By Shannon Ford, Triad Moms on Main
What to get the cutest kid on your list? I am torn with this each and every year with my own toddler son, as well as my friend’s young kids. I want something personalized, unique, educational, fun, simple, affordable, and elaborate all rolled up into one. Hopefully this list will provide you with that perfect “go to” gift for the babies or toddlers on your list.
And don’t forget to look back at all the other gift idea posts we’ve run this Gift Giving Week week, including Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas for Mom and Dad, 20 Holiday Gift Ideas Under $20, and Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids and Teens, and Holiday Gifts for the Men in Your Life. Plus there’s more to come…stay tuned! Happy shopping!
Personal Charm
I am always on the hunt for an adorable one-of-a-kind t-shirt for kids. It is so difficult to find one, especially one that is long sleeved and quality material…until now. Peek*A*Whoo Personalized Baby Clothes and Gifts has an amazing collection for girls..and boys! My son has a love of helicopters so this is a new favorite for him. And did I mention, the oh so adorable packaging?!? Check out all of their options and styles on the website above.
Practically Adorable
So many moms appreciate practical gifts for their children. I am giddy when I find practical and adorable in one stop shopping. Therefore, I love Spooneez. They have fun laminate bibs that are machine washable and are made with wipeable fabric. I also love the Mini Utensil Spooneez for those meals out with baby. It even keeps utensils secure, tidy and mess free. They are also useful for moms too, since they can hold an adult tea spoon and salad size fork.
For the Green Kid
I have many friends that are environmentally conscious and try to buy “green” gifts for everyone. Sometimes this is difficult to find for kids. Two of my favorite ideas are the Green Toys recycling truck that is made from recycled milk cartons and the Haba Soft Doll Lilli that kids can learn to dress. You can find each of these onAmazon.com. (photos courtesy of amazon.com)
Capture your Picasso
My husband had given me a necklace from Handcrafted Heart and Soul after my son was born. It was absolutely stunning and incredible quality. When I saw the Christmas ornaments, I was even more impressed. Cris, a self-taught Raleigh jewelry artisan, has creative ideas that mold with her amazing talent to create little treasures. By using a photo of your child’s artwork, she can place this onto a Christmas ornament. Imagine the pride, when your toddler sees her artwork hanging from the family Christmas tree. This is a great tradition to build keepsakes for your child throughout the years. The ornaments can be two sided with a photo or inscription on the back.
Snuggly Gifts
What baby or toddler doesn’t fall in love with their favorite blankie? Kayteedids Couturemakes snuggly baby blankets in two sizes – the LOVEY (18″x20″) which fits a carseat perfectly and the BLANKIE (36″x36″) perfect for snuggling and wrapping your baby! She can add ribbon loops to either blanket if desired. I met the owner, Kate, when I was living in Raleigh. She will do custom blankets for that special gift. I love her “book” collections including favorites from Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, and others. I often give these blankets with the coordinating book.
For the Stargazer
How would you like to capture the night sky on the day your precious little one was born? Indigo Night prints show the moon and stars just as they appeared on a child’s first starry night, with custom text. You can be as creative with your wording as you would like to be. This makes an extremely special gift for the nursery or child’s room.
Heirloom First Toy
One of my son’s favorite first toys was a stacking toy. Prettydreamer makes the most gorgeous wooden stackers that I have seen. These are handcrafted with care of locally, harvested maple and reclaimed mahogany. They are then sanded buttery smooth, then finished with a food-grade, non-toxic oil. These are beautiful, tactile shapes for baby to explore.
A Keepsake with Humor
Celebrate the new arrival! Funny birth and adoption stories are captured for generations to enjoy on a painted baby memory canvas! Seton McGlennon, created a unique concept in art, as she hand paints the Story of your Life. Although Seton resides in Cary, NC, she is certainly known nationwide. In fact, she was featured in PEOPLE Magazine and Oprah brought her own Memory Trunk and Seton- to her Favorite Things Show, calling it the “Gift of the Millennium!”
Old School Gift with a Twist
My Little Otter offers a way to set your gift apart from the pack– with a set of 8 scented Play Doughs! You can choose from lemonade, blueberry, tangerine, cherry, key lime, grape, peppermint, chocolate, vanilla, and pumpkin. Each container is 2 ounces. They come in a clear cellophane bag tied with matching ribbon. Keep in mind…this scented play dough does not taste very good! Do not eat! Please do not give to small children who want to put things in their mouths.
Thinking Outside the Box
Why do kids always go for the cardboard box? It definitely is intriguing. I love the ideas from Parents Magazine on fun-to-make crafts with leftover boxes. It’s also fun for the parent to use some of those creative talents – and did I mention this is about as inexpensive as it gets?
Good Enough to Eat
Play kitchens and cooking utensils seem to be a very popular gift at this age. Crafty Creations by Vicki offers the most adorable selection of crocheted food for pretend play. The assortment ranges from cupcakes and coffee to radishes and avocados. She even has a picnic platter including a cheeseburger, hot dog and corn on the cob. Perfect for pretend picnics on snowy days!
What other gift ideas do you have for babies and toddlers this holiday season? Please share below!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
