Baby & Kids – Jess Keys

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Today I’m back with my baby and kids gift guide!

Below I’ve compiled a list of the best toys for both babies and toddlers (and a few for older tweens and teens, but truthfully I’m not at that point yet so that’s not yet my wheelhouse 😂) I’m including our personal favorites as well as recommendations from readers, items on our personal wishlist, and more!

Something worth noting before we jump in: We’ve always aimed to keep Christmas gifts minimal when it comes to gifts in our family. I know it’s easier said than done, but we really believe in the ‘fewer, better things’ mindset, so if that’s you too, don’t let any giant gift guides or the excess of the season sway you! Only you know what’s right for your family!

Last year, because we traveled to Australia over Christmas, we bought a few small toys at local shops there to give to June on Christmas morning. And know what? It was just as special as it would’ve been had she had tons of big presents to open!

It seems like a lot of parents out there feel the same way about “stuff,” so before we get into the physical gifts part of the guide, let’s touch on what else you can ask for/give in addition to physical presents:

Gift guide for baby & kids: alternatives to physical gifts:

Experiences as gifts:

SO many parents, when I polled you all, said museum passes, zoo memberships, water park passes, etc are truly the BEST gifts that keep on giving! Most friends with young children say these kind of experience gifts are their favorite gifts!

Or what about plane tickets for their next family vacation? Money for the Disneyworld fund?

These kinds of experiences are so much more valuable than a toy (not to mention SO MUCH FUN for everyone involved) and often, cost about the same amount!

(Just make sure to ask parents for feedback first to ensure you’re not buying a duplicate membership or experience!)

529 plan contributions:

Many of you mentioned this and I think it’s such a genius idea.

Suggest something small, like a book or an ornament, and then in lieu of a big gift, suggest a contribution to the child’s 529 plan, if they have one. (If you don’t have one, I highly recommend looking into setting one up! The money can be used for education-related expenses, like college, books, vocational school, trade school, etc–this can vary state by state, so please know this is not meant to be financial advice and simply an idea. Obviously important to do your own research!)

Some of you even said yours has the option to email a link out to contribute! That or a check, Venmo, etc so parents can deposit into their account.

It might not be exciting for kids now, but they will thank you profusely when they’re older!

Gifts for older kids and teens:

A few requests for gift ideas for tweens and teens, and as someone with teenage nephews, I know this is a tough age group to buy gifts for. But, I have the following thoughts:

If you do not have a specific list FROM THEM to go off of–MONEY!

I know, it’s not exciting for you to shop for, but it’s what they want! Every time I suggest this people say, “oh but that’s no fun!” but this is the same concept of refusing to buy something off of someone’s registry that they spent HOURS curating and is full of things they want and need. (Which drives me CRAZY.)

Money allows kids to buy whatever they wanted but didn’t get from their parents, it allows your niece to go to the movies with her friends, it allows your teenage nephew to treat his girlfriend to a date, or to buy those super cool jeans their mom said were too expensive.

Yes, it might not be fun to watch them open but it is really the one thing guaranteed to bring them joy. Not to mention, saving their own money and deciding how to spend it is a super valuable life skill they’re going to need when they get older.

IF you don’t want to give them money, get a very specific list from them so you’re guaranteed to get something they actually love! I gave up blindly shopping for my nephews long ago. It’s too hard to randomly choose something they might like. 😂

You could also offer the gift of an experience, like we touched on above–take them to a restaurant they’ve been wanting to go to, or even on a trip. (Taking my 18 year old nephew on his first trip to NYC with my sister last year was one of the highlights of my year. 🥺) It’s not just a gift, but a fun way to spend time together!

Ever since they started asking for “green dollars” (so cute) when they were about 7, they’ve gotten cash for gifts ever since.

Shopping vintage and second-hand:

OK this doesn’t fall under “experience gifts” BUT before we jump into the “shopping new gifts” I had to note that some of my favorite things I’ve purchased for June aren’t on this gift guide because they’re vintage or second-hand! Heading to your local antique mall or vintage store and purchasing some cute vintage toys, ornaments, accessories for a play kitchen (for example, I’m obsessed with the vintage floral enamelware “pans” I got her for her play kitchen!) and more, is another great way to gift something special, affordable, and sustainable! Don’t discount Etsy or eBay either when shopping online!

Shopping small:

Some of the most special places that exist, in my opinion, are small, local toy shops. They are SO magical and such an integral part of local communities! Many of the items you see here are from brands that are sold at local toy shops in addition to large retailers. If you have something specific in mind, it’s worth calling your local toy shop and asking if they can special order it for you, even if they don’t currently carry it! (Also, they have SO MUCH amazing inventory and usually really helpful sales people who can help you find the PERFECT thing.)

