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Looking for some last-minute holiday gifts? Or need some ideas for the little ones in your life for their birthday? We’ve put together a great last-minute holiday gift list of lovely little playthings that will be sure to bring a smile to any kiddo’s face!
If you’re like me, you want more of the simpler, open-ended type play things that allow for creativity. We also like to opt for toys with more natural materials, like soft wood and cotton. We’ve included some great ideas for babies, toddlers, and school-aged little ones. Check out the ideas and links below!
Ideas for babies…
A beautifully soft and colorful sensory ball is a great idea for babies. This five-star rated sensory ball is perfect for little hands to explore, and includes different types of soft materials and sensory, crinkly sounds.
My daughter loved her first building blocks when she was a baby. These safe and soft first-baby blocks would be a wonderful option for any baby! You can also check out these super big and fun building blocks here!
Ideas for the play shelf or playroom…
Sensory bins for the win! Take some soft and adorable sensory bin tools like these that are perfect for little hands, a shallow bin, and add some inexpensive uncooked rice or beans… ta-da! All set! Sensory bins are a wonderful way for kids to explore their senses and have fun. You can add extra things or make it themed! Lately, I’ve seen holiday bins… parents are adding finds from the dollar store, like mini gift bows, red and green pom poms, cookie cutters, ribbon, etc. Things you might already have on hand anyway. (:
We love our wooden rainbows! Both of my kids have a little wooden rainbow on their play shelves. Not only is it cute, but it’s another great toy for open-ended play! My daughter has been using hers to make slides and rocking chairs for her Barbies. (:
Kids like to be loud, that’s for sure. They love to explore sounds and rhythms. A neutral wooden instrument set would be awesome for young kiddos to fulfill their need to play, explore, make music, and be creative!
Toy cars, trains, and wooden tracks are timeless favorites for all children. Cue the cute little train tracks around the Christmas tree! Check out these ideas for toy cars and trains here!
We love all things Lovevery. I always recommend the Lovevery play kits! (Check out the link/ad at the bottom of the screen.) Some things are available on Amazon along with the website, including their five-star rated building blocks set. Parents love this block kit and say it keeps their kids entertained for so long! Such a great plaything to have for open-ended, independent, and creative play! I also recommend the highly rated infant play gym, which is perfect for babies. The best gift for expectant parents and for those who have young babies this holiday season!
Don’t forget to add a fun table and a Montessori-style play shelf for the playroom if needed! We have this white cubby table with some cube baskets for storage. It’s been super helpful to hold things other than toys, like placemats, wet wipes, and towels (for all of the wonderful messes!).
Ideas for little movers…
It’s no secret kids love to move! Help crawling babies and young toddlers strengthen their bodies and fulfill their need to climb and move with a wooden Montessori play gym or triangle climber. I highly recommend anything like this that helps with movement! Little ones just love it!
Another option is a wooden balance board or a wooden rocking climber, which are great options for open-ended play. Whether using them to stand, practice balance, climb, rock back and forth, as a bridge over a pretend river, or read… the ways to play are endless!
Wooden adjustable balance beams and stepping stones are open-ended and fun for kids. It’s a low-maintenance, portable-play-anywhere plaything that kids can use for balance, moving, and pretend play! Store them under the couch or bed, or in the closet when not in use!
A balance bike is a perfect gift for growing little ones to help them practice balance. Kids are able to zoom around or go at a mild pace. My daughter uses her balance bike every day, whether it’s cruising around the driveway or during walks around the neighborhood.
These are all links for Amazon, we all know and love our quick and free shipping with Prime! Very helpful as the holidays are quickly approaching. We always encourage shopping locally or through small businesses first, but Amazon is a good resource, too, when in a pinch! These items are definitely for ideas and inspiration. Similar things could be found locally or through apps like Etsy. Regardless, hopefully this list helps! (:
Happy holidays and have fun giving from the heart this season! Your loved ones will be sure to love anything you pick out!
Lots of love,
Anna
