Its that time of the year! Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for both kids (under $50 and $50 +) ! All items are 3 Little Plums/ Aida approved! Hoping this inspires and helps take some of the stress off from holiday shopping!

This year I included recommended ages, reason why I like it and the option to shop/support small shops or shop on Amazon for those who prefer

Please note: some of these links are affiliate links which means that at no cost to you you can support me as a get a tiny percent of the sale. Many others are from small shops I love- because I also like to shop and support small businesses even if they dont have affiliate programs! Bottom line: these are all items I truly love and would want gifted to me/ my kids (or that we already have)

FOR OVER $50 GIFT IDEAS SCROLL DOWN!

KIDS HOLIDAY GUIDE: UNDER $50

1.  Wooden tools set:  Cherry & Maple Wooden Play Hammer/Mallet, $7.50

Cherry & Maple Wooden Play Screwdriver, $5.00

Cherry Wood Play Saw, $12.99 

2. Eeboo Create - A -Story Cards $11.99  Available at Bella Luna Toys  and Amazon  

Spark creativity in kids and level up your own story telling skills with these beautifully illustrated cards that encourage players to make up their own stories based on the images on the cards dealt. 

• Ages: An ideal game for pre-readers as well as older kids. 3+

• Why I love it: Spark creativity in kids, great for travel, bedtime or quiet time

3.  Holztiger Little wooden Fox/ wooden lion/ wooden elephant/ all animal wooden Toy Figures, From $12

• Ages: 18 months on

• Why I like it: Made with solid wood these last forever and are great for boys and girls of all ages.  We have a couple of them that my older boys played with and that baby girl has now!

4.  Imperfect Wood Blocks large- dozen for $12 Available at Smiling Tree Toys

We have both these and the smaller version of these blocks and love them. They are pretty perfect for me (colors are jus not all the same but I like the variety in wood!) and the price can’t be beat. 

• Ages: 18 months on

• Why I love them: These blocks will last for years as there are so many ways kids can play with them. No finish, no paint just solid maple hardwood!

5. Curious Critter Butterfly Garden Kit, $12 Available on Maisonette

One of the coolest things for a child to see and lear about is the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly. This kit includes a variety of non-invasive wildflower seeds to attract butterflies, a butterfly made out of paper pulp, a wooden garden marker, and colored pencils. After coloring in the compostable butterfly, kids can attach it to the wooden garden marker to welcome the butterflies back to their garden. Yes, they will eventually learn about this at school but there is nothing quite like seeing it in front of your own eyes!

• Ages: 4+

• Why I like it:  get kids loving nature from an early day means they will care about it as they grow up and will be more likely to take care of it

6.   Wooden Breakfast Pretend Play Kitchen Food Playset , $22 Available on Amazon   

• Ages:  18 months +

• Why I like it:  I am a big fan of Plan Toys, their toys are made sustainably from Rubberwood and always use Non-Toxic Paints and Dyes. This is especially important when its a toy that might be placed in a child’s mouth

7. NANCHEN Bella Baby - Organic Terry Doll, $25  Available at Bella Luna Toys

These organic dolls are safe for babies and young toddlers:  the perfect size for little hands.

• Ages: 18 months on

• Why I like them:  handmade in Germany, each Bella Baby is made with organic cotton terry cloth and filled with pure Bioland wool, making them safe for teething babies.

8. Wooden Flower Festival - Bracelet Making Kit - Available at Oak & Ever

• Ages: 3-10

• Why I like it: No plastic here! All wooden beads feature nature and flowers. Makes about 10 bracelet

( not pictured) Far Out Bubbles - Giant Bubble Kit $25  Available at Bella Luna Toys  

Bubble wands use the power of a natural breeze to make giant bubbles!

• Ages: 5 years on (but younger kids will love to watch these giant bubbles and pop them) 

• Why I like it: Another great activity that keeps kids active and outdoors. Great for toddlers (to watch and play with) and older children (to do themselves).  Also great activity for siblings: older siblings can make bubbles and younger ones pop

9. Guardian Angel Mouse in a Suitcase Maileg $26 Available at Bella Luna Toys  

• Ages: 2 +

• Why I like it:  There is something so sweet about all Maileg mice toys.   You can slowly collect them all and stimulate creative play in young children.  Exterior is made of natural materials like cotton and linen (interior is recycled polyester and PE pellets)
  

10. Dancing Alligator Wooden Pull Toy, $30 Available at Bella Luna Toys

I am a big fan of simple pull toys like these because all three of my kids have loved them and played with them a lot! We currently have two that I got 12 years ago for my oldest son!

