You will undoubtedly run across numerous holiday gift guides this holiday season.  Every year I publish my own Non-Toxic Munchkin approved Holiday gift guide too.  This year, however, I thought I would do things a bit different.

I enlisted 5 mamas I trust, admire and genuinely like, to look at their kid's toys and favorite items and tell us which items have proven to be amazing, engaging, beloved and truly fun and which have stood the test of time.   

The idea?   Include gift ideas that are real-kid approved and loved,  and not necessarily items that an adult marketing executive or adult blogger think are cool and good gifts... which might often end up ignored, donated or thrown away.

As always, all of these items have been  researched by me and confirmed to be Non-Toxic Munchkin approved! 

So grateful to these special mamas for sharing these with all of me (and you!).  I can't tell you how these women influence my daily life with their posts, their work and, in some cases, their friendship!  If you are not familiar with their work make sure you look them up and give them a follow - they will undoubtedly add value to your life!   

(PS. these super star mamas are listed in alphabetical order! Links included are mostly in my 'Holiday Gift Guide' list/  Amazon affiliate links that support my work- however, I also love supporting your local favorite book and toy store so remember, when you can, shop small too)

Amy Ziff
Founder of Made Safe
Mother to twin girls, ages 8, and a 10 year old son
@madesafehq

"Of course there's the standard non-toxic gifts we love giving to babies and toddlers which are things from the Bioserie toys which are MADE SAFE approved!

My kids love art, and at ages 8,8, and 10, have more control for finer motor skills. A new set of colored pencils and a beautiful book go a long way to entertain us. A favorite of mine are the books by Jo Situ Allen which are engaging while fostering a love for natural creatures. They've even inspired us to try and create a mural in my daughter's bedroom! 

For gifts, I am also into creating and fostering experiences with my children. So along with these gifts I wrap up a gift a note with the promise to do something whether it's taking a special nature walk, going for a beach excursion, having a sunset picnic, or taking for a rowboat in central park... Just taking the time to think of how to share something I love in a way they'd find special and getting that time to be together.... Those are my favorite gifts. And when done well, they're the gifts they'll remember and treasure most. 

Anna Schafer

Actress, Co-Owner Baeo and mother to Jaylen, 16 month old, and Lila, 5
@baeobaby
@annaschafer

These felt fruit are from Pottery Barn Kids

"When it comes to shopping for my kids I want to get something that is a) timeless b) environmentally friendly and c) can be used by all the kids at some point.

Some of my (and their!) favorite purchases to date are:

1. A wooden farm with little wooden farm animals. This has been one of my daughters favorites from age 2 onward and now that my son is 15 months he loves it as well and it’s a great way to teach him all the animals.

2. Our little toy kitchen ! It’s been such a huge hit over the years with play dates and imaginative play. It’s definitely on the pricier side but it is the gift that truly keeps giving.
Both Hape and Camden Rose  offer similar, Non- Toxic Munchkin approved kitchens! 
3. Vegetables and fruits - cause every kitchen needs produce. My favorites are the wooden ones that you can cut open and the felt ones (Camden Rose also makes cute knitted ones) 

4. These little wooden toys from Rostok Toys on Etsy have been used a lot in our house and I think they are beyond adorable

wooden animals from Etsy seller ROSTOK

5. Now, I’m not a huge fan of slime, but my daughter is. I think the craftiest gift I ever got was a self made slime kit. I went to Michaels got tubes and filled them with color and glitter and sparkles. Got all the necessary ingredients and packed it in a Michaels Kraft box. My daughter loves it so much and we keep refilling it and reusing it.

6. Melissa and Doug ice cream counter is a favorite of my daughters, and now, my sons as well. (Tenderleaf also makes a similar item  and is sold at The Tot)