2019 gift guide: for the kiddos
/rug | bed | string lights | curtains | roman shades | rainbow pillows | stool | storage bench | mural | pendant
November is here and you know what that means - holiday gift guides! So much of what I love about my job is connecting friends with amazing finds, which is why I’m so excited to share with you the first of a few holiday shopping lists before the Black Friday frenzy begins. This year, I wanted to focus first on the kiddos, aged 3 to 8, with an eye toward finding new, or new-to-me, makers whose products are artisanal, design-centric and classically inspired.
As my kids have gotten older, I’ve realized that, while the highly commercial toys are visually enticing, they aren’t the toys they come back to time and again. Imaginative, open-ended play is the name of the game, and, it’s with that in mind, I present these toe-tingling finds.
1 / Oh, to be a doll in this pram.
2 / When I was little, my great aunt brought me a set of nesting dolls back from a trip to Russia, and, one day, not so long ago, when I was cleaning out my dad’s basement, I found them! I have since passed them onto my kids and they continue to be a hit, especially with my youngest. This monochromatic set is eye-catching, fun, and mantle-worthy.
3 / One of the first gifts I ever received as a new mom was a Blabla doll, which I still have in my daughter’s baby keepsake box.
4 / Maisonette offers some absurdly cute baby and kid toys but also some great gifts for those looking for STEM finds like this catapult kit.
5 / My nieces and nephew are so into this journal. The writer prompts and mix of illustrations and words are perfect for those just starting out on their journeys of mindfulness and introspection.
6 / Carmen’s shop is for the young-at-heart, and I just simply can’t pick my favorite. Their simple dolls are all so lovingly crafted and wonderfully unique!
7 / I found this little gem while shopping the stalls around the Pike Place Market in Seattle. The owners are as whimsical and charming as their plush pals. And their focus on handmade toys made locally and sustainably is as compelling as their company story.
8 / These BrightLab lights, which I have in my daughter’s room, add personality and warmth to any space.
9 / Simple little intro sewing kit, perfect for my youngest.
10 / Thelittletreeco, based in Canada, makes adorable all wood toys, and these are my favs for the young builders in your family.
11 / One Saturday. Three 8-year old girls. Two hours of uninterrupted play and photography. Need I say more?
12 / I’m a sucker for whimsical kid décor like this guy.
13 / And this one.
14 / I bring these on airplane rides and long car trips and they never fail.
15 / I think I love every single thing Yoobi makes, but their stamp rollers are the best. Not only do they fit perfectly in little ones’ hands, but they also make for great stocking stuffers.
16 / Do you remember friendship bracelets??? They are back and might be the only reason to want to be back in middle school again.
17 / My kids are obsessed with treehouses these days.
18 / Add in some of those cute Wooden Forest Animals and I got next on the tree swing!
19 / This set, inspired by Japanese prints from the Met, allows me to combine something I love (art) with something my niece loves (origami), giving us lots of good bonding time (and me Awesome Aunt points!)
20 / I want everything from HomeBound Journals, but I know this one would tickle my niece pink.
21 / I love a wooden jigsaw puzzle!
22 / For the budding young sewing enthusiasts!
23 / How cool! A coding robot!
24 / And, finally, for the builders in your life.
Thanks for stopping by! Come back later this week for some special gifts for the menfolk.
This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!