Ok, this year, I want to try something a little different because this is literally what I’m doing for our kids. I now have a 5 and an 8 year old, and the requests are getting more and more specific as we move along. I would be lying if I said they ONLY received hand made, non-electronic gifts because they’re now kids who get to spend time with friends, and get to be exposed to lots of different things during their day. What I will tell you is this is what we’re focusing on for our kiddos:

Bear, 8 years old:

• LEGOS (he has requested straight up that all his gifts be LEGO sets) and although I’m aware this is plastic city, I LOVE that building and using his brain with these sets is something he can do for hours.

• BOOKS: Bear is now an AVID reader and is devouring books, especially series like Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Dogman, etc. Any time he wants books, I’m happy to oblige.

• VIDEO GAMES: This is a tough one for me. Whenever he requests a game, I do a lot of checking it out, and seeing if it’s something we can play as a family. Those are my parameters.

Cami, 5 years old:

• ACTIVITIES: This kiddos LOVES doing things with me. Making, creating, or anything that requires her imagination.

• ART: Full on artist here, so we are constantly getting art supplies and new fun things she can do. Her favorite set is watercolor pens!

This year, I am going to be supporting our school by purchasing most of Camille’s gifts through the For Small Hands site, which is a Montessori friendly toy company. I absolutely ADORE everything in this magazine. You can check it out HERE.

Gift Ideas:

In the Kitchen Ideas: I’m looking at age appropriate knife sets, fun mixing and baking tools for kids, a butter making kit, safety vegetable choppers and more. Cami and Bear love assisting me in the kitchen and I want the tools they use to be safe and fun for them!

Around the House Ideas: This may sound weird, but our kids love to “help” around the house and when we’re working in the yard. I love that there are so many kid-friendly tools for cleaning up or gardening outside for our kids to really help us!

Arts and Crafts: Everything from bracelet making, to painting and sewing, and modeling clay here. If your kiddos is as art obsessed as mind, you’ll find plenty to love!

Music and Sound: Another wonderful section for musical enrichment. Love the age appropriate options to get started on fostering a love of music early!

Games: It’s no secret our family loves board games. I adore these cooperative games that teach kiddos how to work together early.

Experiences:

This year, we are also much more heavily interested in gifting experiences to the kiddos. Here are some ideas I’m tossing around this year:

• season tickets to the Majestic Theater (local theater here in town) - we can see everything from The Lion King to Christmas symphonies.

• horseback riding lessons - thinking about finding affordable riding lessons for Cami this year (and honestly for myself too!)

• music lessons - both Bear and Cami have expressed interest in learning an instrument, so I’m looking into this as an option

For more ideas, including experience and subscriptions please visit my other resources from previous years:

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 2020

A Guide to Gifting Mindfully for Kids

If you’re interested in looking for B-Corporations (companies that value people and the planet in their quest for building a business) please download my B-Corporation guide (FOR FREE!) HERE.