Christmas is right around the corner. I have started on my shopping, but honestly
I am not even close to being done. Who’s with me? For all of us last minute shoppers, I created some top pick toys and games I found on Amazon.
This year is especially challenging for us, we’re on a budget and I’m trying to keep some kind of control of what kinds of things come into our home. I am tired of buying cheaply made toys that break and have to be thrown away within the first month. I want my kids to have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy their gifts, but I also want to make sure what we are getting them isn’t a waste of money. So, I decided to intentionally search for products that have great reviews as well as products that I can see my kids and family playing with regularly. No sense buying a family game that we’ll never play together.
The end of this year has found me focused on clearing our home of junk, the last thing I want to do is replace all of that junk at Christmastime. So here is the list I am sharing with you. I have three kids, Layla age 9, Dominic 10, and Gabby 2.
Gift ideas for Layla age 9
Layla is my fun girl! She loves to bake in the kitchen with me and loves crafting! I really think the soap making kit will be fun for both of us! I have wanted to make my own soap, so I am sure this will be the first gift we will play with together. If you have a crafty girl, you may want to consider a DIY project kit. Smartlab has different kits, like make your own lip balm! Of course, Layla loves Frozen, I am hoping she’ll play with these dolls, maybe with her little sister. I’ve noticed she is not much of a barbie-playing girl and that’s okay. I just think this little Frozen set is super cute! I love the twist on this Twister game–I really think this will be a family game we can all do. Layla did ask for a camera this year, I want to make sure to get her one that works great and has good picture quality. The camera is the most expensive thing on this list. Not sure yet if we’ll get this one, but it does have great reviews!
Gift Ideas for Dominic age 10
Dominic is a little more serious, he likes science stuff and loves gaming, especially Minecraft. He already hinted at wanting a new Xbox controller, so that’s a pretty easy, straightforward gift. I really think he will love the microscope, he talks about them a lot, so this will be a fun surprise. The Lego set will be a hit, he always loves playing with legos! I am wondering if he’ll like the mineral rock set. He does like to collect rocks so I’m sure this kit will make it more interesting for him.
Gift Ideas for Gabby age 2
For Gabby we want to buy her things she will play with. I can’t tell you how many babies and stuffed animals which she has and doesn’t care about. We bought her the toddler kitchen below for her birthday and we love it! I love that it is not plastic and it’s sturdy. This toddler kitchen does come with a pot and pan set and some food, but not very much. I added in the cookware play set because I think she’ll like having her own plates and spoons to “eat” with. The Playhut Mega Fun Tent has great reviews and looks fun too! I really think this will keep her entertained and will give me something to bring down when we have play dates. I’m not sure if I will buy the table and chairs, I might hold off until I find one set that matches her kitchen (pink) I really want to get her a table set for playing with homemade play dough, she makes a mess on my kitchen table!
Books and PJ’s
We have a tradition, each Christmas Eve the kids and my husband and I get to open one gift….It’s our PJ’s which we wear all day Christmas, we even spend the day with my family in our PJ’s it’s super comfy! We also include either a family game to add to our collection or a book.
Here are some PJ ideas! They all look super comfy. Don’t forget to use Ebates (earn some cash back!) when you are shopping online and check the clearance section at JCPenny online and Sears, that’s where I bought our PJ’s this year using rewards points.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
- $5 Chik-fil-A gift card– We love this place for fast and yummy food!
- Wallet for my son
- Small coin purse for the girls
- Hair accessories for the girls
- Roll of coins for their piggy banks
- Fuzzy, comfy socks (these are everywhere this time of year, check your dollar store)
- Pez dispenser and Christmas Candy
Think back to when you were a kid, what was your favorite Christmas present?
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