When I put this together, I tried to keep in mind all of the different fathers that I know. Billy, my own dad, my brother, my friends, my cousin. This was a fun little post to plan!
Note: I am an Etsy affiliate, and if you purchase something from a link I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I sort of divided it into different personas.
For the Adventure Dad, the one who likes long drives, points out different landmarks, and stops for weird roadside attractions and ice cream.
That Cryptid National Park Passport book is in my wish list. I might just buy it for a certain dad. I also love that tee shirt and can see so many of the guys I know wearing it! And the kuksa… I added that because I bought one for Billy years ago and he uses it all the time. He told me the other day that it is one of the best things I ever gave him. I figured that was quite the endorsement!
The Gamer and Movie Dad, who can be heard late at night shouting intermittently at the screen, is quick to pick up the controller, and teaches your kids the ins and outs of gaming.
A subtle nod with this gamer sweatshirt, making them noticeable to the other gamers around but confusing those who may not have ever picked up a controller. And speaking of not picking up controllers, this organization stand will keep everything together and neat and tidy. Like a little gaming butler.
And of course, a mug. Because mugs and Father’s Day go together.
For the Dad who is a Fan, who knows all the movie trivia, loves the little small details of their favorite shows, who is tuned in every game day. Show him you are his fan with these gifts!
This Football dad tee, makes a statement without overstating it. Then a series of beverage containers – a Severance mug of Petey’s secret map, a Darth Vader whiskey glass, and my favorite, this wooden Prancing Pony tankard.
I love all of these. I guess I would be a quirky dad, if I were a dad. Does that make me a quirky mom? I will answer that – yes.
I love the Beside a Dying Fire candle, perfect for any dad, but especially that one who likes to sit in his chair and read or write long letters to his farflung friends, via chat. Two vintage posters; one my friend Kelly sent me when I asked her what she would buy her husband from Etsy, and one that I picked out for Billy’s woodworking area. And speaking of woodworking, this personal woodworking brand is actually perfect for your woodworker husband, whether he is a hobbyist or not. Finally, this awesome sweatshirt that says Old Sport. I seriously love it and have included it in my gift guides before. Who doesn’t want a shirt that reminds them of Gatsby?
And if none of these are quite right, Etsy has so much more to choose from. Check out their ideas list here!
Hello everyone! Since I am on a quest to try every hobby out there apparently, I have been really looking at puzzles lately. I never really considered doing them; our house is so small and I was like where in the world would I put it? Then I started seeing all of the puzzle boards with drawers that you can work on your puzzle, store the pieces in the drawers, and then slide it under a sofa or a bed. Perfect! So I started browsing around and wow, are there soooo many puzzles out there!! These are some of my favorites that I have found, and I was also thinking these might make good gifts. I know so many people who like puzzles, and they are so good for your brain health, keeping it all nice and elastic and active, plus they are budget friendly and provide hours of screen free entertainment. And they are like mini works of art! Anyway, here are my favorites!
This post does contain affiliate links. If you were to purchase something I would make a small commission.
For these next six, I really enjoy reading all of the titles, guessing at the books, just all the fun of the book hunt. And the Lore Pemberton puzzle is gorgeous!
I absolutely love this company. If you visit their Amazon store, they have so many puzzles and they all look so cool. Glow in the Dark puzzles, lift the flap puzzles, puzzles for tiny kids, the list goes on and on.
Wyatt had that farm animals one and he loved it when he was a teeny little guy. I think the other puzzles are just neat – I love personalized stuff like that for little kiddos.
I love all of the bookish puzzles honestly. And as the weather here is frigid and snowy this morning, I just may have to order one for us to put together as we stay all comfy in our house.
Every year, I struggle with the Easter Basket. I don’t like to just buy random toys and candy because to be honest, Wyatt already has a lot of toys and I know his grandparents will fill him up on candy. So I try to find useful items, things for the summer, for outside, things like that. One thing Wyatt loves is books – so this year, I am just going to go all in on a book basket, with one or two pieces of a candy, and maybe a small toy. He just had a birthday and has games and toys and a fully stocked art cabinet, so we are good there too. So it feels like the perfect year to do a book basket, and I was thinking I would share some suggestions with you guys in case you wanted to add a book or two to those Easter baskets this year as well! (not that you have to! You know what the kiddos in your life like!) And I feel like this post might get long! I will try to keep the suggestions from getting out of control!
