Small Shop Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

What to Get The Kids

Usually, around this time of year, I start having to field questions from family members about what my kids would like for Christmas. I start going over in my mind all of the toys my kids have pointed out to me throughout the year and my eyes glaze over. All of them require an abnormal amount of batteries to make screeching sounds I know I will only be able to take for one day. If they don’t make sound, they usually come with really small pieces.

I also start having visions of packed stores, horrible traffic, and standing in front of the gift card carousel because all of the products I wanted to purchase are sold out. This year I came prepared for all the “What do the little ones want for Christmas this year?” questions, and I am sharing with you my go-to answers. Below are my top 4 small shop gifts for kids. All of the below products are made by small businesses, easily ordered online, and are educational. So, sit back and relax this holiday season, because the below small shops have you covered. If you are interested in donating to non-profits instead of purchasing gifts please check out my Holiday Charity Giving Guide.

Safari LTD.

Kids use there imagination every day. I mean look what they do with a simple cardboard box. That box becomes a rocket ship, or a boat, or helps turn kids into robots. It is amazing what kids think of and dream up. So, I love toys that help foster this kind of play. From farm animals and dinosaurs to mythical creatures Safari Ltd creates true to life toys. They even have a new edition, BiOBUDDi, which are plant-based building blocks. We love them in our house, and my two girls play with them every day. Safari Ltd figurines vary in price, but they are currently running a sale on their website, https://www.safariltd.com/, for black Friday.

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KOA Provisions

If your kids love to get in the kitchen and cook/bake why not have them do it in style. It’s even better if you and your little one can twin while cooking/baking together! KOA Provisions hand makes Professional, Chef designed, aprons. My oldest is 4 years old and the kid’s apron fit’s her nicely, but the really cool thing about the apron is it will grow with her. KOA Provisions Everyday aprons are lightweight, come with pockets and are durable.

I seriously have never owned an apron as nice as the KOA Provisions Everyday apron. Due to the quality of materials and workmanship of these aprons, I feel they are worth every penny. Cost wise the Kids apron retails for $34 while the Adult Everyday apron retails for $58. I wanted to thank KOA Provisions for mine and my daughter’s aprons. If you would like to see the other colors/apron styles available from KOA Provisions you can visit their site here. https://koaprovisions.com/

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Polyblox Totems

Remember those alphabet blocks you used to play with as a child? I do, and my kids have some as well. (I actually just stepped on one the other day and said AEIOU and sometimes Y quite loudly.) Polyblox Totems are a little like those alphabet blocks, but they are SO MUCH BETTER. Now instead of just being able to see the letters or the number with the regular blocks, you can see everything with the Polyblox. Your little one will be able to see the letters in uppercase, lowercase, their word association, the letter in braille, sign language, and a number all stacked next to each other. You can even spell out words and see it in uppercase and lowercase. 

I know my daughter is a visual learner so her Polyblox Totems will be a game-changer in how we teach her, and how she learns. Currently, you can purchase Polyblox Totems on their website (through Kaplan), on Amazon, or you can purchase them at the Orlando Museum of Art if you are local. A 14 piece original set retails for $59.99 but is currently on sale for $29.99.  In 2019 Polyblox will be coming out with some amazing additions. (Such as augmented reality thanks to their relationship with Leap With Alice.) You can check out Polyblox Totems on their website. http://www.thepolyblox.com/

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Beachfront Baby Child Ring Sling

If you have been following my blog or social media for a while then you know I love wearing my children. (If you are new to my blog then FYI, I love wearing my children. Haha!) Babywearing allows me to be hands-free, and to give my kids all the snuggles. Of course, children copy their parents so it shouldn’t be surprising my kids also love to babywear. So, while Beachfront Baby makes baby carriers for us parents, they also make child baby carriers as well. As you can see below, they are super cute! My 4-year-old and now 2-year-old will wear their teddy bears and baby dolls all around the house. Imaginative play is very important for children, but babywearing also helps to teach children how to nurture, be careful, and also to be kind.

If you are interested in purchasing a child’s ring sling make sure you run to Beachfront’s website. Many carriers are currently on sale and even bigger Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales start 11/30. (But quantities are already low on child ring slings.) You can visit Beachfront’s website here. http://www.beachfrontbabywraps.com

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As I mentioned above all of these amazing products are made by small businesses, and if you follow any one of them on social media you will see they are families just like you and I. So, when shopping for gifts for your loved ones bypass the crowds and gift card carousels and shop small this holiday season. <3

**Disclosure:

I did receive some products, years ago, in exchange for my review/inclusion in this guide. (Originally published in 2018, and updated each year.) I also personally purchased some products listed. Even though I received some product in exchange for my review/inclusion all opinions are my own. My children and I currently use all of the above products and love them. I would not recommend a product or a company I have not tried or do not like.