Here we go! My annual gift guide!
I always love putting this together – I’m often asked what I’m getting the kids and I’m happy to share when I find products that we don’t typically see on commercials or in flyers. I have a few surprise gifts that the kids will love this year I think!
Each year, I hand select items that I think look cool or that my own kids are going to be getting. Which means each year the gift guide tends to move into older ages as my own kids grow.
I’ve looked back over my previous gift guides and love how so many of those gifts that ended up under our own tree are still well loved and played with. Those also offer ideas for younger children as well. You can find them here:
Holiday Gift Guide – Infants – 18 months old
So what’s hot and fun this year that’s going to get some reactions from the kids? Here are my hot toy/game/craft picks!
10 Holiday Gift Picks
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Goldieblox
Have you seen the fun videos? This building/engineering set is specifically designed to keep our daughters interested in engineering. My daughter will be finding this under the tree!
(Tag Along Toys, $29.99)
Magic School Bus Science Kits
You read that right. The hugely popular show from our childhood (and that can be found on Netflix) has a line of science kits. I picked up one for each of the kids – an anatomy kit and a space kit. Science and learning is fun!
( Tag Along Toys, $24.99 – search the site for complete line)
Lab Coat
Both my kids now have a lab coat, my son’s accompanied his science kit last year, and they both enjoy putting them on to get into science mode. If you have a budding scientist, this is a worthwhile investment.
(Museum of Science and Technology Boutique, in store)
Melissa and Doug Sweets and Treats Stickers
We received this as a gift for my daughter’s birthday and it proved to be hugely popular. The set includes blank designs for cookies, donuts, cakes and more, plus all the toppings to decorate them. Each of the kids have spent a lot of time on these!
(Boomerang Kids, $5.99)
Mosaic Crafts
Another gift that proved to be popular were mosaic craft sets. The boxes come with cut outs and numbers that correspond to specific colours of the mosaics (think paint-by-number with stickers). These are independent crafts that both my children pull out time and time again to work on.
(Tag Along Toys, $19.99 – kit styles vary, such as Dragons or Sweets)
Playmobil Rock Stage
I love Playmobil. I love playing with Playmobil and I love how complex each of their sets are. Luckily, my children love it too. When I saw the Playmobil Rock Stage I knew it had to be for my kids. They are both into music, play their father’s guitars and their own drums while pretending to be in a band a lot, and my son has requested guitars and amps on his list. The fact is, with four guitars and two amps already in the house, we didn’t need more of the real thing, but this is a creative way for Santa to keep the rocking going.
The set also allows for an MP3 player to be plugged in and play music. ROCK ON!
(Toys R Us, Regular $44.99, currently on sale)
Crayola marker maker
The kids asked for this a month ago when they first saw the commercial and I will admit, I was skeptical. It seemed like a novelty that would wear off. Turns out, the kit and process is pretty fantastic. We tried it out after my son received this for his birthday. I wrote the full review in a previous blog post, but this one is a creative gift that your kids will be happy to see under the tree.
(Toys R Us, regular $26.99, on sale now for $19.99)
LEGO Zip Bin
The LEGO just ends up dumped on the floor while their playing, doesn’t it? We currently have a shelf system for the LEGO but I like how this zip bin is big enough to hold everything, plus zips out to be it’s own play mat. Creative fun ahead!
(Tag Along Toys, 26.99)
Hape Space Centre
With so much interest in the space program this year thanks to Chris Hadfield, I suspect there are many future astronauts at home wanting to play rockets and space exploration. This HAPE Space Centre is a pretty cool way to get younger space rangers excited.
(terra20, $140)
Not sure what to get your little one? Drop me a note on Twitter or Facebook and I’ll happily offer a few other suggestions!
This gift guide is purely about stuff – cool toys and items. But if you are looking for other gift suggestions, there are plenty that include experiences, lessons and ideas that will be well used, and loved, without adding to the toy bin.
Check out this great post from Lasso The Moon about alternative gift ideas and this one from Just Play Toy Rental with another great list.
Note: These selections were based purely on items that I like, my kids like or have purchased. To source these gifts, I’ve included my local advertisers as sources where applicable, otherwise I’ve found where to find the item in store or online.
Thanks for the great suggestions! I love the crafty/scientific gifts, as they seem less like more clutter, and more like inspiration to get the kids thinking creatively! I’m thinking the sticker pad and/or mosaic kit just might end up under our tree this year!