What we’re actually giving our kids this Christmas

Everyone’s favorite gift guide – what we’re actually giving our kids this Christmas! It’s been enjoyed since 2019, when we had a four-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy. Below, I’ve shared what each of our kids will be finding under the tree this year, along with a few suggestions I gave to relatives. I’ve also listed a few of the very favorite kid items we already own at the bottom if you’re looking for a few more suggestions!

(And if it’s helpful, I’ve linked everything here!)

First, the kids will be receiving one joint gift this year – the beautiful embroidered banner below for our loft/playroom, in honor of the Narnia books they’ve been reading with John. I love it so much, but the other designs are tempting, too!

June (who is almost 9) will be receiving:

— A ticket to Alice in Wonderland performed by the Carolina Ballet this spring. I wasn’t thrilled with the DPAC offerings this season, and though I don’t think a ballet would be her first choice, she thrives on a fancy night out and 1-on-1 time so I feel like we can’t go wrong here.
— New bedding: the duvet, sham, and sheet set of her choice. I’ve selected some options I think she’ll love (including this, this, and this) and will wrap and print a little catalog for her to choose from. She’s been asking for a “fluffy” comforter for awhile (she has a quilt on her bed now), so I think this will be very exciting.
— 8 books in the Dear America series, a favorite from my childhood. And when I say from my childhood, I mean from my childhood – I’ve tucked these away for several decades just for this moment!
— Two winter watercolor workbooks – one from Emily Lex (I bought it in the cutest shop in our downtown, supporting two small businesses in one go!) and one from Brighter Day Press. I’m hoping she’ll let me paint alongside her!

Other ideas I gave to relatives: roller blades, a KiwiCo Studio subscription, the complete Vanderbeekers book set, the Benedict Society puzzle book, a new wallet, and the Mousetown book.

Shep (who is 6 1/2) will be receiving:

— A ticket to Dude Perfect when they come to Greensboro next summer. We would have bought tickets for both kids, but June will be at camp on this date!
— A replacement Yoto Mini. Yep, you read that right: somehow Shep’s Yoto went missing a few months ago, and though I am annoyed that he lost it and was definitely not going to jump in to replace it immediately, he’s been sad without it and I’d love for him to have one again.
— A wooden paddleboat kit. We snagged this surreptitiously on our Bryson City trip after he clamored for it in a store.
— An NC Courage tee to cheer on his favorite soccer ladies.

Other ideas I gave to relatives: roller blades, a KiwiCo World subscription, an aircraft carrier he circled in the catalog, a Squishmallow, a Super Slide puzzle and carrying case, Ticket to Ride Europe, a sleeping bag, and a CLT FC jersey.

Annie (who is 3 1/2) will be receiving:

— Dog BINGO. I originally purchased this for June a few months ago, and she’s going to be very jealous when she sees Annie open it, but ultimately it will be played by everyone and I’m relieved to have another gift with the name of the hardest child to shop for under the tree :)
— A giant box of chalk. This sidewalk chalk is incredible – bold and vibrant – and with 180 pieces, should satisfy our smallest artist for at least a few weeks.
— A kimchi tee. All of our kids are nuts for fermented cabbage, much to John’s delight. They’ll get a kick out of this graphic tee, which I’ll wrap with a few consignment finds I held back from my fall haul.
— A new bike helmet from our local shop, just like the big kids.
— A little purse for all her treasures.

Other ideas I gave to relatives: panda slippers and an Alice & Ames apple dress. Mostly, this girl is still just thrilled to be here and happy to open anything! :)

A FEW OF OUR TIME-TESTED, VERY FAVORITE TOYS AND GIFTS:

— The Nugget, a key component for hours of open-ended play.
— This ice cream play set, which has provided hours and hours of entertainment. FIVE STARS.
— A set of MagnaTiles, because yes, they’re as good as everyone says they are. Definitely add the cars, and remember MagnaTiles and PicassoTiles are interchangeable!
— A big box of colorful Duplos (played with daily for many years).
— The softest faux fur tie dye blanket in all of June’s favorite colors.
— A wooden train track. We have a combo of the Hape and Ikea sets, which are interchangeable.
— A Micro Kickboard scooter. These are hands-down the best scooters – we’ve gifted them to all of our kids around age 2, and 3-5 is the sweet spot.
— A Priority Start bike. June started with the 16″ at age 4 3/4, graduated to the 20″ at age 6, and got the 24″ for her 8th birthday. Shep now rides the 20″ and Annie will get the 16″ on her 4th birthday. These bikes are SO well-made – they’ve been through several kids in our family and still look perfect!
— An art case coloring set. One of Shep’s most beloved items, used daily!
— A game you can play together: try Cover Your Assets, Ticket to Ride, or Sushi Go Party, all family favorites. (More ideas here!)
— The cutest personalized notepads. BIG favorite with June.

Whew! I hope that’s helpful! I’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas, but remember, kids don’t need much to be happy – in our family, we’ve actually found that too many gifts can be overwhelming and dull the whole experience. So choose wisely, and with joy – giving our kids good gifts is a really fun part of being a parent! :)

Below, tell me what you’re getting your kiddos this year — I love hearing your shopping lists!

Previously:
— 2023: A 7-year-old girl, a 5.5-year-old boy, and a 2.5-year-old girl
— 2022: A 6-year-old girl, a 4.5-year-old boy, and a 1.5-year-old girl
— 2021: A 5-year-old girl, a 3.5-year-old boy, and a six-months girl
— 2020: A 4-year-old girl and a 2.5-year-old boy
— 2019: A 3-year-old girl and a 1.5-year-old boy

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