We firmly believe pets are 100% part of the family. These pet gifts will make sure they feel part of it!
They bring us all the joy, are always happy to see us, and convince us to let them on the couch even after we promised we never would. They don’t judge us, even if they have seen us at our worst. And despite the fact that we can’t live at the dog park like they’d prefer us to, they still adore us no matter what. They’re our pets, and our holidays wouldn’t be complete without them! We’re making sure Santa Paws comes to our houses with our guide to pet gifts (and for pet-lovers)!
Are they frisky? Bouncy? Calm? Each pet has their own special personality, which means they also have their own special sets of likes and dislikes, too. From cozy to cute to squeaky to funny (and no, those aren’t the names of four new reindeer), we’ve got the gifts and goodies to make our furry friends purr. Oh, and we made sure to include more than just pet gifts; we remembered their owners, too! Pet owners will always want something that reminds them of their fuzzy babies, so it’s not hard for us to almost guarantee that the pet people on your list will be thrilled with what we found. Most importantly, we’re on a mission to make the ones that love us unconditionally know that the feeling is completely mutual.
Pets Magnetic Scene
Holiday travel coming up? Snag this magnetic scene kit that includes 50 pieces for hours of K9 creativity for your non-fur baby!
You have a thousand pet pics saved on your phone; how about displaying them in a unique and fun way? The Acrylic Photo Blocks from VistaPrint are totally customizable and let your furry friend take center stage wherever you choose to show it off.
Maybe one of our editors has a miniature dachshund. And maybe that dachshund has an affinity for fleece blankets. And maybe she's about to buy this super darling blanket. Several colors to choose from, too!
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Nothing compares to a child’s excitement and joy during the holiday season as they tear through the wrapping paper of their mystery present. For gift givers, it’s this special moment that makes all the time that was spent searching for the perfect toy worth it.
Before you can savor this adorable experience, though, you first need to select a toy that is right for your kiddo. Whether they adore cuddly stuffed animals, cool figurines or educational options that keep them learning, we’ve rounded up The Toy Insider’s hottest picks of the year.
You can also check out our gift generator to find toys based on your child’s personality and interests!
These colorful, 16-inch Squishmallows come in a multitude of characters such as a panda, a unicorn, a duck and more. Plus, each adorable plush features its own unique story and whimsical aesthetic that your kiddo will love to squish and hug.
Inspired by the CoComelon animated series, this interactive toy lets tots engage in their own learning adventure with JJ. With two modes of play, your little one can listen to nursery rhymes or discover colors, letters and more.
With this blind-box toy, each ball opens into a unique playset that reflects the style of the family or bestie pair inside. Featuring O.M.G. Characters in mini size with stands and accessories, these 12 mini families and BFFs are a great option for your tiny collector.
With a flick of the wrist, a wave of the interactive spellcasting wand and some very magical words, your child can cast a spell and watch the crystal ball fill with mist. It clears to reveal an interactive, fortune-telling Magic Mixie.
This personalized, interactive reading program helps to build reading proficiency and confidence through fun skill-building games, stories and a crystal wand. Your little bookworm will be joined by main characters, Oliver and Nebula, as they go on a magical reading journey.
Inspired by the retro 8-bit images popular in gaming, this activity lets kiddos create their own 3D characters with faces and accessories on PVA beads. The cube design and special mist makes the blitz beads easy to stack, so children can style their creations by choosing from different water deco eyes, facial expressions, outfits, letters, icons and more.
Conquer every terrain with this neon-lit, four-wheel-drive R/C vehicle. It has cool customizable lights and an awesome stunt wheelie bar for epic jumps, tricks and action.
Your preschooler can take these purr-fect comfort pets and study buddies on the go, no matter if you’re traveling or just heading to school. Each Cats Vs Pickles surprise bag is filled with beans and has a super-soft fabric so kids can squeeze stress away. Plus: it includes 136 new bean characters, 96 new Chonk characters and 24 new Jumbo characters.
Beyblade Burst QuadDrive Interstellar Drop Battle Set
Give the gift of self-empowerment with these motivational fashion dolls. All dolls and accessories are crafted to promote inclusivity, diversity and positive thinking, featuring seven characters and multiple outfit changes, great hair play, tons of accessories and a batch of sticker affirmations.
Brawl Stars 4.5-inch Action Figures collection features four of the most popular brawlers to collect as well as true-to-game characters’ likeness with accessories from the game.
To discover even more toys that your toddler will adore, check out The Toy Insider’s expansive holiday guide.
Support local businesses while ticking off your shopping list at these independent toy stores in Washington DC
No need to worry about shipping delays or supply chain strains when you can shop local and support businesses that give back to the communities they serve. Who doesn’t love a special gift from an extra-special store? These independent toy shops throughout Washington, DC and the surrounding suburbs have something for every kid (little to big) on your list, so you’ll be able to fill up the space under the tree with a well-curated selection of gifts.
Beautifully curated, sustainable, thoughtfully-designed children’s goods are always in stock at Three Littles. The shop, located in the Union Market district, is a place where families can find necessities and gifts. With an emphasis on items for babies through early elementary, the shop also features carefully chosen items for parents.
