Purchasing the right gifts for our children can be difficult. If you are anything like me, you want to give your kiddos meaningful gifts that engage their minds, inspire creativity, and leave everyone with a sense of satisfaction. But what kinds of things can make us feel like we’ve made responsible choices as parents but still allow our littles the joyful experience of receiving?
Jamie Davis Smith, a Washington D.C.-based mother of four, posted this excellent list article that offers useful ideas for every age. Additionally, below we have provided a list of ideas, categorized by age.
Best of luck and happy shopping!
Tips:
- Do buy toys that are made of natural materials and that require manipulation with the hands.
- Avoid plastic, batteries and characters.
- Shop at some of the following – Melissaanddoug.com, FatBrain Toys, MindWare, ThinkGeek, The Red Balloon, The Tutoring Toy and TJ Maxx.
Toddlers:
- Blocks (wood or soft)
- Small household items (broom, dishes, cooking items, etc.)
- Chunky puzzles
- Push and Pull toys
- Shape Sorters
- Plush toys
- Books
- Pounding toys/tools
- Balls
Early Childhood:
- See age appropriate gifts from above
- Wood Blocks
- Dress Up Items (Doctor, Fireman, Police Officer, Train Conductor, Cowboy, etc.)
- Art Supplies, Easel
- Small household items (broom, dishes, cooking items, ironing board, etc.)
- Clay, Play Dough
- Puzzles
- Board Games (Candyland, Hi Ho Cherry-O, SpotIt, Memory Games, etc.)
- Musical Instruments
Lower Elementary:
- Legos
- Dolls
- Books (coloring books, cursive practice, chapter books, etc.)
- Cars (np batteries)
- Stuffed Animals
- Board Games (Sorry!, Candyland, Cranium, Zooreka, etc.)
- Puzzles
- Sports Equipment (soccer ball, soccer net, baseball, baseball glove, football, etc.)
- Art SUpplies
- Backpack
- Scooter
- Skateboard
- Bicycle
Upper Elementary:
- See appropriate ideas from above
- Tangrams, Origami paper
- Board Games (Apples to Apples, Story Cubes, Trivia Games, Whoonu, etc.)
- Gift Cards for getting out (Rock climbing, trampoline parks, horseback riding lessons, ice skating, etc.)
- Music