colonial doll house {for older kids and does not come put together} || wooden teether || personalized Thanksgiving & Christmas placemat || wooden B-I-N-G-O game || blue ball pit {balls NOT included} || megaphone || wakka water game || little girl sun hat || cash register || mini inductive excavator || rocket ship || pink quilted luggage set || chocolate advent calendar || 40 piece block set || Camp Wandewega play treehouse || magnetic fishing pole || jellyfish nightlight || dolls || basket on wheels || Little Tikes basketball set || reusable spelling straws || play kitchen || custom cache pot || puppet theatre
So this is a new territory for me…but highly requested. Since Penelope was a blob last Christmas, I skipped over the kid gifts. BUT this year, we’re into it. We actually get to have some fun and witness a reaction.
My thought process with this particular gift guide was this…
Once kids are talking, I feel like they just tell you what they want, right? So I designed it with the following in mind…
- lots of toddler ideas (but there are plenty of older kid options!)
- creative surprises to go along with their wish list
- you haven’t go a clue and have nieces/nephews
P.S. if there’s only ONE description you read PLEASE let it be the mini inductive excavator – IT’S SOOOOO COOL. Like I want one.
- A mother/daughter experience {colonial doll house}: One of my fondest childhood memories. My mom and I did one of these when I was in middle school and looked forward to updating it every time I stepped off the bus. Now before you click buy, it’s imperative you know this is intended for older kids 14+ (I’m sure you could go a little younger but just so you know). REAL dollhouses (like this one) come in tiny pieces YOU have to put together. And it’s a lot of work. But absolutely worth it if this is up your alley! We painted the shutters, glued down the carpet and installed light fixtures. The possibilities are endless. With COVID and spending more time at home, this would be a wonderful project and memory to do with your children together! My mom she still has ours and Penelope looooves to look at it 🙂
- For the babies {wooden teether}: A stylish teether that’s beautiful and safe. A lovely gift topper, stocking stuffer or make it a gift in itself!
- A gift to give now. It’s REVERSIBLE too! {personalized Thanksgiving & Christmas placemat}: Penelope has a couple of these placemats. The protect your table and surfaces for meal time and crafts. Plus make cleaning a breeze. This Reversible holiday one can be enjoyed starting now all the way till New Years! It’s SO SO cute and I plan on buying Penelope one ASAP.
- Good ‘ol fashion fun {wooden B-I-N-G-O game}: This wooden gumball machine is really a bingo game! Includes 50 numbers and 30 cards.
- Surprise your kids {blue ball pit}: NOTE: This Does NOT include the balls. I didn’t notice this when putting together the gift guide but I love the idea of it. There are a million other ball pits out there if you do a quick Amazon/Google search. I was drawn to this one because of how stylish it looks and all the color options!
- Hellllllooooooo! {megaphone}: Get loud and get proud. I don’t know how good of an idea this would be {thankfully the volume’s adjustable} but you have to admit…it sounds FUN.
- Do you have what it takes? {wakka water game}: Basically a wooden Gameboy, but screen-less and no batteries required. It takes patience, perseverance and skills to finish this game!
- My FAVORITE hat but for your mini me {little girl sun hat}: My favorite hat EVER has a mini version. Totally getting P this when she’s older…
- The REAL DEAL {a REAL life cash register}: A friend told me she got this for her girls over COVID and can’t get enough of it. Let the imagination run wild with all kinds of pretend play.
- The COOOOOOLEST thing I’ve ever seen {mini inductive excavator}: Just watch the video. Promise.
- Blast off {rocket ship}: A toy that looks great out in the open is always a win for me.
- For sleepovers and travel {pink quilted luggage set}: Comes in blue too! Someday when we can travel again…
- My favorite tradition {chocolate advent calendar}: I got an advent calendar every year from my aunt and the build up to Christmas was so fun I thought I’d burst. Chocolate treats just really seal the deal.
- For every age {40 piece block set}: A classic every kid should own.
- One of the most magical places on Earth {Camp Wandawega play treehouse}: Remember when we went to Camp Wandawega this summer? They did a Crate & Barrel collab and it brings back wonderful memories. If you’ve been here too, this would be a lovely gift. Or make it EVEN cooler by adding a trip to Camp Wandawega along with it!
- Bring the outdoors in {magnetic fishing pole}: I’m allll for electronic gifts but I do notice a big difference with Penelope’s attention span of a non-battery required toy. Waaaay longer.
- Make bedtime enjoyable {jellyfish nightlight}: One of my favorite bloggers posted about this last year and it just looks NEAT.
- Adorable! {dolls}: So sweet and well made. Although her dolls are listed on Anthropologie, check out the artist’s official Instagram account – everything she creates is just…WOW.
- Goes wherever your little one does {luggy basket on wheels}: chic storage for toys and looks great out in the open.
- Penelope’s FAVORITE game {Little Tikes basketball set}: Her daddy played college basketball so this is no surprise! It’s been such a hit indoors. After a loooong day, we throw the balls from the comfort of the couch while she runs after them. Win. Win. #ParentsOfTheYear
- Drink up {reusable spelling straws}: Kids just love this stuff.
- Imagination for hours {play kitchen}: A play kitchen is by no means “unique”. But Penelope’s getting one for Christmas and I just KNOW she’s going to die. So I had to include it here. Hopefully she plays with for HOURS on end 😉 The one here is so chic and actually nicer than our own kitchen. LOL! But her grandparents are getting her the Potterybarn Kids set – that’s EQUALLY as beautiful. Supposedly they go on sale this time of year…so keep your eyes peeled. HOT TIP: If you work with an interior designer {or know one}, ask them to order it for you so you can take advantage of their 20% off trade discount!
- For the grandparents and teachers {custom cache pot}: Custom made with your children’s faces! So technically this isn’t for the kids. But it’s hands down the SWEETEST gift to give a teacher or grandparents. I’d actually go in on it with your family or other kids’ parents. There’s even a little banner that has the name of your recipient! Completely custom and perfect for a floral arrangement or a plant.
- Something different {puppet theatre}: Pure magic! And can you imagine the shows they’d come up with?!
In case you missed it, be sure to get the 2020 Gift Guide: For Her – think mother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, mamas, friends and those hard to buy for ladies in your life! Last but not least, check out The Holiday Shop for hundreds of more gift ideas.
Happy shopping loves!
