We have a three gift tradition for each of our kiddos and they think long and hard about what to wish for each year. since we now have ages spanning baby through 12 yrs old, we wanted this post to be a helpful gift guide of things our kids have really loved and used over […]
Holiday Gift Guide: For Babies, Kids, and Pre-teens
We have a three gift tradition for each of our kiddos and they think long and hard about what to wish for each year. since we now have ages spanning baby through 12 yrs old, we wanted this post to be a helpful gift guide of things our kids have really loved and used over the years. If you have local toy stores (We love Philips Toy Store here in Nashville), support them first if you can! They may have many of these items!
13. Had to grab this Christmas cookies set for Cheech. She loves to bake in her play kitchen.
14. All of my kids went through a phase of wanting to have tools like Gabe. Love this little workbench.
15. We actually just put the case of kinetic sand on the outside picnic table and even in colder temps the kids will sit and play with it for long periods of time.
16. I usually avoid anything that makes noise, but this Leapfrog Learning Laptop has been a lifesaver in the car.
17. – 20. Those of you who follow us on IG stories are familiar with Chiara’s many capes and dress ups she wears daily. These are the ones we gave her for her birthday.
16. A few of the kids have these headphones, and they are adjustable and comfortable for most sizes.
17. We got the kids these mini mP3 players for their birthdays, and it’s perfect for car rides. The headphones work well with them also.
18. Azelie who is always singing has been wanting a karaoke machine, and I would say this bluetooth karaoke microphone is a good compromise. We may regret the amplified noise.
19. Klee play makeup is a trustworthy clean and safe line for kids!
20. These magnetic building sticks are the coolest! Rocco and Max love to build and construct, so I am always on the lookout for toys that encourage that creative side. Just make sure to store safely away from babies.
21. Magic model clay is popular with my kids this year. They all love it.
22. V got this sewing basket a few years ago, and has sewed many outfits for her Felicity doll ever since!
These items were selected for the 10 to 13 yr olds in mind!
1. An electric keyboard is more of an investment, but a great option for those kids serious about learning music. Gabriel has been asking for a few years so he can plug in his headphones and learn from his room. Costco has them right now too for a steal!
2. I don’t know what it is about sleeping bags, but my kids are always very excited and proud when they get their own. This is the one Gaber has.
3. & 4. This friendship bracelet book and strings set is what I just ordered for Veronica. (10 yrs.) She loves to make friendship bracelets.
5. We give the kids a game each year and we kept hearing about Ticket to Ride!
6. & 7. A great digital camera and case for the pre-teen age. Veronica got this for her birthday.
9. All of the fishing tools you need for fishing. Pairs well with #10.
10. This is the fishing rod and reel Gabriel got for Christmas last year. He uses it all the time.
11. I think my kids will fight over this one. A blow up lounge chair you can use for movie nights, at the beach, or the lake!
12. Beautifully bound classic books like Little Women or Anne of Green Gables (my two faves).
13. Keeper of the Lost Cities is the series Gabriel and Veronica couldn’t put down. Their cousins told them about it, and it made me happy they were so into reading this summer.
19. I love this Gabb Watch as a smartphone alternative. Has GPS, allows texting, and safe parental controls. It allows us to communicate with them when they are at sports or around the neighborhood. (Promo code: ANNA10 for 10% off)
I have found some great items like American girl acessories, audiobooks on cd, and brand new dress up costumes on the Mercari second hand app as well. A great place to check!
Anna, this list is fantastic – thank you! Can you tell us more about your three gift ritual? I’d love to know how you phrase it with the kids, if the gifts are big/small etc, do clothes and books and the things they “need” that we can also handily wrap count? And really any other details that you’re willing to share! We have a 6,4, and 2 year old and we’re really trying to be conscious consumers and focus on what Christmas is really about, but MAN it’s hard when the kids are out and about in the world getting so many inputs from kids around them. Thank you! And happy thanksgiving!
Sara
says:Anna, this list is fantastic – thank you! Can you tell us more about your three gift ritual? I’d love to know how you phrase it with the kids, if the gifts are big/small etc, do clothes and books and the things they “need” that we can also handily wrap count? And really any other details that you’re willing to share! We have a 6,4, and 2 year old and we’re really trying to be conscious consumers and focus on what Christmas is really about, but MAN it’s hard when the kids are out and about in the world getting so many inputs from kids around them. Thank you! And happy thanksgiving!