Christmas Gifts
I'm very lucky to be a Mom to a semi-serious, logical and inquisitive 5-year old (who was sick the day we took this photo sadly) and a very energetic, funny and silly 10-month old. I love that we get to explore more technical and scientific gifts through my son's passions followed by a large dose of imaginative play with my daughter as she happily discovers new things. Hopefully this list will help you discover some new items for your budding engineers as well as re-visit some classic baby items with a twist.
MORE: Don't forget to check out all our editors' gift guides! Maura (pregnancy/newborn), Esther (baby, toddler), Laura (toddler, big kid), Cerentha (tween girl and boy), April (big kid boy and girl), Madeline (big kid, tween and teen), Angelica (mom), Anne Marie (big kids), Olivia (teen girl) and Jen (dad)
Baby Shoes
If there is ever a time to gift your little one a little luxury, it's now. These Uggs, in ever-trendy camouflage, would look great on the playground, on a playdate or any place those little toes need protection from the elements. The only bummer is they don't come in adult sizes so you can match your mini-me (I checked).
To buy: Uggs, $65
Kids Book
BJ Novak's "Book With No Pictures" is exactly what it sounds like…except it should be called "The Funniest Book Ever With No Pictures." The rules of the book are simple: You need to read what the words say. Get ready for loads of bedtime laughs and giggles—I promise you won't mind reading this one over and over (and over) again.
To buy: Amazon, $11
Game Device
My 5-year-old has been talking about the Wii U ever since he discovered Lego City Undercover and can't wait to get his hands on this gamepad-cum-joystick. The games are all about good cop Chase McCain finding his nemesis Rex Fury through all of Lego City. Game on.
To buy: Wii U, $299; Lego City Undercover, $28; Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins, $28
Ride-Along Train
With an age gap of 4.5 years between the two kids, I was looking for something that would engage both, and happily discovered this ride-along train. Great for introducing letters and numbers to the babe while the big kid gets to play conductor. Choo Choo!
To buy: V Tech Train, $32
Coloring Poster
Even though we don't live there anymore, our little guy is a New Yorker through and through. This over-sized coloring poster will bring back loads of memories while creating some cool giant artwork, in the process, to hang in his room.
To buy: MoMa Store, $28
Dollhouse
A classic Colonial is exactly the type of house I'd always dreamt of having so why not finally get it (albeit in 1-inch scale)? Even though this 3-story wonder is for ages 12 and up, having this piece now will give us years of decorating plans and projects.
To buy: Hayneedle, $237
Engineering Kit
Learning through hands-on experiments is the best kind of learning and this engineering kit offers 25 projects to get the older kid excited about science. The best kind of fun for wet, snowy days.
To buy: National Geographic, $37
Christmas Ornament
Continuing our tradition of adding a new ornament to our tree, this year gets an 'E' for our new baby girl.
To buy: Transit Museum, $16
Pajamas
Hanna Andersson is the gold standard for kids pajamas and these Darth Vader ones take the Tatooine cake. Both festive and fun—exactly what the holidays are all about.
To buy: Hanna Andersson, $42
Baby Doll
For a sweet, cuddly and plush family, check out Citizens Collective (on Etsy). They customize your doll(s) to fit your child or your family's looks. From the style of clothing all the way down to if you wear glasses…you can even include the family dog or cat.
To buy: Citizens Collectible, $135
Mom Stuff
- Go-to Bag: I saw a mom using this bag as her diaper bag this past fall and have been besotted ever since. Not only does it look comfortable and practical, the midnight color is unexpected while the gold hardware makes it oh-so current.
To buy: MZ Wallace, $375
- Sparkly Diamonds: They don't have to be Tiffany's. But yes, I would like to own a pair of solitaire diamond earrings to wear everyday rather than the naked earlobes I've been sporting since I had my second child.
To buy: Tiffany's, $1200
- Sleep Tight: Ready to upgrade my sleepwear now that spit-up is a thing of the past, these cotton printed pjs are based off men's pajamas but with a decidedly feminine touch. I can't get enough of the sweet pink print.
To buy: Serena & Lily, $148
- Dinner Re-do: While I pull my hair out trying to meal plan for a family of picky-eaters, I know that regardless what I end up making, everything would look divine on Jan Burtz's gold luster dinnerware.
To buy: ABC Carpet & Home, $78-158
5. At-Home Chef: Remember that thing I said about a house of picky-eaters? Well, I'm also terrible at meal-planning so I'd love to join Blue Apron and see if they can take the anxiety out of what's for dinner and help turn it into "oh I just whipped this up" type of finger-licking result.
To buy: Blue Apron, $60
