
If your kids are anything like mine they LOVE creating with tape. Washi tape is a nice option, because it’s more forgiving for peeling and re-sticking and easy to get off of walls and furniture. Washi tape can often be pretty pricey, but this is a great deal for so many fun colors. So many creations to be made with this gift!
8. Spinny Speller, $9.95
An entertaining little game for the emerging reader.
9. Magformers, $61.99
We have Magnatiles already, and they are hands down the most favorite toy in our house. These Magformers are a fun variation on the shapes we already have.
10. Swatch: The Girl Who Loved Color, $13.42
I have eyed this book multiple times while perusing Barnes & Noble and I’m sure my daughter would love it. It is a celebration of beauty and color and the illustrations are just lovely.
11. Pendleton Hooded Kids Towel, $49.50
Once my kids moved beyond the hooded baby towel stage, they were relegated to boring, old grey towels like the rest of us, much to their dismay. They are constantly trying to swipe their baby sister’s hooded towel even though it is far too small, so I know one of these brightly colored Pendleton hooded towels would be a hit.
12. Pantry Play Food, $29.00
If you’re planning to gift your little one with a play kitchen this year (or even if they already have one), this play food is the prettiest I’ve ever seen. This is the pantry set, but they also have a fridge play food set available too!
13. Mod Doll Bed + Bedding, $79.00
For the little girl who loves dollies, this doll bed and pretty bedding will fit right in with even the most stylish bedroom decor and she’ll love tucking them in.
14. Thomas & Friends 9-Pack Mini Trains, $14.99
My two-year-old is train obsessed and he LOVES these Thomas & Friends mini trains. He discovered them in a blind bag awhile back and now wants them all. They’re the perfect toy to toss in a purse for distractions at restaurants and the like. My daughter loves them too!
15. Sleeper Hero, $34.99
This is a gift for your kids and you. It is a cozy doll and an “ok to wake” clock combined into one brilliant product. The little button on Sleeper Hero’s chest turns red when it’s bed time and turns green when it’s time to wake up and you can program it for the time of your choosing. The button can be pushed to use as a night light, but turns off after a bit, so it won’t stay on all night. My kids each have one of these and they’re wonderful!
16. Pipsticks Monthly Sticker Subscription for Kids, $14.95/month
When you’re a kid, two of the coolest things in life are stickers and getting mail, so why not give the gift that keeps on giving with a monthly sticker subscription? They have puffy stickers which are totally making all of my 1980’s childhood dreams come true.
17. Land of Nod Treehouse Play Set, $199.00
This is a great gender neutral dramatic play option in lieu of a dollhouse. My son loves playing pretend with his sister in our dollhouse, but if you are buying for boys specifically or a brother/sister duo, this would be a beautiful heirloom gift that they would both love.
18. Fishing Game, $29.00
A pretty update on the classic magnetic fishing game. I force plenty of rainy day fun with this gift.
19. Set of 3 Star Wars Poster, $53.40
For the Star Wars lover in your life, these modern prints inspired by the movies would make a great gift.
20. Crosley Cruiser Turntable, $110
The perfect way for a music lover to introduce the little ones in their life to the lovely sound of vinyl – and it also comes in pink!
21. Pretend & Play Camp Set, $18.99
The perfect gift for the kid who loves the outdoors. This set will inspire plenty of backyard and living room camp outs alike.
22. Age to Come Apparel Epoch Cape, $120.00
This cape is certainly an investment, but is a beautiful piece that will grow with a child for quite some time. It’s also reversible!
23. Vans SK8-HI Shoes, $40.00
These are hands down my favorite shoes for little boys. These have the look of tie shoes (much cuter than velcro), but the laces are elastic and they have an easy zip. Plus, they’re totally adorable.
24. ARQ Oregon Flannel, $75.00
Christmas is a great time to invest in special clothing items that are high quality and this flannel from ARQ is the perfect example. I purchased this flannel for my son when they were having a sale awhile back and it’s his favorite. He is always asking to wear his “cozy flannel”.
25. Charlie Friend Indeed Doll, $69.00
This is just one of four adorable dolls designed for Land of Nod by talented artist Ashley Goldberg. Each doll has its own persona and comes with accessories unique to that persona and I love how quirky and colorful they are.
26. Knitted Mermaid Tail Blanket, $27.88
Because, who hasn’t wanted to be a mermaid at some point in their childhood?
27. Family Faces Sticker Book, $24.99
This is quite possibly my favorite gift in the bunch. This sticker book from Pinhole Press is so fun, I kind of want one for myself. You get to choose 8 faces for custom stickers and then your little artist can come up with unique creations combining the sticker faces with their artistic skills. So fun!
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Happy gifting! And check back tomorrow for my baby gift guide!
xo
Lauren
I always by lego to the kids in my family. I think it’s so educating!