Christmas gifts for the little ones around you
- Jennifer Bielke
- Nov 16, 2019
- 9 min read
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
I can't believe that Christmas is almost here. Thanksgiving has not passed yet, but you can see and hear Christmas music anywhere, decoration, the atmosphere, the purchase of gifts, specifically for the little ones.
Therefore, for a few days, I have been writing a list of the things that my children have loved and what I think they would enjoy.
Lately, I have been cleaning the room of my beautiful children, I have tried to leave the things that really give them joy, I try to pay close attention to the things they play with the most and those that are not touched for weeks.
In my Instagram stories, I have shared a couple of times that I have a preference for open and unstructured toys. Usually, these toys are made of wood or a material that lasts for years and years. I think the main reason I prefer this type is because children have a wider range of creativity while playing.
Do not take me wrong, my children have plastic toys and have had toys that fulfill only one purpose, but most of them have brought them joy and they have mostly been gifts from people we love and they love our children. In their room, you will find legos, Mr. Potato Head, a lot of animals, magnetic blocks, superhero figurines, transformers, and dinosaurs.
I could talk long and hard about this, but I'm working on another post about that topic.
The things that I am going to show you my children have had them, they want them or I have heard and read very good reviews.
I tried to make the list as detailed as possible and everything can be found on Amazon.
- For 1+
1. Melissa & Doug Food Groups:
Recently I remodeled a toy kitchen and we had this food stored away, got it out and it was magic. Children, especially Diego who is 1 year old, play all the time, pretending to cook for mom and dad.
2. Melissa & Doug Pound & Roll Tower:
Aaron was very small when we gave him this toy. He used it every day, he loved to watch the balls go down through each hole and then go out and fall at his feet. I remember that sometimes we had visitors and they loved to take turns hitting the balls. Diego was able to play with it for a while, but it wasn't working properly so we had to throw it away. I would definitely buy it again.
3. Melissa & Doug Rainbow Stacker:
If you still haven't noticed yet, we have many Melissa & Doug brand toys, why do you think it will be?
Something special happens when children can stack toys, one on top of the other. Their faces are filled with joy and they get that feeling of "I did it!". The toy was designed for children 18 months and older, but it worked very well for our children under that age.
4. Melissa & Doug Stacking Cars:
Cars? colorful? made of wood? and above all, they can be stacked on top of each other? Yes, please!
5. Indestructible Books:
Have you ever heard of indestructible books? Well, here they are, we had a couple, they are amazing.
They are books that, as the name indicates, are indestructible in the hands of children. Among all the good things it has, they are not toxic and are washable.
6. Kids Mini Band Musical Instruments:
In our family, we use music to do many things. We are part of the praise group of the church we attend, play, sing and dance to the sound of music in our house and when we meet friends. For that reason, it is very important for them to have instruments of a small size and to be exposed to music, different tones, sounds and rhythms from an early age. It is for children 3 years and older, if you are letting your 1-year-old play with it, please be with him/her at all times.
-For 2+
1. Award-Winning Hape Rock and Rhythm Kid's Musical Instruments Wooden Drum Set:
Continuing with the love for music, it could be any drum set, only this seems more durable. My children have not had it but I have seen many people recommending it and with very good comments. Diego, my youngest son, has a set that he was given for his birthday, is located next to my husband's electric drum set, he loves to sit next to him and play all the songs his dad teaches them.
2. All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape:
This little house has been on my radar for a while now and I haven't found the right time to buy it. For Christmas, we have a list of things we would like to buy, but we are also aware that less is more, so we plan very well what we are going to buy for this time of year.
This little house has been on my radar for a while now and I haven't found the right time to buy it. For Christmas, we have a list of things we would like to buy, but we are also aware that less is more, so we plan very well what we are going to buy for this time of year.
The house brings the furniture you need and is 3 stories, is solid wood and has beautiful colors, so that children can play and pretend they are going through different situations of daily life.
3. Miniland 15.75'' Anatomically Correct Newborn Baby Doll:
My children have a doll, but I have tried to find one that is a little more realistic. When I learned that I was pregnant with my second child, one of the things I did to make my oldest son get used to the idea of having another little human being in our house, was to buy him a doll. He learned to change a honeycomb, to give him milk if I needed help, I pretended that the baby was crying and he helped me to comfort him, in addition to that he learned to give her affection and what was the correct way to touch and carry him.
The other day in her blog, an awesome mom, who gives wonderful advice and shares super fun activities with her children, Lizzie( you can follow her on her Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theworkspaceforchildren/ was sharing about this brand that makes anatomically correct dolls. I found it, did my research and I loved it.
4.ToyerBee Safari Animals Toy:
Animals, I think it's one of the things my children enjoy the most. I love to hear them as they go for a walk in the jungle and find all the animals along the way, a lion that is very beautiful and wants to be a friend of the giraffe. They all go together, have a great party and eat a delicious meal.
