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There’s nothing like experiencing holidays through a child’s eyes -- the anticipation and wonder is truly contagious. My toddler was over-the-top obsessed with Halloween for the first time this year, and I can’t wait for her to discover the magic of Hanukkah and Christmas…we’ve already started pulling out some decorations and I’m getting so excited to start wrapping presents. Here are a few things we’re loving and purchasing for our kids this year -0 a mix of tried & true staples and some fun new stuff too!
For Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Lovevery Play Kits, from $80
I’ve been a Play Kit subscriber since Ellie was a baby, and month after month they are consistently our favorite toys. Not only are they educational and high quality, but the subscription takes all the work out of toy research, meaning I have more time to actually play with my kids!
LALO Table & Chairs, $250
Another tried & true favorite, the LALO Play Kit is the perfect place for littles to eat and play. The lightweight and easy-to-clean materials mean my toddler can set herself up comfortably at the table and messes are cleaned up with just a quick wipe!
Audwell Oslo Tower, $285
A must-have for any toddler who is interested in helping out in the kitchen, The Oslo Tower puts your little at counter height for washing hands, prepping meals, or even doing art projects.
Lorena Canals ABC Rug, $215
We love these playful rugs for nurseries or playrooms -- they add a touch of whimsy and (drumroll, please)...they’re washable!
Doona Liki Trike, $250
This tricycle does it all. It starts with a “stroller-like” seat that you can push (great for as early as 10 months) and evolves into a standalone tricycle that your toddler can use on their one. Plus, it folds up super compact so you can take it on the go.
Micro Kickboard Mini Scooter, $90
We got this for Ellie for her second birthday and she hasn’t stopped riding it since! Everyone in the neighborhood has one. For toddlers who love a bit of flair, add these fun streamers.
Slumberkins Minis, $16.50
Everyone in our house loves Slumberkins -- they’re really great for toddlers and small children who are just starting to learn social emotional skills, but we love them for babies too! Little Lucy has a few minis and loves to cuddle with them during playtime.
Jellycat Soft Books, $16.50
These soft books are perfect for babies and allow them to explore different textures and sounds (some of the pages make crinkle noises). They’re super easy to throw in the diaper bag and great for entertaining little ones in the car or at restaurants.
Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Sack, $79
There’s nothing more important than baby getting a good night's sleep and I love this weighted sleep sack (think gravity blanket, but safe for baby!) to help my little relax at night.
Mori Knitted Sweater, $51.50
I rely on sweaters and sweatshirts to keep my kids warm -- they hate jackets with a passion. Mori makes the softest and cutest sweaters and I really love this sweet reindeer print for the holiday season.
For The Big Kids (Ages 3 & Over)
Lovevery Montessori Playshelf, $400
I’ve always wanted to be the mom that excels at weekly toy rotation and keeping things organized, and this shelf has enabled me to succeed at just that. It’s super sleek, full of hidden storage, and is perfect for encouraging independent play.
Wiwiurka Jungle Gym, $930
A worthy splurge for kids and toddlers alike, this Jungle Gym is going to get a lot of use when we’re stuck inside all winter. There are unlimited ways to play and it’s a great way to encourage movement even on rainy days.
Milton & Goose Play Kitchen, $649
This play kitchen is one of the most used toys in our home, and certainly one of the most beautiful. Ellie wakes up and goes straight to her kitchen to make us coffee, whip up a smoothie, or bake cookies. It’s endlessly entertaining and incredibly high quality -- a piece I know we’ll cherish forever (is it too much to expect that my grandkids may one day use this kitchen?!).
Banwood Balance Bike, $195
Balance bikes are all the rage these days as they’re perfect for helping littles learn how to use a bicycle for the first time. We love this one for it’s cute style (hello, basket!) and function. Don’t forget to grab a helmet too - Banwood’s recent collaboration with Liberty is just too adorable.
The Dough Project Playdough Set, $40
Ellie is not the best at independent play…until we pulled out this playdough kit. She literally spent an hour making and decorating “cupcakes” and now asks for the kit almost every day. We’ll get a ton of use out of this one and I can't wait to open up the holiday themed “Snowman Kit” (coming soon!).
Super Smalls Nail Kit, $35 and Play Shoes, $35
I’ve been patiently waiting for the day I can take Ellie to get her first mani/pedi, but until then we are loving this Super Smalls nail kit. The polish is non-toxic and peels right off so you don’t have to worry about messes or nail polish remover. Our Founder Lauren is also a big fan of Super Smalls and her daughter loves the stylish heels!
Toniebox Starter Set, $99
With a ton of popular characters to choose from, Toniebox is the perfect screen time alternative. It’s super intuitive to use (my two year old uses it alone with no problem) and makes storytime -- or family dance parties -- so much more fun. I imagine it would be ideal for holiday travel or long car trips too.
Rockets of Awesome Clothing Subscription, $12-23 per item
Shopping for kids' clothes is so much fun, but can be exhausting. They grow so fast and it feels like I’m constantly looking for new items. Rockets of Awesome makes it super easy with its monthly subscription box full of stylish, soft, and comfortable clothes that are tailored to your exact preferences. If you have a very opinionated toddler like I do, this is a must!
Healthy Roots Doll, $80
I just discovered Healthy Roots Dolls, a toy company that creates dolls and storybooks that empower young girls and represent the beauty of our diversity. The brand’s first doll, Zoe, was designed with curly hair that “can be styled just like real hair” in multiple different styles.
Personalized Crayons, $20
These rainbow crayons are so sweet and it’s even more fun that you can personalize them with your child’s name -- a fun twist on traditional crayons. Ellie turns 3 in January and I think these would be the perfect birthday party favor for her little friends.
There you have it! From big ticket items to stocking stuffers, we hope your kids will love these items as much as ours do.
