5 Christmas Gifts To Buy For the Grandkids Before the Holiday Rush (2026 Guide)We asked 322 moms what their 5 year old STILL plays with months after their birthday.We asked 322 moms what their 5 year old STILL plays with weeks after Christmas.5 Guilt-Free Gifts That Passed the One Strange Little Test (We Asked 322 Moms)
Picked by a grandmother of six and former teacher of 33 years, who has had her Christmas shopping wrapped and put away before Halloween for the last five years.Picked by a grandmother of six and former teacher of 33 years, who has had her Christmas shopping wrapped and put away before Halloween for the last five years.Picked by a grandmother of six and former teacher of 33 years, who has had her Christmas shopping wrapped and put away before Halloween for the last five years.Picked by a grandmother of six and former teacher of 33 years, who has had her Christmas shopping wrapped and put away before Halloween for the last five years.
- Ages 6 months and up
- No screens
- Something they make, not something they watch
- Still on the table in February
- Ages 6 months and up
- No screens
- Something they make, not something they watch
- Still on the table in February
- Ages 6 months and up
- No screens
- Something they make, not something they watch
- Still on the table in February
- Ages 6 months and up
- No screens
- Something they make, not something they watch
- Still on the table in February
Updated October 7th, 2026Updated October 7th, 2026Updated October 7th, 2026Updated October 7th, 2026
I taught kindergarten and elementary school for 33 years. I have six grandchildren. And my Christmas shopping has been done before Halloween for five years running.
It isn't about being organized. It started when I began staying a few days after Christmas instead of mailing a box and calling it done. When you mail a gift, the story ends with a photo of torn paper and a big smile. When you stay, you see the rest of it. You see which presents are still out on the kitchen table in February, and which ones were under the bed by New Year's.
Price has nothing to do with it. One year I sent an eighty-dollar wooden play kitchen, the kind with the little knobs that click. I counted maybe four real uses before it became a shelf for stuffed animals. And I have watched grandchild after grandchild spend Christmas morning sitting inside the cardboard box something else came in.
The gifts that last are rarely the ones still on the shelf in December.The gifts that last are rarely the ones that do something. They're the ones the child does something with.The gifts that last are rarely the ones that do something. They're the ones the child does something with.The gifts that last are rarely the ones still on the shelf in December.
That is the honest reason to buy now. In December you don't choose, you settle for whatever is left. In October you get the exact thing you had in mind. It's wrapped, it's in the closet, and December is yours again. Last year, the first gift on this list sold out the week before Black Friday. I'd rather you didn't find that out the week before Christmas.
That is the honest reason to buy now. In December you don't choose, you settle for whatever is left. In October you get the exact thing you had in mind. It's wrapped, it's in the closet, and December is yours again. Last year, the first gift on this list sold out the week before Black Friday. I'd rather you didn't find that out the week before Christmas.
That is the honest reason to buy now. In December you don't choose, you settle for whatever is left. In October you get the exact thing you had in mind. It's wrapped, it's in the closet, and December is yours again. Last year, the first gift on this list sold out the week before Black Friday. I'd rather you didn't find that out the week before Christmas.
That is the honest reason to buy now. In December you don't choose, you settle for whatever is left. In October you get the exact thing you had in mind. It's wrapped, it's in the closet, and December is yours again. Last year, the first gift on this list sold out the week before Black Friday. I'd rather you didn't find that out the week before Christmas.
Before you read further, I should tell you something. All five gifts below come from the same company, Paint & Bloom. Someone will say that's convenient, and they'd be right to say it. Here's how it happened. Last winter I went to stay with my son's family, and my grandson Tom had spent most of the holidays asking for his mother's phone. My daughter-in-law set the Water Elf Kit out on the kitchen table on the Saturday morning. He didn't ask for the phone once that weekend. He made creatures until dinner, lined them up along the windowsill by color, and on Sunday he sat me down and showed me how to do it. So I looked at what else they made. These five are the ones I have given myself or watched being used up close.
They share four things. No screens, because a toy that does the entertaining takes away the child's chance to entertain themselves. Something the child does with their own hands, not something they sit and watch. Something that resets, so tomorrow it's new again: the elves get made again, the tree gets stripped and redecorated, the drawing wipes off, the page dries back to white. And something the parents will actually thank you for.
