As a kid I was very lucky to be surrounded by Aunts and Cousins who really spoiled me both during the holiday season and throughout the rest of the year. Now that I have nieces and nephews of my own, holiday gift giving has become so much fun.
Kid’s gifts have changed so much and it can be overwhelming to stand in the children’s section of a store and narrow things down. Since most shopping this year is happening online even knowing where to start is challenging. I’ve picked out a few of my favorite gifts and am sharing so that you too can be the ‘cool’ Aunt in your family!
Cool Kids Gift 1: Pediped Sneakers
For toddlers and preschoolers just starting to become a stable walker Pediped’s Grip ‘n’ Go shoes are a fast favorite. There is nothing more adorable then a tiny pair of shoes [except maybe the tiny feet that go into the shoes]. I love seeing all the fun colors and styles Pediped designed specifically for little feet.
Velcro and elastic make putting shoes on easy, even with a wiggly toddler and Mom will love receiving a gift that growing kids really need. Designs are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development meaning your gift is not just a cute item under the tree, but also a thoughtful and useful item they can use for months to come.
Constructed with vegan materials and non-toxic materials care for these shoes is easy. Grip ‘n’ Go shoes are completely machine washable. Remove the insoles and place in the washing machine with cold water on gentle. Use regular detergent and leave shoes to airdry out of direct sunlight before reassembling.
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Cool Kids Gift 2: Nalgene Sippy Cups
This is a kids gift that both Mom and little ones will love. I’ve been a huge fan of Nalgene since receiving my first bottle upon dorm move in at Colorado State. Completely BPA / BPS free Nalgene bottles are built to last and can easily go in the dishwasher between use. I have Nalgene bottles that I’ve used for over a decade and they are still my favorite bottles.
For holiday gifts for kids the 12oz Grip-n-Gulp is the perfect introduction to water bottle use. Completely spill proof the rubberized lid and mouthpiece is an ideal transition for those leaving the bottle behind and won’t leave a mess in the backseat of mom’s car.
I love that this bottle doesn’t have a straw attachment that can be lost later. The valve is removable to allow for deep cleaning and can go in the washer with all the rest of the dishes.
Once ready to transition to a regular water bottle topper it’s easy to swap out the lid and keep using their favorite cup! This water bottle really grows with kids and can be used for many years.
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Cool Kids Gift 3: ergoPouch
I know how much parents appreciate useful gifts so in addition to finding something fun for kids to play with, I like to seek out things that can make everyone’s life a little bit easier. One item I know my family loves is ergoPouch sleeping bags.
Parent’s know how valuable sleep can be, and anything that helps keep little ones out longer is a blessing. Designed as transition from swaddling sleeping bags help keep little ones comfortable and warm throughout the night, without restricting their movement.
While toddlers have long outgrown being swaddled, the comfort of being held while sleeping can help them sleep through the night more soundly. The Jersey Sleeping bag is perfect as your little one grows and provides a breathable organic cotton cover that can keep baby an appropriate temperature all night long.
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Cool Kids Gift 4: Shop your neighborhood toy store
It’s been a challenging year for small business owners and supporting local toy stores will help ensure that they are here next year when we can go back to shopping in person. In Colorado we have an amazing store called Beyond the Blackboard, run by a family of educators who are dedicated to knowing what toys will keep your crew entertained and educated [even during stay-at-home orders].
Beyond the Blackboard has an online store you can browse, but if you are an Aunt or Uncle buying gift’s I recommend giving the store a call and asking them to pick out the perfect gift instead. You can set a budget for your gift and they will even wrap it and send it along through the mail. It’s like having a team of holiday elves who really know what is going to make you the cool aunt this holiday season.
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Cool Kids Gift 5: Give hands on Gifts
Holiday gifts that allow kids to be creative are some of my favorite things. The team from GoldieBlox recently launched a whole new line of arts & crafts perfect for older girls.
Each kit has multiple ways of coming together encouraging creativity and invention at they play. The Rainbow paper craft kit has supplies for 3 different projects, giving hours of entertainment throughout the holiday season.
Find GoldieBlox
Rainbow Paper Craft Kit | Friendship Bracelets
Interested in other holiday shopping inspiration? Check out the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide.
Disclaimer: I received product samples to inspire the creation of this guide. No additional compensation was provided and all reviews and thoughts are my own. Affiliate links are used throughout this article. Purchasing through the use of an affiliate is of no cost to the end buyer and helps support the production of this blog.
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