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It’s that time of year! I’ve spent months thinking about what to get my kids this holiday. I like gifts that aren’t complete eye-sores, serve some sort of educational or developmental purpose, and are likely to be loved by both my kids at some point. So, I’m sharing some favorite gift ideas for older toddlers and young pre-schoolers!
TeePee | Jellycat Octopus | Dollhouse | Play Kitchen | Felt Play Food | Tegu Block Set
Easel | Beeswax Crayons | Color a Rocketship | Eco-Dough | An Awesome Book of Thanks
Teepees
Canvas teepees are all the rage. Kids love to play inside them, adults love the adorable look of them.
Octopus
I know, a stuffed animal may seem like it should be geared for babies and younger toddlers, but these Jellycat stuffed animals are so soft and adorable. The Jellycat octopus one specifically is fun because it has 8 tentacles that little hands love to play with. This would be a great gift for a newborn and a young child. The octopus one is more expensive than many of the others, so some other cute ones to check out are the lion, bunny, and dinosaur!
Dollhouse
I adore this wooden dollhouse from Chip and Joanna’s Hearth & Hand™ Target line.
Play Kitchen
I haven’t yet met a young child yet who doesn’t love to play with pretend food in their very own pint-sized kitchen. Play kitchens have come a long way since I was a kid. You can find one to match a range of budgets and styles. If a play kitchen is out of your budget, try finding a used one on a local swap & sell site and renovate it! I renovated a play kitchen I got for $15 and it looks fantastic!
Play Food
I’ve learned, at least with my kids, you cannot have enough play food! I’m a sucker for all the felt food.
Magnetic Wooden Blocks
These are awesome! Inside each block is a hidden magnet to connect the shapes. The paint is non-toxic and water-based!
Easel
This natural wood easel has stood the test of time in our house. It’s survived a toddler knocking it over and attempting to climb on it more times than I can count. I’m always a fan of plain wood items for the kids. You could probably find a colorful plastic easel at a cheaper price, but this one looks so much better! This one includes a paper dispenser, a whiteboard and a chalkboard.
Beeswax Crayons
These non-toxic crayons are made from natural beeswax, triangular shaped, and good for the environment.
Color a Rocketship
Your little one can color and then play in their very own cardboard rocket ship. If space isn’t their thing, they can design a cardboard cottage playhouse instead.
Eco-Dough
This dough is made with all natural ingredients, so you can have a peace of mind when your little one has their hands in it.
An Awesome Book of Thanks
Books are always a great gift, and the message behind this one by Dallas Clayton is perfect for the holiday season.
Other good books: Goodnight Yoga | Brave As Can Be | The Okay Book
For more of my favorite books for little ones, check out this Gift Guide for the Littlest Bookworms.
Other Favorites Worth Mentioning…