Serving DC since 1984, Fairy Godmother has an array of choices for kids from infant to teen and everything in between. Check out their collection of Steiff plush toys and collectables, as well as book-themed onesies for the literary lovers on your list. The store also offers craft and science kits as well as books, including some in Spanish. You'll feel as if your fairy godmother sent you here!
For a store with an emphasis on wooden toys and dolls you and your mom would recognize, Kinder Haus is a terrific place to shop. They sell Plan, Haba, Nilo, and RC2 wooden toys, Gund plush toys, and doll lines such as Corolle and Madame Alexander.
1220 N Fillmore St. Arlington, VA Online: kinderhaus.com
4. Doodlehopper
Let the delightful staff at Doodlehopper help you find the perfect gift for kiddos on your list, from infant to tween. At this Falls Church staple, you'll find a well-organized and carefully chosen selection of great toys, games, puzzles, and crafts.
This fun shop offers an extensive collection of toys for kids of all ages and a great arts and crafts section. Don't forget to check out their inventory of beloved miniature rubber figures—bring one home for each of your littles!
Insider Tip: Pop into Pastries by Randolph around the corner for a post-shopping coffee and Napoleon and bring home a box of tea cookies for the kids.
Enjoy classic toys alongside the newest releases available in a curated shop! They stock everything from Brio trains for your toddler to Exploding Kittens for your Tween and a huge variety in between.
Insider Tip: Try out the "Birthday Vault" with your little one. Simply visit the store two weeks before their birthday and help them fill the birthday basket with all of the items they're wishing for. When the basket is full, Go Bananas will write your child's name on it and secure it in their Birthday Vault. The "wishes" will be held on reserve for your child—or for friends and family in search of an approved gift—up until a day after their birthday party or birthday.
In Takoma Park, this shop specializes in toys with exceptional educational value for all ages. Owner Lisa Ripkin works with customers to find toys that best match their interests and can order specific products just for you if you can’t find what you’re looking for in store.
Insider Tip: Fair Day's Play partners with Art for the People, a non-profit that brings art to communities. Check out their website to find out about upcoming crafting events!
Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys was founded in 1985 as a mom-and-pop pool maintenance store, which quickly expanded into carrying pool toys. Before long, customers wanted "land" toys, too. Today, the business carries a huge variety of toys, games, books, and puzzles. True to their roots, they also have a wonderful selection of aquatic toys and swimming necessities like goggles and suits.
Aptly named, owner Michelle McNaughton has plenty of toys out for your kiddos to test-drive, which makes for a shopping experience that is so much more than basic browsing—you can really uncover the items your little ones will actually love. In fact, it's so interactive, you may have a hard time getting the kids to leave! With loads of unique, hard-to-find, and classic toys, the PLAYroom earns its moniker.
Insider Tip: Really having a hard time making an exit? Don't worry, you can tempt them with a horse cookie from The Upper Crust, an old fashioned bakery just around the corner.
This toy store opened its doors in 1956 when there was nowhere in Middleburg to buy children’s clothes or toys, The Fun Shop is chock-a-block with excellent toy and gift options. Their 6,000-square-feet of merchandise also has great gifts for the grown-ups on your list.
115 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA Online: thefunshop.com
11. Dancing Bear Toys and Games
Founded with the goal of creating a happy place to spark inventive play and imagination, The Dancing Bear in Frederick is worth the drive, especially when you also visit its sister bookstore, The Curious Iguana. If you have the kids in tow, there is a little play area that keeps small hands busy.
Insider Tip: Walk up a block to N. Market St. and you'll find sweet teacher gifts at Perfect Truffle.
15 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD Online: dbeartoys.com
12. Curious Iguana
For an independent bookstore with an incredible children's section, head around the corner to Dancing Bear's sister store, Curious Iguana.
Keeping your preschooler’s busy mind—and hands!—engaged with fun, interactive toys can go a long way. They’ll encourage logic, learning, critical thinking and creativity, which are great skill sets that’ll aid your kiddo as they grow and develop.
From mystery-wrapped goodies and fun figurines to art sets and adorable plushies, we’ve rounded up The Toy Insider’s top picks that’ll make for the perfect present this holiday season!
Energy Expelling Toys
VTech® KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX3
$69.99
The KidiZoom® Smartwatch DX3 packs everything kids want into one cool watch—cameras, games, movement challenges, daily reminders and more.
LankyBox fans will be wowed by this ultimate unboxing experience. Inside, they'll discover figures, a plush, a squishy, a fidget toy, stickers and more.
Let your child's creativity flow. This tub includes multiple colors of slime, mix-ins and other unicorn-themed items designed for manual, sensory play.
Once your kiddo hatches their Rainbocorn Eggzania plush from its nest, they’ll be astonished by the surprises inside, like mini eggs, plush, stickers and accessories.
Your little one's favorite sweets are now their favorite dolls; it's time to collect their cravings! Each doll comes with a suite of fashion accessories.
Kids get hands-on with this animal clinic playset made with sustainable materials. The set comes with everything kids need to learn about saving rainforest animals.
Inspired by the #ifitfitsisits meme, Misfittens are squishable plush kittens that can be purr-fectly stuffed into the tiniest of spaces. Kids can collect all 12.
Fidgie friends look like traditional dolls, but they provide the calming effect of a fidget toy, with fidget features incorporated into their fashions.