• Ages: walking toddler on

• Why I like it: lasts for multiple kids, PlanToys are made from natural, chemical-free rubber wood and finished with water-based, safety-tested colors.

11. NEW Dinkum Dogs- Vet Set  $35  Available at Coucou Boston

• Ages: 18 months +

• Why I like it:   You can use with the Olli Ella dogs but you can also use with any stuffy you have at home.  Again, boost independent play and imagination. Great for boys and girls

12. Maileg Twin Winter Mice in a Paper House, $36  Available at Bella Luna Toys

• Ages: 2 +

• Why I like it:  There is something so sweet about all Maileg mice toys.   You can slowly collect them all and stimulate creative play in young children.  Exterior is made of natural materials like cotton and linen (interior is recycled polyester and PE pellets)

13.Bento Box Sushi Set $37.99 Available on Amazon

• Age: 2+

• Why I like it:  Unlike most play sushi sets that are made with polyester this one is made of wool 

14. Silk Fairy Wings, $38 Available at Bella Luna Toys

• Ages: 18 months- 7

• Why I like it: I love play silks for open ended play but these fairy wings are really pretty and lightweight, meaning even young kids can wear them comfortably . Also love the green one

15. Karuba Board Game, $39.00 Available at Bella Luna Toys and Amazon

• Ages: 7+

• Why I like it: This is one of the simplest and funnest board games that both younger kids (my son started playing at age 7) and parents/ adults can enjoy. Available at Bella Luna Toys

 16. Doll Nursing/Feeding Set, $39.95 Available on Maisonette

• Ages: 2+

• Why I like it:  Stimulate imaginary play and develop empathy with this 8-piece doll feeding set that includes a bib, dummy, nappy, plate, spoon, baby food, bottle, and bag. Made from a combination of natural cotton and beautiful exposed solid wood. 

17. Wooden Xylophone and ball drop  $39.99 Available at Coco Village 

• Ages: 1 +

• Why I like it:   Younger kids can play with the ball drop or start developing coordination as they play music on the xylophone.  Made of pinewood

18. Organic stuffed bear, $42 Available at Oak & Ever

• Ages: birth onwards

• Why I like it: Made in Germany with organically grown cotton and lambswool (they also have a cat, fox & bunny available as well as larger sized ducks) I feel super comfortable with this guy snuggling up to any kiddo!

19. TheBig Dig Sandbox Digger , $42.99 (shop on Amazon or  Shop at  Target

• Ages:  3 + (supports up to 70 lbs)

• Why I like it: Perfect for outdoor play in a sandbox, yard or beach.  Great to develop hand eye coordination and keep kids outdoors

18.  Djeco music box $43 available at Maissonette 

• Ages:  3+

• Why I like it:   Little girls can save their prized possessions (jewelry, stones, art etc) in these precious music boxes.   Djeco toys are made to both EU and US safety standards.  Other designs are available for boys and girls too!

 19. Bocce Ball Set from $45

Indoor-Outdoor Bocce Ball crochet Set, $45 :  great for traveling and great for the entire  family Ages: ages 8 and up

Outdoor Bocce Ball Set $49.99,   Available on Amazon

• Ages:  8 and up

• Why I like it:  I love that this set is made from solid wood (please note , this is not considered a toy for kids under 12 so varnish and paint might not be safe for kids to place in their mouth.  It is totally safe to play with but not meant for toddler toys!)

KIDS HOLIDAY GUIDE: Over $50

1. Eco Baby dolls, Baby Cora $65

We have one of these truly non-toxic dolls and its a favorite of my daughters.

• Ages: 1     +

• Why I love it: The EcoBaby Dolls Baby Cora is an adorable, bright-eyed babydoll made from 100% natural, biodegradable rubber.. the most natural alternative to all other hard dolls that are made with PVC.

2.  Swurfer Tree Swing, from $81 Available at Bella Luna Toys and Amazon

• Ages:

• Why I like it: Most parents are looking for excuses to get our kids outdoors… look no further than this …. its a swing reinvented and made cool for older kids.  Great for playdates too

100% Hardrock Maple wood with UV and water-resistant finish (PFAS FREE)  plastic.  Adults can swing too!

3. Wooden Waldorf Rocker Board, From $98   Available on Bella Luna Toys    and Amazon

• Ages: 18 months +

• Why I like it: I got this for my sons when they were already a bit older, about 5 and 8.  The 5 year old played with it for a year or two.  Now, to my delight, my daughter absolutely loves it.  From about 18 months on it has been super fun to see the different uses she has for it: as a slide for herself,  her stuffed animals, cars and balls, as a bridge to walk then jump out off, as a rocker and “bed” and as part of a climbing toy…. the true meaning of open ended toy.

