The holidays sneak up on me every year! It is my MOST favorite time of the year- I live for the lights, traditions, yummy treats, and the time with my family, which is kind of why I am just now really solidifying my gifts for my little ones. This has been such a sweet season of doing ALL the Christmas-y things with our little ones, and getting to see little Vivi experience it all has been such a joy to all of us! My fondest memories as a kid- were centered around Christmas. Ok- I’m getting off track- back to the gifts!
I thought since I am doing last minute shopping that I can’t possibly be the only one- so I decided to throw this little guide together to show you some of the things that Hayes (age 2) and Vivi (age 1) are getting this year! For me- shopping for babies and toddlers can be a little more challenging because they don’t really tell you what they want yet like my older kids do. Also- I hate clutter and I throw away SO MUCH JUNK on a regular basis so the last thing I want to do during the holidays is bring in more toys that we don’t need. We do stick to the “something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read” guidelines, but I only wrap three gifts. This is symbolic of the three gifts that Jesus was given by the wisemen and something we have done for several years. We do Santa gifts too so the books are usually left out from Santa. Also- Santa usually brings the larger items- think tricycles, scooters, roller blades, wagon, dollhouse, board games, etc.
Something They Want:
Every kid has always gotten a Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair for their first Christmas. Yes, they are kind of expensive- but I bought one for both Olivia and Charlie when they were small and by the time they had outgrown the chair, Hayes and Vivi were able to use them. I just ordered new covers with their names on them so in my opinion they are well worth it since you can pass them to multiple kids. Another keepsake that they can also play with would be dolls. I found several the other day that I had gotten for Christmas as a little girl that I will pass down to my girls one day. Also- any wooden toys will last a long time so they are always good options and something to keep for grandkids one day.
Something They Need:
For something they need, it can be so many different things and will vary from kid to kid! It can be more clothes, some type of furniture, something for an extracurricular activity they are involved in, etc. For Hayes and Vivi this year, they really do need some fun little toys and things to occupy their time while we do school each day. I found so many cute and educational toys for them! I’m sharing my favorites with you!
Something To Wear:
Little bows, socks, hats, mittens, scarves, raincoats, and rainboots are all some things my kids can always use, and some of these can be fun things to put in their stockings too. We also do one present to open on Christmas Eve- and it is ALWAYS cute pajamas for them to sleep in and wear for Christmas morning. My mom always did this for us, and I carry it on with our family. I never count this as one of their wrapped gifts because technically it’s opened early and they always know what it is!
Something to Read:
All of our kids love books so much! Vivi loves the touch and feel books so much, and Hayes is getting to where he has favorites that we read over and over and over. We love board books for our little ones because they like to rip pages from the real ones. We have the “real version” of a few of these, but the babies get so much more use out of the board versions.
I hope this helps you get your last minute shopping done! I am wrapping mine up today (fingers crossed)! Let me know in the comments what fun gifts you are getting your little ones this year and what I missed! I always love more ideas!
Happy shopping!
Lindsey
