Ultra-specific gifts for every little one on your list
The kids gifts I’m buying straight from my notes app, part 2
If you read last week’s newsletter, you already know I haven’t had the time or bandwidth to sit down and create those polished gift guides I’ve done in past years. And if you’ve followed me for a while, you also know how picky I am about what comes into our house…especially for our kids.
Similar to the adult guides, these guides for kids ages 0 to 7 come directly from my Notes app.
I keep running lists for each of my kids all year long: things I see and love, recommendations from friends, random mid-store requests, and little upgrades I know we’ll need soon. I’ve done this since they were born for gifting seasons. These lists turn into my go-to anytime a birthday or holiday rolls around, and they’re exactly what I share with family when they ask what to get the kids.
This year, I’ve gone through all of Caden’s and Willow’s birthday and holiday lists through the last 5 years and included the items we’ve loved as they’ve gotten older.
So go ahead and forward this email to all your family to avoid getting a bunch of gifts you’ll want to toss the moment your kids aren’t looking.
-Barbara
Table of Contents
For Babies (0-12 mo)
Lovevery Explorer Playkit I did not know how to entertain my babies, and love that there’s a kit for every age
Musical Caterpillar This toy was a favorite of Willow’s
Activity Station Both my kids loved this toy!
Crinkle Sensory Toy I would always put one of these in the diaper bag when we were out and about
Silicone Spinners These are a travel must have for babies! Great for restaurants too.
No Reception Club The Getaway Bag use code NEWMODERNMOM for $20 off We don’t travel with our kids without this bag. Nothing else compares!
Teddy Bear Hooded Towel Is there anything cuter than a baby in a hooded towel?! I love this bear one
Personalized Jean Jacket I love anything personalized! I’d order this a few sizes up to get some longevity out of it
For Toddlers (1-3 yrs)
Play Firetruck These trucks got used constantly in our house (and at the playground) by both Caden and Willow
Foldable Scooter This mini scooter is a must-have for every toddler, it’s one of our kids most used items! We take them to the airport and through the city we truly get sooo much use out of these
Wooden Busy Board This will keep you toddler entertained. Also great for restaurants and travel!
Balance Bike The perfect first bike! We keep this indoors at our house and it’s still used
Tiny Land Wooden Play Kitchen This one is SO cute
TouchThinkLearn Build! Book Caden was obsessed with this book because it doubles as a puzzle
Peg Board Set Great activity to pull out for quiet time or during independent play
Outdoor Waterfall Sensory Table A summertime must for us!
For Preschoolers (3-5 yrs)
Personalized Piggy Bank I think this a great gift for a niece or nephew!
Magnetic Building Blocks These are like magnetic tiles in block form, my kids love them. I also love that they come in their own case which makes them great to take with us.
Gem Sticker Kit Willow is obsessed with gems, and loves this kit (we’re on our 3rd one)
Elsa Costume and Elsa Robe Also getting these for Willow! We’re in a big Frozen phase after Disney on Ice earlier this year
Kids Instant Camera Perfect for the preschooler who’s always begging to take pictures on your phone!
Paw Patrol Figurines I love taking these to restaurants for the kids (and they make great bath toys)
American Girl Bitty Baby Doll Willow is baby obsessed she loves this one
Potion Bath Bomb These help when you have a battle at bath time
For Little Kids (5-7 yrs)
Kids Coding Robot We actually picked this up from someone’s giveaway pile in front of their house (kids are now in high school). Caden is absolutely in love and won’T stop playing with it.
Stony Clover Customizable Backpack The customizable options are endless and this gift will last years
Foldable Scooter Like I said above…a must in our house, this is the next size up
Nugget Play Ottoman We got this a few months ago and both of my kids love it
Walkie Talkie Set A request straight from Caden
Yoto Mini with Paw Patrol Yoto Card If you are between a Tonies Box and a Yoto Mini, get the Yoto Mini! I love how compact both the player and cards are, and its such a practical gift for quiet time and for travel.
Craft kit with Hole Punch Set, Kids Zigzag Scissors, Decorative Washi Tape I love having a kit like this to pull out on a rainy day.
My First Science Kit The perfect gift for your STEM loving kid
Rainbow Bagel Baking Kit This would be great for a weekend morning activity, and ever since I went to NYC last Spring and brought home rainbow bagels Caden won’t stop asking when I’m going back to bring him more
Personalized Hair Clip How cute are these?!
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What's a favorite gift for littles you'd recommend? Please share!