4. Wonder and Wise Baby Walker $109 Available at Maisonette

• Age: under 1- 3

• Why I like it: What i love about this is that its two toys in one: push toy and has a bunch of activities that grow with your baby…. kids discover new parts as they are developing.

5. Micro Kickboard - Mini 3in1 Deluxe 3-Stage Ride-on Micro Scooter Toddler Toy,   $118 Available on Amazon 

• Ages: 12 months +

• Why I like it:  Scooters are just the best for all kids.   Makes going on family walks easier, you can travel with them when kids are a bit older and another great way to get kids moving outdoors.   My oldest son rode his on the streets of NYC when we lived there from 18 months on and then in a more suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles.   

6.  Solid Wood Doll/Fairy houses , From $120

6a.Palumba Dollhouse $350

6b. Fairy house $120 Available at Bella Luna Toys

6c. Plan Toy dollhouse, $200 Available at Bella Luna Toys

• Age:  3+

• Why I like them: most doll/ fairy houses are made with mdf and/or plywood- meaning small amounts of formaldehyde will off gas.  These are more pricey but def heirloom quality and will give off zero toxins…. something especially important if the dollhouse will be placed inside a bedroom.  The plan toy one is made with chemical-free rubberwood, formaldehyde-free glue, organic pigments and water-based dyes.

7. Earthtiles Colors - 100 Piece Set $175  Available from Amazon  and wood colored available at Maisonette

• Age:  3+

• Why I like it:  Magnatiles were played with at my house for many many years….. at least 6 or more.   There are hundreds of ways kids can play with these.   I love this wooden version since its just more sustainable that plastic

 8. FAGUS Wooden Toy Garbage Truck $183  Available at Bella Luna Toys

• Ages: 18 months on If you have a little boy (or girl) who loves trucks this one will make her holiday!  Likely to play with it everyday !

• Why I like it:  made from beech wood with real rubber wheels. Made in Germany. Will be played with for years

9. Poppy’s Toys Doll Pram, $199:  Available on Maisonnette

• Ages:  1 +  (walking toddler onwards) This is/ was a splurge but one I do not regret.  My daughter uses it daily and I love seeing it every day!

• Why I like it:  non- toxic, rattan.  Stunning whimsical design.  Played with for multiple years.

10.  3 in 1 Tricycle and Balance Bike, from $279 Available at Bella Luna toys  and Amazon 

We had a similar one and both my older boys used and loved.  It is said that kids that use balance bikes are able to learn how to ride their bikes faster without the need to use balance wheels

• Why I love it:  3 in 1 means you extend the life of this toy.

• Love the sustainable design too.

11.. CLASSIC WOODEN PLAYKITCHEN, $399  Available at Bella Luna toys  

We have a similar one to this one.

• Age:  18 months +

• Why I like it: Made of solid wood. These play kitchens are played with for years to come by both girls and boys- I like that its not huge since I don’t have that much space for it!

12. Indoor Playground set, From $479 depending on combo choose Available at Bella Luna toys  

• I prefer outdoor play but I also lived in NYC with a toddler and preschooler and know that, while kids can and should play outdoors all year round (with appropriate clothing and gear of course) rain , sun, snow having an indoor play space is a Godsend sometimes! If you have the space something like this is ideal.

• Why I love it: Gets kids moving, climbing, crawling, sliding, balancing, jumping etc. Open ended play, good for multiple ages (from 2-9!) and both boys and girls. made of FSC Certified Baltic Birch Wood and Stainless Steel fasteners.

13. Brown Sugar Settee -$695   Available at Rugs by Roo, use code “ PLUM15” at checkout for 15% off   

• Age: 1-10

• Why I like it:  I often get asked about “nugget-style” play couches but most out there have flame retardants and pfas added…. Wigimama’s version is quite a bit cleaner. No FR nor pfas. Yes, its recycled PET bottles but Oeko Tex tests for BPA which makes me feel better about it. Endless hours of fun and creativity await!

14. Mud Kitchen $630 

• Age: 18 months -10 years

• Why I like it:  encourages to get kids dirty and their imaginations running- mud kitchens are yet another way to encourage outdoor time playing with nature.  I love that this kitchen is plastic free - made of the most sustainable and non-toxic materials - wood and stainless steel. For weather proofing they do recommend adding a weatherproofing stain on your own.

More affordable mud kitchen plastic components and sink is not a working sink, $250