So, here are some suggestions of old books and new books, for the little readers on up!
This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. I would make a small commission if you were to purchase something from a link at no extra cost to you.
The More You Give || Franklin’s Flying Bookshop || Backyard Fairies
Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl is fantastic. I love anything by her. This book is about a little girl searching for fairies. Are they there?
Franklin’s Flying Bookshop is an adorable story about a little girl named Luna and a dragon named Franklin who love books and reading, just like Wyatt does. (and me) These two start a flying bookshop to share the love.
The More You Give…this is maybe one of my favorite books I have read, including books that I read for me. I feel like it is a modern day take on “The Giving Tree” which I loved as a kid but it is so depressing. In this story, a young boy and his grandmother live together and have a great life filled with pancakes and hugs and nature. Together they plant an acorn which becomes a tree, etc. Eventually the boy grows up and teaches his daughter this lesson and so on, until the meadow they lived in becomes a forest. I am not doing this book justice in this review. It is just so beautiful and I want everyone to read it because that will be infinitely better than whatever I have to say.
Rabbits & Raindrops || Escargot || The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, & The Big Hungry Bear
Rabbits and Raindrops by Jim Arnosky I started a collection of Jim Arnosky books for Wyatt when he was a little baby. I always loved them and I would pick them up at book sales when I spotted one. This is a favorite of mine, and it feels so springtime. Plus, rabbits!
Escargot by Dashka Slater Wyatt has ALWAYS loved this book, and still does. It is seriously one of our all time favorites. This little French snail has slid his way into our hearts, and will probably stay there.
The Velveteen Rabbit || Grasshopper on the Road || Frog and Toad Are Friends
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams I am sure we all remember this heartwarming, heart wrenching tale of the velveteen rabbit, who just wanted to be real. It touched my heart at an early age, and I never looked at my stuffed animals the same way after reading it. I felt it just needed to be on this list, and this copy looks gorgeous, with the illustrations drawn by Erin Stead, who does beautiful work.
Grasshopper on the Road by Arnold Lobel We are huge Lobel fans here. We actually have a whole stack of his books on the table to read as I type this up. Wyatt really liked this tale of a grasshopper who is just being himself, a grasshopper enjoying his journey down the road.
Charlotte’s Web || The Wild Robot || Heartwood Hotel A True Home
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Another classic that I am sure we all know and love. A book of loyalty, love, friendship, that yes, tugs at the heartstrings but is worth the tears. A story that won’t be forgotten. When I asked Wyatt what his favorite read aloud we have read together was, this was the book he said. I actually have a wonderful memory of reading it to him while we were on a mini trip to a tiny farm, and the rain drummed softly on the windows above the bed. It was one of those moments, you know?
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown A tale of found family, in the weirdest of ways. Roz the Robot is washed up on an island and has to learn to live a different life than a robot would normally have. For a machine, she has a big heart, and learns to adapt and change and love.
A True Home (Heartwood Hotel #1) by Kallie George Oh, how I loved reading these gentle books to Wyatt when he was younger! They are simple, sweet stories, of the small woodland animals who make their home in the Heartwood Hotel. They are like family, and the stories just give you the warm fuzzies.
The Wind in the Willows || Anne of Green Gables || Watership Down
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame This book is such a delight. It is actually the very first chapter book I read to Wyatt – and he was only 7 weeks old! I read it to him when he came home from the hospital, on warm April days with the windows open, and the scent of our apple blossoms was on the wind. Perfect moments, perfect book. A true classic that will make you want to go boating and on picnics!
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery Romantical, clever, imaginative Anne deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelves. Anne allows you to dream of a better life, one filled with whimsy and where everything is special, even the tree outside your window.
