imagine childhood – Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs..

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….

Starry Night and Thoughtful Dragon – I mean every castle needs a knight – and a friendly dragon too!

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!

Books

I’m not really a shopper- unless of course I am in a book store. And sometimes a really great eclectic gift shop like my favorite store in my town that has so many crazy things to look at. But for the most part, I am not a shopper. So, when Christmas rolls around, I start making my lists and ordering online. This year we tried to put an emphasis on things that encouraged nature or creativity, as most of the kids I know are really into those types of things. And I fully support all of those! I thought I would share some of my favorite purchases and ideas from around the internet in case anyone out there still needs a few ideas. Just make sure to check shipping dates!

For the littler kiddos:

Blackbird Call || So, this might seem like a strange choice! But there is a story behind this one for us. We took a trip in the spring to a pretty touristy area of Michigan, and of course, did some touristy shopping. Wyatt found a wooden duck call in one of the shops and decided he had to have that. The store even burned his name into it, which was cool. But from there, a new collection was born. He loves playing with wooden whistles and flutes and instruments and bird calls. We got him the blackbird call, but Imagine Childhood also has an owl, cuckoo, robin, and mallard duck available, as well as just a wooden bird whistle.

Fat Brain Build It Blueprint Puzzles: Come in a few different designs! I thought these were so cool! I like the cabin or birdhouse for Wyatt but also available as a barn or dog house.

Lincoln Logs: A classic! And it is the 50th Anniversary too! Perfect for little fingers and builders.

A kite: I am posting the one I am buying for Wyatt, but there are so many out there to choose from. Our family goes to a kite festival every summer and it is so cool to see them up in the sky, hundreds of them sometimes. We plan to get in on the action this year. Check your area – there might be a kite festival near you!

Dress Up Wings and Cloaks: Magic Cabin has the coolest selection of dress up wings and cloaks. It’s hard to decide which one to get!

Instruments: Available for all ages, from maracas and castanets for smaller kids to big bongo drums for the older ones! We took Wyatt to this class in the summer and we had a blast. He loved playing with everything, and we have slowly been increasing his collection. He has flutes and whistles and is getting a drum and pan flute for Christmas!

Binoculars: I bought these for a few of the kiddos on my list. I think they are great fun, especially on hikes, and are the perfect size for little hands.

Unicorn Sidewalk Chalk: Because it is seriously cute!

I also got Wyatt a play tent! I am so excited to give it to him, as I think he will love it. His teacher told me that he loves the one in the classroom and will go in there and look at books. There are so many out there too, from just plain type canvas to fancy ones that look like mushroom houses or whatever.

For Older Kiddos:

Fox Needlepoint Kit: My cousin’s daughter has been showing an interest in so many crafty type things lately, from drawing to painting to needle pointing and crocheting. She is the inspiration behind this one! Imagine Childhood (a favorite online store of mine as you can tell!) also has an owl and a turtle.

Pirate Map Kit: What kid doesn’t enjoy the thrill of a pirate treasure map? Now they can hide their own treasures and make a map to it!

Bow and Arrows Set: Obviously this is with discretion. But really neat.

African Safari Sun Paper Art Kit: Science and art and learning oh my!

Door Pong: I love this! I am totally getting this for my nephew.

Fold – An Origami brainteaser: Every kid I have ever met has been fascinated by origami. And most adults too.

Trekking: The National Parks Board Game: I want this game for me! I think board games are so fun and a great way for families to interact with each other.

Snow Shoes: Do you live somewhere with snow? Snow shoes are such fun! Billy and I used to laugh so hard when we would go snow shoeing together. REI has toddler versions – I can’t wait until the day I can buy a pair of snow shoes for Wyatt!

Gifts of Experiences:

Don’t forget about memberships to places like zoos, science museums, kids museums, or even a National Parks Pass! These gifts are so fun and can last all year. Usually these places have events that run all year round, and sometimes members have early access or different perks. I also highly recommend the Kid’s Moon Club – we had such a good time with it this year as a whole family, although this is probably better if the child already has an interest in this sort of thing.

These are just a few of the things that I have bought or had on my lists as ideas this year. Of course you know your family best but if you needed an idea, I hope I planted a few helpful ones!