Gifts · Parenting

Kids’ Gifts That Build Creativity and Thinking Skills

Shopping for kids is a huge part of the holiday season. Instead of going on a search for the latest toy fad of the year, consider giving some gifts that will encourage creativity and active learning in children. When I’m shopping for kids, I try to find gifts that will be engaging, appealing, and fun, but still help kids develop skills. My own children are well past the toys stage, but when they were younger, we got them each a couple of the traditional toy items, and the rest of their gifts leaned heavily toward activities, games, and items that would help them spend time productively. More than the toys, they appreciated the chance to try new things and feel a sense of accomplishment as well as spending time together as a family working on a project.

Time spent playing a board game, flying a kite, or learning a new art technique is valuable for children and provides a much-needed break from screen time.

Here are some of my top picks for fun and engaging toys available from Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate. Please see about page for full information. Thanks so much for supporting my blog! πŸ™‚

PicassoTiles 100 Piece Set 100pcs Magnet Building Tiles Clear Magnetic 3D Building Blocks

This beautiful magnetic building set offers hours of creative fun.

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up – Toy of the Year Award Winner

Highly-rated game encourages spatial reasoning and logic skills.

126 Piece Deluxe Art Creativity Set with 2 Drawing Pad, Art Supplies in Portable Wooden Case- Crayons, Oil Pastels, Colored Pencils, Acrylic Paints, Watercolor Cakes, Brushes – Deluxe Art Set

Everything needed to explore new art techniques

5000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) National Geographic Kids) Hardcover

Encourage curiousity and wonder about the world around us with this great book

Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower – Active Outdoor Fun for Kids Ages 3 to 8 Years Old

Free time outdoors is so important. Here’s an easy solution to provide a play space in your yard.

My World Interactive Map – Educational Talking Toy for Kids of Ages 5 to 12 Years

Help kids discover world geography with this award-winning interactive map

2 Pack Kites – Large Rainbow Delta Kite and Red Octopus with Long Colorful Tail

Classic kites are always a fun gift

Exploring Nature Journal for Kids: Observe and Record the Outdoors 

encourage writing and observational skills with this journal

Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit

Paper and instructions for creating a variety of paper airplanes.

150 Piece Set Wooden Castle Building Blocks Set FAO SCHWARZ Toy Solid Pine Wood Block Playset Kit with Bridges and Arches

Classic building set encourages imagination

FAO Schwarz Kids 8-Piece Arts and Crafts Weaving Loom Set: Create Your Own Weaves and Fabric Projects with Colored String; Kit Includes Loom Frame, 4 Colored String Bundles, 3 Wooden Shuttles, Ages 4+

Weaving set for kids who love unique artistic projects

Quiksilver Mission Mittens Kids

Recycled Fabric: REPREVE traceable, recycled 4-way stretch polyester blend made from plastic bottles
Insulation: WarmFlight x3 technology for extra warm and breathable insulation for Winter outside play

Kids Dinosaur Knitted Hat

Kids look adorable in this warm hat that lends itself to pretend play

Clay Lab for Kids: 52 Projects to Make, Model, and Mold with Air-Dry, Polymer, and Homemade Clay

Fun and engaging clay projects

Thanks for reading my blog today. Enjoy the season shopping for all the kids in your life, and have a beautiful day! πŸ™‚

Gifts

Fabulous Gifts for the All the Guys In Your Life and All Available on Amazon

Hi there! I hope you’re hanging in there as 2020 inches closer and closer to an end. One thing I can truly, honestly look forward to no matter what the circumstances are the year-end holiday celebrations. We have tons of traditions that go along with the Christmas season, and cooking and decorating also add to the joy of the season.

We don’t go overboard in our family with enormous gifts, but I do love finding something really unique and special for everyone on my list. I have come to rely more and more on Amazon for my shopping because we have a high risk family member so we avoid covid exposure if at all possible. Home shopping has really been a great service for our family.

I recently also became an Amazon affiliate and this post contains affiliate links, but I am absolutely a real customer too. I very much appreciate you supporting me and my blog. Thank you! πŸ™‚

Now, on to the gift guide for guys. Guys can be really tricky to buy for, but I think I have found some really great items for you today. I like finding the more original items and also putting in a few established brands and old favorites. I hope these ideas help and inspire you as you start shopping for this year’s celebrations!

ENO Eagle’s Nest Outfitters Portable Hammock

This lightweight hammock is portable for all his great adventures! Accomodates 1-2 people. I love this bright tie dye, but the hammock is available in a multitude of color choices.

. Dan the Sausageman’s Sounder Gourmet Gift Box Featuring Smoked Summer Sausage and Wisconsin Cheeses

If you have someone on your list who appreciates food gifts, consider this great gift box. The company was selected as the 2018 U.S. Small Business of the Year for Washington State, this box is rated as “perfect” and “awesome” by Amazon reviewers.

. Personalized Super Mario Brothers leather handmade mens wallet

This wallet combines classy with fun nostalgia. It’s handmade and can also be personalized with a name or initials. What a cool gift!

