What we’re actually giving our kids this Christmas

While I don’t hold tightly to any one gifting formula (e.g. something you want, something you need, something you wear, something to read), I’ve realized we do try to check at least two boxes with each gift collection: an experience, and something that will bring immediate delight (a kit, a toy). This year, the experience is the same for all three kids, and it’s a big one: a day at Disneyland with the cousins when we’re in California at Christmas. I’ve never been, and I can’t wait (and I can’t wait to see their faces). We’re also gifting our trio the Wingfeather Saga boxed set – read aloud delight awaits! For everything else our kids will be finding under the tree this year, read on…

June (who is almost 10), will be receiving:

— A weekender of her own. She has been asking for a small duffle for weekend trips and sleepovers, and this colorblocked version is quite fun.
— “Fashion” sneakers. Fourth grade came with a noticeable uptick in brand/trend interest, including a desire for fancier sneakers. She picked out this style in the store but we’ll surprise her with the online-only lavender colorway.
— A Camp Snap Pro camera. We got Shep the original Camp Snap camera for his birthday this year; he he has loved toting it on adventures and snapping away. June will love this upgraded version (and to stop borrowing her brother’s.)
— A Kavu sling bag. June came home from camp requesting a Kavu bag after seeing many other campers toting one. She likes that they’re big enough to pack a paperback :)

Other ideas I gave to relatives: Crocs, a small jewelry case for earrings, outfits and accessories for her American Girl doll, a Doodle Crate subscription, the Mysterious Benedict Society books she doesn’t already have (numbers three and four!)

Other items she owns and loves or is wishing for: right here!

Stocking picks: Yoto cards, hair ties for thick hair, Mini Brands Create balls, Harry Potter pencils, Scotch tape, anything Ooly, Pip Pop Post earrings, claw clips, Lindor truffles, colorful fairy lights for her reading nook

Shep (who is 7 1/2) will be receiving:

— A father-son weekend with John. This is how June eased into sleepaway camp, and it was the best opportunity to get the lay of the land, meet the directors, and set her up for success before her first session. Plus, we had the best time together, and I know they will, too!
— A Charlotte FC jersey, since he outgrew the Nashville FC jersey my sister gave him that was very beloved.
— Two soccer goals for the backyard. A dream for the guy who plays soccer at recess every single day.
— A wooden block set. It must be his Montessori training showing, because this was his number one request this year. I’m not complaining!

Other ideas I gave to relatives: a kick ball, a water pump for the backyard play house, a Drive Shack gift card, a Super Slide puzzle and carrying case, cool Star Wars posters (or anything Star Wars or Jurassic Park themed), Ticket to Ride Europe

Other items he owns and loves or is wishing for: right here!

Stocking picks: Yoto cards, the peg game, Harry Potter pencils, Scotch tape, campfire color packets, a gray Aslan tee from Walk in Love

Annie (who is 4 1/2) will be receiving:

— An enchanted castle. Do I want to get this for her? Not particularly. But it was at the very top of her collage wishlist (starred, highlighted, circled) and so it is the one item we will be getting from it :) 
— A deluxe bracelet kit. Annie specifically requested a bead kit after eyeing all of her sister’s crafty creations, and I think she’ll love this one customized with her name.
— A unicorn air dough kit. She spotted this at one of our favorite local stores and I was happy to pick it up.
— A glow-in-the-dark marble run. Another catalog request :)

Other ideas I gave to relatives: anything Frozen, a gift card to our local ropes adventure course (she’s hooked now that she’s conquered the zip line!), a pottery painting place gift card

Other items she owns and loves or is wishing for: right here!

Stocking picks: Scotch tape, the best (and most reasonably priced) bath bombs, clickable markers (can’t lose the tops!), a new sketchbook

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.
— Roller blades. June and Shep got these for Christmas last year and they still strap them on multiple times a week. Go for the light-up wheels!
— 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 giant box of chalk. This sidewalk chalk is incredible – bold and vibrant – and with 180 pieces is still going strong one year later.
— America’s Test Kitchen Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs, which has some of the most delicious recipes I’ve ever tasted (those chocolate crinkle cookies!).
— A box of letter writing supplies (cards and envelopes, postage stamps, a fancy pen, stickers, a return address stamp, maybe even pre-addressed labels printed with the addresses of grandparents and friends!).
— 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 glow-in-the-dark soccer ball – perfect for street games after Daylight Savings Time!
— 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 got 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:
— 2024: An 8-year-old girl, a 6.5-year-old boy, and a 3.5-year-old girl
— 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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