The holidays are upon us! I don’t know about you but I’m going ALL OUT this year. Maybe because it’s a global pandemic and 2020 has been weird AF or maybe it’s because Baby P is now 2 1/2 years old and has an understanding of holidays and celebrations. He’s already watching Christmas movies and knows about Santa (vaguely. I’m still figuring out how we are going to handle the idea of Santa and straight-up lying about this mythical guy. Send me your tips ;) ) I’m trying to be mindful of our consumption while also making an impact with each gift. Since we will be spending much more time indoors this winter you’ll find some physical movement ideas. We already have a slide and trampoline (we have a different trampoline that was handed down to us but linked to another kid-friendly on here) and LOVE them. Baby P is OBSESSED with dinosaurs so you’ll find a lot of dino-themed gifts as well. I’ve heard that construction vehicles are the next phase but we haven’t reached that yet.
You’ll also notice several wooden toys. We don’t practice specifically any approach to parenting/ education like Waldorf, Montesorri, or Reggio Emilia but I am familiar with them and do appreciate various aspects of their approach. We have the Lovevery subscription box (0-36 months currently) and absolutely love it. If you want a one-stop shop gift this is it. Email me for a $30 discount code off of a new subscription or to ask more questions.
Puzzles
Secret Garden Floor Puzzle $23
Transportation Long Puzzle $17
Toys
Magnatiles $59
These cult classics are a must for growing imaginations. Available at local Brooklyn store, 2 Kids and a Dog
Insect Explorer Kit $39
Young, Wild and Friedman has a great selection of sensory bin kits making it easy to curate a fun and hands on experience for your little one.
Warhol Purple Soup Can Crayons $13
Pop Art made practical. And purple is our favorite color ;)
Tech
Osmo Starter Kit $79+
Turn your tablet into a more educational, yet still fun, tool. I keep hearing rave reviews about Osmo and can’t wait to check this out.
Books
Real Jungle Tales by Jesse Byrd $15
Jesse’s tales are engaging and fun for kids and adults alike. We are already huge fans of Sunny Days and can’t wait to check out his latest book.
I Am That Kid $18
Local mom of 3, Natasha D’Anna’s 2nd book
Let’s Get Physical
Indoor Play Gym $350
We just got this. Under no circumstances should you make the same mistake. DO NOT BUY!! I’m keeping it up as a warning and review in case you are lured by the idea of a work out kid.
Play Kitchen
Ikea Duktig Play Kitchen $89
Similar in style as the Janod at a slightly lower price point. Ikea also carries a great assortment of play kitchen utensils (I also love using real kitchen items for play as well plus they double when I need them in the kitchen as well!)
Clothing
Friends Romper in 100% Wool $87
Sustainable, cute and WARM! For the chilly park days.
Star Print Sweatshirt and Pants $18 each
Atlas Floor Puzzle $21
Discover the world while improving memory and dexterity. Puzzles are life in our home
Wooden Cave Play $124
Use code DOULIGHTNYC for 15% off entire Poppy Baby Co site
Miniland Doll $20
These anatomically correct dolls come in a range of ethnicities and encourage kids to engage in nurturing play
Carry Along Tiger Sketchbook $18
There are so many books that we love, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. Reading every day is so important for language and cognitive development.
Franklin and Luna and the Book of Fairy Tales $18
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea $14.50
8 Piece Big Block Set $100
Build, tumble, stack, climb. See above for indoor home gym
Janod Play Kitchen $126
Play at this age is very concrete so practical tasks are where they grow and learn how to interact with the world around them.
Silk Wool Balaclava $32
Lightweight but warm. We have this in gold already and wore it every day of winter last year. Loving this blue shade. Come in a neck tube and hat in adult sizes too. Twinning is winning!
Winter Berries Overall $78
Festive print. Also available in a matching jacket
Djeco Elephant Puzzle $13
We have this brand in the tiger shape already and it’s a huge hit
Rainbow Wooden Nesting Dolls $13
Explore color, size and dexterity with these simple yet fun dolls
Unicorn Crystal Terrarium $20
Making science fun and colorful! My son digs “magical unicorns” and I think he would get a kick out of this!
Dinosaur Dig Kit $20
For the dinosaur obsessed kiddo. Get hands on and a little bit dirty as they dig out fossils and learn about dinosaurs
The Big Book of the Blue $20
Discover the deep blue sea and oceanic life
Smithsonian The Dinosaur Book $18
Delve deeper into prehistoric life with this graphic book
Ikea Tumbling Mat $30
Soften the ground beneath your rough and tumble kiddo with this soft, soothing palette.
Space Kitchen Utensils $28
Playful and practical. Have a little one who’s into space? These will make kitchen play all the more fun!
Tovla Kid Safe Knives $14
Getting little kids involved in the kitchen can be fun (and require a lot of patience and supervision). My LO has been interested in helping out as I prepare dinner and these safety knives can allow him to get more involved, safely
Non Slip Wool Ankle Socks $15
You need these. Trust me. We have these and will be getting another pair. Chilly days but socks are too slippery and slippers to clumsy for active kids. Plus they are sustainably made with 80% superwash wool.
Merrell Moc Sneaker $50
Slip on winter ready shoes for all of your outdoor adventures. Buy from Jenzy and they will help you find the perfect fit for your kiddo. Because they grow so darn fast it’s hard to keep up!
Ugg Rennon High Top $55
Keep their toes warm on their adventures
Favorite Small Businesses
During these uncertain times, I find it far more important to support those small business that we love and who may be struggling during the pandemic. As easy as it is to shop from big box retailers, please consider purchasing from your local toy shops and businesses. Many are offering deals, free or discounted shipping and gift wrapping. I’ve listed a few of my favorite small businesses below, and have included them in the above wish list as well.
Hank And Sylvie’s: Located in Ketchum, Idaho (my hometown) this sweet little shop has everything from baby gifts, toys, party supplies and home goods. They are offering free shipping on orders over $25
2 Kids And A Dog: Located in Brooklyn, NY they offer same day local delivery as well as curated gift selection via text and email
AV Norden: Located just over the river in NJ this shop offers sustainable and ethically produced clothing for kids and women. Email Jenny for private shopping appointments online and in person.
The Wild: Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn this shop is the baby wearing mecca in NYC. Not only do they offer customized baby wearing fittings and advice but they have a wonder array of baby and kid’s clothing and nontoxic toys as well as a beautiful offering of classes and support groups.
Poppy Baby Co : Mom owned business based in the US, offering unique, handmade, nontoxic wooden toys mostly from Russia. Use Code DOULIGHTNYC for 15% the online shop
Young, Wild and Friedman: Curated sensory bins created by a mama who started out to help her own child with a speech disorder.
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