Before you read further, I should tell you something. All five gifts below come from the same company, Paint & Bloom. Someone will say that's convenient, and they'd be right to say it. Here's how it happened. Last winter I went to stay with my son's family, and my grandson Tom had spent most of the holidays asking for his mother's phone. My daughter-in-law set the Water Elf Kit out on the kitchen table on the Saturday morning. He didn't ask for the phone once that weekend. He made creatures until dinner, lined them up along the windowsill by color, and on Sunday he sat me down and showed me how to do it. So I looked at what else they made. These five are the ones I have given myself or watched being used up close.
They share four things. No screens, because a toy that does the entertaining takes away the child's chance to entertain themselves. Something the child does with their own hands, not something they sit and watch. Something that resets, so tomorrow it's new again: the elves get made again, the tree gets stripped and redecorated, the drawing wipes off, the page dries back to white. And something the parents will actually thank you for.
Before you read further, I should tell you something. All five gifts below come from the same company, Paint & Bloom. Someone will say that's convenient, and they'd be right to say it. Here's how it happened. Last winter I went to stay with my son's family, and my grandson Tom had spent most of the holidays asking for his mother's phone. My daughter-in-law set the Water Elf Kit out on the kitchen table on the Saturday morning. He didn't ask for the phone once that weekend. He made creatures until dinner, lined them up along the windowsill by color, and on Sunday he sat me down and showed me how to do it. So I looked at what else they made. These five are the ones I have given myself or watched being used up close.
They share four things. No screens, because a toy that does the entertaining takes away the child's chance to entertain themselves. Something the child does with their own hands, not something they sit and watch. Something that resets, so tomorrow it's new again: the elves get made again, the tree gets stripped and redecorated, the drawing wipes off, the page dries back to white. And something the parents will actually thank you for.
Before you read further, I should tell you something. All five gifts below come from the same company, Paint & Bloom. Someone will say that's convenient, and they'd be right to say it. Here's how it happened. Last winter I went to stay with my son's family, and my grandson Tom had spent most of the holidays asking for his mother's phone. My daughter-in-law set the Water Elf Kit out on the kitchen table on the Saturday morning. He didn't ask for the phone once that weekend. He made creatures until dinner, lined them up along the windowsill by color, and on Sunday he sat me down and showed me how to do it. So I looked at what else they made. These five are the ones I have given myself or watched being used up close.
They share four things. No screens, because a toy that does the entertaining takes away the child's chance to entertain themselves. Something the child does with their own hands, not something they sit and watch. Something that resets, so tomorrow it's new again: the elves get made again, the tree gets stripped and redecorated, the drawing wipes off, the page dries back to white. And something the parents will actually thank you for.
One more thing, for the grandparent and not the parent. You're buying for a child you don't see every week. You can't be sure what they can do this month. And when you ask, the parents say they have plenty of toys, mostly to be polite. So pick a gift with room in it, one a two-year-old uses one way and a five-year-old uses another. That's a gift you can't get wrong. Five of them below, in the order I'd buy them, with the ages on each so you don't have to ask.
One more thing, for the grandparent and not the parent. You're buying for a child you don't see every week. You can't be sure what they can do this month. And when you ask, the parents say they have plenty of toys, mostly to be polite. So pick a gift with room in it, one a two-year-old uses one way and a five-year-old uses another. That's a gift you can't get wrong. Five of them below, in the order I'd buy them, with the ages on each so you don't have to ask.
One more thing, for the grandparent and not the parent. You're buying for a child you don't see every week. You can't be sure what they can do this month. And when you ask, the parents say they have plenty of toys, mostly to be polite. So pick a gift with room in it, one a two-year-old uses one way and a five-year-old uses another. That's a gift you can't get wrong. Five of them below, in the order I'd buy them, with the ages on each so you don't have to ask.
One more thing, for the grandparent and not the parent. You're buying for a child you don't see every week. You can't be sure what they can do this month. And when you ask, the parents say they have plenty of toys, mostly to be polite. So pick a gift with room in it, one a two-year-old uses one way and a five-year-old uses another. That's a gift you can't get wrong. Five of them below, in the order I'd buy them, with the ages on each so you don't have to ask.
