Looking for the best gifts to give the littlest loves in your life? Below, I've curated my top picks for the season (and everyday) across all budgets, with a special emphasis on supporting small businesses and pieces that will stand the test of time.
I hope you love them as much as I do! xx
Don't forget to shop my other
2020 GIFT GUIDES:
Beautiful Basics:
Hand Embroidered Toddler Sweatshirt by ef the label, $58
Customize something cozy! Elfin Los Angeles has tons of hand embroidered options for babies, toddlers and mamas, for endless mixing and matching options.
Mini Market Bag by elfin x apolis, $48
Support a small biz and match your mini with this sweet little bag (and the grown-up version). Babes will love to keep their treasures safe and learn to help with farmer's market shopping and beyond.
Monica + Andy, $24
One of my favorite brands to shop for everyday, special occasions and gifting, M+A. has adorable and organic pieces to suit any size, style or season. For two-year-olds, consider their cute outfit bundles, jackets and basic tops and bottoms.
Little Wild, $26-34
A mama-owned small business based out of California, Little Wild's mission is all about giving back to mama earth and families in need.
Each piece is thoughtfully and ethically produced right here in the U.S., using all organic materials. Plus, every purchase helps plant a tree. It's the season of giving, so why not choose a gift that gives back? (Follow LW on Instagram: @shoplittlewild).
My Everyday Picks:
I call it the triple threat -- the jogger ($32), the boxy tee ($26) and the pullover ($34).
Pajamas:
Little Sleepies, $29.99
The coziest PJs with a cult following, you can't go wrong with Little Sleepies.
Their two-pieces will easily become a bedtime staple your toddler reaches for night after night. If you're looking for a matching set with a sibling (or the whole family), I love the zippies with fold over cuffs on the hands and feet for babies.
For babies, I love the zippies with fold over cuffs on the hands and feet. If you're looking for a matching set with a sibling (or the whole family),
Fluff Yeah Slide Sandal, $65
I just can't stand how stinkin' cute these toddler versions of UGG's trendy Fluff Yeah sandal are. Obviously this is a mommy + me match made in heaven.
Play
The Block Set by Lovevery, $90
The possibilities are endless with this comprehensive all-wood block set, with enough quality craftsmanship to be passed on to the next generation. Bonus: The set comes with a guide of play suggestions for parents, in case your creativity needs a bit of a jumpstart. (Or the caffeine hasn't kicked in quite yet :))
The Lovevery Play Kits, Prices vary
If you're looking for even more playthings to stimulate their brains, consider enrolling in the Lovevery Play Kit subscription service. Every few months, a new box of Montessori-inspired and developmentally appropriate toys, books and puzzles will be shipped right to their home. Play Kit subscriptions begin for children as young as three months and extend all the way to three years.
Everly has been receiving Lovevery's Play Kits for her entire life thus far, and has loved every single one.
Shop here: Lovevery.com
Town Maze Magnetic Travel Game, $22.99
Everly's wish list this year includes travel games for the car, since she no longer falls asleep for naps during long car rides.
This one is right up her alley with a car theme while encouraging fine motor skills and color recognition.
Making Faces Magnetic Set, $26.99
Perfect for helping toddlers express their "big feelings" in a constructive way, this game from Manhattan Toy Co. is great for everyday or travel play.
Duplo Deluxe Brick Box Starter Set, $39.99
Let the LEGO obsession begin! Everly already has a few themed Duplo kits, but this basic starter set is the perfect add-on to help them create even more masterpieces.
Wee Baby Stella/Fella, $24
Dolls are wonderful for teaching both girls and boys about their bodies, taking care of siblings and empathy for others.
What's especially wonderful about the Wee Baby Stella/Fella dolls is that they offer a diverse variety of skin tones and can be totally customizable.
Playdate Friends, $25 each
For a more "grown up" dolly, like your toddler, you can also explore the three-piece (machine washable!) "Playdate Friends" set.
Maileg Teddy + Dolly Bundle, $60
This little set from Solly Baby is particularly sweet for any newly minted (or soon-to-be) big brothers or sisters. Toddler will love to match mama with their very own wrap and "baby" for walks around the block or just hanging out at home.
Cuddle and Kind Dolls, $55-75
I've started a tradition in our home of gifting each of my children one mini Cuddle and Kind doll at Christmastime, and one full-sized doll on their birthdays.
The dolls come with a bit of a price tag, but I feel good about their heirloom quality and the fact that they are providing ethical employment with a living wage for skilled artisans in Peru, along with providing meals for children in need. Another gift that gives back!
Freshly Picked PLAY, $135-179
Currently SOLD OUT, but keep an eye on restocks as this is clearly going to be a hot ticket item.
