Everyone knows the holiday season is all about bringing joy and happiness to kids. Sure we try to make it special for adults—and we succeed most times—but at the end of the day, this special time is all about the little ones.
Lately, my two and five-year-old kids are in full-blown holiday mood. Maybe it’s because we recently trekked to Sesame Place to see the Christmas celebration, or perhaps it’s because Amazon mailed its annual holiday gift guide and they highlighted every single item they adore. Whatever the reason, my kids are ready for Santa to gift them everything they desire, and I’m ready to gift them what they want and what they dont know they want. I’m all about thoughtful gifts that are functional and fun,
From your neighbor’s preteen to your teenaged babysitter and your cousin’s new baby, here’s a list of gifts that make every kid, at every age, feel special.
Crate and Barrel Deep Space Baby Tummy Time Toy, $69, crateandbarrel.com
Target Mini 6V Cooper Powered Ride-On, $180, target.com
Fisher-Price Little People Advent Calendar, Count Down to Christmas with Your Toddler's Favorite Little People Friends & Fun yule time Accessories, $60, amazon.com
Walmart Just Play Ada Twist, Scientist Ada Twist Lab Doll with Sounds, Preschool Ages 3 up, $28, walmart.com
Sperry Little Kid's Saltwater Animal Duck Boot, $70, sperry.com
Target Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage, $100, target.com
Delta Children Convertible Twin Bunk Bed with Ladder and Guardrails, $350, deltachildren.com
Janie and Jack Kimberly Goldson Brooklyn Sweater, $50, janieandjack.com
VTech KidiGo Basketball Hoop, $30, target.com
Nothing says a merry and bright holiday better than a gift that highlights the importance of representation. Whenever I’m buying for my kids or other loved ones, I make it a point to purchase inclusive toys. I’m hoping my daughter will learn to respect disabled individuals as she plays with this Barbie who comes with a working wheelchair. Plus she moves at various joints, making her functional outside of the wheelchair, too. Genius!
Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Wheelchair, $16, amazon.com
I have a budding photographer on my hands. Every time I turn around, my son is eager to take photos with my phone or digital camera. I want to encourage his creativity by gifting him a “real camera” but I’m also factoring in his age, readiness, parent controls, and above all, durability. This KidiZoom Digital Camera checks all the boxes. It’s age-appropriate, made of hard plastic, and kids can even play games between photo shoots while parent controls can set daily time and printing limits. It’s the perfect option for kids not quite ready for a real digital camera.
VTech KidiZoom PrintCam Digital Camera and Printer, $50, walmart.com
Most sneakers kids wear today are ugly. The soles are chunky with mega drawstring laces and the patterns and prints are too bold to mention. Can we say dad sneakers are taking over? If you’re looking to introduce your teen to a classic sneaker (think the 80s with a nod to 90s flair) that’s stylish and functional, this is your go-to.
New Balance 515 V3 Sneaker, $70, dsw.com
Weighted blankets are great for bedtime, but don’t get it twisted, they are perfect for your Netflix-loving teen who is always down for a nap (or two). This chunky weighted blanket soothes and calms without trapping their body heat underneath.
California Design Den Chunky Hand-Knitted Weighted Blanket, $133, californiadesignden.com
Everyone seems to be on fence about using Airpods vs. noise-canceling headphones. Do you want to look cool or drown out the noise? There are benefits for each type, but regardless of where your teen falls, we can all agree that having a deep, rich bass is the ultimate flex. These headphones offer that and much more. Users will adore that they can make phone calls, activate Siri or Google Assistant and control music with simple buttons on the earcups. Sounds like you just made their decision a bit easier.
Yamaha Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, $200, usa.yamaha.com
Need a gift for the teen who has everything? FabFitFun is a lifestyle membership, but it’s best known for its flagship product, the FabFitFun Box. The colorful box includes a huge selection of full-size products across beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, home, and tech – delivered each season. Not only will she thank you during the holidays, but every season to come.
FabFitFun Winter Box, $50, fabfitfun.com
Show me a teen who doesn’t love a selfie-and he or she probably doesn’t exist. Allow them to use the rotating and goosenecks arms from this selfie stick to find the perfect angle. They’ll also enjoy a remote control and LED light, but sadly fancy filters are not included.
Fotodiox Selfie Starlite Stix Vlog Light Kit, $120, fotodioxpro.com
