The Big Book - 12 Gift Ideas for the Children
“I don’t wanna grow up! I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid!” - a jingle that lives rent free in my American millennial mind. I remember being excited during my elementary years to get The Big Toy Book in the mail so that I could circle all of the toys I wanted for Christmas. 30ish years later, I walk into my parents house and see a Walmart Toy Book sitting out for my oldest niece to look at. I flipped through the pages with a nostalgic smile, realizing that I’m in the place now to buy the gifts!
As an adult, getting out during this time of the year is one of my LEAST favorite things to do. Every weekend, EVERYONE is going to be outside filling the streets and the parking lots and the stores and the checkout lines to get gifts. It is so draining sometimes and causes unnecessary stress!
Like most modern folks, Amazon has done a lot of the heavy lift on shopping for me throughout the years, especially during the holiday season. As my collection of niblings (niece/nephew + siblings) continues to grow, I need to preserve my energy and patience for play time. And I feel better saving on time and vehicle maintenance money to spend on those cute little faces! So here are a few ideas I have to “shop” for the precious little ones that I get to spoil this year.
Creepy Crawly Kids
Most kids like to get messy and what better way to do that than with slime! Now I was an outside kid that loved to find and watch bugs and critters in the grass and creeks. I would have absolutely loved to have one of these microscopes to carry around and look at all of the creepy crawlies that I came across.
Pretty Princess (or Prince)
Unicorns have been all the rage for quite some time and they are not leaving! You know what else is not leaving anytime soon? The epidemic of little divas and divos who feel the need to be heard all the time. A portable speaker and microphone is the ultimate Auntie/Uncle gift to send your nibling home with and bugging your siblings by way of their precious little lambs.
Master Chef Jr.
During a FaceTime call with my niece, she made me some eggs with basket and the last utensil from a small kitchen set she got a while ago. I knew that it’s time for a new kitchen set! And what’s a great chef without a clean kitchen - they can get those spills up with a cleaning set.
Techie Tots
If you’re like me, it’s a little cringe to see tiny hand filled with cell phones and tablets. A toddler smart phone is a great alternative if you’re not ready to add a line to your bill or if you don’t want to forfeit your phone to hear the same YouTube video on loop! If you have a child or two that is into robotics, a remote control car is fun for everyone.
Crafty and Creative Kids
For the adults that don’t exactly enjoy listening to the little story tellers, a storybook kit would be a perfect way for them to get things out. For the young fashionistas of the family, a sewing kit would be a good way to kick off their journey to becoming a red carpet designer.
Mystic Munchkins
I was definitely fascinated by magicians and how they did their tricks. For the young ones that are curious enough to figure it out, magic set for them to become the next David Blaine. Science is also seen as magic - so get a chemistry set for the logical magician in your life.
Honorable Mentions
A small version of a classic: Perfection for kids will help little ones with shapes with the rush against time.
Another classic for kids of all generations (8+): Pinball Machine for the tinkerers that don’t mind an assembly project and old school fun.
This last one I think is cool for the older kids who always need something to do with their hands: Magnetic Fidget Pen to build and shape however they like.
HAPPY SHOPPING!