1. Magic Water Elf KitMagic Water Elf KitMagic Water Elf KitMagic Water Elf Kit
★★★★★ 70,000+ reviews (4.8/5)70,000+ reviews (4.8/5)70,000+ reviews (4.8/5)70,000+ reviews (4.8/5)
"As a mom, I appreciate that this product entertained my 5 year old from 10am-7pm. No joke. He was so into it!! And so were my husband and I!""As a mom, I appreciate that this product entertained my 5 year old from 10am-7pm. No joke. He was so into it!! And so were my husband and I!""As a mom, I appreciate that this product entertained my 5 year old from 10am-7pm. No joke. He was so into it!! And so were my husband and I!""As a mom, I appreciate that this product entertained my 5 year old from 10am-7pm. No joke. He was so into it!! And so were my husband and I!"
Kate P.Kate P.Kate P.Kate P.Verified
- AgesAgesAgesAges
- 3 to 12 years
- 3 to 12 years
- 3 to 12 years
- 3 to 12 years
- Why It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the List
The child squeezes colored gel into a sea-creature mold and dips it into a bowl of water. A few moments later, they shake out a soft, squishy little creature they made themselves. It isn't a trick. The gel comes from seaweed, the powder in the water is a food-grade calcium salt, and the reaction is the same one chefs use in molecular gastronomy. Everything is in the box: molds, gels, powder packets, a basin, gloves and a storage box. I put it first because it isn't another toy. It's a whole afternoon.
The child squeezes colored gel into a sea-creature mold and dips it into a bowl of water. A few moments later, they shake out a soft, squishy little creature they made themselves. It isn't a trick. The gel comes from seaweed, the powder in the water is a food-grade calcium salt, and the reaction is the same one chefs use in molecular gastronomy. Everything is in the box: molds, gels, powder packets, a basin, gloves and a storage box. I put it first because it isn't another toy. It's a whole afternoon.
The child squeezes colored gel into a sea-creature mold and dips it into a bowl of water. A few moments later, they shake out a soft, squishy little creature they made themselves. It isn't a trick. The gel comes from seaweed, the powder in the water is a food-grade calcium salt, and the reaction is the same one chefs use in molecular gastronomy. Everything is in the box: molds, gels, powder packets, a basin, gloves and a storage box. I put it first because it isn't another toy. It's a whole afternoon.
The child squeezes colored gel into a sea-creature mold and dips it into a bowl of water. A few moments later, they shake out a soft, squishy little creature they made themselves. It isn't a trick. The gel comes from seaweed, the powder in the water is a food-grade calcium salt, and the reaction is the same one chefs use in molecular gastronomy. Everything is in the box: molds, gels, powder packets, a basin, gloves and a storage box. I put it first because it isn't another toy. It's a whole afternoon.
- Why Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love It
Most families already own paint, clay and playdough, and most of it sits in a drawer. This isn't more craft supplies. It's a small chemistry experiment the child runs with their own hands. As long as you measure the water and powder the way the instructions say, it works, and the child gets the "whoa" on the very first try. The ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable, which is the first thing every mother asks about. I'll be straight with you: it's a water activity, so put a towel or newspaper down. The basin keeps most of it contained, and wiping up afterwards is the only messy part.
Most families already own paint, clay and playdough, and most of it sits in a drawer. This isn't more craft supplies. It's a small chemistry experiment the child runs with their own hands. As long as you measure the water and powder the way the instructions say, it works, and the child gets the "whoa" on the very first try. The ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable, which is the first thing every mother asks about. I'll be straight with you: it's a water activity, so put a towel or newspaper down. The basin keeps most of it contained, and wiping up afterwards is the only messy part.
Most families already own paint, clay and playdough, and most of it sits in a drawer. This isn't more craft supplies. It's a small chemistry experiment the child runs with their own hands. As long as you measure the water and powder the way the instructions say, it works, and the child gets the "whoa" on the very first try. The ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable, which is the first thing every mother asks about. I'll be straight with you: it's a water activity, so put a towel or newspaper down. The basin keeps most of it contained, and wiping up afterwards is the only messy part.
Most families already own paint, clay and playdough, and most of it sits in a drawer. This isn't more craft supplies. It's a small chemistry experiment the child runs with their own hands. As long as you measure the water and powder the way the instructions say, it works, and the child gets the "whoa" on the very first try. The ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable, which is the first thing every mother asks about. I'll be straight with you: it's a water activity, so put a towel or newspaper down. The basin keeps most of it contained, and wiping up afterwards is the only messy part.
- Why It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in February
Because the point was never the creature. It's making the next one. One kit makes 30-plus creations, and every one is a new choice of color and shape. Between sessions, the ones they're proudest of go in a jar of water so they're ready to play with next time. A five-year-old has it down after one demonstration, so after the first round you're not running the activity, you're sitting next to it. When the gel runs out, refill packs are sold separately.