These super soft, bean-filled collectibles come in a variety of characters and sizes to collect, including mystery bag 4" beans, 6" chonks or 9" jumbos!
Pawz is a calming companion for your preschooler. The cuddly, social-emotional learning toy guides little ones through deep breathing patterns and doubles as a night-light.
To discover even more toys that your preschooler will love, check out The Toy Insider’s expansive holiday guide or head to our gift generator here to find toys based on your child’s personality and interests!
Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age and these companies are doing their part to make the toy landscape a diverse one. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door.
Barbie Inspiring Women Series
Showcasing women who've made the world a better place through determination and fighting for justice and equal opportunity, Barbie's Inspiring Women Series includes change makers like Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Hellen Keller. Now the collection has a new doll: civil rights activities and women's suffragette, Ida B. Wells.
Wells co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which fight for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity to this day. Not only does the doll pay homage to this history-making woman, but Barbie has also partnered with Girls Write Now, a non-profit organization that removes gender, race, age, and poverty barriers to mentor future writers and leaders.
Teni and Tayo Creations are excited to share a piece of Africa with young children. Omobola Imoisili founded the brand after relocating to L.A. from Nigeria and wanting to give her small daughters something representative of their heritage while they attend school. Brand mascots Feyi Fay, a superhero fairy, and Captain Nosa, a Nigerian scientist, and superhero, encourage kids to do well in school and promote a love of learning in all the brand’s offerings. From STEM toys to books and apparel, there are diverse toys available for everyone.
ISH Dolls creates diverse toys and clothing that celebrate culture and the Hindu faith. Their colorful plush dolls are designed to bring joy to children of all backgrounds and to introduce them to the avatars found in Hindu culture. This mom-owned business launched at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 with its first plush, Baby Krishna, and followed up with his companions Rahda, Durga and Baby Lakshmi.
Everything—and everyone—is awesome! Inspired by the rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, LEGO's “Everyone is Awesome” 346-piece set features 11 unique monochrome figures with individual colors and hairstyles. Once completed, it’s the perfect size for a desk or window display, to bring a colorful pop to life every day.
Qai Qai is no ordinary doll; since appearing on social media alongside Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughter Olympia, Qai Qai has amassed thousands of followers of her own. According to Serena Williams, "When we first opened @RealQaiQai's account on Instagram two years ago, it was just supposed to be an inside joke, but we've come to realize that Qai Qai could be the beginning of a new kind of toy story, and one that we're excited to help bring to life so our daughter and millions of other children can see and play with more toys that look like them."
Your heart will melt at the cute offerings from Red & Olive. Not only are the knit ethical dolls adorable, but they also help support the artisans who handmake each one. Each fair trade doll is handmade by Peruvian artists, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families. The companion dolls come with either matching beanies or bows.
Celebrate the culture and traditions of India with Modi Toys. This family-owned small business offers plush diverse toys and gift baskets that feature Baby Ganesh, Baby Krishna, and Baby Hanuman along with books that explain their history. You can even personalize the plush toys with a baby's name—the perfect gift for a new arrival.
Diversify your child's bookshelf with the help of The Little Feminist Books Club. When you select the 7-9 age group, you will get two paperbacks or one hardcover book each month, along with a hands-on activity that goes along with the book, a discussion card, and a parent letter explaining why the book was chosen.
The Healthy Roots Doll Zoe is a life-like 18” doll with hair uniquely designed with curl power that allows it to be washed and styled, giving kids the chance to learn more about how to care for their curls by practicing on hers. The inspiration for Zoe came from Yelitsa Jean-Charles, a young woman—who like many others—never had a doll that looked like her growing up.
Kids can use real products and try out countless styles from puffs to box braids! Zoe learned to love her hair after she did the big chop with her mom. Together they learned how to love every single one of her curls. Now she’s here to help other girls learn to love their curls.
Check out these dolls for girls on a mission to change the world. Inspired by their upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, twin sisters Laken and Carlissa King sought to create dolls that spark creativity and celebrate togetherness.
Worldgirls are 18-inch dolls representing girls from around the world who are chosen to attend the top-secret school, Worldgirls Hall. Each Worldgirl is assigned 1 of 5 traits: WARRIOR, HEALER, EXPLORER, REBEL, and SCHOLAR. The company created the traits so children could connect with the dolls' unique passions rather than their looks.
When Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO & Founder of the only Black-owned major doll company, saw the psychological implications of the importance of your toy box no matter your race or ethnicity, she created the Positively Perfect Dolls for younger children. In recent years her company has created The Fresh Dolls featuring black and multicultural fashion dolls and accessories. The Fresh Dolls were intentionally created with fuller hips and thighs, and a more realistic waistline, with trendy fashion pieces. New this year is their Wakanda Forever superhero line!
If you’ve ever had the frustration of finding dolls that look like your family (or friends!), you’ll LOVE this. Multiracial families, same-sex families, single-parent families, and adoptive families can now construct dolls that capture the beautiful reality of their households. MyFamilyBuilders is a unique, educational wooden diverse toy that is stackable and magnetic to create the perfect doll.
