It’s that time of year again. That time when my family and friends tell me I am far too excited, too cheery, and would I please shut off that @#$#! Christmas music.
I love the holidays and I love the shopping. It’s not about the amount I spend on a gift, or how many I have to buy, it’s about finding that perfect something for that specific someone. Now that I have kids, it’s a whole new dynamic because of their reactions and intro into Santa Claus.
I’ve put together a list of ideas for you in an attempt to help you with your shopping. Maybe you don’t have kids of your own and are looking to buy for someone else’s little ones, or maybe your kids are about the same age as mine and you need a few more ideas.
This first list is for the infants, babies and pre-toddlers (note: everything suddenly becomes something for ‘3 years old plus’ so this age is sometimes tricky).
Happy Shopping!
For who? Teething babies, newborns (they will grow into it quickly!).
Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer!
(Pictured: our new Ringley Ball!)
I’ve written about this on my blog before. The Ringley is an all natural wood teether attached to organic cotton. My baby loves to chew on it and I can wet it and put it in the freezer for those tough teething days. New this year is the Ringley Ball which I was sent by the Ringley owner (a Canadian mom!). The baby loves it. I like that the ring comes off (via velcro) to wash the ball, or play with it separately (as her older brother likes to do).
For who? Barrettes and hairbands for girls, any age, but also there is a line of mitten clippos and blanket clippos that would be perfect for little ones.
Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer!
Clippopotamus is a business owned and run by a wonderful Canadian mom. I love the selection of hair clips and adjustable hair bands for babies/toddlers/little girls with lots of hair, thin hair – it doesn’t matter. My sweet angel? Bald as can be. But that didn’t stop me from getting the Mitten Clippos to keep her and her brother’s mitts on during the cold winter days and the Blanket Clippos which will keep her blanket on in the stroller (but I am also thinking I can use them to wrap a blanket around her in the Mei Tei carrier!). Love that they will slip into her stocking.
For who? Older babies and toddlers, though our set is played with by school aged kids when they visit as well.
We ordered these Melissa and Doug building bricks for my son’s first Christmas, when he was about 13 months old and mobile. We set them up in a tower on Christmas morning (some assembly required on Christmas Eve) and he was thrilled. They are still one of the most popular toys he plays with, (the baby likes to knock them down) and that guests play with when they come. Keep an eye out – they will go on sale at Chapters, but the closer to Christmas you get, the harder they are to find in stock (also available at other stores).
Bowling
For who: Various ages, including young babies.
My son’s grandmother has a bowling set at her house that is a big hit (the pins double as a baseball bat for him of course). So this year I am getting the babe this cute soft set. I figure it’s something that her brother can play with her, with minimal chance of someone getting hurt. And since she is really into roley poley and balls etc. I think it’ll be a hit.
Along the same lines, I came across this bowling set from Natural Pod (Skittles they are called). All wood, it’s beautiful set. This might be a bit better for older kids, but you know the quality would last.
Stainless Steel
For who? Any age
Take your pick of product, but there are a lot of stainless steel options out there. My favs are the Klean Kanteen and the Lunchbot Eco (divided, perfect for school snacks). Packaged together, this would make a great ‘snack’ or ‘travel’ set for babies around a year old. Be sure to get the sippy cup adaptor for the Klean Kanteen.
Utensils
For who? Babies, toddlers learning to eat by themselves.
Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer!
There are some cute stainless utensils out there or these bamboo ones from Raspberry Kids. They are the perfect size for little hands.
Books
For who? All ages, including new born
You can’t go wrong with books. Nice board books that are small are perfect for little babies. Find ones that have different textures or flaps for older babies which seem to be popular. Not sure where to begin? A few of our favourites for the baby include:
-Open the Barn Door
-Any of the board books for ‘How does a Dinosaur..”
-Toupie et Binou (the French ones are awesome!)
Conclusion
When it comes to babies remember that their developmental growth happens quickly. If they are only 3 months at Christmas, consider getting them something for when they are 6 months, like blocks. Or, if you want to buy something that they will use immediately, clothing and pyjamas are always welcome in my house. You can’t go wrong with a book at any age either. Buying practical items like sippy cups or utensils is great! The babies won’t know, and I’m sure mommy and daddy would appreciate it.
Happy Shopping!
Next edition: shopping for toddlers/preschoolers (ie: My son’s age!)
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