Because the point was never the creature. It's making the next one. One kit makes 30-plus creations, and every one is a new choice of color and shape. Between sessions, the ones they're proudest of go in a jar of water so they're ready to play with next time. A five-year-old has it down after one demonstration, so after the first round you're not running the activity, you're sitting next to it. When the gel runs out, refill packs are sold separately.
Because the point was never the creature. It's making the next one. One kit makes 30-plus creations, and every one is a new choice of color and shape. Between sessions, the ones they're proudest of go in a jar of water so they're ready to play with next time. A five-year-old has it down after one demonstration, so after the first round you're not running the activity, you're sitting next to it. When the gel runs out, refill packs are sold separately.
Because the point was never the creature. It's making the next one. One kit makes 30-plus creations, and every one is a new choice of color and shape. Between sessions, the ones they're proudest of go in a jar of water so they're ready to play with next time. A five-year-old has it down after one demonstration, so after the first round you're not running the activity, you're sitting next to it. When the gel runs out, refill packs are sold separately.
2. Montessori Busy BoardMontessori Busy BoardMontessori Busy BoardMontessori Busy Board
★★★★★ 1,150 reviews1,150 reviews1,150 reviews1,150 reviews
"My daughter is obsessed with the zips... and now she's even practicing shoe laces. It's not just keeping her busy, it's helping her focus and learn real skills.""My daughter is obsessed with the zips... and now she's even practicing shoe laces. It's not just keeping her busy, it's helping her focus and learn real skills.""My daughter is obsessed with the zips... and now she's even practicing shoe laces. It's not just keeping her busy, it's helping her focus and learn real skills.""My daughter is obsessed with the zips... and now she's even practicing shoe laces. It's not just keeping her busy, it's helping her focus and learn real skills."
Lena M.Lena M.Lena M.Lena M.Verified
- AgesAgesAgesAges
- 6 months to 5 years
- 6 months to 5 years
- 6 months to 5 years
- 6 months to 5 years
- Why It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the List
Thirty-plus real activities on one board: zippers, buckles, laces and more. No batteries, no sounds. If you're giving one gift to a child whose abilities you're not sure about yet, this has the widest age range on the list. Under 18 months, it keeps curious hands busy. From 18 months, it turns into real practice for real life.
Thirty-plus real activities on one board: zippers, buckles, laces and more. No batteries, no sounds. If you're giving one gift to a child whose abilities you're not sure about yet, this has the widest age range on the list. Under 18 months, it keeps curious hands busy. From 18 months, it turns into real practice for real life.
Thirty-plus real activities on one board: zippers, buckles, laces and more. No batteries, no sounds. If you're giving one gift to a child whose abilities you're not sure about yet, this has the widest age range on the list. Under 18 months, it keeps curious hands busy. From 18 months, it turns into real practice for real life.
Thirty-plus real activities on one board: zippers, buckles, laces and more. No batteries, no sounds. If you're giving one gift to a child whose abilities you're not sure about yet, this has the widest age range on the list. Under 18 months, it keeps curious hands busy. From 18 months, it turns into real practice for real life.
- Why Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love It
It travels. That sounds like a small thing until you've sat in a restaurant with a two-year-old and nothing to hand them. The parents I've given it to bring it up without being asked, and it's always about a place they had to sit still: a flight, a long car ride, a waiting room. The pages also detach, so two children can each take one instead of fighting over the whole board.
It travels. That sounds like a small thing until you've sat in a restaurant with a two-year-old and nothing to hand them. The parents I've given it to bring it up without being asked, and it's always about a place they had to sit still: a flight, a long car ride, a waiting room. The pages also detach, so two children can each take one instead of fighting over the whole board.
It travels. That sounds like a small thing until you've sat in a restaurant with a two-year-old and nothing to hand them. The parents I've given it to bring it up without being asked, and it's always about a place they had to sit still: a flight, a long car ride, a waiting room. The pages also detach, so two children can each take one instead of fighting over the whole board.
It travels. That sounds like a small thing until you've sat in a restaurant with a two-year-old and nothing to hand them. The parents I've given it to bring it up without being asked, and it's always about a place they had to sit still: a flight, a long car ride, a waiting room. The pages also detach, so two children can each take one instead of fighting over the whole board.