Created by single adoptive mom Kayla Lupean, Play Maysie is a portable, customizable world in a case for the pint-sized bunch. Noted as “everything a dollhouse should be,” this diverse toy is a gender-neutral classic childhood favorite that is made for adventures. Play Maysie’s design was inspired by the nostalgia of vintage tin lunchboxes. It folds out on both sides to showcase interchangeable, magnetic rooms with fixed wooden furniture—built for frustration-free play, less mess and no more lost pieces! With an eye on teaching sustainability, each Play Maysie is made of eco-friendly, renewable materials for indoor and outdoor play either at home or on the go.
At the core of the company's mission, for every three Play Maysie cases purchased, they will donate another one to a child who is entering the foster care system. Their hope is, with an integral sense of ownership, foster youth can open their Play Maysie case at any time to create an experience where they feel safe, secure, and in control during a time where nearly everything in their world is unfamiliar.
While you might be used to seeing ribbon wands in rainbow or pastel colors, the Melanin Magic Ribbon Wands are a celebration of melanin. Kids need to see all skin tones all together all on the same toy. Each ribbon deserves a place and the rainbow would look incomplete if it were missing one. These simple toys make a wonderful gross motor skills tool for dancing, twirling, jumping, and shaking. They also make a great conversation starter for kids. Purchasing one of these diverse toys support Brown Babes Rep Too, an organization dedicated to ensuring a diverse environment in small business advertising.
Dolls with Autism, Dwarfism and Hearing Loss from Lottie Dolls
Lottie Dolls introduced a doll inspired by an autistic boy who loves astronomy. The diverse toy comes with an astronaut-in-training jumpsuit, companion dog, noise-reducing headphones, and sunglasses to reduce visual sensory overload.
Lottie Dolls offers dolls that highlight diversity, including the Mia doll, a wildlife photographer with a cochlear implant, and the Sinead doll, the world's first doll with dwarfism.
Crystal Kaye is the artist behind Kay Customz. Not only are Crystal’s custom dolls cute, but they’re also inclusive. She goes beyond creating dolls in a few different skin tones, and makes dolls with freckles (and not just the traditional two or three that are meant to look cute but don’t really represent what a normal person looks like freckles), vitiligo and albinism.
Build-a-Bear & Vermont Teddy Bear Company Amputee Bears
For kids with limb differences, Build-a-Bear and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company are there to create a bear with the same limb difference. Both offer customization that allows this treasured bear to match its owner.
Differently-Abled Dolls from Barbie's Fashionistas Line
The Barbie Fashionistas line, which already includes Barbie dolls with various body types and hairstyles, also offers two differently-abled dolls. The first doll is in a wheelchair and the second is fitted with a prosthetic leg. “As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion,” Mattel said.
To encourage their daughter's interest in African culture, two parents created this doll company with different shades of skin complexions and hair textures available. They even have a buy-one-gift-one program!
Inspired by the letter from a six-year-old girl, the iconic green army men sold by BMC Toys now have an addition—women soldiers. They are available in four different military poses
The idea was inspired by Matthew Shifrin who was born blind and loved to play with LEGO bricks. As a child, he had a friend, Lilya who would painstakingly write down all of the LEGO building steps so that he could upload the written directions into a system that translated them in a Braille reader. For the first time in his life, he was able to build LEGO sets entirely on his own.
When Lilya passed away, Shifrin decided he wanted to share his experience with others like him. A friend from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced him to the Creative Play Lab at LEGO Group and his wonderful idea was developed into the LEGO Audio and Braille instruction. LEGO also has LEGO Braille bricks!
With dozens and dozens of looks to choose from in the Truly Me collection, your child can bring home an American Girl doll who brings out exactly who they are. From singing to soccer to so much more, every child can find outfits and accessories to match their interests.
Kids can even have their dolls fitted with a prosthetic leg by the company A Step Ahead Prosthetics.
Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities
We all want our kids to be open-minded, but in order to understand other people's differences, it's important that kids see those differences first-hand—and talk about them. Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities include people with realistic details and adaptive equipment—from a girl in a wheelchair to a boy with leg braces. For younger kiddos, Lakeshore also has a "Soft and Safe" version of these diverse toys that feature children with various disabilities.
If you've got a superhero-loving kid who wants a doll—but not that kind of doll—Wonder Crew dolls are the perfect addition. The collection of boy dolls was designed to have the "adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of the favorite stuffed animal." They're soft and perfect for cuddles, but they're also superheroes. What's even cooler? Each doll comes with two masks and capes: One for the doll and one for the kid who plays with it. Genius.
By taking care of Jerry's diabetes, children gain hands-on practice with counting carbs, monitoring Jerry's blood sugar and dosing Jerry with insulin. Kids care for Jerry using the virtual diabetes tools and the digital pantry in the product's app.
Follow along with Jerry's journey to train for the All-Stars Games! All 21 interactive storybooks are paired with care tasks to reinforce important diabetes lessons. The curriculum is co-designed with doctors, educators and families to create educational content that kids love.
Do you know what's not empowering? Dolls with body proportions that are impossible to have in real life. That's why the makers of Lammily Dolls decided to make a collection of dolls using proportions akin to the average 19-year-old American woman. That means everything from the hands, arms, and neck to the waist, legs, and feet are realistic. The makers hope that playing with "normal" dolls will help young girls see their own bodies more positively (because sadly, studies show girls start worrying about their looks by age five).
Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to this line of dolls. Maru and Friends dolls are making a statement, and it’s one that’s long overdue. These dolls are more than just pretty playthings. Maru and Friends tell the tale of life as an immigrant. And your child can learn Maru’s story, as well as what it’s like for her friends to grow up in America.
This line of dolls and accessories was created by Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett, a mother-daughter duo, in 2017. Different skin tones, sizes, and hair types are available and each doll is handmade with painstaking detail given to outfits with the ability to match a specific outfit if desired.
This award-winning game matches faces to countries. Twenty-four pairs of illustrated cards depict the happy faces of children from all over the world and make for a fun and educational memory game. At times challenging, the game helps sharpen recognition and memory skills. The back of the game box shows which country each child is from.
Great for multicultural arts and crafts activities. This set includes 10 sheets of each of these five colors: Manila, Salmon, Light Brown, Brown and Dark Brown.
From baking soda volcanoes to magnet car races, I’ve explored many STEM activities with children over the years. And the number one thing I’ve learned is that no child will enjoy an activity that they are not developmentally ready to tackle. At the end of the day, learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is all about the experience, not the end result. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I’m not a scientist, I don’t know where to start,” my advice is to start with the basics and play to your child’s developmental level.
Which STEM Activities Should I Avoid with My Kid?
Analyzing the “red flags” and “green flags” of a potential activity can help you determine what activities are appropriate for your child. So what are some red flags? Choking hazards (small items that fit inside a choke tube or toilet paper roll), chemicals, anything that can be inhaled and items that previously held dangerous contents that could confuse children as to what’s inside (like a spray bottle used for cleaning that you are repurposing for water) are just a few. If your child isn’t ready to handle these items without being in danger, you will know the activity is not appropriate for him or her.
Green flags include using recyclable household items for stacking and anything sensory. The messier, the better! If you’re mess-adverse or your child has a sensory disorder, you can always put the sand, paint, etc., in a clear, plastic bag for easy clean up and to serve as a barrier from your hands. Filling and dumping is an activity that is safe for all ages when you use age appropriate materials and is a basic building block of STEM knowledge.
Most importantly, remember you can always keep it simple when it comes to STEM play. For really little kids, STEM might not even look like how adults see it. But simple concepts like ice melting, mixing colors, stacking blocks, things lighting up and more–concepts that we take for granted–really form the base of STEM development.
Here Are Some Age-Appropriate STEM Activities to Incorporate into Playtime:
For 2-Year-Olds: Rolling on Ramps
Create ramps of various sizes and heights using a variety of materials. Then, have your children roll toys down the ramp to identify how objects move. Ask open-ended questions as your kids adjust their ramps and experiment with many toys, identifying why some objects roll down the ramp and some do not.
List of Materials: Flat materials to create ramps (such as large cardboard box scraps, plastic balance beams, poster board), propped materials to anchor the ramp and adjust the height (such as a chair or box), various toys which may or may not roll (such as cars, balls, plush toys).
For 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Rocket Launch
Help your child make a rocket to propel towards the sky! Use safety scissors to cut rocket shapes out of construction paper and adorn the paper rocket with stickers and markers. Tape the decorated rockets to one end of a coffee stir stick. Insert the stir stick into a drinking straw, and then blow on the end of the drinking straw. The rocket will launch! Explain that the force of the air from our breath is pushing the rocket upwards and that this is called propulsion.
List of Materials: Construction paper, child-safe scissors, crayons, tape, coffee stir sticks, drinking straws, markers, stickers
For School-Aged Kids: Crack the Code
Work with your kids to create a simple code for the English alphabet, inviting children to pretend the code was discovered by scientists exploring another planet. The code can consist of different combinations of shapes and colors to represent each letter, for example: A= one red triangle; B= a tall blue rectangle; C= one yellow circle, and so on. Post the code key on a large poster, and let your child decipher messages by matching the letters to the symbols. Use the alien code to write their names or spell secret messages for friends!
List of Materials: Poster board, construction paper, writing utensils, markers, crayons, stencils
For more STEM-based activities you can do at home, visit KiddieAcademy.com.
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Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.
This year, consider giving the gift of gratitude by wrapping up packages that are so much more than a plaything. From handmade goods made by local artisans to backpacks that donate to causes of all kinds, scroll down for 23 ideas on where to score feel-good gifts that give back to a worldwide community.
Learning Resources, Educational Insights and hand2mind are all sending educational worksheets to Ukrainian children translated into Ukrainian so that the kids can continue to learn during this time. These companies are also working to send toys to displaced families in the region. By purchasing toys from these companies, you can help with these goals.
When you buy home goods from KAZI, you're not only outfitting your home is style, you're creating employment for 3,600 artisans in Rwanda, Uganda and Ghana! The online artisan brand brings handcrafted products in diverse color palettes for everyone room of the home, but more importantly, brings empowerment for a better life for its creators.
STATE Bags' lineup features backpacks for kids and adults, in addition to other bags like fanny packs! This season, the company has partnered with "Change to Mind,” an organization founded by Glenn Close. The organization's goal is to bring awareness to, and end discrimination, of mental illness.
When you purchase a beautiful, handmade good from Hiptipico you are supporting fair wages, non-factory working conditions and are empowering artisans in Guatemala. The company's goal is to provide personal financing to its artisans, schooling fees and emergency funding for medical bills, all in hopes of ending the cycle of poverty. The social-impact company makes all its' products perfect for your VSCO girl.
