Ohhh, the holiday season is upon us. This week “gift guides” for everyone on your list is coming at you with options of tangible gifts and ideas for experiences that’d be enjoyed by your loved ones.
Do you feel the shift this year?
I see the movement towards less “gift” items moving towards experiences and homemade items. This year has been hard on us all. Everything is priced higher than it’s ever been, and living is expensive.
There’s no reason to ever go into debt from the holiday season.
This list considers that with different prices and options that you’ll be proud to give, and the receiver will love to enjoy.
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Here are the 10 top gifts and more ideas that are for every price point and lifestyle!
1. Mini Trampoline!
Get (some) of the energy out of the kids with this. My kids received it years ago and they still use it today. Make a game out of it challenge the kiddos to see how many they can do in a row without stopping.
2. Mini Soccer Goal
Just because it may be snowy outside doesn’t mean that sports have to stop completely! This mini goal can be set up inside (or outside) and it won’t break anything as the soccer ball is soft. Bonus gift as it can be used for multiple sports.
3. Legos
They’re one item that spans age groups and the creativity from building is boundless. For the under 5 group, the duplo line is perfect. This number train is adorable and teaches counting along with active play. Win!
4. A no-wifi writing tablet
I got these for my kids a few years ago and they love them still. Options are endless and they’ll love to doodle on it. No wifi or internet so you know they’re good to be on it safely.
5. Melissa & Doug Wood Train Cars
Endless play on a yucky day! The magnet connects the fun, and your floors will be thoroughly enjoyed. And they’ll last FOREVER not being breakable.
6. Craft supplies!
Christmas is a great time to restock all of the craft goodies the kids have gone through. If you’re on the go like our family, these markers have been a lifesaver! When our kids were little, the dot markers were a solid first choice on learning how to “color” & hold writing instruments.
Kids go through paper like water… construction paper, pads of paper, allll the kinds of paper. Stamps and water-only “paint” pages are great for the under 5 kiddos.
7. Bubbles
Do you know any kid that doesn’t love bubbles?!? You can easily DIY bubbles too. I’d recommend getting a bubble blower for hands-off fun, a no spill option because tears happen when they spill, and bubble wands are always a kid favorite.
8. Puzzles
Yes! I’m putting this on the under 5 list too. Everyone enjoys puzzles! The peg puzzles are a great learning tool for kids, the numbers/shapes/letters are a fan favorite, and the Melissa & Doug block ones were always a hit.
9. Anything they can climb in, on, + through
Creating a safe “risky” play in your house will help the kiddo learn quickly how to control their bodies and see their limits. Of course, be with your kid when they do anything active to minimize injury risk.
This toddler climbing set is what I would have in my house if my kids were little! It’s easily storable, aesthetically pleasing, and can be used endlessly.
10. Musical toys to make your kiddo dance and create
While I hesitate to give anything music to kids for sake of their parents ears, gifting music can be a wonderful thing to give to young kids. When my oldest was little, she had a piano that she’d play and it brings back wonderful memories. Fun fact is she actually does play the piano now- quite well.
This little piano she would have played so much, this wooden set would be jammed out on by a family (or more kids), and last, we’re a record family- My kids love dancing to the vinyl’s that spin (so many are kid friendly now!), to introduce vinyl, this little record player is adorable.
The beauty of the under 5 crowd is they really don’t care what you get them. They’re just happy to be there! Don’t overthink it- have fun with it and they’ll love anything that you get them, physical or experience! Make the memories, save your money, + savor the little things.
Simply Tamed 