- Why It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in February
Because the buckles take weeks. Nobody masters this in one sitting, and that's exactly the point. If a child can figure a toy out on Christmas Day, it's over by the 26th. My grandson Tom spent weeks on the shoelace page. The day he finally tied it on his own, he made the whole table stop eating and watch him do it three more times.
Because the buckles take weeks. Nobody masters this in one sitting, and that's exactly the point. If a child can figure a toy out on Christmas Day, it's over by the 26th. My grandson Tom spent weeks on the shoelace page. The day he finally tied it on his own, he made the whole table stop eating and watch him do it three more times.
Because the buckles take weeks. Nobody masters this in one sitting, and that's exactly the point. If a child can figure a toy out on Christmas Day, it's over by the 26th. My grandson Tom spent weeks on the shoelace page. The day he finally tied it on his own, he made the whole table stop eating and watch him do it three more times.
Because the buckles take weeks. Nobody masters this in one sitting, and that's exactly the point. If a child can figure a toy out on Christmas Day, it's over by the 26th. My grandson Tom spent weeks on the shoelace page. The day he finally tied it on his own, he made the whole table stop eating and watch him do it three more times.
3. Water Painting BooksWater Painting BooksWater Painting BooksWater Painting Books
★★★★★ Rated 4.9/5Rated 4.9/5Rated 4.9/5Rated 4.9/5
- AgesAgesAgesAges
- 2 to 6 years
- 2 to 6 years
- 2 to 6 years
- 2 to 6 years
- Why It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the List
Three books (Fairy Tale, Animals and Dinosaurs) and three water pens you fill from the tap. The child brushes water across a page and the colors appear. No paint, no ink, no markers. Then the page dries, and the picture is waiting to be painted again.
Three books (Fairy Tale, Animals and Dinosaurs) and three water pens you fill from the tap. The child brushes water across a page and the colors appear. No paint, no ink, no markers. Then the page dries, and the picture is waiting to be painted again.
Three books (Fairy Tale, Animals and Dinosaurs) and three water pens you fill from the tap. The child brushes water across a page and the colors appear. No paint, no ink, no markers. Then the page dries, and the picture is waiting to be painted again.
Three books (Fairy Tale, Animals and Dinosaurs) and three water pens you fill from the tap. The child brushes water across a page and the colors appear. No paint, no ink, no markers. Then the page dries, and the picture is waiting to be painted again.
- Why Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love It
There's nothing to spill and nothing to stain, because the only thing in the pen is water. That makes it the one gift on the list a parent can hand over at a restaurant table or on a plane without thinking twice. It's quiet too: no batteries, no noise.
There's nothing to spill and nothing to stain, because the only thing in the pen is water. That makes it the one gift on the list a parent can hand over at a restaurant table or on a plane without thinking twice. It's quiet too: no batteries, no noise.
There's nothing to spill and nothing to stain, because the only thing in the pen is water. That makes it the one gift on the list a parent can hand over at a restaurant table or on a plane without thinking twice. It's quiet too: no batteries, no noise.
There's nothing to spill and nothing to stain, because the only thing in the pen is water. That makes it the one gift on the list a parent can hand over at a restaurant table or on a plane without thinking twice. It's quiet too: no batteries, no noise.
- Why It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in February
Because it resets itself. Five or six minutes after a page is painted, it has dried and the colors have faded, ready to go again. A coloring book is done in a week. This one is the same page again tomorrow, and the child gets the surprise all over again.
Because it resets itself. Five or six minutes after a page is painted, it has dried and the colors have faded, ready to go again. A coloring book is done in a week. This one is the same page again tomorrow, and the child gets the surprise all over again.
Because it resets itself. Five or six minutes after a page is painted, it has dried and the colors have faded, ready to go again. A coloring book is done in a week. This one is the same page again tomorrow, and the child gets the surprise all over again.
Because it resets itself. Five or six minutes after a page is painted, it has dried and the colors have faded, ready to go again. A coloring book is done in a week. This one is the same page again tomorrow, and the child gets the surprise all over again.
4. Lumiboard LED Drawing BoardLumiboard LED Drawing BoardLumiboard LED Drawing BoardLumiboard LED Drawing Board
★★★★★ 569 reviews (4.9/5)569 reviews (4.9/5)569 reviews (4.9/5)569 reviews (4.9/5)
"I purchased 2. One for each family of grandchildren. They both loved it. Kept them entertained for ages.""I purchased 2. One for each family of grandchildren. They both loved it. Kept them entertained for ages.""I purchased 2. One for each family of grandchildren. They both loved it. Kept them entertained for ages.""I purchased 2. One for each family of grandchildren. They both loved it. Kept them entertained for ages."
