Charming Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids

Let’s face reality: The ones making lists and checking them twice are US.

No pressure, right?! This year, I’m making a big effort to get my shopping done early; not only is the industry warning of massive production issues and shipping delays, but I really want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season without worrying about what else I need to check off my list. I’m already half-way done with our shopping, and honestly, it feels really good!

Of course, I have three little people who make shopping super fun right now. Grace (age 6), Josephine (age 4) and Beau (age 1) all have such varied interests and are at fun ages to get into the spirit. In my search for things they’d love, I’ve collected lots of great suggestions not just for kids their ages, but all ages as well! I’m so excited to share them with you as I kick off my first gift guide of the season.

Below are four sections that make up my Charming Holiday Gifts for Kids of All Ages. First, I’ve broken gift suggestions into ideas for Babies + Toddlers & Young Kids + Big Kids. Last, I’ve put together a big list of stocking stuffers with a range of ideas for all ages.

The lens through which I chose all these gift suggestions? I picked items that are sure to make them say, “OH! Isn’t that charming!” (Remember – it’s a statement, not a question.) Let’s get to it.

Charming Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids Of All Ages

Charming Gift Ideas for Babies

Wooden Activity Table

For Beau’s first Christmas last year, his big present was a wooden activity table, and it’s been a hit all year round! From when he first could pull himself up, to now when he runs circles around it, his activity table has been a constant favorite. Here are some great options: Crate & Barrel Wooden Activity Table + Sweet Cocoon Activity Table + Wonder & Wise Activity Table

Animal Baby Hooded Towel

Grace, Joey and Beau all got hooded towels for gifts when they were babies, and they’re all still our favorites! I love these animal-themed towels with adorable ears attached to the hood – they add such a fun element to bath time. (And the hood is great for keeping babies warm after bath time!)

Lovevery Play Gym

Trust me when I tell you that the Lovevery Play Gym is one of the only toys baby needs their entire first year! This Parents’ Choice award-winning play gym includes everything your child needs in an activity gym and play mat—from batting to teething to learning to focus—for playtime and tummy time with purpose. (PS – This brand just won the “What to expect” Mom Must-Have Best Baby Toy of the year!)

Board Books

Beau loves books and can’t get enough of them, but as with any baby, he has trouble with the pages! Board books are the solve for babies – they’re great for their little hands, and are far more durable than standard books. Some favorites include: The Conscious Kid Board Book Bundle + Touch Think and Learn Numbers + Goodnight Moon + The Very Hungry Caterpillar + Little Blue Truck + Pantone Box of Color Board Book Set

Bandana Bibs

Besides diapers, if there’s one thing Beau has worn near-constantly, it’s bandana bibs. Ever since he got his first tooth, he drools near-constantly! These bibs are great for keeping his shirts dry, and you really can never have too many. This 8-pack is made of organic cotton & is under $20!

Jellycat Stuffed Animals

Jellycat stuffed animals are super soft, easy for little hands to hold, and have been sweet companions for children. For all those reasons, they make wonderful gifts! From decor to little friends, these stuffed animals have been a longtime favorite of our family. We’ve found that most stuffed animals tend to collect dust, but these have always been *actually* played and cuddled with!

Charming Gift Ideas for Toddlers & Young Kids

Maileg Toys

Maileg toys are some of my favorites to buy for toddler-aged kids. Last year I bought Joey the Super Hero Mouse & nearly a year later it’s one of her favorite toys. There’s just something so sweet about these adorable mice; they’re the type of toy that kids really let their imagination run wild. Suggestions for a gift this season includes Mouse Doll Tent + Hiker Mouse + isn’t this Beach Mice Family Bundle so adorable?! I can’t even.

Poppie Designs

Poppie designs features decor and toys that are made from natural, environmentally friendly materials. Their pieces double as both decor and doll furniture – they’re the best because kids love playing with them, and they’re beautiful in a room, too! They’re also very well made; Grace + Joey have a Poppie Doll Day Bed and they even lay in it sometimes. In addition to their doll day beds, I love their Woven Table + Toddler Bow Chairs + Rattan Shopping Cart!

American Girl Dolls + Accessories

This year, there’s one major thing on Grace and Joey’s Christmas lists: American Girl Dolls. They are all about them lately! I love that these dolls can grow with them well into their teen years, and I also love the company’s purpose of celebrating girls; they have some of the most inclusive and diverse set of dolls available today! Grace and Joey are both getting their own dolls + accessory set this year as their big “Santa” present.

Tents + Playhouses

As a kid, there’s something so magical about a tent or playhouse. Our friend got Gracie one when she was just born, and over 6 years later, it’s one of the most-used presents that all of our kids love. They head into their play tent to read, play, and relax. It becomes a sweet, magical world for them, and I couldn’t recommend this as a gift more! Here are some great options to consider: Ikat White Playhouse + Pottery Barn “My Very Own Playhouse” + Maisonette Play Tents + Babai Play Tent (LOVE this one!)

