Today I’m sharing some (mostly) practical gift ideas for kids.
In the last few years, we have really tried to simplify our gift situation for the girls.
Despite my best efforts to declutter, we have accumulated so many toys and activities over the years. The fact of the matter is that the girls just don’t need more toys.
I don’t love having a lot of toys around because a) I can’t think if the house isn’t picked up and b) we want to encourage a sense of imagination and creativity in the girls. Having too many toys around gets in the way of that–I least think so anyway.
Of course, we aren’t perfect at this. I can think of a few chaotic shelves and nooks that are just screaming to be cleaned out as we speak.
BUT, one thing we try to do is keep birthdays and holidays as simple as we can. We’ll do a big present (bike, a little playhouse for the backyard, etc) and then wrap up anything practical they need (water bottles, books, clothes, etc).
This year, we are giving the girls “tickets” to Disneyland as their big present. I will probably get them little Minnie outfits (maybe these?) to unwrap and put the tickets in with the gift for them to open. Other than that, it will be mostly practical stuff: socks, books, pajamas.
The girls already have such a full life. We spend so much money on showing them the world which, in my mind, is spoiling them more than enough. They get to pick out books at bookstores and get muffins at coffee shops and see elephants and giraffes at the zoo every other week. Like, they are FINE. They can have a simple Christmas. (And I know that Disney tickets are not “simple” whatsoever, but I think you know what I mean).
Anyway, in light of all of that, this gift guide leans more practical. There are a few toy and activity ideas on here, but I tried to better reflect what we ourselves tend to give our daughters.
And then at the end, I’m sharing a few gift ideas for babies too!
Practical gift ideas for kids:
Sketching Projector and Magnetic Tiles
The girls are really into art right now, so we are trying to lean in to that. My parents got Char this sketching projector thing, and she uses it every single day during her quiet time. My sister got her this art set from Amazon that perfectly accompanies it.
Of all of the toys and activities in our house, nothing has seen as much use as our set of magnetic tiles. I bought these for Char in a panic the day that quarantine started in March of 2020, and to this day, the girls use these CONSTANTLY. The latest thing is that they use them to make little houses for their Paw Patrol guys, lol. This Frozen version is so cute.
Water Bottles, Baseball Hats, Books and Pajamas
These are our favorite water bottles.
I got these little baseball hats for the girls a few years ago and we’ve gotten a lot of use out of them.
My in-laws got Char a few of these nature encyclopedia books for her birthday. They are so gorgeous.
I love these patent combat boots from H&M.
Of all of the pajamas we’ve purchased for the girls over the years, none have held up as well as Little Sleepies. I have a couple of sets that have stayed in tact between both girls wearing them over the course of 3 years. These are ultra light and super soft and come in the cutest patterns. Their Disney line is adorable.
Towels, Puffers, Body/Hair Wash
We got these hooded towels for the girls last year for Christmas–they are really absorbent, fun to wear, and have held up well.
Zara makes the best puffers for kids.
I love to put Tubby Todd products in their stockings too. Our favorites are the body/hair wash and the eucalyptus chest rub.
Woom Bike
I’m also linking the Woom bike which is admittedly a huge splurge. We first discovered the Woom bike last year when my friend Bianca posted a video on her IG story of her (barely) three-year-old daughter riding a bike without training wheels. I gasped and wrote her, “OMG a prodigy!!!” to which she replied, “No, it’s the bike.” I thought she was just being bashful until they came to stay with us a few months later. They brought Maeve’s bike with them and offered to let Charlotte (who is very much reliant on her training wheels) try it. Within 30 seconds, she was riding all by herself??!! It was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.
The Woom bike is designed to help children intuitively balance without training wheels right off the bat. (Please, no further questions–I never took physics and haven’t the foggiest idea how this is possible). We decided to get Char the Woom 3 “Automagic” for her birthday earlier this month, and she is obsessed. For what it’s worth, one thing that made us feel better about the purchase is that these hold their resale value really well.
Use this referral link for $100 off a bike!
Gift Ideas for Babies:
These sleep sacks from Kyte Baby are so soft and durable. This would make a great, useful gift that new parents would welcome with open arms. I think the “1.0” weight is a safe bet unless someone is in a really cold climate.
We got one of these Little Unicorn quilts when Charlotte was born, and we used it as her stroller blanket and then in her crib when she got bigger. Emmie sleeps with it now, and we bring it on almost every trip with us. After five years of nightly use, it’s still in great condition.
I’m linking to Little Sleepies again because I LOVE the footie feature on their zipper jammies for babies. You can fold them all the way over the foot if it’s cold or fold them up it’s warmer.
This is my favorite Etsy shop for bows.
