We received many requests for a Christmas gift roundup for kids, so here are a number of items we love. Most picks are under $25, some under $12, and none exceed $49—affordable, thoughtful options for the young ones on your list.
1. Clara loves painting and bright colors. A colorful watercolor print from Etsy ($25) would be a lovely gift, or you could pair paints with a pack of quality cardstock for a cozy painting session together.
2. Clara is always fascinated by small toys she finds in waiting rooms and other kids’ homes. When John’s mom asked for suggestions, we immediately sent her a link to a $25 racer ramp—simple, engaging, and easy to stash in a gift drawer.
3. Pretend play is a favorite of Clara’s—she makes meals at her play kitchen, rearranges dollhouse furniture, and dotes on dolls with band-aids—so a little wooden doctor kit is a perfect fit. At $38 it’s pricier than other items, but Nonna couldn’t resist since Clara is very into “first aid” right now.
4. These people-shaped crayons from Etsy are adorable, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious—typically under $9. They make coloring feel fresh and playful.
5. Clara has one of these small cars in pink and she adores it. It’s a straightforward, inexpensive toy that gets far more playtime than many pricier, more complicated toys.
6. I was drawn to the pretty colors and shapes of this handmade puzzle. It might be slightly above Clara’s current skill level, but it’s a beautiful option to save for next year.
7. This handmade $29 bowling set is eco-friendly and charming—penguin pins, for example, are hard to resist. I like gifting new experiences (learning to bowl or fish), so although we haven’t ordered this yet while we work on building something special like last year’s play kitchen, it’s definitely tempting.
8. To Clara, Woody is a hero, so she’d be thrilled to find a Woody Pez dispenser in her stocking. I spotted one at Target near the checkout for about $3—not a bad little surprise.
9. John’s mom is also getting this magnetic fish set for Clara. It’s a $29 fishing game where kids use a pole to pick up fish—similar toys we’ve tried have been an instant hit and kept Clara entertained for a long time.
10. This one practically sells itself—silly, surprising toys that make both kids and adults laugh are always a winner and great for stocking stuffers or small surprises.
11. We own a balancing wooden cactus from Plan Toys that Clara still plays with regularly. We’ve had at least a year of steady play from it, so the $25 price tag we paid years ago felt like an excellent investment in durable, engaging play.
12. Nonna is also getting Clara a book that features interactive elements—a read-aloud dog that barks at keywords. Clara loves books and animals, so this pairing is sure to be a favorite.
Those are our favorite finds. Do any of these stand out to you? What will the little people in your life find under the tree this year? John and I are excited to finish a homemade gift for Clara (from Santa, of course). We’ll share more details—and probably a million photos—soon!
Update: We’ve also rounded up favorite holiday décor finds—many under $15—if you’re looking for more budget-friendly seasonal ideas.
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