Watership Down by Richard Adams Ok. So if you have been around here before then you know that Watership Down is my favorite book of all time. And yes, this book is a bit darker (ok maybe more than a bit?) than the others on this list. It is the story of resourceful, clever, brave rabbits who seek out a better world and life for themselves. I find it so inspirational, full of friendship and loyalty, bravery and quick wittedness. It does have its scarier moments though, so keep that in mind.
And.. I am going to call it here. I could go on, there are so many wonderful books out there!
Much like my literary Christmas gift guide, this one made me slightly giggle at what Jane Austen would think of her writing, life, etc being all over tea towels and mugs and even lip balm! I have to admit, I have been saving Jane Austen themed items to favorites lists for years – and I have Jane Austen themed items, sitting on shelves, tucked away on tables and nooks. If you like Jane, you just can’t help it.
Here are some fun things that I found. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Please note: This post does contain affiliate links from Amazon and Etsy. I would make a small commission if you were to purchase something through the link, at no extra cost to you.
I love these two mugs – it’s hard for me to pick a favorite of the two. They are so different though, that why would I? I have a penchant for mugs; I love them and have so many that I need to cycle through them and put some away, put new ones out, over and over again (except for those few favorites that are always out)
And this sweatshirt! It looks so cozy and I love the embroidered quote just so subtly placed. Perfection!
So. I need this tee. I too, am excessively fond of a cottage. Plus, it is super adorable, flowers and a cute little cottage and an open book – I just love it.
The Printable calendar is also adorable. I have a calendar that is similar to this of Gwen Frostic’s art and even though it no longer matches up with the year, I have it on display just because I love to look at the art so much. I may need this one as well, and switch them out periodically.
One of my goals this year is to do more hand stitching, even though I am abysmal at it. I would never be praised for my needlework skills were I to go back in time and live. However I do enjoy it and find it a calm and relaxing activity. I haven’t cross stitched in a billion years, since I was a kid and my mom was teaching me, and this seems very involved, but… I just might try it.
Yes, two puzzles. I couldn’t choose between the two. I wish I had the patience to put together a puzzle; I often think about it. Like, where would I put it? We only have the one table really, so I would have to get a puzzle board that would slide under the couch or bed. Hmm. Now that I am thinking about this again, maybe I will try it. And now I feel like that meme of Bilbo…Why Shouldn’t I? Just my favorite meme ever really.
Ok moving on from my tangent these puzzles are both really cool. If I had to choose, like committed to putting together a puzzle, I would choose The World of Jane Austen because maybe it is easier looking? I could be completely wrong. But there are more colors and it is brighter so it seems like a better choice for a puzzle beginner.
And I promised you lip balm! I love the little tagline, it cracks me up.
And I would be completely remiss if I did not share books when talking of Jane Austen!
Who else is cutting it pretty close this year? I feel like Christmas snuck up on me! All I know is that I usually have most of my shopping done and this year, I do not. I am close though, and I do know what I am getting the rest of those on my list so I am halfway there. I just need to order it all!
I do have some ideas too, for those who might be wondering what to get those last few people on their lists.
This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. If you chose to purchase something I would get a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Wyatt had that Spin and Sing Toy and I can still hear the song clearly in my mind… he loved it, a lot. I also love that soft toy full of cute little plushies, and this sensory book filled with cute animals and crinkles and things to touch and play with. Finally, I actually bought this stacking and sorting toy for my niece this year. I love how cute it is, while being portable, and easy to clean!
The toy kitchen we got Wyatt when he was little was like one of the best gifts we ever got him. He played with it for years! I like this one because it is understated and not too big, so even if you don’t have a big play space this will work. This company also is very good quality based on the toys we have bought and should last, and this one is very affordable at under $100!
This busy board is another toy Wyatt loved as a little. He always was latching and unlatching, reading the numbers, counting, opening the doors.
The Dino toy is actually a toy I gifted my cousin’s daughter when she was like 1. She is now 14! Anyway, this toy still is around and all the kids have played with it over the years, so it definitely can stand the test of time!
An array of items here! Most of these are items we have honestly, except that Clue Game which is on our list. We are a board game family and that version of Clue looks pretty cool!
