Christmas is so fun when you have little kids. Of course, you want to give them the world, but you also want them to learn that Christmas isn’t all about gifts. Material items only go so far so last year when I was trying to figure out what to buy my kids for Christmas I reached out to my Instagram followers for suggestions on how to simplify the holidays and not go overboard on kid gifts. The one suggestion that really stuck with me was to give your child something they want, something they need, and something to read. I thought that was a great idea and that’s why this year I wanted to break down my gift guides that way.
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Something they want…
I have a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old, so of course, they want toys. I don’t mind toys as long as they are educational or physical. I prefer toys that aren’t going to play with for a day forgotten about shortly after Christmas. Here are a few ideas that I came up with.
Take Apart Dinosaur Set– This toy promotes creativity and fine motor skills. You can build and take apart each dinosaur toy. It seems like a toy that can keep a busy boy like mine, busy for hours. Best for ages 3-7.
Melissa and Doug Latches Activity Board– This is another great fine motor skill activity. It’s great for preschool-aged children! Recommended for ages 3 +.
Slippery Racer Downhill Sled– If you live in a cold climate you know that a sled is one of the best outdoor winter toys you can have. It makes a great Christmas gift and it’s fun for the whole family to go sledding together.
Paint-on Magna-tile Set– We recently got The Very Hungry Caterpillar paint-on magna-tile set and Jack enjoyed it so much. Not only is it a fun creative activity, but you can retell your favorite stories with the pictures and also use the magna-tiles to build with. It’s recommended for ages 3 and up!
iPlay, iLearn Bounce Pals– My kids each have a bounce pal and love them! They are a great toy for a playroom. They are cute and don’t take up much space. They also come with a pump so they are very easy to inflate. We have the cow and unicorn. Recommended ages 18 months- 4 years.
LEGO DUPLO Dollhouse– We love legos! They promote creative play, fine motor skills, math skills and so much more. I love this little dollhouse. Ages 2 and up!
Cra-Z-Art Magna Doodle Tavel Dooler- Magna-Doodles is a great toy to have, especially while traveling. This one is smaller, so it’s the perfect gift if you plan on traveling during the holiday season.
Razor A Kick Scooter- I always love it when my kids get gifts that they can use outside. A scooter is something that will last a while and keep your kids busy. Ages 5+.
Little Tikes Trampoline- A trampoline can bring hours of fun, plus it gets a lot of that built-up wintertime energy out. A little trampoline like this is perfect for a basement or a playroom. Ages 36 months- 6 years.
Animal Adventure Sweet Seats- I like to have a little quiet space for reading set up in my kid’s bedrooms and I think a little animal chair like this would be so cute. Ages 18 months- 4 years.
Something they need…
Kids are always in need of something. I like to buy them something for their rooms, school, or if you live somewhere cold, you will need some winter gear. Here are a few ideas.
Comforter Set- Bedding is always a good kid gift, especially if it’s something that needs to be updated.
Winter hat- What kid doesn’t lose most of their winter gear? A winter hat is always a needed gift.
Water bottles- I know our school asks that the kids bring a water bottle to school every day.
Weighted blanket- I have not tried a weighted blanket with my kids, but my husband has one in our bedroom. I think it could be a good gift for a child who has a difficult time calming themselves down at bedtime.
Luggage- Luggage is the perfect gift, especially if you are traveling for the holidays and need something to pack all your gifts in to get home.
Toddler hat- I just thought this was the cutest hat for a toddler girl!
Sherpa Jacket- A sherpa jacket is perfect if you have a little one in a car seat and they can’t wear a huge coat in the car.
Canvas Basket- I love the canvas baskets! I use them in both my kid’s bedrooms as a storage place.
Snow boots- If you live someplace cold then boots are always needed.
Snow pants- Some new snow pants are great too!
Winter Coat- If you are like me, your little one is growing out of their winter coat from last year and could use a new one. This one is a great price!
Something to read…
Books are always a great gift. I read with my kids every night before bed and usually a few times throughout the day. Even though we often re-read the same books over and over again, it’s nice to have a variety. Here are some of our favorite books.
Sick Simon– A very cute story about germs and the importance of staying healthy.
Pete the Cat Phonics Books-We are all about Pete the Cat at our house right now. These phonics books are great to practice letter sounds.
Matter– Science books are always fun to read together.
What Should Danny Do? School Day- The What Should Danny Do? collection is such a cute series. It’s a choose your own adventure style of book with different endings that show how making the right choices can completely change your day.
Waiting Is Not Easy!– This is great for kindergarteners. Easy for early readers to read and who doesn’t love a Mo Willems book?
Little Women– I love baby-lit books! They take classic literature and turn it into children’s board books. Anna has Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and The Secret Garden.
Pop-Up Peekaboo- Anything with dinosaurs is popular at our house. We also love a good peekaboo book.
What Should Darla Do?– Darla is Danny’s cousin in the What Should Danny Do? series. You can help Darla make the right choices throughout her day just like in the Danny books.
Do not lick this book -Love a good funny book.
If you need some more gift ideas, be sure you are following me on Instagram and the LTK app! I will be sharing more gift guides throughout the season!
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