Shop gorgeous products like camera straps, bags, pom poms and pouches at Hiptipico.
Started in 2006, To Write Love On Her Arms is dedicated to helping people with depression, self-injury, suicidal ideation and substance abuse. Every purchase from the TWLOHA store goes directly back to assist people into recovery and treatment, with over $2.1million received so far.
MYTAGALONGS "Because I am a Girl" initiative is paying it forward in a big way. With a mission to remove barriers to girls and giving them the same potential as anyone else, the collection is made up of the company's best-selling items and gives 50 percent back towards the initiative. Great for kids or adults, you can shop items like tumblers, cosmetic bags, lunch bags and backpacks.
There's no stopping your kids from growing, which means you're buying and going through shoes like hot cakes, especially during those intense growth spurts. Give back and score some cool kicks in the process thanks to PLAE. With the brand's PLAE-It-Forward campaign, you can designate 10% of any purchase price to any of PLAE's designated community partners. The cool part is that any organization with a 501(c)(3) can apply to be a PLAE-it-forward ambassador.
New in 2019 is a collaboration between artist POW! WOW!'s Jasper Wong and PLAE (check out the limited-edition Art of PLAE collection here. The Wong-designed shoes go on sale at the end of February 2019). As part of the collab, customers can designate that 10% of their purchase go to POW! WOW!, who is currently conducting a project in Nepal to support an underserved school.
Back to the Roots + Ayesha Curry Kitchen Herb Garden
courtesy Back to the Roots
Back to the Roots and Ayesha Curry have joined forces to create an eco-friendly and sustainable feel-good gift. With the mission of "turning every kitchen windowsill in America into an organic garden," this all-in-one-kit comes with organic mint and basil seeds, plant-based soil and some of Ayesha's go-to recipes. For each kit purchased, Back to the Roots charitable Grow One, Give One will donate grow kits to elementary schools across the U.S.
As part of the Build to Give Campaign, LEGO wants to give away sets to kids this holiday season! Until Dec. 13th, kids can build an ornament at home, or at any LEGO store across the country. They leave it to be displayed in the store, or snap a picture and upload to the LEGO life app or share on social media via #buildtogive and the company will donate a set of bricks to a kid in need.
Clothes for Kids
Kidbox helps create a capsule wardrobe season after season with no commitment or styling fee. Just fill out a brief style questionnaire and Kidbox takes it from there, dressing your child(ren) from the toddler through pre-teen years. Five times a year you'll receive a box containing six to seven high-quality pieces from brands like 7 For All Mankind, Lucky, DKNY, Penguin, and more. Try on the items and decide what to keep within seven days. Plus, Kidbox keeps kids top of mind. For every complete Kidbox purchased, the company will donate clothes through their partnership with Delivering Good, a non-profit dedicated to collecting and distributing new clothing to children in need throughout the U.S. They recently just announced that they've donated over 12 million dollars in new clothing value to children in need ahead of the holiday season.
It’s all about the Power of Play. Purchase one of the durable soccer balls from One World Play Project for your dribbling darling and a second one gets donated to impoverished communities all over the world. One million balls have been donated so far, making it easier for kids everywhere to do what they do best … play!
They’ve got the blank canvas; all you need to do is provide the tools for inspiration. This colorful chalk holder from Yoobi is perfect for hours spent outside. By setting up your budding Thiebaud with everything she needs to create a masterpiece, you’ll be providing much-needed art supplies to children’s hospitals all over the country—with every item purchased, Yoobi donates one to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
This start-up makes super comfy, sustainable flats that genuinely benefit the artisans in Asia who handmake them. Made in a remote town in Pakistan, each shoe is constructed with locally sourced leather and other raw materials that benefit the local community. The result is an incredible shoe, whose source you can trace to the beginning. The artisans receive a fair wage, which furthers their ability to provide food, clean water and education for their families.
When you buy something from WildFang, you'll help them donate to charities like Black Girls Code, the ACLU and more. They've donated over 650K since they started! There are tons of fun items to choose from, like this cactus bottle opener, cozy socks, beanies, sweaters and more.
What better place to store lunch money than her very own Very Hungry Caterpillar tote? It’s durable and adorned with the bright illustrations she loved as a kid; you'll love the fact that when you purchase an item from Out of Print Clothing, the company donates a book to a community in need.
Made with organic cotton and by at-risk women in the California welfare-to-work program, these Bears for Humanity Organic Puppy Animal Pals Plush Toy are lovable and huggable. All stuffing is hypoallergenic and made from recycled plastic bottles. The best part? For every bear you buy, one will be donated to a child in need through a variety of charities. You can even send a personalized note to accompany the donated bear.
With every one of these adorable hand-knit dolls purchased, 10 meals are donated to hungry children in need. Cuddle + Kind partners with World Food Program USA and Children’s Hunger Fund, and to date have given away over 5 million meals. Now, that’s in the spirit of giving.
Available at Cuddle + Kind, $59+ for one doll and 10 meals.