The arts and craft vault is invaluable. I can’t even tell you how many times I have pulled that out for Wyatt and his cousin and left them to just create – kids love it, and it is handy for adults too!
The watercolor set is so affordable at around $20 and comes with everything you need. Paper, brushes, paints, refillable brushes, and a pen. It is the perfect kit for a beginner or a child!
Wyatt loves his Yoto Player. There are so many card options you can play on it – stories aimed at the smallest child on up to classics like Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island, stories that involve popular characters from Disney or Peppa Pig, music… just so many. He will often just wander into his room and listen and play. The card system makes it easy for kids who have dexterity issues and small children to work, since you just stick the card in and it doesn’t matter which way it faces or what side goes in first. Just pop it in and it plays. It can also be used for other purposes as well, like a nightlight and also parents, it is safe. No camera, no mics, and no ads. A wonderful alternative to screen time!
Last is the metal detector! This is actually the one we bought Wyatt for Christmas this year. He loves stories of pirates and we thought what a cool thing a metal detector would be – he could go search for treasure, just like a pirate! I liked this one because it looks like it can be used more places than a beach, which is a hard place to visit when you are in a wheelchair! How fun though to explore and look for “treasure!” I am excited to use it with him; who knows what he will find! It also says it is lightweight, another plus if you are a kid.
These two are both kid in my life approved! Wyatt loves taking things apart and putting them back together again, especially with these little kid drills. And you absolutely can’t go wrong with Magnatiles! They come in all sorts of different size sets as well as fun themed ones too, like this forest animal version.
So…that person you have no idea what to get but you still are getting them something. These are my takes on the usual suggestions. Practical things, soft things, cozy things. We own many of these and so they come with our seal of approval!
Billy and I both use the Skullcandy earbuds. They are a great price, are comfortable and work well! The wireless charger is not something we own but it is something that Billy has on his list. Lol. I trust him when it comes to tech, since he works in tech. And it does sound very convenient, besides being a great price!
I have the chenille blanket in the rust color and I love it. Wyatt is actually using it as I type! It is warm and soft and snuggly and I could own a million in all the different colors available. Also very affordable at $26.99!
Billy is a sock nerd. I can’t go wrong buying him socks, but they have to be the right socks. He is a fan of many brands but Darn Tough is one of his favorites. They have a lifetime warranty which is awesome, and he says they are breathable and comfortable!
Journals of all kinds are good gifts I think, but a reading journal for a reader is a fun way to track your reading – without using an app! I made a few and they are available on my Amazon Storefront but I love this cute and cozy one.
Finally, a mug. Can you really go wrong with a mug? I love the cut of this one’s jib. Made in America, with a special pocket of sorts that warms your fingers too! It looks perfect for being all comfy cozy, one of my main goals in life….
Happy Holidays my friends! I love love love browsing online, making lists, saving collections, and I am always on the lookout for literary gifts – for others and for myself! People are so creative and artistic, and I love finding just that one quirky or artsy or special piece for the ones I care about. I apologize if this list gets long; I had a very difficult time editing down, I just loved everything I had in my collection! I had thought it would be fun to organize into different literary movements throughout history then I started narrowing it down too much and it was out of hand. So I picked a few favorites!
So, in this category I had to include L.M. Montgomery to lighten up her fellow more Gothic Romantics, although she wasn’t quite in that movement. Just some light among the darkness, and I love the juxtaposition.
I have to admit, it gave me a kick to include Jane Austen with these two guys, but she is definitely a trailblazer and could more than hold her own with them. I actually had to look up where she fit in regard to literary periods, because it’s been a long time since college and she seemed sort of on the cusp to me. And I was right – she sort of straddled the time frame and writing of both the romantic period and realism. For this gift guide though, we won’t debate too hard, and we will put her here.
I have a solid love for the Lost Generation in my heart. I am head over heels for Fitzgerald and that whole era of writers; it just feels so raw and real (and fun) and I would have loved to pop in and visit and have a drink with them in a cafe somewhere in Paris. Update: So before I could even post this, the Virginia Woolf cup sold out. I am leaving it on here though in case you want to save it in Etsy or check out the rest of the pieces this potter makes. And I am adding a Walt Whitman Version in the next section!