. Humboldt Hands Original Woodsman Handmade Soap

Humboldt Hands is a luxury goat milk soap for working hands. The soap is made on the farm with fresh goats milk. It is tough on grease, grime, tree sap, barn muck and plant resins.

Tommy Bahama St. Kitts Eau De Cologne for Men

This breezy, classic scent features citrus, cedarwood, musk, and sea salt.

. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch

Gorgeous stainless water resistant watch from Citizen. Round watch with blue sunray dial featuring three subdials, placed indices, baton hands, and date window at four o’clock.

. Happy Socks Classics Gift Box

These bright, beautiful socks are just so…well, happy! A great gift to put a smile on someone’s face.

. Woodstock Candy ~ 80s Retro Candy Gift Box 

Woodstock Candy has retro candy from any decade. Nostalgic and fun, these assortments make a great gift!

. Tommy HilfigerLightweight Puffer Vest

Classic but trendy, Tommy Hilfiger is the perfect choice for any guy on your list. This puffer vest is available is a multitude of colors.

. Complete Wet Shave Set from Mike the Mason

Mike the Mason Gift Set Includes: Hawk Safety Razor, Pure 100% Badger Hair Brush, Organic Honey Oatmeal Shave Bar, 5 Premium Mens Blades, and a Razor Stand

. Nineties Nostalgia Old School Gadgets T Shirt

This fun t shirt is available in several colors and is perfect for any nineties kid.

Oakley Holbrook Polarized Square Sunglasses

Quality sunglasses like a pair of sylish Oakleys make a great gift. Who wouldn’t love these classic shades?

Beard Comb

This engraved wooden beard comb is individually handmade in the Ukraine. The Comb also folds for storage and portability.

. Irish Patchwork Wool Cap

This Irish flat cap is made by one of Ireland’s oldest weavers in Co. Tipperary, using time-honored methods, passed down through generations at John Hanly & Co. The younger generation is making the newsboy cap trendy again, but a man of any age would love this classic.

. Sterling Silver Puzzle Ring

This striking silver ring is also an intricate puzzle, and the mystery of how to take it apart and put it back together has to be solved. How cool is that?

. Callahan’s Gourmet Hot Sauce Gift Set

Poblano, Habanero, & Black Pepper Chipotle. Great gift for the hot sauce lover in your life. Made weekly in small batches by Callahan himself in Seattle, WA.

. Personalized Docking Station, Charging Station, Phone Dock, Cell Phone Stand

This wood docking station can be personalized and is available in 8 wood finishes. The docking station is compatible with all cell phones including iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 plus, all kind of iPhones and all Android phones, and all kinds of tablets as well.

. SwissGear USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

A part of the iconic SWISSGEAR ScanSmart series, this pack entails a TSA-friendly, lay-flat tech compartment equipped with a padded 15” laptop sleeve and tablet pocket to scan your devices without taking them out of the pack. Durable zipper closure adds an extra barrier of security for devices and essentials throughout your trip.

An integrated USB port allows you to charge your smartphone, tablet, and laptop wherever you are. Perfect travel backpack for a guy on the go.

. Marmot Retro Snap Back Hat

This cool nostalgic hat is a great gift for the guy who appreciates staying on top of trends while still remaining understated.

. Custom Personalized Art Made From Real License Plates

All custom signs are made from real license plates and can be personalized with a name, team, birthday, anniversary, etc.

. Skullcandy Bluetooth Noise Isolation Wireless In-Ear Headphones With Mic and Volume Control

Most guys need a good set of headphones. These feature Bluetooth wireless technology, Rapid Charge: 10 Minutes = 3 Hours; 40 Hours of Total Battery Life, Adjustable Sensory Bass, and Noise Isolating Fit.

I hope this Amazon gift guide gives you a little inspiration to get started on your holiday gift shopping list!

Have a beautiful day, and happy shopping! πŸ™‚

Gifts

Great Ideas For Holiday Shopping: Classic Gifts in Sophisticated Neutrals

Now is a great time to begin to think about holiday shopping and get started on finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. When I’m shopping for myself, I look for a good quality item at a great price. But when it comes to gift giving, the focus shifts a little more to the quality side. After all, there are only a couple of gift-giving occasions throughout the year, and I want to give my loved ones a gift as special as they are. Don’t get me wrong, the budget isn’t thrown out the window with these Amazon finds, but I’m also looking for some other qualities. What is the star rating on Amazon? What reputation does the brand have? What kind of materials is the item made of? How unique and original is the gift? Is it special, for example artisan made or made in a country known for that product?

This gift guide is for the person on your list who appreciates the classics. Nothing super flashy, but beautiful, understated, high-quality gifts that are sure to be appreciated.

Here are some of my favorite Amazon picks, delivered straight to you!

First on my list is the mulberry silk sleep pillow. Silk pillows have become a top gift item this year because of the gentle treatment they provide for your hair and skin as you sleep, and because of the emphasis on the comforts of home. I love the deep steel gray color of this pure silk pillow.

The traditional tartan plaid scarf is made of a high quality cashmere wool from Scotland. These neutral tones will complement any look, from a blazer to a denim jacket.