Lynn P.Lynn P.Lynn P.Lynn P.Verified
- AgesAgesAgesAges
- 3 years and up
- 3 years and up
- 3 years and up
- 3 years and up
- Why It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the List
A drawing board that lights up, so whatever the child draws glows. One wipe and it's blank again, ready for the next drawing. It's the only thing on this list that plugs in (it's USB-powered), and I let that pass because it isn't a screen. Nothing plays, nothing scrolls. The child makes every single thing that appears on it.
A drawing board that lights up, so whatever the child draws glows. One wipe and it's blank again, ready for the next drawing. It's the only thing on this list that plugs in (it's USB-powered), and I let that pass because it isn't a screen. Nothing plays, nothing scrolls. The child makes every single thing that appears on it.
A drawing board that lights up, so whatever the child draws glows. One wipe and it's blank again, ready for the next drawing. It's the only thing on this list that plugs in (it's USB-powered), and I let that pass because it isn't a screen. Nothing plays, nothing scrolls. The child makes every single thing that appears on it.
A drawing board that lights up, so whatever the child draws glows. One wipe and it's blank again, ready for the next drawing. It's the only thing on this list that plugs in (it's USB-powered), and I let that pass because it isn't a screen. Nothing plays, nothing scrolls. The child makes every single thing that appears on it.
- Why Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love It
No marker on the walls, no paper all over the floor. One wipe and it's clean. It's also a good pick when there's more than one household of grandchildren. That's exactly what the grandmother above did: she bought one for each family.
No marker on the walls, no paper all over the floor. One wipe and it's clean. It's also a good pick when there's more than one household of grandchildren. That's exactly what the grandmother above did: she bought one for each family.
No marker on the walls, no paper all over the floor. One wipe and it's clean. It's also a good pick when there's more than one household of grandchildren. That's exactly what the grandmother above did: she bought one for each family.
No marker on the walls, no paper all over the floor. One wipe and it's clean. It's also a good pick when there's more than one household of grandchildren. That's exactly what the grandmother above did: she bought one for each family.
- Why It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in February
Because it never runs out of paper. A coloring book is finished when the last page is colored. This one is new every time it's wiped, so the child isn't using the gift up, they're coming back to it. And what they draw on it changes as they grow.
Because it never runs out of paper. A coloring book is finished when the last page is colored. This one is new every time it's wiped, so the child isn't using the gift up, they're coming back to it. And what they draw on it changes as they grow.
Because it never runs out of paper. A coloring book is finished when the last page is colored. This one is new every time it's wiped, so the child isn't using the gift up, they're coming back to it. And what they draw on it changes as they grow.
Because it never runs out of paper. A coloring book is finished when the last page is colored. This one is new every time it's wiped, so the child isn't using the gift up, they're coming back to it. And what they draw on it changes as they grow.
5. Montessori Christmas TreeMontessori Christmas TreeMontessori Christmas TreeMontessori Christmas Tree
- AgesAgesAgesAges
- 18 months and up
- 18 months and up
- 18 months and up
- 18 months and up
- Why It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the ListWhy It Made the List
A soft felt Christmas tree that hangs on a wall or a door, right at the child's height, with 26 felt ornaments that stick on and peel off. The child decorates it, strips it bare, and does it all over again. Nothing breakable, nothing sharp. It also comes with a string of warm fairy lights, which are for the grown-ups to hang out of reach.
A soft felt Christmas tree that hangs on a wall or a door, right at the child's height, with 26 felt ornaments that stick on and peel off. The child decorates it, strips it bare, and does it all over again. Nothing breakable, nothing sharp. It also comes with a string of warm fairy lights, which are for the grown-ups to hang out of reach.
A soft felt Christmas tree that hangs on a wall or a door, right at the child's height, with 26 felt ornaments that stick on and peel off. The child decorates it, strips it bare, and does it all over again. Nothing breakable, nothing sharp. It also comes with a string of warm fairy lights, which are for the grown-ups to hang out of reach.
A soft felt Christmas tree that hangs on a wall or a door, right at the child's height, with 26 felt ornaments that stick on and peel off. The child decorates it, strips it bare, and does it all over again. Nothing breakable, nothing sharp. It also comes with a string of warm fairy lights, which are for the grown-ups to hang out of reach.
