Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids

I’ve struggled with this list because kids come in such a range of ages and interests, so this list is by no means exhaustive. Once again, my gift guide is compiled mostly from things we have and love or things that are on our wish lists.

If you’re looking for a special gift to set under the tree for that special child in your life, bypass the cheap plastic crap made in China and give an heirloom handmade gift like this Child Activity Workbench or this gorgeous black walnut Doll Highchair.  BRMill’s Etsy shop is chock full of gorgeous handmade wood toys and furniture.  If you have something in mind, and it’s not in his shop, he takes special orders.

Easel. If your child doesn’t have a sturdy wood easel such as this one, this makes a wonderful gift to set out in front of the tree on Christmas morning.  We have several products by KidKraft, and I’ve always been pleased.

The Wave Original Street Surfing Board.  We have this, and I admit that it has not exactly been a hit with my son, but that’s because he is more into sports and games.  The boys across the street have one of these, and they are on it a lot, and I think it looks like a cool toy, so I decided to include it.  I’m all for anything that gets kids outside and active.

Zyclone.  Speaking of outdoor fun, the Zyclone is a fun foam flying toy that will appeal to the younger set.  I reviewed it here.

Loving Family Minivan.  This is on my 4-year-old daughter’s wish list.  She has the Loving Family Dollhouse, and she plays with her Barbie car a lot, so I think the minivan will be a hit.

Bitty Baby.  My girls both have one of these, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.  They are so well-made and so precious.  They do not make noises or wet themselves or eat or produce any other manner of bodily functions.  They are simply dolls with soft bodies and sweet faces and eyes that open and close.  You can choose from a few combinations of skin and hair and eye color to suit your desires, and beyond that, your child’s imagination is the limit.  There are a plethora of clothes and accessories to compliment the doll that provide an infinite number of gift ideas for friends and family.  Or, of course, you can use generic accessories from other vendors, as the doll is a typical 15-inch size.

Maggie Leigh Magnetic Dress-Up.  I’m a fan of just about anything by Melissa & Doug.  I saw this at ToysRUs a few weeks ago and immediately put it on my 4-year-old’s Christmas list.  I think she’d love it.  It’s like a modern day paper doll set.

Other Melissa and Doug toys that we have and love are the Cutting Food Box and the Pizza Party and the Farm Sound Puzzle, to name just a few.  Honestly, you can’t go wrong with Meliss and Doug ANYTHING.

Style Lab: Jewelry Design.  If your daughter has a Nintendo DS, she will love this.  This game allows tweens and teens to design their own jewelry that they can then purchase for real outside of the game.  How cool is that!?

Rock Band.  I’ve been thinking of getting this as a group gift for my kids.  It looks like a blast.

Green Toys. I love this company.  Last year I received their Gardening Kit for review.  All of their toys are “made in the U.S.A. from recycled plastic milk containers that save energy, reduce landfill waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, all in the name of good green fun.”  And there you have it.

Pop Beads. This is the perfect gift for the child who doesn’t yet have the fine motor skills to string beads but wants to make fun jewelry.  It comes in a sturdy container with a screw-on top that conveniently houses all the little pieces.  Both my girls still love playing with this toy.

Non-Toy Gift Ideas

I really try not to overdo it with the toys.  Here are some non-toy gift ideas for kids.

Bathrobes. My girls have been begging for bathrobes since before last Christmas.  This year, I do believe Santa has a few bathrobes in the making.  I have seen them at Target, Gap, and The Children’s Place.

Umbrella. This is another item both my girls have been begging for.  My 4-year-old got one for her birthday, and my 6-year-old wants one desperately.  One of Santa’s little elves whispered in my ear the other night that he might be making some umbrellas for Christmas gifts this year.

Games. Some of our favorite games are Uno Attack, Othello, Sorry!, and for the younger set, Candy Land Castle Game.

Play Doh. I know it’s not very original, but you just can’t go wrong with Play Doh.  In fact, anything by Crayola is a pretty safe bet.  I love companies that inspire creativity.

Piggy Bank. Every kid needs a place to collect their coins, and what better way to teach your kids to save?  My recommendation is to stick with piggy banks of the plastic variety.  Trust me, I know that of which I speak.

Sleeping Bag. Consider a cute character-inspired sleeping bag for the younger set, or a quality piece from Lands End that will outlast their childhood.

Musical Instrument.  My kids are begging to play musical instruments, and we may be making these a part of our Christmas gift giving this year.  I’m all for gifts that are both useful and exciting!

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