Amazon and Target don’t need any more money, but local businesses really do! (Of course, no shame, I am still an avid Amazon shopper myself because sometimes you just need that quick shipping. But when possible, please do shop small!)

On that note, I’m a small, woman-owned business myself. Many of the links included below are affiliate links, where I may make a commission if you make a purchase after clicking through my link at no cost to you. Please never feel pressured to use my links, but if you do, please know this helps my business and my family so much–THANK YOU! ♥️

Gift Guide: Best gifts for toddler girl, boy, baby, and kids!

Now, onto the gift guide! I know in previous years I broke items out by a lot of varying price points, but to be honest, the prices of things fluctuate so much with seasonal sales that it became easier to lump them all together. You’ll find a mix of practical gifts, little surprise and delights, “big exciting” gifts, and more from both big retailers and small businesses. (But honestly, mostly under $50 items!)

Let’s jump in!

Magnatiles

Anytime I ask parents of older kids what toys have lasted them the longest through the years, the first answer, without a doubt, is Magnetic tiles. (Whether that’s Magnatiles, Picasso tiles, or other similar brands!) It’s always a great gift to buy to add to their collections, and they make them in different themes based on your kid’s interests! They sell a bunch at Target, Amazon, etc. I recently got June this Frozen set with is a really great price and she’s been loving it!

Melissa & Doug play food:

Play food is always a hit, and I love that this set is wood, cute, and the amount of pieces aren’t incredibly overwhelming! A great gift to accompany a play kitchen but also a great stand-alone gift.

Tote-a-fort:

This thing is so fun. It’s basically three different sheets you can velcro together every which way to customize whatever size/shape you need to build a fort! The weighted bean bags attach to the bottom to hold it in place (so no more risking tipping over tables/stools/etc in their fort building!) A really cool imaginative play toy that will grow with them.

Melissa & Dog Horse Show Stable:

My best friend got this for June for her second birthday and it’s been one of the most tried and true toys she still plays with all the time. Every kid who comes over seems to gravitate toward them too!

Haba Terra Kids Magnifying glass:

Perfect for little explorers! I have been wanting to buy June a magnifying glass for a long time now as we love to explore in the woods and this is the perfect gift to bring on our adventures! This one is perfect for little hands and has three different enlargement options.

Hot chocolate advent calendar:

If you’re looking for an advent calendar that is more of an experience that doesn’t require buying “stuff” or candy–this is a great one! How fun each night to enjoy a cup of fancy hot chocolate! 🥰 (It’s also only 12 days instead of the whole month, which is also nice! Feels a bit more special and less “work” that way!)

Light up basketball and Football

The perfect little gift for sports lovers (or the entire family!) Ideal for nighttime basketball games now that it gets dark so early! (More Father of the Bride moments for the whole fam! 🥺) There’s a football version too!

Personalized Quiet book:

Great for keeping them busy while out and about, traveling, etc! These sweet Montessori books are all over Etsy and are great educational toys. I like this Etsy shop in particular because you can keep purchasing new pages to add or swap out of their book through their toddler years. You can choose from a bunch of different pages based on your kiddos interests, and they’re amazing for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. I got this for June last year and she loves to play with it!

Play jewelry:

June LOVES necklaces and bracelets. I bought her this cute set from Etsy a couple years ago and she still loves it. It’s so cute, high quality, and has a breakaway closure, made from food-grade BPA free materials. (Of course, should only be used with adult supervision because small parts could break off.) Great for a two or 3-year-old!

Favorite Everyday Boots:

Our favorite rain boots (an adorable small brand, sold on Amazon!) and comfy cozy sherpa boots. Easy on, go with everything, and an affordable price so I won’t feel bad when she trashes them 🫠

Wooden Building Blocks are simple, affordable, open-ended, and easy to store. They are great for a wide range of ages and for developing cognitive skills!

Play Stepping Stones:

These stepping stones are great for open play! Use them inside or outside, they’re easy to clean, stackable, open-ended and great for a wide range of ages. There is a bougie version of this set that is wildly expensive, but this one is $34 and also a great brand, and also sold on Amazon, and also has amazing reviews!!

Rainbow Acorn Sorting Set:

Another cute option for a sorting set! I love the acorns and young toddlers will love sorting by color! A great toy for development.

Play tent:

The perfect size for toddlers and little kids, this tent is great for imaginative play, cozy reading corners, etc. Looks expensive, feels like a “big” gift, but isn’t a big investment, and great in a playroom, nice enough to look at in a shared living space, but you can also easily fold it up to store if you’re short on space!

Holiday nail stickers:

So cute for any little who loves nails! (Honestly, how fun are these for adults, too!?) These will be a hit with June!