- Why Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love ItWhy Parents Love It
It gives the toddler a tree they're allowed to touch, and for most parents that's the whole reason. If you've ever watched a family spend all of December saying "not that one, put it back," you know exactly what you're buying here. It folds flat afterwards, so it doesn't eat up closet space they don't have.
It gives the toddler a tree they're allowed to touch, and for most parents that's the whole reason. If you've ever watched a family spend all of December saying "not that one, put it back," you know exactly what you're buying here. It folds flat afterwards, so it doesn't eat up closet space they don't have.
It gives the toddler a tree they're allowed to touch, and for most parents that's the whole reason. If you've ever watched a family spend all of December saying "not that one, put it back," you know exactly what you're buying here. It folds flat afterwards, so it doesn't eat up closet space they don't have.
It gives the toddler a tree they're allowed to touch, and for most parents that's the whole reason. If you've ever watched a family spend all of December saying "not that one, put it back," you know exactly what you're buying here. It folds flat afterwards, so it doesn't eat up closet space they don't have.
- Why It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in FebruaryWhy It's Still in Use in February
Honestly, it isn't. And I won't dress that up. This is the one gift on the list that goes back in its box in January. What it does instead is come back. It comes out again next December, and the one after, and the children start to treat it as the sign that Christmas has begun. That's lasting too, just in a different way.
Honestly, it isn't. And I won't dress that up. This is the one gift on the list that goes back in its box in January. What it does instead is come back. It comes out again next December, and the one after, and the children start to treat it as the sign that Christmas has begun. That's lasting too, just in a different way.
Honestly, it isn't. And I won't dress that up. This is the one gift on the list that goes back in its box in January. What it does instead is come back. It comes out again next December, and the one after, and the children start to treat it as the sign that Christmas has begun. That's lasting too, just in a different way.
Honestly, it isn't. And I won't dress that up. This is the one gift on the list that goes back in its box in January. What it does instead is come back. It comes out again next December, and the one after, and the children start to treat it as the sign that Christmas has begun. That's lasting too, just in a different way.
Before You OrderBefore You OrderBefore You OrderBefore You Order
If you've ever sent something special and then noticed it never showed up in a single photo afterwards, I wrote this for you. What 33 years of classrooms and six grandchildren have taught me is that the gifts that last aren't the impressive ones. They're the ones where the child is the one doing it.
That's what these five have in common. Nobody has to perform for the child to make them work. You might set it up the first time, but after that you're allowed to just sit there with your coffee and watch, and it still counts. They try, it doesn't quite work, they try again. Then the creature slides out of the mold, or the buckle clicks, or the color appears, and they go again. That little cycle is everything. A toy that needs an adult to be fun only gets played with when an adult is free, and that isn't very often.
If I were buying one gift this year, it would be the Water Elf Kit. It's the one I've seen hold a child the longest, and it's the one the whole family ends up sitting down to. If I had room for two, I'd add the Busy Board, because it has the widest age range and it goes anywhere. And the Christmas Tree is the one I'd order first of all, because it's the only one with an expiration date. A tree that shows up in the third week of December has missed most of what it's for. Paint & Bloom says to order it by December 10 to have it before Christmas, and I wouldn't cut it that close.
Two pieces of advice for any grandparent. First, ask the parents to put the gift away for a few weeks after Christmas and bring it back out in February. Half of what makes a toy exciting is that it's new, so let it be new twice. Second, if you see the children often, keep one of these at your house instead of sending it. The Water Elf Kit is the one I keep at mine. A toy that only lives at Grandma's is worth more than the same toy lost in a bedroom full of others.
And don't buy more than you need. One gift they love is better than three they like. That's a lot easier to do now than it will be in eight weeks, which is exactly why I stopped waiting for December.
If you've ever sent something special and then noticed it never showed up in a single photo afterwards, I wrote this for you. What 33 years of classrooms and six grandchildren have taught me is that the gifts that last aren't the impressive ones. They're the ones where the child is the one doing it.
That's what these five have in common. Nobody has to perform for the child to make them work. You might set it up the first time, but after that you're allowed to just sit there with your coffee and watch, and it still counts. They try, it doesn't quite work, they try again. Then the creature slides out of the mold, or the buckle clicks, or the color appears, and they go again. That little cycle is everything. A toy that needs an adult to be fun only gets played with when an adult is free, and that isn't very often.
