The holidays are upon us! I don’t know about you but I’m going ALL OUT this year. Maybe because it’s a global pandemic and 2020 has been weird AF or maybe it’s because Baby P is now 2 1/2 years old and has an understanding of holidays and celebrations. He’s already watching Christmas movies and knows about Santa (vaguely. I’m still figuring out how we are going to handle the idea of Santa and straight-up lying about this mythical guy. Send me your tips ;) ) I’m trying to be mindful of our consumption while also making an impact with each gift. Since we will be spending much more time indoors this winter you’ll find some physical movement ideas. We already have a slide and trampoline (we have a different trampoline that was handed down to us but linked to another kid-friendly on here) and LOVE them. Baby P is OBSESSED with dinosaurs so you’ll find a lot of dino-themed gifts as well. I’ve heard that construction vehicles are the next phase but we haven’t reached that yet.

You’ll also notice several wooden toys. We don’t practice specifically any approach to parenting/ education like Waldorf, Montesorri, or Reggio Emilia but I am familiar with them and do appreciate various aspects of their approach. We have the Lovevery subscription box (0-36 months currently) and absolutely love it. If you want a one-stop shop gift this is it. Email me for a $30 discount code off of a new subscription or to ask more questions.

Puzzles

Toys

Tech

Books

Let’s Get Physical

Play Kitchen

Clothing

There are so many books that we love, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. Reading every day is so important for language and cognitive development.

Favorite Small Businesses

During these uncertain times, I find it far more important to support those small business that we love and who may be struggling during the pandemic. As easy as it is to shop from big box retailers, please consider purchasing from your local toy shops and businesses. Many are offering deals, free or discounted shipping and gift wrapping. I’ve listed a few of my favorite small businesses below, and have included them in the above wish list as well.

Hank And Sylvie’s: Located in Ketchum, Idaho (my hometown) this sweet little shop has everything from baby gifts, toys, party supplies and home goods. They are offering free shipping on orders over $25

2 Kids And A Dog: Located in Brooklyn, NY they offer same day local delivery as well as curated gift selection via text and email

AV Norden: Located just over the river in NJ this shop offers sustainable and ethically produced clothing for kids and women. Email Jenny for private shopping appointments online and in person.

The Wild: Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn this shop is the baby wearing mecca in NYC. Not only do they offer customized baby wearing fittings and advice but they have a wonder array of baby and kid’s clothing and nontoxic toys as well as a beautiful offering of classes and support groups.

Poppy Baby Co : Mom owned business based in the US, offering unique, handmade, nontoxic wooden toys mostly from Russia. Use Code DOULIGHTNYC for 15% the online shop

Young, Wild and Friedman: Curated sensory bins created by a mama who started out to help her own child with a speech disorder.

*Amazon links are affiliate links. I do make a small commission if purchased through my link at no cost to you. I appreciate you using them but of course you are under no obligation to do so.