The animals come with a map of the jungle, which makes it easier for children to let their imagination fly and go far away, sitting in the living room.
5. Agirlgle Wooden Peg Doll 12 Rainbow Friends:
Made of non-toxic material, they are perfect for developing in children their hand-eye coordination, recognizing colors. They are open toys, this means that for not having a characteristic that defines it specifically, they can be a fireman, police, singer, teacher, doctor, astronaut, builder, many more things. My kids love their peg dolls.
4. TOP BRIGHT Toddler Fishing Game:
This one is new for me, I have seen other brands but this one caught my attention. The colors are beautiful and are of materials that I prefer. It is much more fun if mom, dad or grandparents can take us fishing, but when we do not have the time or it is not possible because of the weather this is very good to pretend that we go fishing. Great to play with friends and learn to take turns because it has two fishing rods, the area that represents the water is made of fabric, I mean, it is very beautiful.
-For 4+
1. Wooden Memory and Learning Board:
Super fun, it comes with a bag so you can take it wherever you go. Good for memory, color recognition, learn to take turns and wait. In addition, it is super easy to play. You just have to roll the dice and see what color will come out, find the pin of the same color until you collect as many as you can.
2. Playskool Mr. Potato Head:
We spend hours and hours playing with it, a classic toy that never goes out of style. My oldest son even likes to take him to other places dressed in different ways. To make it more fun, we use playdoh to make hats, new eyes, other smaller potatoes and so we make a complete family if we don't have all the pieces.
3. Kinderfeets Wooden Balance Board:
Definitely on our list of gifts for this Christmas. Otherwise, we would buy it anyway next year. Super fun, because it encourages children to have balance, to exercise. They can use it in so many ways, their imagination will fly when they see that they can use it to balance, a tunnel, a bed, a chair to read, a bridge, a cave for animals ... many more things.
4. Excellerations Singing Tree Marble Run:
What a nice name, right? The Singing Tree Marble Run. And that's how it sounds, beautiful when you drop the balls from above and follow a path to get to the bottom. It is falling like a rain of balls in the race. Very good for coordination, interactive and very colorful.
5. Maileg Big Brother Mouse in Striped Pajamas in Matchbox:
I just want you to search google for a moment "mouse in a matchbox". It is one of those toys that when you look at them you say "awwwww", beautiful, well made and surely they will put a smile on the face of children this Christmas or any other holiday.
6. Hot Wheels:
Yes, in our family we love hot wheels. When I had my first baby, my mother-in-law handed me a box full of cars with which my husband played for many years, since he was about 3 years old. The cars passed to my oldest son and now he plays with them and also passes them to his little brother. Definitely one of those toys that are a staple in the house, they last for years and the boys and girls love them.
7. Stepping Stones for Kids Balance with Non-Slip Bottom:
Another toy for children to exercise, better use their coordination and balancing, strengthening the muscles of the legs, to run, jump and play sports. With very funny colors and it would surely look beautiful in any room to play.
Honorable mention
1. Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks:
Perfect to use the imagination, to create, build. We have collected many pieces, of the same ones that are in the photo and also of blocks made of tree trunks. My children play with them, practically every day. We have used them to make big cities, houses for our animals and dolls. We make very tall towers and then tear them down, it is my youngest son's favorite part. If you have not done so, put it on the list of gifts, it is a worthwhile investment that will last for many years.
2. PicassoTiles:
If you are going to take only one thing from this complete list, this is one of the things that I would like you to consider. Too good and versatile, with so many uses, so fun not to have them at home. We have made creations and put lanterns inside to illuminate the room with so many beautiful colors.
Educational, inspirational, geometric figures that can build so many things just by using the imagination and the most fun is that they have magnets, very easy to connect them all and create incredible sculptures.
3. Go Glider Balance Bike:
https://amzn.to/2q8NyoY
The other thing that I really want you to consider for this Christmas or for a birthday or for the day of kings, for any occasion, is this balance bike.
And what is a balance bike? Well, if you haven't heard from them yet, here I present it to you. It has no training wheels, this means that children first learn to balance their body and weight on the bike before going for the most desired, pedaling.
I remember when I was very young and all I asked my parents was a bicycle. I also remember going out to the patio or in front of the house and riding a bicycle with my family and neighbors, too much fun. So when we had the chance, Aaron hadn't turned two when we bought his first balance bike. He loved it and knew how to use it from day one. The years have passed and it remains one of his favorite activities, we take it anywhere. About a year ago we bought this brand that you see in the photo, it has been one of the best purchases we have made, it will last for several years while he is graduating from each stage, additionally we have to buy the package to put the pedals because he already knows how to keep his balance. Please, before buying a bicycle, please consider a balance bike, they are the best.
We are very close to Christmas, I think that's why I wanted to create this list, but keep in mind that you can give them any day of the year. With any of these, you would make the children around you very happy, but I want you to remember that the most important thing is that you spend quality time with them, give them your presence and love them unconditionally.
Happy HOLIDAYS!
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