I love poetry and I know they each have their own eras and places in literature, but I am giving them their own space, because they are poets and I feel like they would want that. These are quotes from three of my favorite poems – The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot, Hope is the Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson, and Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost. I also have to giggle at the thought of them being reproduced like this – what do you think these poets would have thought of it? I mean, I am planning on purchasing that Eliot print for my kitchen to hang over our coffee area, which I am sure he would have hated. But, I do have an actual love of that poem and can recite it by heart so there is that as well. And then of course Walt Whitman, that great American poet.
I was a little flexible and loose with the categories and literature periods and writers, so I hope you forgive me! I also hope you enjoyed this list as much as I enjoyed making it!
Need more holiday posts in your life? Make sure to check the Comfy Cozy Christmas link up!
I feel like the holidays sort of snuck up on me this year. How is Thanksgiving next week already? I am so so behind. More behind than I have been in years. Maybe you are too? I am also thinking so much about how to make the holidays more simple, with more emphasis on toys and things that last, that encourage not just play but creativity, learning, and exploration. I put together a few ideas here on this list, if you are interested! Some of these are actual items I plan on buying, some are suggestions or items that just made it to my list because they are so wholesome! They are all just in random order but I love them all, and they do vary in price, from more affordable to a bit more of a splurge.
This list does contain affiliate links.
Owl Lovey – Ok, so I know said no particular order but I did list this owl first because I personally am in love with it. I just love how soft and floofy it looks!
Deer Soft One Activity Book – This is absolutely an item on my list, for tiny Bebe. It is just so sweet and I love that it is interactive. It crinkles, it folds out, it has a mirror, it is just a super fun little thing for sweet little babies.
Nature Foraging Bag for Children – Does anyone else have very full pockets when they take their kids and grandkids or any kid outside? Rocks, leaves, acorns, chestnuts, sticks…this adorable handmade bag will give them something to fill on their to keep their treasures with them.
Four in a Row Game – A non-plastic version of the popular game we all know! I love the gentle colors and the price is right!
Knot Tying Kit – I just thought this was so cool. It says it can be played like a game, and has 48 cards and enough line for two to play. It has instructions for knots that are useful for camping, boating, fishing, etc. I can just see a little Billy playing with this as a kid.
Morse Code Light – Just another nifty item I thought would be cool. And even better would be to buy two and let your kids/their friends/cousins send messages to each other!
Wooden Castle Building Blocks – Wyatt has a huge set of blocks like this that he LOVES building and playing with. I need to get him the next two items to go with it….
Crochet Stuffie – So I always include something like this in my lists, because we got one for Wyatt when he was like 2, and he still LOVES his Henry something fierce. Wyatt has a crochet badger (Henry) and woe to us if he gets lost. This Etsy shops has tons to choose from, but I thought the deer was just so adorable.
Hearth Song Tea Set – I have looked at this tea set for so many years online. I have never bought it but it just seems so darn cute!! I can’t get over all the little whimsical woodland creatures. I would have totally dug this as a little kid. Contains a party for 4!
Ikea Flisat Dollhouse – I love the sturdy simplicity of this toy. It can be decorated to any child’s desire, and it would be fun to do as a project, or you can leave it as is. It is just perfect.
And finally, the last items on my list!
Bird Building Blocks – These are a keeper. Let them play now, then store as an heirloom, they are that gorgeous. They are all handmade here in the USA, and it says at least 12 master craftspeople inspect all six sides of every block, and in a very cool Art Nouveau style.
Forest Friends Rollers – For that hands on kid, who loves playdough, salt dough creations, and stamping. There are a few different sets available, but I chose forest friends for this guide. All of them are cute though! That little snail, be still my heart.
I hope that I was able to give you some ideas!! I am pretty sure those rollers are going to end up in someone’s stocking this year, along with that little knight at dragon. And of course as I said, I am getting tiny Bebe that adorable little book!
