Children's Gift Guide

There’s sparkly ice on the lawn at dawn, evenings are spent by flaming hearths, and the holiday frenzy to do all.the.things. is in full swing. Any fellow moms feel the need to avoid commercials, mail advertisements, and malls this time of year?

In a season that’s meant to be reflective and hopeful, it’s all too easy as mom to become burdened with the circus that is gift giving. I’d be lying if I claimed to have the perfect gift-giving system or budget down. I don’t. But, after six Christmases of being mom, I have figured out what toys and gadgets last through multiple years and multiple children and well...what toys aren't worth the hype or headache.

If you’re looking to gift a child a beautiful, intentional gift that’ll bless their family (aka aesthetically pleasing, quiet, and stand the test of time), enjoy—this list is for you!

If you’re already overwhelmed with options and seeking peace, move on. Gift guides, though sometimes helpful, aren’t the end all be all. Don’t let consumerism deprive you of the joy that is remembering Jesus’ birth.

And, lastly, I'd like the note that while the items listed are linked via Amazon for ease of use (and any purchases via those links do support our family in a small way), we aim to prioritize shopping small during this time of year. If you hold the same values, I highly recommend checking out these small shops listed below before resorting to Amazon.

Favorite online small shops for children:

Treasures From Jennifer: Beautiful handmade wooden toys & homeschool materials made in a family owned shop. We use their tracing boards regularly (and I've been drooling over their classroom calendars for years)!
Bella Luna Toys; Waldorf inspired, heirloom quality toys. We love getting stocking stuffers from Bella Luna and their customer service is above and beyond.
Mouse In The House Shop: A lovely collection of open and whimsy toys curated by a mom just up the mountain from us!
Homesong Market: All your primitive dreams come true. They've got a great toy selection for littles as well as loads for mom.
Tanglewood Hollow: A must for nature loving families! I especially love their selection of curiosities.
Fostered Collection: A PNW family owned business that gives back to foster care. Not to mention extremely cute and simple clothing for children.
Sarah's Silks: Quality play silks with loads of options. We got our youngest, volcano loving, kiddo a play mat for a stocking stuffer this year and I can't wait for him to see it!
MamaOwl: A British momma owned shop with all things wool and toys reminiscent of the past. If you're in need of quality base layers, socks, or baby snow suits--Mama Owl is your best bet. Great pricing for ethical items and fast international shipping.

Open Toys:

Our family loves a good “open toy.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, open toys are essentially simple toys that don’t have a singular use. They can be used multiple ways, encourage your children to use their creativity, and don't require batteries or a charge. In our home, these are the most frequently used toys and the best option for a joint sibling gift. That being said, quality open toys often cost more. This is, by far, the most pricey category; however, we've personally owned and all three of our boys have used (perhaps even abused...) these items for years and they're still favorites!

Gonge River Stones: We have had this set since 2017 and it has far exceeded my expectations. They're great for littles learning how to balance, group games, color recognition, playscapes, and even homeschool activities!
Step2 Water table: This is another Kowallis classic dating back to 2018. When we looked at getting our oldest a water table, we wanted something that was simple, sturdy, and easy to relocate. This Step2 model is in our backyard as we speak, still kickin it.
Sarah's Silks Play Silks: Listen, I get that these look ridiculously basic but they are genius. We've had a set since 2017 and added new silks almost every year as stocking stuffers. My boys have used their playsilks as capes, water, costumes, and so much more.
Magnatiles: These, hands down, are the favorite toy in our home. When we got our first set in 2018 for our two toddlers, my preteen brothers joined in to play within minutes. Magnatiles are a great group toy for multiple ages, creative play, and minimalism--you don't need to own a barn, dollhouse, or castle when you can build your very own out of magnatiles. Plus they're easy to add on to! Linked is the glow in the dark set our oldest has been eyeing.
BlueTrack Car Track: It's simple, doesn't come with a million pieces your kid will loose in a week, and doesn't require a parent to set up (anyone else hate setting up Hot Wheels tracks?). We've had our BlueTrack since 2019 and, while the suction cup has been destroyed for over a year, it's still going strong. The boys have made simple ramps off our mantle, jumps with library books for supports, and filmed cars in slow-mo to watch them race down our creations.

Games:

Wildcraft! An herbal adventure game: My husband gets the credit for this one. Wildcraft is a simple board game that teaches children (and, ahem, parents) about the medicinal uses for herbs. Your kids will learn how to visually identify common herbs, memorize their uses, and enjoy the victory of collecting berries while playing this fun game.
Match A Track: This matching game is a blast for nature lovers and easy enough for young toddlers to play!

Handcrafts:

As our boys have gotten older, we've started to introduce handcrafts. They're a great option when severe weather, sickness, or fatigue has you indoors more than you'd like. Plus they're a life skill!

Blunt sewing needles: Great for toddlers and early elementary kiddos wanting to learn how to sew. Start with the plastic set and some leaves from your yard!
Nylon Knives: A wonderful tool for littles eager to join you in the kitchen. When I've got boys underfoot while prepping a meal, they know to grab a cutting board & one of their knives.
Wool Felting Needle & Finger Guards: We are still newbies when it comes to wool felting but I love that this kit comes with multiple kinds of needles and finger guards. My oldest, 6, and I are excited to start learning more.
Woolbuddy Needle Felting Mat: I have an adult sized foam mat but loved these smaller, colored wool mats for kids.
Knitting Tower: A simple way to introduce knitting and keep little hands busy.
Potholder Loom Kit: Did anyone else grow up making potholders?! I loved kits like this and am excited to introduce my boys to the world of potholder making.
Beeswax Candle Making Kit: An easy handcraft that results in fire. A major win in our household (IYKYK).

Stocking Stuffers:

Folding Pocket Guides: We love these smaller, laminated pocket guides for frequent use. They're easy to pack and sturdy so littles can handle them without harming them.
Holztiger Figurines: I love to gift each kid a simple wooden figurine in their stocking each year. Holztiger figurines are durable and beautiful.
Flower press: Our middle will be receiving a flower press in his stocking this year and I'm so excited to see him use it. Great for littles that love to collect and cherish the details of nature.
Kikkerland Huckleberry : Anything and everything Kikkerland Huckleberry is awesome.
Stockmar Modeling Beeswax: A solid, reusable option for kids that like to create with their hands.