If I were buying one gift this year, it would be the Water Elf Kit. It's the one I've seen hold a child the longest, and it's the one the whole family ends up sitting down to. If I had room for two, I'd add the Busy Board, because it has the widest age range and it goes anywhere. And the Christmas Tree is the one I'd order first of all, because it's the only one with an expiration date. A tree that shows up in the third week of December has missed most of what it's for. Paint & Bloom says to order it by December 10 to have it before Christmas, and I wouldn't cut it that close.
Two pieces of advice for any grandparent. First, ask the parents to put the gift away for a few weeks after Christmas and bring it back out in February. Half of what makes a toy exciting is that it's new, so let it be new twice. Second, if you see the children often, keep one of these at your house instead of sending it. The Water Elf Kit is the one I keep at mine. A toy that only lives at Grandma's is worth more than the same toy lost in a bedroom full of others.
And don't buy more than you need. One gift they love is better than three they like. That's a lot easier to do now than it will be in eight weeks, which is exactly why I stopped waiting for December.
If you've ever sent something special and then noticed it never showed up in a single photo afterwards, I wrote this for you. What 33 years of classrooms and six grandchildren have taught me is that the gifts that last aren't the impressive ones. They're the ones where the child is the one doing it.
That's what these five have in common. Nobody has to perform for the child to make them work. You might set it up the first time, but after that you're allowed to just sit there with your coffee and watch, and it still counts. They try, it doesn't quite work, they try again. Then the creature slides out of the mold, or the buckle clicks, or the color appears, and they go again. That little cycle is everything. A toy that needs an adult to be fun only gets played with when an adult is free, and that isn't very often.
If I were buying one gift this year, it would be the Water Elf Kit. It's the one I've seen hold a child the longest, and it's the one the whole family ends up sitting down to. If I had room for two, I'd add the Busy Board, because it has the widest age range and it goes anywhere. And the Christmas Tree is the one I'd order first of all, because it's the only one with an expiration date. A tree that shows up in the third week of December has missed most of what it's for. Paint & Bloom says to order it by December 10 to have it before Christmas, and I wouldn't cut it that close.
Two pieces of advice for any grandparent. First, ask the parents to put the gift away for a few weeks after Christmas and bring it back out in February. Half of what makes a toy exciting is that it's new, so let it be new twice. Second, if you see the children often, keep one of these at your house instead of sending it. The Water Elf Kit is the one I keep at mine. A toy that only lives at Grandma's is worth more than the same toy lost in a bedroom full of others.
And don't buy more than you need. One gift they love is better than three they like. That's a lot easier to do now than it will be in eight weeks, which is exactly why I stopped waiting for December.
If you've ever sent something special and then noticed it never showed up in a single photo afterwards, I wrote this for you. What 33 years of classrooms and six grandchildren have taught me is that the gifts that last aren't the impressive ones. They're the ones where the child is the one doing it.
That's what these five have in common. Nobody has to perform for the child to make them work. You might set it up the first time, but after that you're allowed to just sit there with your coffee and watch, and it still counts. They try, it doesn't quite work, they try again. Then the creature slides out of the mold, or the buckle clicks, or the color appears, and they go again. That little cycle is everything. A toy that needs an adult to be fun only gets played with when an adult is free, and that isn't very often.
If I were buying one gift this year, it would be the Water Elf Kit. It's the one I've seen hold a child the longest, and it's the one the whole family ends up sitting down to. If I had room for two, I'd add the Busy Board, because it has the widest age range and it goes anywhere. And the Christmas Tree is the one I'd order first of all, because it's the only one with an expiration date. A tree that shows up in the third week of December has missed most of what it's for. Paint & Bloom says to order it by December 10 to have it before Christmas, and I wouldn't cut it that close.
Two pieces of advice for any grandparent. First, ask the parents to put the gift away for a few weeks after Christmas and bring it back out in February. Half of what makes a toy exciting is that it's new, so let it be new twice. Second, if you see the children often, keep one of these at your house instead of sending it. The Water Elf Kit is the one I keep at mine. A toy that only lives at Grandma's is worth more than the same toy lost in a bedroom full of others.
And don't buy more than you need. One gift they love is better than three they like. That's a lot easier to do now than it will be in eight weeks, which is exactly why I stopped waiting for December.
Patty DavisPatty DavisPatty DavisPatty DavisFormer teacher, 33 years. Grandmother of six.Former teacher, 33 years. Grandmother of six.Former teacher, 33 years. Grandmother of six.Former teacher, 33 years. Grandmother of six.