Ah, Mother’s Day. I remember my very first Mother’s Day. Wyatt was only two months old, one month adjusted with his preemie age factored in, and I woke up early on a rainy day to realize I needed to go to the store and grab his special formula before he woke up. It was quiet, Billy and Wyatt were both sleeping, and I thought, this is what it is like to be a mom. I have no idea why that moment felt like that so much to me, but it did. It’s the small things though, those tiny little moments, the pockets of everyday where we do things behind the scenes all the time (just like fathers do as well).
Wyatt was a surprise. We didn’t think we could have children, then boom, one day there was Wyatt. The best surprise we ever had that is for sure. However, we are all different, and have different situations. And Mother’s Day can be a hard day for a lot of people, for many different reasons. So this list is for anyone who nurtures and loves, whether that nurturing is for a child or a furry or scaly pet, or a plant, or an elderly parent or a sibling – frankly, for anyone. But especially for someone who loves nature!
Links contain affiliate links that provide a small commissionif you were to purchase anything.
First, the bracelet I asked for. LOL. I had a rabbit bracelet similar to this that I never took off and wore for years and then sometime over the winter it must have snagged on something or it fell off and I didn’t notice but I lost it. And I miss it!
I also totally dig that mug! Because, yeah, I’m crunchy too. This one is no longer available – this is a similar one.
Two adorable tees!! I love both of these and would wear them myself all the time. I love the fox among the flowers, it is just so sweet. And I would like to consider myself a wild mama, like wild as in liking the wilderness.
These socks are too cute!! And can be ordered with the names of children, or fur babies! And this family tree bar necklace is perfect for that boho-hippie in your life! (this shop is on break – similar item here)
So I am in love with this blanket! It looks so lovely to cuddle under! The company can also personalize the blankets as well, which would be a sweet touch. And this ring is beautiful to me – green, floral, dainty. Perfection!!
Owls!!!! They are not what they seem you know! (Bonus points to you if you recognize the reference..) I really really need to get my ears re-pierced because Etsy always has the cutest earrings like these! And I just can’t with the cuteness of this secret locket necklace!! I have developed a love for squirrels this year, partially because I have a little squirrel we named Jack who scratches at the window by where I sit to let me know it is time to feed him. And when I open the door, he is sitting on the welcome mat, then runs over and leaps to the porch rail and waits for his peanuts. It is so darn cute! Anyone, this necklace has both acorns and squirrels, plus you can add your little secret message to your loved one.
I hope that you enjoyed these fun nature finds! I know that I enjoyed browsing the Etsy site, as I always do….
Valentine’s Day. A holiday I have really begun to embrace as a midwinter pick me up, more than a romantic holiday. A day that I can celebrate anyone that I love, from my spouse to my child to family to friends – or even myself honestly. And truth be told, Billy and I rarely celebrate this with big gifts for each other or big nights out (even pre-pandemic!) I do like to pick up little trinkets and cards here and there for people though, as I think we all need a little lift in February. And making people happy makes me happy too!
Sending cards snail mail is on my mind this year. I signed Wyatt up for a Valentine Card exchange with other homeschool families and we are going to start making his this weekend. And that got me thinking.. I think this year I will pick up a few for my friends, and drop them off ninja style on their porches with a bottle of wine. I started browsing Etsy, my go to for all things, and found more cards than I have friends! And of course I looked for cards for Billy while I was at it. I did find so many other cards but shipping was a concern – some places wanted four or five dollars to ship a four or five dollar card and that is not within the amount I wanted to spend. However, I did find cards with shipping costs I could get down with.
But since today is a snow day and I have plenty of time to just play around on the interwebs, I did. And so many things caught my eye! Pretty things, useful things, cute things, pink things, even some strange things, for Valentine’s Day. Things for me, for Billy, for the kiddos, for my friends…I guess I am feeling the love this year.
Ghost Friends Bag: This cracked me up. I don’t wear much make up so I don’t need a makeup bag personally, but I love bags like this for travelling and also for keeping all of my pens and stuff in. I feel like one can never go wrong with a bag, and this one is hilarious.
