“What are we going to get _____ for Christmas?”
This is a common conversation in your home right now. We desire to purchase quality gifts that our family will love, without breaking the bank. While a noble task, many times finding the perfect gift is not an easy one.
As I have learned about child development and items that help promote learning, I have created some gift purchasing guidelines to think about when purchasing for kids.
- No lights or sounds, batteries or screens.
- Select items that promote imagination and motor growth.
- Choose quality over quantity. A few higher-quality items are much better than a plethora of toys or books that don’t promote learning, imagination, and development. (For example, choose quality literature instead of the current Disney movie or PBS show.)
Using these rules as a guide, I’ve pulled together my family’s favorite, tried-and-true products, perfect for under your Christmas tree. These are the items that my children read, listened to, or played with time and time again.
PS…To encourage others to give gifts that promote learning, be sure to share this blog post with grandparents and family! And…because these items are the best of the best, they are frequently on Black Friday sales.
Books to Give as Gifts
Mr. Putter and Tabby – These are our favorite. Quality storyline, conversational illustrations, and precious characters. These are a must for all late-preschool and early elementary children
Barnyard Dance – This will forever be one of my favorite board book. It promises to create a stomping good time.
Elephant and Piggie Books – These books are on my Christmas list. The illustrations are amazing. The storylines are filled with laughter and fun.
Chris Van Dusen Books – A friend introduced me to these books this weekend and I immediately fell in love with the rhyming storylines and wonderful illustrations. I know these would have been favorites of my kids’ had we known about them earlier!
Discover More: Best Books for Children
Bibles/Devos and Music Ideas as Gifts
The Wonder of Creation by Louie Giglio – If your child loves science, this book of 100 devos will help them see the wonder of God’s creation! Free resources are available to further the learning.
Scroll down to the bottom of this post to enter to win this book!
Our Daily Bread for Kids – This is my favorite devo for late preschool – elementary age kiddos.
Seeds Family Worship – This CD’s have been instrumental in our family memorizing Scripture. Each song is a Bible verse set to fun music.
Discover More: Children’s Bibles, Devos, and Cd’s
Game Ideas
Rush Hour Jr – We purchased this for Christmas a few years back and our kids have enjoyed helping the milk truck get out of the traffic jam.
3 Up, 3 Down – This is game was new to us, but has been a fun addition to our card decks. Very simple and fun for elementary age and older.
Zingo – This popular preschool game continues to be popular for many families.
Sequence for Kids – This was a big hit for our kids! The animals add a fun addition.
Discover More: See more favorite games for young and old!
Fine/Gross Motor and Imagination Play Gift Ideas
Foldable Trampoline with Bar – A must-have for active, sensory-seeking children or any child who likes to bounce. This was a God-send through Bubs’ sensory struggles and Little Man’s extreme energy.
Lincoln Logs – Classic toy that adds a higher level of thinking than simple blocks.
Marble Run – Our kids have enjoyed building marbles runs. Building requires STEM thinking!
US Map Puzzles – As they have grown, my children have loved putting the US map together. Beginning with easier wooden puzzles, they have advanced to very detailed ones.
Snap Circuits – Wonderful electronics exploration kit. Bubs thoroughly enjoyed playing with this set and earned money to purchase the upgrade kit.
Aquadoodle Mats – Allow your children to draw without fear of marks on the walls! This was a hit for all my kids.
Magnetic Tiles – The magnets and various shapes allow for a more complex level of building.
Building Straws – Even as an elementary-aged child Peanut continues to build large sculptures with this toy.
Discover More: Age-Based Toys and Learning Supplies
Whether you are looking for gifts of your own children or sharing ideas to others, this Christmas Gift Giving Guide and the “Discover More” options will direct you to the perfect gifts to further learning and provide many hours of play, reading, and listening fun.
PS…Be sure to share this blog post with grandparents and family!
Giveaway: Enter to Win!
Just in time for Christmas, click the rectangular image or link below to enter to win the The Wonder of Creation ($15.99 value). This is a giveaway that will end on Monday, November 29th @ 9:00 a.m (CST). Don’t wait to enter! The winner will be announced on this blog, so be sure to come back and see if you have won!
Or click – www.ABCJesusLovesMe.com/enter/
One entry per household, US residents only. Click to read our Giveaway Rules.
Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.