Purchase a pair of puddle-stomping-worthy rain boots from Roma boots and another pair will be donated to a child living in poverty. Inspired by, and following in the footsteps (pun intended!) of TOMS, the fun and colorful boot comes in a traditional design or a more modern streamlined version decked out with funky Pop Art style illustrations.
Think of this as a checkup for the soul. MoonBox curates gift collections based on the lunar cycle, so you'll receive goodies like crystal jewels, vegan beauty supplies, star charts, oils and more. Choose between the monthly moon box, the Glow & Glow box or the Ultimate R&R box. And, for every box purchased, MoonBox donates a tree via Trees for the Future, an organization that teaches communities how to use the Forest Garden system to spread more sustainable farming practices.
When you purchase a copy of Zen Pig: Where You'll Find Love, you aren't just buying a sweet tale on love and kindness. Each copy sold means you've purchased enough water for someone for an ENTIRE year. We can't deny the story of Zen Pig helping a sad chick find love in even the most common ways is worth the purchase alone, but potentially saving a life with water? Priceless.
Get your kids out from behind their electronic devices and get back to basics with a toy like Tegu's Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set. Named after the capital city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras which happens to be one of the poorest in the world, these locally constructed blocks are made from Huesito wood. Even better? When you purchase a Tegu product, you help create stable jobs and therefore improve the livelihoods of the company's current 200 employees at the factory in Honduras.
Outfitting your budding Michelle Wie in a new set of duds from Wynnr (the junior golf apparel company donates 50% of all its proceeds!) means you'll be helping organizations like The First Tee, a non-profit that funds youth-focused programs at golf courses, elementary schools and other education centers.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Bouncing from one activity to the next, toddlers are a busy group. They’re full of energy and curiosity, so when it comes to keeping them engaged long enough to even think about what to make for dinner, you’re going to need a full arsenal of cool and unique toys. To help you out, we’ve done the research and have curated a list of unique gifts for kids that can’t seem to stop (except, hopefully, for that mid-day nap). From beautiful wooden puzzles to a kitchen helper tower to get them in on the action, keep scrolling to see our birthday gift ideas for two-year-olds.
This article is sponsored by LeapFrog, a leader in electronic learning toys that’ll prepare your child for a lifetime of learning. Learn more information about LeapFrog here.
Give the gift of learning with My Pal Scout Smarty Paws™! This interactive plush toy is the perfect gift that can be customized right in the box with a child’s name, favorite color, favorite animal and more. Scout’s ears and touch-sensitive paws play music, games, mindfulness exercises and silly reactions. Explore feeling words, animal sounds and personalized songs.
Not only can this be used both indoors and out, but this classic toy (that folds up neatly for easy storage) is more than just a tunnel—it's an entrance to a pillow fort, a hide and seek spot, a secret passageway to faraway lands—whatever your kid imagines, this tunnel can take them there.
Birthday bathtub rave, anyone? These cool cubes have battery power that lasts 12-14 hours, are sealed inside for safety, and a portion of your purchase goes to the Batson Children's Hospital of Mississippi.
An updated look on the classic learning tower that lets your toddler help in the kitchen. This adjustable piece grows with your child, safely allowing them to participate in the heart of the home.
A meaningful birthday gift for kids that grows with them! For ages six months to five years, choose toys based on what is best suited to your kid (and keep them as long as you like), and when they're done, return the toys your child doesn't love.
Looking for fun and easy-to-do preschool games? Whether you have an active learner, a bundle of energy or a creative artist, we’ve rounded up 12 games that are simple and playful that you can do on the fly. From free preschool games to learning preschool games are you ready to start? Scroll down and let the fun begin!
Hop to it! Toddlers love spelling their names and jumping around. Why not make a game of it? Our friends at Fantastic Fun and Learning put the two together with this Name Hop game. All you need are paper plates (or paper will do!), a pen and tape. First, practice their name with them, then let them play on their own.
Where's Spot? Grab your little one's favorite plush toy and play a game of hide-and-seek. Sunny Day Family adds a few twists to this idea using their favorite stuffed doggie and giving learning word hints like under the table or over the couch. Take turns first you hide Spot, then let your little lamb hide the toy too! Simple and tons of fun.
Who needs a fancy game anyway? You can quickly make a DIY board game as Hands On As We Grow did! Whether simple with a squiggly line from point A to B or a more complex game of dragons and marbles, either way, it's a blast. Grab your cardboard, pen and plastic figures and have an afternoon (or morning!) of imagination, counting and gameplay.
Ready, set, pick your corner! Check out this creative and energy-bursting game put together with learning colors and Math by The Many Little Joys. All that's needed is colored paper and a pen. Then, it's time for you to close your eyes while your little half-pints pick a corner. Your little learner will work those gross motor muscles, practice colors and counting.
Let it roll! Preschoolers are keen on rolling dice, counting and sorting. What better way to develop those math and fine motor skills than this simple dice and counting game rolled out by Little Bins for Little Hands. If one dice is too easy, then try two. Roll the dice, count the items and put them into a muffin tin. What's more, around the holidays you can do a color-themed setup. As far as learning preschool games go this one gets an A+!
Spray it out! Preschoolers love to use household cleaning items, and a spray bottle tops the list. Let the squirt bottle do the talking with this fun sidewalk word game from Kids Play Smarter. Whether they squirt letters to spell simple words or tackle the whole words with one spray, they're sure to have a good time, learn and get a little wet.