Olli Ella

We got Grace + Joey Olli Ella Piki Baskets for Easter last year and they were a hit! From having tea parties indoors, to picnics outdoors, their baskets are practical and beautiful, yet perfect for play. They’re the type of item that will withstand the test of time; I can’t recommend them enough! Beyond baskets, Olli Ella has such beautiful pieces. I love their kids suitcases + Wonder Wagon!

Starfish Kids Clothing

Get ready for your favorite new kid’s clothing brand! Starfish Kids is recently-launched and designed for play, sustainably made, and built to last. (Sizes 2 – 8) You better believe I got Grace, Joey and Beau some items from them! Beau is getting the Big Letter Crew, Grace + Joey are getting the Ballet Dress in Sea Salt, and all three kids are getting the Elbow Patch Tee. USE CODE EMILY15 for 15% off YOUR ORDER!

Balance Board

Balance boards are somewhat new to me, but I’ve read about them a ton lately. For kids, they’re great for exercise, helping to develop coordination and balance while building core strength. Especially being in the Midwest and having such cold winters, I love a great toy that can help get energy out! It also has been shown to be great for open-ended play. A balance board can be a bridge, seesaw, boat, mountain to climb and so much more! Here are some great options: Wiwiurka Balance Board + Lily & River Little Surfer + Wobbel Board

Books, Books, Books!

Truly, there’s no better gift! Books are always a wonderful gift idea, no matter the age. Here are some of our favorites + a few I’ve been eyeing for my kids: Flora Botanical Pop-Up Book + The Little Reindeer + Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls + ABC Touch Think Learn + American Legends Alphabet Book + Finding Kindness + The Night Before Christmas + Here We Are

PS – Here’s a whole list of books celebrating diversity that would be great to shop!

Olive Lane Dinner Set

Made of durable bamboo, these plates are as practical for little hands as they are beautiful! We have the dinner plate set for our kids and they’re truly wonderful additions to our meal times. I love that the plates have dividers for food, the cups are the perfect size for toddlers, and the bowls can hold everything from cereal to pasta!

Quality Wood Toys

Wood toys are longer lasting, more durable, and better for the environment. They’re also inspiring for kids – there’s something about simplicity that really helps kids to practice their beautiful, big imaginations. For those reasons (and more!) we like to focus on purchasing wooden toys for our children. This year, Beau’s big “Santa” present is a Wooden Train Set! Here are some additional wood toy suggestions that are sure to excite the kids: Rock Blocks + Let Them Play Scenes (We have the Rainbow & Mushroom ones and they’re so cute!) + Vehicle Play Set + Veggie Wooden Play Set + Wooden Mechanic Playset + Vanity Makeup Set + Wooden Ramp Racer + Wooden Cash Register + Wooden Cleaning Set + Vroom Dashboard Set + Wooden Drum Toy + Olive Lane Wicker Shopping Basket

Lovevery Toys + Play Kits

I really can’t say enough good things about Lovevery toys and play kits – they’re stage-based play essentials for a child’s developing brain. With essentials from ages 0 – 4, you can get one play kit on its own, or sign up for a subscription to come every 3 months. The toys are Montessori-based that promote learning and development. They’re all made from sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics. I got Beau a play kit last year for his age range, and got him one this year too! I also got him the Organic Nap Mat for school.

Tinkertots Boxes

Tinkertots is an activity box that delivers 5 hand-on activities for parents to do with their little tots. There are options for subscriptions, or for single boxes. When my kids get a box, they get so excited! I personally love these boxes, not just because my kids do, but also because they promote spending time with my littles while taking the guess work out of Pinterest-like activities.

Gift Ideas for Kids and Big Kids — Photo by S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Charming Gift Ideas for Kids Of Any Age (Including Big Kids!)

Pajamas

Pajamas are always necessary, and especially for kids who quickly outgrow things, are always in need! Check out these brands for adorable styles: Burts Bees Baby (They have all sizes including newborn & adult!) + Roller Rabbit + Petite Plume + Little English + Sammy & Nat + Monica & Andy

Rey To Z Letter Hat

Spoiler alert for my family: I got a Rey to Z personalized letter hat for each of my nieces and nephews this year. Their ages span from 2 to 12, and the beauty of these hats is that they’re perfect for them all. They come in a ton of great colors including blush, black and patterns. I love the classic designs and the fact that they’re so easy to personalize!

Kids’ Pull Sled & Cushion

A winter wonderland isn’t complete without a kids’ pull sled! I love the classic look of this one – it’s built to last for generations and will be a gift the littles can enjoy year after year!

Polaroid Camera

Okay, is this not the best gift idea ever for an older kid?! A Polaroid camera is simply a classic, and one that any kid would love to have. The latest evolution of Polaroid’s 1970s One Step camera, this one brings greater creative control and sharper images to its ‘point, shoot, keep’ photos.

Snowman Family Kit

Who wouldn’t love this Snowman Family Kit?! Truly a great gift, for kids of all ages AND adults. It comes with all the essentials to build a snowman, including eyes, carrot noses and adorable accessories.

Watercolor Artist’s Case

I’m a firm believer that inside everyone there’s an artist waiting to be discovered. This is a French-inspired kit, great for helping a kid explore the artistic side of themselves! Set includes watercolor brushes, paints and pencils.