I love that these are a fresh, aesthetically pleasing alternative to the brightly colored foam blocks you typically see for kids. (Color options currently include pink and gray.) Buying a full set can get pricey, so I'd prioritize the Play Blocks Set or the Ball Pit if you're only going to pick one piece to start!
Wooden Alphabet Magnets, $8.99
Letters! Letters! Letters! These magnets can keep little ones nearby, engaged and occupied while you fix something to eat in the kitchen. Quiz them on each letter as they begin building their vocabulary!
Jumbo Sprinkle Letters, $350
For an investment in at-home learning, these Happi Crafts sprinkle letters are a fun and glittery way to get your babe tuned in. GORGEOUS!
If you're interested in a more budget-friendly option, she also offers an itty-bitty, mini letter set for just $10.
Alphabet Abacus , $19.97
Can you tell I'm on an alphabet kick?
Everly received this toy for Christmas when she was one, but only recently became more interested in it. She loves combing through each letter and identifying the word on the back of each tile.
Kinetic Sand Construction Zone, $24.99
Kinetic sand on its own is great for sensory and imaginative play. (Everly loves to use kitchen tools and play "bakery" with hers, pretending that the sand is dough.)
Add in some construction vehicles and you've got hours of entertainment for any kid! (And, thankfully, kinetic sand is an easier cleanup than regular sand.)
Wooden Name Puzzle, $10 & up
Simple puzzles are so great for this age (and clearly I have a thing about customized pieces)! This one is a sweet and personal gift that will help them learn their name and so much more.
Personalized Plush Rocker, $149
As you can see, Everly received her own plush rocker from Pottery Barn Kids well before she was big enough to actually ride it. (She totally face planted seconds after this photo was taken. #BadMomMoment.)
These are beyond adorable and bound to be the show stopping gift on any toddler's Christmas or Birthday morning. They come in a wide variety of animal options, from Unicorns to elephants to lions, hippos, bunnies and more (including, yes, horses).
DIY Board Book, $40 & Up
Create a very special book for your very special little people that's just for them!
Since we are missing so many of our far-away friends and family this year, I already created a "My Favorite People" board book for Everly and Colton featuring photos and names of grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.
I love the idea of creating these to mark special trips and memories for the kids, or to help them understand new scenarios. (Examples: "Staying at Grandma's House," "Our New Puppy," and so much more.)
Play Food, $29.39
I don't know what it is about play food, but it's like crack for toddlers. They LOVE it. (Or at least mine does.)
Since receiving this for Christmas last year, Everly has not stopped playing with it. She pretends to cook with her pots and pans, she plays farmers market with her play money, or she just pretends to eat it. Obsessed, I tell you.
Take-Along Tool Kit, $10.99
Fuel their imagination and passion for pretend play with this tool kit, which will work those fine motor skills while making them feel like Mommy and Daddy's big helper.
Velvet Crowns and Magic Wands, $19-32
These are darling for both girls and boys (think Max from "Where the Wild Things Are") and make imaginative play that much more luxe. Cucoo Kids is based in the U.K. and handcrafts each item with love and care. Go personalized for a special occasion or basic for an heirloom piece to pass down. You can't go wrong!
P.S. Pictured: Everly's dress is from CottonOn Kids and her shoes are from See Kai Run.
Disney Figure Set, $29.99 - prices vary
If your kid is being raised by Mickey, like ours, I'm sure they already have a favorite flick.
Shop Disney is stocked with figurine sets for most of the hits, including "Frozen," "Moana," 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," and many, many more.
Mini Trampoline, $59.00
The best thing about this three-foot trampoline is that it folds up and stores away quickly and easily.
Those old springs of yesteryear have also been replaced by thick elastic bands to give this trampoline its bounce.
(But, hey, grown up? Don't try to step on it. It will NOT hold you.)
Play Tent, $475
Give them a sanctuary to learn and play in these stunning new play tents from Dock-a-Tot. (And don't forget the gorgeous matching cushion to go along with it, natch.)
Shop Tent Here: DockATot.com
Shoes
The Hunter Boot, $47.95
Not only are these boots THE CUTEST on little feet, stomping around in them will also tire out overzealous toddlers just in time for their naps.
These boots are easy for little ones to take on and off independently, which builds confidence and lessens headaches for tired mamas. Everly has had these boots for a year now and they are, consistently, the only footwear she requests to wear.
Feeding
Bento Box, $21.49
We love this Precious Moments Bento Box for three main reasons:
It's cute AF
It's made from sturdy, eco-friendly bamboo
Everly can't quite open it herself, and still needs to ask my permission before helping herself to snacks.
Books
A few favorites from our home library and wish list.
Click each link below to shop.
The Little Boy/Girl Who Lost Their Name (CUSTOMIZED)
Peek-a-Bruce
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