Vera Bradley is an immensely popular brand for all kinds of beautiful bags. I love this soft and sophisticated Vera Tote in teddy fleece. Unlike the colorful prints, this bag is incredibly versatile and goes with a multitude of looks.

You can’t go wrong with a leather messenger bag. Anyone on your list will appreciate this classic and beautiful handcrafted bag in a warm brown leather.

The artisan Aleppo soap is made in Syria from an ancient recipe that is known to help alleviate skin problems. I think its distinctive look and packaging will make it a great addition to a holiday gift.

These attractive Turkish cotton hand towels are perfect anywhere in your home, equally useful in the kitchen, bath, or even gym bag. Made in Turkey from 100% fine cotton.

The sterling silver ring is just stunning, featuring multicolored genuine quartz stones channel set in the band and a large central gemstone.

The frosted faux fur blanket is so soft and pretty. What a beautiful gift!

Wristlets are a great little bag to add to the recipient’s collection, perfect for holding a cell phone and cards. This one is from Sakroots, one of my favorite brands.

Noise isolating blue tooth headphones from Skull Candy are a great gift for someone who spends a lot of time on a computer. This is especially true with so many of us trying to optimize all our online time neccessitated by 2020.

The tortoiseshell finish watch by Anne Klein is classic and fun.

These gorgeous earrings are the real deal: 14 karat gold fittings and Tahitian Black South Sea pearls. This is truly a special gift sure to be treasured.

The Dionis goat milk body and hand cream is made by a small company and would be perfect combined with other thoughtful gifts or as a stocking stuffer.

If you want a classic gift, a signature Coach logo wallet in khaki is a terrific option.

Scented candles are always a nice gift idea, and this set is pretty and versatile in neutral tones. The candles are hand-poured soy with an embossed design.

This s’well water bottle keeps drinks cold for an incredibly long time. I love the teak finish on this little beauty.

Finally, these custom made bracelets can be ordered in your choice of metal, stamping, and with an engraved message. They are so pretty and thoughtful. What a wonderful gift!

Thanks for checking out my shopping guide today! This post does contain affiliate links, and I really appreciate you supporting my blog! πŸ™‚

Have a beautiful day, and happy shopping! πŸ™‚

Gifts

Searching for the Perfect Gift for Your Besties? Here’s Your Best of Amazon Shopping Guide!

Great Gift Ideas Delivered Straight To You

Click links for full details!

I’ll Be There For You Hoodie

Everyone’s favorite friends lend inspiration to this fun hoodie for your own favorite friend.

Sister I Chose Tumbler

This bright tumbler feautures a great sentiment for your friend who’s just like your sister.

Giraffe Nerd Print

Everyone loves a nerd right? Especially a nerdy giraffe on an artistic print.

Pura Vida Ring Stack

Any bff would appreciate this stunning ring stack.

Bath Bombs Set

Bath sets are nice, but this colorful one is definitely the bomb.

Michael Kors Cross Body Bag

Looking for a top quality gift for a top quality friend? Check out this Michael Kors cross body bag in blossom.

Best Friends Necklace

Check out the sweet sentiment attached to the card on this pretty necklace.

Coconut Spa Gift Set

Treat your bestie to some pampering with this coconut spa gift set.

Canon IVY Outdoor Waterproof Camera With Wifi, Bluetooth

This amazing and beautiful Canon camera is a terrific gift for anyone on your shopping list.

Pura Vida Seed Bead Bracelet

Pretty and delicate bracelet from Pura Vida is sure to be appreciated

Weirdo 1 and 2 Necklace Set

You know you two are weirdos, but you definitely belong together.

I’ll Be There For You Friends Pillow Covers Set

Perfect pillows for getting comfy and watching your favorite show.

Handcrafted Custom Cuff Bracelets

These gorgeous sterling bracelets can be customized just for you. Check it out!

Typewriter Print

Pretty and brainy, just like your bff.

Diary

Locking leather diary for everything you have sworn her to secrecy about.

Artisan Freshwater Pearl Ring- Fair Trade

How gorgeous is this sterling silver freshwater pearl ring? And it’s artisan crafted and fair trade!

Belle Art Print

Arty Belle print perfect for your princess-y friend!

Acorn Portable Bluetooth

This portable bluetooth is just too cute.

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog! πŸ™‚

Have a beautiful day, and happy shopping! πŸ™‚ I hope you find the perfect gift!

Gifts

Twelve Creative Gifts Sure to Wow Any Artistic Soul & All Available On Amazon

Prime Day is still going on! YAY! If you’re not yet a Prime Member, now is definitely the time to join! Score some great deals for yourself and get a head start on your holiday shopping!

If you have an artistic person in your life, they will appreciate being treated to some gifts meant to spark the creative juices. High quality supplies are always appreciated, and I’ve also found some other fun items that show you appreciate their originality and spirit.

Take a look at these great Amazon finds!

Post contains affiliate links. Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! πŸ™‚

Have a beautiful day, and have fun doing some holiday shopping! πŸ™‚