2022 Holiday Gift Guides: Day 6 — “Little Kids 0-3”
Considering I’ve spent the last seven years of my life having children in this age range in my home, I’m feeling pretty qualified to share a gift list for little kids. The glory of this age range (0-3) is the kids really don’t know to ask for (nor would they play with) the inappropriately dressed LOL Dolls, the aggressive fighting action figures or some other God awful toy that they found browsing through those Amazon or Target wish lift guides which was a marketing ploy most certainly directed from the Devil himself.
Rather, this is a list of sweet and useful presents that children will use likely early and often and that offer some kind of benefit — be it imaginative play, literacy development, comfort and functionality, fine motor skills, etc. The gifts here are, in earnest, mostly for the age 1-3 range because I’d rather gift a newborn something they will use in time versus a toy they’ll probably grow out of by the time December has ended.
One last thing. I only just learned about the “four gift” rule which many of you may have already brilliantly employed in your own homes but if you haven’t (and if your kids are very young), you still have time to set this tone for all future holidays! The four gift rule means each child gets one thing they want, one thing they need, one thing they wear, and one thing they read. What a beautifully simplistic concept that might actually create a happier holiday in your home.
GIFT GUIDE DAY 6: LITTLE KIDS (0-3)
Personalized Books! Kids love seeing their name spelled out and it’s the perfect ploy to capture the attention of a tot or preschooler. The Night Before Christmas (personalized) is a classic we read aloud together every Christmas Eve and my kids love having it customized with their name so it’s like their own personal Christmas story. This inclusive version offers the option to add layers of personalization from including pet names, parent or caregiver names, your own hometown and even change Santa’s skin color.
If you don’t celebrate Christmas, there are range of other really lovely non-holiday personalized books that would work just as well!
Kids’ Bath Bundle! Bath toys get pretty gross pretty fast so use the holidays (or really any occasion) to replace them. I love the idea of a bundle of bath books or bath toys with a cute monogrammed robe. Someone gave one to my daughter when she was around 3 and she just loved wearing it around the house. These "make a funny face” bath stickers were a big hit with my children but alphabet letters are also lovely.
Pop up Imaginative Play Tents! My kids loved running in and out of pop up tents as early as they were two. I’m actually considering getting them a bigger one for this Christmas like this adorable one from Target.
Bombas are amazing. I threw a few links into the “Dads & Dudes” gift list but really everyone in your life can benefit. My friend with a newborn just treated herself to a “Mommy and Me” set of the slipper socks. My twins still love their Sesame Street collection ones and I love seeing that they now have a new Eric Carle collection for all those Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear fans!
My kids love Magna Tiles SO much. These sets come with animals (they also have arctic, dino + farm animal, etc. sets) which they love even more so they can interact with them as they build.
I also really like that you can now just buy individual animal sets to add to collections. This Dino set would work great with any existing one you own.
All my kids still love playing with our Wobbel board. This Netherlands-made, and Waldorf School beloved item, inspires imaginative play and promotes balance and posture. Plus, they’re attractive and come in a variety of colors!
My friend and general kid guru Paige (@ourhomepaige on Instagram!) has praised the amazing invention that is Yoto Players. We’re going to give them to our twins who are turning 4 in March. I love that they offer the independence to play stories and songs whenever they want. Plus, you can trade cards / books with siblings and friends!
If you’re debating between Yoto Player or Tonies… ask Paige! She’s compared them. For us, I realized Tonies wouldn’t make sense because my kids would play with the little characters on top so much they’d ultimately get lost.
I love the Nutcracker so much. We’ve taken my daughter every year to see the ballet. Someone gifted her this beautiful musical book before she could read and she loved being able to play the music as she flipped through the pages.
The Nutcracker soft doll makes a cuddly companion to the book. There’s also a Jellycat brand version!
We used these Busy Books with all three of my kids on trips, in the car and just around the house. I was shocked how long it kept them engaged. Traveling for the holidays? This is a terrific alternative to screen time if you’re trying to detox.
Here’s a second cute option in a garden theme (how could I resist)?
NY Magazine once called Bluey the “Best Kids’ Show of our Time.” This playhouse comes with a couple of characters but there are a zillion add on items for the Bluey collection that little (and bigger) kids will love. Probably best for ages 2 - 6.
This is a major glow-up for the Bluey house which came out last year with no sounds or lights. Undoubtedly your kids will get the best joys out of the toilet and bathtub accessories because kids are hard-wired to love potty humor!
