🎅 Last min. gifts for the little ones

Add these to cart before it's too late! 🎄

Shopping for your own little ones, nieces, nephews, or a friend’s kids? Or maybe you’re looking to pass along some ideas for your kids to family members? Either way, we all know that kids’ gift guides can sometimes feel overwhelming—stocked with so. much. stuff. (Said as one looks around and already feels like the house is overflowing with all the kid items). 

That’s why, IMO, the best gifts for kids check at least one of these boxes: practical, thoughtful, or something they can grow with (bonus points if it ticks all three). This guide focuses on the gifts that go beyond just the “stuff”, and bring joy, creativity, and purpose to their little world.

Let’s dive in, so you can cross off the gifts that will bring some pretty adorable, toothless grins—and free up more time for the good stuff, like hot chocolate, holiday movie nights, and soaking in all the festive family moments. 🎄

Without further ado, let’s start with the littlest ones on your list this year:

🎁 Babies🎁

Herschel Baby Pom Beanie
Adorable and practical, this cozy beanie is a thoughtful pick for any little one under a year. My tip? Stick with a neutral color like light grey or moonbeam—it’ll match everything and is perfect for passing down to younger siblings.

Lovevery Play Kit
A gift that keeps on giving. Just enter your little one’s birthdate, and Lovevery does the rest—sending a Play Kit with developmentally appropriate toys tailored to their age every 2-3 months. The toys are designed to grow with your child (and are ones that they’ll actually want to play with again and again).

Personalized Wall Tapestry
This one’s so cute and would look adorable in any nursery. If you’ve got enough time, go for the personalization—it’s that little extra touch that makes it feel so special and unique. Add their name, a sweet message, or a meaningful date. 

Custom Passport Cover
You know I had to include a travel-inspired pick, even for the tiniest travelers. An initial passport cover with the sweetest letter patches makes for an adorable stocking stuffer or thoughtful standalone gift. An easy choice for any family that loves to travel—it’s equal parts practical and keepsake-worthy.

When You Were Born Book
Books, IMO, are always a welcome gift. And this personalized one is a standout. It’ll be the type of gift that always stays on the bookshelf. 

🎁 Toddlers🎁

Melissa and Doug Wooden Play Food
You truly can’t go wrong with a Melissa and Doug toy. This set is packed with fun foods (how cute is the little wedge of cheese?!) and is perfect for pretend play that’ll actually last more than five minutes. And I love the wooden crates it comes with to help keep all the pieces organized.

Toniebox
You’ll see the Toniebox on plenty of gift guides, and it’s easy to see why. I love this audio player as an alternative to screen time. And you can keep building their collection by gifting new Tonies for birthdays and holidays. 

H&M 3-Pack Cotton Sweatshirts
I’d honestly love to unwrap these for either of my kids. H&M has some of the best basics, and minimal wardrobe staples like these are always a solid choice for a gift.

Busy Book
Whoever came up with busy books deserves a standing ovation. These little gems are perfect for keeping toddlers entertained—at restaurants, on planes, during appointments, you name it. Compact, easy to pack, engaging—an easy choice for gifting! 

Custom Silhouette Portrait
This is such a thoughtful, shop small gift on Etsy that hits all the right notes. Timeless and sentimental, these portraits are the kind of gift that will be loved forever. Frame it up, and it’s ready to take its place on a gallery wall, bedside table, or nursery shelf—a truly special keepsake.

🎁 Little Kids🎁

Embroidered Personalized Baseball Cap
Another sweet Etsy find. And something I know to be true is that little kids love having something with their name or initials on it. This practical pick is a win-win—parents will love the quality, and kids will love wearing it. 

Shine and Shadow Light Lab
Okay, this is just plain cool. It’s the kind of toy that keeps kids entertained for hours (cue all the moms cheering), exploring colors, shadows, and shapes in ways that feel like magic. Honestly, no judgment here if you end up trying it out yourself. 

Anywhere Sofa Lounger
Love this one! It’s such a fun gift for a “big kid”. Giving them their own cozy spot to curl up with a book or have a special space in the house. If you’ve got time, go for the personalization—it’s that extra touch that makes it feel even more special.

I Spy With My Little Eye Animal Escape
This one’s a winner for big kids—especially if you’re traveling or have an animal lover on your list. It’s interactive, engaging, and the kind of fun that keeps them entertained on the go (or at home). 

Personalized Coloring Book
Customize this coloring book with a name and favorite character (think unicorns, dinosaurs, robots, monster trucks…). It’s thoughtful, personal, and easy to love. Pair it with some fresh crayons or colored pencils, and you’ve got the gift that’s going to be used the moment it’s unwrapped.

Looking to Pass Along Ideas for Gifts for Your Kids This Year? 

It’s not too late to get these before the big day! And for more gift inspiration, check out my full list of gift guides here.

Barbara