Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Siblings
Sometimes, Santa wants one gift that will make all three of my kids happy. Since my firstborn is 13, her younger sister is 9 and their baby brother is 5, this is no easy feat. But it's also not impossible. I look for toys and games with objectives that are not overly specific but offer challenges at varying levels. For practical items, it's a relief to get everyone the same thing. I mean, Santa can only do so much list-making, you know?
MORE: Don't forget to check out all our editors' gift guides! Maura (pregnancy/newborn), Esther (baby, toddler), Andie (baby, big kid), Laura (toddler, big kid), Cerentha (tween girl and boy), April (big kid boy and girl), Anne Marie (big kid, tween and teen), Angelica (mom), Olivia (teen girl) and Jen (dad)
No-Win, No-Lose Board Games
Finding toys that all three of my kids, who range in age from 5 to 13, is pretty much the holy grail. Nothing ruins family game night like the tears of a the youngest losing, again, to his older wiser tween and teen sisters. It’s important to learn how to lose graciously, blah, blah, blah. In the meantime, these cooperative board games, where survival rather than winning is the focus, are a way for my whole family to sit down to some fun, regardless of my kids' developmental stages.
To buy: 1. Whoowasit, $29; 2. Pandemic, $25; 3. Traffic Jam, $18
Cuddly Robots
Electronic gadgets tend to transcend age, as long as they can do new and interesting things. WowWee’s line of robots can dance to music, impossibly balance on a rolling cylinder or change personalities on command. Which means they also pass the test for holiday toys that maintain my kids' interest beyond Christmas weekend.
To buy: 1. ElectroKidz Gold, $15; 2. Tipster, $55; 3. Noomie by WowWee, $39
Engineering Toys Marketed to Girls
This trifecta of engineering toys, designed and marketed with girls in mind, are naturally fun for boys too, hitting all the marks for sibling play in my house. Parts of the different kits are interchangeable, and, because none follow a strict script, the level of complexity doesn’t exclude future engineers who are younger – or older – than the target ages. Bonus: sibling cooperation!
To buy: 1. Goldieblox, $19; 2. Build & Imagine StoryWalls, $39.99; 3. Deluxe Roominate, $39
Slackline Outdoor Equipment
Slacklines are sort of the perfect sibling toy: easy to set up and put away, they require participants to support each other and no one minds taking turns. Plus, they’re a great way to scratch that circus-dreams itch and the get — and keep — kids out of the house, when the holiday break doldrums set in. Slacklines can also be adjusted for varying skill levels.
To buy: Gibbon Classic Slackline, from $69
Safe, Sharp Child's Mini Knife
My kids love helping in the kitchen and safety is a concern. Yet much kid-cookware errs on the side of too much caution (read: dull knives). Not this Japanese Misono Child’s Mini Knife. The rounded tip keeps “no running with knives!” paranoia down. Meanwhile, the sharp blade won’t frustrate your budding dinner buddy. Let'em have at the Christmas ham!
To buy: Misono Child’s Mini Knife, $58.50
Electric Toothbrush and Travel Case
Toothbrushes for Christmas? Boooring! But only until my kids cut loose with a Sonicare toothbrush (they've envied mine for years!). The small heads and gum-tickling vibrations make getting teeth really clean really easy. Toothbrushes shut off automatically, increasing the time kids actually spend on their teeth. The travel case means they might even brush at a slumber party or during holiday visits to Grandma and Grandpa.
To buy: Philips Sonicare Flexcare with Travel Case, $69
Small, Powerful Night Light
My different-aged kids share a room, and lights-out time is fraught. Small but bright night-lights let my tween read while her little brother sleeps unbothered. His Bug Lit Nite Ize also means he'll go boldly down the hall to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
To buy: Bug Lit Nite Ize, $9.97
Detachable Bike Basket
Family bike rides are even more fun when everyone’s wheels are kitted out. Bike baskets are a great start, especially these from Wald. They’re removable, collapsible and rear- or forward-mounted.They’re even big enough to hold a bag of groceries, sports equipment or a favorite pet, meaning family bike rides can morph easily into family errands.
To buy: Wald bike baskets, $19-$74
Learn to Code Games and Gadgets
Some say the fourth 'r' of school will soon be writing code. Even five-year-olds can learn some of the principles of coding with the right toys, while their older siblings apply these principles to build custom-made apps. There's a single toy to interest (and educate) all three of my kids. Not ready for a tech takeover? Start with a card game instead.
To buy: 1. Robot Turtles, $20</a>; 2. Dash & Dot, $169-309; 3. MOSS modular robotic toys, $149
Unholiday Holiday Sweaters
The problem with snowflake sweaters is that they lose their charm after New Years — just when it starts getting really cold. Still, what’s a holiday without new matchy-matchy sweaters? How about these soft, striped crewnecks from The Gap? Perfect for an awkward, but trendy, holiday family photo.
Gifts for Mom
Peace on Earth is great and all, but there’s room under the tree for a few things for me. I'm thinking even — no, especially — an overtly holiday sweater, a cheese broiler, easy party decorations for 2015, booze and books. Lots and lots of books.
To buy: 1. Book 2 in these three amazing series by Karl Ove Knausgaard, $14; Elena Ferrante, $12; and Gilbert Hernandez, $20; 2. Garnet Hill’s fox sweater, $118; 3. Williams-Sonoma electric raclette maker, $139.95; 4. Vodka of the Month Club, $210; 5. Paper & Cake printable party ware codes (for every occasion), $14.95 to $49.95