Rey to Z Hats:

We love these hats! Come in toddler and kids sizes — as well as a million colors!

Cutting Board and Safe Wooden “Knife” for Kids:

If you’re searching for a fun gift for a budding little chef, Montessori kitchen sets are a great idea. I got June this set when we bought her toddler tower (linked further down) and it’s been great!

The “knife” is surprisingly effective but very safe for little fingers and a great way to get your kids into cooking and food!

The minimalistic, simple design also looks nice on your counter, which is an added bonus. 😉

SmartMax My First Animal Train:

I bought this little set for June when she was 1 and she still loves playing with it. It’s magnetic and she loves the little animals that come with it. Also, it’s comprised of large pieces (no small pieces they can choke on!) so it’s a great train set for older babies and younger toddlers, especially! This is a favorite toddler toy in our home.

Her Body Can book:

A body positive book that every little girl needs on her shelf. (And let’s be honest–one of the best books a mom could read, too!) Equally as important, they make a version for boys too!

SESAME STREET Elmo’s Learning Letters Bus Activity Board:

I got this for June (big Sesame street fan) when she was two as a fun way to start learning letters and she still loves playing with it!

Clay Kit:

The cheapest little stocking stuffer with a lot of bang for your buck. A hit with toddlers and older kids alike, and the perfect thing to stash in your bag for a restaurant or travel!

Metal Pots & Pan Set:

June has a similar set and I love that this is a really manageable size. (So many of the pots and pans sets come with way too many pieces!)

MOLUK Bilibo:

Developed by Swiss child development experts–I love this funny little toy that encourages tons of creativity–like a balance board, but better.

They can sit in it, spin in it, climb on it, stack it, balance on it, put things in it, carry other toys in it–the opportunities are endless. Great for active play and even outdoor play, as it can easily wipe clean.

It’s made of super sturdy nontoxic plastic and great for all ages. For $29, I think this is a really cool, unique gift they’ll play with for a long time. We got this for June last year and are always thinking of new things to do with it.

Sloth Snuggler:

I have known about this adorable brand for a while now but we don’t own anything from them–I love the idea of their “snugglers” which are part plush toys part blankets–the perfect thing to provide comfort to any little kid. This sloth comes with books that help children adapt to routines!

Decorate and Personalize a Cardboard Fort:

Hear me out. Yes, it’s a cardboard play house. For $37. But the fact that kids can draw on it for hours, days, weeks, and then keep themselves busy for many more hours of imaginative play–and then you can recycle it when you’re sick of looking at it? PRICELESS. (This would also be a super cute activity for a kid’s birthday party or an activity for a holiday party–everyone can help “decorate” the house!) Could easily be moved into the yard for outdoor use if things get extra messy or you need something to keep them entertained in the fresh air!

They have so many cute designs, from a restaurant to a cottage to a castle, a magic school bus, and more.

Baby Balance Bike:

We got this for June on her 1st birthday (perfect size for a 1 year old toddler girl or boy) and she still rides it all over the basement, and it’s usually a hit with younger kids whenever they come over too! Great for motor development and a great way to get all their energy out!

Melissa & Doug Water Wow!

We love bringing these to restaurants, on travel days, etc. A great little gift for any kid who loves to draw or color–parents will love that it’s mess-free!

LCD Writing Tablet:

My friends with slightly older kids (think age 2 all the way through 6+) LOVE these tablets for their kids. They’re super affordable and keep them busy for hours! We got some for June last year and they’re a great easy screen alternative to stash in your bag.

Kinetic Sand Kits:

OKAY so according to the internet, Kinetic Sand can be a polarizing thing to bring into your house. (Some people say its impossible to get out of carpet, and it also can make hardwood slippery because of the oils in it. So use it at a table on a mat/etc.) Obviously use your best judgment in terms of mess–but June LOVES, and I mean LOVES Kinetic sand. It’s like this magic sand that sticks to itself so [in my opinion] it’s easy to clean up and a huge sensory hit with kids. If I need something to keep her occupied that isn’t the TV, this is the first thing I bring out! (Also a fun activity to do outdoors!)

Pop Bead Set:

June has a pop bead set that also has kept her really busy lately. At first, I hated this because it’s what I would call a “junky plastic toy” and a lot of them were too difficult for her little hands to pop together, BUT she was SOOO excited about it and she’s working at it and getting better. It keeps her occupied for a LONG TIME. We’ve even put some of these in a smaller container to take to restaurants with us to keep her busy. (This is probably best for slightly older kids, say 4+ but still a hit with this 3.5 year old!)

Melissa & Doug Bear Dress-Up Puzzle:

My mom got her this puzzle recently and she has been absolutely ENTHRALLED with it. I’ve never seen her stay engaged with a puzzle for so long, and it’s a really amazing toy for development and motor skills!