Days of the Week Song Game
iStock
Sing-a-song game! If your little songbird likes to sing out loud, then this free and easy preschool game is for you. Let your little music lover learn what they do each day of the week with this catchy song created by Sara Mullet over at Let's Play Music. First, teach them the song, then add in what they do each day of the week!
Your budding athlete can work it out with this Grab and Move Counting Game courtesy of Toddler Approved. Kids practice counting, reading and gross motor skills in this preschool learning game. Change up this game to include chores (kids love playing house!): wash two glasses, put away three toys. Provide a cool snack for a job well done!
What's missing? No Time for Flashcards put a low-key twist on hide-and-seek with this missing ninja game. Your little player will delight in inspecting what's on the tray, closing her eyes and opening them to find a color missing. Can she remember? What's more, you can use different colored toys or objects instead of a ninja. We give a thumbs-up to this preschooler game that's a big kid version of peek-a-boo.
Patterns, shapes and geometry—the folks over at Save the Children want your wee one to be an ace in math with this shape preschooler learning game you can practice anytime (and the best part is it's free!). Make an 'I Spy' game out of finding shapes in nature, at home or anywhere. First, have your preschooler spot shapes like a triangle in a leaf or a square around a window. Have a short talk about the number of sides there are. Then, have him draw the shape with his hands in the air. You'll be amazed at what he spots!
Heads Talk Tails Walk
Think Fun
Roar like a dinosaur, walk like a chicken! In this delightfully silly game, players try to match hidden animal head tiles to the correct body tails. If you don’t make a match, you will have to walk and talk like your mismatched tile!
Score big with the littles with balloon tennis a free preschooler game. Learn With Play at Home shows how pairing balloons with items around the house such as paper plates, rulers and sticky tape make for kid fun. They'll get practice with their hand-eye coordination and blow off steam. Further, add a twist and let your little jumpers use their hands as racquets and try to keep the balloon afloat as long as possible.
While you’re racking up the savings over the next week, don’t forget the freebies! The team at BlackFriday.com has put together a stellar list of incentives that stores are offering around the holiday weekend. Whether you’re hoping to score a snowman cake or plush robe, read on for the details!
Ace Hardware
Get a free $10 Ace gift card as an Ace Reward member. You must buy a $50 Ace gift card between Black Friday, Nov. 26, through Nov. 28. There is a two-gift card limit, and this deal is exclusive for Ace reward members only.
Baskin-Robbins
On Black Friday starting at 1 p.m. ET, place a Baskin-Robbins order online using the code “SNOWMAN” for your chance to receive a free ice cream cake. Be sure to act fast for this deal since there are only 1,000 free Brrr The Snowman™ cakes up for grabs.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s
Get a free photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, reservation required. Learn more about how to make a reservation (and other safety precautions Bass Pro and Cabela’s are taking for Santa’s Wonderland this year).
Bed Bath & Beyond
Score a free $25 bonus gift card from Bed Bath and Beyond. Spend $125 on products online or in-store and you’ll receive a $25 gift card. This deal is valid from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27.
Belk
In-store shoppers will receive a free gift card in value ranging from $5 to $500. At every store, there will be four lucky $500 gift card winners. On Black Friday, Nov. 26 at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., in-store shoppers at Belk will receive the gift cards.
Big Lots
Get a free Winter Wonder Lane 140ct light mini set. Big Lots rewards members will receive a free mini light set when they shop in stores on Thanksgiving. The offer will be loaded automatically to your Big Rewards account.
Checkers and Rally’s
Enjoy a free large famous seasoned fries from Checkers. Download or present the free fries coupon at your local Checkers or Rally’s restaurant. The deal is valid from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28.
CVS
Get a free Maybelline Mascara Kit or Mini Sky High Mascara from CVS. Spend $30 or more on Maybelline cosmetics with your CVS care card (Limit one item).
Fleet Farm
Your kids will love a free plush toy from Fleet Farm. Be one of the first 500 customers at a Fleet Farm store on Black Friday. The doors open at 5 a.m.
Fred Meyer
Score a $20 coupon from Fred Meyer. You’ll need to spend $100 or more on home, apparel or electronics in a single transaction on Black Friday.
Kohl’s
You’ll receive $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent, plus score extra Kohl’s Cash on certain purchases during the Kohl’s Black Friday sale. You need to spend at least $50 on select purchases or buy an item eligible for Kohl’s Cash in the Kohl’s Black Friday sale.
Lowe’s
Grab a free $10 bonus e-gift card from Lowe’s. For every $100 or more you spend on an e-gift card, you’ll receive a $10 bonus e-gift card. The deal is online only and is valid from Nov. 25 to Nov. 26. The limit is two per household.
Macy’s
Get a free cosmetic pouch, duffle bag, tote bag, weekend bag or shower gel. Macy’s shoppers who buy select large fragrances can receive a free gift with their purchase.
Meijer
Free coupons from Meijer! The coupon automatically prints at checkout when you make select purchases.
Rite Aid
Receive $15 in bonus cash at Rite Aid. Spend $50 or more on eligible products in-store or online. The offer is valid from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27 and the coupon must be presented for in-store purchases. You can find the coupon on Rite Aid’s Black Friday Ad.
