I’ve always wanted to put together a gift guide for kids but until this year I felt like a total imposter. I dusted off the cob webby depths of my mind to come up with some of my favorite open-ended toys from childhood (as well as a few new ones!)

You will notice there are no electronics, no noise-making toys, no glitter, no shopkins, no teeeeny tiny Polly Pockets or Lego sets with 1000 parts and no batteries. Most of these gifts are made to be played with independently and because they are simple, they encourage imagination.

So many fun things for y’all to shop in a variety of price points (Top to Bottom, Left to Right). Remember, you can click directly on the image to shop. You may want to consider right clicking to open in a new tab.

• Patagonia Down Sweater: Super warm. Highly rated. An investment piece that is very hand-downable (especially if you get a neutral color). My mom-friends told me this is THE COAT to get. 

• Ikea Play Kitchen (Paired with Melissa + Doug Utensil set): This has been a winner in our home since Tommy could stand up. It is a great tool during meal time for him to imitate us cooking in the kitchen.

• Traffic Jam Game: This is a blast from the past and a game I LOVED during car rides. The box says 8+ so may be a stretch for those of you with younger kiddos, but bookmark for later. 

• Go Fish + Other Card Games: For ages 3+ this is a non-video game way for kids to play and interact with one another. I love that there are 6 different games that come in this pack all for under $10.

• Counting Puzzle: These are so cool! Great intro to learn to count and jigsaw puzzles. If the pieces fit together, you have the counting part right and if not, try again!

• BrainQuest: Do you remember these? They are made for ages pre-school age and up. Pick the card pack that is right for your kiddos. 

• Basketball Goal

• Magnetic Blocks: Great option for under 12 months or if you are not ready to invest in Magna-tiles.

• Madeline Book & Doll: Really any book and character combo is fun! I picked two classics for this guide (see also: Corduroy book and bear)

• Travel Bingo: Love this option for car rides (short or long!)

• Pattern Boards: Great independent play option!

• Wood Blocks

• Balance Bike: Another #momfriend approved recommendation. This is on Tommy’s list this year!

• Magna-Tiles: Yet another #momfriend recommendation. Great for all ages, durable, and can be made into anything.

Hop to the other Clutter-Free Guides Here:

For your Gal Pals

For Your Guy (COMING SOON!)

Under $50 (COMING THURSDAY!)