.png){kind=small}
Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. We are officially in it. And before all chaos ensues, we wanted to share some gift ideas for kiddos (okay, they might actually be for you) so when the grandparents want to know what’s on their list, you can give them some ideas.
Our focus for this list is on beautiful, functional objects that make themselves at home right in the middle of your living spaces that bring you and your children joy. We searched for items that are safe, fun, beautiful, and ethically or locally made and we also wanted to introduce you to some vendors we love. Generally speaking, the items in this gift guide are special and are intended to last for years and get lots of use.
You guys. THIS KITCHEN. It’s so pretty. It’s a little splurgy, I know, but if you don’t have tons of space (like me) and you have a kid or two, then chances are you have a play kitchen sitting in the middle of your house that you look at every single day. I like to think of these things on a “cost per use” basis. Bea uses her kitchen every day and I daydream of hacking her Ikea play kitchen to look like this one but it never ever will. If I had a second kiddo, I would invest in this piece because I know it would have several years of use. Besides being super chic, this play kitchen is crafted by Amish artisans from sustainable woods and sealed with nontoxic finishes. If it’s in your budget (or in the grandparent’s budget) this is an item that can be worth the splurge and you can feel good about it. Stock the pantry with these Melissa & Doug pots and pans and food kit and your kiddo is set.
Kids love these things, but some can be an eyesore or worse: they can be really loud and obnoxious. We had to return one last year that was so loud Bea was afraid of it and it drove us insane. Instead, opt for ANY of these little guys. Don’t love these? We also love the large wheely bugs by Prince Lionheart.
Honestly, you can get anything from Olli Ella and it’ll be functional and beautiful. Check out the Minichari Bag; it straps onto your kiddo’s scooter or bike (snack storage!) and it’s super cute. Oprah loves their kid-sized See Ya Suitcase, and who is going to argue with Oprah? Not us! We also love their Holdie House and all the mini furniture that goes along with it. We’re eyeing the Storie Stool and Luggy as well!
Oh how I covet this chair. It blends form and function seamlessly and its beautiful lines match the sophistication of most adult-sized furniture. It’s also a bit splurgy, but there’s a good chance that your kid will use this twice daily for at least five years (think: cost per use!) at which point you could always move it to their bedroom to use as a shoe station, storage space, or desk chair. It makes me smile; it’s just such a fun piece! AND it’s 30% off right now!
Based in Brooklyn, NY, Hazel Village hand makes the sweetest dolls out of organic cotton fleece materials. They also make sure that everyone who works for them is fairly paid and works in good conditions, which makes me feel good about buying from them. This little guy along with a few miniature clothing items are on Bea’s list this year. You can also get your kiddo an outfit that matches their new friend, if you’re into it. This is a gender-neutral toy option and a great way to teach your kiddos how to dress themselves… one leg at a time.
We are obsessed with Gathre mats. Gathre’s products are “modern leather goods that look as good as they feel as good as they function” and we could not agree more. They are super versatile and can be used as yoga mats, tablecloths, bibs, highchair mats, changing mats, play mats, family picnic mats – you name it. Each color is a muted undertone (we love the tannin), so you can’t go wrong. These are a great gift for kids and adults alike. Also, Gather is already having a 25% sale right now using the code “blackout.”
We looove this blanket. It’s beautifully, naturally hand-dyed lace trim is so pretty. The cotton is organic and unbleached making this one of the safest blanket options out there. Not in the baby blanket stage? Take a look at their sheets, pillow cases, washcloths, hand towels, etc. Snuggle up under your Lace Heirloom blanket and read a good book together and we promise that your child will fall into a deep sleep for 8 hours without waking you up for any reason.
Similar to the indoor play kitchen, this is a pretty big toy that will likely be front and center in your house. It’s also a toy that grows with your kiddo, which means it may be around for a while. This option is made of rubberwood, a low-emission engineered wood and comes with 41 parts for tinkering, which will buy you at least 10 minutes of “mommy” time. We also love this option from Melissa & Doug.
We hope this gave you some inspiration for special gift ideas for the special little people in your lives! Happy Thanksgiving!