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Guides / Gift ideas

Gift ideas kids keep: toddlers, siblings, grandparents and parties

The gifts kids keep coming back to are rarely the expensive ones. They are the ones with something of them in it: a photo, their name, a story about a day they remember.

These guides are organized by who the gift is for and what you want to spend. Each one lists real options from many places, including ones you can make at the kitchen table for the cost of printer ink, and says plainly where a personalized book fits and where it does not.

Gift ideas

Stocking stuffers for toddlers that are safe and not junk

Toddler stocking stuffers that get used: board books, chunky crayons, bath toys, bubbles, mittens, plus the choking hazards to keep out of a toddler's stocking.

Gift ideas

Personalized gifts for toddlers that get used, plus DIY ideas

Personalized toddler gifts worth the wait: name books, recordable stories, name puzzles, photo books and coloring books, plus DIY versions and safety checks.

Gift ideas

New sibling gift box: what to put in it, and when to open it

How to put together a new sibling gift box for a toddler: small open-when packages for meeting the baby, the first week and feeding time, plus a visitor box.

Gift ideas

Long-distance grandparents gifts and ideas that keep kids close

Long-distance grandparents gifts that work: recordable books, photo frames family can fill remotely, mailed kid art, video-call routines and free ideas.

Gift ideas

How much to spend on a toddler birthday gift (and what matters)

There is no official amount for a toddler birthday gift. How to set your own number, what a small budget buys, when to spend more, and what matters most.

Gift ideas

Gifts for kids who love to color, by age

Gifts for kids who love to color, from toddlers to age 7: the right crayons and markers by age, mess-free options, books about drawing and a build-your-own set.

Gift ideas

Gifts for grandparents from grandkids that actually get kept

Gifts for grandparents from grandkids that end up on the fridge, not in a drawer: DIY handprint and art ideas, voice recordings, photo books and more by budget.

Gift ideas

Gifts for a niece or nephew: ideas from the aunt or uncle

Gift ideas for a young niece or nephew, ages 1 to 6: tradition gifts, mail in their own name, the messy art kit, time with you, and personalized options.

Gift ideas

Gifts for a 4-year-old that hold their attention

Gift ideas for a 4-year-old girl or boy, matched to what four-year-olds actually do: pretend play, first games, drawing, helping, read-aloud chapter books.

Gift ideas

Gifts for a 3-year-old who has everything (that aren't toys)

Gift ideas for a 3-year-old with a full toy box: experiences, art supplies, books, real-life jobs, things they use up, and gifts with their own family in them.

Gift ideas

Gifts for a 1-year-old that aren't toys

First birthday gifts that are not more toys: board books, a photo book of their first year, keepsakes, outings, savings, and simple things they will use daily.

Gift ideas

First birthday keepsake ideas you will actually look at again

First birthday keepsakes that come back out every year: a signed birthday book, a voice recording, a yearly interview, a photo grid, and how to store them.

Gift ideas

Coloring book party favors: DIY printables and personalized

How to make coloring book party favors: a free fold-up mini book, a page for every guest, the right crayons and printing, plus personalized and printed options.

Gift ideas

Christmas gifts for grandparents from the grandkids

Christmas gifts grandparents keep: things the grandkids make, photo gifts done well, story books and visits. Free, cheap and splurge ideas, plus mailing tips.

Gift ideas

Birthday party favors for kids that are not junk

Birthday party favors kids actually use: books, crayons and a coloring page, seeds, bubbles, a craft made at the party, edible favors, plus age-safety rules.

Gift ideas

Big sister gift ideas from the new baby, by age and budget

Big sister gifts from the baby that help a toddler or preschooler adjust: a doll of her own, books about siblings, free DIY ideas and a basket by budget.

Gift ideas

Big brother gift ideas from the new baby that give him a job

Big brother gifts from the baby built around a real role: helper kits, a doll of his own, sibling books, a gift bag for a 3 year old and free DIY ideas.

Other guides: Personalized coloring books · Big moments · Classrooms and groups · Family and heritage · Make your own · Coloring and development