1.Pom purse – It’s tough to find little purses for girls, and Veronica is really into gathering up all kinds of things to stuff in her own bag. I instantly fell for this mini purse from Shop Bitte. Just the right size.
2. Apron and tools – Gabriel asked me to teach him to make eggs and Veronica and Max beg to help whenever I am making them. It takes patience to cook with little ones, but giving them little responsibilities and teaching them boundaries in the kitchen pays off. Little aprons with mini tools are a great way to start!
3. Maple rattle – Wooden toys are much easier to maintain, are always good teethers. Loved this little maple rattle for Azelie!
4. Pom bonnet – I cannot resist hats for babies. I may have a problem. All I know is Azelie’s squish factor in a pom bonnet would be too much for me to handle.
5. Logging truck – for the 1-3 year olds this is such a good busy work toy that I know my Rocco will love. He likes to stack and dump so I think this covers it!
6. Maps Book, Shine a light Winter Book, Paper Dolls – Usborne books offers such a wide range of classic, learning, and activity books for kids. Also loved this map book for my adventure loving boy.
7.  Magna tiles – Easily my children’s favorite activity to date. Every one of them has loved these. They are so good for working with the hands, construction problem solving, and color matching. They keep my kids occupied for hours! We are getting another set this year.
8. Art Jar – If your little ones are on the creative side or just enjoy making messes, art supplies always make wonderful gifts. Land of Nod has so many fun gift ideas, and I really liked this bundle of supplies in a jar. My little ones go through supplies fast because they are doing art projects daily.
9. Classic Guitar – This is a really good size and sound for the jammers;) Musical instruments are always good for little ones to engage in.
10. Fishing game – This is made in Hungary! Such a cool magnetic wood game to do with toddlers. Can’t wait to give Max this set from Shop Bitte.

Good grief, this was THE hardest gift guide to assemble! I get really jazzed about good finds for little ones because you have to wade through a ton of sites to find good options. We just do three simple gifts for each child to keep things less focused on gifts. We have steered away from battery operated toys for Christmas because ain’t no body got time to change batteries! I also gravitate towards toys I know will stand the test of time in a house of 5 kiddos. These items above are things we have gotten our little ones in the past, or hope to gift them this Christmas from Azelie (3 months) all the way up to Gabriel (7 yrs.). If we are able, I love supporting small businesses, so have found a few of these from favorite shops. 

My children also love Melissa and Doug wooden games and toys as well as Leap frog letter factory for learning to read activities. They have proven to be a hit with all of them. My boys are really into the Young Explorers, and we have found some really great finds on there as well! I hope this helps narrow down the hunt and search for you. 

What small shops are you supporting this season?