Star Coasters: Just because they are so pretty! (my husband calls me a magpie, which is why my previous blog was called Quixotic Magpie)
I am, I am, I am pin: I know Valentine’s Day and Syliva Plath don’t exactly go hand in hand. But let’s all listen to the brag of our hearts and remember how alive we are.
Mosaic Heart Earrings: I love the colors and how the pieces all come together in a crazy little pattern and hold there – like friendships.
Handmade Basket: My stepmom has been giving me handmade artisan baskets every Christmas and now I am addicted. This one is so pretty! I can imagine filling it with small jars of berry jams and gifting it to a friend – with a loaf of homemade bread for a little extra love.
Valentine Mice: These are just too darn cute! And you have your choice of getting one mouse or two!
And phew this was a lot! But it was just so much cuteness and cheerfulness, I had to share, especially on such a cold and snowy day – at least here it is cold and snowy! I hope where you are you are safe and happy!
Of all the gift guides I create, this one is always my favorite. Probably because I am always saving different ideas all year round for the kiddos in my life, my son, my nieces, my cousin’s daughters, my favorite people to buy for! I love to buy them handmade gifts, and support small artists and business – I of course still buy stuff from Amazon and made of plastic and Wyatt is also getting a new tablet this year, but he is also getting a special small toy box for dress up clothes, as this kid of mine loves to dress up and pretend, much like I did as a kid. And he is getting a special toy this year too, that I am very excited about.
This post contains Etsy affiliate links from which I would make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
DIY Kaleidoscope: I love this so much. It is perfect for those outdoor adventures, hiking, picnics, just playing in the yard. Kids love to collect small bits of nature, and this gives them a unique way to keep and play with those treasures.
Nature Explorers Kit: Normally I skip over kits like this, as I think it is usually some overpriced box filled with things I can do myself. This one however, also contains nature activity cards filled with ideas for exploring and involving mindfulness as well as a great assortment of tools for exploring!
I found this Etsy store earlier this year and fell in love with these little rag dolls! A Button and A Stitch sews up small dolls “perfect for small hands” and I love the diversity offered! There is a doll for every child in this shop – including my own child. The special needs doll line almost made me teary. Braces, G-Tubes, limb differences, Cochlear implants – representation is so important for all children, to have a toy or a book that they can see themselves in. Wyatt always gets so excited when he spots a character in a book that uses a wheelchair or a walker or braces, so I am really looking forward to seeing his reaction to this doll. You can find the links to the two pictured above here and here. Be sure to check out all of the dolls in this collection!
All the kids in my life love to make things and craft – and sometimes it is easier to have a put together kit rather than pull all the pieces together.
Bendy Snakes Wool Felting Kit: I learned how to wool felt a few years ago and it was so fun! I think this snake version would be perfect for little hands!
Woodland Animals Sewing Kit: This one is so adorable! And cracks me up because this is the sort of thing I am sewing right now. Lol. I am slowly learning…and I think these projects would be cute and a great way to introduce needlework to a child. (with supervision of course)
Little Birder book: Isn’t this book gorgeous? The illustrations, the introduction to birds, I love everything about it. There is also a matching journal for older kids too!
Yeti/Big Foot Stuffed Plush: Soo cute!! I sort of want this for me. I mean, everyone needs a cuddle now and then. And his little happy face!
Rainbow Rock Crayons: So these caught my eye since Wyatt has been learning about rocks and minerals lately. They are just so colorful and pretty! Also, the size encourages that pincer grip and fine motor skills as well.
A little breath of spring in these next two ideas! When the winter starts to seem long, these would be fun to work on as we wait for the return of spring and summer and longer days, sunshine, flowers, and all the little butterflies and bees.
Flyers Kit: Oh, I love these. I can just imagine them brightening the windows in winter!
And finally, a little something for a little bit older child! These porcelain animal necklaces from CampHollow are adorable and little works of art. They come in so many different animal variations as well – this little owl,Siamese cats, hedgehogs, river otters,butterflies, dinosaurs, and many more!
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 