Play-Doh kits:

All things Play-Doh! You can NEVER have enough in my opinion! My mom also recently got her this pizza oven kit (it’s only $10!) and it’s another thing that has been keeping her really busy! There are so many different kits based on your kiddo’s interest!

Sarah’s Silks:

I’ve been seeing this small brand several places lately! Sensory “play silks” are popular in the Montessori world for pretend/open-ended play–they can be a cape, a baby blanket, a knapsack, the possibilities are endless! This is on my wishlist for June. ♥️

Crayola Twistable Crayons:

Art supplies are the best gifts, and these are the best non-breakable crayons for little hands!

Doctor Kit:

This is the kit we got for June’s birthday at our favorite local Oak Park store, SugarCup (I don’t think they sell it anymore, but HIGHLY recommend shopping there for gifts if you can shop small!) and it has been a MAJOR hit!

Kids’ Five-Minute Journal:

I LOVE the adult version of the 5 minute journal, and now they make one for kids! Encourages your kid to focus on gratitude, joy and self-confidence with this simply structured journal designed from positive psychology research. (Obviously this would be a gift for older kids who can read and write!)

Kids punching bag for kids ages 3-10:

I can think of a LOT of kids off the top of my head who would love this (mine included)–but especially BOYS! (Another way to get their energy out cooped up inside this winter!)

Original Activity Toy for Toddlers’ Sensory Development:

A great little fidget toy for babies to keep little hands and minds busy!

Wonderbly personalized books:

Books are the most amazing gift, and with these, it’s guaranteed you’ll never gift a repeat! I LOVE Wonderbly books! I got Neal their “June loves Daddy THIS much” book for Christmas last year (before she was born) and my best friend’s parents (who are like my second parents) got June “Peek-a-Boo June!” and it’s SO sweet. Her favorite book! ♥️ The cutest gifts for both kids and relatives since you can personalize both!

Arts + Crafts supplies:

One of the most popular reader submissions for best kid gifts: more arts and crafts supplies! Parents say their kids never have enough! (Plus, it keeps them busy while they’re home on winter break!) They’re also super affordable–you can buy an arts and crafts kit, or get a storage box and fill it it with a random assortment! One reader said her kids once received an old briefcase full of office supplies and it was their favorite present!

Melissa & Doug reusable sticker books:

Kids go crazy for these, and they’re a fun activity to keep them occupied during the winter months, on a plane, at a restaurant, ETC. You can never have too many of these stashed away!

Personalized Kids’ Rolling Pin:

How cute is this rolling pin for kids to make their own special cookies? Perfect for baking dough or play dough! (A great Christmas Eve gift, too, to make cookies for Santa!)

Highlights magazine:

HIGHLIGHTS! Who knew this still existed!? I didn’t until many of you told me so! It says ages 6-12 but seeing as 12 year olds these days act like 16 year olds I’d guess it’s more appropriate for maybe 6-10 year olds. A year’s subscription is under $30 and is full of fun educational content they’ll look forward to every month!

Hanna Andersson Holiday PJ’s:

From the incredible quality to the sweet patterns, Hanna Andersson jammies are the best! These are definitely the ultimate hand-me-down pieces. (We were first introduced to them when Danielle handed down Margot and Kate’s Hannas to us!) SO many of you have messaged me saying you have saved your Hanna jammies throughout the years to pass onto your own littles, nieces, nephews, and grandkids! Warms my heart! I also LOVE my adult Hanna jammies and they’re my #1 recco for family holiday jams too!

Starter Ukulele:

For any kid who is interested in music, a ukulele is an awesome starter instrument, and this little starter set looks like a great one! (Also comes in more fun colors!) It’s a small soprano ukulele, good for little hands, and even comes with a strap, picks, and online lessons! (You’ll also want to make sure to get them a tuner to go with it!)

Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Set:

I can’t tell you how many people have told me about this ice cream set. I don’t know what it is about it, but apparently its every kids favorite toy! Melissa and Doug is a really great brand that makes awesome imagination-sparking toys (that are also cute to look at!)

Montessori Busy Board:

Not JUST a beautiful name puzzle, but a busy board too! Keeps them busy for way longer and is so great for fine motor development!

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn On-the-Go Camper:

One of June’s few 1st birthday presents and she has loved it ever since! It keeps her busy with pretend play and it’s great for toddlers just learning to walk, because it doubles as a push toy. In our condo, we didn’t have room for a play kitchen, but she used it like one, so it’s great for small spaces, too. It’s usually the thing other kids beeline for whenever we have friends over, too!

(FYI check both Amazon and Target for pricing!)